I NEVER HAD A LOVE STORY

“I never had a love story”……how profound is that statement? Those are the words that someone wrote on a website that I belong to. When I read what the woman had to say (she was writing about her three failed marriages), I just knew that I had to use those words for an article. “How sad those words are” I thought to myself. In this whole big wide world of ours there are those that will never know what it is like to love and to be loved. Sad, indeed! There are so many different loves in ones life if we were to look for it. There’s the love of one’s children, one’s animals, love of one’s job, love of one’s friends, love of God and country and the list can go on and on. Oh I foolishly said to a friend of mine many years ago, “I just love my car!” It was a fancy little red sports car which I wanted all of my life! My friend said to me, “Barbara, you can’t love a car! It’s a thing.” He was right, I suppose, but I did love driving around it anyway! But truth be told, we are all looking for that connection with a significant other that all the other loves of our lives just aren’t capable of filling.

Some of us will love more than once or twice in our lifetime, but to find “the one” is what most of us are looking for. But what if you never do find “the one” should you give up on love altogether thinking that it’s for everyone else but not for you? There are no guarantees in life. Perhaps you will never have a “love story!” We are all capable of loving. It’s our God given right. But it doesn’t mean that we will be loved back. It’s the subject that makes the Country/Western singers a fortune and yet some of their real life “love stories” are nothing but horror stories! Maybe that’s why they’re so good about writing and singing about pain!

Now one can live a life of bitterness and exclaim, “What about me? Why doesn’t someone love me?” Or you can choose to be a loving person anyway. Love will come to us in many different ways when we open ourselves up to it. And because this is a blog about dogs and more specifically the German Shepherd Dog; let’s begin there.

I’ve written many articles about the love one can receive from their dog. There truly is nothing like it. Even the most bitter of human beings can be wilted away to a blushing fool if he surrenders and opens up his heart to the love a dog. I don’t know of another being on this planet earth that is more determined and will try harder to win your love than a dog. It is after all what he lives for. No really, it is his only purpose on this earth. We don’t eat of his flesh, or drink of his milk or use his hide for leather. He is here to love and serve us, to guide and be a companion to us. I dare say, not too unlike a partner in one’s life!

I got up this morning thinking about how short a dog’s life is and wondered why that was. My oldest dog will be 8 in a couple of months and I hate it. I had just finished reading about a friend’s dog who is 13 and how hard it is for her to get around now and I read about the love he had for her in every word that he wrote. I don’t know why our dogs live such short lives. Why are they here for such a short time? Oh I do believe with all of my heart and soul that they are here to teach us how to love. I think dogs should be called “love” because I can’t find another purpose for them to be here on earth! I found this wonderful little quote about dogs: “The dog is mentioned in the Bible eighteen times and the cat not even once!” W.E. Farbstein (referring to the Old Testament). That’s not to say the cat is not some peoples beloved pets as well. But to know the love of a dog is to have him kidnap your soul. When he leaves us, it’s like a part of our soul leaves with him. I still find myself thinking of some of my beloved dogs that have been gone for many, many years. My love for them has never ended. They shall remain with me for the rest of my life. I still dream about some of them and I love it because they remain living, loving creatures if only for the amount of time I lay sleeping.

The fear of rejection is a very strong emotion that we all have. You can love someone and they don’t have to love you back. This is never the way with a dog. They will never reject your love. For the dog lover, we are “mad as hell” that they are with us for such a short amount of time. Geez, dear Lord, we’re just “getting going” with the dog. We’ve got so many more things we want to do with him yet. We’ve got places to go, people to see, things to do yet with our dogs. Why are you taking him away so soon? We’re just getting started! “Don’t take my love away we want to scream. Not yet. We’ve got so much more loving to do yet.” All our crying and pleading doesn’t change it. The dog will only be with us for maybe 8 – 15 years and it’s never enough! So love him now, because time keeps on moving whether we want to move along with it or not!

I believe the dog is a teacher without any words to speak. He speaks volumes in his actions and in his eyes that are almost human like. He sends messages to us about life every day. He teaches us how to survive with very little, how to forgive the unforgivable, how to enjoy life with the bare minimum, and how to love the loveless. Is it any wonder why we are tortured and grieve so much when they leave us? To have a being here with us for such a short time and to show us so much about living and loving is more than most of us can bear. But if we learned what we needed to from the dog, then we will have learned that we can go on without their physical presence with us. For you see when the dog came into our lives, he also snuck into our souls and it’s there that he resides until we meet up with him again on the other side of Heaven’s gate!

A few days ago, someone posted (on Facebook) a painting of all different kinds of dogs sitting up in the clouds on the other side of Heaven’s Gate waiting to be rejoined with their masters. I loved it and pray that God does rejoin us all with our beloved pets someday. They are by far some of the most angelic creatures put on this earth in my opinion!

There was a popular love song written back in 1984 called “I Want to Know What Love Is.” Some of us may never find it with another human being, but I believe God sends us love in many different ways. So if you never had a “Love Story”, but instead had the love of a dog, you have truly known the purity of what love is suppose to be. Grab onto her fast for she leaves us all too quickly. Your dog may just end up being the love of your life. It may have not been the love you were looking for, but it’s what you got and your life may never be the same again.

So if your dog is laying by your side right now like mine is snoring away as loud as a truck driver, reach down and pet her on her head and let her know that you love her. Oh loving doesn’t come without pain whether it is with another human being or your dog, but which ever it may be; hold on fast because you’re in for the time of your life. Embrace it; be thankful for it even if it’s for the short time you share with your dog. All it means is that you’re alive and still kicking and you can keep on kicking until you take your last breath. You are loved! Maybe you didn’t know it then, but the two of you began writing your own love story the moment God sent her to you.

Is it true then, “It’s better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all?” This writer thinks so!


My rating: dog ownership: (4)!

IS A CHAMPION BORN OR MADE?

When I see all of the titles that some people have attached to their dogs names in the front of it as well as the end of it, I’m totally amazed. These breeder/owners are truly utilizing everything that is available to them to get their dogs titled whether its conformation, obedience, hips/elbows, or heath and temperament. This then is truly a partnership. The dog is genetically born to be what he will be, but it is the owner’s true dedication to ensure that her animal will be that and so much more!

I remember one of the icons of the breed wrote to me privately about something I wrote one time and he told me that he is the creator of the puppies that he produces. He is the genius behind their greatness! He was certainly very successful and his dogs are behind many of today’s top winners but his words made me stop and think. I think the word “create” made me uncomfortable. I think one may say that they are the “mastermind” behind their dog’s greatness. One may say that they are responsible for the combination of the bloodlines that their dogs have. But I don’t know that I agree with the theory that man creates the dogs that he owns. We can’t create the DNA combination that our dogs carry in their bloodlines. Sure because we are their breeders, we chose the partners for our dogs and therefore are responsible for the bloodlines that our puppies have, but we can never take credit for the combination of those genes because we just don’t know which ones will produce the finished animal. That is up to the true creator to establish that.

I believe that breeders can produce some outstanding dogs. The dog may have every wonderful physical and mental attribute that one may wish for. He may be the best side gaiting dog you ever bred. His coat, his pigment, his secondary sex characteristics may be everything that you are looking for. Then you put him on a lead and he plods along side of you. You’ve even sent him away to be trained. You’ve taught him how to bait, you’ve rung the bells, you’ve coughed, you’ve clapped, you even did the occasional cart wheel or two at ring side to get your “uninterested” pooch’s attention. He may look in your direction like you’re crazy, but he still plods along side his “very expensive” handler. This is indeed the type of dog that makes you want to pull your hair out. He is everything you’ve ever wanted to breed for, but his lack of attitude challenges that assessment!

A champion quality young dog may be sitting in your backyard right now and no one will ever see him in the show ring. Oh you tried several times showing him, but it became clear to you that he was far more comfortable at home then running around in circles in some dirty old ring. This is every breeder/exhibitor’s nightmare. No attitude means his chance of winning his championship title is slim, but not impossible. If he does attain the title, you’ve probably vowed never to even try to put him in the specials class because getting him his championship title just about cost you your sanity.

So many young dogs may be born for greatness but will never realize his full potential because he has made up his mind that showing is just too darn boring and a waste of his precious time. I am a firm believer that you can’t put attitude in a dog. Either he has it or he doesn’t. It’s just like some people. Some people are very “out there” and jumping from one thing to another. It seems like they never can sit still. Then you have others that seem like they’re “half dead.” The sky could be falling and they wouldn’t even know it was happening. It’s no different with the dog.

I believe that the potential for a champion may be bred into him. I believe that the breeder/exhibitor is responsible to give her animal every chance to utilize that potential to become the best that he can be. I don’t believe however, that you can make a dog a champion without his cooperation.


My rating: Show Dogs need a good attitude for the conformation ring: (4)

WHICH DISQUALIFICATION OR FAULT BOTHERS YOU THE MOST?

According to the German Shepherd Dog Club of America’s standard for the German Shepherd Dog, these are the disqualifications for our breed:

DISQUALIFICATIONS:

Cropped or hanging ears
Dogs with noses not predominantly black
Undershot jaw
Docked tail
White dogs
And dog that attempts to bite the judge

Surprisingly enough, all of these disqualifications (except the last one) are all physical things. That just about blows my love of the movement of this breed right out of the water. Many of you that know me, know that I’m a movement nut. Okay I admit it; I’m crazy for a good moving dog. But it’s not a disqualification if your dog isn’t a good moving dog. You just don’t show him under a judge that is “nutty” like me!

So the next time you hear someone say something about someone’s dog that can’t move out of their own way, carry a copy of the breed standard with you to show them. If he can’t move, that’s not a disqualification.

Oh there are other things in the breed that are considered serious or undesirable traits. To view them, go on the German Shepherd Dog Club of America’s website and look at the breed standard.

Some of the other things that I dislike about some dogs that are not disqualifications are: light protruding round shaped eyes. There is just something so unattractive to me about a homely face on a German Shepherd and in my opinion ones that have eyes that look like this, well lets just say he’s not going to win any beauty contest. Top that off with ears that stick out like a donkey, well you get the picture.

Missing teeth doesn’t bother me as much as a very overshot jaw or one that is undershot. Any missing teeth other than first premolars are a serious fault. I wonder why they need all those teeth anyway – 42 teeth, 20 upper and 22 lower. I wonder why it’s considered a serious fault.

I’ll tell you one structural fault that I truly dislike and that’s a bad back. Now a bad back can mean many different things to different people. It could mean that the dog is roach backed, shows a dip behind the withers, soft back, swayed back, running downhill into the shoulders, etc. The only thing that I want to see moving on the dog when he gaits is his four legs. I love looking at an iron back and a dog that carries a great top line in motion. You won’t see this dog moving with a soft back that moves every which way or a dip in his back. You won’t see the dog running downhill in motion making him look like his rear is running into his shoulders.

Then there’s the croup. A certain popular dog in recent times was notorious for producing flat croups. I remember watching his stud dog presentation at a National one year. It was a huge class, but the majority of them all had this same unattractive flat croup.

How about the front of the dog and the lack of a good shoulder? Does this bother you? I love a good front on a dog. Nothing is so unappealing to me than when I see a dog reaching from the elbow. And nothing is so shocking to me to see people show pictures of their dogs moving like this and saying what a great mover he is!

Besides a dog trying to bite a judge, there are other undesirable temperament problems. A dog that shies away from the judge, backs up, belly crawls on the ground, tucks his tail, his eyes looking as if he’s ready to bolt and say “Let me out of here”, one that growls or shows is teeth……all undesirable traits.
And how about the pigment of the dog? Ideally rich, dark colors are what we all hope to achieve when we produce litters of puppies. This is not always the case. We have lines in the breed that consistently produce washed out colors in their dogs. Of course it’s not a disqualification, but stand him next to a dog that’s richly pigmented, and then it becomes even more noticeable.

So what fault bothers you most? Is it locked hocks, kicking up in the rear with no follow through? Perhaps it’s a lack of length of coat. Or maybe you don’t like a German Shepherd that acts like a Golden Retriever in personality……loving on everyone he meets. What is it that you just can’t live with in this breed? And I’m not talking about health and genetics here. I’m just talking about the breed standard.

My rating: Disqualifications and faults of the breed: (1 - 4)

EMBRACE PET INSURANCE

Sometime last year, I wrote about pet insurance. Recently a pet insurance company contacted me by the name of EMBRACE PET INSURANCE. After looking over their policy, I agreed to let them advertise on my blog. See their ad on this blog in the purple box for more information. I will touch on a few things about this company here.

From TOP CONSUMER REVIEWS: They gave this company five stars! When we began our examination of Embrace Pet Insurance, we quickly became impressed with the level of pet insurance they provide. Embrace sets the standard for all pet insurance companies by providing excellent, cost-effective service that meets the needs of most dogs or cats in all 50 states.

Overall, Embrace provides excellent pet insurance tailored to meet your specific needs. Premiums are competitively priced and allow for convenient monthly payments. We found a multitude of positive reviews on Embrace as well as numerous reports of hassle-free claim payments. If you're looking for affordable pet insurance for your loved one, Embrace earns our top recommendation.

What Is Dog Insurance?

Dog insurance helps protect your dog from large, unexpected veterinary bills. Modern veterinary care can be very expensive. For example, a trip to the veterinary ER could easily cost $1,000. Dog insurance pays a large portion of your veterinary bills so you never have to decide between digging deep into savings to treat your dog or putting him down.

What Does Dog Insurance Cover?

Dog insurance will reimburse you for costs associated with diagnostics, surgery, hospitalization, cancer and chemotherapy treatment, and even alternative and homeopathic therapies. You can visit any veterinarian you like and there are no networks. Read about what Embrace's dog insurance covers but remember that no plan covers your dog for conditions that are pre-existing.

How Does Dog Insurance Work?

It's very simple to use your insurance. Usually you:
• Visit any veterinary hospital, there are no networks
• Pay for treatment
• Submit a claim form with your itemized invoice
• Receive your claim refund in 10 to 15 business days

What If I Have a Purebred Dog?

Purebred dogs are more susceptible to genetic and breed-specific health issues such as hip dysplasia, cherry eye, or luxating patella. Many of these conditions can be debilitating or life-threatening and can cost thousands of dollars to diagnose and treat as well. In these cases having insurance for your dog lets you focus on his care without worrying about the cost.

Choosing a Dog Insurance Plan

If buying dog insurance is the right thing to do, how do you choose a plan? You should know that Embrace Pet Insurance is one of the few companies that cover genetic and breed-specific conditions. This way, you're not stuck guessing what conditions might be covered.

Also find out if the plan you're looking at has per-incident or lifetime limits. Some companies use benefit schedules that can drastically limit the amount of your reimbursement. Embrace Pet Insurance has no per-incident limits and does not use a benefit schedule. Instead we pay based on your actual veterinary bill so you get more back.

How Much Does Dog Insurance Cost?

Dog insurance costs on average around $27 per month although the premium varies by the breed and age of your dog, and depends on the amount of coverage you choose. You can keep your premiums low by opting for a major medical dog insurance plan with a high deductible. This keeps your premium affordable without sacrificing coverage.

Don't forget, you can get discounts on your dog's health insurance if your dog is altered, micro chipped, or if you have a multiple-pet policy.

When is the Best Time to Buy Insurance for my Dog?

The best time to buy your dog insurance is when your dog is a young and healthy puppy, before any conditions might develop. It's important to have the insurance before you actually need it because pet insurance is the one thing you can't get when you need it the most.

What Embrace Covers

Embrace plans cover all the basics that you expect: accidents, illnesses, diagnostic tests, surgery, and more. Embrace also covers:

• Genetic & breed-specific Conditions
• Wellness & Routine Care
• Cancer Treatment
• Chronic Conditions
• Alternative Therapies & Rehab

Check out their website here on this blog to check out those things that they don’t cover.


My rating: Embrace Pet Insurance: (4)

THE DOG OWNERS BILL OF RIGHTS

The dog owner has the right not to have to share his bed with a 90 lb. flea bitten, hair shedding, bad breath “in your face” dog who hogs all the pillows.

The dog owner has the right not to be awakened at 4:00 am because his dog didn’t finish his business outside the night before and decides he wants to finish what he started now.

The dog owner has a right to eat his food in peace without having his dog think “everything she eats, I eat.”

The dog owner has the right to talk on the telephone to her friend without having her dog dropping dirty toys on her lap, nudging her hand for a pat, or circling her while barking in protest for being ignored.

The dog owner has a right to put the dog in the run to do his business outside rather than have him come back in and deposit it on the floor.

The dog owner has a right to use the bathroom and close the door without you sticking your nose in and making your presence known by bringing your ball in and looking for the owner to play catch with you at this very “private” moment.

The dog owner has a right to get up from his chair at his desk and not have to step over you to prevent him from falling on the floor.

The dog owner has a right to have a clean house without picking up dog hair on the bottom of his socks or picking it out of his food.

The dog owner has a right to have a well behaved dog that comes when he’s called and stays when he’s told to rather than be ignored hoping you go away.

The dog owner has a right to get up in the middle of the night to go in the kitchen for a snack and not step on one of your squeaky toys thinking he just stepped on a mouse.

The dog owner has a right to take a vacation once in awhile that doesn’t include going to a dog show or taking a dog with him.

The dog owner has a right to take a ride in his car that he just washed and waxed and not take you for a ride slobbering all over the windows or throwing up all over the back seat.

The dog owner has a right to have beautiful wooden end tables in his living room rather than wired dog crates with your toenails sticking out the front end.

The dog owner has a right to kiss his wife and perhaps look for a little “amour” without having you pop your head up between the blankets planting a wet one on his face.

The dog owner has a right to buy herself a fashionable outfit without feeling guilty that she didn’t spend the money on another workout outfit to pick up your dog run.

