Joy Butler's Blog

Posted by Joy Butler

With pet food recalls in the news, many dog owners are choosing to make their own dog food. Some even report that they have decided to cook for their dog because they believe a homemade diet eases their dog's allergies or that it is just healthier all around. Because every dog's needs are different, due to age, activity levels and other factors, I recommend checking with your veterinarian before changing your dog's diet and also asking if giving a doggy vitamin is appropriate to ensure adequate nutritional coverage.

For those who do choose a homemade diet and are concerned with the time spent preparing dishes for the dog, freezing is an option. A big batch of food may be cooked up on the weekend and placed in freezer containers or sandwich baggies of serving size. These can then be microwaved when needed. Of course they must be stirred and checked for proper temperature before the dog gulps them down. Frozen doggy meals can also offer convenience with the holidays coming up.

Posted by Joy Butler

Humans take in homeless dogs and rescue abandoned dogs all the time. But here’s a twist. The news reported today that a dog, named China, near Buenos Aires rescued a newborn human baby, bringing the abandoned infant from a barren lot to join her own family of puppies in the Argentina winter.

It’s not often a dog has the opportunity to rescue a human so when it happens you have to wonder what extent of compassion the average dog has. One news article called it instinct but I don’t buy that for a split second. Any reasonable dog owner can attest that dogs experience emotions such as joy, sadness, and fear similar to humans. Something deep inside China tugged her heart strings and urged her to protect that helpless baby. Just how different was that emotion from the one that urges humans to take in a homeless puppy who wanders into their yard? Let’s not call it instinct. Let’s drop the selfishness that says our feelings are somehow better than this soft hearted mother dog’s feelings. Let’s give China the credit she is due. After all, she saved a baby’s life, for goodness sake!

Posted by Joy Butler

As if I don't get enough of shelter dogs, boarding dogs, my own dogs, and writing about dogs, I find myself spending free time watching cute dog videos on YouTube. There's no end to the cute doggy footage posted there and one can spend hours watching stuff like a puppy playing with its own image in a mirror, a Golden Retriever puppy named Molly getting excited watching Air Bud, a dog lounging on a floatie with its owner in a lake, a smart puppy of 9 weeks learning down, wait, take it, and roll over, a Shih Tzu sneezing on command, a Border Collie play-attacking RoboDog, Sophie, the Breakdancing English Bulldog and something called The Hyper Snortin' Pug Scootin' Boogie. It was amazing and heartwarming to see the ways people and their dogs have fun together. If you love dogs, it can be a fun way to spend a half hour or so.

Posted by Joy Butler

Trimming my dogs' nails is something we both hate. They run and hide and it usually takes two to do the procedure. With all the wiggling and squirming they do, it's hard to clip the proper length. and I worry that I'll hurt them by cutting into the quick.

I received in email today an advertisment for a new nail trimming device called PediPaws. It's nothing like regular doggy nail clippers at all. It claims to have rotating emery bands that gently remove thin layers of nail. A protective cap somehow allows only the perfect amount of nail to be removed. The product is also claimed to be fast and avoid cracks and splinters leaving the nails smooth and rounded while catching the filings. The price seems right and would be a worthy investment if it works in the way it appears to. Of course this product is not available in stores and must be ordered online. However, I've found that decent imitations of these kinds of products eventually make it to the stores. I would like to actually see one in the flesh, er plastic, before buying. In the meantime, if you or anyone you know uses one of these PediPaws, I'd like to share the experience.

Posted by Joy Butler

The last blog I posted was done under the heady influence of a vacation. Well the carefree days are over and my dogs and I are now back to the real world. That means I'm back to taking care of shelter dogs and writing about dogs, while they just changed beds and yards. Ah, where would I be without these amazing little critters?

It was good to play with all my resident special buddies again as well as see the progress of some of the sick quarantine dogs. My first day back on the job we took in eight Heeler puppies. Processing them into the shelter was like assembly line puppies! Baths, weights, wormings, vaccinations, preventatives and of course, constant cleaning up messes! Later, all four boys and two girls will be neutered and spayed. Only six weeks old, all they do is poop, yelp, and sleep but, like all babies, they're adorable. With a good start in life, they can all make great pets in good, forever homes. At least that's our mission and my dream for them as well as all the animals at the shelter. Come to think of it, it's good to be back. There's no place like home!

