I'm out of the country for a whole year due to my job. And I'm missing my dog. Of course I miss my kiddos so much, but this is a dog blog and I'll stick to the topic
Here are things I miss about my dog:
The times when I'm going from room to room cleaning and every time I turn around, he's there hanging out with me.
When it's late at night and I'm on my porch having a drink and he's laying on the floor just relaxing.
When I'm busy cooking dinner, helping kids with homework and doing laundry, and I turn to see him just staring at me as if he's wondering when I'm going to relax.
When I'm at the dining table after the kids have gone to bed and I'm writing notes or journaling and he comes over, puts his head on my lap and just stays there knowing it helps both of us feel better if I just pet him for a few minutes.
When I'm lying in bed sick and he lying on the floor beside me all day long.
When we're hiking and the scents excite him so much that his drool hangs from his mouth so much that when he shakes his head it wraps around his muzzle. Yes I miss that too.
When I'm reading a book and he lays on the floor in front of me, sprawled out on his back and looks at me with a crazy face that says "You know you wanna pet my belly."
When we go for car rides and he spends the whole time looking out the window and then randomly leans over and licks my face like he's saying "Thank you, this is so fun!"
When I'm crying over a breakup and he comes over and licks my face.
When he goes on a puppy run in the house and tries so hard not to crash into things but the hardwood floor doesn't care and he crashes anyway.
When the cat slaps him in the face and he looks hurt, then chases the cat.
When he lays in bed next to me and looks over at me like, "Ha! You let me on the bed."
When he farts in his sleep and wakes himself up.
When he snores like a grown man and it scares me out of sleep.
When his hips hurt and I rub them for him and he looks so much more relaxed.
And finally, when I catch him stealing food off the table and he walks away slowly, hoping that slow motion movement camouflages him.
Bruce is 7 years old. He is young, but has bad hips and elbows. It shows when it's cold and his back leg gives out on short walks. But he gets back up, gives me a sweet smile as I rub his hip, and moves on.
He never complains. He lays on the kitchen floor as I cook dinner. He waits up for me at night when I'm busy studying and he's ready for bed.
Sometimes he gets a wild hair up his butt and takes off running through the house. He crashes into everything and everyone. He is 95 pounds and sounds like a horse when he does this. The kids scream at him and I just giggle.
He shares his food with the cat. As long as she doesn't mind sharing hers with him too.
Bruce loves everyone. I can't think of a single being he doesn't love. He chases squirrels, so I believe he loves them too. In a different way.
He gets into the trash. So the trash can is now in the garage. If you leave food on the table, he uses his very sneaky skills to make it disappear.
He chases our ferrets. But they always start it.
If he accidentally falls out of the house through an open door, he will express his state of confusion by running everywhere and making friends with neighbors.
I am in the military. I've gone on short tours of duty, worked late nights and moved across states. I could easily give him up in exchange for convenience. But I love my Bruce. He is a family member and my closest friend. I can't imagine life without him.
Bruce has been having accidents in our home lately. And recently over the last few days it's been pretty frequent. I'd been getting frustrated, wondering why he isn't telling me when he needs to go out. He's just been urinating in random places at random times. A couple of days ago I noticed he's been acting more anxious when I take him out. Last night, I noticed a trail of urine and blood in my bedroom. I realized he probably has a urinary tract infection (UTI). So I brought him to the vet's office this morning.
I'd seen UTIs before and they're fairly easy to treat. Antibiotics for 7-10 days or so and it clears right up. So although my poor boy was feeling uncomfortable and hurting from a likely UTI, I didn't think too much more of it. So as directed I dropped him off at the vet's office and awaited the call.
The vet was friendly on the phone, very kind and gentle with her words. But it was still hard to hear past the shock. The good news-- no kidney stones showed up on the x-rays. The bad news? He has a very high amount of red blood cells and transitional cells, which is consistent in transitional cell carcinoma. In other words, bladder cancer. Now, she told me, it doesn't mean he has it. But it's a good possibility and I have to make sure I follow up with her after a week of antibiotics. Our hope is that this all turns out to be just a bladder infection and that it clears up with the medication. If not, we're doing an ultrasound.
How's that for news? Either my 6 year old dog has a bladder infection. Or he has cancer. He's been under my bed all day except if he's outside peeing drips of pain. He was a good sport taking his medication. He gave me kisses and looked at me with big puppy eyes. I can't help but feel afraid. I'm hoping so much that it's just a bladder infection.
I guess all I can do for now is give him his meds, pray and wait.
For the first time ever, I slipped in the snow as I was about to pick up dog poop. Yay for firsts.
It's only 27 degrees out, but there is still snow out from our below-freezing weather a few days ago. I took Bruce out as usual. While he was busy sniffing around, I saw a bunch of dog poop and immediately became disgusted. The poop was three feet away from the poop bags and can. How rude!
So I watched as Bruce did his business and then another dog owner came out. His pretty yellow lab started barking at Bruce. As his owner tried to hush him, Bruce (in mid-poop) started barking back. When he was done, I grabbed a poop bag and made my way toward his mess. Bruce had other things in mind besides waiting for me like he normally does.
He took off on zoomies, his butt tucked in and his head up high. I called for him to come and he did, but I was already leaning into the lead and when he loosened it as he ran toward me, my foot went out from beneath me and I landed flat on my butt. Right next to his mess. Close one.
I looked up to see if the other dog owner was around to witness it, but to my relief he had already gone. So I stood up, my hands all wet from the snow, and picked up the mess.
As I walked Bruce back home, I couldn't help but giggle. I actually fell in the snow right next to the poop. Gross.
Military And Pets Can they live together as a forever family?
"Why do military people even have pets? If you're in the military, you shouldn't own any." I read that in a comment for a Facebook post seeking a home for a surrendered dog. The owner had to deploy and gave his dog up to the local humane society. My first instinct was to get defensive. How dare someone judge a military member's abilities to care for their pet! Then I sat and thought about it for a moment. I went through the Craigslist Pets section and sure enough there were PLENTY of pets being rehomed due to deployments or new assignments. My heart sank.
Bruce has moved with me, been boarded during temporary duties away from home, and even comes to work with me when I work late nights. I couldn't give him up- I made a promise to him that this family is his last. What goes through the minds of military members who end up giving up their dogs?
We're PCS'ing and can't take our dog.
Yes you can. The priest who took in Bentley had his last cat for 14 years and he was stationed at a new place every 2-3 years. That includes overseas locations. That cat went with him every time. A friend of mine has been in the military for 15 years and had his Labrador with him since he was a pup at my friend's first base. He has travelled all over the country, overseas, and has been deployed several times. The dog has never been rehomed.
Exceptions: Pit Bulls are banned in some locations. In that case, you may have to rehome. If this is the reason, though, rehome kindly and wisely. Always have a back up plan for your pet. Make dog-lover friends. Not social enough? Get social enough-- your dog depends on you.
My husband's deploying and I'm taking the kids to live with my mom.
I see this reason SO MUCH on Craigslist and Facebook. First, as a single mom I understand wanting to be closer to family when you're the only parent in the home. But I would never live with anyone who wouldn't allow my dog to come with me. Sorry. There's just no reason to make such a permanent decision for a temporary situation. However, if you really MUST go live with your mom while your husband's deployed, why not find a foster home for your dog?
Our new place doesn't allow dogs (or dogs that are as big as mine).
Then why did you choose to move there? Before I left my last base I did so much research for a home that would allow my 90lb dog. It was hard! But I didn't give up and I found a nice place. I wasn't going to move to a new place knowing they didn't allow my dog. It's not an option for me. My dog is a part of my family-- he stays with me wherever I go as if he were my child.
Moving from a house to an apartment? Bruce was an outside dog before I adopted him. He didn't live in a home. And now we're in an apartment that is under 900 square feet. He doesn't have a yard to run in. So we're forced to go outside on nature walks. We love it.
My dog would be too stressed during the travel.
