Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, “I know why.” Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life –like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The
six-year-old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog were the teacher you would learn things like:
· When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
· Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
· Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
· Take naps.
· Stretch before rising.
· Run, romp, and play daily.
· Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
· Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
· On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
· On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
· When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
· Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
· Be loyal.
· Never pretend to be something you’re not.
· If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
· When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
This was provided by www.barkingmart.com
Excerpt from a Dog’s Diary:
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
Excerpt from a Cat’s Diary:
• Day 983 of my captivity.
• My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
• They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
• The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
• Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a ‘good little hunter’ I am. Bastards.
• There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of ‘allergies.’ I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.
• Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow — but at the top of the stairs.
• I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.
• The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now………
This is provided by www.barkingmart.com
The answer is—sometimes. There is never a guarantee that any two animals (or for that matter, any two people) are going to be able to cohabitate in peace. Dogs and cats are two very different species of animal, and sometimes they will not do well at sharing a home. Under the right circumstances, however, they may become the best of friends.
If a puppy and kitten are raised together, they probably have the best chance of getting along. We have all known cats and dogs that played and napped together and how incredibly cute it looked!
If the dog came into the household before the cat, the way the two pets are introduced is very important. The cat should be at the dog’s eye level, and you should have a firm grip on both. Allow both to sniff and inspect, but if either seems aggressive or afraid, remove the cat and try another introduction later. A few minutes several times each day should result in visible relaxation on the part of both animals. Never leave a cat and a dog alone together unless you are positive they are comfortable in each other’s company. An unsupervised interaction could traumatize one or both animals so badly that they remain afraid of all other animals indefinitely. If they do get along, you will not only need to stock up on dog supplies, but cat supplies as well!
In January 2008, the American Kennel Club (AKC) announced their registration statistics for 2007, resulting in the bulldog wiggling its way into the top 10 most popular American dog breeds for the first time since 1935. A beloved sports mascot for the University of Georgia and a recurring Looney Tunes supporting character, the bulldog appeals to a large variety of dog lovers with its docility, ability to adjust, and fun-loving, goofy personality. Bulldogs also look particularly dashing in dog sweaters!
It has been said that a bulldog owner must have a sense of humor, and comedians such as Adam Sandler and Ron White, both proud bulldog owners, would likely stand by that statement. Other celebrities that own bulldogs include Ashlee Simpson, Jessica Biel, Sanaa Lathan, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, and Howard Stern. One bulldog that has become famous in his own right recently is a Southern California bulldog named Tyson, known worldwide as “the skateboarding bulldog”. Tyson has his own Myspace page and website, where his people sell many T-shirts bearing his likeness. In fact, the United States city where the bulldog is the most popular is Los Angeles, California, where it ranks #2—right after perennial national #1 favorite the Labrador.
Most English Springers are intelligent, even-tempered, gentle, friendly, and sociable dogs that are great for families with kids. There are many positive adjectives to describe this breed.
They are skillful, willing, obedient, playful, energetic and quick learners. Cheerful, courageous, affectionate, good natured, and sincere, this dog loves everyone. Springers do best when they are with people as much as possible. They can get into trouble if left alone too long and can be destructive and bark a lot which your neighbors would not appreciate.
They love water and may constantly get themselves wet and muddy. Usually they are good with other pets with the possible exception of birds. Sometimes they are argumentative with same sex dogs. Springers need wise guidance through what is called their “teenage” time.
They need a soft, but firm hand so they always know who is in charge. There are two types of Springers - field and bench. The field type are bred for hunting and field trial work. They tend to have more white coat than the bench type, much less hair, and are more high energy. The bench type are bred for conformation shows and have more liver or black than white. They have much more coat, but are usually calmer.
Be sure to protect your dog from the hot sun. A dog sun visor is perfect and looks great!
Have you ever noticed that when you yawn, your dog yawns also? A study published in the journal Biology Letters this week found that human yawns are contagious to dogs. Dogs are adept at reading human intentions and excel over other animals in picking up human hand gestures and other behavior cues.
This study demonstrates that dogs possess “some low-level attending to what others feel,” said anthropologist Brian Hare, who was not involved in the study. Another reason we know that dogs are man’s best friend.
This information is from www.barkingmart.com
AKC Enlists America’s Help to Choose the Right Dog Breed for the Obama Family
It’s been widely reported that - win or lose - Obama has promised his two daughters a dog after the presidential election.
“In the spirit of ‘doggy democracy,’ we are asking Americans to vote on the breed they think the Obama family should select. We vetted all of the ‘canine candidates’ to assess each breed’s credentials as a potential ‘first pet’,” says AKC spokesperson Daisy Okas. “With McCain already being a devoted dog lover, we are hopeful that no matter the outcome of the election, we will have a dog lover in the White House.”
The Bichon Frise breed shown above is one of the choices. Cast your vote here!
A dog beach cover-up is perfect for a day in and around the water.
German Shepherd Dog Club
of Western New York
Friday, August 29, 2008
Bullard Park
East Avenue, Route #31
Albion, NY
If ever a breed rated superlatives, it’s the German Shepherd Dog, a breed whose versatility has led it to such varied careers as sentry, police dog, tracker, drug dog, search-and-rescue dog, and guide dog.
They are esteemed for their loyalty, deep devotion, and courage. This breed thrives on human interaction from their family and does not like to be left alone for extended periods of time.
Rachel Ray has recently launched a charity-driven line of pet foods from recipes she has created for her pit bull, Isaboo. All of the proceeds from Rachel Ray Nutrish pet foods will go to Rachel’s Rescue, which helps at-risk animals. “It seemed like not a lot if extra time to donate to something that could potentially raise millions of dollars for championing these little creatures that can’t speak for themselves,” Ray said.
A pet food line for cats also is planned in the future.
This information is provided by www.barkingmart.com