Posted by Joy Butler

After a nice summer visit, it came time to take my grandson back home. So we loaded up the dogs and now we're having a wonderful week of vacation at his home with my daughter. Her quiet acre in the country is completely fenced and loaded with oaks and cedars. In the mornings, the feral cat colony comes out of seclusion long enough to eat and squirrels come down out of the trees to sit on our shoulder and breakfast on peanuts and strawberries. In the afternoons, we enjoy cooling off in the pool and then sitting on the shaded deck listening to the waterfall and the locusts sing. At night, we fire up the fire pit and roast marshmallows. Of course all this is accented with my daughter's excellent cooking.

So where do the dogs fit in? Well they're absolutely loving it as much as I am. They tear around the yard like crazy critters with smiles on their faces. Yes, my dogs really do smile! And there are so many sights and smells for them to investigate. But I'm afraid I've spoiled Coco. The clincher came when she convinced me to carry her up the deck steps! I realize she's only a 4 pound little squirt but I saw her run up them easily the day before while I was in the house! But, hey, this peaceful week of pampering has me feeling a little spoiled myself!

Posted by Joy Butler

I have boarding dogs this week once again. Four visiting dogs and four of my own make a full house. My grandson is still here and is a big help, keeping them entertained and vice versa. One of the dogs has matured quite a bit since the last time I saw him. Puppies change so much and, as a 2 year old now, he has filled out and does not appear to be the Chihuahua/Corgi mix that we were told he was at the age of 4 months.

He has short legs and a body like the Corgi but his wide head, deep jaw line, and prominent eyes now appear to me to be either Boston Terrier or French Bulldog. Looking back, he's always been a little more outgoing like the Boston Terrier so that may be his true heritage. There's nothing there of the delicate Chihuahua anymore. Just goes to show how hard it can be to identify mixed breed dogs, especially puppies when they grow and change so much. Still, if curiosity is the only factor, guessing is more fun and much cheaper than the DNA tests.

Posted by Joy Butler

Last weekend several organizations got together and held weiner dog races in the mall to raise money for area shelters. Although I, and my grandson, were working at the shelter and did not get to watch the lowrider dogs gallop down the stretch, we got to meet one of the winning weenies. Actually this Dachshund was one of our former homeless pets who now lives with a loving family.

It was the first time we'd seen him since he'd been adopted several months ago. He seemed quite happy and pleased with himself as they visited with us at the shelter. His 'mom' said he raced to the finish line first in one heat but stopped to socialize in another heat.

Of course winning was not the object. The whole purpose was to have fun and raise money to help other homeless dogs like he once was. And he certainly did that. It was rewarding to see one of our former residents having a good life as a cherished member of a loving family.

Posted by Joy Butler

It's been almost three years and the devastation of Hurricane Katrina continues. A news article at statesman.com informs that a black female Cocker Spaniel was finally returned to her New Orleans owner yesterday.

In 2005 Jazz/Hope was rescued in Katrina's aftermath and adopted by a Texas woman several months later. When the original owner showed up, a long and bitter legal battle ensued involving claims of wrong dog, neglect, abuse, and an assault in 2006 by the New Orleans woman on the Texas woman. After court appeals and thousands of dollars in legal fees, Jazz/Hope was returned to her original owner. However upon arrival to pick up the dog, the woman was arrested on an outstanding warrant for the 2006 assault. Her supporters took Jazz.

I feel sorry for all involved in this lose-lose situation. Both owners love this dog very much and both, through no fault of their own, have had her companionship torn from them. I'm sure Jazz/Hope loves them both and has missed each of them in turn. For almost three years, the dispute has been hashed, chopped, diced and scrambled and still no painless solution could be found. In my opinion, it all goes back to poor disaster preparation and poor emergency management. In addition to better government preparation, we should all have individual disaster plans. Hopefully we've all learned something from the catastrophe that was Katrina.