Don't you think he'd be less stressed moving WITH YOU than being dumped into a shelter or a new home? Dogs are loyal animals. They may be stressed during the trip or even adjusting to a new place, but here are a few questions: Don't you stress during travels? Don't you have to adjust to a new home? Don't your kids? Why is his stress more a reason to dump him than it is a normal part of life?
It's too expensive.
Dogs are NOT cheap! But didn't you know that before you brought him into your family? Just like humans, dogs require medical care, food, shelter, etc. Humane societies and other outreach programs are dedicated to helping dog owners KEEP their dogs. Turn to them for help that may be less expensive than other places.
Bottom Line
Military members CAN have dogs and be a great forever family-- If the military member is willing to be as dedicated to the dog as the dog is dedicated to its family. Do onto others. It's as simple as that. There are so many wonderful military families who are wonderful dog-owners. It is not impossible.
When military members keep their dogs throughout their dogs' lives, despite their military duties and the sacrifices that are made, they experience a love that can only exist between mankind and their dogs.
Deploying?
Nobody to keep your dog while you're gone?
There are people out there who WANT to help you!
Dogs On Deployment
Dogs on Deployment is a 501(c)(3) non-profit providing a central database for military members to find families and individuals who are willing to board their pets while they are deployed. No pet should ever be surrendered due to a military commitment. DoD exists to help military members keep their pets by alleviating the need for pet relinquishment from military members due to the hardships of deployments.
Military members, did you know that Sittercity offers you a free membership?
Apply with your DEERS information and you will have the ability to search for child AND pet care in your local area. Sittercity offers reviews of caregivers as well as whether or not the provider has a current background check.
I use Sittercity and found my foster home for my dog to care for him while I was deployed!
Today's Blurb
We didn't go hiking this weekend. Boo!! Afternoon rain showers have really put a damper on things. Haha, I made a pun. Also, I worked the past two Sundays, so homework has been needing attention on Saturdays. Bruce and I have been getting ansy though. We need to be outside! There's a nice trail behind my apartments, so I'm thinking we'll be walking those after work this week.
There's been something on my mind lately and I'm a little nervous to express it. But I'll do it anyway. I feel really, really sorry for people who have no time for their dogs. I go on Craigslist a lot, partly for pet gear and partly for curiosity, and all I see are people rehoming their pets because they "just don't have time" for them. I won't get into it too much right now, but I will say this: I love MAKING time for Bruce and The Ferrets. I'm a single mom. I work full-time. I leave my home at 6:30 a.m. and get home at 6:00 p.m. As soon as I get home, Bruce gets a nice walk, a stretch, and a chance to chase bunnies. Then there's chores. The Ferrets are out and terrorizing everyone. I somehow squeeze in some time to brush Bruce and the kids and I play a few rounds of hunting games with him. So when I see ads on Craigslist, I feel really bad for people who can't make time for their pets because their lives must be so busy and chaotic! I'm not trying to be judgmental, I'm really not. I just feel bad for the pet.
Anyway, onto other topics.
Bentley's Back
That's right, Bentley's back! I just love this cat. He's full of character and he's soooo cuddly. I still couldn't believe he was abandoned by his original owners. How could anyone do that to their own pet? Humans. I swear. We are the only animal on this earth who choose to take in another animal purely for their entertainment and then neglect or abuse it. Not all of us do it, but there are so many who do. Just go onto Craigslist or Google your local animal shelter or humane society. We suck. Anyway, back to Bentley.
So every time he's over at my place, his toys get lost or Bruce chews a friggin canned food cover or Tupperware. So tomorrow I'll be going shopping for cat food (Bruce), toys and a can cover for opened cans. More to follow on his visit...
From The Humane Society Of The United States (HSUS)
When I found out how veal calves were treated, I was appalled! I couldn't believe ... well, okay, I could believe... the way these poor animals were treated. Did you know that for 16 weeks (their lifespan), calves are kept confined in cages too narrow for them to even turn around? It is disgusting. Babies forced to stay in the same position until they are killed for their tender meat.
