Hachi!

Okay, I know I’m a couple of years behind, but I just saw Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. Wow! What a great movie. Based on a true story, it is a real testament to the loyalty and love that can be shared between dogs and their people. If you haven’t already seen it, take a look at the trailer below.

If you currently have or have ever had a dog that you loved dearly, I highly recommend this movie. Oh, and a big box of tissues!

Routine Behavior

Toby has a routine – not a potty routine or an eating routine. Rather, a routine that revolves around my husband getting home from work. Toby can be sleeping soundly, curled up in the corner of the couch, but as soon as he hears the garage door open, he’s up. Ears perked, ready to go.

My husband will come in the back door and Toby will stand in the living room with his tail wagging furiously. My husband will say “Hi Toby! How’s my boy?”, and Toby will run to him, let himself be pet a couple of times, and then he’ll begin to run. And I mean run. He tucks his bottom underneath himself and races around the living room – at least one or two laps. Once he’s done, he heads to the kitchen and stands in front of the fridge, barking until my husband gives him a piece of ice from the freezer.  Then he trots into the living room, chews up the ice, and heads back to the couch. Done.

It happens this way every night. No real variation. He loves it when his Daddy gets home.

Does your dog have any funny routine behaviors?

What’s Your Breed?

Do you have a favorite breed of dog? A fan of the Golden Lab? A Chihuahua lover? Or do you favor a hearty mutt? According to the AKC, in 2009, the most popular breeds in the United States were the following:

• Labrador Retriever
• German Shepherd
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Golden Retriever
• Beagle
• Boxer Bulldog
• Dachshund
• Poodle
• Shih Tzu

Is your favorite on the list?

Saving Gracie – Have you read it?

I’m about half way through the book Saving Gracie: How One Dog Escaped the Shadowy World of American Puppy Mills by Carol Bradley. It’s the amazing true story of one dog’s rescue from a Pennsylvania puppy mill and how this Cavalier King Charles Spaniel went from being a sad, sickly and forlorn animal, worn out from bearing litter after litter, into a loving, healthy member of her new family.

The book details the rescue itself, the stories of the dogs‘ journeys from the mill to their forever homes, and the heroic tales of the people who stepped forward to save more than 300 dogs from deplorable and life threatening conditions.

I’m half way through the book and I’m riveted. The scary and reprehensible world of puppy mills is blown wide open in this true story and my heart is breaking as I read the stories of the brave and committed people who worked tirelessly to bring the puppy mill operators to justice, and spent countless hours and hundreds of thousands of dollars to care for and rehabilitate the small, voiceless survivors of the raid.

If you get the chance, please check it out. It’s worth it, even if only to understand the dark world of unethical breeding, animal neglect and cruelty that needs to be eliminated, and that all of God’s creatures, big and small, deserve a life of compassion, peace and love.

Careers for Dog Lovers

There are many jobs available today for dog lovers. The options have increased exponentially outside of the veterinary medicine realm and people at all skill levels have the ability to find fulfilling careers that satisfy their passion for their canine friends. 

Here are just a few examples of the career options available:

• Animal behaviorist – behaviorists work directly with animals and their owners on various psychological and behavioral issues, including separation anxiety, compulsive behaviors and fear-related problems. Most animal behaviorists hold advanced degrees including Masters Degrees or Ph.D’s in animal science.
• Groomers – Dog groomers usually train on the job and get started at grooming salons, pet stores animals shelters or kennels. Some schools offer specific classes on dog grooming.
• Dog trainers – dog trainers work with owners and their pets on everything from obedience training to specialized training such as service dog certification, agility training or showmanship. Trainers can work for individuals, pet stores, shelters or training-specific facilities.
• Kennel or shelter worker – on-the-job training is the first step in becoming a kennel or shelter worker. Responsibilities typically include cleaning cages, feeding and socializing animals, walking dogs, as well as maintaining the facility.
• Dog walker or pet sitter – these jobs allow individuals to take care of dogs when their owners are away from home or unable to accommodate them. Dog walkers may take out individual dogs or lead a group of dogs on a daily walk. Pet sitters may take in an animal for a short period or spend time in the owner’s home taking care of their pets while they are away. These jobs don’t require training, but one would be wise to get liability insurance.
• Pet photographer – have a love for photography and animals? With good equipment and recognized talent, you can combine your loves and specialize in pet portraits.
• Law enforcement – handlers are needed after dogs complete basic training for police, military and airport customs K-9 units. Animal control officers inspect pet stores, kennels, shelter and investigate reports of animal abuse and cruelty.
• Freelance writer – pet-focused publications and websites often recruit freelance writers to cover editorial topics including training, health, pet care, animal issues and more. If you have a writing background and a passion for sharing, this may be a great opportunity for you.

If working with dogs seems like a dream come true, then check out some of the careers listed above. A job in an animal-related field can be very rewarding and a lot of fun. And remember, if you just can’t seem to find the right job for you, there are hundreds of organizations out there that are looking for loving volunteers to help them out.

Welcome!

I’ve decided to start this blog because I have a passion for animals. I am especially fond of dogs as I’ve had them throughout most of my life. My latest little four-legged friend is named Toby. He’s a West Highland Terrier Poodle mix that we rescued from a local shelter when he was 10 weeks old. He’s spunky, smart and has a great energy. I can’t imagine life without him.

Growing up, my dogs were members of the family. I loved them, cuddled with them, and missed them terribly after they were gone. But, I admit, I wasn’t aware of all of the responsibilities of dog ownership – proper training, grooming, socialization, exercise – because my parents did most of that work. Now, not only am I aware of those things, I am immersed in them on a daily basis. In addition, the dogs I had growing up were purchased from breeders or pet stores. Today, I am aware of puppy mills, animal abuse and the importance of spaying and neutering your pets. I’m a supporter of the Humane Society of the United States and donate monthly to the ASPCA. I pay attention to local and national legislation relating to domesticated and wild animals. I watch Animal Planet and the National Geographic Channel. I read whatever I can get my hands on. I’m constantly educating myself and I take my responsibility as Toby’s human incredibly seriously. I also believe I have an obligation to help animals of all species, breeds, shapes and sizes.

So, this blog is going to be a place where I talk about animals. I’ll share information about their health and well-being, training tips and ideas, issues and hot topics, humor and anecdotes, as well as provide resources for other animal owners and advocates.

John Muir said “Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way.” I believe that and I know there are many, many others in the world who feel the same.