Posted by Joy Butler

The little Chihuahua/Dachshund cross that I've been fostering for several weeks has carved out a niche for herself in my home and I've decided she has to stay. I can't imagine adopting her to anyone else after all this time and the way she so confidently takes her place with my three terriers. The other three are my constant companions and always find a place near me but Coco is the one who is always on my lap. At bedtme, she's the one who tunnels under the covers and sleeps nearest. She's also been going to work with me, riding in on my shoulder and sitting on my lap at lunchtime. Her little "tiny hiney" is so easy to pack up and take anywhere. My German Shepherd was 112 pounds and It seems each dog I adopt is a little smaller than the one before but this time I think I've reached the bottom. Can't get much smaller than 4 pounds! Even so, she's very energetic and is a good playmate for Cassie who could never seem to get the other dogs to play enough. We're all happy to have her here so...welcome home, Coco!

Posted by Joy Butler

Those lazy, hazy days of summer are well under way here in the South. Although for me they're more busy and hot than lazy and hazy. My grandson is visiting for several weeks and we're trying to find time to do fun things together. He's an animal lover just like me so fun for us usually involves animals. He loves helping me at the shelter. Although he pitches in with some of the dirty work, his specialty seems to be comforting the lonely animals like the Dachshund who is newly relinquished and missing his former home. The little red Doxie with sad eyes who had been whining incessantly, quickly became content lying on his back getting belly rubs in my grandson's lap. A little extra attention always helps dogs adjust.

On our days off, we relax the pace a bit and try to find time to go to the pool, read, play games, or watch movies. It's good to go back and watch some of the older movies that we haven't seen in awhile. They always seem new again. How long has it been since you saw the Shiloh movies? A cold fruit smoothie and a plate of cookies and you've got good summer entertainment with the kids!

Posted by Joy Butler

In this weak economy it's understandable that more people are cutting corners in the budget. However, these cuts should be made wisely. In recent months, folks have been turning dogs in to the shelter, giving the reason that they can no longer afford grooming. While I wouldn't recommend cutting quality on pet food or medical care, the issue of grooming falls much lower on the priority list. Shelter life is upsetting for dogs, especially older ones, who feel abandoned and miss home and family. Many of them get depressed and stop eating and some never find another home. A few of them suffer a general decline in health and seem to never adjust to such a life upheaval. A good bath and an amateur trim with scissors would be a much kinder option than traumatizing a long-time family member with the loss of home and everything that is familiar. Most veterinarians and shelters want to help. Consult with them for ways to keep your pet in tough economic times.

Posted by Joy Butler

We've had a newcomer in the household again these last few weeks. A female Chihuahua/Mini-Dachshund cross was relinquished to our shelter. The tiny, little thing came in underweight and continued to lose weight because shelter life upset her so much she would not eat. After a day of force feeding, I could not leave her there; I had to bring her home. It took several days for her to settle in but the third day she finally ate a chicken nugget. That same day she began scampering in the yard and has continued to blossom ever since. My dogs have accepted her and she especially made friends with Cassie who loves to roll and play-wrestle with her. She's even begun to think of herself as a little watchdog, running to the fence to bark like the other dogs. Typical of both Chihuahua and Dachshund, she loves to burrow under the covers when we sleep. She sits quietly and contentedly on my lap while I work on the computer. She's a sweet pet but a suitable home may be difficult to find for her fragile structure and sensitive personality. However, I'm not in one bit of a hurry!

Posted by Joy Butler

I recently heard that a California biotech company has successfully , after 10 years and 20 million dollars, produced 3 dog clones.. These dogs appear to be huskys or husky mixes. The process is hailed as a godsend for dog owners who want to keep their friend forever. An egg from a donor dog is stripped of its genetic nucleus and DNA from a mouthswab of the dog to be cloned is injected into its place. A surrogate dog then carries and gives birth to the clone. One man says it's a new way of producing life. I think we can all agree to that. However, this view seems to reduce life to a mere body without regard to the soul within. What seems to be forgotten here is that a clone is another animal who simply looks like your beloved pet and may even behave a lot like him. But the unique soul of a dearly loved pet can not be reproduced. The clone is merely a replica and a beloved family member can never be replaced by a replica.

