The everything Thread

[#1Wolflover]

Write anything you want about a pet you know or own and share a story!

[applesmom]

The story of the devastation over the loss of my beloved Tori and reluctance to ever love another dog is too long to post here. Here's the beginning; the rest can be read by clicking on the link below. The ending is much happier than the beginning! :)

“Carol I have the perfect puppy for you!” “Thanks Pat, I appreciate it but I don’t want a puppy. I don’t think I ever want another dog. I can’t put myself through that heartache again”.

The National Specialty shows are always a great place to renew old friendships and make new ones. Pat and I had met a couple of years earlier at the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America National Specialty Show in San Francisco. Tori our extremely promising 2-year-old dog had made his debut at this show and had attracted a lot of attention with his animated ring presence and excellent confirmation. The dog Pat had shown had impressed me with his near perfect performance as he gained even more points toward his OTCH. We became friends even though we lived at opposite ends of the country.

Tori was a product of a carefully planned breeding between our Champion female, Clover and a soon to be Dual Champion sire; whose accomplishments and career we’d been privileged to witness and take part in personally. Tori’s confirmation was as close to the standard as any breeder could possibly hope for and his bird finding abilities, trainability and eagerness to please were in the same category. A true dual champion in the making! The breeding that produced him was also our final breeding. All of our hopes and dreams as breeders were pinned on this “once in a lifetime” dog! After Tori’s litter was born, we’d made the decision that due to the increasing problem of unwanted pets; we would no longer be breeding GSP’s. Though we planned to remain active in competition with Tori.

While he was still in the whelping box, Tori and I developed a special bond. We became not only dog and owner but best friends!. We spent hours together every day in obedience and field training as the bond between us continued to grow. All we had to do now was continue his training and allow him to mature enough to finish his show championship. By then his field training would be complete and he’d move on to field trials where he would earn the coveted Dual Champion title as well as his indisputable title of beloved pet, companion and hunting dog!

Sadly this was not to be. At only 4 years of age and well on his way to the coveted Dual Champion title, Tori was diagnosed with a rare and always fatal disease. The months between the first symptoms and the final diagnosis were agonizing. It was unbearable to watch my formerly happy healthy pal suffer through bouts of illness and return to seemingly normal health, only to be stricken down again and again. Once the diagnosis was confirmed, there was no choice but to end his suffering.

As I held him in my arms while he drew his last breath, tears running down my cheeks onto his painfully thin and now horribly bloated body; I vowed I would never, never allow myself to become this close to any animal ever again!

The grapevine in the dog world is an active one! Breeders from all over called to offer their condolences, many of them offering to send me a puppy when I felt I was ready. My reply to all of them was the same! “Thanks, but I don’t want a puppy. I don’t think I ever want another dog. I can’t put myself through that heartache again”.

Howdy! The pup I didn't want! (http://www.geocities.com/applesmom_1/Howdypup.html?1155118948703)

[#1Wolflover]

wow what a heart warming story! was it your story or one you found? well if it's your story then I'd like to say I'm sorry about Tori! but in my opinion I think things happen for a reason, like if it hadn't been Tori's time to go then you would have never have meet Howdy!

[applesmom]

Photos of Tori and Howdy!

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/applesmom/mvtori.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/applesmom/dlightH.jpg

[borzoimom]

you need another gsp... ...

[applesmom]

wow what a heart warming story! was it your story or one you found? well if it's your story then I'd like to say I'm sorry about Tori! but in my opinion I think things happen for a reason, like if it hadn't been Tori's time to go then you would have never have meet Howdy!

Thanks! It's mine and Tori's and Howdy's story for sure! :)

[#1Wolflover]

awwwwwwwwww there both so beautiful! what did you mean by you thought Howdy was a ugly puppy? He looks rather dashing if you ask me!!! lol Thanks for sharing your story and pics!!!!!!!!1 :D :p

[applesmom]

awwwwwwwwww there both so beautiful! what did you mean by you thought Howdy was a ugly puppy? He looks rather dashing if you ask me!!! lol Thanks for sharing your story and pics!!!!!!!!1 :D :p

LOL Do you see where his adult ears would just come down to the corner of his mouth? Well, when he came to me they could have touched the end of his nose--just like a basset hound. And he was all legs and feet. :D

[applesmom]

you need another gsp... ...

Yeah! If I could just find an older one. I couldn't keep up with a young one now. :D

[#1Wolflover]

thats funny, lol, here you were expecting a beatiful pup and it looks like a basset hound mix! lol well he seems like such a well behaved doggie! :D

[applesmom]

Here's a tale of one of Howdy's and my earlier adventures that was published in Dog Fancy magazine several years ago. There's also a link to a few of the photos we took while filming in Monument Valley.


When I took my novice obedience dog, "Howdy" a German Shorthaired Pointer to Monument Valley to appear in a Korean beer commercial--It turned into an adventure never to be forgotten.

Howdy's delight in his role, working through an interpreter, plus the magnificent scenery all created a memorable experience. The unexpected element of danger made
It unforgettable!

I came home with a reinforced belief in obedience training, an increased respect for my amazing dog, and a long list of questions to ask next time!

Howdy had just obtained the first two legs toward his C.D. when I got a phone call from a local producer asking me if they could use Howdy in the commercial.

