Being a Responsible Dog Owner Part Two

"Play dead, Banner."

You guys are here because you are dog lovers and obviously already know these things.  As some of you pointed out from yesterday's post we are "preaching to the choir".  But if we together can spread this message to folks that don't know any better, we can change the world for pets!

Dogs aren't for the first fifteen minutes of cuteness, they're for the next fifteen years through all of life's ups and downs.  The relationship is among the best afforded to humans, but it is not always easy.  It takes dedication and commitment.

Below is the pledge that is signed when your dog is awarded Canine Good Citizen after successfully completing the test.  It is basic but so "right on".  Feel free to share it with others!

Maizey was one of our fosters for a while.  Isn't she beautiful?

AKC CGC™ RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER’S PLEDGE®
CANINE GOOD CITIZEN® OWNER’S COMMITMENT
TO RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP

I understand that to truly be a Canine Good Citizen, my dog needs a responsible owner. I
agree to maintain my dog’s health, safety, and quality of life. By participating in the
Canine Good Citizen test, I agree:

  I will be responsible for my dog’s health needs. These include:
•  routine veterinary care including check-ups and vaccines
•  adequate nutrition through proper diet; clean water at all times
•  daily exercise and regular bathing and grooming

"Wrigley - with our handsome human, Connor"

  I will be responsible for my dog’s safety.
•  I will properly control my dog by providing fencing where appropriate,
               not letting my dog run loose, and using a leash in public.
•  I will ensure that my dog has some form of identification (which may include
               collar tags, tattoos, or microchip ID).

"Parkay"

  I will not allow my dog to infringe on the rights of others.
•  I will not allow my dog to run loose in the neighborhood.
•  I will not allow my dog to be a nuisance to others by barking while in the yard,
                in a hotel room, etc.
•  I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog’s waste in all public areas such as
               on the grounds of hotels, on sidewalks, parks, etc.
•  I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog’s waste in wilderness areas, on
               hiking trails, campgrounds and in off-leash parks.

T-Boy

  I will be responsible for my dog’s quality of life.
•  I understand that basic training is beneficial to all dogs.
•  I will give my dog attention and playtime.
•  I understand that owning a dog is a commitment in time and caring.

Mary Kay

Have you made this pledge to yourself and to your pet?  Go ahead... your dog deserves it!!

Spirit says, "Please take me home.  Love me.  Take care of me.  I'll do the same for you"

Tomorrow we'll share some important tips about bite prevention.  We'll see y'all then!

(All pictures were taken by our mom of animals at Brookhaven Animal Rescue League.)

Becoming a Responsible Dog Owner

We promised after our post Saturday, "People with dogs that kill people, kill people", we'd devote this week to sharing about being a responsible dog owner and bite prevention.  We're jumping into it a bit later in the week than we'd initially planned - so let's get right to it!

A responsible dog owner is much more than someone who feeds and shelters an animal.  A responsible dog owner is someone who has done their homework and chosen to commit their life to a pet owner long before ever acquiring an animal.  A responsible dog owner does not get a dog on a whim.  A responsible dog owner realizes that depending on the animals age when they bring it home, this is a commitment that could last up to fifteen years or more.

Becoming a responsible owner begins long before you ever bring your pet home.

A responsible dog owner knows about the breed they have chosen before ever beginning their search for the perfect dog.  This is a lesson that is personal to mom, as she had to learn it the hard way.

In her early adulthood, mom purchased a pair of huskies - red, Siara and white with bi-eyes, Cool Whip.  She knew little more about the dog's breed than that they were quite possibly the most beautiful breed of dog around (second only to Golden's, of course *wink*), and that they served as sled dogs.  It took an unplanned pregnancy when the dog literally escaped through a wire crate to learn that huskies are escape artists.  And it took the mauling/killing of a litter of foster puppies to realize that huskies have very high prey drives.  Ultimately it took one suffering a heat stroke in our Mississippi backyard to learn that huskies do not always acclimate well to our Southern climate.  (Yes, the dog was provided water and shelter.)  After this series of events, our pawrents realized as much as they loved this beautiful breed, Siberian huskies were not suited for their lifestyle.  They were very blessed to be able to place Siara in the home of a lady who had just lost her husky of seventeen years and was well acquainted with all of their mischievous ways.  However, because of their naivety, Cool Whip lost his life.

