Ken Foster joined PBF!

Today, Ken Foster joined PBF (joined /re-joined whatever you call it)

Don't know who Ken Foster is ?
http://kenfoster.blogspot.com/


He does TONS of work for Pit Bulls and other "bully" breeds.

I have two of his books "The Dogs Who Found Me: What I've Learned from Pets Who Were Left Behind" and "Dogs I have Met And the People they found". I so enjoy these books. He writes about strays and lost dogs, mostly PB, and his adventures - surviving Katrina and 9/11 etc. The story surrounding his newest PB, Sula, is amazing.

I often wonder if he is single - LOL

I remember re-reading one of his books after my Mom passed away. He had been thru 9/11 and Katrina. Can't remember the exact quote but he said "when you walk thru a life altering event your whole insides change". (I will have to look at the exact quote tonight and fix it - lol power of edit!). Anyway, when I read that, it made me realize that I was going to change - that I would never be the same person. That sentance told me that I needed to surrender and stop trying to fight the change that was taking place inside of me. It was like that sentance gave me permission to change; to grieve; to have bad days and good days In turn, it brought me some peace.

I am so proud to be part of a forum where a man like him would want to be part of.

BTW, he recently started the "Sula Foundation" - Dedicated to fostering responsible pit bull ownership through low-cost veterinary clinics, education and advocacy.
http://sulafoundation.blogspot.com/

Welcome to PBF Ken!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Flyball Dream

First look at the photo above. A friend took it of Jake. But, do you see that smile on his face? THAT SMILE is the reason we play flyball.

I had a flyball dream last night. Yes, I have dreams about flyball - lol
During Jake's training, I had more than I do now, but once in a while when I am nervous about something concerning our performance, I dream.

Jake and I are going to Bishop, CA http://www.bishopvisitor.com/ to participate in the Bishop Bash Tournament. We are running on a pick up team with Stampede Flyball team. http://flyballdogs.com/stampede/


Monday I received the schedule. We are in division 2. Our seed time is 17.50. We are running 5/5 on the team.Now the dogs we will be running with and against are probably 4.0+ dogs (probably no dog runs below 4.3). Jake averages around a 4.7, with good passes. Also, Jake is running singles both Saturday and Sunday.

So, I am having some anxiety and fear about running with these faster dogs because we, Jake and I, do not run that fast. I think mostly it has to do with ego and pride - lol
We will have to pass dogs we have never practiced passing before and Jake will be using a different/faster box than he is use to. But hey, this is what I signed up for right?

Back to the dream. In the dream Jenna, a woman we are running with in Bishop, tells me that it is ok. That Jake running against faster dogs will push him to run faster. Which, might actually be true because he is pretty competitive. But he also likes to look at the dog in the other lane to see where they are at and that slows him down.

So, anyway, I need to remember why we are going to Bishop and try not to focus so much on perfection with our performance.

Why are we going?
to have fun
to have one on one time with each other (Jake and I)
to experience a tournament in California
to earn some points
to get closer to our Singles Pin
And....
just to RUN - as Jake LOVES LOVES LOVES playing flyball. And because of that I am willing to travel for him. He is my boy - a good dog and he has taught me much and given me so much. The least I can do is give back to him - and flyball seems to be one of the things he loves to do. SO why deny him an opportunity to play all weekend long if I have the opportunity and means to do so...

So, note to self; relax and have fun. Remember why you are going - remember the SMILE on his face in the above photo. Remember, what ever you focus on increases. So focus on the why's and leave the performance anxiety in the background. You can deal with that once you get there. It will all be good and Jake will do well!

My Sister

It was mentioned, ever so kindly, that I don't mention my family in this blog. I have 2 siblings, a younger sister and a brother. I also have a 6 year old niece, my brothers daughter.

So I decided to write a little bit about my younger sister, Lori.

I remember the time she was born. It was New Years Eve, 1977, and I was watching the Love Boat with our Mom. She got up and told me to get my Father as her water broke. My brother and I were to go to our neighbors. We had these 10 steps in front of our house. My brother had his pj's on that had the plastic feet. I remember hearing the sound of the plastic feet going over to the neighbors. I remember staying at the neighbors and throwing up numerous times because I was so scared for my Mom and her baby. We woke up New Year's day to learn that I had a sister that was born around 7 am. There were complications during her birth as the cord was wrapped around her neck, but she was delivered heathy and happy.

I remember when she broke her arm when she was 6. Her dance recital photo has her arm in a sling.

I remember taking her to see Sade at Riverport. I remember her passing out on a man in the seat next to her (whom we did not know at all)! ROFLMAO She put her head on his shoulder and she was out....

i have so many memories that I could write.

I know I wasn't the best sister growing up. I would borrow her clothes and never return them or return them with stains. This really strained our relationship.

I was a very very selfish older sister. I ignored her most of her teen age life, probably when she needed a sister most. That hurts my heart.

But, when I cleaned up, I believe I changed. My sister and I grew closer. And today we are close. I enjoy spending time with her and talking with her. My sister has grown into a very responsible beautiful kind woman.

I included some photos from her wedding. Some are hard to see, but if you click they will enlarge.

It was hard looking thru the photos because there were many of my Mom....Our Mom passed away unexpectedly Aug 28 2005. Tears came to my eyes looking at these - but ya know what - my tears represent memories and love I have for my Mother.

So, here are some shots of my sister and our family

Happy Gotcha Day Miss Maddie

Miss Maddie celebrated 2 years of living with us Saturday 7/26. She was dropped off at our door with a leash and Puppy Chow.

I could write a book about all she has taught me. The new world of responsible dog ownership she has opened up to me.

The longer we are together, the more I fall in love with this breed - and that statement right there says it all......But no words that I could write would do her justice and express the amount of love and gratitude I have for her. So, I will let the photos speak for themselves...




Her first day at our home














Photos from her journey.

Got it!

Well I got the vehicle.
Honda Element 08 EX 4 wd
LOVE IT!
It is Galaxy Gray Metallic It is a 4 year lease. I put 3500 down and payments of 370 a month. Payment includes taxes, gap insurance, extended warranty (oil changes, tire rotation, Life time emissions and inspection), and 15000 miles a year.

thank my Dad, my Mom - who I know is watching over me and must have had something to do with my good fortune and my HP!

I am in complete gratitude today! i was slipping into a depression - a deep one. I could see tell from my lack of energy and lack of care about things. I might still be, but a new car really takes some of the weight and worry off my shoulder and out of my mind.

Here are some photos - of course the dogs are in the shots!

New Car?

Keep your paws crossed. If all goes well, this is what I will be driving home around 4:00 today
It will be a Galaxy Gray Metallic and a brand new one with 10 miles.

http://automobiles.honda.com/element/

So please keep paws, fingers crossed and prayers said!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Some shots of my fav pups on PBF

Today, Maryellen posted this smiling shot of her dogs; Jesse, Rufus and Ruby Roo.
I saw it and just HAD to post it on my blog! Jesse is the GSD, Rufus (certified therapy dog) is next to Jesse, and Ruby Roo is the red puppy - who looks so pretty in pink! Look at those smiles!














This is her Rottie, Sonny. Het passed away earlier this year. He was a therapy dog, a rescue and much more!!!!!!!. RIP Sonny...

Some more shots - Enjoy!

Rockport Photos - WW

Did you know if you click on any of the photos in any of my blogs, they will enlarge :) Just an FYI since it's hard to see some of the dogs in the photos.

PBF icon on the right

I am so stoked. I finally got a PBF icon over to the side bar on the blog! One of the mods graciously took some time to make me one that would fit on my side bar. And didn't she do an amazing job on the drawing? She is talented!

Can I tell you how much I LOVE Pit Bull Forum? It promotes responsible Bully ownership and has saved me tons of heart ache and worry. When Miss Maddie first came, her gotch day is coming up 7/26/06, I was clueless (still am in many areas). But the site has helped me not only to become a responsible PB owner, but a better dog owner in general. I know I still have ways to go, but I have also come a long way.

They are very pro-rescue. They do not allow breeder links and any mention of dog fighting etc - it gets shut down very very quick.

I use to be 100% against breeding. But, thru PBF, i have learned about RESPONSIBLE breeding. And the breeders code of ethics, health testing, breeding for the better of the breed, temperament testing, etc...

I have learned the difference between HA and DA. And the sad fact that sometimes a dog lives in so much fear (or genetic wise they are just off) that sending the dog to the bridge is the right thing to do for the dog and the breed.

I have not only learned about responsible Bully ownership but nutrition and training. And we track BSL on the site also.

I have met so many wonderful people on PBF. When Miss Maddie was ill last year, Maryellen, a long time respectable member of PBF, pushed me to have her checked for EPI or SIBO. I pushed and well, we found out she had EPI. Maryellen sent me some enzymes, the GOOD STUFF, for Miss Maddie. Now Maryellen did not know me (only from posts on PBF) and she lives in NJ. For her to help someone she doesn't even know, WOW. Not everyone would do that. Miss Maddie is back to normal (meaning she really had SIBO) Maryellen is Maddie's angel. Maryellen is a perfect example of the "spirit" on PBF.

When my other half was layed off last year at thanksgiving, I had a member wanting to send me a little something to help us have a decent Christmas..AGAIN _ WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, if you are a bully owner, this is a MUST VISIT SITE! If not, but are just curious about responsible bully ownership , maybe have a friend who needs help or etc, please share PBF with them. Just click on the icon to the right or below and you will be there!

I just asked for a raise

Well, I just went into my Supervisor and asked for an increase. Boy was I nervous and fearful.
It's been 2 1/2 years and I still make way below the medium income for my position.

I feel bad asking my Sup as he hasn't had a raise in 6 years. Can you tell raises aren't given out too often at my company? He asked that I get one in Dec, but they said I just had an increase 2 years ago. So work continues to be added to my plate and I continue to go above and beyond for my work.

All I can do is hope for the best. If the answer is no well then I have a options and can make plans to change some things in my life.

So keep fingers and paws crossed!

Time for a new car cont....

We spent some time yesterday going thru adds on-line to find some used cars.
We looked at Ford Escape, not hybrid, and Honda CRV..But my other half suggested the Honda Element
http://automobiles.honda.com/element/
I would so love to have that vehicle! It is so roomy and I could fit crates in it etc...It was rated best dog car in 2008.

We found a few used...He found one for $9000 but it has 274000 miles on it. I told him that I really don't want a used car with that many miles on it. We found a few others but they were in the $15000 range.

He is pushing me to buy a used car. I know he is tired of working on the accord. But he doesn't seem to "get" that a 300-400 car payment is not in my budget as it stands right now.

So one thing has to happen before I go any further in this new car plan; Either get a raise at work - OMG LMFAO or find a second job.

Guess I need to start pray for the willingness to be willing to look for a second job

Time for a new car?

I drive an old car; 92 honda accord with 302,000 miles. Yesterday the starter went out. Had to get it towed back home. It also needs new timing belt and water pump. Thank GOD my other half is a weekend mechanic - not really - but he does really good work fixing cars and can pretty much install anything in a vehicle. I don't think I have had to take any of the cars into the shop for work since we have been together. I do take it in for oil changes and tires because I like to give him a break

So today he put the starter in. Next weekend the water pump and the timing belt. But he is getting tired of working on the car.


We have an old pathfinder, but that has over 200,000 miles and it isn't registered because he wants to sell it. It is really on it's last leg. I am not sure anyone is interested in purchasing the gas guzzler at this time. He really doesn't want to put any money into it since he wants to sell it. Really, I don't know the reason he wants to sell it or not renew it. It would be nice to just keep it for when I need to take all three somewhere, need to haul something, or like yesterday when the other car broke down.

he gets to drive a 2001 Ford F150 that he just bought. I am not "allowed" to use it - lol. He doesn't want me to use it for the dogs etc because he doesn't trust my driving or that I will keep it clean.

I would really like to get a new car. It would be nice to get something a little bigger - for me and the dogs. I hate having all three in the honda. It really isn't safe. And I like to have something a little more reliable. I like to travel and go places. I am worried about driving the honda to some upcoming trips I have planned

If money wasn't an consideration, this is the car I would love to have,
http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/EscapeHybrid/?searchid=426441|28124909|205370178
But money is a consideration. And right now I can not afford a car payment. Sux but I can't.

One solution is to get a part time job to make monthly payments on some larger vehicle. But to be honest, I am lazy - lol. I like my free time and have so many responsibilities/commitments when not at work.

Another solution, is to cut hack on some expenses. But where do I cut? I don't want to go to a lower grade of food for the dogs or cats. I have already cut back on my food budget to make up the extra expense of gas. Hmmmm

I feel like I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. But if it comes down to it, and push comes to shove, guess I will have to find a part time job flexible enough to fit my schedule and my upcoming commitments.

I need to remember that today the car is working again. Be glad I do have a car that runs and someone that can install the new parts for me. Imagine the $ I would have had to shell out for someone to install that part.

Must get into gratitude. Remember what I am blessed with - i always have everything i need - maybe not what I want - but always what I need.

Apology from Vet and Owner

I had to take Jake in for his shots on Monday.

While there, I received an apology from my Vet for her mother's (owners) behavior. She said she hopes I know the rest of the office doesn't feel that way.

The Vet tech also spoke with me. She said "did the vet call you Saturday?", I said no. She said she told the Vet about the conversation and thought the Vet would have called me. I told her she did apologize when i came into the office.

In addition, as I was checking out, the Owner came over and apologized to me. She said it was just a bad morning and she had witnessed two Pits roaming the neighborhood terrorizing her neighbors dogs - once again Irresponsible owners! She said over and over again, that she knows I am a responsible owner. She said I take excellent care of my animals etc...That was nice to hear, but still.

I told them both I appreciated the apology.

But,If they were really sorry and valued us as clients, I should have received a call asap. At least IMHO

So, I don't think I will be taking Maddie back - the more I think of it - the more I am swayed to find a new vet for her. Sure, we could continue to go...But if they already have the breed in a negative light, I don't want to compound that. Why would I compound those negative thoughts? Well, Miss Maddie is very very DA. If the owner continues to see her behavior, no matter how sweet Miss Maddie is to humans, it will just add fuel to her negative feelings towards the breed. And I don't want to do that...

But a small miracle happened at the Sandy City Meeting. Reminds me, Coincidence is God's way of remaining anynonmous

A vet in Sandy got up at the council meeting saying "the only dangerous part of a Pit Bull is their tail" - I lmao! I will be looking up this vet and her office. I will be calling them to see if they would take on Miss Maddie as a client.
http://www.americanpaws.com/

I was also told of another vet that works with all types of animals - Dr Williams at Southeast Valley.

So this is good - I now have some options

Sandy City Council Meeting - Item Tabled!!!!!!!

I attended the Sandy Council Meeting on 7/15/08

Here are some of my thoughts.

Meeting was packed . So many people spoke opposing the ordinance.

Thanks to everyone who signed the petition, sent letters/emails or showed up at the meeting or just are interested to make sure this did not pass.

Item was tabled!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEA

This is not over - there will be an ordinance but what it will include really depends on suggestions they receive from the public and training gurus and vets.

The council was very open to what the public said and suggested an committee full of vets, trainers, and citizens to help pass a better ordinance. THANK YOU COUNCIL. They are open to looking to what others cities do to address irresponsible owners. People came from all over - as far as Toolee and people from outside Sandy even spoke.

I for one will be emailing to thank the council for listening to all of those that wanted to speak. And for tabling the issue to research further.

It was such an honor and gave me goosebumps to be there.

There were so many highlights of the evening - so many insightful thoughts by citizens/trainers/vets. But for me , the highlight of the evening was towards the end. Two women walked to the podium. The older woman spoke and read a statement from the other woman (young girl). You see the young girl could not hear or speak. She lives in Sandy and her SERVICE DOG IS A PIT BULL. This brought tears to many - including my own eye

Here are the links to two news articles about the meeting
http://deseretnews.com/article/content/mobile/1,5620,700243526,00.html?printView=true

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_9893122

Verizon LD Dare Commercial

I know it's WW but I have to post this!

Has anyone else seen the Verizon Wireless commercial for the LG Dare phone about the two APBTs on chains guarding a junkyard...?!?

heres the video if you haven't




Let's just say the Pit Bull community is up in arms about this -

Please write, if you feel the need to, and sign the petition also if you find this commercial portrays the APBT in a negative light or stereotype

Two email addresses
William Kula
william.kula@verizon.com
or
Eric Rabe
Vice President, Media Relations
eric.rabe@verizon.com


Petition
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/make-verizon-accountable

WW (Wordless Wednesday)

Miss Maddie has limp/dead tail

Is this not the funniest photo of Miss Maddie EVER???!!!!!!


