Dog Philosophy

If you live by these dog rules, you will be a happier person!
There's a lot we humans can learn from dogs. If you live your life by the same philosophy that dogs do, you will be much better off in life. In the wild, animals fight only for two things, not a fancy car, not clothes or jewelry, they just fight for food or a mate, everything else they get after that is just pure happiness.

 
1. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
3. When loved ones come home, always run and greet them.
4. When it's in your best interest, always practice obedience.
5. Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
6.Take naps and always stretch before rising.
7. Run, romp and play daily.
8. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
9. Be loyal.
10. Never pretend to be something you're not.
11. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
12. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
13. Delight in the simple joys of a long walk.
14. Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
15. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
16. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
17. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
18. No matter how often you are criticized, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.

Look what a Dog with Addison's Disease can do!

Didn't I tell you that a dog with Canine Addison's Disease can do Anything!!

Aidan the dog with Canine Addison's disease competes in the AKC National Agility Championship in Lexington Virgina.

I am including some notes that Karen wrote on her Facebook page about Aidan's run at the Nationals.

Karen & Aidan

"Aidan walked in like he owned the place, and paid heed to nothing but his tug, his mom, and the rabbit meat in my pocket.  Same ol' Aidan, no matter what.  A dog of his caliber is rare, priceless."

We stepped to the start line, and Aidan waited for the signal, and handled as well, or better, than ever before.  Too bad I didn't!

 I pushed him past jump 3, and after checking in with me, he proceeded to the tunnel.

We regrouped and finished what I felt was one of the best runs ever.  I was proud to be show casing my little whippet.

No problem with the weave pole entrance, running A frame was perfect. 

Every turn was graceful and efficient.  I couldn't have asked for better. 

I felt like we were dancing, our bodies practically singing with motion inspired harmony.  Our time was respectable, considering the error, and I was left thinking of what could of been, but happy as well with what was.

Aidan was diagnosed with Canine Addison's disease just over a year ago. His Mom Karen is incredibly devoted to her furkids and was devastated when she diagnosed Aidan with Primary Typical Addison's disease ( yes Karen is a Vet ). She figured his agility career was over and she knew how much he loved it. Karen sought out the Canine Addison's Support Group on Yahoo and we quickly changed her mind about what Aidan could do.. She switched Aidan from Florinef to percorten and has never looked back. 

When I asked Karen if I could post Aidan's pictures on my blog, her reply was, "Absolutely, I want all to know that these are awesome dogs that just happen to have Addison's."

Karen also has some video of Aidan run at the Nationals that I will put up as soon as I have it.

ADogs ROCK!!

I rescued a Human Today...

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.

A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one. Yes, I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

Letter to our Dogs!

Letter To The Dog
 And all of us, who understand that with love comes the sacrifice of certain things, including privacy, sanity and carpets.

I love you!

I really do.
You are my light, my life and my ray of sunshine on the cloudiest day.

There are a few things you should know, though.

The toilet will NOT pull me in, and there is no secret exit from the bathroom. I do not need you to guard me when I go to the bathroom.

I can finish an entire meal, without your help. I promise!

I put your food in a bowl, because you weren't raised in a barn and I want your food clean, healthy and free of disease, you do not need to spread it all over the floor, before you eat it.

I truly value that you want to share with me, but please, do not share your dead rabbit, bird, rodent, opossum, chicken or other 'little critters' with me at 3 in the morning.
And do not hide them for later, they won't be there.

I do not require you to bring me water in your mouth. You do not need to dribble water on my face, my lap, my head, my legs or my arms. Nor do you need to spit a mouthful of water in my lap, while I am on the toilet. If I want water, I can fill the glass. I do NOT need you to bring me water, just because you drink from the toilet and I am currently sitting on it.

I do not need your slimy cow hoof or rawhide in the bed, I can sleep just fine without chewing on something, even if you can't.The bed, it is NOT a trampoline.
I do not need you to roll your brother/sister on my back, it does not substitute for a massage.