To continue click here (http://www.geocities.com/applesmom_1/Howdystale.html)

[#1Wolflover]

seems like you two have quite the adventures!!!!!! lol :p

[borzoimom]

Those words rang in my ears, as I held Hotties head in my arms. Tear streaming down my face... I said " what????" in total disbelief- not make what??" I said in a demanding voice. The vet said mrs. XXX he will not make it- the fracture we are sure has hit the spinal cord.
My mind raced to the day- just a simple bark with borzoi bounce like a polarbear on ice- then screaming in pain. Yelling for my husband who was already flying up the stairs from the basement from the noise. The screams from him as we got him in the car, and I am frantically dialing on my cell as we drive down the mountain the emergency number to the emergency clinic over 20 miles away. The screams on and off out of my car as we drove- arriving at the clinic as I bail out of the car, yelling into the lobby- I NEED A VET- NOW PLEASE NOW... PLEASE NOW PLEASE NOW.. They come and get him on a streacher.. take him in- I am totally hysterical. My husband is fighting both his own tears and me.. After what seemed like an hour, they let us in. Hottie is fighting for breath with tubes every where- " he isnt going to make it- he needs to go the doctor states again. After minutes as they continue I get the word again- Mr. xxxx can we see you outside- then they come in... I get " honey- he has to go... do you want to stay... I replied outraged- NOOO- HE WILL MAKE IT.. I get several more " honey... come on... do you want to stay... followed by outraged NOOOOO'S... Finally the doctor says " okay we will keep him on medications but to let him suffer more than a few hours, is not good... My husband convinces me to come with him. As I leave Hottie. All the way home I leave every frantic message I can with all 6 vets at the office... They said they would call by 5pm with an update.. the call never came... I felt like I lost my best friend- unwilling to accept what happened but knowing they had said this for years that one day a fracture in his back would make him in invalid...
The next morning, after crying all night- distraught with grief to the point of physically sick, the phone rings. Its my senior vet. He got my calls, didnt call the night before, because when they picked him up, he was not responding. All the words I remember was " We have Hottie- he is critical but there is a chance- do we have permission to treat him more than life saving care". Suddenly the world lifted off my shoulders- all but yelling into the phone " WHAT- SAY THAT AGAIN- as I hand the receiver to my husband to hear... I do not remember the trip off this mountain- My husband drove faster than a speeding jet. We got there to sign the permission to treat- and I got to see him. Weak and confused- I could see it his eyes- he would make it. Both of us, and the vet were crying ( I think he was crying because we were).. I sat in the lobby- my husband said waiting would make him crazy and went grocery shopping- bought way too much... Not thinking right himself.. finally after 3 hours- the vet came out- and said- " he will make it, but we have to see how much damage there is as far as his recovery. He may not be what he was- but he will make it..." Three days later he came home. Slow but proud, we took him out the ramp at the front of the house. Walking only on a leash.. By the end of the week he was getting his " sauce back.." and starting to boss the dogs around- by 3 weeks he was back. Weaker in voice, but back...
Never give up on your dog- NEVER.... Luckily my vet didnt listen to signed papers- .. and have a good vet!

[applesmom]

seems like you two have quite the adventors!!!!!! lol :p

Tales of our adventures together could fill a book. :D

[#1Wolflover]

Those words rang in my ears, as I held Hotties head in my arms. Tear streaming down my face... I said " what????" in total disbelief- not make what??" I said in a demanding voice. The vet said mrs. XXX he will not make it- the fracture we are sure has hit the spinal cord.
My mind raced to the day- just a simple bark with borzoi bounce like a polarbear on ice- then screaming in pain. Yelling for my husband who was already flying up the stairs from the basement from the noise. The screams from him as we got him in the car, and I am frantically dialing on my cell as we drive down the mountain the emergency number to the emergency clinic over 20 miles away. The screams on and off out of my car as we drove- arriving at the clinic as I bail out of the car, yelling into the lobby- I NEED A VET- NOW PLEASE NOW... PLEASE NOW PLEASE NOW.. They come and get him on a streacher.. take him in- I am totally hysterical. My husband is fighting both his own tears and me.. After what seemed like an hour, they let us in. Hottie is fighting for breath with tubes every where- " he isnt going to make it- he needs to go the doctor states again. After minutes as they continue I get the word again- Mr. xxxx can we see you outside- then they come in... I get " honey- he has to go... do you want to stay... I replied outraged- NOOO- HE WILL MAKE IT.. I get several more " honey... come on... do you want to stay... followed by outraged NOOOOO'S... Finally the doctor says " okay we will keep him on medications but to let him suffer more than a few hours, is not good... My husband convinces me to come with him. As I leave Hottie. All the way home I leave every frantic message I can with all 6 vets at the office... They said they would call by 5pm with an update.. the call never came... I felt like I lost my best friend- unwilling to accept what happened but knowing they had said this for years that one day a fracture in his back would make him in invalid...
The next morning, after crying all night- distraught with grief to the point of physically sick, the phone rings. Its my senior vet. He got my calls, didnt call the night before, because when they picked him up, he was not responding. All the words I remember was " We have Hottie- he is critical but there is a chance- do we have permission to treat him more than life saving care". Suddenly the world lifted off my shoulders- all but yelling into the phone " WHAT- SAY THAT AGAIN- as I hand the receiver to my husband to hear... I do not remember the trip off this mountain- My husband drove faster than a speeding jet. We got there to sign the permission to treat- and I got to see him. Weak and confused- I could see it his eyes- he would make it. Both of us, and the vet were crying ( I think he was crying because we were).. I sat in the lobby- my husband said waiting would make him crazy and went grocery shopping- bought way too much... Not thinking right himself.. finally after 3 hours- the vet came out- and said- " he will make it, but we have to see how much damage there is as far as his recovery. He may not be what he was- but he will make it..." Three days later he came home. Slow but proud, we took him out the ramp at the front of the house. Walking only on a leash.. By the end of the week he was getting his " sauce back.." and starting to boss the dogs around- by 3 weeks he was back. Weaker in voice, but back...
Never give up on your dog- NEVER.... Luckily my vet didnt listen to signed papers- .. and have a good vet!
wow thats sad but at the same time happy. How did your dog get hurt? I bet your happy to still have him! :)

[critter crazy]

I grew up with many dogs as a child. But My first ever dog, on my own as an adult that I coud truly call my own was Zoey. I went to my local gas station to pick up a gallon of milk, when the lady behind the counter asked me if I knew anyone who would like an 18month old Rotti. Well of course i said I did!