We just got back from camping - post, photos and videos to come

Our reservations got screwed up. So they put us at a day camp right on the water. Needless to say the dogs swam pretty much the whole time we were there. There were too many people to count - lol and 13 dogs - all off leash per the Ranger since we had the whole campground. Can I tell you how nervous I was?? But it went well. My friends were really flexible. Miss Maddie was able to swim and have time out of her crate; friends would crate or put dogs in trailer when Miss Maddie was out. And when she was out she was always on leash. Even when swimming I kept her on a long line. Also, we kept an eye out so the dogs wouldn't be sniffing around the crate.

Oh yea - this post is about dead tail.....

Miss Maddie has dead/limp/cold tail...

http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/coldtail.html
She looks so so sad!

I googled and posted on PBF and PBC. Guess there isn't much I can do and no trip to the vet is necessary - thank God!

So please keep paws crossed for Miss Maddie

Discrimination at our Vet

Well, it might just be time to find a new vet.. We have used this vet and the office for almost 6 years and have probably at least paid the mortgage for a year on the building..LOL

My vet loves the labs but the energy I get when I bring Miss Maddie in to see her, well isn't positive. In addition , she told my neighbor - Maddie scares her :( I guess if you don't know Maddie she might scare you and if you put that fearful energy out the dog will pick up on that.
The last visit Maddie had to see the vet - she was impressed with Miss Maddie - how good, well behaved and loving Miss Maddie was with the tech.

We went to see our favorite Vet Tech at our Vets office this morning. We go every 4-6 weeks to get the dogs nails dremmeled. We have a very busy vet office and sometimes have to wait up to an hour to have this done. Now that it is summertime, that isn't an option for us. Plus they are only open M-F 9-5:30. So our favorite vet tech comes in at 8 am for me to bring the three dogs up to get their nails done. Also, this is much easier on Miss Maddie. There are no other dogs or cats unleashed in the waiting room.

So we go in and get the nails done. In the meantime the owner shows up. She wasn't happy we were there before 9. Our vet tech told her it was cleared by our vet and this is normal procedure.

So i put the dogs in the truck and go back in to get heartworm.

I mention the Sandy BSL. Well the owner of the practice goes OFF on Pit bulls and how they all need to be destroyed immediately. She said "I just don't dislike them I HATE THEM". yada yada yada. She is pretty much yelling at this point. She tells a story that years ago they had a man bring in pit bulls that fought in the ring(umm hello isn't that illegal?). I say something to the affect that "well it's not the dogs fault they were fought - it's the owners doing". WRONG THING TO SAY. She became so angry and said "You don't know what you are talking about, I have been in the business over 30 years - they are all very very bad dogs, need to be taken off the planet, destroyed etc." You can see the anger in her eyes. I told her I am sorry that I upset her and that I am sorry she has had bad experiences. She continues to go off about them being human aggressive and dog aggressive(hello pit bulls are DA - and I don't know anything - lol DA can not be cured only managed). The vet tech chimmed in saying she has never been bitten by Pits and gave examples of the small breed dogs she has been bitten by . But that did not stop the owner.....I told her if a dog is HA - any breed - then the dog should be put to sleep - that is IMHO. And that HA and DA are two different things.

The owner continued to tell me stories of how she has often kicked out Pit Bulls from the office..

Finally, I stopped her and said " when then I guess I should find Maddie a new vet". That shut her up pretty fast !I could see dollar signs flashing thru her eyes. She says"well Maddie is only part Pit - she isn't full" I told her yes Maddie is full...She fell silent. the vet tech was there and she told the owner how wonderful and loving Miss Maddie is and how far she has come from the first time we brought Maddie in. The owner asked why she wears the calming cap in the office - and I explained Maddie's history, her fearfullness and well, she is a Pit Bull and DA is normal for the breed. I felt bad for saying that about Miss Maddie but it is the truth. She is very DA...

She continued her roll on the breed - but not as harsh. She did say she has a few nice ones that come into the office.

