Stop Animal Abuse

     Being a devoted dog lover it is impossible for me understand animal abuse. I'm not naive, but I cannot comprehend why there are people in this world who abuse these beautiful, innocent creatures. We must put an end to this senseless cruelty.
     Today I am sharing with you a very sad story that was recently brought to my attention. Even though the following story is fiction, it is heartbreaking to know that such things do happen, every day. I don't mean for this posting to be a downer, instead my hope is that we, as animal lovers, can help put a stop to animal abuse. Perhaps if we all pass this story along, it will bring us a step closer to winning this battle. Or at the very least it will make a perspective puppy buyer stop and think before they buy that 'cute little puppy'. A puppy is a responsibility and a lifelong commitment. A puppy requires a lot of gentle training. Most importantly they need our love.

Dear Mom and Dad,
 I Died Today.
    You got tired of me and took me to the Shelter. They were overcrowded and I drew an unlucky number.
    I am in a black plastic bag in a landfill now. Some other puppy will get the barely used leash you left. My collar was dirty and too small, but the lady took it off before she sent me to the Rainbow Bridge.
    Would I still be at home if I hadn't chewed your shoe? I didn't know what it was, but it was leather, and it was on the floor. I was just playing. You forgot to get me some puppy toys.
    Would I still be at home if I had been housebroken? Rubbing my nose in what I did only made me ashamed that I had to go at all. There are books and obedience teachers that would have taught you how to teach me to go to the door.
     Would I still be at home if I hadn't brought fleas into the house? Without Anti Flea Medicine, I couldn't get them off of me after you left me in the yard for days.
    Would I still be at home if I hadn't barked? I was only saying, "I'm scared, I'm lonely, I'm here! I'm here!" I want to be your best friend. .                                                                                
     Would I still be at home if I made you happy? Hitting me didn't make me learn how.
     Would I still be at home if you had taken the time to care for me and teach manners to me? You didn't pay attention to me after the first week or so, but I spent all my time waiting for you to love me.

Love, Your Puppy                          (Author Unknown)

    Please forward this to everyone; it's time to put a stop to animal abuse!
   
     Tonight, and every night, give your four-legger an extra hug and kiss, and thank them for allowing you to be their human companion.

     So long, I'll see you soon!

Stop Animal Abuse

      Being a devoted dog lover it is impossible for me understand animal abuse. I'm not naive, but I cannot comprehend why there are people in this world who abuse these beautiful, innocent creatures. We must put an end to this senseless cruelty.
     Today I am sharing with you a very sad story that was recently brought to my attention. Even though the following story is fiction, it is heartbreaking to know that such things do happen, every day. I don't mean for this posting to be a downer, instead my hope is that we, as animal lovers, can help put a stop to animal abuse. Perhaps if we all pass this story along, it will bring us a step closer to winning this battle. Or at the very least it will make a perspective puppy buyer stop and think before they buy that 'cute little puppy'. A puppy is a responsibility and a lifelong commitment. A puppy requires a lot of gentle training. Most importantly they need our love.

Dear Mom and Dad,
 I Died Today.

    You got tired of me and took me to the Shelter. They were overcrowded and I drew an unlucky number.
    I am in a black plastic bag in a landfill now. Some other puppy will get the barely used leash you left. My collar was dirty and too small, but the lady took it off before she sent me to the Rainbow Bridge.
    Would I still be at home if I hadn't chewed your shoe? I didn't know what it was, but it was leather, and it was on the floor. I was just playing. You forgot to get me some puppy toys.
    Would I still be at home if I had been housebroken? Rubbing my nose in what I did only made me ashamed that I had to go at all. There are books and obedience teachers that would have taught you how to teach me to go to the door.
     Would I still be at home if I hadn't brought fleas into the house? Without Anti Flea Medicine, I couldn't get them off of me after you left me in the yard for days.
    Would I still be at home if I hadn't barked? I was only saying, "I'm scared, I'm lonely, I'm here! I'm here!" I want to be your best friend. .                                                                                  
     Would I still be at home if I made you happy? Hitting me didn't make me learn how.
     Would I still be at home if you had taken the time to care for me and teach manners to me? You didn't pay attention to me after the first week or so, but I spent all my time waiting for you to love me.

