January 16th, 2012
I rescued a human today
I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY by Janine Allen CPDT*
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.
Tags: DogWalkSanDiego, PAWS Human Society animal Shelter Baja Dog Rescue Even Chance San Diego Pit Bull
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December 3rd, 2011
By Cheryl Goede
I once was a dog breed who was beloved…trusted with the smallest of charges, that’s me.
To watch them all day as they’d frolic and play, they had faith all the dangers I’d see.
The children would hug and caress me, they’d scratch my ears and we’d lie…
In the grasses and stay where we’d play all day, with our friends, until bedtime was nigh.
Then we’d go home each night in the fading sunlight, to the place where we’d rest our heads,
Until all was quiet, and the house was at peace, we would lie content in our beds.
That was then, they called me the “Nanny Dog” I did it all and upon me they did rely,
They knew I was a rock, they knew I was solid, they knew for them, I would die.
But you now know me as a “Pit Bull,” which for some reason makes people fear,
No happy smiles greet me, no hugs, no companionship, just hatred is all that I hear.
I sit in a cage, day by day, hoping someone will see the real me,
But every day, the others are adopted away, and the end is all I can see.
But then you walked in, you paused and stopped dead, as you looked at my pleading face….
There was “something about me” you said to the man, and my heart started beating a hopeful pace.
“I’ll take this one!” you told the worker, to my sheer disbelief, for I’d been passed over many times you see,
You brought me with you, took me to your home, where I had a whole family, all just for me.
See, we’re not the monsters, the media makes us out to be, we just have one thing we need,
To love, and be loved, that’s all that we ask, I think all creatures on earth can agree.
Now I am a dog beloved…trusted with the smallest of charges, that’s me.
I watch them all day as they frolic and play, and they have faith all the dangers I’ll see.
The children they hug and caress me, they scratch my ears and we lie…
In the grasses we stay and play all day with our friends, until bedtime is nigh.
Then we go home each night in the fading sunlight, to the place where we rest our heads,
Until all is quiet, and the house is at peace, we lie content in our beds.
Now again, they call me the “Nanny Dog” I do it all and upon me they do rely,
They know I’m a rock, they know I am solid, they know for them, I would die.
I am a Pit Bull.
~Dedicated to all of the Bully breeds/mixes that are waiting patiently to be adopted and to be loved in all of the shelters across our nation.
A note from Julie! Cheryl will be publishing a book and donating proceeds to rescues and shelters. If you wish to share this, please use the author’s name.
Write a comment…
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November 1st, 2011
A Journey
Author Unknown
When you bring a dog into your life, you begin a journey – a journey that will bring you more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet also test your strength and courage. If you allow, the journey will teach you many things about life, about yourself, and, most of all, about love. You will come away changed forever, for one soul cannot touch another without leaving its mark.
Along the way, you will learn much about savoring life’s simple pleasures – jumping in leaves, snoozing in the sun, the joys of puddles, and even the satisfaction of a good scratch behind the ears. If you spend much time outside, you will be taught how to truly experience every element, for no rock, leaf, or log will go unexamined, no rustling bush will be overlooked, and even the very air will be inhaled, pondered, and noted as being full of valuable information.
Your pace may be slower – except when heading home to the food dish – but you will become a better naturalist, having been taught by an expert in the field. Too many times we hike on automatic pilot, our goal being to complete the trail rather than enjoy the journey. We miss the details – the colorful mushrooms on the rotting log, the honeycomb in the old maple snag, the hawk feather caught on a twig.
Once we walk as a dog does, we discover a whole new world. We stop; we browse the landscape, we kick over leaves, peek in tree holes, look up, down, all around. And we learn what any dog knows: that nature has created a marvelously complex world that is full of surprises, that each cycle of the seasons brings ever changing wonders, each day an essence all its own.
Even from indoors you will find yourself more attuned to the world around you. You will find yourself watching summer insects collecting on a screen. (How bizarre they are! How many kinds there are!), or noting the flick and flash of fireflies through the dark. You will stop to observe the swirling dance of windblown leaves, or sniff the air after a rain.
