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!

Posted by Joy Butler

I suppose, if you're reading this, that you made it through Christmas. It's a wonderful time of year but can also be a bit stressful. We had nice, sunny weather here for the shelter dogs and my grandson to spend time playing in the yard and I made sure they all got extra treats. Jake actually dug a tunnel underneath the steps but that's a story for another time. Now it's time for MY Christmas. We're packed and loaded to spend a week outside Dallas. My dogs will travel in crates in the back seat among all our suitcases and duffel bags. The trip will take around 6 hours. We'll stop once for a potty and drink break. The dogs always love it when we get there because of the huge yard with oak trees. Lots of new dirt to dig in and new scents for them to explore. The weather is always a little colder in north Texas than where I live near the Gulf Coast so I'm packing jackets for us and sweaters for the dogs. When we get back, I'll let you know what all fun things we did. Best wishes for a Happy New Year!

Posted by Joy Butler

Wow! Where has the time gone? I can't believe Christmas is here already! Our tree sits brightly decorated in the living room and all the presents are wrapped just waiting for us to tear into them. We have a tree at the shelter too and my grandson even decorated a small tree with doggy ornaments, tiny red bows, and milkbones for the quarantine building. The thing about shelter work is, the animals have to be cared for no matter what day it is, so I'll be looking after dogs and cats first and then celebrating Christmas with family afterward. My own dogs may not relish the long ride ahead of us but always they appreciate the huge fenced yard when we get there. It's much bigger than ours and they love exploring all the new sights and scents. Texas doesn't offer much in the way of Christmas weather but I'm hoping it will be cold so it seems more Christmasy. My prayer for all dogs and animals everywhere this Christmas is for them to be safe, healthy, fed, comfortable, and loved. If you feel the urge to do so, any shelter would greatly appreciate your Christmas donation. From my family to yours - have a blessed holiday season!

Posted by Joy Butler

I read an impressive article in the Daily Telegraph online today. It stated that two dogs, a Rottweiler mix and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier saved a two year old boy from drowning in Queensland, Australia. The boy had fallen into a dam and was found on the bank with the two dogs beside him. Police reported scratches on his arms and drag marks from the water to where he lay. A police spokesman said, "We are certain the dogs pulled him out of the dam." I find it ironic that some feel that both of these breeds are inherently aggressive. In fact, these breeds are even banned in certain areas. This baby boy, who did not need CPR and is recovering at home, was very fortunate that this was not the case in his area. Just more evidence of the intelligence of dogs and one more example proving that it's not the breed, but the owner, who determines if a dog is "good" or "bad."

Posted by Joy Butler

Wednesday, the Marine Corps announced that the Lee family may adopt Lex. When their son, CPL Dustin Lee, was killed in Iraq on March 21, 2007 in a grenade blast, a wounded Lex had to be dragged away from the dead Marine. This strong bond with their son is the reason the Lee family, who handles search and rescue dogs for local emergency management, wanted to adopt the German Shepherd. After a nearly 9 month long ordeal of lobbying the military, launching an Internet petition, and enlisting the aid of a North Carolina congressman, the Lee's have been awarded their son's military dog. They will take him home December 21st. I signed that petition and I thank any of you who also signed it.. The Lee family deserves the dog who loved and protected their son. Dustin Lee deserves to be honored in this way. Lex deserves a happy retirement with the family of the man he loved and protected. The loss of their son will forever shadow their Christmases but perhaps the Lees can find comfort this season as Lex joins their family.

Posted by Joy Butler

I read today that Judge Henry Hudson has ruled that the confiscated pit bulls belonging to Micheal Vick be divided among eight rescue organizations. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah will get the majority of them. Others providing sanctuary for some of the dogs include Bay Area Dog Lovers Responsible About Pit Bulls (BAD RAP) and Recycled Love, Inc. Paul Berry, chief executive of Best Friends, hopes they can rehabilitate and adopt out the dogs but says they are "prepared to provide a safe place for them to stay for the rest of their lives." He also said, “The pit bull is easily the most misunderstood breed of dog in the U.S. Unfortunately, it is the very loving and loyal nature of these dogs that makes them prone to exploitation."

I couldn't agree more. We don't usually take in pit bulls at the shelter where I work because it's so hard to place them into good homes but occasionally we do get one. A couple of months back we took in a female pit bull. She had an exceptionally sweet temperament and wanted nothing more than to please. She quickly caught on to our shelter routine and was one of the few dogs that I could give shots to without having to get someone else to hold her. She had a calm personality and took all of her meds gently. We were very fortunate to be able to adopt her to a former shelter worker. It's a wonderful thing that the victims of Micheal Vick will be given the quality life that they deserve.

Posted by Joy Butler

Our shelter always looks forward to the first Saturday in December. That's when the annual Christmas parade is held. It's always fun and seems to officially ring in the Christmas spirit. We've had an entry as far back as I can remember. We take dogs from the shelter as well as our own dogs and dress them up in cute costumes. Among them this year was a Great Dane dressed as Raggedy Anne, a Dachshund dressed as Piglet and my Carly was dressed like a Christmas present, wearing a green and white striped sweater with a big red bow on her back. Animals are always a favorite with the crowd and we got lots of oohs and aahs and cheers. Some of the dogs loved the attention and pulled on their leashes to go get a pet from a waving child. Others were a bit shy of the horses, bands, and rumbling motorcycles. With twinkling lights, bright glitter and beautiful floats everywhere, I think all the dogs somehow knew it was a special occasion.

Posted by Joy Butler

I was recently reading about Midge, the tiny Chihuahua/Rat Terrier mix who is a certified K-9 drug detecting dog in Ohio. She has a certificate, kept at the police department where she works, from the Guinness Book of World Records recognizing her as the world's smallest drug dog. Midge is adorable and, as her handler said, she will not strike terror in the hearts of criminals but she is doing big things in the law enforcement world. The little 8 lb crime fighting dog is able to get into places that bigger dogs can't go. And she doesn't destroy the insides of vehicles during her searches like bigger dogs sometimes do, which costs the police department money to repair. Working alongside a big German Shepherd named Brutus., she not only is proving that a little dog can do a big dog's job, she is showing the world just how valuable even small mixed breed dogs, and ultimately all animals, can be. What a great day it will be when the world begins to live animal-friendly and stands up for the welfare of animals everywhere. Truly, peace on earth.

Posted by Joy Butler

Thursday is Thanksgiving Day in the US. This is also a time of year when veterinarians see a rise in cases of pancreatitis and other digestive upsets in dogs. There will be onion gravies, chocolate desserts, and except for vegetarian families, there will be turkey bones left over. When everybody pushes back from the table, gorged to the gills, and little Scruffy is asking with big brown eyes for a bite, who can resist sharing leftovers with the dog? But sneaking turkey bones, onion stuffing or brownies to the dog is not a wise thing to do. All of these are among the human foods that can be dangerous and even deadly for dogs. Don't risk ruining holiday festivities with a sick dog and trips to the veterinarian. Keep dog treats and healthful human foods such as baby carrots, or a few unsalted peanuts on hand to share with Scruffy. Be sure to warn guests too. While a bite or two of lean turkey meat may be safe enough, if each guest gives him a bite or two from the table, the rich foods are bound to send his tummy into rebellion.

Posted by Joy Butler

I recently learned that the Progressive auto insurance company is now covering dogs and cats in collision policies. In effect since September 6th, for no extra cost on premiums, they offer up to $500 coverage if a pet is hurt or dies in an a car crash. Liability would pay for pets in the other person's vehicle. It's not clear if this is $500 per pet or for all pets. The new benefit is available in 46 states and D.C. while N.Carolina, New Hampshire, New York and Virginia are expected to be included soon. Pet owners constitute a large portion of drivers. This may just be the icing on the cake to give Progressive an edge over other insurance companies. Of course pets still need pet insurance for their separate medical needs, but hey, collision coverage at no extra cost? Sounds good to me!

Posted by Joy Butler

Lex is a military working dog whose handler, CPL Dustin Lee was killed in Iraq on March 21, 2007 in a grenade blast. Lex survived but received shrapnel wounds to his body and almost lost his tail , He still has shrapnel lodged near his spine which veterinarians say is best left alone rather than risk damage to the dog's spine. Even before his injuries, Lex was scheduled to be retired after his tour of duty in Iraq. CPL Lee's family, of Mississippi, has experience working with search and rescue dogs and wants very much to adopt the dog who was their son's partner and friend. Lex met them at the funeral but was whisked back to the kennels at MCLB Albany, Georgia. Despite his injuries and the shrapnel still in his back, the Marine Corp says Lex is needed to train other K9s and handlers. Many feel strongly that Rachel and Jerome Lee gave up their son to the Marine Corp and that the least the military can do is honor this couple with that last piece of their son's life. Considering Lex's injuries, he deserves retirement in a good home. A petition is circulating to help get Lex retired into Dustin's family. I signed it. Maybe you'd like to sign it too.

Posted by Joy Butler

November is designated by the ASCPA as Adopt a Senior Pet Month. It seems many people who go to shelters are looking for puppies. Puppies are cute but I wonder if these families realize how much time and effort must be put into raising a puppy whose cuteness will last only a few months. Puppies chew, puppies cry at night, and puppies leave messes. They require considerable time for socialization, training, and cleaning up after. For working families with little time, an older dog would seem a better fit. They say older is wiser and that goes for dogs too. Older dogs are usually more calm, already housetrained, and sometimes obedience trained. They've already lived with and loved a family before and by some twist of fate, ended up lonely and homeless. These dogs are so grateful to be rescued and loved again. A dog 5 or 6 years old is considered older, but most breeds still have another 8 to 10 years to be a valued member of your family. I adopted my older dog at the age of 7 and she is now a spry 13. She has enriched my life immensely. If you really don't have the experience or the time to devote to a puppy, please consider opening your heart and home to an older dog.

Posted by Joy Butler

I wonder what it is that makes people want to believe in something mystical or other-wordly? Since last July, when an odd looking animal was discovered dead near Cuero Texas, news has traveled like wildfire and 9000 t-shirts stating, '2007 Summer of the Chupacabra' have been shipped around the globe. For months, scientists, veterinarians and regular people tried to identify the canine. It's amazing how hair loss can make enough of a difference that even veterinarians and scientists could not identify the animal. A few days ago, DNA testing confirmed the animal was a coyote. Further testing will be done to try to determine why the coyote's skin was a bluish gray color and hairless.