Love, Your Puppy                          (Author Unknown)

    Please forward this to everyone; it's time to put a stop to animal abuse!
   
     Tonight, and every night, give your four-legger an extra hug and kiss, and thank them for allowing you to be their human companion.

     So long, I'll see you soon!

Whitney's Ball of Light

     As promised in my posting of 9/19/11, here is more of the 'Party Dogs'.
     Our Whitney's coloring is very black and because of that it is easy to lose sight of her in the dark of night. Also with my current vision issues, it is impossible for me to see her black body in virtually any unlit area.
     To help aid us with Whitney's nighttime disappearing act, Tucker and his two-legger companions brought Whitney a gift of light; a small ball that snaps on her collar. A pinch on the ball and voila, a bright glowing light comes on.
     As darkness set in on the night of our party, the 'ball' was snapped onto Whitney's collar. A quick pinch on the ball and her neck was aglow. She was a bit annoyed with this light below her chin, but quickly adjusted. I'm sure she adjusted so quickly because of all the attention she was getting as she walked amongst all the two-leggers. 
     While she paid little attention to the light, Stanley was very fascinated with this gadget his friend was wearing. Even as the two friends played Stanley would stop and stare at the light. He seemed to catch on very quickly that if he lost sight of Whitney in the dark, he just had to look for that funny light.
     Tucker stayed close by whoever was petting him and would watch in amazement, as the 'ball of light' would zip in front of his eyes.
     Stanley remained intrigued by Whitney's new addition, that is until it was snapped onto his collar. I have never seen a dog run backwards as fast as little Stanley did. I'm sure his logic was this, If I go backwards fast, I can surely get away from this thing. Obviously, as fast as he went so did the light.
     A wise Tucker watched with enjoyment, realizing what Stanley did not: You can't outrun that ball of light, little buddy.
     Once the light was reattached on Whitney, I headed to the house, with a tired Stanley hot on my heels. Tucker, seeing where we were going and knowing that's where the treats are found, quickly joined us. Stanley hurried into our bedroom and snuggled on the bed. Was he tired or just hiding from the 'ball of light'? Whatever his reason was quickly forgotten when he heard the treat jar open.
     Outside once again, the dogs resumed their playing, but at a much slower pace this time. It was obvious the four-leggers were tiring from all the excitement of the party. Soon Tucker was seen sitting under someone's petting hand. Shortly afterwards, Stanley disappeared, but was soon found sound asleep on a nice cushioned chair. Whitney was quietly making her rounds to all the remaining guests, but was obviously beginning to lose steam.
     Not a one of the party dogs hesitated when it was time to go home. Each knowing that sleep and dreams would be soon upon them.
     Rest up, all you party dogs; you never know when we might surprise you with another party.

     So long, I'll see you soon!
    
     
     
    
 

The Return of the Party Dogs

     Saturday night we hosted our second annual end of the season barbecue. The morning and afternoon were spent getting everything set up for the festivities. Wherever DJ was working, Whitney was there, lending a helping paw.
     Stanley spent a great deal of the early afternoon running back and forth on our gravel road. He did make a pit stop at our gate, and made it known that he wanted in. After a long drink at the water bowl, it was obvious he was in need of a quiet nap.
     There must have been a sense of party preparation in the air because both Whitney and Stanley seemed to understand something big was about to happen and they better rest up. Stanley headed home for a nice long power nap, while DJ and Whitney quietly disappeared and took their own power nap.
     A now wide awake Whitney greeted our guests as they began to arrive. When Stanley reappeared he was fully recharged and ready to party. Bracken was the next to arrive. With the arrival of Tucker, wearing his official party scarf, the party officially began.
     All four of the dogs went about their playing, but when the aroma of the cooking meat filled the air, the entire crew of four-leggers gathered around the grill.