(Before you lose all respect for my mom person, please understand that where she started as a pet owner has brought her to where she is now.  And if even one dog's life can be spared because of her honesty, she's willing to lose a bit of respect.)  

This brings us back to the "Bully breeds" that was the topic of Saturday's post.  It is an ignorant person who chooses one of these dogs without knowing their full capabilities.  It is an irresponsible person who allows such a dog to run loose - especially after it has demonstrated their desire to kill.  And again, this is not meant against the breed, but the owner.  Being responsible for this animal means containing them at all times.  If you cannot do that, you should not have one.

The decision to rehome Siara was a hard one for my family as they loved her very much, but to redeem the irresponsibility of owning a dog that they knew little about, it was the right thing to do.  Siara is still a much loved member of her second family.  Her story had a happy ending, but most similar do not.

Of an average litter of six puppies, only two will go into their furr-ever home straight from the breeder's.  Two will be swapped around multiple times during their life.  Two will end up in a shelter and depending on the shelter's policy, will possibly be euthanized.

Have you done your homework regarding the breeds you own or are interested in?  If so, congratulations!  You are well on your way to becoming a responsible dog owner.  If not, please educate yourself.. for the dog's sake and your own.

Tomorrow we will focus on ways to be a responsible owner after your dog has come to your home.

"People with dogs that kill people, kill people!"

Any fellow NCIS fans among us?  One of our favorite episodes is "Dog Tags".  It is about a German Shepherd military dog accused of killing its handler.  Fan favorite and leading lady, Abby Sciuto, diligently defends the canine's innocence and through her forensic insight eventually proves the dog to be guilt free.  It was that episode that introduced us to one of our favorite songs, "The Dog Song" by Nellie McKay.  And it was that episode that gave us one of the best quotes relating to dog attacks:

Abby Sciuto: "Dogs don't kill people, McGee! *People* kill people!" 

Special Agent Timothy McGee: "People with dogs that kill people, kill people!"

The sentiment is true.  The majority of attacks take place because of uninformed dog owners.  Whether you own a two pound chihuahua or a hundred and fifty pound cane corso, you need to know what makes up your dogs inherent DNA and what your pet may be capable of.

As a Responsible Pet Owner educator, it pains me to see people who have dogs that they have no business owning.  

This past week upon hearing a ruckus, I rushed outside to find my husband and two grown women attempting to remove a Pit Bull from our yard. The dog was charging the fence where our five golden retrievers were playing.  The dog was going for blood and could not be contained.  My husbands arm dripped blood and afraid it was his own, I yelled, "Did that dog bite you?"  It had not.  The dog had been so intent and determined to get to The Love Shack Pack it never even noticed the cuts it had endured while fighting against the fence.  Had my goldens not been within the confines of our fenced yard, I fear we would have lost one or more of them.  

It frightens me for times that my children are outside playing and for the times we are outside the fence with our own dogs.  And it isn't entirely because the dog is a Pit Bull...  

In our area most (but certainly not all) Pit Bull owners are all about the image that the dog represents - tough and fearless.  And it is those owners that give the breed a bad name.  

There were three obvious mistakes that this dogs owner demonstrated while this dog tried to viciously force its way into our enclosed space:

1.  The dog was loose, and this was not the first time this very incident has happened.

2.  The dog did not have a collar on making it extremely difficult to get a hold on the animal.

3.  When the dog did not submit, the owner picked up the first available item (a pvc pipe) and began "whipping" the animal.

It was at the third point that I intervened.  

It is never the appropriate response to hit an animal.

In case you didn't catch that, let me re-emphasize, IT IS NEVER THE APPROPRIATE RESPONSE TO HIT AN ANIMAL.  

And especially not in a situation like this.  This will be one of the dogs that is likely to turn on its owner (or their children) at some point.  This same dog who at the current time serves as a pillow for the family's children.  This same dog who is the most beloved pet ever.  This same dog who would never ever hurt them.  Will it be the dog's fault when it happens?  No.  The dog did not choose its gene pool nor the humans that would raise it.  Rather the people who own and "love" this animal will be the ones who made it who it's become.  Unfortunately, they are most likely the ones who will ultimately pay the highest price.  