So I asked where the dog was so I could see her, and she told me she was in her car!! I was just dumfounded!! So she told her boss she was taking a break, and we walked out to the car! She opened the door, nd there was this gorgeous Rotti sitting in the back seat covered in drool, from head to toe. So I asked why she wanted to get rid of her, and she told me she lived in a trailer, and had 5 other dogs, an there just wsnt enough room!! So without wanting to even know anything more, i told the girl I would take her! I put her in my car and drove the 3 mins. home! I took her inside and called my, at the time fiance, and told him on his way home from work he needed to pick up some dog food!! he he he he!! he was at a loss for words, but like a good boy, 30 mins later he was home with her food. Unfortunately, when he walked through the door Zoey went Nuts!! She was barking growling and just going baserk. I was able to calm her down. Come to find out, Zoey had a huge hatred for men!! Zoey adjusted to my hubby wonderfully, after a few days of him just being sweet to her, and giving her treats and love. She would still get a little nervous when we hugged or kissed but grew out of that as well. We spent alot of time introducing her to many men, and she eventually completely lost her fear. She was also very car sick!! I cant imagine spending god knows how many hours sitting in a parking lot, in the middle of june had anything to do with that!:rolleyes:
Needless to say, Zoey became a dream dog!! When she was 3yrs old, i got pregnant with my son. at first we were so scared of how she would react, but were pleasantly suprised!! She was a awsome mother!!! She would spend all of her time with my son after he was born, she would be near him, everywhere! If he started crying he would just stare at me, as if to ask what the heck did I do to him!! he he he! She was very protective of "her" boy! she was very wary if strangers would get too close. But she was a great girl!!
Sadly we had to make a horrendous decision when Zoey was 4 yrs old! Zoey was having troubles getting around, and would yelp alot when she would stand up, so we took her to a vet, they took many x-Rays, and told us that she had severe Arthritis in her spine, and that she wouldnt be able to walk if we didnt do something! So we had her on pain meds, took her to other vets to get their opinion, and even consulted about surgery! But sadly we had to make the horrid decision to put her suffering to an end!! Zoey will always be in my heart!! (I wish I could post some pics, but all i have are ones on film, and my scanner for some reason isnt working!!)

[#1Wolflover]

I grew up with many dogs as a child. But My first ever dog, on my own as an adult that I coud truly call my own was Zoey. I went to my local gas station to pick up a gallon of milk, when the lady behind the counter asked me if I knew nyone whol would like an 18month old Rotti. Well of course i said I did! So I asked where the dog was so I could see her, and she told me she was in her car!! I was just dumfounded!! So she told her boss she was taking a break, and we walked out to the car! She opened the door, nd there was this gorgeous Rotti sitting in the back seat covered in drool, from head to toe. So I asked why she wanted to get rid of her, and she told me she lived in a trailer, and hd 5 other dogs, an there just wsnt enough room!! So without wanting to even know anything more, i told the girl I would take her! I put her in my car and drove the 3 mins. home! I took her inside and called my, at the time fiance, and told him on his way home from work he needed to pick up some dog food!! he he he he!! he was at a loss for words, but like a good boy, 0 mins later he was home with her food. Unfortunately, when he walke through the door Zoey went Nuts!! She was barking growling and just going baserk. I was able to calm her down. Come to find out, Zoey had a huge hatred for men!! Zoey adjuste to my hubby wonderfully, after a few days of him just being sweet to her, and giving her treats and love. She would still get a little nervous when we hugged or kissed but grew out of that as well. We spent alot of time introducing her to many men, and she eventually completely lost her fear. She was also very car sick!! I cant imagine spending god know how many hours sitting in a parking lot, in the middle of june had anything to do with that!:rolleyes: Needless to say, Zoey became a dream dog!! When she was 3yrs old, i got pregnant with my son. at first we were so scared of how she would react, but were pleasantly suprised!! She was a awsome mother!!! She would spend all of her time with my son after he was born, she would be near him, everywhere! If he started crying he would just stare at me, as if to ask what the heck did I do to him!! he he he! She was very protective of "her" boy! she was very wary if strangers would get too close. But she was a great girl!! Sadly we had to make a horrendous decision when Zoey was 4 yrs old! Zoey was having troubles getting around, and would yelp alot when she would stand up, so we took her to a vet, they took many x-Rays, and told us that she had severe Arthritis in her spine, and that she wouldnt be able to walk if we didnt do something! So we had her on pain meds, took her to other vets to get their opinion, and even consulted about surgery! But sadly we had to make the horrid decision to put her suffering to an end!! Zoey will always be in my heart!! (I wish I could post some pics, but all i have are ones on film, and my scanner for some reason isnt working!!)
I'm so sorry, it sounds to me like she was one heck of a dog!!! lol But at least she was able to spend the rest of her days with a true family, and not growing up in some overcrowded trailor! Who knows how she could've ended up then! I'll bet her spirit is still hovering around "her son" lol. :p
thank you for sharing your story!

[Suki Wingy]

I will post what I have about my dog on my site
Where his story and my story become our story begins on June 15, 2000 at the Anti-Cruelty Society, or SPCA of Chicago. He was anywhere between 6 months and 8 months old, a medium sized, well behaved and submissive puppy. His history was that he was too much for his elderly hispanic caretaker to handle. Lucky for me. I saw him through the window of the shelter as I was getting out of the car. I said to my mom, "Look at that cute one mom, marked like an English Setter, I want to check him out.

We walked into the foyer of the familiar building. Last time I had been there I was tearfully accompanying my step-dad to surrender our 1 year old unilateral, odd-eyed black Dalmatian; Layla. She had very bad separation anxiety and was a bad fear biter. Her worst fear in life was to be perminently abandonned in a strange place. That's exactly what we were doing that day and I knew it. Although I was only 9 years old, my heart was scarred.

There I was, a 10 year old girl walking in on the rest of my life. I was full of adrenaline, shaking with anticipation as my mom and sister and I waited for the behaviourist. This time around we were "Doing it right". My mom was losing hope. If this rescue, which had been our 3rd in just under a year failed to fit without any major problems, we would take the easy route and contact an experienced breeder. The Behaviourest lead us around the central desk and to the right, through a door that read above it, "A dog is for life, not just for Christmas." I felt reasured and heavy hearted reading this. I wanted this one to be for life but Clark and Layla were more like for a test-drive. The behaviourist walked us around and watched how each dog interacted with us. Niño was the only A+ in that category. Excited to see us, interested but not overly emotional toward us. We took him out in the courtyard and I walked him. Over the barking dogs I misheard his name "Nino" and "Leeno". I though, "What an interesting name you have, Leeno! I like you but you need some leash manners! We all liked him, and my step-dad came and he also approved of him. We went back into the dog room to be sure and took out a few timid shepherd mixes that all resembled coyotes. Beautiful but none of them appealed to me. The Behaviourest told us that the timidness could prove a problem with the kids and considering our history we better not.

Just as we were making one last round in the dog room we came across a cropped and docked adult boxer (as well as a few other dogs) in a remote corner. Spike also passed the test, and he had been surrendered from a family where the 12 year old girl was expected to be responsible for him and his needs. The children in his past family almost matched ages with us, plus he was trained. But he was also 8 years old, and managed to almost knock my step-dad down. He was only in for 2 days, and a purebred so he had a high chance of adoption. Niño, on the other hand, had been there for 3 weeks and hadn't ever been considered for adoption once yet. I cried and hugged Spike as I made the decision and told my mom to stop filling out Spike's adoption application, we had to take Niño. I explained to her why and she said she was thinking the same thing. We switched papers, and went sownstairs to wait for the news. When we got approved I was crying! A DOG! A DOG! Finally!

And so, today, after 6 years of love, joy, pain, hardships, I enjoy the company of my mutt. My "Betta Bully." My betta litter sibling as he sees himself in the "pack". He thinks he's the older babysitter to my two sisters, mom and dad are alpha pair, and I'm his dominant littermate. With dogs he takes a stiff, forward, bullying posture, but he won't fight, he's betta at heart. A little love bug. What he doesn't know is for all a 'soul' means, he holds mine. Protector and carrier of my soul, without him I would cease to be. To me 'soul' is what makes you, what drives you, your feelings, your emotions, so basically your emotional being or self. The only word for that is 'soul'. That is a very earthly way to channel my concience, and devotion. I don't believe in anything spiritual, and I am perfectly happy that way. Some have god, I have my dog.

[Aspen and Misty]

I wrote this a few years ago when I was much younger. I really should go back and re-write it one of these days.....

My Home


Left to fend for my own I didn’t know how I would ever make it. These past couple weeks have been hard. I haven’t found enough food to feed myself. I wish someone would save me. Finally my hero comes on Sunday. She has a long pole with a rope on the end. She loads me into the back of the truck and takes me for a drive. Oh how nice it feels to be warm once again. She brings me into a place that smells of thousands of dogs. Dogs who were scared and dogs who were over joyed with happiness. I get checked out by someone in a white coat who says I’m healthy, I‘m just happy to have her petting me. I like her touch it’s warm. As my Hero places me in the cage I lick her hand to tell her thank you, she says “ We‘ll call you Bridgett“. I like the thought of having a name. I curl up into a ball on the blanket they have given me and fall asleep. The next day me and the puppies across from me begin to chat. They have said that 3 of them have already been adopted out and that they are the only two left. I am also told that I am to act playful and anxious to see people when they come. I don’t understand this game, but I play along.

A young girl walks in, I wag my tail and bark as loud as I can "me oh please me!" I will play dress up with you and your dollies, I will lick your tears from your eyes when you’ve fallen down and scrapped yourself. I once had a little girl I tell her I took wonderful care of her, me oh please pick me. She walks up to my cage and glances at me. My whole body trembles in anticipation, oh please pet me, let me lick your hand I say. But she doesn’t hear as she turns around and sees the puppies across from me and squeals as one of them jumps up and licks her hand, this one mommy, I want this one she screams! I don’t understand why she didn’t pick me? What’s wrong with me? I would have given anything to be a puppy. Not to long after she leaves a man walks in. Says he’s looking for a dog for his wife. He walks slowly through all the cages till he comes to mine. He looks at me and says “No, I don’t want a yellow dog, everyone has yellow dogs”. I am saddened by this, I would have given anything to not be yellow. The next day a new litter of puppies comes in, there are 3 this time. When the next person comes in I bark loudly to get her attention. I show her how wonderful I am at wagging my tail when she comes to see me. She takes a look at me and continues walking. She then comes by again and I bark loudly at her and make a playful growl. She says she doesn’t want a dog who growls or barks. I would have given anything to change my behavior, but this is what I was told to do. Four more people come in over the week, each one having an excuses not to adopt me, “I don’t want a dog with a wrinkly forehead” “ I don’t want one with a tail that sits on it’s back” “I don’t want one who drools”

I have been here for a week now and still no one has come for me. It is Friday and almost closing time. A girl who was in here yesterday walks in and looks at the dog 3 cages from me. She says “Hi Onyx, I missed you!” I would have given anything to of had her say “Hi Bridgett, I missed you”. But she’s not here for me, she’s here for Onyx. She looks like a younger four legger, probably in her teens. She begins taking pictures of Onyx. I whine and say “Why doesn’t someone take pictures of me?” She then continues walking down the line of cages, one more cage and she is to mine. My heart begins to beat faster, I want her to pet me, I want her to take me home. She stops at the cage across from me and tells the puppies how cute they are. She then turns to me and Gasp and stares at me. I don’t understand? Why did she gasp? Why is she stareing at me that way? Is it that I’m yellow? Am I to loud? Is it that I’m not a puppy? Is it cause my tail flips up? Is it cause of my wrinkles on my forehead? Is it cause I drool? Why doesn’t she like me? Why did she gasp? She then says to the man walking up to my cage, Dad, She’s perfect! I want to take her outside and let her run. Another man comes up and brings a leash with him. Did I hear her right? Did she say I was perfect? It couldn’t have been, she must be mistaking me for another dog. I’m brought outside into a yard they use for people to play with the dogs. She bends down and says “Hi Bridgett, I’m your new mom”

I’m loaded into a van, I don’t understand. Where am I going? She can’t possibly want ME. She glances back at me and giggles. What is she laughing at? I’m nervous about where we are going. I begin pacing back and forth on the seat. She tells me to calm down. I’ve heard of this, I know what’s happening. There taking me to be put to sleep. I being getting frantic. No I don’t wanna go, please! They stop somewhere she says “Dad are you sure she’ll be ok?” he looks at her and says “Yes” They got Chicken while they were gone. I can smell it. She ripped off some meat off of the bones and passed it back to me I bite her hand I was so anxious to get it. She yelled “Owe” and gave me stern look. She keeps telling me “Bridgett in the back” and pushing me back. I just want some bones. I finally get up to where the bones are and swallow 3 of them whole before she grabs me and pulls me to the back. She’s mad, I can tell. There is something weird about her voice. She has some thing in her hand. She raises it to her head and begins talking. She’s probably calling the Shelter and telling them I’m coming back. She glances back at me and I see tears in her eyes. It’s not anger in her voice, it’s worry. She is worried I’m sick. I whine to tell her I’m ok but she doesn’t believe me. She hugs me and tells me never to do anything like that again, and I wont.

We arrive home and I jump on the couch. The man laughs and says, “We’ll that’s definitely hers ”. They sit down to eat some dinner. They place some food on the counter and I jump up on the counter and take some. The man is mad. He is yelling at me. I’m waiting for him to hit me. I’m prepared. He moves his hand towards me and I close my eyes. He grabs my coller and gently leads me outside. He leaves me with a bowl of my own food and some toys to play with.

It’s now been 6 months since I’ve been here. I no longer jump on the counters or pace in the van. I get to go everywhere with MY girl. I love being able to say MY girl and often say it late at night just to hear it. She loves me just as much as I love her. We often have adventures in the back yard, pretending we are in a dog show and I’ve just one first place for being the prettiest dog or that we are free and roaming the fields in search for food. She is a wonderful 2 leggier. She has changed my name to Nova and calls me her baby often. I lick her hands and face a lot and she loves it. Late at night when there are things in the closet it’s me she calls for to check them out. Me, not a puppy, not a brown dog, not a dog with a un-wrinkly forehead, not a dog with a straight tail, not a dog who can’t bark or growl, me, her defender and best friend. Tonight we sit in the living room. As she lays on the couch watching T.V. I sit down beside her and she looks me in the eyes and says “Hi Nova, I missed you.”


Ashley

[Kfamr]

I'm sure mostly everyone read this already, as it was Kiara's DOTD story. I wanted to share it again as I started crying again today.

I had Kiara outside (leashed) and as cars went by she cowered and leaned on me. My poor girl has become so much more skiddish from her experience, and I am a lot more protective, if that's possible.


On July 15th of 2004 my father and I visited our local humane society, as we often did. My father walked in front of me, as we looked through kennels and visited with each dog. As we were walking, he said "UH OH!" and we both laid our eyes on Kiara. He knew he was hooked and we were going to be bringing home a sister for Simba and Nala.

At fifteen weeks old she had been found wandering the street the shelter was located on. As others walked by, she would shy away and bark at them. However, as soon as they were out of her sight she came right back up to the kennel door wanting us to pet her. She wanted nothing to do with any of the other people visiting the shelter that day. She chose us. And that was it ... she came home with us that day.

She has learned so many commands, so quickly. Her first love was retrieving the tennis ball and soon followed by catching the frisbee right out of the air! Kiara, my mother, and I have spent many relaxing afternoons on the beach, playing frisbee while others watched in amazement. She quickly became one of the favorites of many in our community. She's stolen the hearts of those around her. Since day one Kiara has been very skittish with new things. With my encouragement, her and I have tackled many obstacles together. She still is skittish around new folks but has a very good reason for such.

On Monday, September 11th of 2006, our "perfect" little world had collapsed. Kiara was spooked from our yard and took off. We spent five days searching for her. We drove around, night and day, calling out her name. We posted signs on every business and pole imaginable and made our own poles to post in other areas. Everything in my life had come to a complete halt and my heart was torn to shreds. I would wake up, from whatever sleep I managed to get, thinking "Be strong ... we're going to find her today!" And then after searching all day and coming in for the night, I would break down in tears.

That Friday while my father and I were out searching we got a call from a man about five minutes from our home. He had cornered Kiara in his yard but because of her skittish nature he could not capture her. My brother, whom Kiara doesn't know too well, went to search in his neighborhood while my mother stayed home waiting for us to return. My brother spotted Kiara and she would not allow him to get close. He chased her for two or so miles trying to catch her. Around 5:00 PM my dad and I finally got the message that she was in the neighborhood and searched until 2:30 AM in that area. We spent most of the night posting signs, driving around calling her name, walking thru the woods, stopping and asking people in the neighborhood, with no luck whatsoever. We decided to call it a night and went home trying to get a bit of sleep.

For some reason I slept so soundly that night, even though I was just as exhausted as I was the previous nights. My father got up early that morning and went searching in the same area on foot. He was calling out her name and heard a bark. Not knowing if it was Kiara he followed the dog's bark. He spotted the dog but it was not coming to him. As he walked closer trying to figure out if it was her, he realized it was but she was still not coming to him. He got up to her and noticed there was a chain fence blocking her. He reached over, scooped her up and did not put her down until he got in the truck. She was a bit torn up, but overall in good health. The whole way home Kiara whined and kissed my father.