Posted by Joy Butler

Don't you just love happy endings? A simple flyer tacked on a pole was the key. I listened to the phone message and the voice on the other end described her 17 year old dog who had wandered away. I returned the call and the lost dog I found is now safely home. It was a happy reunion that had beaten the odds. Most dogs without id never make it back home. Being a runaway is dangerous for any dog but is even more so for an arthritic dog who doesn't hear or see well.

The lady told me all about how her dog was 17 years old and had been in the family since she was very young and how they fed her nothing but the highest quality dog food. Granted the dog was arthritic and exhausted when I found her but for a 17 year old dog who had just wandered across several brushy lots and spent a night out alone, she was doing quite well. You just don't see that many 17 year old dogs. How wonderful that she avoided an unpleasant end and can now live out her days in the loving home she has known for so many years.

Posted by Joy Butler

My dogs find lots of stuff to bark about when they're outside. A few weeks ago, it was the possum, but this time it was a lost dog. Sometimes neighbor dogs, out on potty break, stop by my fence to say hi but this dog was obviously lost. Clearly arthritic and old, the poor thing seemed exhausted and confused. I put a leash on her but she would not get up so I carried her to my gate, gave her water and set out around the neighborhood to try to find her owner. I reasoned that she couldn't have come very far in her condition but no one I talked to had lost a dog or recognized the description. So off to the shelter we went, where I cleaned her up and made her comfortable with a bed and food. At the shelter we keep a list of descriptions of dogs whose owners are looking for them, but she was not on it, so I tacked up flyers around my neighborhood and have a free found ad coming out in tomorrow's paper. Many times dogs without id are never reunited with their owner but I have some hope for her because a pound worker said someone had called looking for a dog of her description that was lost just a couple of blocks from me. However, the pound had failed to get contact info. Grrrr! But I gave them my contact info and am hoping the owner does not give up searching.

Posted by Joy Butler

Summer is creeping up and the temperatures are as well. Several days in the last week we've seen the mercury reach into the 90's. A few days ago, it was time once again to pull out the wading pool for the dogs. Several of them headed straight for it and some of them have never been interested. One Pointer and one of the small terrier mixes are especially happy with the return of the pool. Of course Jake, part Schnauzer and my favorite, seems to get the most enjoyment out of jumping in and out of the pool which, before long, tends to splash and drip all the water out. He's also a digger and since dirt and water make lots of mud, Jake manages to turn the water into a nice, rich coffee color in just a few minutes. Sometimes he retrieves toys and deposits them into the muddy water and then lies in the water himself cooling his tummy. Then he picks the toys out of the water, sometimes slinging them over his back. Yes, Jake gets very creative when it comes to fun. Most of us enjoy a dive in the swimming pool but perhaps only a happy dog can appreciate a half-empty muddy pool.

Posted by Joy Butler

With Mother's Day coming up, I'm reminded of all the tired little mother dogs who come through the shelter. Some are abandoned by owners simply because they had puppies. Some are strays struggling to find shelter and enough food to keep their little family alive. Life for these mothers is not easy. Their special nutritional needs are not met, leaving them malnourished and tired. With puppies climbing all over them they have to scrounge for food in garbage, find shelter in bad weather, dodge traffic, and watch out for other animals and cruel people who have no sympathy for a mother dog and her babies. The puppies, with immature immune systems, sometimes suffer and die from preventable diseases. Overfilled shelters find it difficult to take in entire litters. This Mother's Day, please remember all the homeless dog mothers out there and spread the word about spay and neuter.

Posted by Joy Butler

We had an extraordinary visitor the other evening. I had been noticing a young possum hanging around the house for a few days but when I discovered him lying on the porch with Carly standing over him, I thought the poor little thing was dead. I went to get something to wrap him in and when I came back with towel in hand, he was up on all fours looking around with little beady eyes and pointy nose twitching. It turned out he was perfectly fine and had only been "playing possum." Carly must have been fascinated with him and decided to bring him to me. I was proud of her for not hurting him. Katy and Cassie were standing around like, "What is he, Mom? What are we going to do with him?"

