tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47164263267836558712023-11-15T23:47:31.388-08:00I Love Your Furry FacePaigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255988141623214002noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716426326783655871.post-36867219908638705562011-08-25T05:23:00.000-07:002011-08-25T05:49:26.503-07:00What We As Rescuers Always Think About<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfdZ_9pbOmjKJefztBteemjtNKucaK-uYijz6IXUao4rf32aoIAQJLvV3lYtmmcJQJX-YOYsHpCH2O7l9Vfmk6bZy3jkfLBDfVVOc9J41Ovexog_5jfhZsLnseQWh99xDL8tjPuM3l37L/s1600/59471_492451710129_282575600129_7001727_789349_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfdZ_9pbOmjKJefztBteemjtNKucaK-uYijz6IXUao4rf32aoIAQJLvV3lYtmmcJQJX-YOYsHpCH2O7l9Vfmk6bZy3jkfLBDfVVOc9J41Ovexog_5jfhZsLnseQWh99xDL8tjPuM3l37L/s400/59471_492451710129_282575600129_7001727_789349_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644774791028173666" /></a>
<br />I wanted to share a blog that I follow a lot. It's called Zen Habits (zenhabits.net). I love the posts, they always offer some truth about life and I go away feeling more peaceful about what I'm doing with mine. This one is about feeling that what you're doing is good enough....which I know people in rescue ALWAYS feel...what if I could have saved this one or that one...you all know what I mean.
<br />
<br />If you want some inspiring, uplifting short blogposts to read, you should subscribe to zenhabits.net.
<br />
<br />Here is the post called THE TRAGEDY OF MISSING OUT:
<br />
<br />http://zenhabits.net/miss/
<br />
<br />Hope you like it!Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255988141623214002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716426326783655871.post-64865477756604393082011-07-24T09:48:00.001-07:002011-07-24T09:48:53.837-07:00Mom and pups Need Help in Angier, NC<object width="250" height="250"><param name="movie" value="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/b75954e86beb3373"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="event_title" value="Save%20this%20family%20living%20out%20in%20the%20heat%21"></param><embed src="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/b75954e86beb3373" flashVars="event_title=Save%20this%20family%20living%20out%20in%20the%20heat%21" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" wmode="transparent" width="250" height="250"></embed></object>Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255988141623214002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716426326783655871.post-12109382227521067552011-05-07T06:22:00.001-07:002011-05-07T18:44:58.493-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitX6d0CHSVSw4nlmhHQ2J6WTjgilfZ-YGUpqEC3Som_1DGb19fknGtRNlcWMleDaNi3Ub6HFV6tR8pkNVbwb_Z3baV6PqIKIY98g4HHzxU_0tDJd7f8PfmKZ2RvKVJlz0-ph6UWX82ksB9/s1600/CAPTIONsweetest+pit+bull+with+kids+contest+winnerMichelle+Anderson+Zechmann+3_31_11.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitX6d0CHSVSw4nlmhHQ2J6WTjgilfZ-YGUpqEC3Som_1DGb19fknGtRNlcWMleDaNi3Ub6HFV6tR8pkNVbwb_Z3baV6PqIKIY98g4HHzxU_0tDJd7f8PfmKZ2RvKVJlz0-ph6UWX82ksB9/s400/CAPTIONsweetest+pit+bull+with+kids+contest+winnerMichelle+Anderson+Zechmann+3_31_11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603975723507594994" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrOqcgyrDFlS-LyyjlWh7goHwsg1XeZ5wXpvKt-oALdESkRTmA5FroAqVJutb-3Exf1t36CIHglZHWKNhb473BTpjB-m4VKQIbs8ZXE1xeJ0RCH38ZiSK-ytr_sxStdqM5Na10KDx0DZPa/s1600/CAPTIONBEST+smile+judges+choice.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrOqcgyrDFlS-LyyjlWh7goHwsg1XeZ5wXpvKt-oALdESkRTmA5FroAqVJutb-3Exf1t36CIHglZHWKNhb473BTpjB-m4VKQIbs8ZXE1xeJ0RCH38ZiSK-ytr_sxStdqM5Na10KDx0DZPa/s400/CAPTIONBEST+smile+judges+choice.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603975716219929618" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWpBP7PNKJw7SY23O1m5Ezq7EdBMSNxFp406DlLGbPsiCTNhZmwaD6l96PMHEpKfYBMBb-B37wGFafg2texFBbzDP1K7mvy7eizavVm39TGkMy_G9eQxQYSKDzSpaPP_0X6hbGDDGxdyq/s1600/CAPTIONBEST+SMILE++people%2527s+choice.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWpBP7PNKJw7SY23O1m5Ezq7EdBMSNxFp406DlLGbPsiCTNhZmwaD6l96PMHEpKfYBMBb-B37wGFafg2texFBbzDP1K7mvy7eizavVm39TGkMy_G9eQxQYSKDzSpaPP_0X6hbGDDGxdyq/s400/CAPTIONBEST+SMILE++people%2527s+choice.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603975718925237026" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEBU2UBKoCdzq5SaTMo_KKcRk6S3cCE5S6GG68TpHP_hc3Hph5SbLzfWgC_0j2CVT7K6-IGUgFr346VQLksxEgAwMz1dZBE5a2LQXqeW97bmwT6uOmc7k4tGJ4DRGyIvjNiEbKplmpxoP/s1600/best+pit+bull+smile+contest.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEBU2UBKoCdzq5SaTMo_KKcRk6S3cCE5S6GG68TpHP_hc3Hph5SbLzfWgC_0j2CVT7K6-IGUgFr346VQLksxEgAwMz1dZBE5a2LQXqeW97bmwT6uOmc7k4tGJ4DRGyIvjNiEbKplmpxoP/s400/best+pit+bull+smile+contest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603975714115198322" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7ZucodT9JnD3Oh7RAzJrBYJZvIl49Jddi1RAiWCGIHnvz5LRBNtdvZKRhCfV54wgoO_1wXwl5pj9zYYyQnggl6S_FLw7RMgi4DLNhBbkPblKbVqr6qEa1y_Pms7H9ZSNi3AlivDjBLAq/s1600/MarisaMierek+WINNER+pit+bulls+as+family+contest.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7ZucodT9JnD3Oh7RAzJrBYJZvIl49Jddi1RAiWCGIHnvz5LRBNtdvZKRhCfV54wgoO_1wXwl5pj9zYYyQnggl6S_FLw7RMgi4DLNhBbkPblKbVqr6qEa1y_Pms7H9ZSNi3AlivDjBLAq/s400/MarisaMierek+WINNER+pit+bulls+as+family+contest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603974638309076610" border="0" /></a>We started doing some fun photo contests at The Positive Pit Bull a few months ago and the response has been overwhelming. It’s so obvious that there are many, many pit bulls out there that are well-loved, and well-taken care of by many RESPONSIBLE owners! My heart was warmed by ALL of the pictures that were submitted, and some of them made me laugh out loud when they popped up on my screen! The “BEST PIT BULL SMILE” contest is my favorite so far for funny pics. I hope that you will take the time to click through the photo albums of the three contests we’ve had so far, and YOUR hope will be restored like mine was, by looking at all the wonderful things people are doing with their pit bulls. Kind of counters some of the negative things we see and stories we hear about these, our favorite dogs on the planet.<br /><br />I’m including a sample of the winners pics that just made my day, but these are not all of them I feel this way about....there are just so many in those albums, and this blog is limited in what it will allow me to include.<br /><br />Enjoy! And please keep sending in your best shots of your pit bulls, it really does make my day, and I know it makes a lot of other people’s day too!<br /><br />For some reason, my photos loaded in wonky order, so I ended up captioning them so you can see what's what....The one that has a lot of photos in it shows the choices from the best pit bull smile contest that the judges had to choose from...they are hilarious! There were SO many great pit bull smile submissions, we may have to run this contest again! :)<div><br /></div><div>The white smiling dog is the PEOPLES CHOICE for winner of best pit bull smile and this one is truly hilarious! THANKS to Ashlie Burke for sending this GREAT shot in!<div><br /></div><div>The upside down dog is the JUDGES CHOICE for winner of the best pit bull smile contest! THIS will get you smiling if not laughing out loud! This was sent in from Ettel Edshteyn -THANKS ETTEL!</div><div><br /></div><div>The little girl in the grass is the winner of the SWEETEST PIT BULLS WITH KIDS photo contest! THANK YOU to Michelle Anderson Zechmann for this beautiful photo of a little girl kissing the big scary pit bull!! Woot! Can you say A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E.????<div><div><div><br />And finally, our third contest winner, PIT BULLS ARE FAMILY MEMBERS contest. THANK YOU to Marisa Mierek for this beautiful photo of her son with their beautiful pit bull Louie, who is a special needs dog....and IS part of their family!<br /><br />You pit bull fans ROCK! Thank you so much for loving the breed as much as we at The Positive Pit Bull do, and for treating your dog as a family member, and for spoiling him/her rotten, and then sharing it all with us. Please keep up the good fight of showing your dog in the most positive ways possible whenever you get a chance, and making a difference for pit bulls everywhere.<br /><br />We love you pit bull peeps!<br /><br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255988141623214002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716426326783655871.post-27139306445650446902011-01-06T10:52:00.001-08:002011-05-07T18:42:36.930-07:00COOKIE, Starved Dog Needs Help<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9eGrMOO703xY-kh11usrXdwfCVu30saHUmKVInPF7-sXKZdFEalhbgoVPXbqfmaRAFYgxAexAmV1Lzktu0cqzh919hgXaR7X-aG7C8GKyjZ-gx809Up7MLqiydxp7QnJpc0YiOyb5CcB/s1600/101_8725.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9eGrMOO703xY-kh11usrXdwfCVu30saHUmKVInPF7-sXKZdFEalhbgoVPXbqfmaRAFYgxAexAmV1Lzktu0cqzh919hgXaR7X-aG7C8GKyjZ-gx809Up7MLqiydxp7QnJpc0YiOyb5CcB/s400/101_8725.