A Chained Dog’s Plea

I wish someone would tell me
What it is that I’ve done wrong.
Why do I have to stay chained up
And left alone so long?
They seemed so glad to have me
When I came here as a pup.
There were so many things we’d do
While I was growing up.
But now the Master “hasn’t time”
The Mistress says I shed.
She doesn’t want me in the house,
Not even to be fed.
The Children never walk me.
They always say, “Not now.”
I wish that I could please them.
Won’t someone tell me how?
All I had, you see, was love.
I wish they would explain
Why they said they wanted mine,
And then left it on a chain.

By Edith Lassen Johnson
http://www.unchainyourdog.org/

FRIENDS DON'T CHAIN FRIENDS!

Recipe for the "almost perfect" dog

It is reassuring to know that the ingredients for an "almost perfect" dog are available to any responsible dog owner. You can enjoy the wonderful benefits of an "almost perfect" dog. The ingredients are:

One clean bill of health. You can help ensure this vital ingredient with current vaccinations and regular veterinary check ups. 

One proper I.D. Make sure your dog has a license and/or I.D. (dog tags, tattoo, canine microchip).

One well-nourished, well-exercised dog. Feed your dog as recommended by your veterinarian or professional trainer. Exercise your dog as often as possible.

One safe, secure, comfortable environment free from abuse and neglect.

A full measure of time. Time spent with your dog should include training flavored with reward, positive reinforcement, petting, grooming and exercise such as walking, playing, fetching, and just being with you and your family.

Missing ingredients result in behavior problems. Over 60% of dogs in shelters are there as a result of behavior problems or lack of identification.

MOST BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS ARE CORRECTABLE!

(from the Kong website)

Who IS this person??!!

I was looking through some old photo albums a few weeks ago and ran across this photo of me. I guess I was about 10 years old, and as usual, I was with the family dog.

Suzie was a purebred fawn boxer who found her way to us via a truck driver friend of my dad's. He "found" her in Tenessee (note the cropped ears which was not legal in New York even in the 1960's). He brought her back to Akron (NY, near Buffalo), and somehow she ended up with us. In the photo I was teaching her to sit.

All these years later, and I'm STILL teaching dogs to sit!! I can't think of a better use of my time!!

PS - Did you catch those cool shorts? Rolled up denim shorts, we called them "hogwashers". Oh yeah, life in the country!!

Tears on earth, stars in heaven

The last few weeks have been tough, especially for friends who have said goodbye to the dogs they loved and watched them depart for Rainbow Bridge.

Maria's two, Mari and Dale's Buddy, and yesterday, one of my students, a puppy named Shadow.

Shadow was a 6 month old rottie pup who suddenly showed signs of neurological disorders and an enlarged heart. He had been to class last Friday. Very smart, loved coming to class, and his mom and dad worked with him a lot to help him learn. They adored him. He was beautiful and loving.

Yesterday they came early to class to talk with me. When I asked where Shadow was they simply said, "He's gone," and broke down as they told me how quickly he deteriorated. They had hoped he would be well enough to come to class, at least to get a photo of him wearing a graduation hat. But early Friday morning he was in such bad shape that they decided he was suffering and that it was time to say goodbye.

They brought me two of his toys to put in the classroom toybox to share with the other dogs. Today I watched as the first dog in class found one of them and picked it up to play with and show his dad. Ironically, it was a black lab named Shadow.

It's so tragic that a beautiful puppy like Shadow had to leave us so soon. I only knew him for a few weeks, but he left his pawprints on my heart.

I trust that my Noir has welcomed him to Rainbow Bridge and is running and playing with him until the day in the distand future when his mom and dad come to walk him over the bridge.

A Pet's Ten Commandments

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10 On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.

Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.

~Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!

Pomp and Circumstance for Memphis

Here's Memphis, my latest Puppy Class graduate at PetSmart. She's a puppy Einstein and her family is very proud of her. The time and effort they devote to her training is paying off. Next stop: Intermediate class starting Monday. Her new classmate will be my very own Karma! What fun!

Missing from today's graduation ceremony was Delaney, the precocious Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix!

See the world through a dog's eyes

Fascinating video...



Direct link to video in case it doesn't display on FaceBook:
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=GOW0IKO_zfM

RIP Jackson Brown

Three years ago, Jim and I built and moved into our new home. Our development was brand new, and everyone was "new". It was fun to meet people as they walked through the neighborhood, and of course the ones we remembered most were the ones who had four-footed friends with them.