When they arrived home my dad brought Kiara into my room, as I was still sleeping, and awoke me from my nightmare. My little girl was home and my heart was once again whole.

This Thanksgiving to say we are thankful is an understatement. The love, care, and support we received from our community - online and offline - is so incredibly overwhelming. Our little girl is home, our hearts are complete, and she has brought even more joy into our lives. I believe we are all very thankful, including our Kiara!

http://dogoftheday.com/archive/2006/November/23.jpg

[#1Wolflover]

I will post what I have about my dog on my site
Where his story and my story become our story begins on June 15, 2000 at the Anti-Cruelty Society, or SPCA of Chicago. He was anywhere between 6 months and 8 months old, a medium sized, well behaved and submissive puppy. His history was that he was too much for his elderly hispanic caretaker to handle. Lucky for me. I saw him through the window of the shelter as I was getting out of the car. I said to my mom, "Look at that cute one mom, marked like an English Setter, I want to check him out.

We walked into the foyer of the familiar building. Last time I had been there I was tearfully accompanying my step-dad to surrender our 1 year old unilateral, odd-eyed black Dalmatian; Layla. She had very bad separation anxiety and was a bad fear biter. Her worst fear in life was to be perminently abandonned in a strange place. That's exactly what we were doing that day and I knew it. Although I was only 9 years old, my heart was scarred.

There I was, a 10 year old girl walking in on the rest of my life. I was full of adrenaline, shaking with anticipation as my mom and sister and I waited for the behaviourist. This time around we were "Doing it right". My mom was losing hope. If this rescue, which had been our 3rd in just under a year failed to fit without any major problems, we would take the easy route and contact an experienced breeder. The Behaviourest lead us around the central desk and to the right, through a door that read above it, "A dog is for life, not just for Christmas." I felt reasured and heavy hearted reading this. I wanted this one to be for life but Clark and Layla were more like for a test-drive. The behaviourist walked us around and watched how each dog interacted with us. Niño was the only A+ in that category. Excited to see us, interested but not overly emotional toward us. We took him out in the courtyard and I walked him. Over the barking dogs I misheard his name "Nino" and "Leeno". I though, "What an interesting name you have, Leeno! I like you but you need some leash manners! We all liked him, and my step-dad came and he also approved of him. We went back into the dog room to be sure and took out a few timid shepherd mixes that all resembled coyotes. Beautiful but none of them appealed to me. The Behaviourest told us that the timidness could prove a problem with the kids and considering our history we better not.

Just as we were making one last round in the dog room we came across a cropped and docked adult boxer (as well as a few other dogs) in a remote corner. Spike also passed the test, and he had been surrendered from a family where the 12 year old girl was expected to be responsible for him and his needs. The children in his past family almost matched ages with us, plus he was trained. But he was also 8 years old, and managed to almost knock my step-dad down. He was only in for 2 days, and a purebred so he had a high chance of adoption. Niño, on the other hand, had been there for 3 weeks and hadn't ever been considered for adoption once yet. I cried and hugged Spike as I made the decision and told my mom to stop filling out Spike's adoption application, we had to take Niño. I explained to her why and she said she was thinking the same thing. We switched papers, and went sownstairs to wait for the news. When we got approved I was crying! A DOG! A DOG! Finally!

And so, today, after 6 years of love, joy, pain, hardships, I enjoy the company of my mutt. My "Betta Bully." My betta litter sibling as he sees himself in the "pack". He thinks he's the older babysitter to my two sisters, mom and dad are alpha pair, and I'm his dominant littermate. With dogs he takes a stiff, forward, bullying posture, but he won't fight, he's betta at heart. A little love bug. What he doesn't know is for all a 'soul' means, he holds mine. Protector and carrier of my soul, without him I would cease to be. To me 'soul' is what makes you, what drives you, your feelings, your emotions, so basically your emotional being or self. The only word for that is 'soul'. That is a very earthly way to channel my concience, and devotion. I don't believe in anything spiritual, and I am perfectly happy that way. Some have god, I have my dog.
Wow the first story that wasn't really sad! :p So what type of dog is Nino?

[applesmom]

This one's not sad. :o

Since we live in the city I did a huge amount of my training in an isolated large back section of the local park. Living in Arizona all training must be done very early in the mornings in the summer. It can get to be 100 degrees by 10am!

One morning just at daylight, I was working with one of our young dogs, Dee. We were working on whistle and directional training for field trials. All park work is done on a 20 foot check cord. That check cord can be dangerous to humans when a dog is in a full out run. Keeping oneself from getting tangled quickly becomes a top priority.

Somehow Dee got behind me and I blew the whistle giving her the "up front" command. She spun around and came barreling forward. I wasn't quick enough and that darned check cord caught me right behind the knees. I went down flat on my back. On my way down I heard my neck, go crack, crack, crack, as I screamed "Dee here". She didn't have time to stop and hit the end of it and the poor dog did a back flip. She got up shook herself off and rushed over to me and pounced on me thinking it was play time.

Laying there flat on my back with a brown dog happily bouncing on top of me, all I could think of was, "I hope no one saw that". My next thought was "how in the heck am going to get up if my neck is broken, and what will happen to Dee in the heat if no one finds us"? Though somewhat dazed, I finally managed to calm Dee, check to see if I was paralyzed (I wasn't) and eventually ease myself off the ground. Thank goodness there wasn't a soul around to witness my fall from grace!

The rest of the training session went as smooth as the velvety hair on a shorthairs ears.