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559149737797530930" border="0" /></a><br /><object height="250" width="250"><param name="movie" value="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/87fb741d58cfc4a7"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="event_title" value="COOKIE%2C%20Starved%20dog%20needs%20help"><embed src="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/87fb741d58cfc4a7" flashvars="event_title=COOKIE%2C%20Starved%20dog%20needs%20help" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" wmode="transparent" height="250" width="250"></embed></object><br /><br />I would like to personally thank any of you who gave dollars to help me with Cookie. This girl has come a long way from where I picked up in her life and it's been made so much easier to do with the help from you, who truly cared about this girl. She is an absolute joy to be around and I hope to write about her and update everyone on her very soon!Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255988141623214002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716426326783655871.post-71314893132450353432010-12-16T16:28:00.000-08:002010-12-17T17:09:43.889-08:00Sunshine, my four year old pit bull foster trades her chains for pearls<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWPtXLUNlUbVVZDw4GM0mhOt8L0AxqxKB50Yw-_UyFHGzVTC2Xubs8HrhyphenhyphenG3-bUU2BWrPdPAujNeHrtWO7QqOnvEoNHaZbe-YEqj1GoidiywMUcqSoQY9gZOYRabd0gXUgz-KOVaWANd6/s1600/sspretty6mygirl.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWPtXLUNlUbVVZDw4GM0mhOt8L0AxqxKB50Yw-_UyFHGzVTC2Xubs8HrhyphenhyphenG3-bUU2BWrPdPAujNeHrtWO7QqOnvEoNHaZbe-YEqj1GoidiywMUcqSoQY9gZOYRabd0gXUgz-KOVaWANd6/s400/sspretty6mygirl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551809615970272002" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_9x8XB-_56MF5J8tVQ2OVgOTpAL0icn2l423vA5Is2e0WgWBFxqQFyVSjZfvJRnH1lYSTyfiErypSiFWoyIr5kr6SmO79xUvmJ9McY8L_CU0PfcWDyPnb84VKc5w5yPsWxYa33rXj_rJ/s1600/sunshineisfree.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_9x8XB-_56MF5J8tVQ2OVgOTpAL0icn2l423vA5Is2e0WgWBFxqQFyVSjZfvJRnH1lYSTyfiErypSiFWoyIr5kr6SmO79xUvmJ9McY8L_CU0PfcWDyPnb84VKc5w5yPsWxYa33rXj_rJ/s320/sunshineisfree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551805430912707394" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiisDEXPkWauWzxybBIIanO9HXLAHT0cdrzln8sfX4s5ya0z0g6KLQxW5JsoFt1gUSOQ6zW_nMNVFhUtvijPYa_nLFkh7OeN8yBbB9JOPWNULjgf9nsja8JBPhErtbb-AAC6BGFuZoAvNv/s1600/sunshineandpaigebonding.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 204px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiisDEXPkWauWzxybBIIanO9HXLAHT0cdrzln8sfX4s5ya0z0g6KLQxW5JsoFt1gUSOQ6zW_nMNVFhUtvijPYa_nLFkh7OeN8yBbB9JOPWNULjgf9nsja8JBPhErtbb-AAC6BGFuZoAvNv/s320/sunshineandpaigebonding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551805218017358194" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">first heard about this little 4 yr old pit bull named Sunshine who was chained on an 8 foot chain in the NC mountains thru Facebook postings that kept circulating and pleading for a foster home. One of my FB friends, Tammy Townsend, kept sending out her story and one weekend in November, it got into the low 30's in my town, and I knew Sunshine was located in the NC mountains, a colder climate by at least 10-15 degrees. This made me very angry, and I quickly posted, "Won't someone let her into their f-ing garage for the night????". The answer was no. The family who had Sunshine also had three other chained dogs as well, who they apparently "loved", but were not willing to share their home with.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">It was then that I made the decision. I would foster Sunshine. Mind you, I have three other pit bulls that I own and live with, and there were a mountain of unknowns about this decision....this was a dog I'd never met! Would Sunshine be aggressive after living on a chain her ENTIRE life?...How would I acclimate her to indoor life when all she's ever known is living on the end of a cold metal chain? She's been on a chain every day, 24/7 for her WHOLE life...how would she even know how to behave if she came inside? Where to start? So I decided to think logically about the steps it would take to get this girl ready to live the life of a pit bull princess, which of course is every pit bull's dream...but to go from one extreme to the other....logically how would I do it?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">I thought about it, and I thought logically it would make sense to ease her in, little by little, by starting off with her outside as she is used to....I mean, bringing her inside, plopping her into a crate and leaving for work was NOT going to work out....THAT I felt sure of. So I decided to get her a pen. Mind you, I live in downtown Raleigh, where dogs are not kept in pens...that is what people who live in the country do....BUT I was determined to make Sunshine's transition from chains to princess life a gradual one, so as not to freak her out too much. I didn't want to scare her. I wanted to slowly teach her just how great (and comfortable!) life could be when you lived as part of a family...inside! I set out looking for a really nice pen. The one I really liked was for sale new at a farm supply store for $500...but I didn't have $500! I really wanted to borrow a pen....I didn't have any plan to have a dog pen inside my backyard for an extended amount of time. After reading up on pens, I discovered that pit bulls who are determined to escape (and they are known as escape artist dogs) can chew through chain link because it is made of a soft metal. The pen I had found at the store was made of welded wire, and a very heavy gauge, where it would be very unlikely to be escaped. There was even a top piece you could buy for an extra $150 to make it more difficult in case the dog got any ideas about climbing out. Of course I would also need a dog house...she couldn't be expected to just sleep on the exposed ground!</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">I searched on Craigslist and in no time at all I found the very pen I had seen at the store! It was in good shape, and the people only wanted $250 for it! With the help of FB folks who had been following her story and who donated to her cause, it sounded great to me! A friend offered to drive me out to the country to pick it up with his truck and trailer, and when we got there, the seller offered the top piece thrown in! They even gave me their old dog house. I was so excited for Sunshine! We got it all home and sanded off the rough spots of rust, repainted it and set it up! It was perfect!! NOW I was ready to have Sunshine move in!</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">Sunshine came to me through a highly choreographed group of five transporters, arranged by Tammy T., who assigned each person a leg of the route to bring Little Miss Sunshine a step closer and closer to me at each handoff. Kathy Carrico was the last person who drove Sunshine to actually hand her off to me. We visited for a few minutes outside the cars and Kathy walked Sunshine while I printed some adoption bios for the very next day's Positive Pit Bull adoption event. Then, after we took a few pictures, me with Sunshine and Kathy with her, I put Sunshine into my car (i had set up a crate but I put her on the front seat to ride beside me) and we went driving back to Raleigh, Sunshine's new temp. home with me! She was apprehensive, and understandably scared. I mean, she had never moved outside of an 8 foot square for all of the four years she'd been alive! It was a big world to her! I drove her through the Mcdonald's drive thru, where I ordered her a cheeseburger. She ate it very delicately, but was obviously excited about the TASTES of being chain-free! She seemed very happy but still very apprehensive, as if she didn't know what to expect next. After her cheeseburger, she settled down and fell asleep in the front seat!</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">I got her home and let her out in the back yard to explore a little. I put her into her brand new pen, doghouse freshly stuffed with hay to burrow in as well as a kuranda bed outside the doghouse for lounging. She sat on the kuranda bed staring at the back of my house, whining. I decided to go inside for ten minutes, then come back to check on her. She was in the same position, staring and whining. So I brought her in. From the minute Sunshine came inside, it was like she knew all along she was meant to be a princess, only noone ever gave her the chance. She sat on the couch with me immediately, curled up and went to sleep. Only had one accident inside, even though she has been an outdoor girl her whole life. She blended with my dogs beautifully! Of course introductions are best when done slowly, so I let Cricket outside with her to begin with. She showed only a mild interest in Cricket, but no aggression whatsoever! Next, was Rocco and Georgie, same reaction, she pretty much ran around the yard with them, but sniffing and exploring on her own mostly. Perfect! I couldn't have asked for a better progression than this! next, I wanted to see what would happen when I introduced her to the crate. I threw in a HIGH value treat. She looked at it but did not approach. I threw in another, she took a step toward and put one foot in, nose busily sniffing as hard as she could. One more treat and she went in! I quickly shut the door and walked out of the room. I wanted to give her about ten minutes then come back to check on her. She didn't make one peep, even with being in a crate for the first time in her life! When I checked on her, she was SLEEPING in the crate!!</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">I think Sunshine is just so grateful to be inside, where she isn't freezing constantly, where she has some companionship playing with the other dogs, and some attention from a human who loves her FINALLY, that she just knew what to do to fit in. She is happy to have traded her chains for her new shiny white Pit Bull Pearls she is wearing a lot these days. And my dogs and myself have welcomed her into our lives with open arms, our hearts bursting with love for her.