     Tucker and Whitney are the two that enjoy being in the midst of the crowd of two-leggers, both making a stop by every person in attendance. An available lap was Whitney's cue to hop up and say, 'Hello'. An idle hand was Tucker's cue to stop by and get some scratches behind the ear.
     Stanley would also hop on an available lap, but since his goal is to play, his lap visits were usually quite brief.
     Bracken spent his time sniffing the perimeter of the yard, with an occasional trot back to the crowd to check on his owners and then back to his patrol duties.
     Whitney's playtime's are generally short and usually only on her terms. Maybe it was the party atmosphere, but she and Stanley chased each other and rolled around on the ground for a very long time. Tucker, not wanting to leave whoever was scratching his ear, watched from the sideline as his friends played.
     Even though Tucker didn't join in with the playing, I'll guarantee you that Tucker grinned with approval as he watched his two pals and all their antics.
     Tune in next time for more on the party dogs. Until then...

     So long, I'll see you soon!

    

   

Tucker and the Cousins

     No matter how short the journey or how long, our four-leggers love their ride in the car. Hmm...come to think of it, maybe not all four-leggers enjoy getting in that car or truck.
     I suddenly had a memory from many years ago of our dog Tammy. She had an unexplainable fear of riding in the car, especially a long journey. For our summer trip to the cabin, Mom had to give her a vet prescribed tranquilizer to calm her on the journey.
     My dear friend, Tucker, is exactly the opposite; he anxiously paces by the truck door as he awaits the opportunity to hop onto the truck seat. Even if the trip is just a mile down the road, he savors the ride. Every ride, whether long or short, is very important business to him; nothing goes unnoticed as he sits straight and tall on his truck seat.
     Earlier this summer Tucker was fortunate to be in the co-pilot seat of Steve's truck, as they made the long journey to the Twin Cities. I can imagine the joy that surged through Tucker when he realized this ride was more than just a quick trip to town.
     Once they reached their destination, Tucker was able to spend a couple of fun filled days with his four-legger cousins.
     Later this summer he was able to reciprocate their 'city hospitality' when the four 'cousins', Meea, Chin Sue, Dolly, and Gabby, made their annual trip to his home on the lake.
     I'm sure he spent considerable time trying to teach his guests the fine art of 'Fishing-Tucker Style'. Many hours were spent in the water, followed by a hurried roll in the sand. Even a relaxing kayak ride was enjoyed by Chin Sue while Auntie Diane did the paddling.
     Even though this lake country is his domain, Tucker, being the patient gentleman that he is, always lets his guests do whatever they please. I'm sure there were many times that he sat back and chuckled as he watched his guests perform some silly antic.

     As nighttime came Tucker and Meea were ready for some much needed rest. "Ah, the comfort of having a buddy close by after a busy day on the lake."

     So long, I'll see you soon! 

  

What Kind of Assistance is That

     My partner and I have a home based eBay business. When you do something such as this, your merchandise takes up a large amount of space in your home. To utilize our space more efficiently we decided to do some major rearranging.
     The day we began this seemingly impossible task was the same day that neighbor dog Tucker arrived to spend a few days with us. He and Whitney did their own thing, but they each kept a watchful eye on all the activity taking place around them.
     Now with these two extra bodies lazing about, my thinking was, instead of watching us they should be helping us. While verbalizing this suggestion to these two, I looked into their eyes and heard a bit of laughter. As I watched Whitney look up at Tucker, I could almost hear her say, "They want us to do what? Are they crazy?" With a smile on his face, I'm almost certain his reply was, "I think they are, so it's best to just ignore their request."

      As you can see in this picture they did do a fine job of ignoring us. Now I ask you, what kind of assistance is that?
     Of course we both would rather have joined the dogs for a nice nap, but being the responsible two-leggers that we are, we knew that the work needed to get done.
     Day two of our huge project: Another able body arrived on the scene; neighbor dog Stanley. With Whitney, Tucker, and Stanley all here, you would think at least one of them would give some assistance. By the pictures it's clear what the trio's plan of action was.
     Day three: We still have a lot of work to do, but things are beginning to take shape. Our four-legger threesome is still refusing to lend a helping 'paw'.
     Watching the trio laze around again, helped us to decide to take their advice today: Today we rest.

     So long, I'll see you soon!