[#1Wolflover]

wow that must of really hurt! but at least no one was around to witness it! lol
do you have any pics of Dee? :)

[borzoimom]

Applesmom story of her back flip prompted me to post my leg situation.
I had my bag packed for my trip to NY to get my long awaited borzoi pup for days. The car ready- the cage to transport, and couldnt sleep the night before I left. I had a 8 hour trip in 6 hours ( don't ask... lol) to arrive to the most beautiful set up I ever saw in my life. As my breeder said opening the gate as a litter comes rushing at me- with a giggle she says " tell me which one is yours picked to show as pick of the litter.." All looked the same, but I recognized the face- IT WAS ZUBIN... I spent the whole day with him and his litter mate- stayed the night at her house as she was also having a dinner party, meanwhile- nice party or not- I wanted to get my boy home. The 8 hour trip back turned into 10 with a lock up accident on a major highway- but I didnt care.. Arriving at home later than expected, we introduced the pup to Hottie and Femka. Hottie giving a sniff- okay fine- I do not know what that is, but its too big to chase ( "whew my mind though") and we retired for the night after hours of playing with him and making the other two feel they were not replaced, and having a puppy was fun.
The next morning- rain.. all day with a puppy with going outside. Finally about 4pm it finally stopped and as I took him out on a leash I wanted to show him the parimeter of the yard- walking in tennis shoes, I started down the " hang gliding ramp" ( yes- that is what it was used for by the previous owner" . Being pulled slightly, my feet went out from under me. My left leg going faster, until the foot caught a rock but the leg kept going.. I felt and heard a sickening "SNAP"... My husband starts yelling are you okay- are you okay, as I rolled over in blinding pain.. My husband comes flying down the hill. falling too but got to me- and I kept saying " grab the puppy GRAB THE PUPPY" holding on to the leash with all the my might in blinding pain. Darrell grabs the leash- saying " can you get up???" - last thing I remember was " I am calling the rescue squad, and he and zubin left. Maybe just a matter of seconds, not sure, but I woke up- then looked around- no one in the yard, and we have bears.. I tried to stand and almost blacked out- bag this I muttered- I am crawling- looking over my shoulder left and right for a bear, confused where my husband went, I started crawling up the ramp. .. lol.. ( I must have looked a sight to a bear..) Using my fingernails to grip the dirt finally I made it to the flat at the concrete porch and that is when the craling hurt with every movement and flinch feeling like daggers.. My husband opened the door, and pulled me to my feet- " where is the puppy??" he starts to laugh- he is in the house but you are NOT!".. anyway- doctor at the hospital said " you broke your fibula in half but repaired in surgery but first we need to get the swelling down as the ankle is badly sprained as well. A week later, expecting a 2-4 inch plate and like 3-4 screws, I woke up with a " the bone was broken more than we expected so we put a 6.5 inche plate with 14 screws and two screws in the ankel.. ( I was in a wheel chair for 3 weeks..) However- my new puppy, one I waited for months to get, learned wheel chairs and walkers were second nature to him, and 6 months later became a therapy dog.... lol..

[#1Wolflover]

I'm sure mostly everyone read this already, as it was Kiara's DOTD story. I wanted to share it again as I started crying again today.

I had Kiara outside (leashed) and as cars went by she cowered and leaned on me. My poor girl has become so much more skiddish from her experience, and I am a lot more protective, if that's possible.



http://dogoftheday.com/archive/2006/November/23.jpg
Kiara is such a pretty dog!

[#1Wolflover]

Applesmom story of her back flip prompted me to post my leg situation.
I had my bag packed for my trip to NY to get my long awaited borzoi pup for days. The car ready- the cage to transport, and couldnt sleep the night before I left. I had a 8 hour trip in 6 hours ( don't ask... lol) to arrive to the most beautiful set up I ever saw in my life. As my breeder said opening the gate as a litter comes rushing at me- with a giggle she says " tell me which one is yours picked to show as pick of the litter.." All looked the same, but I recognized the face- IT WAS ZUBIN... I spent the whole day with him and his litter mate- stayed the night at her house as she was also having a dinner party, meanwhile- nice party or not- I wanted to get my boy home. The 8 hour trip back turned into 10 with a lock up accident on a major highway- but I didnt care.. Arriving at home later than expected, we introduced the pup to Hottie and Femka. Hottie giving a sniff- okay fine- I do not know what that is, but its too big to chase ( "whew my mind though") and we retired for the night after hours of playing with him and making the other two feel they were not replaced, and having a puppy was fun.
The next morning- rain.. all day with a puppy with going outside. Finally about 4pm it finally stopped and as I took him out on a leash I wanted to show him the parimeter of the yard- walking in tennis shoes, I started down the " hang gliding ramp" ( yes- that is what it was used for by the previous owner" . Being pulled slightly, my feet went out from under me. My left leg going faster, until the foot caught a rock but the leg kept going.. I felt and heard a sickening "SNAP"... My husband starts yelling are you okay- are you okay, as I rolled over in blinding pain.. My husband comes flying down the hill. falling too but got to me- and I kept saying " grab the puppy GRAB THE PUPPY" holding on to the leash with all the my might in blinding pain. Darrell grabs the leash- saying " can you get up???" - last thing I remember was " I am calling the rescue squad, and he and zubin left. Maybe just a matter of seconds, not sure, but I woke up- then looked around- no one in the yard, and we have bears.. I tried to stand and almost blacked out- bag this I muttered- I am crawling- looking over my shoulder left and right for a bear, confused where my husband went, I started crawling up the ramp. .. lol.. ( I must have looked a sight to a bear..) Using my fingernails to grip the dirt finally I made it to the flat at the concrete porch and that is when the craling hurt with every movement and flinch feeling like daggers.. My husband opened the door, and pulled me to my feet- " where is the puppy??" he starts to laugh- he is in the house but you are NOT!".. anyway- doctor at the hospital said " you broke your fibula in half but repaired in surgery but first we need to get the swelling down as the ankle is badly sprained as well. A week later, expecting a 2-4 inch plate and like 3-4 screws, I woke up with a " the bone was broken more than we expected so we put a 6.5 inche plate with 14 screws and two screws in the ankel.. ( I was in a wheel chair for 3 weeks..) However- my new puppy, one I waited for months to get, learned wheel chairs and walkers were second nature to him, and 6 months later became a therapy dog.... lol..
I love your doggie pics! :)