It does not matter that there is no objective in this; the point is in the doing, in not letting life’s most important details slip by. You will find yourself doing silly things that your dog-less friends might not understand: spending thirty minutes in the pet store aisle looking for the dog food brand your dog must have, buying dog birthday treats, or driving around the block an extra time because your dog enjoys the ride. You will roll in the snow, wrestle with chewy toys, bounce little rubber balls till your eyes cross, and even run around the house trailing your bathrobe tie – with a dog in hot pursuit – all in the name of love. You may find dog biscuits in your pocket or purse, and feel the need to explain that old plastic shopping bags are conveniently positioned by every house entrance for pick-up duty in the yard.
You will learn the true measure of love – the steadfast, undying kind that says, “It doesn’t matter where we are or what we do, or how life treats us as long as we are together.”
Respect this always. It is the most precious gift any living soul can give another. You will not find it often among the human race.
And you will learn humility. The look in my dog’s eyes often made me feel ashamed. Such joy and love at my presence. She saw not some flawed human who could be cross and stubborn, moody or rude, but only her wonderful companion. Or maybe she saw those things and dismissed them as mere human foibles, not worth considering, and so chose to love me anyway.
If you pay attention and learn well, when the journey is done, you will be not just a better person, but the person your dog always knew you to be – the one she was proud to call beloved friend. I must caution you that this journey is not without pain. Like all paths of true love, the pain is part of loving. For as surely as the sun sets, one day your dear companion will follow a trail you cannot yet go down. And you will have to find the strength and love to let them go.
A pet’s time on earth is far too short – especially for those who love them. We borrow them, really, just for a while, and during these brief years they are generous enough to give us all their love, every inch of their spirit and heart, until one day there is nothing left.
The puppy that only yesterday was racing around the yard is all too soon old and frail and sleeping in the sun, waking up stiff and lame, the muzzle now gray. Deep down, we somehow always knew that this journey would end. We knew that if we gave our hearts they would be broken. But give them we must, for it is all they ask in return. When the time comes, and the road curves ahead to a place we cannot see, we give one final gift and let them run on ahead – young and whole once more. “Godspeed, good friend,” we say, until our journey comes full circle and our paths cross again.
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July 26th, 2011
“Dog Days of Summer” Baseball at Petco Park
by Kelsey Uruburu on July 26, 2011
I use to work for the San Diego Humane Society and one the perks of the job was being able to bring my dog, Dash, to work with me. He would get so excited every morning when I would strap him in this seat belt harness and head to work. Every single day when we would pull on to the block where I parked, he would let out a loud excited yelp. It never got old for him! Having him at work was great for me too. It’s been proven that petting an animal is shown to lower blood pressure and lessen anxiety. Most of the time, he would chew on a toy, or nap in my cubicle, but when I needed a break he was always there for a good pet. The San Diego Padres, who are sponsored by PETCO also have this philosophy. Every year, they have a “Dog Days of Summer” game where pet parents get to bring their pooch to the game. This year it’s tomorrow, Wednesday, July 27, against the Arizona Diamondbacks at 7:05 p.m.
If you haven’t already registered to bring your dog, unfortunately it’s too late this year, but there will be plenty of other people’s dogs for you to love. This year is going to be extra special because the Guinness Book of World Records officials will be present as the organizers attempt to set a world record for most dogs at a professional sporting event. Last year’s sellout event was open to 500 dogs, and this year the event has been expanded to allow up to 750 dogs to participate and become part of history.
Participating dogs will have the opportunity to attend a pre-game “tail” gate party and on-field pet parade. Prizes will be awarded to the top costumed dogs in a variety of categories. Once the game starts, dogs and their people will cheer on the Padres from the Park at the Park. Local adoption partners will also be in attendance to place homeless pets in loving forever homes. Just because you didn’t show up with a dog, doesn’t necessarily mean you will be leaving without one!
Only dogs with a valid “dog ticket” will be allowed to attend. Dogs who were approved to attend showed proof of current vaccinations and valid animal license prior to June 20, 2011. PETCO will provide animal care staff on the day of the event.