Thanks to HSUS, though, the Superior Court of California in Fresno County has upheld Proposition 2, which bans the inhumane treatment of farm animals. Now let's get the rest of the nation on track!
The Star Nosed Mole was rated The World's Ugliest Animal among several others to include the Blob Fish, the Naked Mole Rat, and the Sphynx. As much as I love animals, this Star Nosed Mole creeps me out. I don't want to look at it anymore.
I still can't believe this is happening. If it's not babies, it's dogs. Why do people believe they can just leave their kids or dogs in the friggin car?? Recently, I read about a baby dying because of this very thing and of course I read the comments beneath the article. I couldn't believe the number of people suggesting parents leave their cell phones or purses in the car seat so that they wouldn't forget their baby. Are you friggin kidding me?? Are cell phones and purses really more important? And dogs. People think it's okay to leave their dogs in the car while they're shopping, dining, or even attending a state fair. When are the laws going to punish people who do this the same as when they leave a kid in the car? If they could do it to a dog, they could do it to a kid.
You read it correctly. There are few things more entertaining! Check out pics of these awesome dogs enjoying what we humans love too. Here's the kicker: Frosty Paws is a dog-safe ice cream. Don't give your dog human-friendly ice cream, it'll mess up their belly!
So Bentley is back for a week's visit! Bruce has already pissed him off by stealing his food out of his bowl. Poor Bentley is sulking in the kids' room while Bruce is sulking after being scolded. I think, though, that Bruce still thinks he won.
The ferrets are still in their cage this morning because I'm cleaning and I don't need them attacking the vacuum (Squish got her face stuck in the vacuum hose last time she tried to attack it). They're not very happy right now. But once the home is cleaned, I'll let them out and they can terrorize the dog and the cat.
Bruce did spend his Labor Day morning harassing the bunnies outside. The bunnies didn't seem to mind, though. I think they like driving him crazy by running everywhere... just far enough away where he can't reach. He's too funny. At the end of his leash, he just stares at the bunnies. I can just see it now:
Bunny: You didn't get me.
Bruce: Come here and say that.
Bunny: Why? You on a leash or something?
Bruce: You're lucky you aren't on a leash too.
Bunny: Oh! That's because I'm not a dog! Hahaha!
I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday. Stay safe and don't forget to hydrate your dogs!!
So I've fallen in love with hiking. After Eagle Peak and the Incline, I am in love with the outdoors. And I have a dog who loves it too. So I had a day off and decided to spend it only with Bruce.
Bruce was an owner surrender who lived 3 years tied up outside. He was dog aggressive, 20 lbs underweight and suffering from hip and elbow dysplasia. He ate sometimes and was petted when he was remembered. We don't want this to happen to other innocent dogs. Bruce and I are committed to saving dogs who suffer at the hands of cruel and/or uneducated humans. We are currently researching a good way to change or improve our state's laws (Colorado) and hope to help you do the same. In the meantime, we will be posting notes here and/or on our Facebook that can be helpful to our cause. This is a list of resources that can help you save our dogs from chaining, abuse, neglect, etc.