I tend to be a skeptic in matters like these and look for a practical explanation. I admit the animal looked strange but I figured it was probably the result of either a wolf and dog cross or a coyote and dog cross, with some type of mange. I guess it was fun for the world to pretend for awhile that the chupacabra had been validated but the fun is now over and everyone has to admit the poor animal was an unfortunate coyote. It will be interesting to find out from further testing what caused him to be hairless. I tend to think it was a medical condition rather than genetic. Guess we shall see. In the meantime, the chupacabra remains a myth.

Posted by Joy Butler

Ellen Degeneres or Mutts and Moms?. Who’s right and who’s wrong? Mutts and Moms quietly went about their business of feeding, medicating and loving unfortunate dogs while they waited for their forever home. Ellen, a popular tv personality with lots of money, decided a dog might be nice to add to her home. Innocent enough. When Iggy didn’t work out in her home, it wasn’t Ellen’s fault. She spent $3000 trying to make it work. Then she found what she considered another good home for Iggy. Still quite innocent! Except for one little thing – the breach of a legal contract that she signed. Oops! The new family was in wrongful possession of Iggy and obligated to cooperate, but refused. Rules may seem unfair at times but shelters have them in place for more reasons than I have room to discuss here. Ellen, like many, probably did not stop to consider the details of the contract but that didn’t excuse her from them. And it certainly didn’t merit her involvement of lawyers and the media. It’s a shame that M and M has had to temporarily shut down due to death threats and the uproar. How many dogs will die while humans hash out this childish dispute that should never have happened? And we’re talking humans who don’t forgive as quickly as dogs! Read Mutts and Mom’s side of the story.

Posted by Joy Butler

Halloween is just around the corner. I can tell by all the yard decorations I've been seeing and by all the doggy costumes on the pages of pet supply catalogs. According to an AKC poll, ten percent of dog owners will be dressing up their pooches this Halloween. There are so many cute costumes available to anyone who has a dog who will put up with strange garb draped all over his body. The top ten favorites this year appear to be devil, pumpkin, witch, princess, angel, pirate, hot dog, bat, black cat, and clown. There's nothing cuter than a Dachshund posing as a hot dog or a Pug dressed as a bumblebee but I have to say that, in my prejudiced opinion, my pure white spitz dressed in her beauty queen costume years ago was the best. Sharla wore a glittering hot pink cape with a silver banner reading 'Miss K-9 USA.' She strutted through that doorway like she knew she was the most beautiful girl there and won a big box of milkbones! Halloween can be so much fun but but it can also turn sad if someone pulls a cruel prank or the dog accidentally gets into some food that's toxic to dogs. Please practice a little caution this October 31st. Here's wishing you and your dog a happy and safe Halloween!

Posted by Joy Butler

According to the Itchmo Pet News Daily Digest and Northwest Indiana Region Life blog, a federal judge has accepted authorities' suggestion that an animal law expert from Valparaiso University School of Law in Indiana, Rebecca Huss, be appointed guardian-special master of the dog's seized from Michael Vick's property. She will look after the dogs' interests. Most likely they will all be spayed or neutered and microchipped. Out of the approximately 50 pit bulls, some may be placed in suitable homes and some may need to live out their lives in a sanctuary. Huss will also have authority to have any extremely aggressive dogs or dogs with a serious medical condition euthanized. These dogs are victims in the true sense of the word. I think, and certainly hope, that each one will be given a fair chance at the quality life it deserves.

Posted by Joy Butler

Well it's mid-October and temperatures have started to cool in many areas. Here in South Texas we've had a break in the heat but even when it seems cooler we can't lose our vigilance for heat stroke in dogs, especially high risk dogs. Recently an older Pug came into our shelter. She is high risk for several reasons - being older and being brachycephalic, as well as a bit overweight. Brachycephalic means she has a short nose and is not able to ventilate effectively to reduce her body heat . The yard Miss Puggy goes out in is shady in the morning but has limited shade in the afternoon. We make a point to allow her plenty of time outside in the morning and then keep an eye on her if she goes out in the afternoon. If she starts to pant, we bring her back inside in the air conditioning and make sure she has plenty of cool water available. Even though fall weather feels nice, it doesn't mean that areas in direct sun, or locked cars or lack of water won't cause dogs to overheat. Please remain vigilant for your pet's safety.

Posted by Joy Butler

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog month. It's a time set aside to raise public awareness on pet overpopulation, the need for homes, and how wonderful shelter dogs are. Shelters everywhere are overflowing and many perfectly healthy, loving dogs must be euthanized simply because there's nowhere for them to go. The idea that most shelter dogs are there due to behavior problems is false. Many owners fail to spay or neuter and simply end up with too many. Or the owner has to move and can't take the dog. Or an owner dies or goes into a nursing home. There's no end to the reasons why dogs are relinquished to the shelter but most of them make loving and loyal pets. I know because I work with them all the time and have personally adopted a number of them myself. Some shelter dogs go into service work as drug dogs, hearing ear dogs, therapy dogs, or even movie actors like Benji. The idea that shelter dogs are all mutts is false. The shelter where I work has seen many purebreds come through its doors. Offhand I can quickly recall Dalmations, Dachshunds, Pekingnese, Shelties, Pugs, Chihuahuas, Labs, Siberian Huskies, Beagles, Schnauzers, German Shepherds, and even a Bull Terrier, among others. The next time you long for the pitter patter of furry feet, go to a shelter and look for just the right dog. If you don't fall in love the first time, check back every week . Shelters get new dogs all the time. And when you are smitten by those big brown eyes and make the big adoption committment, you can know that you are saving a life. Every dog adopted from a shelter leaves room for one more that would have otherwise been put down.

Posted by Joy Butler

We all remember the news when Trouble Helmsley, wealthy canine heir of Leona Helmsley, received $12 million. Well I’m all for making sure pets are provided for when owners die or become disabled but I admit I have trouble envisioning Trouble ever needing the entire $12 million for her own care. I guess I’m not the only one hoping she will use some of that moolah to help less fortunate animals.

Arfie, the mascot of Dogpile.com, has invited Trouble to work with him in an effort to raise money for the Humane Society of the United States’ Rural Area Veterinary Services program which provides free veterinary treatment to needy animals across the country. Arfie has already pledged to donate $1, up to $25,000, for each pet and owner who signs his appeal to Trouble, which challenges the millionaire pup to match these funds. If Trouble accepts, together they can donate up to $50,000. If you would like to see less fortunate animals get medical care they might not otherwise receive, this is an easy way to help. All you have to do is sign your pet’s name, within the next couple of weeks, on this request to Trouble! I did!

Posted by Joy Butler

A yappy hour is in order for First Dog, Barney Bush. Born September 30, 2000, Barney, a black Scottish Terrier turns seven on Sunday. I'm sure Miss Beazley, another Bush Scottie, and Willie, the First Cat will be on hand to help him celebrate. Befitting a dog of his status, Barney lives quite an exciting life. On his White House page he is pictured overseeing the president's greeting of the Israeli Prime Minister, playing ball and rolling in the grass on the South Lawn with Miss Beazley, tiptoeing through the tulips, examining Fall pumpkins, meeting the press behind microphones, posing in the snow, frolicking in the surf, and riding in the pickup truck with G.W..

For a dog who has special access to the Oval Office through the Colonade door, lounges on a red and gold carpeted White House Grand Staircase, and listens in on presidential meetings with foreign leaders, he's baffled that a purple dinosaur outranks him in a Google search. However, I doubt he will let it get him down. He will find something exciting to do for his birthday! Happy birthday, Barney Bush!

Posted by Joy Butler

I read about the cutest thing today. It's an art kit for dogs and includes five colors of non-toxic acrylic paint, three sheets of art paper, three paw protectors, a picture frame, and a surprise gift for your dog. It seems all you have to do is place the paper on the floor, apply swirls of paint in your choice of colors, cover it with a paw protector, tape it down and then encourage your dog to walk or run across it until his creative mood is satisfied. Then you remove the paw protector and allow the paint to dry before you frame your talented dog's masterpiece for a keepsake. The old method of dipping your dog's paw in the paint and having him walk across the paper is definitely inferior to this no-mess method. This paint kit is called Art-Casso, with a version for cats called Kitty-Casso and one for dogs called Pup-Casso. This might be nice for doggy parties or just as a gift for a dog owner friend. I bet these doggy works of art could even be auctioned off at fundraisers.

Posted by Joy Butler

After watching, for years, the never ending stream of dogs, some of them in sad, miserable condition, come through our shelter, I realize that something needs badly to be changed. Accidents and unfortunate circumstances can happen occasionally but when every shelter in North America is overflowing the brim and has no room for the thousands of animals being put to sleep, something is seriously wrong. I believe it all boils down to an epidemic of irresponsible people. People who, on a whim, decide it might be nice to have a dog to play with for awhile but when the new wears off and they get tired of feeding and cleaning up after him, he goes to the pound to die. Dog owners who have to move and, instead of searching for dog-friendly homes, take what's convenient and leave the dog behind. People who carelessly allow their dogs to breed for no reason or breed their cute dogs, thinking they will sell cute puppies and make a few bucks, are only making fewer homes available for the abandoned dogs already at the shelter. The bottom line is that pets are not toys to be tossed out when we're tired of them. They are living, breathing, feeling beings and we have to take responsibility for our actions when we allow them to be born. Only awareness, aggressive spay/neuter programs, and strong committment to the pets we already have will end this sad story of homeless pets. Saturday, Sept 15th is Responsible Dog Ownership Day. Some are planning a day of volunteer work. Some are planning fundraisers for shelters. What will you do?

Posted by Joy Butler

The blistering days of Texas summer have given way to cooler September days. The sun is still bright here but temperatures are just a bit more forgiving. I always enjoy watching the dogs play in the yards at the shelter during nice weather. Especially the quarantine dogs who have been more confined due to our infection control efforts. The day the vet gives them a clean bill of health, they move up front to the adoptables area and gain more privileges including more time out in the big grassy yards with other dogs to play with. We nurse and nurture them and it's very satisfying to see the sad, frightened, skinny, wormy, sometimes mangy waifs slowly progress to healthy, bouncy dogs ready for a new life. It's almost like a graduation. They spend days or weeks in quarantine and then, after passing their health tests, they move on to more freedom and the opportunity to be adopted into a good home . The real celebration comes when they are chosen by that special family. Sometimes saying 'goodbye' is a bit sad but it's all worth it when we know they will be loved. And then we have room to welcome yet another homeless animal and start all over again.

