When Big Dogs Get Bored

In Lulu's case - when she is bored, she chews on things. I try to keep her toys or rawhide chews to keep her occupied - but sometimes...... she chews on things she is not supposed to. 

I can not help but blame myself for leaving items in her reach - but after having Beth for so long - its hard to remember, Lulu is adjusting to us as well as we are to her. 

Day before yesterday she 'found' a cardboard box. It was in tiny pieces when I walked in from work. I scolded her and told her it was not acceptable. I THOUGHT that would be sufficient. I was wrong. 

I picked up anything that she had shown the slightest bit of interest in, and spend the remainder of the evening playing with her.

Then - I went in yesterday. She had taken the photo album of our Bristol race..... and chewed it into thousands (no exaggeration) of little tiny pieces. Sure - I have the pictures on my computer, and can easily reprint them.... and sure I was not 100% pleased with the album and wanted to redo it, but JOHN WAS. He had taken great care in arranging the photos in a specific order. He was very unhappy to say the least. I cleaned it up, and explained that they could be replaced. Thats when he informed me that until I could put away everything that she could chew, when we left for work, she had to go outside. 

When she attempted to come in the kitchen, John told her firmly to go lay down. It literally scared the 'pee' out of her.  She took off running! Thus, leading me to believe she has been punished before, perhaps even mistreated, prior to our adoption. This makes me even more determined to make her forget her past, and know we are devoted.

I obliged John this morning, and left her outside. I also left 'Oppy' out there with her. Perhaps his companionship will ease her.

I am asking for any and all suggestions on which is the best coarse of action. I intend to remove any and all temptation from her, as well as picking her up a monster raw hide bone... as well as rising earlier in the morning to allow time for a long walk. Or would a long walk in the evening be better? After all - that is when I have the most time. I know that she is bored - again - I watch way too much animal planet - or she would not be doing this. Is more exercise the key?

Safe And Secure

I must first begin by explaining this is not the original post I had intended, but, my husband John is in the hospital again with Pancreatitis, so this will be brief.

I know Lulu has now settled into her place and knows she is safe and secure and home. Not only does she romp and play, but she fills the roll as my protector. Instead of running to the fence barking at the neighbor's hired lawn care folks, she stands at my side with a watchful eye.

When friends stop by, she is friendly and playful, but let someone we do not know, come to the door, and she barks, Fiercely. When we are in the front about to go for a stroll, she first must walk the perimeter of the yard, making sure there is no threats near. Her keen eyes notice and watch everyone who walks past. Not barking - just watching. Only until they cross her invisible boundary and into the yard will she bark.

Needless to say, even while John is in the hospital and I am home alone... with Lulu here, I also feel safe and secure.

Bethany

July 1999- July 2009

Beth passed away last night in her sleep. She went peacefully. Will write more, when I can.

She live a long, good life. As I have stated many times before - she was my best friend. Totally devoted. As I was to her. And I will miss her.

After the tears dry, I will be able to focus on the good times. And take comfort that she went in peace here at home. For now - I seem to only be able to focus on the void I now have.

It's A Dogs life

According to WIKIAnswers.com the saying "It's a dogs life" dates back to the 1600s and its meaning is: 'a life of misery.'

But times have changed! Or those folks don't know the lives my dogs live!! They have the 'life of Riley', and live 'in the lap of luxury.' Think about it. To be a dog in the Bates home means that you are always well fed, have plenty of water when ever you are thirsty. Never every do without love and affection, and pretty much have your owners at your disposal. Want to go outside? Simply back at the door. Want to play with the ball, sit and whine. Just want some loving..... lay at their feet. And - you never ever have to bathe yourself! Special treats are given from time to time - not for doing anything other than being your special self.

And on a holiday, you eat like a KING! If no one shows up to eat, (Momma always fixes way too much!) Papa will fix you a bowl of all the fixings just because he is thankful for you. Occasionally, Momma will fix baby back ribs - and each of them get their fill of bones.

If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I hope to come back as a higher being. A pet in the Bates house!!! I realize that not all dogs are as spoiled as ours - there are many in shelters all over the country. And with the recession - many folks are surrendering their dogs and cats - simply because they can not afford to feed them. Sure, some are adopted out, but many more are euthanized.

The local Floyd County Animal Control has begun a program that will help people who have fallen on hard times feed their animals. Simply show that you are receiving government assistance - and you are eligible for free dog food and or cat food. I commend the Floyd County Animal Control for this. And any one able to donate food for these animals, I recommend you do so. If your local Animal Control or Humane Society does not offer this assistance, please help in any way you can. Donate time, food or any other resource you can. I am thinking I will take pictures of the animals and post a spot that shows this weeks pets available for adoption.

As I have stated before, all of ours are rescued. And I would not have it any other way. Save a life. Adopt from your local ASPCA or Animal control. And please, please, please have your pet spayed or neutered.

After all - IT'S A DOGS LIFE.

Bethany

Anyone who knows me, or follows this blog, knows how much I love my dogs. Especially Beth. She is the oldest (she turned 10 on July 4th) as well as the most devoted. She is by far the best dog I could ever have - and those reasons are so many I can not begin to name them all. The 'average expected life span' for White German Shepherds is 10 to 12 years. And that is for healthy dogs. Beth has never be the healthiest of the breed. She is allergic to grass (yes GRASS!), fleas, and her whole life she has be plagued with various kidney infections.

This past Sunday, Beth had a couple of strokes. She was unable to stand on her own legs. John had to carry her down stairs, and outside. When she attempted to stand, she would not be able to hold her own weight. Needless to say - it was heart breaking to witness. She would not even attempt to climb the stairs. She just laid on her rug and watched every move I made. And when she was strong enough to stand - she leaned drastically to her right side. A couple of times, she simply fell over. I stayed by her side all day, and did what I could to keep her comfortable. She appeared to be in no pain - just disoriented, and weak. I feared the worst when I went to bed Sunday evening.

The following day, she was back to her old self - she even jumped up on the bed with her Papa (John). And greeted me in her normal loving way, as she has done daily for the past 9 1/2 years. I hoped she had recovered fully.

On Tuesday morning it took her about and hour and a half to gather the strength to go outside. She remained docile throughout most of the day, and rarely ventured off of 'her' rug. Once again I was dismayed at the thoughts of her being less than her perfect self. She seemed just so tired. The same was the case on Wednesday. I feared the worst once again when I went to bed last night.

This morning when I awoke at 5:15, she was up and ready to go. Back was the playful puppy I loved. She wanted her morning ritual of going outside and once finished coming in and playing with the Momma. Then spending the rest of the morning by my side as I prepared to go to work. And - this evening she has seemed full of playful energy.

Tomorrow, is another day, and I will cross that bridge then - and at least try not to worry about how she will feel until it gets here. Trying just to stay positive and loving and above all show her she is loved and comfortable.

To some of you, she is just a dog. To me, she is a part of my family, who has never betrayed me, never hurt my feelings, and never stopped showering me with the love and devotion that only a dog can give. The unconditional love that many feel - but few appreciate. And this is to honor her. She is in the truest sense - my best friend. For more info about Beth, see a previous post entitled Sunday Morning Solitude.

Lost, Found and Returned

It was a wet and dreary day on Wednesday. Too wet and rainy to go to the park and walk (which is my usual lunch time routine during the work week).

Several of my friends invited me to join them at lunch, but 

I declined. Although I could not walk, I was still drawn to the park.

Upon my nearing, a dog came running up the road towards my car. I slowed and hoped it would move - which it did. As a matter of fact, it followed me to my normal parking space. (Being a creature of habit, I always try to park in the same location every day).

As I opened the door, she tried to get in the car - cold, hungry and soaked to the bone.  I was on the  phone with John, all the while petting her. I spied that her collar had a name and number on it. Instantly I was off the phone with John, and dialing the number on the collar.

As I explained who I was, where I was and the reason for calling. he sighed that familiar sigh of relief. He said it would take him about 30 minutes to get there and asked if she was alone. He went on to explain that he and a friend had been coon hunting the night before and gotten separated from the dogs, He had been searching for them since 8 am.

As I waited for him to arrive, I pet and played with her. Very friendly. A couple of men with whom I work came up. Actually, we do not work together, we simply work in the same building and speak when our paths cross.

They asked about the dog, and I explained the situation. They left, went back to the office, and returned with some food for her. She ate that pork chop and bone like she had not eaten in days!!

When the owner arrived, his gratitude for my calling was apparent, as well as my staying with the dog until he could get there. I explained the generosity of my coworkers, as well as as my pleasure in seeing her returned safely to her proper owners.

 My husband explained later that evening that for most people that use dogs for hunting, although not mistreated, they do not love on them or give them an over abundance of food. There purpose is to work and are rewarded accordingly. These are not pets, but hunting dogs. None the less, if that is the case, for a brief time she was loved on and fed, and seemed grateful for all she received.

No matter what, I am glad I was able to assist in returning her, and will think fondly of my adventure.

The only question that remains - was she the reason I was drawn to the park? Some outside force influencing my actions? Or was it simply a coincidence. I think not. I think it was meant for me to be there. At the right place, and the right time. For both of us.

Below are 2 pictures that I made with my cell phone. ( She is attempting to lick herself dry.)

And Then There Were 5...

If you have read my previous blog you have noticed that I have a female American White Shepherd, named Beth. You have also learned how I came about having her. But - if you have chanced across my profile, you have should have noticed that we own 5 dogs. And its time for you to meet them all. I have them listed in the photo in the order we rescued them. Beth, whose story has been previously written. 

Buddy, is another American White Shepherd. When we rescued him he weight 68 pounds, near starvation, he had been shot (possibly by a home owner as he was searching through the trash for food) and he was heart worm positive. Now he weights 125 pounds, heart worm free, and the biggest plaything you will happen across in our yard.

Odie came next. When I asked our vet what breed he was, his response was "What type of dog do you want, cause he's part everything". John found him on the side of the road in the pouring down rain and he was barely a hand full. He had sarcoptic mange. (Sarcoptic mange is the name for the skin disease caused by infection with the Sarcoptes scabei mite. Mites are not insects; instead they are more closely related to spiders. And are extremely itchy.... and contagious to humans! Yep - my usband caught it too!) Now he is cured and very loving and affectionate.

Roo (because she bounces like a Kangaroo!!!).... someone had dumped her off.... and John and my son Billy had to bring her in..... after all it was cold and she was shivering. Needless to say, we fell in love and here she stays. We thought we had the most fetching dog around..... that is.... until we breed her with a friends Min Pin and Snoopy was born. He was the only one in the litter that was black brown and white...... and we did not think we could find a good home for him..... so here he is! Now HE is the fetching dog... balls, frisbee's - you name it he will catch it.....

Thats it. ( I think that is enough don't you?) We love them all.... and sometimes John and I think we can save them all...... and you can tell by the picture... we sure have tried!

Sunday Morning Solitude

Sunday Mornings are always my favorite part of the week..... rise early and spend the quiet time reflecting on the week past, and preparing for the week ahead. John is still sleeping and its just me with my coffee, and Beth my constant companion. For those of you that are now aware, Beth is my 10 year old American White Shepherd. She is perfectly content just being near me..... and I am contented by her presence. My son used to tell me that I loved her more than him..... not true - but she does run a close second. She never complains about what I am preparing for dinner, she is always glad to see me, and If I want her to go somewhere with me - she is always ready. She never misbehaves - if - on rare occasions she did something she should not have - she was not to blame.... after all - if she got into the trash - its my fault for leaving it out where she had access (and in the  nine and a half years that has only happened a few times).  

I got her when she was 6 months old.... a choice I have never regretted. She  and I bonded quickly... I rescued her, just as she rescued me. She had belonged to a family that had gone through a divorce, and the gentleman simply could not care for her as she needed. She had to be crated for 12 hours a day. He had come to the decision that she needed more interaction and attention, and had given her to a breeder. She did not  adapt well with the breeder - would not eat, and was not happy. The breeder decided if the original owner could not find her papers she was of no use to them. A friend suggested I give him a call ( although we  were under the impression it was too late - she had been given away). I called - even though I felt the likelihood of getting her was  zero. He explained that she was registered but he could not find her papers, and that without those the breeder she had been given to did not want her. I explained that I did not care about the papers.... I did not want her to breed.... I wanted her to love. And the rest is history. 

As I face the facts that she is getting older, and all to quickly reaching the 'average expected life span' I cherish our times even more....... no way to tell how much longer we have together, so instead of worrying about tomorrow, I enjoy today. Everyone should be so lucky. She has taught me a great deal about life, love and devotion.....

If you are wondering where all this is leading, I will finally make my point. I love my Sunday morning solitude, with Beth at my side..... I am never alone.