What is a Garage Sale Guard Dog

     In two of my June postings I wrote about our visiting four-legger guest, Sophie. To our surprise she made an unexpected return visit last week, just in time to help Whitney oversee the garage sale we would be having over the weekend.
     Early Friday morning neighbor dog Stanley be bopped over to check on all the activity going on. Sometimes Stanley's visits are for the day and sometimes his visits are just long enough to say 'Hi'. When he caught sight of Whitney and Sophie at the gate, we knew this would be the all day visit. After all, he knew his two friends just might need his help protecting the yard from all these cars and two-leggers that were coming and going.
     When Stanley joined his pals in the yard, the playing quickly began. However, each time a car drove into the driveway, Whitney would do her patented 'scream bark' as she hurried to the gate. Her actions immediately brought a barking Sophie and Stanley to her side, where all three then stood guard at the gate.
     The fact that all three are small dogs did not stop the trio from letting their presence be known; informing all two-leggers that they were under the watchful eyes of the 'garage sale guard dogs'.
     Whitney's one of a kind screaming bark overpowered the soft barks of her two companions. We received many joking comments throughout the sale on our ferocious guard dogs. I would reply, "The screamer is ours, and the soft barkers are two extra guards we hired for the day."
     The times when no shoppers were present, were quiet, peaceful times. The trio lazed in the grass, eagerly watching the driveway, waiting for the next chance to do their important work.
     Occasionally a shopper would let their own dog out of their car. Seeing a strange four-legger on the opposite side of the fence caused quite an uproar with our trio. The curious newcomer would stand near their owner and watch in disbelief at the three noisemakers.
     After a gruelling day of guard duty, an exhausted Stanley headed home. Knowing they were no longer on high alert, Whitney and Sophie enjoyed a quiet evening of rest.
     Little did they know, as they went to sleep that night, that they would have two more days of guard dog duty ahead of them.

     So long, I'll see you soon!

Baby Boy Goes Home

     In my last posting I was on a mission of rescuing 'Baby Boy' before nightfall. Afraid that he wouldn't survive through the bitter cold that was moving in, I knew I had to catch him, now. With a strong cold wind blowing and my promise to the 'dog catcher' that I would bring the dog in, I knew I had my work cut out for me.
     I bundled myself up, climbed the fence, and parked myself in the snow, with plenty of treats in my pocket. The longer I sat in the blowing wind the colder I got, but I patiently waited, knowing that it was now or never for the little dog.
     I sensed he was watching me from a hiding spot in the bushes. Eventually he got a little daring and moved in close enough to where I could read his tag. A distant noise frightened him into a run and back into hiding, so I quickly wrote the info in the snow. I knew then that we both would get a lot colder before this ordeal was over.
     Eventually I think he realized I wasn't leaving without him; or maybe the cold wind had worn him down and the thought of a warm lap was suddenly something he could no longer resist. Whatever his reason, he came out from hiding and very eagerly climbed onto my lap and cuddled close to my body.
     The little dog that just a few seconds ago was so scared was now covering my face with kisses. I looked into his eyes and heard, "Thank you. It's been so long since I've had the loving hands of a two-legger on me." I placed him inside my jacket and hurried to the warmth of the house.
     The dog catcher was soon knocking at my door. I remember his surprised look when he saw me holding the now very calm dog. He told me he would take the dog and attempt to contact the owner from the info on his tag. If not, I could claim the dog.
     The next morning I hurried to the shelter to check on Baby Boy, only to find that he was gone. Fortunately, they were able to locate the owner, and she in turn left a number where I could contact her.
     The first time I visited her home a protective, barking Baby Boy met me at the door. The barking ceased as soon as I stepped in and Baby Boy smelled my shoe.
     As Baby boy eagerly jumped onto my lap, his owner and I put together the pieces of his incredible eight month journey to find his way home.
     His real name was Bear, but they often called him, Baby Bear (which would explain why he responded to my calling him Baby Boy).
     Bloomington is a large city; I lived in the far eastern side and Bear's family lived in the far western side. The previous May, Bear's owner's daughter and her boyfriend were watching Bear for a weekend. Annoyed with the dog, the boyfriend took Bear and abandoned him on my side of town.
     After searching for a couple of months, the owner eventually resigned herself to the fact that Bear was gone. Until... she received the call that she had given up hope on: Bear was alive!
     Being Bear's rescuer, I was given permanent visitation privileges. On my first visit with Bear, the true joy for me was looking into his eyes and seeing how happy he was to be home.

     So long, I'll see you soon!