Heather Carpenter, former Orlando Florida Dogs Deserve Better rep, compiled a basic 'to-do' list for changing laws: 1) SELECT AN ISSUE. Like chaining of dogs!! 2) EDUCATE YOURSELF ON THE ISSUE. You should be well informed on the issues surrounding your cause, and not just from a cruelty aspect. Government officials are concerned about public safety, public health, and of course animal welfare. 3) RESEARCH YOUR COUNTY'S CURRENT LAWS. They may have some aspect of a tethering ordinance in place. If not, they may have an ordinance regarding the confinement of animals. Tethering could be added onto this already existing ordinance. Remember that http://www.municode.com is a good resource to look up your county's ordinances, if they're on-line. Its really easy to use. If your county does not have on-line codes, go to your local library or clerk of court for a copy of the local ordinances. 4) FIND A MODEL ORDINANCE. See our Model Laws page for the best laws to model yours on. The Helping Animals website, as well as Unchainyourdog.org, have the ordinances from other counties listed. Your commissioners want to see what's going on in other communities and probably write their ordinances based on one already existing. The original six communities all enforce the law, as well.5) FIND ALLIES. Your local humane society or even your local animal control could be helpful. Also any animal rights or welfare groups, wildlife or environmental groups may be supportive. Dog obedience trainers or vets may be supportive. 6) KNOW YOUR OPPOSITION. Its important to think about the type of people or groups that may oppose your ordinance. Know their arguments and be ready to counter. These might be hunters or low end breeders, or if you live in Alaska or the cold climates, sled dog groups. These people have large packs of dogs and frequently keep them chained. They are a working animal to them, not a companion. 7) INTRODUCE YOUR ORDINANCE. Find the local commissioner who has either supported animal friendly laws or introduced animal friendly laws previously. You can also go to YOUR local commissioner. If your's is not interested, go to the next one. Find someone to "sponsor" your ordinance. 8) LOBBYING. Once you have a sponsor and bill number, lobby the other commissioners. Provide informational packets to all of them. Mobilize your group of supporters to contact their commissioners about the ordinance. You can also get national organizations to write letters for you. 9) PUBLIC HEARING. Once the ordinance is introduced, a public hearing is frequently held. Arrange for speakers on your behalf from different areas, such as animal control, cruelty investigators, dog bite victims, or a dog trainer or animal behaviorist. If there is not a public hearing, just a vote, get as many people as possible to speak. 10) THE VOTE. When you know the commissioners are going to be voting, get as many phone calls, faxes, letters, emails to go to them as possible. Make sure they know the majority of the public wants this. Enacting legislation takes a long time, maybe even years, but its worth it. Even if you lose, the public will be better educated and you can try again.
Every night at bedtime, Bruce and I head to the bedroom. When we get to my bed, I give him a head rub and a kiss on the nose and tell him "Goodnight, baby." Then he goes under the bed and gets comfy.
Tonight we headed for the bedroom and he raced to the bed. Then he stopped and looked back at me as if to say "Are you coming?" When I reached him I gave him some love and as soon as I said "Goodnight, baby" and stood straight up he dove under the bed.
It was raining last night. It was nice and cool and the plants needed a break from the heat. But I noticed Bruce was walking a little slower than usual. His back end did a kind of hop and his hind legs were stiff. He walked almost as if he had a volleyball between his hind legs. His hips hurt when the weather cools. It made me sad to see him hurt.
Dogs are so good at masking pain. Even though Bruce was obviously hurting, he followed me outside. When I sat on the couch, he laid on the floor at my feet. It didn't matter where I went, if he thought I was going to be in a certain room for longer than a minute, he was at my side. Regardless of his pain. I gave him a kiss on the nose and decided I'd try my best to help him.
I heated a compress and applied it to his hips. He was curious about it at first and at times he'd squirm away but overall he was a good sport and he let me massage him for a little while. I felt his legs loosen up a little while I rubbed him down. Every once in a while his legs would tremble. After a while, however, he relaxed enough to fall asleep. And, as I often did whenever I massaged him, I fell deeply in love for him and regained an appreciation for dogs that people often fail to have.
My dog would walk with me throughout the house with stiff legs and painful hips. Not because I ordered him to. Not because I lured him around with treats. But because in his mind he is my dog. And as a dog, I am his priority. I ask myself, if he were a human would he do the same? Probably not. I wouldn't. And not because I wouldn't care for my other human. But because as a human, we have to really work hard on ourselves to be as dedicated to others as our dogs are--while dogs do not.
I truly believe dogs were given to us by God to show us how to love. They love unconditionally. The way we cannot. We are so blessed to have been given such a gift.
As I headed to the bedroom for the night, Bruce followed me and stood by my bed. He waited for me to get in the bed before he crawled under it for the night. Laying on my belly, I reached under the bed, found his head and gave him a gentle scratch. "Goodnight, baby," I told him. A few thumps of his tail on the carpet told me that he said it back.