I am sleeping. I do not need you to investigate my face, kiss me, groom me or walk on my hair to know you are there. I feel you in my heart all the time.
I understand that you want to sleep under the covers. It is not necessary to dig me out from under the covers, to alert me to the fact that you want under the blankies.
Pick a blanket and get under it.
There is NO blanket monster, it really is my hand. After 5 years, I think you would know this. It does NOT need to die, be dug out from under the blankets or have your teeth wrapped around it or your claws in it.

If I wanted the bed moved, I would move it. Ramming your brother or sister full speed into the bed, is not the way we move furniture.

The couch and love seat are OURS. We share it. You do not have to sit on my head when I sit on the love seat. There is room for both of us. It is not necessary to sit on my lap, the moment I sit down. You weigh 60 pounds, or more, depending on which one of you it is. I need to get my breath before you sit on me.I do require oxygen to live. Your snout in my mouth is not a source of oxygen.

The couch, like the bed, IS NOT a trampoline.

You get dirty, I understand that. You enjoy being dirty.
You do not need to wipe your feet on my leg.
You do not need to step on my feet with your, to show me how dirty you are.
Believe me, I know you are a mud wallering piglet.
I love you, dirt and all.
I understand that the carpet will never be same color again.
I realize you believe muddy foot prints on the floor are works of art, so do I!
I don't believe they need to be shared with my lap.

"Talking" to me is part of your nature.
I understand this. I talk to you. I sing to you. I howl to you, mostly to watch you try to howl. Talking to me, an hour after I get in bed, is NOT necessary. You can tell me when we get up. Telling me the whole story the moment I walk in the house is GREAT, telling me the whole story in the middle of the night, is not!

The great outdoors, is great!!! We both love it.
I do not need to hear about the leaf that drifted across the yard.
The bird that landed in your yard, does not require a call to arms for the entire house.
The noisy truck driving down the road, is not an imminent danger.
The car that pulled into our driveway might be.

I realize the meter reader is your friend. You think he's great. You talk to him. He likes you. Great! I'm glad you don't think he should die! I'm sure he does too. I do not need you to run in and out the dog door in a frenzy, alerting 3 counties to the fact that the meter reader came to see you and he has treats!

Speaking of the dog door, it is there, because I think you need to pee when I'm not right there. I know that sometimes... "holding it" isn't an option.
It is not a revolving door. It is not there so you can admire the great outdoors, while keeping your ass warm as cute as it is.
When you go out the dog door, take your entire body with you, this includes your tail. We are not heating or cooling the entire world. *(now I know what my mother meant about the door)
Three of you will never fit through the dog door at the same time. Even if it amusing to watch... Your sister is getting older, it is not fun to trap her outside in a storm. Back up and let her in the dog door, she can't come in, while you're standing with your shoulders through the dog door.

Finally, Personal space is just that, personal.
My boobs are not a step to help you get further in my face.

I brush my teeth, with a toothbrush, your tongue is not for cleaning my mouth.

I do not need my eyeballs licked, ever.

I appreciate your tender loving care, but I use a kleenex to blow my nose, not your tongue.

I do love your kisses but can you limit the French kissing..

I assure you, nothing has changed since the last time I changed clothes, I do not need supervision and the clothing does not eat me.

If I am on the toilet, there is nothing to investigate. I let you go to the bathroom by yourself, please let me. If I am watching you go, there is a reason for it. I will not run up and stick my nose in your business.

Dad pays attention to you the minute he walks in the door and so do I.

We both love you kiss you and pet you. Just because we pay attention to each other does not mean we have forgotten you are there. We do not need help to give each other a kiss. And your Dad touching me, is in no way an affront to the attention he gives you.

We love you, like no other. Each and every one of you is special to us, in your own special way.

We will always share our home, our couch, our bed and our food.

We will always make sure you have what you need to be healthy, happy and well adjusted.

We will always make time for you, even when there isn't any.

We put you first in our lives and look after you each and every day before we look after ourselves... