Meet Mo

Posted on April 13, 2012 | 1 Comment

What a wonderful pup I got to meet a few weeks ago. Meet Mo.

Mo is a lab pointer mix but I think there is some Ausie hiding there somewhere. His furr-parents took a shot in the dark and got Mo from a rescue group down south. So their first introduction was when he was dropped off at a designated meeting place. How could you resist that face? And this is a story that has a happy outcome.

Mo would spend all day if he could, running through the woods. Hold on tight if he sees a squirrel because if on lead you’re going after it with him. He is a young guy, less than a year old. Lucky for him to live near an area where a lot of people take their dogs to run and play. He seems to be happiest when he is running and playing with his friends in the woods. Not to mention chasing the ducks while running through the belly deep mud. (Thank God he spared me that one)

I had a lot of fun walking Mo while his mom and dad were away. He is full of happy energy that just makes you feel great to be around him. And he is so darn handsome!

See you again soon Mo!

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The Chapel On Dog Mountain – Saint Johnsbury, VT

Posted on April 2, 2012 | 1 Comment

There is a very special place in Saint Johsbury, VT. It’s called The Chapel on Dog Mountain.

Stephen Huneck was a man with an incredible vision. He put his heart and soul in Dog Mountain and you can feel it the moment you arrive. There is no doubt about his love for animals.

If you are ever in the area you have to stop in. Of course dogs are welcomed because that is what it is all about. There are hiking trails, ponds to swim in and acres to run on. It is dog heaven.

Stephen Huneck was also an artist. I bet you have even seen some of his work.

               

His work completely portrays everything important and essential to dogs and cats. His prints will warm your heart and put a smile on your face. The Chapel is filled with beautifully carved benches that have black or yellow labradors safely holding you up. Part of his mission statement is “He wanted to help us honor animals as the feeling, spiritual beings they are and to also help us all find closure and healing.” That is why when you enter the chapel you will see that every inch of wall space, literally floor to ceiling, is covered with beloved pets that have been treasured by their companions.

The first time I went I placed a picture of  Cayce. There truly is a feeling of closure in being able to go there and place a picture of  your departed loved one amongst thousands of others. It must be what the real dog heaven is like. The second time I went up unfortunately I was able to place a picture of Spanky. But for the first time since Cayce passed they were together again. I felt peaceful. The brothers were together again.

Like so many other places these days, Dog Mountain is struggling. If you have the means and find this place to be as special as I do please take a trip to visit or go to their website and  make a donation. It is one of a kind and once you have been there you’ll see why.    The site is:   http://www.dogmt.com

And Remember:

WELCOME ALL CREEDS, ALL BREEDS, NO DOGMAS ALLOWED!

I want to share some of the love I saw on Dog Mountain ….

                           

 

 

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Say “HI” to Freckles

Posted on February 25, 2012 | 1 Comment

This is Freckles. One of the most handsome and charming pups. With his coloring and his appealing physique, this boy turns heads for sure. He is an Australian Shepherd. I never had the pleasure of being in the company of one before my stay with Freckles. I’m kind of smitten. Actually I think I have a little crush :-) .  He won me over with his energy and willingness to please. The pup lives for it. Frisbee, fetch, go for a walk, he is always up and ready to go. With a clown like personality he would make me laugh out loud!

Training seems like a piece of cake since I was able to teach him some commands in the short time we spent together. We were both very proud. If you are looking for a dog that will help raise your energy level this breed may be a good consideration. They have difficulty allowing you to be idle. If you’re laying on the couch trying to watch TV, don’t be surprised if you get clucked in the head with a toy or a bone especially if you have slacked off on their exercise.

OH OH hide and seek! Ok, Ok … one, five, ten, twenty-five, fifty, seventy-five, ONE HUNDRED  HERE I COME!

This dog would be great for people who like to hike, bike ride or who are very active. They would be a great companion to someone who is single, or a couple or a family as long as you love the great outdoors and love to play! Trust me, this breed does not allow being ignored!

Some info about the breed from Dog Breed Info Center …

Australian Shepherds (also known as Aussies) are easy-going, remaining puppy-like even in their adult years. This courageous dog makes a good watchdog for the home. Aussies are excellent with children, even with an active child, as they love to play. A devoted, loyal friend and guardian, for they are naturally protective. Affectionate, very lively, agile and attentive – they are eager to please, with a sixth sense about what the owner wants. Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and easy to train. They are not the kind of dog to lay around the living room all day or live happily in the backyard with only a 15 minute walk. They need much more exercise than that and something to occupy their mind daily or they will become bored, leading to serious behavior problems. Without enough mental and physical exercise and or a lack of a true pack leader, they can become nervous and destructive if left alone.

Despite the misleading name, the Australian Shepherd is not Australian at all, but was developed most likely in the Pyrenees Mountains somewhere between Spain and France, and refined in the U.S. to work as a herding dog on ranches.

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Aggression

Posted on February 7, 2012 | Leave a comment

Pet sitting in Milford, CT

Aggression. It’s such a hard thing to deal with and sometimes to understand. Some dogs can be very territorial especially when it comes to food and their owners. If you have multiples and one of your dogs behaves aggressively at feeding time common sense will tell you not to feed your dogs together. If this is the only time your dog is aggressive, problem easily solved. When it comes to a dog being aggressive if someone approaches their owner, the owner should never tolerate it. Especially for little dogs. It isn’t cute. It isn’t funny that poochie loves mommy or daddy best. It is a behavior that should be nipped in the bud. You are not going to find it cute or funny when medical expense are involved because poochie loves you best!

But when aggression goes beyond food you have to pay attention because as much as you love your dog, someone can and probably will get hurt if you ignore it. An aggressive dog is one that is usually very anxious. You can sense when their anxiety is high. It is difficult for them to relax. Even if they nap you will see that they frequently will lift their heads to check things out. You can tell the difference between high energy and anxiety. It goes beyond wanting to please and demanding attention. There is a look in their eyes, insecurity, uncertainty, fear. And as fast as that look comes is as fast as it goes or sometimes it can last for hours.

Things that can cause anxiety for dogs are loud noises like thunder or fireworks, children, cars, loud voices i.e. yelling, quick movements and other dogs. Signs of a dog feeling extremely stressed are shaking, panting, pacing and drooling. Most dogs will allow you to try to comfort them but others may see your attempt to comfort as just the opposite. In these cases your attempt to comfort can be interpreted as something threatening and it could lead to the dog growling, snapping, attacking or biting out of over stimulation or fear.

Not every dog is made for every family. It’s so easy to bond. Even if you see the bad behavior right from the start you do what you can to make it work. Bring in a trainer. Put into practice what you are taught. If you are not an alpha personality a dog that has any potential of being aggressive is not a dog for you.

So what happens when you bring in the trainer and you put to use their advise and the aggression continues to escalate? Sometimes the simple but very hard truth is that the dog doesn’t fit in with your family and it needs to be in a different home so that it can live a more happy and calmer life.

Visit petfinder.com and you will see many write ups that say “would be best in a one dog household” “not good with children under 9″ “doesn’t like cats”.  “hates cars” Dog personalities vary as much as people do. They have their likes and dislikes just like people do. They have physical and mental issues just like people do. Asking a dog who is extremely anxious about children to be around children is like asking someone who is afraid of water to go for a swim. The results can be disastrous and dangerous.

When we rescue a dog we make a big commitment. Our goal is to love and be loved. Sometimes we have to put our needs aside (and selfishly it is our needs that sometimes get in the way) and ask ourselves if our home is really the best place for the pooch we made a commitment to. If we can’t change our environment to make the dog feel comfy, happy and calm, sometimes the best and safest thing to do is to search for a home that suits their needs better than ours does. Bad things can happen when we ask more of our pooch than they are able to give. Just like people.

If your final option is to find a new home for your pooch, please choose an organization that will give your pooch the best chance at a good life.

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A Time To Reflect

Posted on December 30, 2011 | 3 Comments

This time of the year is always a little bitter sweet for me. It’s joyous to be around friends and family celebrating the holidays. I love looking at the sparkling tree all decorated with special ornaments.

I get to dress Henry in his elf hat and take pictures.

Christmas Elf

But this time of the year is also a thoughtful time. A time to reflect and remember those who are no longer with us. Whether it be a grand parent, a parent, a spouse or a friend, I always tend to keep them close in my heart and mind during the holiday season.

July will mark 20 years for Pat and me. And it hit me the other day when I was looking through old pictures, we have lost a whole furr-kid family. There are no original Durner furr-kids still with us. This one picture reminded me of that fact.