The dog owner has the right and the need to be the alpha without you challenging her every step of the way.

The dog owner has rights even if you see it a different way!


My rating: Dogs and people sharing their lives: (4)

"GREATNESS" WAS BURIED TODAY

I went to a funeral today to watch “Greatness” be buried. It was a sad occasion indeed. “Mediocrity” stood up at the podium and read a eulogy about “Greatness.” There wasn’t a dry eye to be found by those who were in attendance. “Mediocrity” said that all of us in this church today could only hope to strive to be like “Greatness” was. When talking about “Greatness” the word ordinary never came up in conversation. All conceded that he was beyond reproach and no one ever questioned his integrity.

There were those that never made it to the funeral today. “Must be right” decided to give her point of view while writing to someone on an e-mail list why the club needed to stay the way it was. “Meekness” could only shake her head in agreement as no one ever listened to what she had to say anyway. When backbones were given out, someone else got hers as well. So “Meekness” just went along with “Must be right” because well, maybe she is right after all!

Then there was “Good Old Sap” who goes along with everything everyone else says because being liked is more important to him then being right. He figures if the majority wants to change the club, well he’s up for anything.

“Old timer” tells everyone to leave everything alone. The club has survived all these years with things the way that it always has been. “Old timer” doesn’t like change. She believes leave things alone and stop trying to change them all the time.

“New beginnings” is bright eyed and hopeful. She wants so much to learn and hopes that she can follow in the footsteps of “Greatness” some day. “Cranky old geezer” has her nose way too high up in the air to take “New beginnings” even remotely serious. She’s of the thought that you start at the bottom, scrap and claw your way to the top like she did. Don’t look for any hand outs from her! Nope “Cranky old geezer” and “New beginnings” don’t even correspond with one another.

And how about “Under the disguise of?” “Under the disguise of” is the guy that aims to please everyone. One day he’s serious and the next day he’s the joker. Most of the time the rest of the crowd enjoys reading his e-mails and laughing at his jokes. But there are those other times that the crowd doesn’t appreciate his brand of humor when they are trying to get something serious done. “Under the disguise of” can be very shrewd while trying to win the popular vote of the day.

“Leader of the Pack” is the one everyone thinks has all the answers to the clubs problems. Sometimes she does and other times, well lets just say, everyone is left to draw their own conclusions. When she has the answers, she’s a saint. When she doesn’t, there are those that wonder why they voted her in to office in the first place.

“Quarrelsome Ed” is the guy that say’s white if you say black. No if you say yes. “Quarrelsome Ed” is the one that is out to prove everything you say is wrong. If someone says the club should stay the way it is, “Quarrelsome Ed” will say, “No it’s time for a change in the club.”

“Don’t give a damn anymore” is tired of all the bickering in the club and feels that nothing ever is accomplished anyway. So he’s moving on and won’t be renewing his membership dues come the end of the year. He feels the money he puts out for his membership dues will find a better purpose.

“Sick and tired” is moving on also. “Sick and tired” is sick and tired of all of the bickering, jealously and back stabbing. Not only is she giving up on renewing her membership to the club, she has chosen to get out of the German Shepherd Dog breed all together and has just bought herself one of those expensive designer dogs where they don’t have any AKC conformation shows anyway………well not yet.

So some remained and some left and some wondered if they should stay or leave. And those that went to the funeral of “Greatness” walked with a heavy heart from the church to his burial plot. Oh “Greatness” would have been so proud of the stone that his loyal friends bought for him. He would have looked at the headstone with pride as he read the words for all those to see that ventured past his grave site. They would read: “Here lies “Greatness” which only few hope to ever achieve; loyal beyond compare. Heaven opens her gates for him because what Heaven sends it calls home again.”

And so the battle rages on about the future of the club. While they continue to “get their points” across, some forget about the real reason they got involved in the German Shepherd Dog breed to begin with….to promote, to love, to get the word out about the best dog on earth. They forgot today that “Greatness” got buried. They forgot that today they buried the German Shepherd Dog!


From the book: HOW WE CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY: THE 9 CHOICES OF EXTREMELY HAPPY PEOPLE....Foster and Hicks conduct workshops internationally in the development of interpersonal skills. For this book, they interviewed happy people from all walks of life, from the United States to Eastern Europe. The resulting personal stories, writing exercises, and quotes together inform and instruct the reader in the nine principles discovered by the authors in their travels. Foster and Hicks use their nine choices to teach leadership development in the corporate world and also as a diagnostic tool for medical doctors. These choices include the active intention to be happy, accountability, identifying needs and desires, and centralizing goals by creating a dream list. These are followed by recasting (looking at experiences in positive ways), exploring options, appreciating every day, the art of giving, and, finally, exploring truthfulness. Similar to Sarah Ban Breathnach's Simple Abundance (Warner, 1995) and the Chicken Soup for the Soul books, this is recommended for public libraries and consumer health collections.

As one reader wrote: when I stumbled across this book a few years ago, it changed everything. Of course, I still have normal bad days, times when I feel sad or discouraged. But it's different now -- I don't despair -- I know that I'm finally learned how to be truly happy, and nothing can take that away from me now. READ THIS BOOK!!

My rating: The German Shepherd Dog: (4), Club woes and troubles: (1)

THIRTEEN DOLLAR DOG

I have been in touch with three German Shepherd Dog Rescues that receive this blog from me each day. Almost two months ago, I sent a letter to them asking if any of them would like to write a story about their organization and their work with the rescue of our beloved breed. I told them that I would be happy to use some of their stories about these wonderful dogs that they help give a new lease on life to. Dawn Restuccia, President and founder of “Last Hope, Save Haven” contributed this story. Thank you Dawn for sharing this with us. In a few weeks, I’m expecting another story from one of the rescues that receives this blog. I look forward to sharing more of these sometimes gut wrenching stories with you……because not all dogs live in an air conditioned home stretched out on an overstuffed sofa.


THIRTEEN DOLLAR DOG
By
Dawn Restuccia
(Guest writer)

She was a washed out black and tan German Shepherd...probably a product of some uncaring puppy mill breeder by looking at her structure. Who had previously owned her, no one knew; for she was deposited in the "night box"...a small cage outside the facility to accommodate people who can’t dispose of their pets during the daytime hours.

She found the filthy hammock pushed into a corner of her cell, and laid her exhausted bones down. At least there was some comfort to be had; lying on the concrete would have been excruciatingly painful due to the prominence of her bones through her sparse fur. Her soft brown eyes searched beyond the chain link, hoping to see a kind face; a familiar face. What had she done to deserve this? Surely they would come back for her....she would just sit here as she had done so many other days in the past; waiting for her food....waiting for water to quench her thirst....both of which had come all too infrequently.

From the day she was brought home as an innocent happy puppy and shackled to what would be her only shelter for the next four years, she would wait. People would come and go; she could only wonder what green fields they must be visiting, for her prison consisted of a mud pit full of feces and flies. Sleep became her only release; and in her dreams she was running and playing with others of her kind....the pain in her stomach from hunger was no more. The scrap of rug she was given to rest on wore away....her ears tattered from the fly bites who tortured her incessantly.

Muscles that should have carried her on strong legs slowly atrophied from disuse and the stare in her eyes became vacant...lost. The day arrived that her human came and unshackled her, leading her to the car that had brought her here. She could hardly contain her excitement! Was she going to see some new park? Perhaps go for a walk? The person put her into the back seat, and started off on what could have been her last journey.

As he pulled into the lot, he scarcely said goodbye, unbuckling her collar and shoving her into a cage with many other dogs that had been discarded that evening. She wanted to cry "WAIT!!!...you forgot me!!!"....but had no voice to utter the human words. She could only bark out her fear echoed by the voices of the others who shared her fate.

It was a long and frightening night, with the sounds of the woods all around edging close to where they lay huddled for warmth. When the attendant arrived in the morning, he removed them, one by one; leading them to their cells. A bowl of food was shoved in as well as some brackish water; the first food she had seen in many days previous. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad here; at least the void in her stomach would be filled.

For days she lay watching and waiting. She heard them say that her life was worth $13 though she did not understand. Other dogs were led out of their cells, tails wagging, hoping for a walk or a few minutes of respite in the sun...never to return. She watched and waited wondering when it would be HER turn. Then one hot afternoon, a soft spoken woman approached her cell door. "Could you please take her out?" she asked the attendant, who happily complied. Gentle hands caressed her, feeling the years of starvation with every stroke. A cloth collar was buckled onto her thin neck and she was led quietly out the door and into the sunshine. The thirteen dollars had been paid. Her life was finally beginning. Her Angel had come.

This is dedicated to a washed out black and tan emaciated German Shepherd Dog who sat in a rural shelter; her face in a corner. She was rescued and with love and luck, will find her place in this world. After all she has been through, her trust in us has not failed...the pull fee for her was $13!

I wrote this a few years ago in honor of this dog that WAS saved by Rescue. While we do not know where she is now, we can only hope that she is lounging peacefully at the foot of her Master. Please know there are many dogs like this sweet angel quietly awaiting their fates in "shelters" across the country. We are all that stands between them and the abyss...

They give us all they have to give...they deserve no less from us.


From the book:  "ONE AT A TIME"........."Amazing, heartbreaking, tragic, loving, magical..." -- Sherman Alexie, director, poet, author of Ten Little Indians

One of the most beautiful books on animals ever produced... A magnificent work, and one that gets my highest recommendation. -- John Robbins, author of Diet for a New American and The Food Revolution

Presenting life and death in an animal shelter in unvarnished, uncompromising terms … an emotionally moving and profound piece. -- Midwest Book Review, December, 2003

Riveting, stilling, chilling and intensely motivating... shows clearly that each and every one of us can make a difference. -- Marc Bekoff, author of The Ten Trusts (with Jane Goodall)

This book has the potential to save millions of lives - if only we would open our hearts to its message. -- Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, author of The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats

You will be breathless from cover to cover. -- Jim Mason, author of Animal Factories (with Peter Singer)

My rating:  German Shepherd Dog Rescues: (4), dogs living (barely) in shelters: (1)

BREEDING DOGS WITH GENETIC HEALTH PROBLEMS

I got a pretty good response to my three articles about breeding problems. Then I got a private e-mail from someone who asked if I would continue this subject but to dive into it a little deeper. She asked me if I could write about those breeders that knowingly breed dogs with genetic health problems in their bloodlines. She was most concerned with those that use dogs for breeding that has produced bloat, mega, toxic gut, temperament problems, hips, elbows, etc. She continued by saying that we all know several big time breeders that may produce puppies with mega that will put them down but still breed their littermates. She wanted to know if this is contaminating the gene pool or not.

So this writer made me think about this subject and what I knew about it. And yes she was right, we probably all know of some of the breeders that she is talking about. For instance, someone told me recently of a litter that was born a few years back that has several dogs being shown right now. One of the littermates was put to sleep because the puppy had mega. This very same litter also has a few with bad temperament problems that are being trained for the show ring right now. These types of breeders may think that they are fooling the public but people talk that have had contact with these dogs that they’re showing or training. This genetic problem of poor temperament is sometimes overlooked all for the sake of attaining an undeserving dog’s championship so the parent’s can obtain some more ROM (register of merit) points. I don’t consider these types of people breeders. I consider them polluters…..those that chose to pollute the gene pool with genetically inferior animals all in the name of producing some show dogs.

Before I go any further, I want to say that not all show dogs are genetically inferior animals. Most breeders are good, honest people trying to produce the best dogs that they can. Most show dogs deserve to be show dogs and deserve to be bred. I'm addressing those that choose to breed pretty darn anything that they want to breed if it's going to help them attain their goals. I'm just trying to address the writers questions about those breeders that knowingly breed animals with genetic health problems.

Some are of the belief that if the mother only produced these genetic health problems in one litter and never again, then what’s the harm in it? Oh, but what about her grandchildren or great grandchildren that are now being bred and are producing these genetic health problems? Just because they don’t have the problem themselves doesn’t mean that they don’t or can’t carry the faulty gene through their parents or grandparents. This is a reason why the genetic pool can become so unhealthy.

It is very tempting as a breeder that has just produced a puppy that is everything that he had been hoping for in a show quality dog to breed him anyway even if his littermates were not healthy. They figure, what the heck. Who will know? Maybe no one at first, but eventually the bloodlines will tell. You can only hide it for so long before the genetic problems keep popping up time and time again in the offspring.

Rumor has it…….that some Select dogs, some champions, some ROM titled dogs have had their share of genetic health problems. Heck if you breed long enough, you will probably run into some of these problems. But what about some of these dogs that have the problems but yet the owner/breeder continue to show him anyway? What the heck do they care? They got their show dogs and that’s all that matters to them.

What about some breeders breeding dogs that have bad elbows and even those with bad hips? These are the type of breeders that I classify as the “right now” breeders. Yeah, I just made that up. But what I mean is that they only care about what’s happening right now in this dog’s lifetime. They’re not concerned about the future of the breed and how their genetically inferior dog may be impacting the German Shepherd gene pool for decades to come. It’s all about the winning…..right here, right now and the heck with tomorrow.

And what about those unsuspecting buyers that buy a show dog sired by one of these genetic disasters? They trust that the breeder is selling them a good quality dog. And maybe the youngster is a good quality dog, but carries every major health problem you can think of! Then the next question is what type of obligation does the breeder have to give to a buyer about these puppies genetics? Do you believe that the buyer is buying the dog as is…..what you see is what you get? Maybe you’re of the belief that the person is buying a show dog and that’s what you’re selling them? When a person buys a show dog, aren’t they going to want to breed her when she finishes her championship? So does the breeder have the obligation of selling a show dog that can be bred?

So you spend your couple of grand. Your puppy finishes quickly. You breed her time and time again but each and every litter has genetic health problems. You’re frustrated that your beautiful quality show dog will probably never see one of her offspring shown. But hey, you should be happy, she was a quick winner. You now own yourself a genetically inferior but show ring worthy champion. Congratulations!


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My rating: Choosing to breed genetically unhealthy dogs: (1)

HALO (purely for pets) DOG FOOD AND OTHER NATURAL PET PRODUCTS

I’ve been watching this brand of dog food for awhile now. I always wanted to give it a try for my dogs because I really liked the ingredients in this food. So recently I tried their dry dog food as well as their canned dog food. The first thing I noticed with this company’s dry food is the wonderful smell of the product. It’s not overwhelming. It doesn’t smell unusual, but what it does smell like is human FOOD! It smells that good! If it smelled good to me, I knew that it smelled good to my dogs as well. It made me realize that the excellent ingredients in this dog food made it smell the way that it did! This made me confident that I was feeding my dogs a top quality food. Halo is a holistic natural dog food.

Let’s take a look at the ingredients in the dry food. It comes in two varieties – Wholesome Chicken and Wild Salmon. I used the chicken formula and here are the ingredients.

Chicken, Eggs, Pea Protein, Oats, Vegetable Broth, Pearled Barley, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Whole Peas, Chicken Liver, Salmon, Flax Seed, Salmon Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Pea Fiber, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Blueberries, Green Beans, Carrots, Cranberries, Zucchini, Alfalfa, Inulin, Calcium Sulfate, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Salt, Vitamins (Folic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Bitartrate, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Ascorbic Acid, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Cobalt Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus plantarum.

I tried all three varieties of the canned food which comes in beef, chicken and salmon. Here are the ingredients in the beef formula.

Beef, beef liver, broth, carrots, green beans, yellow squash, zucchini, green peas, mustard greens, celery, water (sufficient for processing), dried kelp, calcium citrate, flax seed meal, oats, pumpkin, sweet potato, declaim phosphate, ascorbic acid.

When you open up a can of this company’s food, you actually can see the chunks of vegetables in their product. Again the food smelled excellent.

Their products never contain artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, nor does it contain rendered meat, poultry, fish, and animal or plant meals. Speaking of ‘meals” one of the things that stuck out for me was the fact that they didn’t use any “meal” in their products (chicken meal, beef meal) etc. Practically every dog food out there has some sort of meal listed on their ingredient label. This company’s does not!

The Halo Company points out some interesting things about using “meal” in dog foods. I already knew that “by-products” was a big no-no in dog food, but I didn’t know too much about using “meal” in a dog food. This is what Halo has to say about using chicken meal in a dog food.

Legally unfit for human consumption.
Subject to only the less-stringent animal food safety standards.
May contain animal products: diseased animals, animals that were dying prior to butchering, animals that were dead prior to butchering, and disabled animals that may carry more infections. Halo does not use rendered meats. They do not use restaurant waste, supermarket waste, meat processing facility waste or packinghouse waste. When a meal product is used in a dog food it is not subject to testing for quality standards or nutrient levels which may vary widely from batch to batch. Halo dog foods meets FDA safety and quality standards for human food.

In doing research on this company, I didn’t know that they have been in the business for the last twenty years. I thought that they were a relatively newer company. Their commitment to the health and well being of our animals through wholesome, natural, quality pet products is unparalleled.

I also treated my three dogs to some of this company’s Live-a-Littles 100% Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast Protein Treats. Did they like them? They gobbled them up. I kept them in the refrigerator like the package suggests and it provided my girls with a cool snack for these hot humid days that we have been experiencing in New York. This is a high protein, low carb snack that my dogs sat waiting impatiently for me to open the refrigerator for!

The Halo Company believes in treating your dog with the best natural products inside and out. They make supplements and cleaning supplies as well. I tried their Vita-Glo “Daily Greens.” This nutritional product helps to maintain your pet's nutritional balance, digestion, blood purity, urinary tract strength, cell efficiency and stamina. It comes in a convenient tablet form and the dog eagerly takes them without having to hide them in their food.