Posted by Joy Butler

Today I saw first hand, the result of a lack of socialization in dogs. One of our permanent resident dogs needed to see the veterinarian who does exams in another building about 75 feet from our 'old dog' building, as we call it. Jack has lived the last 3 years in that building and sees only that building, the dogs who live in that building with him, and their backyard. He plays with toys, is very sweet with the workers and enjoys the volunteers' visits but that's his world. Today I put a leash on him and attempted to lead him to the other building. HIs eyes turned dark with fear and he reluctantly made it to the door and then lay down on the ground and froze. There was no budging him any further so the vet came to the door and examined him there. His exam turned out fine and then we had the task of getting him back to his building. He's a large dog and, with fear ruling his emotions, we did not want to carry him if we could avoid it. Two of us had to half drag, half push him until he saw familiar walls, then he jumped up and trotted quickly back to his room. I would guess that in his early formative months as a puppy he also had few opportunities to experience the world so that he could learn to feel confident in a new situation. That's probably why he can not easily adapt to a home environment as a pet. Socialization in the early months is so very important to raising a happy, confident dog.

Posted by Joy Butler

At one point, a few days ago, the US held its breath in anticipation of Hurricane Dean's wrath but instead, the storm hit the eastern coast of the Yucatan last night and is still battering the peninsula as I write. It's expected to emerge into the Bay of Campeche shortly and take aim at another Mexican coastline. As a hurricane veteran who has lived in a hurricane zone all my life, I was already pulling out my lists of things to do and take, should it become necessary to evacuate. I keep these lists from year to year, making updates as needed, and always make sure my dogs are provided for. It takes only a few minutes to grab their bowls, leashes, and medical records, along with a bag of food and a jug of water. They're already wearing ID and I always keep two crates in the van so all that's already taken care of. Currently none of my dogs are on medications but, in the past, I've had to pack meds. I rarely allow my gasoline level to fall below a half tank so that's pretty much taken care of too. The next thing is, where to go? One year we went to my daughter's near Dallas but that's such a long drive that I've kept other options open. However the fact remains, wherever I go, my dogs go too.

I hope other pet owners are prepared in the event of a hurricane or other disasters. If we aren't affected by Dean, the hurricane season is just peaking and there's always the next one. Don't wait until those last frantic hours; make your plans now!

Posted by Joy Butler

Yesterday I received in the mail my copy of The Wonderful of Dog, a simple little paperback, 5.25 x 5 inches with 74 pages, quite fitting of its author, Baby, a Miniature Schnauzer, which contains a moving and heartwarming story of Baby's life. The book is edited by Paul Batoon and published by Doggone Press. Baby's life is not unlike thousands of other little dogs in the US but the book vividly portrays her saucy Schnauzer personality and how it feels to be 'dog'. You'll understand the 'wonderful of dog' as Baby tells about finding her place in the world with a loving family, about her fear, her curiosity, about learning grace, courage, and kindness, and about discovering friendship, pleasure, and happiness. Dozens of candid photographs depict her riding bravely in a raft, meeting new friends, playing happily on the beach and peacefully snoozing. Baby finishes her story by letting her people know that, after 13 wonderful years as dog, she is not 'gone gone' and that they can find her in all the things she loved. Tears may well up but you can't help but feel comforted as you realize that this happy little dog sends her message while scampering among angels.

Posted by Joy Butler

I have a wonderful job, at least for an animal lover, I do. After all the cleaning, feeding and medicating is done, I get to play with the animals. It's called "enrichment" but really it's just plain old play time. On nice days, Jake and I have the best fun in the yard.

Jake is a white Schnauzer mix and a permanent resident of our shelter because of aggressiveness. He doesn't get along well with other dogs and wouldn't think twice about taking a bite out of a human he doesn't know. Yet, you can't help but admire Jake. He lives life with such gusto! He loves to play and has definite favorite toys in the yard. He never fails to invite me for a game of fetch. He lives and loves to play tug and sometimes plays keep away with the toys. He always wins at keep away so when I get tired of it, I just walk away and say, "Jake, I cant toss the toy if you won't let me have it." That's when he drops it at my feet and looks up as if to say, "Ok, I'm sorry. Here it is. Would you please toss it now?"

When I can't play any longer, he sometimes cools his tummy in the kiddie pool while chewing on a toy. He also loves to dig in the water as well as in the dirt. He always finds something to do, whether it's scrubbing his back in the grass or being Mr. Vicious at the fence when the lawn people ride by on the "growling machine". Yes, Jake has a zest for life and playing with him is one of the bright spots in my day at the shelter. And like I said, I have a wonderful job!

Posted by Joy Butler

I just read in my Itchmo pet news digest that a Shepherd mix pup was riding in the back seat of a vehicle in Dallas, apparently with his head out the window, when the driver, going approximately 40 mph, changed lanes and he went sailing out onto the pavement! A bystander happened to witness the event and acted quickly, scooping up the puppy just ahead of oncoming traffic. The puppy is said to have sustained only scrapes and bruises to his face and paw. This is nothing short of miraculous. This dog was lucky twice in that he was not seriously injured in the tumble and also that he was not hit by oncoming traffic. The owner still has not been located. I wonder how far down the road they traveled before they realized their pup was missing? And I sincerely hope they learned a lesson from this. Dogs should never ride with their head out the window as they can be hit by branches and bugs or thrown out, as this dog was. They also should never ride loose in the back of a pickup, for the same reasons. This seems so obvious to many of us but I still see dogs riding in pickup beds and I just cringe and hope for the day when this will be outlawed everywhere. It would not only save the lives of dogs, it would prevent accidents as drivers try to avoid the fallen dog.

Posted by Joy Butler

I just recently read about a police dog in Richland Hills, Texas, in the Dallas area, who has been unable to work for some time because of a spinal cord infection. Hiko is a valuable partner on the street for officer Jason Baxter but the 110 lb Belgian sheepdog is not covered by the city's employee health plan. The police department itself has paid for $3500 worth of treatments but they've run out of money and the dog may need up to $10,000 worth of medical care. Police department employees and Baxter's mother have set up a fund for him. Baxter says Hiko just wants to get the bad guy and doesn't understand why he can't go to work with him anymore.

With the understandng that an assault on a K-9 officer is prosecuted the same as an assault on a human officer, I wonder why dogs are not also covered with a medical plan just as the human officer. I think they should be.;especially since their only pay is a pat on the side and a 'Good Boy'. What's your opinion? Please use the Discussion link to let us know what you think.

Posted by Joy Butler

Just yesterday I had to say goodbye to an old friend and Heaven welcomed another sweet soul. Jethro was a black and white Collie/Lab mix who had lived almost his entire 13 years at the shelter where I work. Many times he had greeted us with happy noises and always offered a paw, lifting it high. That was just his way. He had enjoyed good times in the yard, standing around visiting with the other dogs or running to the fence to bark at whatever. He loved getting brushed. Through the years he'd had occasional ear problems which required medications and he was one of the few dogs I've known who never complained or resisted his meds. I'm not sure why he never got adopted but I know things finally reached a point where he would have been traumatized to live anywhere else and that's when we made him a permanent resident of the shelter. Some people feel sorry for shelter dogs but he had it pretty good. All his needs were met including food, water, climate-controlled shelter, medications, playtime, friends, and attention. He loved and was loved.

His sweet personality made him a favorite among the workers and, as word spread yesterday, all his friends came to say goodbye. We sat with him during his last hours, trying to make him comfortable. Things won't be the same without his kind brown eyes, his long nose, his offered paw, even his barks that became wheezy as he grew older. But it was just an earthly body that housed the sweet soul that is now cradled in God's hands. If you have an older dog, please give him the extra love and care he deserves. We have no control over death but we can love and be loved. And, after all, that's what endures.

Posted by Joy Butler

Many people are opposed to the fur trade, especially when it comes to using companion animals. The import and sale of such furs were banned in the US in 2000 and, according to the RSPCA newsletter, a similar ban will take effect next year in the EU. I've read that countries like China are still killing dogs and cats to produce furs for the fashion industry. Perhaps with a shrinking market, the business will not be profitable enough to sustain itself. I'm not sure how fur could be a desirable choice in clothing when it's apparent the suffering it causes. With so many other materials available for wear, it seems that fur would never be an option. However there is a fur material that is stunningly beautiful, luxuriously soft, and more importantly, humane. To be absolutely correct, it is not really fur, but hair. And that's something most of us dog owners have in abundance. Yes, dog hair can be spun into yarn and then knit into beautiful sweaters, socks, blankets and more. It's called cheingora. What could be more special than wearing a unique sweater or showcasing an embroidered picture of your beloved dog, crafted from his own beautiful hair?

Posted by Joy Butler

For three years in a row, Sam, a purebred Chinese Crested Hairless won the World's Ugliest Dog contest. After his passing last year, Archie, another Chinese Crested won the competition. And now, Elwood, a two year old rescued Chinese Crested/Chihuahua mix from New Jersey has taken the 2007 title. What is it about Chinese Cresteds that people find ugly? Other breeds could be classified as ugly but most people use the phrase, "so ugly they're cute" when describing such breeds as the Pug, the English Bulldog, or the Sharpei. So what is it with the Chinese Cresteds? Although the Powderpuff variety with long flowing locks can be born within the same litter as the Hairless, I would guess that it's the lack of hair which tends to magnify any skin flaws, that makes some folks roll up their lip and exclaim, "EWWWW!" However, the positive message from this less-than-classy contest is that love comes from the heart and has nothing to do with looks. I highly suspect that when Karen Quigley, Elwood's "mom",looks at him, she sees something different than the rest of the world sees. Ugly dogs, like ugly babies, have doting mothers who love them and don't know they're ugly! When choosing a dog for a pet, looks don't matter. Even breed is not all that important. I recommend you spend some time with the dog first,. Get to know him. Look into his eyes and search for whatever it is that makes him, him. That way you'll appreciate his little quirks and recognize when the chemistry is right. And when you combine chemistry with committment, you'll have one of the best friends ever! Right, Karen?

Posted by Joy Butler

Friday is National Take Your Dog to Work Day, hosted by Pet Sitters International, to celebrate the human-dog relationship. This day, always the Friday following Father's Day, helps to recognize the value of canines as pets and hopefully, increase homeless dog adoptions. PSI says that some 10,000 employers have registered on their website allowing employees to take their dog to work on that day. The petsit.com site claims studies show that pets in the workplace boost employee morale, productivity and even sales! Even if your employer won't allow you to take your dog to work, you are encouraged to take a photo or TYDTW items for giveaways, or hold a fundraiser for a shelter. As one of the employees of a pet shelter, I'm fortunate enough to be able to take my dogs to work any time I want, and many of us do quite often. Of course, we must use good judgment. If your dog is the nervous, shy type that would not appreciate the extra attention, then just take some photos to share. But, if your dog would enjoy it and you have a comfortable, safe place for him, make the most of it. Make sure he is up to date on shots and then dress your dog in cute summer fashion and celebrate TYDTW Day!

Posted by Joy Butler

I just got back from a glorious vacation on the Kemah Boardwalk. The salty air, the laughing gulls, the bright sun and gentle waves do wonders for relaxing the spirit. We rode speedboats, fed stingrays, ate in some great restaurants, watched a fire juggler and a boat parade, enjoyed fireworks over the bay, and rocked the dock with some fabulous bands. I had a great time but I sure missed my dogs. Judging from the greeting they gave us when we got home, they missed us too. Pets were not allowed there and I don't think it was a trip my dogs would have enjoyed much anyway. I had a friend come to the house three times a day to care for them while we were basking in the summer fun. Summer was a little later coming here this year but it arrived in full force as we flipped the calendars to June. The heat reminds me that summer can hold some hazards for our dogs unless we take some special precautions. I've collected a list of article links here to help you keep your dog healthy and happy during the stifling heat of summer.

Dogs and Dehydration

Vacationing with Your Dog

Luxury Boarding for Dogs

Dogs and Heat Stroke

Heat Stroke and High Risk Dogs

Keeping Dogs Cool

Dogs and Fireworks

Doggy Fitness Exercise Checklist

Heartworms Can Be Deadly for Dogs

Hurricane Pet Preparedness

Crating Your Dog

Posted by Joy Butler

We have a new little face at the shelter. She's part Chihuahua and part Dachshund with the skinny legs and huge, round eyes of the Chihuahua and the long body and pointed face of the Dachshund. Her body tapers smaller from front to back and her huge ears take a few characteristics from both the Chihuahua and the weenie dog. They are huge, set a bit to the side rather than upright, while the ends tip over giving the appearance of wings in flight. She's a funny little thing, looking like she could be the inspiration for the main character in a cartoon. She's sweet, calm, and potty trained. I have no doubt she will be adopted soon. Her unique appearance deserves a unique name. Instead of simply Chihuahua/Dachshund, I wonder if we should call her a Chihund or maybe a Dashwa. But the more I think about it, the more I favor WeenieWaWa for this unique little girl.

Posted by Joy Butler

Memorial Day weekend sort of officially kicks off summer and, for many, it's a time of swimming, boating, and picnicking. for the whole family, including the family dog. Taking the dog just makes it more fun. And Max certainly enjoys the outdoors and just being a part of family celebrations. Dogs love splashing in the water, riding in the boat with the wind in their face and getting a few bites of human food at the picnic. He can even enjoy the extra attention that a doggy summer wardrobe of surfer shorts and sunglasses will win him. But more importantly, he needs to be kept safe from harm. Along with his aloha shirt, you need to pack his doggy life jacket too. Even if he can swim, accidents do happen. And since Memorial Day weekend is notoriously hot, someone needs to make sure he stays cool and drinks fresh water often. Dogs do not tolerate heat as well as humans. And remember, no chocolate or bones for the dog. Have a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend!

Posted by Joy Butler

There's just something about the hot summer sun blazing down that makes you want to head to the coast. for a long weekend. Relax, smell the sea air, and take part in seaside festivities. My family and I go at least a couple of times a year and it's getting just about time for that first trip this year. We have it all planned - the hotel reserved, the nearby restaurants, the shops, the speedboat rides, the fireworks, and the bands that will 'rock the dock'. Should be lots of fun in the sun! But of course my dogs wouldn't think so. I take them with me as much as possible and when we go camping, they go too. But the coast trip we have planned would be no fun for them so I've arranged for a trusted friend to come to the house three times a day and take care of them. For my shy dogs, this is a better option than boarding because they get to stay in their familiar home environment. A few luxury boarding facilities are popping up around the country but even if you can afford their fancy amenities, I have a feeling it's the outgoing dogs, and not the shy ones, who appreciate them. It will be nice to get away to the coast and I'm really looking forward to those Gulf breezes, but when the sun sets on the boardwalk, I'll be ready to get back home to my doggies.

Posted by Joy Butler

I officially adopted a new dog last week. My canine family now numbers three. She is a little black and tan terrier mix and is very shy. From what I read from her body language, she has had little socialization. The first day she kept her tail tucked and crept across the floor, afraid to go out if she was inside, and afraid to come back inside if she was out. I invite her to take part in the household routine but I don't push anything. I let her figure things out in her own comfort zone and move at her own pace. She's smart and takes her cues from the other two dogs. She has learned where the beds are, and the water, and when meal time is. She's a little insecure with being held but loves to snuggle close in the recliner. I heard her bark yesterday for the first time. It was just two little barks but she let me know the neighbor cat was wandering by. Today she did some play bows and played with a rope toy for awhile. This afternoon she explored in the yard and then came running back inside with her tail waving just like the other dogs. Her confidence blooms each time I praise her for something she's done. It's such a joy to watch her slowly come out of her shell. There are many reasons why dogs are shy and she may always be somewhat withdrawn but with time and patience, she will lose the fear and learn to enjoy life, as she so deserves. Welcome home, Cassie Jane!

Posted by Joy Butler

The third week of May is National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Dog bites can be serious for dogs and people alike. In addition to being painful, and possibly disfiguring, the bite can become infected leading to complications. The dog may be labeled as vicious and put to sleep or turned in to a shelter, when in reality he may have been only protecting himself from perceived harm. In all my years of owning and working with hundreds, possibly thousands, of dogs, I've been bitten only once. I was walking a little fox terrier on leash when a neighbor's Malamute came out of nowhere and attacked her. In my attempt to get her away from him, I got a good chomp on the hand. I did manage to get her safely away from him and I was the only one bleeding. I washed the wound, kept antibiotic ointment on it, and it healed over without even a scar, though not before it became very sore for several days! Dog bites definitely do not feel good! In most cases, with education and a little common sense, dog bites can be prevented.

Posted by Joy Butler

News on the pet food recall seems to have taken a back seat lately. But I still get newsletters in email keeping me updated. The recall list expanded when melamine was found, not only in wheat gluten, but in rice protein concentrate and in corn gluten. A notice from the Purina company assures pet owners that they now have a way to test for melamine. As best as I understand, new Purina foods should be safe. So far, I'm still cooking for my dogs but I may consider buying Purina in the near future. Be sure to watch your dog or cat for any unusual behavior and take them to a vet immediately if they lose their appetite, begin vomiting or seem lethargic. Keep an eye on the recall list.

Posted by Joy Butler

The little Min Pin who was visiting me last week has been adopted. Of course being a cocky little Min Pin, she had to have just the right home and that's exactly what she found. A retired couple who had recently lost the little dog they'd had for 14 years, came to the shelter . It was too soon and they weren't ready to get another dog yet but they wanted to 'just look'. Well, as often happens with people who love animals with a compassionate heart, they were snared by the little Min Pin's adoring brown eyes. It was love at first sight but they wanted to be sure. They held her, played with her and got to know her. She turned on her 'King of the Toys' charm and soon there was no turning back. The little Min Pin went home perched in the lady's arms with her new red collar and new toys. She is the only pet in a household that has plenty of time and love to offer her. She will have all the attention to herself, just the way Min Pins like. The couple promised to send pictures and we're waiting. Don't you just love happy endings?

Posted by Joy Butler

My house is full of dogs once again. In addition to my own two terriers, the three Chihuahuas, along with a Min Pin from the shelter, are visiting. It's nice to have these little things scampering around underfoot. They're just like kids, each with its own personality. My two terriers seem to know they will always be the top dogs and they pretty much ignore the others. The Chihuahuas visit here often enough that they feel at home. They bark at noises outside as if they lived here. And run to their same old napping places. The Min Pin who, at the shelter, seemed sweet and submissive, has lost her inhibitions here and is displaying a bit of the typical Min Pin cockiness. One on one, she's very loving and sweet, but she doesn't tolerate other dogs very well. She'll probably be happiest in a one pet home, where she has her people all to herself. I like to ease visiting dogs loneliness by doing something special for them. Sometimes I give them a massage but, today, in addition to their regular food, I made them all a treat of scrambled eggs and whole wheat toast. That was gobbled up in a hurry! Visiting dogs make the house cheerful, but come weekend, they'll all be gone again, leaving just my Carly and Katy.

Posted by Joy Butler

It seems that it just won't go away! After more than a month of pet food recalls, the list is still growing. This time, it's a natural pet food company and a different ingredient. Previously wheat gluten was determined as the source of melamine contamination but this company says they do not use wheat gluten. This company stated that recent laboratory tests showed that some of their foods contained melamine and they believe the source is rice protein concentrate which they recently added to the recipe. They are recalling canned, bagged, and dry dog and cat foods. How did melamine get into another ingredient? Where will it all end? How can one feel safe buying commercial foods when the mystery has gone on for this long and seems no closer to being solved? Too many unanswered questions. If you've begun cooking for your dog, you are not alone! Many pet owners are cooking for their pets. When my dogs ran out of the food I knew to be safe, I started cooking human groceries like chicken livers, salmon, vegetables, noodles, brown rice, cottage cheese, oatmeal, and scrambled eggs with whole wheat toast for them. I'm prepared to do it as long I have to keep them safe. I vary their diet to make sure they get the nutrients they need. They love it and may be too spoiled to go back to kibble when this whole mess is over.

Posted by Joy Butler

Today we learned from an article in the Globe and Mail that Menu Foods first started getting complaints on their toll-free line regarding illness and deaths in relation to their products in late February. We also learned that Mr. Wein, the chief financial officer of Menu Foods Income Fund sold almost half his shares in the company on February 26th and 27th. Then on March 16th, the company issued its recall. Coincidence? Mr. Wein says it is. In explanation as to why they waited so long to recall the foods he said that the pet food maker routinely gets complaints and that "it's not something that necessarily gets flagged right to the top on an ongoing basis." However, the article says that Menu's test animals began showing signs of kidney failure in the first week of March and that the company ended its relationship with their supplier of wheat gluten on March 6th. The wheat gluten was suspected of being contaminated with melamine. The value of those shares are definitely down as of yesterday's closing and, with more and more pet owners making their own pet food, the industry must be taking a huge blow. With all this new information, you just can't help but wonder about the timing.