He, apparently, was too young to know that it's not wise to let strange dogs approach so I kept him in a dog crate. During the night I heard him crunching away on dog kibble I gave him. Next day I drove him out to a local wildlife rehabber. Carly keeps checking out the crate he was in. I think she liked him and wanted to keep him.

Posted by Joy Butler

This afternoon here in South Texas, the temperature reached 80 degrees. Sitting outside in the shade felt pretty good but I had to run to the store for a couple of things. Katy, my middle terrier, loves to ride in the van and all winter she has gone with me on errands so of course she started her little 'asking dance' when she saw me reaching for my keys. She went with me to the bank drive-thru just the other day and sat on my lap anticipating the treat that would come back down the tube for her. She's a good traveling partner, knowing when to wait calmly, when to hop into my lap and when to stay out of the way. I knew she wanted to go today. The temperature wasn't THAT warm, was it? It wouldn't take long to run into the store, pick up a couple of items, check out, and be right back, would it? But what if I had to wait longer in line than usual ? Or what if I ran into someone I knew and couldn't get away from the conversation? You just never know what things can happen. Even though there was a breeze, I looked outside at the bright sun blazing down and knew my vehicle would turn into a greenhouse in no time.. If you don't believe me, just try parking in the sun in 80 degrees, rolling up the windows, and seeing how long you want to sit there. The car will turn into an oven and you'll have to get out before long. I don't want my Katy to have a heatstroke. I want her safe so I told her 'no' and promised her a trip to the drive-thru bank again soon.

Posted by Joy Butler

I'm not an economist but I don't think it takes one to notice the skinnier pocketbook after bills are paid and purchases are made. It doesn't take an economist to notice the news about increasing foreclosures or the pets that are dropped off at shelters by owners claiming they "can't afford her anymore" or the news of possible recession. I've even heard of a few folks who've had an ingenious change of plans for the summer vacation this year. I'm fortunate that my home is paid for and that my dogs' needs are covered at employee discount but I still feel the bite in grocery, gasoline, and utility prices. It's hard to say what one would do in another's situation but I do know that I regard my dogs as family and that not many things in this world would separate me from them. In that vein, I have a few, hopefully helpful, tips for dog owning renters who have lost their homes to foreclosure and are faced with landlords who are not friendly to the idea of pets on their property. There are also ways to ease the costs of keeping a dog by learning how to do some things yourself and by discussing alternatives with your veterinarian or local shelter or low cost community clinic. Most of them are sympathetic and want to help you find ways to keep your pet.

Posted by Joy Butler

Just a little over 3 weeks after his rescue, the hound that we named Dan, is now feeling much better. He had a good bath yesterday which shined up the dull coat he had. I took him for a walk over to the other building for a checkup and this dog that I had to carry last month was practically dragging me. He has gained sixteen pounds and hIs strength has definitely returned. Now weighing 57 pounds, he is still slender but not bony anymore. Dan loves to eat so much that we haven't been able to give him chewies because he tries to eat them too.

After the "big snip" he will be ready to start looking for his forever home. As most hounds are, he is very laid back but judging from the way he put his nose to the ground and pulled on the leash yesterday I know he would enjoy a long hike in the woods before crashing on the couch with a loving owner. Yes, Dan has certainly made a turn-around and as in the case of so many other shelter dogs, it takes amazingly little. Animals don't ask much in exchange for their love and devotion but they do need committed, forever homes. The next time a cute furry face melts your heart, you may want to first consider what pet ownership involves and what you would do if any problems arise.

Posted by Joy Butler

The little hound who drew a standing ovation for his win at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in February will be remembered as he was, in the height of his glory. Retiring at the tender age of two, Uno, the Beagle, has already accomplished everything any champion pup could want to do. He boasts 33 Best in Show ribbons, has appeared on numerous major TV shows, and rang the opening bell at the Nasdaq stock exchange.