Their new Holistic Clean Super Stain and Odor Remover I used the other day on my rug for a spot of blood and then for muddy paw prints after all the rain we just had. This product comes in a spray bottle. It has a pleasant smell when you first use it. However, once you spray the spot and wipe it clean, the smell disappears which I liked. Some products that I’ve used in the past leaves a lingering smell which I don’t like. I don’t want my house smelling of chemicals. I just want it to smell clean. This is an all natural, biodegradable solution with double-strength naturally occurring enzymes to eliminate really tough pet stains and odors…….and it does! It is non-toxic, non-polluting, no detergents, alcohol or phosphates. It was awarded the US Environmental Protection Agency “Designed for the Environment” label which distinguishes products that are safer for people and the planet.

You can check out this company’s whole line of holistic dog and cat products on their website at: www.halopets.com/ If you sign up for their newsletters, they normally include money saving coupons for their products. It is a pricier product so the coupons come in handy. One would expect to pay more for a holistic natural product anyway. You can order their products on line and Petco as well as some independent pet stores carries their products. They have a store locator on their website.

I am very happy with the outstanding quality of this company’s products from their dog food and snacks to their vitamins and stain and odor remover environmental friendly products. Also this is a very friendly company and has shown me that they put our pets first and foremost. You owe it to yourself and most importantly your dog to check out this company’s outstanding products.  As for my dogs, they loved it and never left a morsel behind.  Their stools were excellent as well.   Happy pets and happy owners make for a happy company! Way to go Halo!

My rating:  quality of food:  (4), quality of supplements: (4), quality of odor remover: (4)

WHO'S THAT KNOCKING ON MY DOOR?

WHO’S THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR?
By
Barbara J. Galasso

I can see the pearly white gates just ahead of me shining brightly in the afternoon sun. But what’s this? So many people are crowded at her majestic doors. Many more are sleeping at the bottom of the grassy knolls spread along the tapestry of the great barriers landscape. Some people are talking and pay no attention to me as I pass them on my journey to the great door that looms in front of me. I hear someone say that at this rate they’ll never get in. Someone responds and says that only one person was let in today. Many knock, but few are allowed entrance through the sacred doors. I wonder to myself what chance do I have to receive admittance through those doors. All I know is that I must try. I’ve come so far, and I’m so tired.

I now stand in front of the big doors and I timidly knock on the great structure. I wonder if anyone can hear me. Slowly the doors open and white puffs of billowy clouds float out past me. A voice beckons me to enter. I hear the roar of the crowd behind me as those who have waited so long run to the door, but alas, no one gains entrance after me. Everything is still; everything is silent as a gentle sense of peace washes over me.

“Who’s that knocking at my door? Who are you my little one?” an invisible voice asks me. I sheepishly answer to the beautiful voice. “I am no one. I haven’t got a name. I'm just a German Shepherd Dog with no name." I say with my head held down in shame. “What, no name?” I hear the voice question me. “Well who’s your family? Where do you come from?”

I feel my body quiver as I admit to never having known my father and having lost my mother only a month after I was born. I tell the voice that I was born at Hell House with one foot in the grave, or that’s what it felt like at the time to me and my brothers and sisters. And then time separated us and I no longer knew if my siblings were still there or not. There was just too many of us and all we did was to try to survive another day. I sometimes wondered if we even looked forward to another day. The only escape that I had was my dreams when I was too exhausted to do anything but sleep.

“And what did you dream about little guy?” the voice invited me to continue. “I dreamed my festering sores would be replaced with a coat of soft, shiny fur. I dreamed of fields of green grass growing, cool brooks flowing, and the breeze of fresh air filling my lungs. I dreamed of someone throwing a ball to me, clean food and water, a car ride down the street, a bone to chew on and a fireplace to lay in front of. But most of all, I dreamed of someone giving me love and attention, and scratching me behind the ear or rubbing my belly once in awhile. Then I’d awake back to reality and find myself maneuvering my splayed toes along the wire enclosure that housed me and five other dogs. The green grass, the fresh air, and the cool running brooks were replaced with the stench of dog droppings, empty water pans and dishes with caked on food that even the vermin turned their noses up at.”

And the voice answered, “I know the truth in what you say my precious little dog. You are only seven years old. All that is past you now. No one will ever hurt you again. I never sent more to you than you could bear. I didn’t call you dog for nothing. Your name is mine name only spelled backwards. Didn’t they see me in front of them? When they starved you, they starved me. When they beat you, they beat me. When they ignored your cries of pain or loneliness, they ignored me. I gave them the larger brain to figure this all out. And still they ask where I was when they needed me? I was right there all the time, right in front of them. I don’t always look like some artists interpretation of me on canvas, you know. I am in the lowliest places and with the most forgotten souls.”

“Now my boy, you are home and we must give you a name. I’m going to call you “Dreamer” because your dreams are what got you through your short life. You have earned your place to sit at my feet by my throne. Come shall we, let’s go walk on those fields of green and get you a drink of water from the cool brooks that you always thirsted after.”

As we pass the great walls that surround the castle, I hear crying and weeping from the other side. I stop and get up on my hind legs and peek over the wall. The beautiful voice says to me, “Those are the puppy mill breeders, the puppy store owners, and the tormentors of animals that have passed from earth and are looking for solace behind my doors. What do you think we should do with them Dreamer?” I find a little growl escape my raised lips. “Good,” the voice says. That’s what I thought too.” The master looks down on the derelicts and says, “Be gone from my sight, ye of little faith.” With that a great rumbling is felt and the air is perforated with screams of terror. It reminds me of the screams I heard all of my life at Hell House. As if the master read my mind, he says to the doomed, “As you have done on earth, is what you shall receive now.” I close my eyes tightly as the earth opens her crusty floor and swallows everyone. Deep in the earth’s core, the echoes of the tortured animal’s voices keep the newest residents of Hell House company on their ride to eternity.


My rating: puppy mills: (1), backyard breeders: (1)


From the great book: "SAVING GRACIE: HOW ONE DOG ESCAPED THE SHADOWY WORLD OF AMERICAN PUPPY MILLS"......Journalist Bradley exposes the hidden world of puppy mills, where dogs are caged like chickens and forced to repeatedly breed until they die. Unlike most factory farm animals that endure painful confinement and are slaughtered within six months of birth, mill breeding dogs are sentenced to many years of existence in deplorable conditions; many don't learn to walk because their cages don't give them enough room to stand. Bradley details the raid of one such mill, Mike-Mar Kennel in Oxford, Pa., which led to the seizure of more than 300 dogs, mostly adults that had languished for years with broken limbs and untreated diseases. Dog 132, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel later named Gracie, was rescued during the raid. Nearly blind, with decayed teeth and a strong aversion to human contact, Gracie flourished under the love and patience of her adoptive owner, Linda Jackson. Bradley's powerful narrative will tug at heartstrings, raise public awareness, and, hopefully, help put an end to puppy mills.

THE SECRET PLACE

I've got lots of errands to do today so I didn't have any time to write a new article so I've pulled this "oldie but goodie" from my files to share once again with you and for my new readers who have not seen it before.

THE SECRET PLACE
By
Barbara J. Galasso

As far back as Tommy remembered, he always had a German Shepherd while growing up. There was always a dog to share his bed, steal his baseball cap and catch a Frisbee. He and his dad took the dog hunting and fishing; even though his father often reminded him this was not what shepherds were bred to do. The dog loved to join them anyway, alerting any deer along the way of their presence. He wanted to chase deer rather than stop or point. No sir, there was nothing quiet about taking a German Shepherd when you went hunting. Guess that's why no antlers hung over the fireplace mantle.

Tommy's family lived in a little house in a farming village where neighbors seldom locked their doors at night. When he closed his eyes, he could still see the old door in the kitchen that led out to the backyard. It seemed his father never did get those rusted hinges to shut all the way, allowing the dogs to come and go as they chose.

Every few years, mom and dad raised a new litter of puppies letting Tommy choose a male pup for himself. As each pup grew, got old and died, Tommy always called the next one he kept by the same name.”Shep.” His mother looked at him with a puzzled expression on her face, and he'd be forced to admit, "I know mom. Not very original." But he liked the name, so “Shep” is what each dog was called. Every Shep came to all his baseball practices and games. The challenge was to make him sit and stay, not chase each flying ball Tommy hit. Wherever Tommy went, Shep was usually two feet in front of him leading the way. He allowed Tommy's friends to play with him, but strangers were forbidden to get too close.

Grandma and grandpa visited often in those days. Sunday dinner was always a treat because mom made her famous pot roast. Grandpa got so tired after eating such a heavy meal; he would lie on the sofa and catch a little nap. Dad would bring his finger to his lips and say, "Shhhh.....Don't disturb grandpa. Let him sleep. He's old and he tires easily". "OK, dad", Tommy would say and out the back door he and Shep would run to play in the old barn.