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">Sunshine has recently tested positive for heartworms. :( The rescue (Marley's Cat Tales and Dogs Too) who is helping with her medical bills said she would have been dead within three weeks if I hadn't stepped up to take her in. She will receive her first treatment this Saturday, then come home to stay inside her crate 24/7 for a whole month. No worries though, I'll be there to care for her and encourage her through it. It's the least I can do for a dog who has never known real love.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">A foster dog can be a lot of things that aren't very attractive: trouble, more effort, sick, needy, dirty, and can seem like more trouble than they're worth sometimes. But if you've never done it, you'll get something out of it that's unexpected and you owe it to yourself to do it once. Your foster dog will teach you more about compassion and love than you ever knew before, and your heart will literally never be the same. The rewards far outweigh the trouble you thought it'd be in the beginning and you will be a better person for it. Noone can really tell you this. You have to just do it once and see for yourself. When that dog eventually does find the forever home he/she is meant to be in, you will feel like dying from your loss, but I'd be willing to bet you'll do it again.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">I challenge every person to go to your local shelter and look into the eyes of each dog there. One will speak to you and you'll know that's the one who needs you most. Become a foster for your shelter today and let's work on making the world a NOKILL world!</span>Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255988141623214002noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716426326783655871.post-85986513278805347832010-06-21T05:03:00.000-07:002010-06-21T06:10:32.694-07:00NORTH CAROLINA SUMMER Pet SafetyWith the summers in the south getting hotter earlier and lasting longer into the year, pet owners should take precautionary measures for their pets if they must be outside for any length of time. Heat in North Carolina can make it a life or death situation for our animals, so please take the time to ensure your pet's needs are met and they have what they need to survive.<br /><br />HOT WEATHER: Companion animals should be brought inside. If an animal must be left outside, there must be full shade and plenty of water for him to access. However, when temperatures and humidity soar, as with every day in the North Carolina summers, these precautions are not enough and you will risk the death of your animal by leaving him/her outdoors. If you come home to an outside animal that is rapidly panting, lethargic, is restless and has excessive thirst,he may be experiencing heat exhaustion. Dogs have a very limited ability to sweat to cool themselves, only through the pads of their feet and their mouths. If you notice your dog has these symptoms and has been subjected to the extreme heat, immerse him in a tub of cool water, whether in a baby pool, or inside in your own bathtub. Contact your veterinarian immediately. If you see another dog left outside without proper provisions, call the local animal control or police department.<br /><br />EXERCISE: Take precautionary measures when exercising your pet during the summer. Limit the amount of time and frequency spent exercising when temps and humidity are high, since pets cannot sweat of perspire like humans. Their body temperature can increase rapidly and if they overdo it, brain damage can or even death can occur. If you want to make sure they get their exercise during the summer months, limit strenuous activity to eaarly morning or late evening hours, and make sure they have plenty of cool water before and after the exercise. Alternately, consider an indoor treadmill that you and your pet can use, but make sure your pet only uses it for five minutes at a time.<br /><br />CARS AND PETS: Leaving your pet inside a vehicle (while you just run inside for a minute) can prove dangerous or fatal in just a few minutes. Leaving windows open can invite people to steal your dog and other items inside your car. NEVER leave your dog in a car in summer under any circumstances. If you have to run errands and just want to bring your dog along for the ride, please don't. Leave him at home where you know he can be safe. If you see another dog left inside a car in summer, call your local animal control and/or the police.<br /><br />TOXIC PLANTS: Even chemicals on your lawn can be toxic to your dog. Read labels carefully and make sure to water down your lawn after fertilizing, being sure to let it dry completely before your dog goes out again. Here is a list of plants that may be toxic to your dog:<br /><dl><dt><b>Poisonous Plants by Category</b> </dt><dd> <p style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 10px; float: right; width: 160px; height: 600px;"> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1082817881769985"; /* domainID-dogpack.com - AdsenseID-0260036649 */ google_ad_slot = "0260036649"; google_ad_width = 160; google_ad_height = 600; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><script>google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad);</script><ins style="border: medium none ; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; display: inline-table; height: 600px; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 160px;"><ins style="border: medium none ; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; display: block; height: 600px; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 160px;"><iframe allowtransparency="true" hspace="0" id="google_ads_frame5" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_frame" src="http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-1082817881769985&output=html&h=600&slotname=0260036649&w=160&lmt=1258161201&flash=10.0.22&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogpack.com%2Fhealth%2Fpoisonplants.htm&dt=1277125512837&shv=r20100607&prev_slotnames=5773235356%2C6132749138%2C3593120516%2C3299556125&correlator=1277125511707&frm=0&adk=1951848016&ga_vid=1494993908.1277125513&ga_sid=1277125513&ga_hid=349834791&ga_fc=0&ga_wpids=UA-8107885-11&u_tz=-240&u_his=3&u_java=1&u_h=900&u_w=1440&u_ah=878&u_aw=1436&u_cd=24&u_nplug=8&u_nmime=86&biw=1249&bih=735&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26source%3Dweb%26cd%3D1%26ved%3D0CCEQFjAA%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.dogpack.com%252Fhealth%252Fpoisonplants.htm%26rct%3Dj%26q%3Dtoxic%2Bplants%2Bto%2Bdogs%26ei%3D9GMfTMvXNoWBlAegpcSRDQ%26usg%3DAFQjCNGJfABYqsr5IrTF0y-qfCyQGLHFYQ&fu=0&ifi=5&dtd=6&xpc=zw0SAgfsu7&p=http%3A//www.dogpack.com" style="left: 0pt; position: absolute; top: 0pt;" vspace="0" frameborder="0" height="600" scrolling="no" width="160"></iframe></ins></ins> </p> <ul><li><b><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 0);">Bulbs:</span></b> <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01826.htm">Amaryllis</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01833.htm">Autumn Crocus</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01857.htm">Daffodil</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01858.htm">Day Lily</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01862.htm">Elephant Ears</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01873.htm">Gladiolas</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01885.htm">Hyacinth</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01887.htm">Iris</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01894.htm">Lily of the Valley</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01904.htm">Narcissus</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01910.htm">Orange Day Lily</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01939.htm">Tulip</a></li><li><b><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 0);">Ferns:</span></b> <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01831.htm">Aparagus Fern</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01832.htm">Australian Nut</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01863.htm">Emerald Feather (aka Emerald Fern)</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01864.htm">Emerald Fern (aka Emerald Feather)</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01892.htm"> Lace Fern</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01914.htm">Plumosa Fern</a> </li><li><b><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 0);">Flowering Plants:</span></b> <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01856.htm">Cyclamen</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01886.htm">Hydrangea</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01891.htm">Kalanchoe</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01915.htm">Poinsettia</a></li><li><b><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 0);">Garden Perennials:</span></b> <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01846.htm">Charming Diffenbachia</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01849.htm">Christmas Rose</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01867.htm">Flamingo