[Taz_Zoee]

A girl I use to work with had a neighbor who had a few dogs. Last year (around this same time) my co-worker came to work and told me that the neighbors dog had to find a new home outside of the city limits or she would be put down.
The reason for this was Pepsi had two litters of pups in her short life and each time she had puppies she had biten someone in the neighborhood. Both times it was reported so after the second time Animal Control said she had to go. My co-worker was very upset because she said Pepsi was such a good dog. She was just being protective of her puppies. Of course my first question was why didn't they get her fixed, but they couldn't afford it.
So anyway, my first thought, in order to save this poor dog, was my mother. They live out in the country and have a kennel set up that will fit 4 dogs and currently only had two using them. I called my mom and told her Pepsi's story. She, and suprisingly my father too, were just disgusted at these owners for allowing this to happen. And just as I thought my mom agreed to take her, on the condition that they fixed her first. So my co-worker helped them find a low cost place and even paid for it herself to get her fixed.
I took her out to my mom's place and now a year later Pepsi is the only outside dog, due to my sisters three GSD's passing away, and is loving her new home. She has NEVER shown aggression toward anyone and my 12 year old niece plays with her everyday.
She is super fast and can jump real high to catch a frisbee. She tires my mom out with playing chase with a tennis ball. My mom had to break her from the bad habit of chewing on rocks too. Poor dog hardly has any teeth because of this.
The other day my mom was at my brothers, which is right next door, and my niece went to the door to let Pepsi in. PEEYEWWW!!!! Pepsi had decided to try to play with a skunk!!! My mom took her home and usually on the walk home Pepsi will run ahead on the trail. This time, to my mothers' dismay, she walked slowly right beside her. I think she knew my mom wasn't happy with her. So my mom had to gag the whole way home and give her a bath. Not sure what she used, but she has tried many variations with skunk bathes. And the next day her hands still smelled like skunk. YUCK!! She said you could see the yellow spot on Pepsi's white chest where the skunk got her.

Anyway, the point of this story is how we saved a wonderful dog from being put to sleep because of the owners ignorance.
Pepsi has a great home and my mom still has one outside dog to care for. She also has a min-pin inside that is almost 18 years old.
I am not sure what breed Pepsi is, but over the holidays I am going to try to get some pictures of her and post her here on PT to see if anyone can help me figure out what she is.

[#1Wolflover]

A girl I use to work with had a neighbor who had a few dogs. Last year (around this same time) my co-worker came to work and told me that the neighbors dog had to find a new home outside of the city limits or she would be put down.
The reason for this was Pepsi had two litters of pups in her short life and each time she had puppies she had biten someone in the neighborhood. Both times it was reported so after the second time Animal Control said she had to go. My co-worker was very upset because she said Pepsi was such a good dog. She was just being protective of her puppies. Of course my first question was why didn't they get her fixed, but they couldn't afford it.
So anyway, my first thought, in order to save this poor dog, was my mother. They live out in the country and have a kennel set up that will fit 4 dogs and currently only had two using them. I called my mom and told her Pepsi's story. She, and suprisingly my father too, were just disgusted at these owners for allowing this to happen. And just as I thought my mom agreed to take her, on the condition that they fixed her first. So my co-worker helped them find a low cost place and even paid for it herself to get her fixed.
I took her out to my mom's place and now a year later Pepsi is the only outside dog, due to my sisters three GSD's passing away, and is loving her new home. She has NEVER shown aggression toward anyone and my 12 year old niece plays with her everyday.
She is super fast and can jump real high to catch a frisbee. She tires my mom out with playing chase with a tennis ball. My mom had to break her from the bad habit of chewing on rocks too. Poor dog hardly has any teeth because of this.
The other day my mom was at my brothers, which is right next door, and my niece went to the door to let Pepsi in. PEEYEWWW!!!! Pepsi had decided to try to play with a skunk!!! My mom took her home and usually on the walk home Pepsi will run ahead on the trail. This time, to my mothers' dismay, she walked slowly right beside her. I think she knew my mom wasn't happy with her. So my mom had to gag the whole way home and give her a bath. Not sure what she used, but she has tried many variations with skunk bathes. And the next day her hands still smelled like skunk. YUCK!! She said you could see the yellow spot on Pepsi's white chest where the skunk got her.

Anyway, the point of this story is how we saved a wonderful dog from being put to sleep because of the owners ignorance.
Pepsi has a great home and my mom still has one outside dog to care for. She also has a min-pin inside that is almost 18 years old.
I am not sure what breed Pepsi is, but over the holidays I am going to try to get some pictures of her and post her here on PT to see if anyone can help me figure out what she is.
I loved your story!!! :p

[Suki Wingy]

Wolfluver, we're not really sure what breed. Although he has spots (actually tickmarks) we don't see much if any dal in him. We think he must have some pit bull and australian cattle dog.
http://longfellow.zoto.com/img/45/1ef8eb65bb6fcbc095c90598083229d3-.jpg

[#1Wolflover]

Wolfluver, we're not really sure what breed. Although he has spots (actually tickmarks) we don't see much if any dal in him. We think he must have some pit bull and australian cattle dog.
http://longfellow.zoto.com/img/45/1ef8eb65bb6fcbc095c90598083229d3-.jpg
well he certainly is a beautiful dog, but I'd have to look into it to see what breed exactly. So is he a mix for sure, or do you just think?

[#1Wolflover]

Wolfluver, we're not really sure what breed. Although he has spots (actually tickmarks) we don't see much if any dal in him. We think he must have some pit bull and australian cattle dog.
http://longfellow.zoto.com/img/45/1ef8eb65bb6fcbc095c90598083229d3-.jpg
well i checked into it and it looks sort of like an australian cattle dog, but probably a mix between! :p

[#1Wolflover]

I absolutely love everyones stories! Thanks everyone for sharing! :D

[Hellow]

HUGE bumpidy bump!