When they tired of playing, Tommy would ask,”Hey Shep, you want to go to our secret place?" The dog would tilt his head to the side and begin jumping up and down with excited anticipation. Shep would let out a loud bark and with that Tommy would swing open the barn door and they'd race to see who would get to the secret place first. Tommy always knew this was never really a race because he'd always lose. Shep would stand waiting for him, with his tail wagging and body wiggling with happiness as Tommy reached the embankment several moments later.
Shep and Tommy's secret place was the old swimming hole. On a hot summer day, they could be found dipping into the cool, refreshing water. Shep would doggy paddle to Tommy, his huge feet clumsily slapping the water. "Hey Shep,” Tommy would warn, “Get away before you drown me, you big oaf!" They'd swim to the embankment, Shep searching quickly for a stick to play catch. This was a game they played time and again. Tommy sat with legs dangling in the water watching Shep’s big head part the water as he paddled to shore carrying the prize. He’d dance back and forth begging Tommy to throw the stick for him over and over. He never seemed to tire of this game. When the stick was tossed for the last time and Shep jumped back into the water, Tommy would dash off quickly to hide.

The absence of Tommy waiting on the shore, made Shep swim even faster. Of course his search didn't take too long, for he always knew where Tommy could be found. He'd quickly gait up the grassy knoll, this time Tommy waiting for him under the old oak tree. He'd drop his stick by Tommy's sprawled out body, give himself a good hard shake, and make sure his young master got wet all over again. "Thanks a lot Shep, Tommy would laugh. I really needed that."

Then he would flop next to Tommy and start pawing at him to remind him a good belly rubbing would feel perfect right about now. Satisfied, he'd roll over on his back, his silly legs sticking up in the air demanding attention. Once he relaxed and settled down, he'd look up with those soft brown eyes, let out a little whimper, and rest his big head on Tommy's lap. Tommy would talk to him scratching behind his ears. With a look of contentment, he'd gently close his eyes to take a nap. The bees and butterflies would fly among the flowers that covered the meadows as Shep and Tommy welcomed summer breezes that warmed their wet bodies. Sometimes Tommy would wrap his arm around Shep's big neck, and join him in peaceful slumber on those lazy summer days.

When Tommy went off to college, he returned home every week end anxious to take Shep for walks down by the swimming hole. They'd sit under the old oak tree, where Shep would cozy up to him, rest his head on his lap once again and listen contentedly as Tommy would share stories with his old friend. Life was simple and good.

The college years flew by; Tommy graduated and married his college sweetheart. They came often to visit at the farm, Shep running out to greet their car with a loud bark and a wag of his tail. When they had a son of their own, Sammy also looked forward to visits at grandma and grandpa's house so he could toddle outside to play with Shep. Shep would give him a big wet sloppy kiss, knocking him off his feet.

As the years went by Sammy gained spring in his step, whereas, Old Shep, as he was now called, found it harder to keep up as arthritis robbed his youthful gait and agility. They still came to the farm every Sunday for pot roast dinner, only now it was Tommy's dad who took a nap afterwards and he'd find himself bringing his finger to his lips reminding his son, "Shhhh.....,” he'd say, “Don't disturb grandpa. Let him sleep. He's old and tires easily.” "OK daddy,” Sammy replies, because he was more interested in where Shep was anyway.

On one of these Sunday gatherings Sammy fidgeted in his chair uninterested in finishing his dinner. The conversation flowed smoothly, so no one really paid too much attention to him. The child watched as Old Shep pressed his nose against the back door pushing his arthritic body a little harder to make it open. That old creaky door never did get fixed after all the years. When the dishes were washed, grandma announced, "Time for dessert everybody”. They gathered around the table, except Tommy noticed Sammy didn't come. He called out his son’s name, but Sammy didn't answer. Tommy thought, "I bet I know where he is. He's out playing with Old Shep.”

Excusing himself from the table, he went out the kitchen door. "Sammy", he called again. Still no answer. He went around the side of the barn and thought there was only one place they could be. They had to be down by the secret place; the swimming hole. He called out the boys name again. "Come on, Sammy! Grandma's got dessert on the table. You'd better hurry up inside before it's all gone.”

Coming around the bend, he saw Sammy with Old Shep’s head lying in his lap in the very spot under the old oak tree where he used to sit with all the Sheps before him. A smile escaped his lips as memories flooded his heart with the realization Sammy shared a love of animals as his father and grandfather before him.

"Hey son", he began to say until Sammy cut his words off by bringing his little finger up to his lips. "Shhhh.....dad. Don't disturb Old Shep. Let him sleep. He's old and tires easily.” With that, a silent gasp escaped Tommy's throat as a single tear rolled down his cheek. He sat and took his place next to Sammy. "Yes, my boy,” his voice quivered as he wrapped his arm around his shoulder, “Let Old Shep sleep now. Dessert will have to wait for today.” Filled with the innocence of childhood, Sammy’s young face turned to look up at his father, "I always loved Old Shep better than any dessert anyway," he said smiling.

The bees still buzzed about but the butterflies seemed to linger a little longer on this day as they visited the flowers that covered the meadows where Tommy and Sammy sat. His mind began to wander and he swore he could hear the echoes of his own voice saying once again, "Hey Shep, you want to go to our secret place?” as he looked down at the old dog whose head rested on his son's lap. A gentle breeze caressed their cheeks as a single leaf zigzagged its way from the old oak tree floating to its final resting place where Old Shep's heart used to beat.

NO PART OF THIS STORY MAY BE REPRODUCED OR COPIED WITHOUT THE PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHOR!


My rating: children and dogs raised together: (4)

A DOG WOULD DO BETTER THAN THAT

I was reading my morning news on Yahoo this morning which I do everyday. With my coffee in my hand, I sat back in my chair catching up with life around the world. I read about how some say the economy is starting to change for the better. They came to this conclusion because some women are going back to the finer departments stores and buying clothes once again. I continue reading to the next article telling me why a well known actress known for her “skinny frame” put on some extra pounds for a role in her newest movie. Then I read about the biggest myths about allergies for this time of year. All of these are just some simple human interest stories. Then I see the black and white blurry picture of the next article. The title draws my attention…..”Outrage at good Samaritan’s fate.” So I click on the link to read the story.

It seems that a homeless man came to the defense of a woman who was having a fight with her boyfriend. The fight turned physical and that’s when this man tried to help the woman. Remember the saying: “No good deed goes unpunished?” Well this would definitely fit in that category! In trying to help this woman, this poor man’s life was sacrificed. That’s horrible enough! But what’s even more horrible is the fact that this poor man lie bleeding to death (he was stabbed) and at least seven people walked past him not offering any help whatsoever! This was all caught on a surveillance camera. Some people walked by. Others stopped to gawk. There was even one who lifted the poor man exposing the blood on the sidewalk underneath him. Then he walked away.

Finally emergency workers arrived ONE HOUR later! By that time it was too late. The man was already dead! How does something like this happen? Are we too afraid to become involved? A dog would do better than that!

If a dog were to see someone lying on the street, what do you think he would do? His first reaction would be to go and investigate the person lying there. He’d probably sniff at him several times. Perhaps he’d even be whimpering. He could even start to bark seeing the lifeless figure just lying there. But rest assured he’d bring attention to the man. He most definitely would not just walk on by like it’s not his problem. Is the dog more sensitive and caring than the human? Has the human with his superior intelligence lost his sense of kindness for his fellow man? Is this another example where man can learn from the dog who has less intelligence but seemingly more capacity for love and if nothing else, just being inquisitive enough to find out why the heck is that man lying on the street bleeding to death to begin with?

We are a troubled nation that’s for sure because we find ourselves at the mercy of an economic strangulation that many of us didn’t see coming. And for those that did, didn’t prepare for it. With people losing their homes and their jobs, more and more dogs and cats are turned into shelters. Some are left behind, abandoned to wander and fend for themselves. Most of them won’t make it. New pups are born on cold cement floors in an already over crowed shelter. Senior dogs are left to wonder when their master will come to claim them once again. Their warm beds have now been replaced with floors that are too cold and hard for their arthritic bodies.

For some, they can’t take care of the animals that they once loved and raised to play with their kids. If we are forced to make hard decisions about what becomes of our animals because feeding little Johnny is more important than feeding “Shep”, then a dying man lying on a lonely dark street becomes no more important than the stray dog lying there that was just hit by a car. “It’s not my problem” many will say. Just turn your head the other way. You got enough problems.

As for the woman that was being attacked by her boyfriend, so far both are missing. Neither one of them has come forward. Well of course the boyfriend wouldn’t. He’s probably the one that stabbed the homeless man. How is the woman feeling knowing that someone’s life was taken so she wouldn’t be slapped around by a brute of a boyfriend I wonder? Will she come forward? I’m willing to bet she won’t!

In the article that I read, someone asked, “Is anybody human anymore?” If we become void of emotions, then we’re just existing and then I wonder……existing for what? If you are a "baby boomer" like I am, you'll probably remember the words to a popular song. It went something like this......"Think of your fellow man, lend him a helping hand. Put a little love in your heart." The song title was, "Put a little love in your heart." Boy could we use that today. In fact everyday!