Plant</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01870.htm">Foxglove</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01898.htm">Marijuana</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01902.htm">Morning Glory</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01907.htm">Nightshade</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01909.htm">Onion</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01936.htm">Tomato Plant</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01938.htm">Tropic Snow Dumbcane</a></li><li><b><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 0);">House Plants:</span></b> <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01845.htm">Ceriman (aka Cutleaf Philodendron)</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01848.htm">Chinese Evergreen</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01851.htm">Cordatum</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01853.htm">Corn Plant (aka Cornstalk Plant)</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01854.htm">Cutleaf Philodendron (aka Ceriman)</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01859.htm">Devil's Ivy</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01860.htm">Dumb Cane</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01877.htm">Golden Pothos</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01878.htm">Green Gold Nephthysis</a>,<a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01897.htm"> Marble Queen</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01899.htm">Mauna Loa Peace Lily</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01906.htm">Nephthytis</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01912.htm">Peace Lily</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01920.htm">Red-Margined Dracaena</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01931.htm">Striped Dracaena</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01934.htm">Taro Vine</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01942.htm">Warneckei Dracaena</a> </li><li><b><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 0);">Lillies: </span></b><a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01830.htm">Asian Lily (liliaceae)</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01861.htm">Easter Lily,</a> <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01874.htm">Glory Lily</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01888.htm">Japanese Show Lily</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01919.htm">Red Lily</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01924.htm">Rubrum Lily</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01930.htm">Stargazer Lily</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01935.htm">Tiger Lily</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01943.htm">Wood Lily</a></li><li><b><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 0);">Shrubs:</span></b> <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01855.htm">Cycads</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01881.htm">Heavenly Bamboo</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01882.htm">Holly</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01890.htm">Jerusalem Cherry</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01901.htm">Mistletoe "American"</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01908.htm">Oleander</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01916.htm">Precatory Bean</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01922.htm">Rhododendron</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01925.htm">Saddle Leaf Philodendron</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01926.htm">Sago Palm</a>,<a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01937.htm"> Tree Philodendron</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01946.htm">Yucca</a> </li><li><b><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 0);">Succulents:</span></b> <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01947.htm">Aloe (Aloe Vera)</a></li><li><b><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 0);">Trees:</span></b> <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01834.htm">Avocado</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01841.htm">Buddist Pine</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01847.htm">Chinaberry Tree</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01889.htm">Japanese Yew (aka Yew)</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01893.htm">Lacy Tree</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01895.h6m">Macadamia Nut</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01896.htm">Madagascar Dragon Tree</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01917.htm">Queensland Nut</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01928.htm">Schefflera</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01945.htm">Yew (aka Japanese Yew)</a></li><li><b><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 0);">Vines:</span></b> <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01864.htm">Branching Ivy</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01865.htm">English Ivy</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01838.htm">European Bittersweet</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01872.htm">Glacier Ivy</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01879.htm">Hahn's self branching English Ivy</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01905.htm">Needlepoint Ivy</a></li><li><b><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 0);">Misc/Uncategorized:</span></b> <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01837.htm">American Bittersweet</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01829.htm">Andromeda Japonica</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01835.htm">Azalea</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01836.htm">Bird of Paradise</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01840.htm">Buckeye</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01842.htm">Caladium hortulanum</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01843.htm">Calla Lily</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01844.htm">Castor Bean</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01850.htm">Clematis</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01866.htm">Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01868.htm">Florida Beauty</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01871.htm">Fruit Salad Plant</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01875.htm">Golden Dieffenbachia</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01876.htm">Gold Dust Dracaena</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01880.htm">Heartleaf Philodendron</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01883.htm">Horsehead Philodendron</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01884.htm">Hurricane Plant</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01900.htm">Mexican Breadfruit</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01903.htm">Mother-in-law</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01911.htm">Panda</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01913.htm">Philodendron Pertusum</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01918.htm">Red Emerald</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01921.htm">Red Princess</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01923.htm">Ribbon Plant</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01927.htm">Satin Pothos</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01929.htm">Spotted Dumb Cane</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01932.htm">Sweetheart Ivy</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01933.htm">Swiss Cheese Plant</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01940.htm">Variable Dieffenbachia</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01941.htm">Variegated Philodendron</a>, <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/ext/www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http:');" href="http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?style=User&url=http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01944.htm">Yesterday/Today/Tomorrow</a></li></ul> </dd></dl>Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255988141623214002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716426326783655871.post-59426854704963082702010-06-21T04:50:00.000-07:002010-06-21T04:59:35.551-07:00Why Dogs Chew Things and How to Teach Them What Is and What Is Not AllowedDogs love to chew. It's one of the things they do and you might as well get ready for it. Chewing helps puppies ease their pain during teething time and adult dogs ease stress/anxiety. It is our job as dog owners to teach our dogs what items are allowed to be chewed on and which ones are not.<br />Dogs have no way of knowing that shoes and other items are off limits unless WE teach them.<br /><br />We want to allow the chewing behavior since it is a natural behavior that they will do, but we want to show them which items are theirs to chew.<br /><br />Begin by picking up anything that you do not want chewed on: your shoes, pocketbook, clothing items, books, magazines, etc. When your dog pays attention to and begins to chew on an appropriate item, shower him with attention and praise! He will quickly learn that whenever he chews on THIS item, he gets everything he wants...the toy, AND attention from you! Chewing on the right toy is the best thing he could possibly do!