So it's a day before the Fourth of July and it's beautiful out. The sun is out but the breeze is so wonderful that I just have to take my kids and Bruce on an outing. I snuck about ten work minutes to look online for things to do this holiday. I found a few things I could do.
There's a place called Garden of the Gods, which many people go to take pictures of giant rocks and gorgeous scenery. When I hear "giant rocks" I think of dirt. Lots of it. And I'm not really that fond of getting dirt all up in my eyes. But I've never been there and it's dog-friendly so as long as I bring a portable doggie bowl and some water, we should be fine. I'll have to think about it.
Then there's a place called Manitou Springs. It's a little town that is so charming, filled with outdoor farmers' markets, food and music. I'm hoping it's dog-friendly because I'd really love to check it out. It seems like it might be cooler with more opportunities for shade.
There are tons of other things to do in Colorado Springs and many of these things are dog friendly. I'm sure I'll find something fun for all of us to enjoy. If not, I'll settle for taking Bruce to a dog park and a visit to the groomers... don't tell Bruce, though.
Ah well, sorry this is a boring post. Just a ramble of thoughts, really. I was hoping that if I typed out ideas more would come to me. But it didn't work out that way. Ah well.
May your Fourth of July be filled with love, family and friends. Please remember our fallen who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
Happy Sunday, dog owners! I hope you're spending time with your family, which includes your dogs! Today is a beautiful Colorado day and I'm so glad because it was a cold spring and summer came with a friggin bang. It burned with several fires all over the state and many people lost their homes as well as their pets. Sadly, two people lost their lives. But with the good Lord's grace, Colorado is once again alive with rain and visitors from all over the world.
Today, I packed up Bentley (the cat I was sitting) and his belongings. If Bruce could speak, he would only laugh. While he never attempted to harm the cat, he did stick his nose where it didn't belong and in turn received some cat-slaps to the face. He enjoyed eating cat food whenever he could get a chance and I believe that was his payback for getting beat up by a 15 lb cat. As I cleaned up the litterbox and gathered his things, Bentley sat and watched quietly. I believe he may have been wondering if he was going back home or if I was finding him another place to live. He wasn't too excited... but then again, cats are rarely excited about change.
On the way to his home and in his pet carrier, Bently cried and called. Poor thing. He must've been really stressed. However, as soon as he was let loose in his wonderful, dog-free home, he was as bouncy as a kitten. I'm not sad to see him go, but I did enjoy his presence. Now Bruce, on the other hand, will surely miss the cat food. Especially the one that comes in the can.
When I got home, I sat on the couch. It smelled funny. It smelled like pee. I took a whiff of a couch pillow. Yup. Cat piss. Bentley had the last word. Maybe it was meant for Bruce....
We are cat sitting this week and it has been really.... interesting. Yeah that's the word.
Bentley is a beautiful cat who came from a hard life. He was found abandoned by his owners when they moved. Declawed, he had no chance at survival other than to hang around the neighborhood hoping for scraps. My sister in law took him in, but couldn't keep him due to allergies. So I took him and was able to find him a good home.
He lives a luxurious life with a priest. I think they were made for each other. Bentley hated my home. With a 90 lb Bruce in his face (which, in Bruce's defense, was an innocent attempt to fulfill his curiosity), 3 ferrets and two wild kids, what cat would really beg to live in my home. So moving into a quiet and spacious home with a man who lived alone and happened to have a soft spot for cats was Bentley's jackpot.
The priest asked me to keep Bentley while he left on a tour. I warned him that Bentley wouldn't be too happy but that I'd keep him safe, fed and warm. He was just grateful not to have to leave him in a crate at boarding. But my prediction rang true the first night.
Bentley slept in the front loading washer, far from my noisy family. He came out to eat and potty and quickly disappeared. He also managed to swat Bruce in the face a few times when my dog stuck his nose up Bentley's butt. And he swatted at the ferrets when they checked him out. But tonight, day 3, he's finally coming around.
He laid on my lap as I watched TV and purred as I rubbed his belly. Then he waited at the patio door while I was outside. I'm hoping the rest of the week isn't too stressful for him. I've got 4 nights left with him.