I'm proud to say that Uno is retiring in my home state of Texas. But apparently his retirement won't mean lounging on the sofa every day. He is scheduled to visit the White House next month and will be riding in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. Come November, I know I will be watching for that happy little pooch baying his song atop a glittering float. And I'm sure we'll be seeing Uno puppies in future dog shows.

Posted by Joy Butler

The malnourished puppy with sarcopsis and parasites that I blogged about in January just recently moved out of quarantine and is ready for adoption into a forever home. Two months have elapsed during which she journeyed from death's door to healthy, happy puppy. Her coat grew in a very soft brown with darker highlights and she thinks life was created for nothing more than to play. Moving out of quarantine, she just recently learned what fun it can be to roll and romp in a big yard with other puppies and toys. From moment to moment, she just looks for the next big adventure. Despite her rough beginning, she holds no misgivings, is not timid or aggressive. Her happiness and great love for life will help her make a smooth adjustment into a family setting . Her energy and playfulness will make her a joy for a family with kids - a definite success in the never ending cycle of homeless pets.

Posted by Joy Butler

Sometimes shelter workers can feel discouraged in an overwhelming job but every once in awhile a special case comes in that reminds us why we rescue. This evening a bony, half-starved hound was brought in. His muzzle and one foot were swollen and he was covered with fleas. HIs sad eyes showed he'd given up on life and we could only guess at the pain and hunger and misery he'd endured. I attempted to lead him to the back but weakness and the sore foot caused him to hobble a couple of steps and then hang his head. I scooped up his mere 41 pounds and carried him. He wasn't heavy; he was a soul in need. Though utterly fatigued, he never flinched, never batted an eye while I gave him shots, pills, liquids, flea preventive, and bathed him and soaked his foot. What a sweetie! His eyes did light up at the two small bowls of food we gave him. His stomach could not handle very much at once.

I've seen it many times. With a little love and a few good meals, the tired sadness turns to a sparkle of hope that maybe someone cares and that maybe life really can be good. I left him tonight resting comfortably on a big soft bed with a full tummy. I'm sure he's getting the best sleep he's had in a long time.

Posted by Joy Butler

Over 1500 sled dogs began the 1100 mile trip across Alaska to Nome, Saturday. Only three teams, so far, have scratched. Lance Mackay was the Yukon Quest winner a few weeks back and seems to have a lot of steam left, as he's the front runner at this point. Being in pet rescue, I, of course, always root for the shelter dog. And yes, there is a shelter dog running in the Iditarod. The 3 year old, 60 pound husky's name is Hunter and he was rescued from the Fairbanks Animal Shelter. Zoya Denure claims he had some behavioral issues but, with a little training, has finished all his races, including the famed Yukon Quest. At present, he is running between Rohn and Nikolai with his team in place 66 out of 93. Go Hunter! Like most shelter dogs, he has a great need for love. Denure says he's a strong runner and soaks up all the attention he gets in ointment applications, massages, and belly rubs. I wish him and all the dogs and mushers a safe trip across that beauriful frozen wilderness.

Posted by Joy Butler

There's nothing like losing sleep to slow down productivity. The one hypoglycemic Chihuahua puppy I was feeding round the clock turned into three. Two more of her littermates began showing signs of hypoglycemia so I brought them home too. In order to make sure their blood sugar levels stayed in a safe range, all that round the clock feeding and cleaning tripled. One of the females was having trouble keeping her feedings down so we reduced the amount of food given at a time so as not to overload her stomach. She is improving now and has begun to eat on her own. The male was never as weak as the two females. and all three are doing better. The feedings are not as frequent but the puppies must still be watched closely. Shelter workers have been taking turns taking them home so the load is not overwhelming. It is nice to get a full night's sleep again. Since all the puppies have improved, we're hopeful that they will outgrow this.

Posted by Joy Butler

Life's interesting around my house these days. I'm fostering a tiny Chihuahua puppy until she can, hopefully, outgrow her hypoglycemia. Obviously the runt of the litter, she was much less active than the others. When she started frothing at the mouth and having seizures, our vets determined that her blood sugar levels were falling dangerously low. No puppy with hypoglycemia could survive the long nights at the shelter so I brought her home. Armed with canned cat food (it has more protein), honey, and Nutrical, we've been doing very well. At first she had to be fed with a syringe every couple of hours and all she did was eat and sleep. Last night, she began eating on her own, which is a big help. Today she has been awake more and wanting to run and play which is not a big help because she really should be conserving her energy levels for a while. As long as I hold her, she seems to be satisfied and that's why this blog was typed with one hand.