The first woman I remember meeting was Susan. She had a beautiful chocolate lab with her named "Jackson Brown". Jackson was a sweet boy, happy and friendly like most labs are.

As time passed, we got to know Susan and her husband John quite well. They had a big house, and John was constanly building upgrades to it. Huge deck, Beautiful fireplace in the living room, gorgeous den, bar, and card room downstairs. Every completion meant a party with the neighbors. It was fun, and always Jackson was there to add to the smiles.

Jackson was aon older boy, though I'm not certain of his age. This spring he became ill, got a serious infection, and his health declined. He couldn't shake it.

Yesterday morning while I was out walking Casey and Karma, Susan was driving by and stopped. She told me they had to make that awful decision a few days ago and say goodbye to Jackson. I know her pain. I know her sweet boy Jackson is at Rainbow Bridge with my Noir and together they are playing and watching over the families they loved and left behind on Earth.

More puppy class graduates!

 Meet Mo-Mo, Finley and Tuffy, the latest puppies I graduated. I didn't teach all their classes, but I was delighted to see them graduate!

My Dad: Veteran.... Prisoner Of War... Dog Lover

My dad, James Ladd Houlihan, was not the greatest dad in the world. He was abusive and alcoholic, but he was very intelligent and I tried to love him and I hope I learned from him.

My dad was drafted and served in the Army Air Corps in World War II. He was shot down over Germany and spent 10 months in a POW camp. He rarely spoke of his experiences there, but when he did, we learned of horrible conditions, sickness, and friends around him dying. There was very little to eat, and what they did have sickened him. It was mostly a stew made with dog meat.

They were on a forced march when they were liberated. He came back to the states weighing just over 100 pounds, and spent several months in the hospital getting his strength back. When he returned home to Buffalo, he married my mom, began a family, built a house, and got a dog.

I was the fifth of five children. When I was born, the family dog was an Irish Setter named "Edie". Mom always claimed I was named after my Great Grandmother, Edith Ladd, but I know better. I'm proud to have been named after the family dog.

Dogs were always well-treated in our house. In fact, they always had their own chair that no one else was allowed to sit on. I think while he was a POW he befriended dogs in the camp, then watched them disappear. I imagine he felt almost like a cannibal having to eat the meals that were probably composed of his friends, the dogs in the POW camp.

One thing I know I learned from Dad is love and respect for dogs. He is probably smiling as he watches me rescuing and fostering puppies, driving transport, and now training dogs.

A few years ago I applied for and received his POW medal. Today I hold that medal and reflect on his service to our country, the price he paid both physically and emotionally, and mostly I think about his love for dogs. I hope I have made him proud in carrying on that love.

The drive through milk bone dispenser

Today was one of those boring rainy days. Casey and Karma were bored, snoozed most of the day, except of course when I wanted to take a nap. That was the time Karma selected to lay on the bed next to me and gnaw on one of her Nylabones. It figures.

I had a few errands to run so decided to take the girls with me. Casey sprawled out in the back seat and Karma rode shotgun in the front passenger seat. Stop #1 was at the gas station. Karma was fascinated, had to sit in the driver's seat and watch every move I made, as though she were learning a new skill. Casey slept in the back seat.

Stop # 2 was at a bank. As soon as I pulled up to the drive through window, Casey sprang to attention and peered forlornly at the cashier. She gave her one of those "take pity on me, I haven't eaten in a month" looks. RIIIIIIGHT. Well, the nice cashier opened the tray and had two milk bones there before she even took my deposit. The girls were thrilled! When the drawer opened and I got my deposit receipt back there were two more milk bones! JACKPOT!!

Stop # 3 was at another bank. This time when we pulled up to the window Karma started drooling. She slobbered all over my cell phone, which was sitting in the console's cup holder on charge. I can't imagine how it didn't short out with that deluge of slobber going on. Fortunately I carry extra napkins in the car. In the back seat, Casey was up to her tricks, staring relentlessly at the poor clerk, who apologetically said, "I only have crumbs, is that ok?" By the time the drawer opened Casey was nearly in my lap and Karma could hardly contain herself. I thought they would turn inside out before I could get the little milk bone pieces to them!