<br /><br />Chewing CAN be a positive thing, when you work WITH your dog, instead of trying to correct him for chewing things YOU left lying around in the first place!Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255988141623214002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716426326783655871.post-39679497023014526732010-04-17T04:59:00.000-07:002010-04-17T08:08:28.576-07:00Fostering Odie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60jAOFE-sFfRvqrUipA0AECjwNK0bqNGI49kFmi5seWedf53gNMTscErTbzppsfjG0ye9a6dLbQHhOh5QiULdGN_q-71x6D2Xl6TVyiboY0igNfq-dXIuLqKLXDnK7lbgc_hzH6IUIwcZ/s1600/odieafterabath.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60jAOFE-sFfRvqrUipA0AECjwNK0bqNGI49kFmi5seWedf53gNMTscErTbzppsfjG0ye9a6dLbQHhOh5QiULdGN_q-71x6D2Xl6TVyiboY0igNfq-dXIuLqKLXDnK7lbgc_hzH6IUIwcZ/s320/odieafterabath.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461085524537054194" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznIhPni3c8OqhJh5U2j6j2oVlA2tr64EyvuZWybIYaTxjFkbngMYL8rqDhjYQ2-nHpFdHYqHFFJlLEeIxA7fejHrc_GmrtRAUDVqSNqU6VRVrIVaWlHqUyPybW91-Yz9CTt-NHbTCKouv/s1600/Odie+blog+pic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznIhPni3c8OqhJh5U2j6j2oVlA2tr64EyvuZWybIYaTxjFkbngMYL8rqDhjYQ2-nHpFdHYqHFFJlLEeIxA7fejHrc_GmrtRAUDVqSNqU6VRVrIVaWlHqUyPybW91-Yz9CTt-NHbTCKouv/s320/Odie+blog+pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461085517275483106" border="0" /></a><br />I visited Best Friends Animal Sanctuary for the first time in April of 2009. What an amazing rescue operation it is, and the biggest in the country! My reason for going was that I was interested in working with some of the Michael Vick dogs...I had followed the story closely and wanted to see first hand how dogs who'd been through such an abusive past would behave after being worked with by trainers for nearly a year. The ones I met and was able to walk still had fear issues and crouched to the ground when we'd walk on a leash. The damage sustained from whatever hell they endured while being owned by Mr. Vick was palpable. It was obvious they'd endured a lot of bad and not enough, if any, good, before arriving at Best Friends Sanctuary.<br />While I was visiting, I met a little pittie named Odie, who'd been at the sanctuary for awhile. He'd come there as a stray from L.A. and developed a fence running/barrier aggression problem, since there were other big dogs on both sides of his wire fenced area. He looked tired. As a general rule, pit bulls do not fare well in a kennel environment for very long.<br />Best Friends has a policy that allows visitors to take a dog off the property for an "overnight" if they'd like to. This gives the dog a short break from his kennel life, and allows him to decompress a little and get a taste of living with a human, instead of inside a wire run 24 hrs a day, seven days a week. I decided I wanted to take Odie on an overnight and took him to stay with me in my hotel room. Odie is a white dog, but he was basically tinted a red color from living in the red sand desert at the sanctuary. I wanted to give him a bath so he could feel "new" again, but my room had no tub. I brought him into the bathroom and filled the ice bucket about a million times with warm soapy water that I poured over him in the shower, until he was shining white again. He looked beautiful! I then wrapped him in a blanket and put him up on the bed, thinking, by the time I get out of the shower, he'll have destroyed everything in the room! To my surprise he was in the exact same position asleep on the bed!<br />When I returned him the next day, I mentioned to Best Friends that I would foster him, honestly not knowing if they did that...I mean the sanctuary is in Utah and I live in NC! They shipped him to me within a couple of months and now he's been with me for about 8 months.<br />Yesterday I got an email that someone's adoption app went through for Odie and that we'd soon be making arrangements to fly him to Maryland to live in his new home. I cried like a baby when I got this news...because as much as I want him to have his own home with no other male dogs (he's DA with males), I have fallen in love with him at the same time and secretly (and selfishly) want him to stay here.<br />The new home is actually perfect for Odie. There is only one other dog, and it is a female, which Odie will love! He will be more in the spotlight, where now he is here with my other two dogs that I do therapy work with a lot. He will get to stay out of his crate more, since the husband works from home. He'll get lots of leash walks with his person and new doggie friend.<br />Alright, the new home IS actually perfect for him. I am feeling somewhat better today after getting my big cry about it over with last night.<br />I will follow Odie and keep up with how he's doing through his new family and I'll think about him often and about how we bonded while he was with me. I feel great that I could be his "bridge" while he adjusted to living in a home, and waiting for his forever home to come along.<br />Fostering a dog is a very emotional thing to do, and not for the faint of heart! I'd highly recommend it.Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255988141623214002noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716426326783655871.post-77869276987246171832009-11-15T10:59:00.000-08:002009-11-15T13:23:27.998-08:00Early Socialization is Key to Avoiding Aggression Later<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUfva5rBqgx6hesP2eSZkRxaxKZylMR89qlDR2NHtx3mTY7XCo8eBvu6iv88jkJ1U1eBNXG8kcd2TBvfI2z1_LKq6VITWWTZ4_2smIvrjBikl7cgbus6kicrKwS6Vs5KqWQyfdO2eULZA/s1600-h/kidswithpuppies.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 281px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUfva5rBqgx6hesP2eSZkRxaxKZylMR89qlDR2NHtx3mTY7XCo8eBvu6iv88jkJ1U1eBNXG8kcd2TBvfI2z1_LKq6VITWWTZ4_2smIvrjBikl7cgbus6kicrKwS6Vs5KqWQyfdO2eULZA/s320/kidswithpuppies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404443930551516258" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">One of the best gifts you can give to your dog (and to yourself and your family) is early socialization. This will help minimize the chances of many behavioral problems, including aggression, later on in his life. Dogs that are not socialized are the ones who are much more likely to develop behavioral problems later, and working on it early with your puppy can save you headaches down the road.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The most effective age to socialize your puppy is between the ages of 3 and 14 weeks old, the age when a puppy is most accepting of all kinds of people and situations. If puppies are not exposed to children, the elderly, different races, etc. or any particular group of people while young, they can be fearful of these groups later in life and aggression can be the reaction to them. It is important to expose the puppy to as many different people as early as possible. This will build his confidence, and make him better able to cope with new situations as he matures. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Socialization may start when the puppy is young, but it is truly a lifelong effort on the part of the owner, in making a great dog! Good owners should encourage and reinforce social skills and maintain training exercises throughout the life of the dog. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Participating in a puppy training class by the time your puppy is 4 months old will go a long way in helping your puppy gain confidence and being able to deal with many situations later in an acceptable way. The puppy's training, however, should not stop there. Dogs need continuous training and socialization throughout their whole lives to keep them in good practice with their good behaviors you've taught.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div>Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255988141623214002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716426326783655871.post-41958233578711939012009-07-21T18:32:00.000-07:002009-07-21T18:35:42.841-07:00Should Vick play pro football again?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; ">Absolutely not. He is the poster boy for the moral failure that has become so widespread in our modern society. He is the type of person that has no regard for any value for life and he infects those around him with that mentality. It's who he is, it's how he grew up, and it is so ingrained in him, it cannot be undone. Football stars are heroes that mainstream America puts on a pedestal. Little kids want to be like them. Do we really want the majority of our society, the ones who are largely unable to think for themselves, to see that as an example? To think that fighting dogs is cool? What a terrifying thought. No matter if he apologizes, and shows remorse for what he's done, which he has not done as of yet, after serving 2 years in prison for the crimes. No matter how well his PR team and law team groom and train him to act and coach him on what to say so that he may gain sympathy and possibly trust again from some. No way. No how. No football deal.<br /><br />M. Burris<br /><div>Raleigh, NC</div><div><br /></div><div>(sent in to Sports Illustrated question)</div></span>Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255988141623214002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716426326783655871.post-58944453028910963002009-05-14T13:33:00.000-07:002009-05-14T13:41:46.292-07:00"It's Just A Dog"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdw2evzRa6fFVxSi6e2MVK15RQe1moMTQFWVx4Vn-ohV8daAPWCWeT_77ELAUPYClHcoLfMQBDe1qE3Hlc6ORedfyMTU6YOxhz63wqnsppbO1VTrCt0uKSCNkbSl0YwLhvKcuLJ6TQERQ/s1600-h/DSCN0942.