A recent post received validation -
Here’s an update on a couple of the fighting dogs removed from Michael Vick’s property . . they are now affectionately referred to as the “Vick”tory dogs!
What’s in the breed of a dog - a lot. The danger comes in classifying all dogs in a breed as if they all have the same characteristics and inherent behaviors. Pit Bulls are probably misjudged more than any other breed. I know why; however, the banning of a breed does nothing to educate and eradicate the mistreatment of this sweet, clownish, spirited creature.
I have more to say here. . .A Pit Bull is a Terrible Thing to Waste
Here’s The Real Scoop on Pit Bulls from another author and advocate.
I used to pride myself in my love for bigger dogs. A dog that is - well, a dog. Pit Bulls have always had my heart along with Mastiffs, Dobermans, Rottweilers, etc. I will use this as a place to express that I admit to loving little dogs too.
I am not quite sure why we resist being attracted to a little dog. It does come across as resistance as we declare proudly (or at a minimum it appears in the conversation bubble above our heads) as someone walks by with their tiny yorkie - “That’s not a dog, it’s a rat!” (No, it’s just a little dog. Perhaps “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” applies here.)
I think I personally resisted this new-found affection because of the people I associated with having the pocket pups. Someone who didn’t truly want a dog but a show piece or an accessory.
I was labeling them as easily as I was labeled for having Pit Bulls.
When tiny dogs are treated as dogs, they are wonderful. They have the same personality and expression as the large breeds. (As a side note: experimental breeding of dogs - tiny or giant - needs to stop as the shelters fill with unwanted pups. Maybe that can be another thought for 2009.) Whether you are attracted to large or small dogs, they are all creatures capable and worthy of receiving our attention and care.
The New Year provides an opportunity to symbolically, if nothing else, make some shifts in our thinking. I think a life with less judgment would be a great place to start. (This doesn’t only apply to the four-legged creatures) Considering that all of the Beings we are blessed to have cross our paths, don’t judge us nearly as quickly as we do them.
Happy 2009 and a moment or two in the “no judgement zone” to all of you!
The news media isn’t known for being positive and uplifting. I think of what it would be like to have the news tell only “good” stories or stories that didn’t appear to bring anything good, but ultimately did. Beyond or within every disaster, we hear amazing stories of strength, hope, and the willingness to help others.
It’s a great feeling, an honor, and our duty to help someone (animal or human) who can’t help themselves. Thank you Humane Society and all those who contribute for making 2008 so memorable! Here’s a wonderful video of the lives that were saved and changed forever through the work of the Humane Society.
Adopting a dog (or getting a dog in any way) may change a life - YOURS! Here are some furry friends that have changed mine. . .
If you have questions about the right dog for your family, please contact me - I’d love to help!
Every once in awhile, in the privacy of my own space, I humanize my dogs. Just a little. (Don’t do as I do, do as I say!)
When I look at this photo, the caption that comes to mind is: “Gayle, tell us again the story about how you found each of us.” Isn’t that a sweet thought? I know. . .they’re really saying, “who do you love more?” Ok, maybe they’re just thinking about what a good pack leader I am and they are grateful.
I’ll settle for any and all of the above. . .
Do your dogs? As tired as they are of the same information being repeated on CNN, the dogs always wrestle with one another if I attempt to change the channel to House or something else more entertaining. Maybe they heard the good news that the Obama family has committed to adopting a shelter dog if they are elected. That’s probably it! The suspense is just too much for them.
I think I overheard them debating which one of them it should be. Of course, they only have this conversation when they think I can’t hear them. They have a great life, but life in the White House with two little girls ogling over them is sure to be a wonderful dream.
I will vote with them in mind. Since they refuse to work for their food, a strong economy is needed so I can provide the life they deserve. If I see them with their bags packed on election day, I will understand as I remind them they go nowhere without me!
Now, go and vote for a shelter dog. . .
You have a dog - as in one? Come on, that’s like being happy having one leg or eating one cookie or one tortilla chip. It can be much easier and at least a lot of fun to have more than a dog.
After I got my second dog, I knew that I would never again have just one. (We won’t talk about where that can lead or where it lead me!) Dogs play like dogs play. We are a good substitute and yes, they love our companionship. However, we are a poor substitute after watching two dogs romp while you listen to the sound of growling and gnashing of teeth.
If your concern is that by getting another dog you’ll lose the affection of the one you have now, trust me - that won’t happen. You will just be multiplying the love in your home. Not to mention that you’ll be keeping another dog out of a shelter and/or off the streets. (I hear you - you’re saying something cute like “and multiplying the poop I have to clean up” - so?) Exchanging a few extra seconds for cleanup for years of love and companionship, doesn’t sound like a bad trade to me!
If you have a good match, they will ease your guilt and feeling that you aren’t doing enough to entertain the dog you have now. They have each other and you have your human relationships. Doesn’t that sound nice? More than one dog may seem like too much for some, but for those of you who are thinking about it, I’m happy to talk with you about a potential match for your family. Please send a note. I would love to help!
I don’t think so. I came across this great site with photos of shelter dogs. Waiting at a shelter near you!
This is not an easy subject and still a bit raw personally. I feel the need to share. . .
I love that there are no-kill shelters. That is WONDERFUL!
They are full. All of the local shelters are full. What’s next for the dogs whose last stop was the local shelter and hopefully a no-kill one that is full? They are being abandoned along with their abandoned homes. It’s a difficult choice to make for their humans. An almost impossible one. So, leaving the dog behind or dropping them off in a neighborhood leaves more options for the dog, right?
Consider those options. . .starving or dehydration. Becoming ill and not having medical care. Being hit by a car. Feeling abandoned and lost without a clue of how to find food and water. Looking for a familiar face.
Those are a few of their options. Maybe someone will pick them up and bring them home. That someone may already be over their dog limit and financially strapped but feeling guilty to let this one go.
What are your options — keep your dog until you find a home or shelter that can take it. Don’t just put an ad in the local paper - ask rescues, ask friends, ask anyone. It’s better to experience a little sadness about re-homing your dog than the sickness of leaving them somewhere unsure of their future.
Ok - here’s the tough part. There are worse alternatives than humanely helping your dog go to sleep for a very long time. Most people have difficulty with death as is evidenced with our treatment of humans. It is far more humane to know the fate of your dog, than to leave it to chance or someone else.
I say this because I get a lot of calls from people who want to know if I can take their dog or help them find someone who can because they don’t want to take them to a shelter. There is a much better chance of adoption through a shelter where people are actively looking, than anywhere else. If, the choice has to be made by the already-over-filled shelter to “put your dog down” after a specific period of time, on behalf of your dog, I’d like to say there are worse things.
I hate writing this. I hate that dogs are euthanized by the thousands daily. What choice is there as long as people don’t spay or neuter their pets? That’s only part of the problem. The dogs that are being abandoned now may have been spayed and once came from a shelter. They deserve nothing less than humane treatment.
I welcome your thoughts, comments, and suggestions.