This happened a week ago. Life goes on and people walk back on that same street with the fading red stain where the dying man laid several nights ago. People walk hand in hand chatting and talking about the new sale that Macy’s has this coming week end. Someone else talks about a birthday dinner they plan on spending at the newest restaurant down the end of the street. Mr. Kramer is walking his dog like he usually does. The dog stops and smells the pavement and let’s out a little cry where the already forgotten man spent his last moments. The homeless man doesn’t have to worry anymore where he is going to sleep tonight. Someone took care of that problem for him!

My rating: the heart of the dog: (4), the heart of SOME people: (1)

From the book: "THE HIDDEN POWER OF KINDNESS: A PRACTICAL HANDBOOK FOR SOULS WHO DARE TO TRANSFORM THE WORLD, ONE DEED AT A TIME." Supremely practical. If you would like to improve your relations with others and so lead a more happy and peaceful life, get this book and read it carefully. This wonderful book increases our insights into the wonders of the message that speaks so powerfully to us: 'Love is patient, love is kind .

THIS I KNOW FOR SURE

THIS I KNOW FOR SURE
by
Barbara J. Galasso

No matter how nice a breeding looks on paper, the results may not be what the dogs pedigrees dictates that it should be.

No matter how great the two animals are that you breed together, a champion it does not guarantee.

You can breed a decent male to a decent female, and end up with superstar offspring.

Most litters produce more pet puppies than show puppies, and all puppies regardless of quality belong in the best homes we as breeders can find for them.

Sometimes in this sport of dog shows, it's not always what you know, but who you know.

No matter how long you've been in this breed, some people never have a champion.

No matter how short of a time you've been in this breed, some people have more
champions than those who have been in it longer and never had one.

No matter how many litters you’ve bred and how successful those litters were, most breeders are hoping that the next litter is even better.

When you show under a certain judge one day and he puts your dog up for Winners, he's your hero, when you show under him another time, and you're dead last, he's a bum and a crook.

Long gone are the days that we used to see 20 -25 dogs in the Open class at a regional Specialty, now we're lucky if you see this many in the Open class at the National Specialty level.

Dog folks can be a fickle group of people, nice to your face, and later that same day making AT&T wealthy by tying up the telephone lines with the latest gossip that includes your name.

Dog shows can bring out the best in the worst of people, and can also bring out the worst in the best of people.

Many long standing friendships have been lost, because they have allowed the dogs to come between them.

If you tell a competitive, jealous “friend” about the new exciting puppy that you have high hopes for, you can be guaranteed she’ll tell you about her “better” superstar puppy that she’s waiting to bring out to the shows.

You tell a fellow breeder you’re thinking of breeding to the young well bred dog that lives in the next town. You are read the riot act and told about every possible genetic fault that you can have in your puppies. You breed to him anyway and have no problems. The other breeder breeds to Grand Victor “Joe Blow” and the puppies are a genetic nightmare.

No matter which dog food you feed, which grooming table you use, which coat conditioner you have been successful using, someone is always waiting to tell you they have a better way of doing it.

No matter how long a breeder has been breeding dogs, if someone asks what problems their lines carry, they will tell you their lines don't carry any major faults, just maybe a long coat once in awhile.

Sometimes judges are chosen strictly because of their "name" and popularity, not necessarily because they are the best judge to do the job.

The same people in the breed that were nice twenty years ago are still nice today. The same people that were unfriendly, quarrelsome and not so nice twenty years ago still display their not so nice ways today.

Honesty among breeders about their animal’s good qualities as well as the faults of their bloodlines will insure for years to come the betterment of the health of our beloved breed.

There is more competition going on outside the ring then inside of it!

The German Shepherd Dog is the best breed on the planet. They could surely teach their owners a thing or two about how to get along in this world.

This I know for sure, no matter how long we've been in this magnificent breed and think we know everything there is to know, one day we get a "wake up call", get knocked down a couple of pegs and realize living with the German Shepherd Dog was never really about us teaching them, as it was about them teaching us!


My rating: healthy competition is good: (4)


Presenting the Great, New Third Edition of the Most Respected Book in Print on the German Shepherd in the English Language. From the time Captain Max von Stephanitz undertook the development of the modern German Shepherd just before the turn of the 20th Century to the present, dog enthusiasts have been quick to recognize the versatility, trainability, and desirability of the universally beloved Shepherd and have taken the breed to their collective heart.

Since 1974 The German Shepherd Today has been recognized as the most definitive source of information for all who glory in von Stephanitz's living legacy. Now, in its third magnificent edition, this great masterwork is more meaningful than ever to the unique fellowship that has the German Shepherd as its common bond. Here you can explore the German Shepherd's roots and the work of the visionaries that launched his fortunes. There is vital information all owners, new or old, need to make the most of sharing their lives with these remarkable dogs. For whatever reason you have been drawn to the German Shepherd and for whatever information needs you have regarding the breed and your relationship to it, you will find all you seek-and more-in the new third edition of The German Shepherd Today. And with the text Shepherd fans recommend to each other, is a large gallery of beautiful photos, enlightening diagrams, pedigrees, and statistics you will find as absorbing as the dog you call your own. The best one remains on top.

WHAT KIND OF DOG OWNER ARE YOU?

WHAT KIND OF DOG OWNER ARE YOU?
By
Barbara J. Galasso

1) When you get up in the morning, you…..
a) Take care of the dogs first and you and the family last.
b) Take care of the family and yourself first and the dog last.
c) Neither. You stay in bed till 10:00 o’clock, get up and drink 3 cups of coffee and
then with one eye open and the other still shut, you let them out of their crates.

2) When you buy dog food for your dog…..
a) You don’t buy dog food. You cook for him.
b) You read labels and make sure it’s premium grade or all natural.
c) You feel the cheapest brand will do.

3) When you buy supplements for your dog….
a) You make sure it’s holistic and human grade.
b) You make sure it’s a good value for your money and will still do the job.
c) What supplements? His no-brand dog food is good enough!

4) When you buy toys for your dog….
a) You make sure he has one to chew on, one to tug with, one to catch with, etc.
b) You make sure he’s entertained with one or two toys.
c) His “toy” is trying to bite the tail from the dog that’s in the next run.

5) When you exercise your dog…..
a) You road work him with a car or bike a few times a week.
b) You take him for a walk down the street or in the woods.
c) Exercise? Hell, let him fence run the kennels. You’re too busy watching the
“soaps!”

6) When you groom your dog….
a) You’ve bought a special tub, a special table, hair blower, clippers, shampoos, etc.
b) He goes in to the bath tub, using the same shampoo & conditioner that you do.
c) Grooming? (Scratch, scratch *&%)….What’s that?

7) When you show your dog….
a) You hire the best handler, pay him top prices & bonus’s…nothing is too good for
your dog!
b) You hire a good handler and even a young up and coming one.
c) You ask the kid down the street who mows your lawn if he’s free this week-end.

8) The kind of car you drive to a dog show in is….
a) The top of the line van or motor home. You believe in traveling in style.
b) A nice SUV or mini-van that’s comfortable for you and your dog.
c) What ever happens to be running at the time and has gas in it that’s sitting in your
driveway.

9) When you breed your bitch….
a) You choose the top stud dog that money can buy. You do expensive testing, pay
airfare to get her to him & back and set up a custom made whelping box.
b) You choose a stud that you can afford hopefully in your area.
c) You breed her to her brother in the next run.

10) When you sell your puppies you….
a) Advertise them in a top publication and tell all your breeder friends about them.
b) You advertise them in the local paper as well as on your website.
c) You hang a sign out on the front tree…”Puppies for sale, highest bidder takes them
all!”

SCORE:
Mostly (a’s) – You live, breathe, talk, walk, and dream dogs. You’re a true dog person. You can’t believe there’s any other kind of person. Perhaps that’s why you don’t have too much in common with most people unless they’re show dog people. You adore your dogs and your dogs adore you. They come first and they are very spoiled and you wouldn’t have it any other way. Your home, your life and your social circle centers around your dogs. Guess one could say, “You’ve gone to the dogs.”

Mostly (b’s) – You truly love your dogs and realize they have a place in your life, but they aren’t the only thing that matters. They are included in your life, but they are not your whole life. (See example in the mostly a’s section above). You enjoy them and want the best for them, and you make sure you give them an excellent quality of life, but they do not come before yours and your families needs. (Again see the mostly a’s section above). You take your wins graciously, and accept your losses as it being part of the game. Life is good for you and your dogs because you have struck a harmonious balance.

Mostly (c’s) – Not one of your dogs is more important to you than your own needs. Nothing will prevent you from watching your soap opera’s, and no dog is going to use your “Evening in Paris" cologne to smell better than you do. Your dogs live around your schedule even if that means he went to bed at 8:00 the previous evening and will have to wait until 10:00 the next morning to be let out. You don’t exercise him because you’re talking on the telephone all day when your soaps are not on. You wonder why he’s not doing more winning in the show ring than he does. You’re pis--- off at the judge for not putting him up, you’re cranky with the kid who mows your lawn for not winning with him and you’re jealous of the ones who are winning. Your1988 Dodge pick-up breaks down on the way home from the show and you vow never to go to another one again……..and you curse to yourself wondering why Mostly a’s and Mostly b’s avoid having anything to do with you.