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdw2evzRa6fFVxSi6e2MVK15RQe1moMTQFWVx4Vn-ohV8daAPWCWeT_77ELAUPYClHcoLfMQBDe1qE3Hlc6ORedfyMTU6YOxhz63wqnsppbO1VTrCt0uKSCNkbSl0YwLhvKcuLJ6TQERQ/s320/DSCN0942.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335781723869665874" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Sorry I've been gone for awhile, been dealing with some health issues, but I'm Back!! Back in action to help all the animals I can!</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Ran across this cool piece by a girl named Brandy Henderson on the web and she gave me permission to run it here. It speaks to those who might look at animals as "less than". They just don't understand.</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times">“It’s Just a Dog” </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times">If you read the title and are still reading this, I hope it is out of anger or morbid curiosity, wondering, “How could anyone say such a thing?” If not, this piece is for you.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times">To anyone who says, “It’s just a dog:”</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times">You are the reason rescues exist, why thousands of dogs die everyday in shelters, homeless and unwanted.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times">You are the backyard breeder or puppy miller, who looks at a dog and sees dollar signs, who cares nothing for the inevitable decline in the dog’s health after having litter upon litter of puppies, nor for the countless dogs who will now die in shelters because the puppies you breed have taken up their homes.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times">You are the supporter of these backyard breeders and puppy mills, willing to pay $500 or more for a puppy rather than $90 for a rescued dog, because having a pedigree to show off to friends is more important than saving the life of a true and loyal companion.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times">You are the one who trains dogs to fight, whether for sport or protection, thus abusing your dog and bringing the call for the extermination of an entire breed of perfectly wonderful dogs.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times">You are the one who thinks nothing of putting your dog to sleep because it doesn’t go with the furniture, or it urinates on the carpet, while at the same time balking at the thought of spanking an unruly child.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times">You are the one who dumps your dog at the shelter when you move, because you’re too lazy to find pet-friendly housing.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times">You are the one who keeps your dog tied up outside, only bothering to provide the occasional bowls of food and water and possibly a tree for shade, because after all, it is just a dog, right?</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times">To the 90 year old woman in the nursing home, abandoned by her family, yearning for companionship, stroking the fur of a new friend with the words “Therapy Dog” on its side, it’s not just a dog.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times">To the young child who has become literate by reading aloud to a dog in the classroom, it’s not just a dog.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times">To the person with skin cancer who had it detected by a dog when the doctors couldn’t, it’s not just a dog.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times">To the blind man who now can see through his companion, it’s not just a dog.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times">To anyone who has been in bed, sick with the flu, and has felt the warmth of that cold nose as he curls up between your legs to give you comfort, it’s not just a dog.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times">To anyone who comes home from a hard day of work to be greeted by someone who’s so happy to see you they can’t stop wiggling, it’s not just a dog.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times">To anyone who has cried at Old Yeller, because they know what it’s like to lose their best friend, to know that their friend is suffering and though it may be hard, the best thing to do is to help them go peacefully, it’s not just a dog.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times">When you say, “It’s just a dog,” you really mean, “Why should I care about it? Dogs aren’t important. They’re useless. They don’t give anything to us, so why should I give them anything in return? Why do I have to care about their feelings? They don’t matter in the grand scheme of things. It’s just a dog.”</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times">To everyone who says, “It’s just a dog,” I just have this to say to you:</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times">“You’re just a human.”</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"> </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times">Posted with permission</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times">Copyright 2006 Brandy Henderson</p>Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255988141623214002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716426326783655871.post-67943430588639376382008-11-24T10:21:00.000-08:002008-11-25T06:47:32.485-08:00My Pit Bulls Are Now Therapy Dogs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7r7o7WaajYUhapZ0rb_-x0K2gMP9frlVgYd7k-NDOV8fzPCvZm9wFYbVZqk5GHc3du6igEIAErIPx7D7aY6DFIakGFPd8j760LLrLiDwKGXMsWq7vwtaDjSuw5LSC4AJ2IWdf6kHKTCX/s1600-h/mythree.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 90px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7r7o7WaajYUhapZ0rb_-x0K2gMP9frlVgYd7k-NDOV8fzPCvZm9wFYbVZqk5GHc3du6igEIAErIPx7D7aY6DFIakGFPd8j760LLrLiDwKGXMsWq7vwtaDjSuw5LSC4AJ2IWdf6kHKTCX/s320/mythree.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272309070488551874" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uvdQB8G3S7kJgA6q8vDVN5yJwZp5Pbmev_HBn3K1x0LHZjUaSKdRKQDYCJ_uuYyJZlf0-JOR-TI7J1Kj5mbXKMoD9EvDACGUYNuQpdziN809HMwh7dlhX6mkqmuknSh0Ia-Q8rd0NheM/s1600-h/ROCCOraggedyandy08bkgrdflat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uvdQB8G3S7kJgA6q8vDVN5yJwZp5Pbmev_HBn3K1x0LHZjUaSKdRKQDYCJ_uuYyJZlf0-JOR-TI7J1Kj5mbXKMoD9EvDACGUYNuQpdziN809HMwh7dlhX6mkqmuknSh0Ia-Q8rd0NheM/s320/ROCCOraggedyandy08bkgrdflat.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272306160685277090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrHYusCdiCmv1y-Cg5Kb8dkcQZvEJJmaeyq1r3xPL8G9BQcXxxNtiQSBURq_ay27itwqbvgTrcQ5untadxvKlHgn4iIe0jaWXOsr0oa0Nx_HIBI1ZleKzKbMpNqIs2f65sWtVPFvEZnGI/s1600-h/CRICKETraggedyann08bkgrdflat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrHYusCdiCmv1y-Cg5Kb8dkcQZvEJJmaeyq1r3xPL8G9BQcXxxNtiQSBURq_ay27itwqbvgTrcQ5untadxvKlHgn4iIe0jaWXOsr0oa0Nx_HIBI1ZleKzKbMpNqIs2f65sWtVPFvEZnGI/s320/CRICKETraggedyann08bkgrdflat.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272305999417999010" /></a><br />Last Friday night my second pit bull and only whippet tested Part 2 for becoming therapy dogs. Happily they all (other pit bull already tested and passed both parts with flying colors) passed the test! All that's left is to send in the paperwork, and they'll receive their TDI badges in the mail and they can then go into nursing homes, hospitals, schools and libraries to visit, cheer up, listen and provide a soft, furry coat for hugging and touching, warm soulful eyes for people to look into and connect with, a cold nose that says, "Hello! I love you!", and just a general feeling of peace and calm as they sit patiently by a patient's bedside, or while a child builds his confidence in reading to a dog. <div><br /></div><div>Soon I will have pictures of Rocco and Cricket, and little 12 year old Mamie (the whippet) doing this good work. I am so happy to contribute my time in training these dogs for this wonderful work, but I can't say the whole reason completely revolves around a selfless drive to help people. I must be honest; I have a hidden agenda, and it stems from my passion to help this breed. I wanted my pits to be therapy dogs to help dispel the bad reputation these dogs have gotten, however unfair and untrue the reputation is. Pit bulls ARE a very challenging breed with a relentless drive and "gameness" that cannot be matched by any other breed. They are determined not to give up at whatever it is that they are doing, whether it be shredding your living room or exuberantly bestowing you with lovely pit bull kisses. This determination, coupled with their supreme physical and mental abilities, is what makes it a difficult breed for people who may be new to dog ownership or who may not have a lot of experience with dogs in the first place. </div><div><br /></div><div>The best thing about this breed is its desire to please people and its intelligence and eagerness to learn. I can't say it enough—there is nothing more important in owning this breed than to SOCIALIZE, SOCIALIZE, SOCIALIZE. The more different types of positive situations you can have this breed to experience while young, the better dog you'll have when he is an adult. </div><div><br /></div><div>Pit bulls are clowns. They are about as exhuberant, affectionate and fun-loving dog as you'll find. They are not for everyone, but what dog is? Also, though, why should they be crucified due to irrational fears that the ignorance about them has ignited? The answer is, they shouldn't. I am pledging to work tirelessly against it.