As I gently informed the owners of my position, it was obvious that they turned a deaf ear.  I offered my services as a trainer to help with the dog.  My help was not accepted.  These folks are uninformed about the breed they have chosen, and society (and the breed) pays for their ignorance.  

Please do not misinterpret my zeal for a dislike of Pit Bulls!!  It is not the dog that I have anything against... it is the person who has invited the dog into their home not knowing their potential.  Every dog was bred for a specific purpose (something we'll touch on in tomorrow's Sunday sermon), and each dog owner needs to be aware of what that purpose is.  Unfortunately Pits were originally bred to be bait dogs for bears and bulls.  (Pit Bulls on the Web is a good resource for more information on the breed.)  I know many owners of this breed who love and adore them the same as I do my Goldens.  Their appreciation for the dogs sincere sense of loyalty cannot be matched.  But these are the people who are knowledgeable of the breed - they know full well what the dog is capable of and not to take it for granted.  A dog with a good disposition is not an accident of nature but rather the product of nurture.  

I'm sure I've given you plenty to chew on today, but I invite you back throughout this next week as I share more about being a responsible owner and bite prevention.  I know our posts are usually fun and upbeat, but this is a subject that needs to be taken quite seriously.  We'll dedicate this next week to better informing us all!

 - and sometimes - like today - the mom person, Samantha

Life at The Love Shack

Well, peeps, it has fur sure been a busy week here at The Love Shack. 

Before I get into all that though...

Mom says I've grown.  According to her I've gotten HUGE. 

I'm not so sure.

What do you think? 


Yesterday was the youngest two legger's birfday.  They don't have barkdays like us pooches - although after hearing mom, dad, and the big kids sing to the birfday boy I'm not sure why.

Anyways, Connor turned FIVE.  Wowsers - he's as old as mommy in dog years!  He had a great party but wouldn't share any of his cake with us.  HUMPH!  See if he gets a milk bone from me on my barkday!

Before Connor's big celebration, Mom and Dacey took Scarlet and Kudzu to the elementary school.  I was really jealous cause I didn't get to go.  Apparently, mom doesn't think I can behave myself for more than two minutes at a time.  Mom, Dacey, and canines went into six classrooms and spoke to over a hundred students on the importance of being a responsible dog owner and about how to be safe around strange dogs.  They had a lot of fun and can't wait to go back and do it again.  Maybe next time I can go too!

Our lil foster pup, Melody is doing really great.  I think mom wishes we could keep her, but I'm glad she knows that her attention is already stretched thin between dad, the four human kids, us seven dogs, and the three cats.  It has given us all a boost of encouragement to see what a miraculous recovery the yellow dog has made. - When she came to us nine days ago, she could hardly walk.  Look at her now:

Trying to take the camera case away from Mom.  HA!

Chewing on Jaden

Happy go lucky, spunky, full of life puppy!

Ooops, she does chew!!  Socks are a favorite.  (Second only to human flesh!)

Just a regular little party animal!

Showing off her new running abilities.

She's fussing at me here.  I couldn't help but think it was cute!

Well, y'all come back tomorrow for my Sunday sermon!  See you then!

It doesn't take a nuclear physicist -

Today Mom's on a tangent, but with very good reason.  This post isn't just for those of you who are dog lovers, this one is for anyone who has ever thought of owning a pet.

Being a dog owner isn't about having a flashy accessory available at your convenience.  Being a dog owner is not about the first fifteen minutes of puppy love.  Over time that puppy will become a dog and that dog will continue to need your care for the next fifteen years.  If you can't provide that, you do not need a dog.

A lot of people see a movie depicting a human/dog relationship and think they want that too.  That is not a reason to get a dog.  That relationship was not formed in the first few weeks of being together, but in all of the ups and downs walked through together in the years that follow.  Can you invest that time?  If not, you do not need a dog.

Being a responsible dog owner includes (but is certainly not limited to):
Providing food, water, shelter, and medical care, but also, providing time, attention, and love.

Being a responsible dog owner means spaying or neutering your pet (unless you are a responsible breeder - and that is a different blog all together).  If you can not afford a one time operation for your dog, you can not afford to own a dog.  And you most certainly can not afford to care for the litters of puppies that will be coming your way if you opt not to spay or neuter.

My needs aren't that different from yours.  I require food, water, shelter, and LOVE.