Posted by Joy Butler

March 25th, 2007 was a sad day for the Hartwig family and for Skidboot's many fans. The Pet Star Champion was laid to rest beneath an oak tree on the ranch that was his home. Skidboot lived a fantastic 14 years, from humble stray dog beginnings to extraordinary television star. During that time, he made many performances, each one incredible. My grandson saw him perform at a school function and I watched his amazing performance on Animal Planet's Pet Star several years ago. I've never seen a dog understand and obey instruction like he did. I say 'instruction' because that's what it was, not 'commands' as we often refer to in dog training. David Hartwig talked to Skidboot in normal language and tone as he would have talked to another human and Skidboot understood and obeyed. I never met the Queensland Blue Heeler mix but was so impressed with his intelligence and human quality that I wrote an article about him in 2003. You can visit his website here. The Hartwigs have requested that donations be made to your local animal shelter in Skidboot's memory. Rest in peace, sweet Skidboot.

Posted by Joy Butler

As a pet shelter worker and a pet owner I have been closely following the recent pet food recalls. Up until today (March 30), dry foods were not included, although I had silently wondered if dry food would sooner or later be added to the list. It seems that Hill's Pet Nutrition has now recalled its Prescription Diet m/d Feline dry cat food because it contains wheat gluten from the same supplier that Menu Foods used. How long before dry dog food is added to the list? It's getting harder and harder to discern which foods may be safe. As the drama unfolds, you have to wonder how many pet foods that are currently considered safe will later turn out not to be. Until all this settles out and people begin to trust the pet food supply again, more and more are starting to look into ways to make their own pet food. The article informing of the dry cat food recall can be read here.

Posted by Joy Butler

We've had eight puppies come into the shelter in the last couple of days. Three of the eight belong to one litter. These three were found dumped, dehydrated and starving, on the side of a road. They wolfed down the food we gave them and then fell asleep, huddled together for security. I watched them sleeping in their kennel - pure innocence. They understand nothing of the cruel world they've been born into.

Even though dogs have puppies year round, it seems there is a puppy explosion every Spring. These puppies are unwanted yet they are no accident. Someone is responsible for their birth. It may be shocking to some to learn that for every person born in America, 15 puppies and 45 kittens are born. It's no wonder that shelters are full and overflowing with homeless pets. When shelters can no longer take them in, these babies must be killed.

Although we have no room for any more, the eight puppies at our shelter are safe, at least for now - we are no-kill - and they will be neutered so they cannot add to the overpopulation. Yet, with a potential 12 to 16 year lifespan, I wonder how many of them will live out that potential in a happy forever home. Statistics show that most dogs, even the ones who find homes, will end up homeless again at some time in their life. With so many pets available, some people look at them as disposable - easy come, easy go.

If your pet is not spayed/neutered and is out roaming, please consider that you're adding to this tragedy. We need to aggressively spread the message of spay/neuter! If you can't take in 15 dogs and 45 cats, please spay/neuter your pets!

Posted by Joy Butler

The massive pet food recall made news everywhere this weekend. Neither my own personal pets' food or the shelter's pet food here was affected but I caution everyone to check their supply and discard any that causes doubt. Some people may be sufficiently concerned to make their own dog food. As I understand, the recall covers "cuts and gravy" style canned foods and pouch foods made between December 3rd and March 6th, in the following brands.

Recalled cat foods:

Americas Choice; Preferred Pets; Authority; Best Choice; Companion;

Compliments; Demoulas Market Basket; Eukanuba, Iams, Nutro, Fine Feline Cat, Shep Dog; Food

Lion; Foodtown; Giant Companion; Good n Meaty; Hannaford; Hill

Country Fare; Hy-Vee; Key Food; Laura Lynn; Li'l Red; Loving Meals;

Main Choice; Nutriplan; Nutro Max Gourmet Classics; Nutro Natural

Choice; Paws; Presidents Choice; Price Chopper; Priority; Save-A-Lot;

Schnucks; Sophistacat; Special Kitty; Springfield Pride; Sprout;

Total Pet; My True Friend; Wegmans; Western Family; White Rose; and

Winn Dixie.

Recalled dog foods:

America's Choice; Preferred Pets; Authority; Award; Best Choice; Big

Bet; Big Red; Bloom; Bruiser; Cadillac; Companion; Demoulas Market

Basket; Eukanuba, Iams, Nutro, Fine Feline Cat; Shep Dog; Food Lion; Giant Companion; Great

Choice; Hannaford; Hill Country Fare; Hy-Vee; Key Food; Laura Lynn;

Loving Meals; Main Choice; Mixables; Nutriplan; Nutro Max; Nutro

Natural Choice; Nutro; Ol'Roy; Paws; Pet Essentials; Pet Pride;

President's Choice; Price Chopper; Priority; Publix; Roche Bros; Save-

A-Lot; Schnucks; Springsfield Pride; Sprout; Stater Bros; Total Pet;

My True Friend; Western Family; White Rose; Winn Dixie and Your Pet.

For information or an updated list, call 1-866-895-2708

If your pet has eaten any of these foods, watch for vomiting, lethargy, excessive thirst, or loss of appetite. If your pet presents with any of these symptoms, or acts different in any way, take it to a veterinarian immediately.

Posted by Joy Butler

Justice has prevailed. The couple who adopted the rescued Katrina dog refused to return Pablo to his original owner even though she'd been located before the standard 90 day foster period was up. But, this week, an Arizona judge ordered him sent back to Paula Duming. Although the court viewed Pablo as property, I am convinced his best interests were served. Paula welcomed Pablo into her home near Christmas of 2004, when he was only weeks old, and named him after her late father. Veterinarian receipts found in the Katrina rubble showed the care he received, even though Paula is disabled and lives on a limited income. Paula fought long and hard to get back her beloved dog and now, after 18 months, they are rightfully reunited. The article I read said that Pablo ran up the steps to Paula. He could not, in his innocence, have understood all that happened in the last 18 months but I'm sure he's happy to see her again! And I can just imagine the joy she felt to see him again!

Posted by Joy Butler

A year and a half later, Hurricane Katrina still brings misery to her victims. Very soon, an Arizona judge will decide who gets Pablo, a small black and white dog, who was rescued in the storm's aftermath. Paula Duming was airlifted from her New Orleans rooftop shortly after Katrina hit . She was not allowed to take her dog companion, who she had named after her father, with her. Luckily, Best Friends picked up Pablo a few days later, along with thousands of other pets left behind. Somehow, against the Best Friends agreement, Pablo was given to an Arizona couple to foster. Later on, the couple adopted him. After searching for three months, Paula located Pablo and, typically, another joyful reunion would have taken place. Except that the Arizona couple refused to give Pablo back. They claimed they had already bonded with him and that they could give him a better home than a displaced Katrina victim could. However, that's not all of the story. It seems their lawyer has said they now may consider giving Pablo back if they are paid $10,000. Best Friends is supporting Paula and the case will go to court next week. There is always more than one side to an argument, however, the $10,000 "ransom" makes no sense at all to me. I know little about law but I would think that this case should be a little more complicated than just two parties arguing over property. Pablo is not simply "property". He is a living being and his best interests should weigh in. Still, whose best interests will win out? Pablo's? Paula's? Or the foster couple's? Please follow this link and let us know what your opinion is in this dispute. Also read about a Katrina Dog Hero.

Posted by Joy Butler

Iditarod huskies are spread across Alaska from Ophir to Anvik. Nineteen teams of the original eighty-two have scratched from the race. G.B. Jones sacrificed the race to continue looking for one of his dogs who slipped out of harness and ran away. Currently, the front running team belongs to Martin Buser, four time Iditarod champion. Dropping another dog in the last checkpoint, he is running 13 dogs. If for any reason, a dog is not up to finishing, it is left at the checkpoint to be cared for by the veterinarians and then flown back home. One of my favorites is Karen Ramstead and her unique purebred Siberian Husky team. This woman is unstoppable and the love she has for her dogs shows in the care she gives them. She also shows them in Conformation and in Obedience competition, and each dog occupies a space on her website. She and her team are in position 42 right now. Just finishing the race is a proud accomplishment and the fact that she allows her dogs a slower pace shows her sportsmanship. The Iditarod record winning time is 8 days, 22 hours, 46 minutes, and 2 seconds, set by Martin Buser in 2002. We shall soon see what this year's time will be.

Posted by Joy Butler

The Iditarod 2007 is now underway. Eighty-two teams of sixteen dogs, pulling their sleds and mushers, have left Anchorage bound for Nome. I know that the driving force in every sled dog's heart is running. Watching videos of them jumping, lunging and barking reveals that they can't wait to be on the trail. These elite champions will get the best of care including high-performance food, fleece lined booties, t-shirts when they need them, and veterinary checks at the checkpoints. These huskies are tough little athletes who have been prepared and conditioned all year long. However, dogs who love to run as much as these dogs do, do not always know when enough is enough. This is only day 3, with many more miles ahead. It will be up to the musher to rest them when necessary. I hope that prizes and prestige under the burled arches do not outweigh better judgement when it comes to taking care of the dogs. All in all, if it were me and my dogs, I probably would not be willing to drive them hard enough to be in the least bit competitive. You can keep up with progression of the race here .

Posted by Joy Butler

Most dogs love to "go". I know my little terrier does. Every time I pick up my keys, she's asking to "go". It doesn't matter where, or if the trip is 2 miles or 200, she wants to "go"! Some people take their dogs everywhere with them. Sometimes it's ok; sometimes it can be a problem. But more and more places are now allowing dogs. Even restaurants are allowing them in patio areas. Some have certain rules in place. A few years ago some friends and I went to a dog obedience show in San Antonio and stopped for a meal on the Riverwalk. It was a hot day and we weren't going to leave our dogs in the car. Together, we had two German Shepherds, a Labrador Retriever, and an Australian Shepherd, but the little Mexican restaurant invited us to the covered patio area, with our dogs. Each one of them was well-behaved and laid beside the owner's chair. Of course each of them had an obedience title. We were able to enjoy an authentic Mexican meal as well as a serenade from a Mexican street band. Since then I've run across quite a few restaurants and other public places that are dog-friendly. I think it can work as long as there are responsible owners with well-behaved dogs. However, there could be the unruly dog who trips the waiter or the over-zealous owner who allows his dog to eat from restaurant plates, or other problems. I'd like to know what you think. Please voice your opinion in my poll on the topic page.

