Hi, our names are Zoe and Mac. We are both Labradoodles. As you can see, we have different looks. We are willing to leave our home so we can live with you and your family in the White House. This letter is difficult to type. We don’t know why racoons were given opposing thumbs and we weren’t. Maybe this is something you can answer while you are President.
Other than the fact that we are both “mixes” (something we thought you could relate to) we are also sweet, smart, and kind - which makes us a perfect addition to your family.
We would hate to leave our current home, but we have to tell you, as nice as it is, it’s not the White House! We both look good on camera and that is important given your work. We come completely housebroken, very healthy, and love children. We are great at keeping secrets and can be guard dogs when needed; although, we admit that isn’t our favorite thing to do. Please let us know if you are interested in meeting us.
We anxiously await your response. Congratulations! With all our love and licks. . .
Zoe and Mac
(If you would be so kind - please don’t tell our current family we wrote to you. Our internet privileges are sure to end if they find out.)
Most of us have an understanding of what it means to be comfortable in our own skin. It means we are confident with ourselves. We may not be thrilled with who we are in every aspect but we don’t resist being who we are. I am finding that being comfortable in our own skin also applies to dogs.
I love working with insecure/timid dogs. I know that within each of them is a solid Being. They may never be completely comfortable in their own fur, around other people, or other dogs; but, there’s nothing like the reward of having a dog with an abusive past, demonstrate a level of comfort in Being themselves.
A low self esteem in a human leads to poor choices and co-dependency with those who give them attention. It’s not so different with dogs. Low self esteem in my Great Dane shows up as timidness, insecurity, and neediness.
I hear others say of large dogs, “they don’t know their size - they think they are little dogs.” I disagree. I think she knows very well how huge she is but doesn’t know what to do with herself. Try though she might to get into my lap, her head is the only body part that fits. I think she dreams of being little and then awakens to her giant body filled with big uncertainties.
We’re working together on her insecurities and she is becoming more independent and secure. She is learning to be more comfortable in her own skin, uh - fur.
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 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.
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.
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!
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!
Other than the fact that we are both “mixes” (something we thought you could relate to) we are also sweet, smart, and kind - which makes us a perfect addition to your family.