Posted by Joy Butler

An email I received yesterday evening absolutely made my day. I could probably say it made my whole week! Finding a lost dog with no identification defies all odds and almost certainly requires perseverance. When I got the first email a couple of weeks ago I could sense desperation in the lady's heart. After the family pup had seemingly vanished into thin air from the yard, they had searched the area, called all local rescues, and posted flyers but turned up nothing. She contacted me asking for help. As much as I wanted to give her the answer, I felt helpless. All I could do was offer a few pointers and a link to the article I'd written, How to Find a Lost Dog. For days, she kept me updated on their search and I encouraged her as much as I could. These people would not give up, and finally yesterday, the good news came. The trick seemed to be when she posted a reward. Isn't it amazing how money motivates! Neighbors started scrambling and clues were connected. The dog has been found, alive and well, and now sports a new collar with identification. They are all one happy family once again. In a world that suffers too much tragedy, here's one happy ending!

Posted by Joy Butler

Never in the history of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has a Beagle won Best in Show but tonight, Uno pulled it off. The little 'talking' hound with loads of personality may be the perfect image of the Beagle breed but he's also a master at showmanship as well. Barkng his way around the ring, he drew lots of cheers from the crowd.

Competing against him was a Toy Poodle, Akita, Sealyham Terrier, Standard Poodle, Australian Shepherd, and a Weimaraner but the little dog registered as Ch K-Run's Park Me In First was numero uno tonight. Not a better specimen could represent one of Amerca's favorite breeds. Former President Lyndon B. Johnson once had three Beagles named Him, Her, and Edgar.

Posted by Joy Butler

The shelter puppy I blogged about on January 17 is still improving. She's come from a sad little waif at death's door to a sassy, active little puppy. You would not know she's the same dog. Her hair is coming back in a reddish tan color, she has doubled her weight, and is developing a spicy personality. She is still on follow up treatment for the mange and worms but her energy and strength are growing in leaps and bounds. She chews on her hoof and loves tossing it into the air. She gets rather indignant when she can't have my constant attention. Her little bark is sometimes combined with a sort of yelp/howl, as if she's saying, "Look at me and look at me NOW!" Her appetite is voracious and I love to watch her devour her food. She always finishes up with a few hearty licks of her lips. That's thanks enough for me!

Posted by Joy Butler

Today on the Texas Gulf Coast, the weather was warm enough to turn on the a/c but time spent in the porch rocker was pleasant. After supper, the dogs and I watched the sunset, listened to the crickets sing, and welcomed a fresh norther. As the sun set behind the trees, dark blue clouds moved across the sky bringing cooler breezes and fresher scents. The dogs felt good. You could tell it in the way they scampered around the yard barking with the slightest excuse, Carly always leading the way. Even though she and another of my dogs is getting older, it doesn't show in the way they play and move. I attribute their good health to plenty of exercise, keeping their weight down, and maybe the fact that they're mixed breeds. Exercise and maintaining proper weight is important for humans as well. Life is so much more enjoyable when you have good health. As Spring eases in, I look forward, after the work is done, to enjoying many pleasant evenings in the porch rocker with the dogs.

Posted by Joy Butler

Thousands of football fans are gearing up for Super Bowl Sunday. But on February 3rd, twenty-four puppies of every breed and mix will roll, romp and tackle their way down the field in their own version of the Puppy Bowl IV. To be aired on Animal Planet in high definition this year at 3PM, 6PM, 9PM and 12 midnight, this is the cutest and most hilarious performance you could ever watch. It's just indescribeable but you will definitely laugh the entire time. Harry Kalas will be calling the plays. And not to leave out kitties, the Bissell Kitty Half-Time Show will entertain feline fans. To make it all even better, all the puppies and kittens, along with adoption info, are provided by area shelters. This is sweet entertainment with vast exposure for shelter animals! Don't miss it!