</div><div><br /></div><div>OK, off my soapbox. In closing, I will simply say that I love this breed and I'll do what it takes to save and help as many as I can. And if that means going in front of whatever audience I can get in front of, I'm there.</div>Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255988141623214002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716426326783655871.post-78280707819839875222008-10-30T06:07:00.000-07:002008-10-30T07:17:19.121-07:00Pit Bulls For Obama<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNj_f4EPQ2x0mbVQo87a0GAi6M4LABcsMJBOjhIOMtgzOTRjsDE7tA4kEpl70aC1NvBucwcMlPHsnNijhOzarWwvcwygdxIQJxOu2N5t_G2dUUVZl0-_tH2OAmAzLXkeGk3lmE1NVl4g9_/s1600-h/cricketgreatSM.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNj_f4EPQ2x0mbVQo87a0GAi6M4LABcsMJBOjhIOMtgzOTRjsDE7tA4kEpl70aC1NvBucwcMlPHsnNijhOzarWwvcwygdxIQJxOu2N5t_G2dUUVZl0-_tH2OAmAzLXkeGk3lmE1NVl4g9_/s320/cricketgreatSM.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262949431975853090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSoCrL313A_gYkLRq1VxgDJg7ASETQmbM-yBYaIxOolZ66RWxugNeuMvlrkGzlAJPk_LIAIetz-piTbuKxtmW61Z_Lr16WfEJF74cBZP3fa1skKviUH7aCIGoF-FOAOE3Hxc7W6EvOqle/s1600-h/rocco+and+new+toy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSoCrL313A_gYkLRq1VxgDJg7ASETQmbM-yBYaIxOolZ66RWxugNeuMvlrkGzlAJPk_LIAIetz-piTbuKxtmW61Z_Lr16WfEJF74cBZP3fa1skKviUH7aCIGoF-FOAOE3Hxc7W6EvOqle/s320/rocco+and+new+toy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262949427591213474" /></a><br />I can't help but think that pit bulls, and all animals everywhere, for that matter, will be better off if Obama wins the presidential election next Tuesday. There's no question (at least from my viewpoint) the middle class will be better off, but people who know me best know if there's one thing I am passionate about above most others, it's animals and their well-being. <div><br /></div><div>I rescued two pit bulls this year after losing two of my whippets in the past two years. I think one of the reasons I relate well to pit bulls is that as member of the middle class, over time I think we've been "left behind", "swept under the carpet" and there has been an overall neglect of us, as if we didn't matter in this great country. I know how it feels to be cast aside and exploited...which is the life of the general population of pit bulls. The people who've been in charge are definitely in a different class than us, and therefore they chose to ignore us. They've been kind of busy anyway lining their pockets....with our retirement savings, and with the money they've demanded from us for gasoline, which they know we depend on to go about our daily lives. Maybe I did forget to give them credit for remembering the middle class for one specific reason, and that is, when they needed soldiers to go to Iraq and die for the oil money they have been profiting from. Exxon reported a $14.8 billion profit today. So they didn't forget us entirely.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pit bulls have been exploited for years to make big money for people who have forced them to fight when it's not really what they would choose to do. They live to please people and so they are easy to exploit.</div><div><br /></div><div>There's a huge problem with this way of governing the people, and that is, that the middle class makes up THE MAJORITY of the population. So this year everyone will have a chance to change that. You must not pass up this rightful opportunity! Go out today and vote early. Unless you like what's been happening the past 8 years.</div><div><br /></div><div>Obama is the more compassionate candidate. He will be giving tax cuts to 90% of Americans, the ones who make less than $250,000 per year. So if you fall into that category, it probably makes more sense for you to vote for him. You, along with pit bulls and animals everywhere will be much better off for it. If you do make over $250,000 per year, by all means, vote for McCain. He will look after you.</div><div><br /></div><div>VOTE TODAY. It is your obligation and your duty as an American.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255988141623214002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716426326783655871.post-44920107102136632492008-08-02T05:14:00.000-07:002008-08-02T15:15:25.111-07:00Options for Rehoming an Animal, if You're Interested in What's Best for the Animal<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Back in February, there was a front page <a href="http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/dog_11091___article.html/dickinson_shelter.html">newspaper story</a> out of Burlington, NC about a college student who was being kicked out of his apartment complex due to a barking dog. This dog happened to be a beautiful 2 year old pit bull. He relunctantly decided to rehome his dog and stay in the apartment. He figured his best bet for finding the dog a new home would be to turn him over to the local animal shelter. There could not have been a worse decision if the goal was to find him a new home, and tragically he was euthanized only one hour after the paperwork was signed. I think the blame for this tragic story lies in multiple places. The public is obviously largely uninformed about the realities of local animal shelters if they think that's the best way to find a new home for their animals, so some of the blame lies with the student for being ignorant to the facts. However, I believe that the animal shelter was negligent in not clearly detailing what was going to happen to the dog. I think if the student had been told there was a possiblity the dog would be put down within one hour, he would have never chosen to leave him there.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Being the animal lover/advocate I am, I was understandably horrified by the senseless tragedy this story told. In response to the story I wrote an editorial to the paper who published it, and my editorial was quickly published behind it. It went like this:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Two weeks ago I had to put my dog Hannah down. She was 14 yrs. old, had breast cancer, and was in a lot of pain. My choices were: 1) constant surgery, or 2) put her out of her misery now. I made the tough decision to go ahead with it, knowing she would never understand all the surgeries and pain. As sad as this was to do, I felt at peace with my decision knowing she would never suffer again.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The story in the Times News last Wednesday about the Elon student who turned his dog in to the Alamance Co. Animal Shelter broke my heart. It is all to indicative of society's casual, dismissive and uninformed views when it comes to pets...if we decide we can't keep them, there's always the local animal shelter that will find them a new home. It'd be great if it worked that way. But it doesn't. 85% of animals who are taken to shelters in NC are euthanized, which comes to about 250,000 animals annually.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I know the Elon student had a change of heart and went back to get the dog, so obviously he cared about his dog.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Owning an animal is a privilege that brings a lifetime of joy and unconditional love. The decision to have a dog or any animal is also a lifetime commitment, not just for a year or two while the puppy is still so cute and playful. It involves sticking it out through diarrhea and vomiting, paying whatever it takes to make sure the animal is well cared for and healthy, and a physical commitment to exercise...every day. And, when the dog has lived a long, full life, yes, it involves you having to make the difficult decision to humanely put him down when he tells you it's time.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">It is a real shame that the bulldog mentioned in last Wednesday's story was put down after only one hour of being turned in by his owner. What a waste of a great dog. I hope people will think very hard about whether they're truly ready for a lifetime commitment to a dog, which is what the dog is offering them.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">This story has weighed heavily on my heart and mind for some time. My goal in this post is to inform the public about the best ways to go about rehoming an animal you can no longer keep, after considering all options and finding there is just absolutely no way you can keep it. There is an obvious need for education on the subject, so here goes:<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">1)</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> BACK TO WHERE HE CAME FROM.</span></span> Go back to the place you got the dog. Was it a breeder? Even if you've had the dog for years, a responsible breeder will care what happens to any of the dogs they've bred, and will make every effort to help you find another home or possibly even take it back to live with them. However, if you do not feel comfortable giving the dog back to the breeder for some reason, don't. There are other options. If it came from an animal shelter, DO NOT JUST TURN YOUR DOG IN, thinking it will be rehomed. As the story above showed, most will not make it if turned in to a shelter. That said, there is probably something in your adoption contract that says whether you must return the dog to the shelter or rescue group you got him from if for any reason you can't keep him.