My rating: Mostly a’s or b’s: (4), mostly c’s: (1)


NO PART OF THIS ARTICLE MAY BE USED OR REPRINTED WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR!


From the book: DOG OWNER'S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK...Open the front cover and the first two pages you see contain the Index of Signs and Symptoms, from Abdomen (painful, swollen, distended, and tucked up) to Weight loss, Wheezing, and Whining (continual). There's a comprehensive index in back, of course, running the gamut from Abortion to Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis, which is all very useful, but when your pooch is in pain, it's great to be able to turn, with the minimum of folderol, to the page that says to relax, it's nothing a bit of extra grooming won't fix, or alternatively to hightail it over to the vet hospital. It's a wonderful reference for any dog owner, with chapters on emergencies (such as burns, dehydration, and poisoning), as well as worms, infectious diseases, skin care, and canine eyes, ears, and nose. There are chapters on the digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems, the nervous, musculoskeletal, and urinary systems, plus dog sex, whelping, puppy pediatrics, geriatrics, and chapters on cancers and medications. In short, it covers every health dimension a dog owner might want to know more about, identifies the possible causes, helps you determine the severity of the condition, and indicates what treatments or actions to take to best insure your dog's good health.

HOW FRED AND MABEL HANDLE THEIR ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

Some people write to me asking whatever happened to my stories about the dysfunctional couple……Fred and Mabel. I’ll go through my archives and perhaps post a couple of those stories again. Here is the latest peek into their lives.


“Hey Mabel, I’m just going over the checkbook” Fred says scratching his head. We really got to do something about all these outrageous expenses we have.” “What outrageous expenses are you talking about Fred?” Mabel questions him impatiently. “Well I’ll tell you what’s bothering me Mabel. It’s the exuberant amounts of money I’m seeing you spend on the dogs. That’s what I’m talking about. We need to cut back on some of these expenses. “Exuberant? I’m impressed Fred. Where did you get such a big vocabulary from? I didn’t even know that you knew what that word meant,” she taunts him. “Don’t be sarcastic Mabel. I’m trying to be serious here,” he says with irritation rising in his voice. “Alright, alright, and just what is it exactly that you want me to cut back on Fred?” Mabel asks him.

“Well I’ll tell you right up front Mabel. For one, it’s that expensive holistic dog food that you insist on feeding Koochie and Sassy. That’s got to stop. You better put them back on that Wal-Mart brand. It was good enough before and it’ll have to be good enough now.” “And what else Fred?” she asks him. “Well no more of those vitamins that you add to their food. I don’t see that their coat is any longer and fuller as the bottle promises anyway. So we need to get rid of the vitamins,” Fred continues. “Anything else darling?” Mabel sweetly mumbles. “Yeah, I’ll tell you another thing that is really getting on my nerves” her husband says. “Oh no, he’s on a row now” Mabel thinks to herself. “And just what may that be my sweet?” she coos. Feeling he’s got Mabel’s attention, Fred continues, “You can get rid of those big time handlers that you got showing our dogs. Why I could do just as good of a job with Koochie myself as “what’s his name” does! He’s only put two single points on him and he’s shown him 28 times now. Who’s eating steak Mabel? Who’s eating steak? It certainly isn’t you and me. I can tell you that right now. How do you like the nerve of that guy anyway? I would like to have a steak once in awhile. Is that too much to ask Mabel? As it is now, I’m putting in overtime every week at “Flip the Burger.” What more am I suppose to do Mabel? I mean is this fair to me?” Fred asks feeling sorry for himself.

“Alright already, Mabel says in frustration. Your mouth is giving me a headache.” “Yeah and what are you planning to do about it?” Fred questions her. “I’ll tell you what I’m going to do about it Fred. We’ll make some changes, if that’s what it is that you’re looking for me to do.” This puts a triumphant smile on Fred’s little old worried face.

“First we’ll stop having cheeseburgers twice a week. I’ll stretch the hamburger meat out by adding it to Hamburger Helper. That should make it last a little bit longer. “Yeah, but I love my cheeseburgers,” Fred pipes in. She ignores his outburst. “Instead of having hotdogs once a week, we’ll now have it twice a week. Instead of having a ham steak once in awhile, I’m going to buy a ham hock and make you some home made split pea soup. It’ll take a little more time for me to do, but it’s the least I can do for my Freddie boy, she says sarcastically. We’ll find a way to cut back on expenses” she tells her open mouthed husband sitting across the table from her. Before he can say another word, she continues her plan to help make life a bit easier. “Oh yeah Fred, you know those “One a Day men’s extra energy” vitamins that you take, well Wal-Mart’s has a deal on their own brand of vitamins that is half the price as those that you take. “Yeah but that Wal-Mart brand repeats on me Mabel and it leaves a yucky after taste in my mouth. “We’re trying to make ends meet here Freddie boy” she challenges him. “Yeah, but I need my “One a Day’s” he says ignoring her. “And why is that Fred? Do you think your “One a Day’s” gives you more energy and zip? Please…….I think not” she almost spits out at him. Fred’s face is turning red now as Mabel continues her assault.

“So you don’t think that our handler is getting the job done to your satisfaction? Alright Fred then, we’ll have to go all the way to the top this time. We only hired Benny because Timmy A. Roses trained him and he shows a lot at the all breed shows. So I’m going to call Mr. Roses myself and ask him to show Koochie from now on in. Oh I know what you’re thinking Freddie boy, Mr. Roses is more expensive……and you’re right he is. But look at it this way, he’ll finish him quicker. I’ll leave it up to you to call Benny and tell him we are no longer in need of his services. So how does all of this sound to you Fred?”

“Are you finished yet Mabel? You got any other words of wisdom that you want to share with me?” The anger Fred has had to suppress listening to Mabel’s plan of “saving” has now reached its boiling point. Right about now, he’s ready to explode. “How does it sound to me Mabel? Is that your question? Do you really want to know how it sounds to me? Mabel takes out her pocket mirror to freshen up her lipstick while Fred gets up and starts to pace the floor.

“You’re asking me to eat Hamburger Helper so Koochie and Sassy can continue to eat holistic food? You want me to take Wal-Mart’s brand name vitamins when you know how much I love my “One a Day men’s extra energy vitamins? I’m suppose to eat split pea soup which you know I hate and have another night of hotdogs just so the dogs can be shown by Mr. Roses himself? Is this what you’re asking me to do Mabel? Do I have it right? Tell me I didn’t hear you say all of this, because if that’s the case, I’m afraid I don’t know the woman I married anymore” he shrikes.

Fred is expecting Mabel to blow a fuse. Instead, she coyly says to him, “I have another idea that will solve our entire problems darling.” It’s like she was waiting to drop her final means of helping them survive until the very last moment. “Oh?” Fred” says lifting his eyebrows waiting for her problem solving plan. “I’m going to apply for the job I saw in the window front down town” she informs him. “What job Mabel? I didn’t know anyone was hiring down town. “Oh Freddie, but they are, she teases him. “Yeah, well I think you better look into it then Mabel if you plan to continue to spend like you are, he tells her.”

“Alright Fred,” Mabel says as she gets up to dial the telephone. Fred sits quietly watching her. “Yes, hello” Mabel says. Is this the “Meow Club? It is? Oh great. I’m calling about the position you have advertised in your front window. You know the one. The one that says you’re were looking for a “pole dancer.” She puts her lips close to the telephone receiver and seductively purrs into it; Well I think I’m the woman you want!” At first Fred is grinning thinking how nice this is that Mabel is willing to take on a part time job to help with their expenses. But then when he hears her say, “Pole dancer”, he’s not sure at first what that exactly is. Then all of a sudden he puts two and two together realizing what the “Meow Club is and he jumps up grabbing the telephone out of his wife’s hand slamming it down on the receiver.

And that folks is how Fred and Mabel have dealt with their economic slump. The dogs still eat holistic food, they get their vitamins, and Benny is still handling for them. Fred is happy he still gets his two cheeseburgers a week, and takes his “One a Day men’s extra energy” vitamins. Fred realizes what a good wife he has after all. Mabel helped make him realize that sometimes staying the same is a good thing. Oh yeah it does look like they did make one small change after all. They had to change their telephone number because the “Meow Club” kept calling.

My rating:  making positive changes in a depressed economy:  (4)

From the book:  "DOGS: FUNNY SIDE UP!"....."Dogs Funny Side Up by Nola Lee Kelsey is a hysterically funny and honest book by a dog lover who has worked with dog rescue agencies at home and in Thailand. I read it in a single sitting and laughed out loud. This will be a sure hit with all dog lovers on your list."