Pets

… Will You Follow?..

We took the dogs for their first hike of the season today.

Loving to hike as much as we do, the dogs seem to inherently know when we are about to embark on such an afternoon and eagerly anticipate the invitation to accompany us. Willing to take turns and don a backpack of their own, the Collies are always at the ready …anxiously awaiting to begin an adventure.

Today I decided that I would take Zack, my little Lhasa Apso, along as well and see how he would do.

Zack, a very bossy little dog to the Collies, (read more about him Here), seems to become slightly nervous upon leaving the house. Even a simple walk around the block will sometimes cause unease…his little tail displaying this emotion as it lengthens and drags behind him instead of happily curling over his back. Wanting to include him anyway, I insisted he come along.

As we set out toward our destination, I watched with amusement as the three dogs anxiously tolerated the car ride. Collie ‘noses’ were seen protruding out both sides of the car’s rear windows …somehow processing every scent in the air. Zack sat on my lap.. happy but cautious to our destination, .. the excitement to launch mounting with every passing minute.

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Eyes which saw hatred…

See now, …only love.

The evil men do: …”Madison’s” Story.

Wanting to share Madison’s story not only with the attempt to continually raise the awareness of animal cruelty, but to pay tribute to the ‘angels’ that go out of their way to battle it.

Madison and her ten litter mates were ‘bagged’ and thrown to their deaths from a bridge and into a river in Kentucky, January 2007. A bystander, … recognized here as an ‘Angel’ of Intervention, bearing witness to this horrific crime, attempted to rescue the puppies from this obscene, undeserved fate. Although acting hastily, unfortunately, ..only six pups survived the impact of the fall.

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For every Thing, …there is a Season.

It will always be difficult.

After 8 years of assisting in a Veterinary Hospital, I still choke back tears at the euthanizing of a family pet. Usually a life-long companion to the fortunate, it is so hard to say good-bye.

A painless procedure for the animal as they quietly succumb to life’s end, it is, by far, the most painful decision a pet owner must make. Somewhat comforted by the fact that a good life was provided, or perhaps not wishing any needless suffering be endured, ..it still remains unbearable. …Left in its aftermath is a whirlwind of emotional turmoil…and a love, …void of recipient.

I am sympathetic to the loss of any animal companion and am aware that immediately the human lives will be altered. Realized in even the most subtlest of ways… the familiar, ritualistic habits become no longer necessary. Tonight there will be no food dishes to fill or any last late night ‘walk’ to be taken ..or in the absence of a lulling ‘purr’, there is at least a fortnight of guaranteed sleeplessness.

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A long time favorite, I have been a Collie owner for over 11 years. A loyal, noble, and good natured dog, I find this breed to be one of the more beautiful that there is.

A herding dog originating from Scotland, the breeds’ standard was drawn up in 1886 and still describes it as it is today. His expression, an important hallmark, is dependent on the shape and balance of the muzzle. It is this finely refined head that is vital to the look of the Collie.

His stance, noble and dignified, is amplified by his magnificent ‘ruff’ … luxuriantly full and framing his head. His gait, while suggesting effortless speed, is similar to that of a wolf. With the ability to change speed and direction instantly, he is an extremely agile dog…all the while remaining graceful in motion.

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With ever a leery eye, she observes me from a distance…never getting too close.

As her tail delicately wraps around her paws, she sits scrutinizing me… watching my every move…questioning my intentions.

In pursuit of a kitten, I found her at a Humane Society. A six week ball of black fur, she sat timidly hunkered in a cage, …desiring invisibility, …unaware that such an outcome might lead to her demise. I took her home anyway, despite her shyness, …determined to secure her life.

I named her “Brew”, and she adapted easily to the other animals in the house. It was only with me she remained guarded, …slinking down to avoid an outreached hand, …clearly displaying her apprehension at being touched. She sought solace from her reclusiveness by mindlessly ’suckling’, …on anything from fabric, …to tail.

Our means of interaction was restricted to words. Speaking softly and soothingly, she slowly, …hesitantly, …let down her guard, …cautiously visiting when she deemed me unthreatening. With continued reassurance to soothe her unease, …I allowed her to control the pace of our friendship.

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Todays post is written in a disquieted state of mind. I apologize for that, as it’s never my intention.

I could add this post to my “Animal Health Tip” section of my blog. However, after just experiencing a “What If” moment, I think it warrants its own posting.

I just let my three dogs out for the second time today. I have them all trained on Invisible Fence and they do well. Problem is I misplaced,(…ok lost) a ‘fence’ *collar for a Collie and it never turned back up. I’ve been rotating collars between the two Collies and used my dog “run” for the other…..for the most part.

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I love animals.

I love the companionship they offer, …the unconditional love, …and the never-ending devotion. (…well, in dogs at least anyway…the jury’s still out on the ‘devotion’ attributes of a cat.)

In my home, eight animals reside… five cats and three dogs. For the most part, we all live in harmony..every’body’ knows their place, …and life is good.

However, as with most things in life, there is always somebody or something to upset the ‘Apple Cart’. For me, it’s a little Lhasa Apso…named “Zack”.

Devoted to me wholeheartedly, his behavior, at times, could be less than ideal.

A self-appointed ‘head of the house’ this little tyrant it not only seen, …but exasperatingly heard. He torments my two collies on a daily basis. With a 24/7, relentless, “gggrrrrrrrrrr”, he continually tries to assert his authority. He’s gotten so efficient at this he’s able to produce this growl on his inhaled breath as well. …Breathe in, ‘ggrrrrr’; Breathe out, ‘ggrrrrr’; in,’ggrrrrr’; out, ‘ggrrrrr’ …All. …Day. …Long.

When he’s not being ‘vocal’, rare as that is, he will stealthily wait to cunningly steal a ‘chew’, biding his time till the coast is clear… …never mind that he has one of his own. On completion of a successful mission, he’ll move away…only to sit over his loot, ….hoarding it…Taunting the collies to ‘come get it’, …if they can.

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On A Walk With A Collie…Or Two.

Dogs.

Trustworthy, devoted companions, …ever loving and forgiving.

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own traits and characteristics…but all capable of demonstrating the same human-canine bond. It is this connection which dog owners find enriching and rewarding.

My dog of choice is the Collie. Collies are a beautiful, noble, well-tempered dog and adapt well into most households. Although maintenance can be high, one look into those expressive, warm, brown eyes and one cannot help to be charmed. I have two Collies, brothers, who will be four years old this month. These guys love to camp, hike, and go for long walks, as do I. It was on one of these walks that today’s post was inspired as my dogs reflected ‘life’ back at me, through their own distinct personalities.

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