We would like to introduce you to a special little girl.  This is Mello Yello (affectionately called Melody by mom).

Melody is a golden retriever/lab mix who was abandoned this week at a vet clinic.  (The same clinic Kudzu came from.)  She was found outside in some bushes as the employees made their way into the office.  Perhaps someone thought they were being kind leaving her where her needs could be tended, but let's be honest people - veterinary hospitals are just like everyone else:  THEY WORK OFF OF A BUDGET.  There just simply aren't enough resources to care for every pet that is carelessly dropped off on their door steps.  Had a foster home not been found for Melody, there would have been no option but to euthanize her. 

Melody's injuries are somewhat severe.  What happened to her is anybodies guess.  Was she dropped, thrown, ran over, tortured?  We'll never know.  What we do know is that in addition to a bruise on her eye, her right front leg is broken just above the knee cap, and the tendon is torn in her right, hind leg.  She has begun to heal but can only walk a short distance before tiring out and needing to rest.  The veterinarian who examined Melody believes that she will make a full recovery within a month. 

Animals are not disposable.  They require a commitment.  If you can't make that commitment, please do not add a pet to your home.  Abandoning an animal when they are no longer of use to you is not acceptable.  It is cruel.

A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.  Proverbs 12:10

 Melody will be available for adoption once she is healed.  If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about her, email us at:  agapepuppylove@gmail.com

Which Disney Dog is Your Hoo-man?

Mom took the Disney Dog quiz, and this is the results she got.  We think it fits her well - she is after all a mother to four hoo-man children, seven canine children, and those three bloomin' cats! 

 

Which Disney Dog Are You?

You're Two-of-a-Kind with Perdita

 

Like the nurturing mom to 99 Dalmatians, your heart is so big, there's practically a welcome sign on it. Before you were even a mom, you were maternal and you still firmly believe that many a boo-boo can be cured with a hug and a kiss (and, okay, some antiseptic.) Resourceful and creative, you're quite the problem-solver, just like Perdita, who easily transitioned from raising 15 pups to taking on 99! Most impressively, you manage your heavy load with grace and beauty. You'd inspire lots of envy from others if you weren't so very fetching. Visit the It's a Dog's Life section for more pooch-lovin' fun.   (After you leave us a comment, of course!)

Tomorrow is AKC's Responsible Dog Owner Day in Jackson.  We're looking forward to meeting a bunch of new folks and some other d-o-g's too!!

AROOOOOF!
Boondocks and The Love Shack Pack

The Love Shack Pack's Summer Library Programs

Kudzu has now joined mom for two presentations at two different libraries (some sixty miles apart) for their summer library programs.  The first one was at our local library where Kudzu and Scarlet helped teach kids about responsible dog ownership and bite prevention. 

Kudzu did a good job.  He laid at mom's feet for most of the presentation and then loved on the kids a bit towards the end.  Scarlet is a seasoned pro at these kinds of things.  She loves the attention and works well in this setting.

A few days later Kudzu was invited to come back to his home-town's library to participate in the same presentation.  (Considering that six weeks ago Kudzu's former owner had no regard for Kudzu's life and had chosen to have him put to sleep rather than deal with the burden of a 'disabled' dog, we think it is pretty cool that Kudzu is now teaching kids (and adults) how to be responsible dog owners.)  This time Kudzu even appeared in a local newspaper.

 There were several children at this library that were afraid of dogs.  We hope we helped them overcome that fear and learn that dogs just want to love and be loved.

Mom says that I'm not quite ready to participate in programs like this just yet.  I lack the calm personality that Kudzu displays.  Upon accompanying mom to the library for kids to read to me last week, I well demonstrated her point.  For one, I don't understand the "no talking" rule.  Ok, hoo-mans, that is just dumb.  How else do I get your attention without destroying something?   So I barked a few or ten times.  Is there really any harm in that?  Mom says the best display of my true puppy-like tendencies came as we were leaving the library.  I didn't quite understand that the glass doors had to be pushed open.  So I attempted to walk through them.  Twice.  Neither time was successful.  Each time brought a roar of laughter from those looking on.  (I thought they were suppose to be quiet in the library too!)

So now I'm a big goof.  As long as it makes my family smile, I guess that's reward enough.

AROOOOF!
Boondocks and The Love Shack Pack