Posted by Joy Butler

After two weeks in quarantine, Peaches passed all her medical tests and graduated to the front, where she went up for adoption. From my window in quarantine, I could see her playing in the yard with the other dogs. I was glad she had more room and someone to play with. Sometimes I would go talk to her through the fence. Today she got adopted. I was just getting to know her and she's already gone. I'm not surprised she went so fast. She is a calm, quiet little girl with a fuzzy face and all she wanted was someone to love. Happy ending. Of course her crate in quarantine did not stay empty for long. Now there's a black lab puppy in her place. For the short time he will be there, we will do our best to help him grow and learn puppy manners. He, along with six other dogs, will go through the program until, one day, they too will go home. It's a never-ending stream of homeless dogs and cats. What's wrong with our society to keep our shelters full and overflowing?

Posted by Joy Butler

Every once in awhile I read or hear of something that makes me stop and wonder just how intelligent dogs really are. We have tests for measuring intelligence and temperament , and there are competitions and titles for comparing one dog to another, but that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about the part of a dog that is much like humans are, or at least what we like to hope humans are. The part that makes them caring, compassionate, loyal, and brave. The story I read that got me thinking like that again was in the news yesterday about a stray German Shepherd, in Thomasville Georgia, who pulled an injured, total stranger from a wrecked car and dragged her 50 yards back to the highway to summon help. Some say that dogs don't think, that they act on instinct alone. But I can't see how any amount of human intelligence can reason away what this dog did. To my way of thinking, he clearly saw a problem, had some measure of compassion on the woman and cognitively reasoned out something that he could do to help. There are too many stories like this around for me not to believe that dogs know a lot more about what's going on, and have more emotions, than some people give them credit for. The next time you see a stray dog on the side of the road, think about it. And the next time you hear of a litter of puppies born that will take homes away from the poor souls sitting in the pound with only three days left to live, think about it. Are they "just dogs"? I believe they're thinking, feeling creatures. As the species in dominion, we owe these thinking, feeling creatures more than what our society has been providing for them. Read how you can help here and here. Read the news story of the stray dog and the injured lady here.

Posted by Joy Butler

Does anyone plan to watch the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet on Sunday? Many a party is planned for the Super Bowl, but I'd much rather watch the Puppy Bowl! It will be aired Super Bowl Sunday this year, for the third year in a row. Last year I watched it and it was adorable. A dozen or more shelter puppies under the age of 3 months, along with toys, are placed in a 'model stadium' pen to run, roll and tumble. They really do look like a football team in action. One puppy grabs the toy and runs with it. All the others chase it, tackle it, and roll into a heap. Except for a 'kitty half time' show where kittens perform with lights, yarn and scratching posts for 30 minutes, the Puppy Bowl lasts for 3 hours with commentary and replay shots added for more humor. Three hours and it's not boring! Another bonus feature is the mention of how viewers can adopt shelter pets. What a great message for last year's 690,000 viewers! This show is a cute parody of the Super Bowl and you won't regret tuning in. Oh, and be sure to watch for the Bowl cam. It's a camera mounted underneath a clear water bowl to show close-ups, from another point of view, of puppies drinking. Hilarious! Cute!

Posted by Joy Butler

Did any of you see the January 28th news story out of St.Louis about a golden retriever being reunited with his original family after six years? It was one of those 3 tissue stories that you love to read. Cujo somehow got away from his family, during a move, at the age of seven and could not be found. The little girl, then age 4, vowed never to forget him and hung a Christmas stocking for him each year. Cujo somehow ended up over a hundred miles away in Columbia, living with an elderly lady. Eventually she became ill and had to go into a nursing home and Cujo, now named Willy, was sent to the Central Missouri Humane Society in Columbia. By this time he was old and deaf with matted fur and not likely to be adopted but the Saint Louis Golden Retriever rescue group known as Dirk's Fund took him in, providing veterinary care and a foster home. When Willy's picture went up on the website, a relative of the original family just happened across it by chance. The reunion took place January 26th. It seems that every turn of Cujo/Willy's life was against the odds but I'd like to think it was the enduring love of that little girl that brought him home at long last. (sniff)

Posted by Joy Butler

I'm continually amazed at the dogs who end up at the pound. Right now, at the shelter, we have an apricot poodle mix, who we rescued from the pound. She's adorable, she's sweet, and she misses her previous home. Just like all the others, it will take her awhile to adjust to our routine and she will have to go through a quarantine period before going up for adoption. Quarantine is not fun but at least it's temporary. These dogs cannot go out into the yard with all the others until we know that they are disease-free. Their space is limited and poor Peaches is desperate to escape. She climbed out of a 6 foot chain link kennel twice. We now have her in a stainless steel cage. She's stressed out as evidenced by her trembling and panting. Every once in awhile I'd catch her looking up and all around trying to figure a way to escape. I took her out and held her on my lap for a long time, gave her a massage, and she lay so still and quiet. That was ALL she wanted. I hated to put her back but she finally made herself comfortable on the cushion I gave her and went to sleep. Somewhere there is a person who is responsible for her being born. Somewhere there is a person who had her in their home, at least for awhile. Poor Peaches misses them so much. They don't deserve her loyalty. Do they not know how much she's hurting? Would they care if they did? How could they abandon her in a place where she would have been put to sleep, had she not been one of the few we were able to make room for at the shelter? We will keep her until a good home comes along. Soon she will be able to run and play with the other dogs but, in the meantime, I'll do all I can to help her through this difficult time. Only aggressive spay/neuter programs will stop the suffering. Click here for an update on Peaches.

Posted by Joy Butler

Today I learned a new doggy thing. In a newsletter I get, something was mentioned about doga as being another fun thing to do with your dog. I didn't know what doga was so I Googled it and found that it has been around at least as long as three years, as there is a book on the subject, published in 2003. It's called Doga: Yoga for Dogs by Jennifer Brilliant and William Berloni. I plan to look for the book at my library but in the meantime I read the customer reviews on Amazon. All but one were positive and portrayed the book as written with a lighthearted manner in a way that both dog lovers and yoga fans would enjoy. It seems that many yoga postures come naturally to dogs. The one negative review seemed to believe that doga is just an attempt by the author to build a name and make a little money off a gimmick but even this reviewer admitted that dog lovers would enjoy it. In my Google search I also learned that the trend began in New York and that dogs who practice yoga are called dogis. I don't, and never have, done yoga but I'm crazy about my dogs so if it's something new that we can enjoy together, who knows, maybe I'll try it. And while we're on the subject of fun things to do with your dog, another activity that you don't see every day is canine drill teams. I'll let you know if I try either drill teamwork or doga.

Posted by Joy Butler

If you read my articles you will notice I'm writing a series on mixed breed dogs. These are the most plentiful of breeds and are reported to be the most popular pet dog. I've had several purebreds and they were wonderful dogs but mostly I've had mixed breeds and they were just as smart and well-behaved as the purebreds. As a child, I grew up on a farm, with a full blooded Collie. I named her Lassie and she was my constant companion, several times blocking me from snake bites. She was the gentlest soul ever, but didn't hesitate to stand up for me if the neighbor kids played too rough with me. Another purebred who stands out is the German Shepherd I had for almost 13 years. That beautiful boy was the first dog I ever trained and showed and he earned his Companion Dog obedience title the first three shows out, and within only a month's time. I've heard that's pretty rare and if he hadn't been smarter than me, we never would have pulled that off. But my mixed breeds have been pretty wonderful too. They have so much personality and seem to be the most loving. Carly is a terrier mix that I've had six years. Trust, for her, was a long time coming but she's very loyal and is a one-person dog. She's also a dog's dog. She patrols the yard in the day and the house at night to keep intruders away. She runs, barks, and digs but then likes to curl up by my leg and let out a loud sigh. When I'm typing on the computer and she's resting peacefully, I know all is well. You can read her story on the 18 lb size Chicken Soup for the Soul dog food bags. Later on, I'll tell you about more of my dogs.

Posted by Joy Butler

OK, everybody, this is the Dogs topic where you will find all kinds of information on breeds, general care and safety, nutrition, training, boarding, dog issues, dog activities, and book/product reviews. But, if you're like me, you love dogs so much that you not only want to know all the dog facts, you also enjoy reading personal stories about dogs themselves. You know that, behind each set of soulful eyes, lives a personality all its own with desires, fears, and crazy little quirks. So, beginning in February we will, each month, choose a special dog to feature in a full article with photo. It may be a working dog, a hero dog, a shelter dog, one of my own dogs, or even YOUR dog! Every little pooch is special in his own way. Every little pooch has a story to tell and this is where he will have the opportunity to tell it! So, if you know a dog who should appear on the Suite101 Dogs topic, write a paragraph or two (300 to 600 words) stating his breed or description, background, favorite things, and anything that makes this dog special and send it along with a couple of good photos to suite101sn@hotmail.com. Your dog may be our Featured Fido!

Posted by Joy Butler

I'm back writing Dogs again! If you're visiting for the first time, I wrote the Dogs topic in early 2006 with my last article posted back in July, before my 6 month stint as Suite101's Science & Nature editor. Dogs are my life. I work with dogs all day long and, at the end of the day, I come home to more of my own dogs, and occasionally, a few boarding dogs. I don't think I'm alone in being dog crazy. Judging from all the doggy treats, services and pamperings that are available, this "affliction" seems to have affected quite a few others too. I hope you're one of them and will join me often at the revived Dogs topic to keep up with what's new for our wonderful canines!

Posted by Joy Butler

Sometimes people fall in love with a puppy, adopt him, and then find he's more than they bargained for. But, before you give up on your puppy, take a look at my free course about caring for and training puppies up to one year of age. You'll find information on puppy-proofing your home, puppy health needs, individual puppy personalities, thinking like a puppy, puppy development, socialization, housetraining and teaching basic manners, and even a section addressing behavior problems such as whining, nipping, jumping up, and separation anxiety. Nurturing, training and socializing your puppy in the early weeks and months of her life are critical to raising a happy, confident and well-behaved dog. With just a little effort, you can give your puppy all these things, and you'll be rewarded a hundred times over. Your mischievous little puppy really can grow up to be your very best friend and provide you with many years of beautiful companionship.

Posted by Joy Butler

Mixed blood in my veins,

No registered name,

My parents will never be known,

No elegant collars, no value in dollars,

Discarded, a soul with no home.

Decidedly plain,

no titles I claim,

I'll never win Westminster's prize.

I've never made news, doing brave rescues,

But please look deep in my eyes,

For if all that you see

is the outside of me,

Then you've missed the most beautiful part.

The prettiest, you see, is the inside of me.

And the love that I have in my heart.

Read more about mixed breed dogs.