She eventually told me a pit bull , who got out of it's crate (maybe the owners fault), killed a horse.

I tried to plug in a few positive things about our breed, but it fell on deaf ears. I really wanted to talk about the Vick dogs, all the Pits that are therapy dogs etc.....

Then, she started coming down on Labrador retrievers... The poor vet tech looked at me and had the "I am so sorry look". The tech tried to relay positive things about Labs, but well I had had enough.

I excused myself to the restroom and left the building.

Looking back and writing this out, again having to put myself in the owners shoes, I come to see that she has had only negative experiences with the breed. And well, if that is all she has to go on, then that is where this is coming from....She is entitled to her opinion. I just wish she would see it is the owners responsibility not a whole breed of dog.

So now I need to really search my heart and decide what to do. I love my vet and her office - I really really do. But do I support someone who is so closed minded -that hates the breed to the point that she wants them exterminated? The anger in her face as she talked about her hate was unbelievable. Call me paranoid - but what happens if I have to leave Maddie at the vet for a procedure? Can I trust Miss Maddie to be safe? I know that is a far out there paranoid thought but still., Something I must ponder

Or do I stay and show her how awesome Maddie is - how loving and obedient - the opposite of her experiences . But then we all know Miss Maddie - she isn't the best ambassador for the breed when it comes to other animals. Could Miss Maddie show this woman not all Pit Bulls are evil - at least in the HA sense. I don't think so since her issue is with the DA part of the breed.

Most importantly, Would it even make a difference ????

petition against BSL in Sandy Utah

Received this from a friend.

*PLEASE CROSSPOST**

I will there asking some tough questions. I have also started a petition...

These breeds are close to my heart as I have been working, training and rescuing them for almost a decade. Please forward this link to everyone you know - I would love to have several signatures by next tuesday!

Thank You!
Anna

SIGN HERE:
http://www.petitiononline.com/SandyBB/petition.html

BSL coming to Sandy, Ut

I received this message from FIDOS this morning.

We no longer live in Sandy, but the city is right next to where we live. This scares me!

Sandy City is considering restricting or banning certain breeds of dogs. Currently this list includes 'Pit Bulls' (not yet defined), Rottweilers and Presa Caranios.

Please attend the public hearing for this new animal ordinance

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Sandy City Hall

10000 Centennial Parkway

7:00pm

The draft ordinance should be available this Friday, though it may be in paper format only (no electronic copies).

Please forward this email to Sandy City dog owners. Although all those concerned about this type of issue should attend, Sandy City residents will have the most influence on their City Council.

I would much rather Sandy adopt a dangerous/vicious dog regulation like Provo, Utah is thinkin of doing http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700234957,00.html.
I support a dangerous/vicious dog ordinance. It puts the responsiblity on the owner instead of a whole breed of dog.

For those concerned, please join us at the City Council meeting Tuesday 7/15

Also, join Pit Bull Forum www.pitbullforum.com
Under Laws, there are stickys about writing BSL letters and fighting BSL.

Here is another valuable site.
stop BSL.com
www.stopbsl.com



Miss Maddie thanks you!

Peaches needs a new home

This girl is tugging tugging tugging at my heart. I can't take her...

She is an APBT up in Washington looking for a new home. She is in a
shelter and PNWPBR (http://pnwpbr.rescuegroups.org/info/) is trying
to extend her stay to find her a home. Ellena really loves this girl but Peaches time is running out.

I am told she has awesome ball drive. They think she would do well in
a flyball home or dock diving home, one without cats.

I so wish I could do something. Anything...Something. Maybe one of thier dogs in a foster home will get adopted and a place for peaches will open up.

http://pnwpbr.rescuegroups.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=636986

Here are some videos of her

http://s79.photobucket.com/albums/j150/EllenaJake/Dogs/?action=view&c...

http://s79.photobucket.com/albums/j150/EllenaJake/Dogs/?action=view&c...

Washington Post article on the Vick Dogs!

Such an interesting look at the Vicktory dogs!