Posted by Joy Butler

Dogs are not so different from humans in many ways. Now we learn that their cancer also looks, behaves and responds to treatment similarly According to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, a number of dogs with cancer have been enrolled by their owners in a vaccine study where veterinarians and human oncologists work together to find cures. Dogs work so well for the studies because they age faster than humans and results are seen sooner.

Genetic material is taken from the cancers and implanted in healthy infection-fighting b-cells outside the dog's body to train them to attack the malignancy. They are then injected back into the dog. Several dogs in the study are now cancer-free.

Human testing may be only two years away. One scientist said, “If we didn’t have this information that we’re learning from vaccinating people’s pets, we would still be studying the vaccine in laboratory dishes without a real hope of going forward in the near future.”

For the millions of humans and dogs diagnosed with cancer each year, this is good news.

Posted by Joy Butler

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is the ultimate in the dog show world. Just to compete is a huge honor. On February 11th and 12th in New York's Madison Square Garden, thousands will attend the 2008 event to see this parade of champions strut their stuff. It will also be aired each night on USA at 7 PM Central. The first Best in Show was won in 1907 by a female Smooth Fox Terrier. Warren's Remedy also won the next two years and is the only dog ever to win three Westminsters. Six dogs have won Best in Show twice. The last one being in 1972 and 1973 by an English Springer Spaniel. Last year a liver and white English Springer Spaniel, Ch Felicity's Diamond Jim CD RN, nicknamed James, claimed the honor. I've watched it every year ever since I can remember and will be waiting to find out who the next winner will be. It's too bad there's not such an honor for mixed breed dogs as well.

Posted by Joy Butler

New puppies come into the shelter all the time but one that came in this week needs special attention. She was found by the side of the road on a cold day and brought in by some kind people. Lucky for her because she would not have survived on her own much longer.

Barely 6 or 7 weeks old and weighing just 2 pounds, she was not a happy, bouncy puppy like most of us envision puppies. Her little tummy was bloated but her legs, hips and shoulders were extremely bony. Her eyes were sunken and she had scabby skin with very little hair. She could barely stand or hold up her head.

We found that she had sarcoptic mange (the contagious kind) and intestinal worms and probably hadn't had a decent meal in a while. It's sad that the people responsible for her birth could be so cold-hearted. She's now been treated and is on four daily feedings of special puppy food. Her coat has a long way to go but the sparkle is coming back to her eyes . I can see life returning to her almost by the hour. Today she followed me in the grass and barked for my attention.

Posted by Joy Butler

I have to admit that after a week of holiday partying, too much food, and sleeping late, I wasn't ready to give it up and get back to reality. I suppose getting back to routine can be just as hard for dogs as it can be for humans. After a week of galloping around a huge yard, sniffing new scents and navigating the squirrels and feral cats, Carly was not ready to leave all that freedom and excitement. As we loaded and prepared to leave, she promptly turned her back and went to sit on the porch. She wouldn't even look at me when I called her. My other two little city dogs took their places in the truck but Carly, so typically, had her own ideas. I think she's a country dog at heart. She seemed to be saying, "Ya'll go on. I think I'll just stay here." But, somehow, once you're back, home can be pretty comfortable. As I type, Katy and Cassie, as well as Carly, are stretched out in their usual places on the bed, no doubt, dreaming of squirrels and oak trees.

Posted by Joy Butler

As we look ahead to a brand new year, I'd like to take just a moment to look back and to share with you a few Dogs articles that were most popular in 2007. It seems that many dog lovers are interested in making their own dog food. Many are concerned with figuring out what kind of mixed breed dog they have and others wonder just how their dog measures up in intelligence. Other articles that attracted a lot of attention were Those Strange Poodle Haircuts, Dog Names, and Home Massage for Dogs. That information seems to say that dog lovers are quite fascinated with their pooches and want to learn as much as they can about them so that they can take the best care of them. With that thought in mind, I will continue to try to bring you quality articles on Dogs in 2008. Happy New Year to you and yours!