I can’t take credit for writing the following. Since you are reading my blog, chances are you will find some truth in it. . .
From time to time, people tell me, “Lighten up, it’s just a dog,” or “That’s a lot of money for just a dog.” They don’t understand the distance traveled, the time spent or the costs involved for “just a dog.” Some of my proudest moments have come about with “just a dog.” Many hours have passed and my only company was “just a dog,” but I did not once feel slighted.
We are all capable of doing something. Pay it forward. It works. Whether you give to a shelter, a neighbor, a stranger, a dog or a cat…it inspires others to do the same. Adopt…donate…volunteer. Make a difference.
This video was made today after my visit to the Coachella Animal Campus. If you live in the Palm Springs area and are looking for a dog to help in any way…here are a few from which to pick! You know, as I walked through talking with each of them, no one barked. I think they knew they were on camera and wanted to appear at their best - tails wagging and tongues licking!
I am writing this post because good things can and do come in little packages. The shelters used to only be filled with large dogs. That’s no longer true. If you are interested in adopting a little dog, the shelters are full of them waiting to make your life a little bit better!
———————-
If you have followed my blog, you know of my little Yorkie named Melody. You may not think there is a need to describe a Yorkie as little; however, she is tiny. I was volunteering at the shelter when she was brought in. Her services as a breeder at a puppy mill were no longer needed. At this age of her life (about 7 years old) had probably never known kindness from a human. She was more than willing to bite if you got too close. Not exactly a spokes-dog for the hold-me-in-your-lap Yorkie someone would be looking for when adopting.
Having enjoyed the company of large breed dogs, I had not intended on adopting Melody. I would take her home to work with her on being a little kinder to her prospective new family. Melody never even attempted to bite me. She knew she was safe. The first time I heard her bark, I did a double-take! It was obvious she had been debarked. In my opinion, it’s a terrible thing to do to a dog. There are other far less invasive tools - not to mention the benefits of training.
She has been with me two years. She may never willingly approach another human other than myself. However, to see who she is now compared to who she was is nothing short of wonderful. Here is a short video clip of Melody and her raspy little voice asking, “where’s my dinner?”
I love to watch the antics of my dogs after their bath time! If given a chance, most dogs will roll around and frolic after their bath. While it appears they feel great and are doing a dance of joy, my guess is they are trying to get their stink back on!
Here’s Melody, my little Yorkie, after her bath. She always makes me smile. I like to think I’m smiling with her.
I posted previously about Courage, the German Shepherd left to starve to death in his human’s yard. Here is a link to his web site. What an inspirational story! He is also being adopted by his foster family.
Unfortunately, an estimated 150,000 dogs are feeling and living the impact of that statement and that’s just on http://Petfinder.org.
I cringe when I hear someone say they have to get ride of their dog. I know they’re just words. Just words. . .”get rid of”. . .I think of a lot of things we can all get rid of and none of them would even closely resemble a dog. I’d like someone to be able to look in the eyes of their dog and explain exactly what getting rid of them means.
There may be a lot of reasons that a dog should be re-homed or helped in other ways due to a consideration that is in the best interest of the dog. I am very grateful I have my dogs, and while I’ll have them with me for the remainder of their lives, I’m not their first home.
It’s not that there can’t be some synchronicity at play which brings the right dog to us but that’s a different story than a dog that someone chooses to get rid of out of an inconvenience. Some dogs are fortunate to have been loved by several families and have always known a loving environment. Some haven’t. A dog who has gone from love to love to love, is usually a healthy dog. A dog with a history of abuse or neglect in any way, may take time to trust us and adapt to being loved.
Maybe you or I will be lucky enough to be loved by one of these dogs.
Puppy Season is upon us! It sounds exciting doesn’t it? Puppies are adorable and make us smile! They smell good and make the sweetest sounds. Later in life, the smell and sounds as they sit in the shelter aren’t quite as appealing. I know there are people who want to share the miracle of birth and the wonder of these new, precious lives with their kids or just for themselves. May I make a suggestion?
If you really want that puppy experience, (or an “accident” occurs because the dog wasn’t neutered/spayed), and you can keep and care for all of the pups throughout their lives, great. If you are like most and about five weeks into the adventure of puppy-dom the thrill is gone and you place ads on Craigslist or wait in front of the grocery store with a basket of pups, here’s an alternative. Connect with a local rescue group or shelter and offer to foster a pregnant dog or her puppies, and then you can have the experience and feel great about your contribution.
There are a lot of reputable breeders who have waiting lists of people wanting their dogs. This is not about you. While I may think a moratorium on breeding sounds like a great idea, it’s not the solution. The ones most responsible for the over-population wouldn’t participate any way!
I know I say it often, but do what you can to help the shelters and rescue/foster organizations. You may be surprised at what may seem like a little feels like a lot to those who need your help.
If you want to adopt a puppy or any dog for that matter, I am very happy to help hook you up with a rescue or to check out the area shelters for you. It can be overwhelming, but trust me, it’s well worth it!
The death panel for humans never existed. The death panel for dogs has always existed. I wish more people shared that level of shock and horror for the euthanasia of dogs. Most of the dogs aren’t old, sick, or even given a chance. The only up side is they are spared a possible life of abuse. (Not much of an up)
Maybe you aren’t an “animal person.” This isn’t about animals. It’s about what we humans tolerate, create and allow. Awareness is for everyone. Once you are aware, it’s up to you to assist in educating and (nicely) informing others. I don’t have children, but I do everything I can to support and promote the welfare of children.
This video is tough to watch, and you may think you don’t need to see it to get it. Watch it. I think if more people had to assist in this process for the dogs they surrender or dispose of, they might think of things differently. A girl can dream…
I tried and tried to get the dogs to stay awake to help celebrate the coming of the New Year 2010. As their heads bobbed and soft snoring could be heard around the room, I decided to join them. This year, I would celebrate like dogs do.
They go to bed every night and wake up every morning without a care. They sleep when it’s night (and day) and don’t complain when they wake up - whether it’s in the middle of the night or at the dawn of a day. They don’t get anxious or worry that they didn’t do enough last year or what they will do in the coming year.
While it is not exactly how I see my life going this year, it’s a great way to start every day. Every day is a new day and every new day makes a new year. I looked at the dogs and said, “Thanks for that awareness.” They replied, “What the heck are you talking about…where’s our breakfast?” Enough said. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
