Dogs

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.