So there you have it. Casey and Karma's big adventure: a trip to what I'm sure they consider to be a drive through milk bone dispenser!

Puppy Class graduates in Monroe

This evening two wonderful puppies graduated from Puppy Class at PetSmart in Monroe. Congratulations to Dasher and Chloe! Here are photos of the grads and a video of them showing their stuff!

Chloe ♥

Dasher ♥

Beginner Class Graduates!

On May 16, 2010 another of my classes graduated from Beginner Class at PetSmart Blakeney. All the dogs did well, and learned their lessons, though Dexter was a little distracted and didn't want to demonstrate what he had learned! Here are the graduates: Buddy, Buddy, Dan, and Dexter! Congratulations! Photos of the happy grads follow, at bottom is a video of them showing what they learned.

Buddy ♥

Buddy ♥

Dan ♥

Dexter ♥

Zippy Graduates!

Zippy the min-pin graduated from my Puppy class at PetSmart on May 1st! Here she is showing what she learned! And also showing that she minds her mom better than her dad!! LOL Sorry Brian! :)

Congratulations to my graduates!

Last weekend I graduated two classes from PetSmart Training. It was fun to see how much the dogs had learned in the classes, and especially fun to see how much the puppies had grown! So start the Pomp and Circumstance... here are the happy grads!

Beginner Class:  Roxie ♥

Beginner Class: Ginger ♥

Puppy Class:  Izzy ♥

Puppy Class:  Troy ♥

Puppy Class:  Levi ♥

Beginner Class Graduation Videos:

Puppy Class Graduation Videos:

All that's left is sadness

Sometimes all that's left is sadness. An abused puppy was rescued. Cute as can be. Adopted. Loved. But there had to be something physically wrong, because aggression started and increased. First toward the other dog, then toward the family. It turned on and off like a switch. Sometimes he was the wonderful loving family pet. Other times he was the evil twin. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Unfortunately as time went on the evil twin visited more and more often. In spite of every attempt to change the behavior, it only got worse. At a year old, the painful decision was made to say goodbye and let his tortured soul rest.

It took me a week to decide to write these words, but I felt I owed him the respect of a final goodbye, since I was his foster mom. I only knew him as a cute, innocent puppy, but have no doubt about what happened, no questions about the end, only respect for the couple that gave him every chance, tried everything to turn it around..

It's sad, but sometimes all the love in the world isn't enough. Rest in peace, Mulligan. Someday we'll meet again at Rainbow Bridge. Till then, play with your foster aunt Noir and enjoy the sunny days in good health.

GoD and DoG

I absolutely love this video! What a delightful way to start the morning - with a reminder of unconditional love!

A home for Izzy

Finally after months of searching for her love match, Izzy (formerly known as Smoochie) has landed in the perfect home with a couple that loves her and 2 kitty cats that are tolerating her... and in time will probably love having her around.

Izzy is a sweet little girl, loves to play, loves other dogs once she gets to know them, and is a regular cuddle bug. She's going to have a great life with her new family and we couldn't be happier for her!

Meanwhile, at home Karma is still at loose ends without her little buddy. We're keeping her busy with chasing tennis balls, playing hide and seek with her toys, and taking walks with her and Casey.

And who knows... another little foster puppy might not be far away!

Karma graduates from puppy class!

Sweet little Karma is now 5-1/2 months old. Yesterday she graduated from puppy class training at PetSmart. She learned sit, down, stay, wait, take it, drop it, leave it, loose leash walking, touch, come when called, shake, high five, and crawl!

Here's a video of her showing off!



If you don't see the video, here's a link to my youtube site

And here she is in her graduation cap!!

A Dog's Prayer

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

Dizzy Izzy

Smoochie, now called Izzy, was adopted out to a wonderful woman in December who absolutely adored her. We thought it was a perfect fit for both of them, but unfortunately Izzy followed her new mom everywhere and managed to trip her. For both of their safety, we all decided it best to bring her back.

In the meantime, Izzy has had a lot of inquiries, but that perfect "furever" home has not yet been found. She's received the last of her vetting, been spayed and microchipped, and waits patiently for the love of her life to show up and take her home for good.

She loves to play with Casey and Karma, is crate trained, almost housetrained, and is learning basic commands like sit and stay. She is a really sweet little girl, when you hold her she likes to put her paws on your face and kiss you. Such a cutie pie.