Again, thank you to all those that fought for these dogs to have a chance. Some said they should be destroyed. But thanks to the push of the public and rescues, the government gave them a chance to be evaluated. Again, thank you to all! Miss Maddie sends her kisses for helping her distance relatives out!



http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/photo/galleries/vickdogs/

Maddie and Zoe's Ritual

This is Maddie and Zoe's daily ritual
The referee barking in the background is Jake. He isn't allowed to play as he gets too riled up and I don't want a fight to break out.

And yes, a new rug is needed. My DH refused to crate Miss Maddie when we aren't home so she has/had tons of accidents in the house. It's his responsibility to re carpet the room

Another letter from the dog/Live in the NOW!

There was a post on PBF and about worrying about your aging dog...Worry about how you will cope when he/she passes. Wondering if you are really getting the vet care he/she needs, etc.
Just spending your time worrying about your dog.



I do that often - worry. I watch Jake and the girls like a hawk. Sometimes I don't take them out to the gully or Tanner due to the fear they will hurt themselves. So, I sacrifice things they enjoy and love b/c of my worry. They are SO HAPPY when we are out at the gully or Tanner. But I hold them back due to fear....

Then the post switched to living in the NOW with your dog....
Someone posted this below, and it is beautiful. Something I needed to be reminded of...

A LETTER FROM YOUR DOG

The years go by so very fast and before you know it that romping pup is old and grey muzzled and they have sat by our sides while we read, watch TV, and work on our computers. Every so often they come and lay their heads in our laps, toss our elbow with their muzzle or gaze into our eyes and wait for us to notice them. Take a moment now to remember what they mean to you.

I am your dog, and I have a little something I'd like to whisper in your ear. I know that you humans lead busy lives. Some have to work, some have children to raise. It always seems like you are running here and running there, often much too fast, often never noticing the truly grand things in life.

Look down at me now, while you sit there at your computer. See the way my dark brown eyes look at yours? They are slightly cloudy now. That comes with age. The gray hairs are beginning to ring my soft muzzle.

You smile at me; I see love in your eyes. What do you see in mine? Do you see a spirit? A soul inside, who loves you as no other could in the world? A spirit that would forgive all trespasses of prior wrong doing for just a simple moment of your time? That is all I ask. To slow down, if even for a few minutes, to be with me.

So many times you have been saddened by the words you read on that screen, of others of my kind, passing. Sometimes we die young and oh so quickly, sometimes so suddenly it wrenches your heart out of your throat. Sometimes, we age so slowly before your eyes that you may not even seem to know until the very end, when we look at you with grizzled muzzles and cataract clouded eyes. Still the love is always there, even when we must take that long sleep, to run free in a distant land.

I may not be here tomorrow; I may not be here next week. Someday you will shed the water from your eyes, that humans have when deep grief fills their souls, and you will be angry at yourself that you did not have just "one more day" with me. Because I love you so, your sorrow touches my spirit and grieves me.

We have NOW, together. So come, sit down here next to me on the floor, and look deep into my eyes. What do you see? If you look hard and deep enough we will talk, you and I, heart to heart. Come to me not as "alpha" or as "trainer" or even "Mom or Dad," come to me as a living soul and stroke my fur and let us look deep into one another's eyes and talk. I may tell you something about the fun of chasing a tennis ball, or I may tell you something profound about myself, or even life in general.

You decided to have me in your life because you wanted a soul to share such things with. Someone very different from you, and here I am. I am a dog, but I am alive. I feel emotion, I feel physical senses, and I can revel in the differences of our spirits and souls. I do not think of you as a "Dog on two feet" -- I know what you are and who you are. You are human, in all your quirkiness, and I love you still.

Now, come sit with me, on the floor. Enter my world, and let time slow down if only for 15 minutes. Look deep into my eyes, and whisper into my ears. Speak with your heart, with your joy, and I will know your true self. We may not have tomorrow, but we do have today, and life is oh so very short.

So please--come sit with me now and let us share these precious moments we have together.

- Love, on behalf of canines everywhere.
Your Dog.
Author Unknown

Rescue Ink

So check this out.
http://www.rescueink.org/

People on a dog forum were actually making FUN of these guys. WTH!
They are trying to do good! Look at all the programs they have....

I am not going to rant anymore. I will walk away shaking my head and keep those who laughed at these kind hearted guys in my prayers......

Keep up the good work rescue ink......God Bless and God speed....