There are still tickets available for humans though, but buy ahead of time. This event sells out and when else will you get to be part of a Guinness Book of World Records, record? For more information or to submit a witty pet phrase to be displayed at the game, visit www.petco.com/petcopark. To purchase tickets visit the San Diego Padres ticket page.
Wag more, bark less and enjoy the game!
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July 2nd, 2011
We also offer pet sitting at special low prices to honor our country’s birthday!
Barbecues and fireworks are Independence Day favorites, but not so for your four-legged members of the family. The loud noises and chaos of the day can upset your dog. To help make the day special for everyone, the American Kennel Club (AKC®) offers tips to help keep your dog safe this Fourth of July. Among them:
• Even if your friend’s Fourth of July party is dog-friendly, it is safer to keep your dog home than to bring him. Keep your pets inside the house rather than outdoors. That way he won’t be tempted to leap over the fence to try and find you.
• The loud noise of fireworks can startle your dog. Keep him in a safe room where he is comfortable once the festivities begin. If your dog is crate trained, put him in his crate with a blanket so he feels secure. You can block the outside sights and sounds by lowering the blinds and turning on the television.
• Don’t feed your dog scraps from the grill. While you might be tempted to give him some as a treat, any sudden change to your dog’s diet can really upset his stomach.
• Avoid spraying your dog with insect repellant and only use sunscreen that is intended for animal use – human products can be dangerous to pets.
• Identification is extremely important in case your dog gets loose and separated from you. According to AKC Companion Recovery Service, the Fourth of July is one of the most active times of year for pet recovery. Dogs tend to get scared at the sound of the fireworks and run away. To make finding your lost dog easier, keep collar ID tag contact information up-to-date, have permanent ID with a microchip should his collar fall off and always alert your pet recovery service to any changes in contact information so they can find you when your dog is recovered.
Read more: Tips to keep your pets safe this July 4th | The Dog Dish http://blogs.wickedlocal.com/dogdish/2011/06/29/tips-to-keep-your-pets-safe-this-july-4th/#ixzz1QyjLVzRJ
AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB OFFERS TIPS FOR A DOG-FRIENDLY FOURTH OF JULY
Barbecues and fireworks are Independence Day favorites, but not so for your four-legged members of the family. The loud noises and chaos of the day can upset your dog. To help make the day special for everyone, the American Kennel Club (AKC®) offers tips to help keep your dog safe this Fourth of July. Among them:
• Even if your friend’s Fourth of July party is dog-friendly, it is safer to keep your dog home than to bring him. Keep your pets inside the house rather than outdoors. That way he won’t be tempted to leap over the fence to try and find you.
• The loud noise of fireworks can startle your dog. Keep him in a safe room where he is comfortable once the festivities begin. If your dog is crate trained, put him in his crate with a blanket so he feels secure. You can block the outside sights and sounds by lowering the blinds and turning on the television.
• Don’t feed your dog scraps from the grill. While you might be tempted to give him some as a treat, any sudden change to your dog’s diet can really upset his stomach.
• Avoid spraying your dog with insect repellant and only use sunscreen that is intended for animal use – human products can be dangerous to pets.
• Identification is extremely important in case your dog gets loose and separated from you. According to AKC Companion Recovery Service, the Fourth of July is one of the most active times of year for pet recovery. Dogs tend to get scared at the sound of the fireworks and run away. To make finding your lost dog easier, keep collar ID tag contact information up-to-date, have permanent ID with a microchip should his collar fall off and always alert your pet recovery service to any changes in contact information so they can find you when your dog is recovered. To enroll your pet in a 24-hour recovery service, visit www.akccar.org.
For more information on responsible dog ownership, visit the AKC website at www.akc.org.
© The American Kennel Club, Inc.
Read more: Tips to keep your pets safe this July 4th | The Dog Dish http://blogs.wickedlocal.com/dogdish/2011/06/29/tips-to-keep-your-pets-safe-this-july-4th/#ixzz1QyiX90Lj
Tags: Coronado fireworks, La Jolla fireworks, Ocean Beach fireworks, San Diego fireworks
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June 5th, 2011
To love and admire anything outside yourself is to take one step away from utter spiritual ruin.