Posted by Joy Butler

An ice cold smoothie or a frozen ice cream sandwich tastes so good on a hot summer day. Well, your dog appreciates cold treats too. I know mine do! They come in from the heat outside and look forward to crunching on a few ice cubes. They also love to chew on frozen baby carrots. I've been looking for some other summer snack ideas and found something called Ice Pudding Frozen Dog Treats. Apparently it's pudding made just for dogs and can be enjoyed frozen or room temperature. This is something that can be taken along in the ice chest when you're camping or boating and will help keep your pooch cool. And remember, keeping your dog cool is not just a luxury, it's a must, to prevent dehydration and heatstroke. Let's keep summer fun!

Posted by Joy Butler

Occasionally I have to crate my dogs for one reason or another but it's a rare thing. I'm glad they have the run of the house and yard most of the time. All three of them lived at the shelter for different lengths of time before I adopted them, and consequently, spent a good deal of time in crates. My grandsons are visiting and, depending on what activity is going on, I may have to baby gate the dogs into another room for a short time, but I rarely crate them. The crates are reserved for hurricane evacuation or other longer distance travel. Two of my dogs spend quite a bit of time napping under the bed or in the recliner, but the other is very active. She comes and goes, explores in the yard, barks, digs, and runs. I would hate for her to have to stay in a crate for very long. I would think any dog would be happier with more freedom.

Posted by Joy Butler

Best Friends Day is June 23rd and the whole weekend is Best Friends Weekend. Everyone, everywhere is encouraged to perform a special act of kindness (AOK) for an animal friend and make the world a little nicer place. Public opinion is slowly changing about the way animals are treated and Best Friends Animal Society offers space on its website to record your AOK on their kindness odometer. A small amount of effort can make a huge difference. Donate to your favorite animal charity, help out for an hour or so at your local pet shelter, donate a doghouse to your neighbor's dog, eat a vegetarian meal, urge your friends to spay/neuter their pets, or be creative with your own ideas. Make it a fun project and get the whole family involved. Then visit Best Friends Day 2006 and share how you made a difference.

Posted by Joy Butler

Susie is my serious, no-nonsense type fox terrier mix who has never been much for playing. Now that she's 15 years old, her idea of a good time is sleeping under the bed, sunning her belly in the yard, and occasionally barking at neighborhood cats who wander by. Her eyesight and hearing are beginning to fail and she doesn't bark as much as she used to, probably because she doesn't see or hear as many things to bark at anymore. Anyway, my young grandson is visiting for the month of June and he managed to find a way to bring out the puppy in Susie again. A little battery powered mouse he brought to play with ran out of energy so he improvised by tying a string around the mouse's neck and pulling it around. Susie eyed that mouse scooting around the floor and all of a sudden her long-slumbering prey drive kicked in. She put her little body in gear and started chasing that little fake rodent. Susie had a good time and we laughed and laughed at the sight of our little older dog getting past first gear for the first time in a long time. It was great to see my grandson and Susie having a good time together.

Posted by Joy Butler

Working in a pet shelter you hear all kinds of stories about why dogs end up there. Some make sense, some don't. When an elderly dog owner goes into a nursing home and has no family to take their dogs, or when a soldier is deployed and has no one to keep their dogs, it makes sense. But when you hear the story that an owner is moving to housing that doesn't allow dogs you have to wonder why a dog owner would choose such a place. If you have children, you don't move to housing that doesn't allow children. A few of the other "reasons" given for why dogs go to shelters include shedding, digging, chewing, fence climbing, having puppies, lack of housetraining, too aggressive, too shy, too much barking or, for those wanting a watch dog, not enough barking. But the bottom line here is that most dog problems can be solved. Obviously the problem of too many puppies can be solved simply by a spay or neuter. And the majority of behavior problems, including shyness, can be dealt with satisfactorily, with a little effort. I will be addressing some of these problems in future articles.

Posted by Joy Butler

Dogs love to go! They love the ride and they just love to be with their people. Lately I've been seeing more dogs riding in the back of pickups. I suppose people just don't stop and think how dangerous that can be. Even if the dog can be trusted to stay put, he can be thrown out if the driver has to slam on the brakes for an emergency stop, or swerve to avoid another vehicle. Impact with the road has the potential to maim or kill a dog but add the chance of being struck by a car or causing other drivers to slam on their brakes and/or swerve and the situation becomes even more dangerous. Dogs should ride secured inside the cab or in a well secured crate in the back, if weather permits. I've also seen pickups parked in hot, unshaded parking lots with dogs panting in the back. These dogs are at serious risk of heatstroke. Some people seem to think that because they're animals they will be fine but dogs are actually at higher risk of heatstroke than people are. It's fun to take your dog whenever you go somewhere but please make sure he is safe.

Posted by Joy Butler

I love to hear about the dogs in other people's lives. Recently Rosemary Drisdelle, writer of the Birds topic here at Suite, told me about her sister's dog, Tyler, who is a Novia Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. What a long name for a medium sized dog! The breed was developed for duck hunters and was named for the area where they originated but apparently, they make excellent pets! Rosemary tells me that Tyler is a very energetic dog who gets along great with people and other dogs and loves to take walks in the woods. She also sent me pictures. I love his intelligent looking face and the deep red coat! I did a little more research on this fascinating breed and wrote the article, Nova Scotia Duck Tollers. If you have a wonderful dog in your family, I would like to hear from you. Email me at dogs@suite101.com

Posted by Joy Butler

The Most Loyal Friend Of All

by Josie Whitehead

If I ever get to Heaven, when my life comes to its end -

I will not be surprised at all to find some special friends.

They'll be waiting by the Pearly Gates with all their outstretched paws

There'll be loud barks of welcome on those oh so distant shores.

They're the friends who've been most faithful - my lovely, lovely, dogs -

And how strange to find in poetry that 'dog' rhymes so well with 'God'.

These faithful friends enter your world to share your daily life -

And are a hundred times more faithful than a husband or a wife.

Who do you share your breakfast with - your cereal or your toast?-

The friend who's got no money - but the one who loves you most?

Your dog quietly accompanies you - accepts you as you are.

They've not come to judge you - be you tramp or opera star.

They're always there to welcome you; they forever try to please -

A dog just loves to walk with you, to share your bread and cheese.

When you're feeling so unhappy - who suddenly appears

With a little tongue upon your cheek to wash away your tears?

Whose little eyes look at your face, with love and expectation?

Who loves to share their life with you at home and on vacation?

When you know full well your dog's main aim is to love you and to care -

You will also know for certain that in Heaven they'll be waiting there.

Copyright 2006

Enjoy more of Josie's poetry.

Caring for the Older Dog

Posted by Joy Butler

As always, I will be keeping a close watch on weather forecasts and will not hesitate to evacuate my family and pets if a hurricane threatens. I believe in being prepared and keep my list from year to year of things to do and to take. That way I avoid the worry and panic of forgetting something. Another part of summer is thunderstorms which I, for the most part, enjoy. But one of my dogs gets stressed over thunder and heavy rain. The best way to deal with storm phobias in dogs is desensitization. In other words, teach them to associate storms with something good. Since this dog is not very food oriented, when I hear the first distant rumbles, I start giving her a massage, and sometimes turn on music to drown out storm sounds. Depending on how long the storm lasts, my fingers can get pretty tired. But it helps her considerably.

Posted by Joy Butler

Dogs can enjoy summer too. They like to hike, swim, play frisbee, run agility and other things. You can tell they're having fun by the sparkle in their eyes and the pink tongue lolling. But dogs are like kids; they don't always know when to come in out of the sun and rest. We have to take the responsibility for them and make sure they don't overdo. Dogs do not have as effective a system for cooling their bodies as humans do, consequently, they are more susceptible to heatstroke. One of my dogs is an outdoor lover and runs up and down the fence in the sun barking at whatever happens by. She thinks she's two years old but she's really eleven! Even though she's in peak health, I know that at her age, she is considered at-risk for heatstroke. Now that summer is bearing down with a vengeance in Texas, I make sure she comes back inside often and cools down. Ice cubes make good crunchy treats too!

Posted by Joy Butler

Memorial Day sort of officially kicks off summer here. I look forward to those lazy days of summer with its naps by the pool and picnics at the beach when the grandkids come. White, fluffy clouds drift lazily overhead, the heat is mystically relaxing and, when the sun beats down, the world somehow seems right. But as much as I enjoy the long, sunny days, I get upset when I see a dog waiting in a hot car or tied in the sun, panting heavily, and his water container overturned. The only thing to do is report it to animal control. They will investigate and issue a warning to the owners. If the situation does not improve they will confiscate the dog. The owners can then pay a fine and get their dog back but usually they don't care enough and, in my opinion, that is so much the better. Then the dog can be adopted to a new home. I guess some people just don't realize how dogs suffer in the heat and what a serious thing heatstroke is.

Posted by Joy Butler

Most of us feel like our dogs are part of the family. We protect them, make decisions for them concerning their nutrition, health, and training, and strive to keep them happy. We sound like parents, right? But at the same time, many of us depend on our dogs for protection and companionship so the relationship we have with our dogs is unique. It can also rank right up there in importance with other family relationships. I've read that people are spending more time and money on their dogs than ever before. It's not uncommon these days for pampered dogs to have health insurance, specially prepared diets, stylish clothing, birthday parties, and even attend luxury resorts. But for those of us who can't afford luxury resorts even for ourselves, there's no need to worry. I'm fairly certain our dogs don't know when their birthdays are and they probably don't care about fancy clothes either. All they want is to be with us, eat good food, sleep on a soft bed, and feel loved. Sounds good to me!

Posted by Joy Butler

Agility dogs are so much fun to watch - the little flying feet, the doggy smiles, and the excited leap into the handler's arms at the finish. The other day they ran an agility championship on Animal Planet. At this championship level, I kept seeing the same breeds over and over. In the 8 inch category, it was mostly Papillons and Poodles. In the 12 inch category, I saw lots of Parson Russell terriers and Shelties. The 16 inch category was mainly Australian Shepherds, and the 24 inch category was mostly Border Collies with a couple of German Shepherds. There were also a few mixed breeds. The dog with the best overall time was a Border Collie but the most impressive to me was a 10 and 1/2 year old Aussie who won her category. In my local group the best performers have been Shelties, Schnauzers, Poodles, and one lady has some very well trained Kelpies. I took my little Spitz mix out a few times and I knew it wasn't anything we'd ever do in competition, but we had loads of fun! Maybe one of these days my terriers will give it a try.