Kramer, Cayce and Spanky (missing is Owen)

The two originals Owen and Cayce

I don’t have human children so I can’t even imagine what it would be like to lose a child. But losing my furr-kids have been one of the most difficult and heart breaking times of my life. They say that in life it’s never right for a parent to bury a child but if you are a furr-kid parent, it is something you accept the moment you lay eyes on your new loved one. You know that someday you will more than likely have to make the humane decision to end the unendurable suffering of your furr-kid.

I was younger and more fearful and selfish when we had to euthanize Kramer. I freaked. I couldn’t be with him during the time that he needed me most. I have always regretted that and vowed that it would never happen again.

In the beginning of 2007  Cayce had begun a very slow decline. By November Cayce had become so irreversibly ill and his quality of life was all but gone. I had made a pact with him that as soon as he let me know he had enough and it was time, I would be there for him. I still don’t know how you know but somehow they are able to tell you – I don’t want to leave you but I have to, now is the time, I’m done here, I’ve had enough.  On November 26, 2007 that day came. I held him in my arms as he took is last breath, all the time whispering in his ear how much I loved him and how grateful I was for what he had given me during our 17 years together.

When Spanky’s time came I gratefully was able to do the same for him. And having been through it before didn’t make it any easier. But I know now that it is the ultimate act of love and selflessness. It is part of being a  good furr-parent.

The hurt never goes away but somehow it starts to change and your heart begins to yearn for the kind of love only a furr-kid can give. Sometimes you may think that you could never allow yourself to hurt like that again but just think of all the love you are missing out on by being afraid of the end. Cayce gave me almost 17 years and Spanky almost 16. Years that I am so grateful to have had.

All those who have gone before have paved the way for me to love

Henry

Piper

Buddy

AND

Luna

So it is at this time of the year that I say “Thank You” to all those who have passed. I still love you, miss you and are eternally grateful for having had you in my life.

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Good Golly Miss Molly!

Posted on November 26, 2011 | Leave a comment

I bet you already figured out who this is! 

You’ve got it! This is Molly. She is a 7-year-old French Bull Dog. Her mom and dad weren’t able to take her with them so good luck came my way again and I got to spend some time with Molly over Thanksgiving. Her mom told me she was a little love bug and she sure got that right.

I loved watching her when we went for our walks. She has a barrel-shaped, muscular chest and this teeny, tiny, little petite waist.

                                                          She walks with determination; a girl on a mission I say. She is very playful and kisses like a kid licking a popsicle on a hot day.  Boy did I get my face washed! Give her a nylabone and she is happy as a clam. For such a muscle-bound little girl, she is so cuddly and gentle. I have such an admiration for muscular furr-kids. Probably even a little envious. Wish I had that make up.

I had such a wonderful time with Molly. I wonder if she would like to come and live with me?

 Oh you’re so fresh!  lol

A little about the breed from Dog Breed Info Center.

The French Bulldog is a sturdy, compact, stocky little dog, with a large square head that has a rounded forehead. The muzzle is broad and deep with a well defined stop. Coat colors include brindle, fawn, white, and combinations of brindle or fawn with white

The French Bulldog is a pleasant, easy-care companion, who is playful, alert and affectionate. Enthusiastic and lively, but are not yappy and loud. Curious, sweet and absolutely hilarious; they have a very comical personality and love to clown around. They are bright and easygoing. The Frenchie gets along fairly well with strangers and other animals and enjoys being with their owners.

French Bulldogs are prone to joint diseases, spinal disorders, heart defects and eye problems. Dams often have to deliver pups by cesarean section, because pups have relatively large heads. They often have respiratory problems. They tend to wheeze and snore and have trouble in hot weather. Prone to heat stroke. An overweight Frenchie may have trouble breathing, because of a swollen abdomen. Do not overfeed this breed.

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My Pal Yogi

Posted on November 16, 2011 | Leave a comment

I spent the weekend with Yogi who is a full size dachshund.  He had some fun playing with Henry for a bit while enjoying the sunshine and fresh air.  Their personalities are very different. Henry tends to be a little more shy and apprehensive and Yogi moves head strong into all situations. He’s pretty fearless. There is nothing like a good scent to bring two guy dogs together.             

  

Yogi is a sweet boy who can be very funny. He loves, loves to be rubbed. He has some seasonal allergies so he will sit for hours next to you turning his body as if to say “over here, now over here, oh ya right there!”

He has some typical dachshund traits, the most noticeable being his need to burrow. He is a vocal little guy, charging out the door like gang busters barking at only something he can see or hear. Or not.

But as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. A true testament to being “Comfy-At-Home”

  Sleep tight Yog!

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