—C. S. Lewis
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May 28th, 2011
Take your dogs to Canine Cocktails, Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter’s regular Yappy Hour event. Once a month 50 dogs and their humans gather at Level 9 Rooftop Bar for an unobstructed view of Petco Park. On June 9th, the hotel will host a Padres-themed event: Pads v. Washington Nationals – with complimentary dog bones, snacks and water bowls for all four-legged attendees. For their two legged BFF’s, there will be drink and food specials as well!
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September 19th, 2010
Destructive behavior in dogs is not a normal state of being – it tends to happen when an adult dog becomes bored or lacks adequate exercise. Such dogs are likely to develop nervous or frustrated tendencies, much the same as humans bite their nails, and an under-stimulated dog will often resort to chewing, digging, and repetitive behaviors. As well as ensuring the restoration of adequate exercise and play in your dog’s life, it is also important to provide some obedience training to instill discipline, exercise, and affection all in combination. This article will help you start to sort out your dog’s destructive tendencies.
Understand what can constitute destructive behavior in dogs. While what is destructive may depend on what you value and what your dog has been doing, not all behaviors that destroy human structures and items are spurred by an intent to destroy! While puppies can be destructive, their destructive play is about exploring, not about intentionally destroying things. On the other hand, a destructive adult dog displaying negative behavior such as chewing, digging holes in the backyard, or chewing up the shrubbery needs attending to. Abnormal behaviors in a pet dog include aggression, anxiety, displacement activities, trying to dominate you, fear and phobias, frustration, and stereotypical behaviors such as repetitious actions with little purpose.[1] Leaving aside aggressive behaviors, which while destructive are not treated in detail in this article, the most common problems that can be viewed as destructive include:[2]
Overactivity, or hyperactivity – the dog is always full of energy, and always active (note that true hyperactivity is rare in dogs).
Separation anxiety – the dog panics once left alone and might bark, pace, eliminate in inappropriate places, and destroy walls, doors, etc., in an attempt to get back to an owner.
Attention-seeking behavior – the dog might bark to get attention, and do other things to get the owner’s attention. We often reward this behavior, thereby reinforcing the dog’s attention-seeking behavior!
Noise phobia
– the dog might respond with fear to such loud noises as thunder or fireworks by destroying doors, walls, or objects, in order to try and hide.
Boredom – boredom is the cause of many a problem behavior, as the dog seeks an outlet to relieve its frustration and lack of attention.
Play with your dog more. Besides walking, play is an important part of your dog’s interaction with you.
- Play catch in the backyard for 15 minutes a day. Try doing this in the morning when you’re more alert and your dog is usually very hyper. You’ll notice that he’ll have less energy throughout the day if you drain him of it earlier on!
- Make a meet-up time for doggy friends. Find out which of your friends own dogs and plan meet-ups in central locations where your dogs can play together. Naturally, you’ll also need to learn in advance if they get along with each other!
- Buy a frisbee and help your dog become used to it. Once he is aware of what a frisbee is for, let him join in the fun.
4
Deal with digging. Digging is a common behavior because, simply put, dogs enjoy it! However, it is certainly exacerbated by boredom. The key to dealing with digging successfully is to find the motivation and deflect it as best you can. Any of the approaches alone or in combination might ease the digging ferocity:
Don’t always have the same old toys out. If your dog is always playing with the ten toys you bought him, then he’ll get tired of them and unimpressed when you leave. Make sure you hide all of his toys in a closet and only allow two or three to be out at a time. When you switch the toys around, your dog will be entertained more and he’ll think it’s a treat when he gets an old toy to play with that’s been hidden away. As an added incentive, this will prevent you from spending more money on new toys whenever you’re planning on leaving for a long period of time!
http://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Destructive-Behavior-in-Dogs
Tags: behavior dogs, Dog Walk San Diego, dogs chew shoes, San Diego Dog Walk
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August 24th, 2010
http://www.news.com.au/world/british-woman-who-threw-cat-in-bin-under-police-protection/story-e6frfkyi-1225909603619
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