Posted by Joy Butler

Dogs have nothing to do with entering this world and they have no control over their fate. We, as the higher species, are responsible for these domestic animals. We must control overpopulation with spay/neuter, and adopt the homeless. To me, "buy" means to purchase ownership of property, but "adopt" means to commit to care for another living being for a lifetime. I read somewhere that a very small percentage of dogs actually live out their lives with the same family. That's sad. All my dogs have been in that small percentage. I grew up with a Collie who was my best friend for my entire childhood. In my adult life, our Peke cross grew up with my daughter and lived for almost 18 years. I've had several other dogs who also lived out their lives in my family. My German Shepherd was my friend, my protector and my show dog for years. When he became paralyzed from Degenerative Myelopathy (prevalent in German Shepherds), I cared for him until his death at the age of 12. For those of us who believe in a lifetime commitment, we will eventually face our dog's old age, and we will do everything in our power to keep them healthy and happy as long as possible.

Posted by Joy Butler

Some dog mothers have it easy. Their humans take them to the vet regularly, provide comfortable whelping beds in the house, and feed them nutrient rich food. Others don't have it so easy. They may be just a 'backyard possession' or they may be a stray trying to survive. They may be unwanted and their babies will be unwanted. With no resources, finding food and feeding a family is almost impossible. Keeping babies warm and dry is tough. Fighting insects, parasites, and disease is depressing. Dodging traffic, pranksters and unsympathetic people is difficult. These dog mothers love their babies and spend every ounce of energy they have to take care of them but they barely keep body and soul together. We see many of them at the shelter with their gaunt bodies and fear in their eyes, homeless and unwanted. As we honor our mothers this May 14, let us remember the unwanted dog mothers and puppies out there and resolve to spay and neuter our pets and urge everyone we know to do the same. Images of a little Papillon who adopted an orphaned baby squirrel have been circulating the internet. When I heard about Mademoiselle Giselle and Finnegan, it inspired me to honor dog mothers here at Suite.

Posted by Joy Butler

Puppies are not born in season like some animals are, but even so, it seems that Spring brings more litters than usual to the shelter. The other day I was getting dogs ready for the remote adoption and when I started baths, it was like assembly line puppies! Even though some have been adopted, we started out with 9 black Lab puppies, 8 Pointer puppies and 3 Spitz puppies, in addition to a few single puppies. You know, puppies are such fun! You open the kennel door to take out just one and they ALL come tumbling out. You try to put them back but of course, you're outnumbered and, for every one that goes back in, 2 or 3 come tumbling out! And when you finally get the one you want and get it bathed, you get to do it all over again! Then you have more fun trying to KEEP them clean. I always wonder what kind of life they will have and what kind of dog they will grow up to be. Shelters do their best to identify mixed breeds but it's not easy or exact. Adopters can't really know for sure what kind of pet their puppy will grow into. But until spay/neuter is practiced responsibly and every puppy is planned and wanted, we just have to provide for them, train them, and love them, for better or for worse.

Posted by Joy Butler

I have so much fun with my dogs and would like the Dogs topic to be a fun place for other dog owners to come and enjoy themselves, in addition to finding practical information. In a recent poll, readers told me what they would most like to see on the Dogs topic. Tied equally for the red lantern position were health tips and stories about heroic and working dogs. In next to last place was articles about specific breeds, in second place was stories about special rescues and pets, and the definite winner was articles on training tips and fun things to do with your dog. With health tip articles so low in the poll, I'm hoping it's because your dogs see their vet regularly and you get health info there. But it looks like there's interest in every subject so I will attempt to bring you a variety of articles, concentrating on training tips and fun things to do with your dog. It's common to see people taking their dogs for walks, hikes, swims, or tossing them a ball or Frisbee but there are many more games and sports that dogs can enjoy, such as agility, lure coursing, canine freestyle dancing, flyball, obedience competition, conformation competition, schutzhund, go-to-ground events, and diving. A lesser-known activity that any dog and his human can enjoy is taking part in a canine drill team.

Posted by Joy Butler

The other day, while searching for article ideas, I ran across some fascinating facts about dogs. I already knew that dogs have been quite popular in the White House, been involved in the space program, and can vary greatly in size, but I didn't know that Rin Tin Tin signed his own movie contracts. I started digging up (pardon the pun) a few more little-known doggy items and decided that you'd be just as amazed as I was. I laughed out loud when I found out that Teddy Roosevelt's pit bull once....well, I'll let you read for yourself in Fun Dog Facts. Let me know if you were surprised by any of these or if you know of more fun dog facts that we can all enjoy.

Posted by Joy Butler

Almost eight months after Hurricane Katrina, there are still pets unclaimed by their original families. Some are in foster homes, some have been adopted to new families but, as more time passes, it appears they'll never see their original families again. On the other hand, there are still pet owners searching desperately for some clue to what happened to their beloved pet. The system failed them. I know everyone did the best they could under the circumstances but somehow this just shouldn't have happened. We should have been better prepared. Some of the rescue organizations have set up programs for volunteers to help search online data bases and try to reunite these searching families and leftover pets. Seeing an opportunity to help, I volunteered. I was matched with a family still hoping to find their 8 year old dog. The infuriating thing to me is that this family told me how they managed to swim out of their flooded home and, with great effort, made sure their dog made it out with them. Walking on the side of a highway in the middle of devastation, they were picked up by a rescue truck, yet their rescuers made them leave their dog. That's the last they ever heard of their beloved pet. They've done everything humanly possible to find her. Personally, I've searched dozens of data bases and perused hundreds, if not thousands, of photos of rescued dogs. So far, I've found none resembling theirs. If only their dog could have gone with them in the rescue truck and been dropped off at a pet shelter site! The only way to make sure this disgrace never happens again is to examine what went wrong, recognize what went right, and pay attention to the heroes who didn't discriminate.

Posted by Joy Butler

I'm wondering how many people come home from a hard day at work and spend time with their dog to relax. Dogs are good listeners when you need someone to tell your troubles to. They never criticize or judge. They don't even care if you're sad or happy, ugly or beautiful, they're never too busy to be right there with you, no matter what. The soft touch of fur is comforting; why else would stuffed animals be so popular? Just stroking a dog has been proven to lower blood pressure, and studies have shown that dog owners recover from some illnesses better than dogless people. Being the dog fanatic that I am, I always have one of my dogs on my lap, or at least very nearby, when I'm working on the computer. And many times, when I'm watching tv, I give a massage to the dog on my lap. I've found that it relaxes me as well as the dog. When you come home from a tough day, try collapsing on the couch and taking a few minutes to give your dog a massage. It's a great way to wind down a busy day, for your dog as well as for you.

Posted by Joy Butler

Chocolate naturally contains theobromine, a stimulant in the caffeine family. Toxic levels vary according to chocolate concentration and the size of dog but it's best to keep all chocolate away from your dog. Signs that your dog has eaten chocolate may include hyper excitability, hyper irritability, increased heart rate, restlessness, increased urination, muscle tremors, vomiting and diarrhea. If you think your dog has eaten chocolate, call your veterinarian immediately.

Posted by Joy Butler

The Chihuahuas went home Sunday. I'm missing them quite a lot, especially Buddy. Tilla and the puppy romped and played almost constantly but it was Buddy who followed me around and enjoyed sitting on my lap. One of those days when he was perched in my lap it occurred to me that, if his people were away enjoying the luxuries of a resort, then Buddy should too. Since I sometimes give my own dogs a light massage, I decided it would be a good idea for Buddy. Starting behind his ears, I worked slowly over the neck, shoulders, back, and legs until I felt his little muscles melting. The next thing I knew he was yawning, a sure sign of contentment. I finished the massage with a few long slow strokes from head to tail and then did the same for Tilla. She seemed to be touchy in the hindquarters so that was my clue to respect her wishes. The puppy couldn't stop romping long enough to enjoy the luxury of a doggy massage. I did enjoy the Chis this last week and the good thing is that they may be back for another visit come summer! If you're the type person who'd rather take your dog with you when you travel, I can recommend Travelling with Pets.

Posted by Joy Butler

The Chihuahuas I'm doggysitting turned out to be two Chis and one 4 month old Chi/Corgi cross. They are some of the sweetest dogs I've ever met. They loved me from the first minute and we've had no problems whatsoever. All my concerns of how some dogs in a new environment feel homesick, act shy, go off their feed, whine, or have accidents are out the window. They sleep quietly at night, greet me happily in the morning, go out and take care of their business, come back in, gobble down their food, romp and play, and then cuddle in my lap like they've been here forever. I love these little Chihuahuas! If you need a petsitter or boarding kennel. while you are away from home, it's always a good idea to consider your options.

Posted by Joy Butler

Next week I will be doggysitting for some folks who will be vacationing in a tropical resort for ten days. Aah! Lucky them! My charges will be three tiny teacup Chihuahuas who have never met me before. I know I will fall in love immediately, no problem, with these little squeakers who weigh less than fifteen pounds all totaled. They will be so easy to cuddle on my lap even while working on the computer and I can even carry them with me from room to room. I look forward to playing outside with them in the yard and can envision them hopping around like little "grasshoppers."

But, on the other hand, they may not feel the same affection for me right away. They will be in a strange place with strange people and other strange pets. I may have to give them their space at first to allow them to get their bearings. I've already arranged for them to eat the same food they are accustomed to and for their humans to bring their beds and toys which will have the scents they are accustomed to. But if they show any signs of homesickness, I'll be prepared to put into practice some tricks I've learned over the years for soothing stressed dogs. Music is one of them. I will put on some soothing music for the Chihuahuas.

Posted by Joy Butler

The last of the Iditarod sled dog teams have arrived in Nome, Alaska. More than 1300 excited, barking huskies left Anchorage on March 4, pulling sleds and mushers bound for Nome. I always feel a certain admiration for these dogs.

They are not lap dogs, but powerful, wiry animals not so far removed from their wild ancestors. Although some are dropped from the race due to injury or fatigue and flown back home, those who finish the challenging 1100 mile race show great courage and athleticism. These dogs are rarely purebreds but are a mixture of northern breeds with beautiful, double thick coats and big hearts and lungs.

Huskies, born and bred to run, and are seen barking and jumping in their harness to be on the trail. That's gotta be the life for a dog; running with the pack through the snowy wilderness! They look like they're having much more fun than the dog who spends most of his life alone in a back yard. Even couch potato dogs will muster up some excitement when their guardian produces a leash and heads out for a hike.

Dogs just like to roam, and these Alaskan huskies are fortunate enough to be able to do the ultimate roam! However, there are stories of sled dog teams just stopping in their tracks, sometimes only yards from the finish line. It may be an embarrassment to the musher but those dogs have minds of their own! They're strong and clever and they know when enough's enough. You just gotta admire dogs like that!