For more information and how to apply to adopt her, please visit http://www.myfosterpets.com/. Her adoption fee is $150, and the adoption process includes the application, home visit, and adoption contract.

Izzy is going to make a wonderful companion for some lucky family!

A reason to smile

Little Karma came to us just after Christmas. She was lost or abandoned, rescued by a wonderful couple, and we took her in to foster. She's beautiful, funny, soft and silky, goofy, and will be about 55 pounds when she's an adult. I've fallen in love with her, and we have decided to adopt her.

When Noir left, a piece of my heart left with her. Karma has given me a piece of hers. Eventually my heart will be completely replaced with dog-heart pieces.

So here's the newest member of our family: Karma!

Karma giving me that "Oh, bother!" look

Karma imitating Casey:
Casey watches her dad through the window by the door.
Karma tries to see through the door.

Understanding Death

I am still in pain over the loss of my dog, Noir. I miss her every day, and everyday I shed a few tears, wishing I could just once more hold her, bury my nose in the scruff of her neck, give her a kiss, tell her I love her.

Last night a friend sent me the following. It still hurts, but it helps to remember that although the day came when I said, "There she goes," the day will also arrive when Noir will say, "Here she comes."

---------

UNDERSTANDING DEATH
By Henry Van Dyke

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!"

"Gone where?"

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says, "There, she is gone!" there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: "Here she comes!"

And that is dying.

A parting of the ways

As of last weekend I, along with many others, have severed my ties with Animal Adoption League. We are committed to continuing rescue work and are considering our options.

A home in record time!

Another neighbor called... this time it was a bassett mix that was found wandering. Could I help? Of course. We searched, but no owner was found for her. We set up a vet appointment to get shots and deworming, and I called my friend Pat who went right to work. Within one day Abby was vetted and a great new home was found for her!

She now lives in a nice part of town with a family that adores her. She stayed a few nights with our neighbor, one night with us and one night with Pat before going to her forever home. That's a lot of shuffling around but she took it all in stride. And boy did it pay off for her!

Good Karma

The coincidences are too compelling to ignore.

On Christmas Eve, I was having a hard time, missing my Noir, feeling sad and lonely. At the same time, in the NC mountains, a couple was walking their son's dog in an area they normally don't go to. Perhaps someone was guiding their steps. A 3 month old puppy approached them, laid down at their feet and began whimpering. Obviously lost or abandoned, they took the little girl back to their vacation home.

They searched for her owners to no avail. Then they contacted a friend to see if it was possible to get her into rescue.

Way leads to way, and my friend Pat was contacted. She thought of me. I was fostering Smoochie, but Pat knew that little cutie would be adopted in a hearbeat. So Saturday morning while I was preparing to take Smoochie to a PetSmart adoption event, the couple who rescued the puppy were sending photos to my phone. Would we consider fostering her when Smoochie goes to a new home? YOU BET!

Smoochie went to her new home Monday evening. Tuesday morning, I met the "mountain puppy's" rescuers at our vet's office. What a nice couple! The puppy was dewormed, got her first shot, and was checked over. Then home with me she went.

We estimate she is 3 months old. That means she was born around the time we found out about Noir's illness.

I think Noir was working from the Rainbow Bridge, guiding this little puppy to us. I know Noir doesn't want me to be sad, and I also know she is a rescuer too. The puppy is a sweet little thing with a striking coat and funny puppy ways. She's very smart. She's made me happy and optimistic again. Casey likes her.

We've named the puppy Karma. She just might be our first "foster failure".

Little Levi

Just after Christmas a neighbor called. Friends of hers were visiting from Georgia, where they had rescued some chihuahua mix puppies. All were adopted out except one, which they had intended to keep. Over the holidays they realized that was not practical, so my neighbor offered to try to help. Would we help her help this puppy? Of course.

When her guests left for home, they left the puppy with my neighbor and she fostered him for a week. She named him Levi. We visited to get some photos. He's a little guy, seems to be mostly chihuahua.

When we took over the fostering duties, we listed him on Petfinder and took him to a PetSmart adoption event. He was everyone's favorite, several families wanted to adopt him, but we decided on a nice family that has young daughters anxious to give our little guy all the love and attention he could ever want.

While he was with us he had a blast playing with Aunt Casey. And here he is in his new home, looking out the door at the snow. He's probably wondering if he can go out and play!