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."

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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.