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">2)</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> IS YOUR DOG ADOPTABLE?</span></span> Next, you've got to consider what your dog's potential adoptability odds are. If the dog is old or in bad health or has any behavioral problems, it will be much harder for you to be able to find a new home for him. Your dog's chances will greatly increased if he is 4 yrs. old or younger, knows some basic obedience commands, is friendly to people and is adaptable to new situations. What would you think if you were meeting your dog for the first time? This is where you will have to step up as the responsible owner and get him ready to meet new potential adopters. Consider these points:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>• It may require you to take him to a basic obedience class to get his manners tuned up. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>• You definitely will want to have him bathed and groomed and presentable to new</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> prospective families. Make sure you throw his old ratty collar out and dress<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>him up </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> in a brand new sporty one to spruce up his overall look. This small act can make a world</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> of difference in how he is received by new people meeting him for the first time! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>• Now would be a good time to take him to the vet as well to get all of his vaccinations up</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> to date and make sure he is in good health.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>• Remember that spaying or neutering a dog will go a long way in helping reduce </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> many behavioral problems, and will give your dog a healthier future, not to </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> mention<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: normal;font-family:Georgia;"> </span>the possibility of saving his life. Some animal rescue groups and SPCAs </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> offer low cost spay and neuter surgeries. Check with your local rescues in your </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> area to inquire about where you can have the surgery performed for a reasonable<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> cost.<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>• Please consider microchipping your dog before finding him a new home. Not only<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> could this save your dog's life, but prospective owners will look at this as a real </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> plus, and it may help them choose your dog over another they may be </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> considering.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">3)</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> ADVERTISING</span></span>: Consider placing a classified ad to let more people know he's available. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Don't forget to make use of the internet as well. There are lots of ways to get the word out to </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">people who may be looking for something specific, and using such avenues such as craigslist.org </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">and similar sites will help you in your search for a new home. Include a description of your </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">dog, his needs and your requirements for the home you're looking for, and your phone </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">number. Emphasize your dog's best points. Is he good with kids? Is he trained? You may want </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">to charge a fee for the adoption, so you can weed out people who may not have the best </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">intentions for your dog, and to offset some of your costs you've put into him. Do not list your </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">ad as "Free to a good home". This will attract the wrong type of people.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">4)</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> FLYERS:</span></span> Take some flyers that include a cute picture and great description of your dog </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">around town and hang them up. Your veterinarian's office would be a great place to get him </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">noticed!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Finally, when the calls do start to come in, be sure you screen the interested parties as </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">stringently as you were during your adoption process when you initially got the dog. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>• Ask questions like: Do you have a fenced yard? How will the dog get his exercise every day?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">What happened to your last dog? Where will the dog stay during the day? If the weather is too </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">hot or cold, you know you don't want him to live outdoors 24/7.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>• Ask the person for references such a their veterinarian's name and number and call it </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">to make sure the person is a responsible animal owner. Ask for 2-3 other personal references </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">as well and call those too.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">When all references have checked out, make an appointment to have the prospective new </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">owners meet you and your dog. If at any time you get a bad feeling about them, no matter</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">what.....DO NOT GIVE THEM THE DOG! There'll be other potential homes, and you would </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">always wonder if the dog was ok if you gave it to a person you didn't have a good feeling </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">about.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">When you do find a home you feel the dog will have a good life with, tell the new owner that </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">if for any reason it doesn't work out, they should call you and you should be willing to take </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">the dog back. Tell them you want to keep in touch and that you'll call them in a few days to </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">see how things are going. Tell them to call you with questions or problems.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">These are the ways that are in the best interest of your dog if, after long and careful </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">consideration, you come to the decision that he must be rehomed. Some people would say</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">that the animal shelter should be the last resort for the place to take your dog to be rehomed. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I would say that it is not even an option, and I cannot stress enough that by turning your dog </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">over to an animal shelter, odds are it is most likely going to be euthanized. Don't get me </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">wrong, animal shelters are doing all they can do to help animals find homes. The problem is</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">that there are just too many animals in the world and not enough homes. By law, animal </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">shelters have to keep stray animals that come in for several days to give owners time to find </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">them. However, an owner-surrendered animal is not protected by the same law and can and </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">will be destroyed to make room for others who are.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">These are the realities! So, take great care in selecting a new home for your dog. You are the </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">only one he has looking out for him and you're responsible for his success.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I hope this posting has helped inform people about the realities of shelters and helpful info </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">on ways to rehome an animal. Good luck to all of you who decide that you have to give up</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">your animal. They're counting on you to make the right choices for them. Give them the </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">best chance by following the advice above.</span></div></div>Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255988141623214002noreply@blogger.com0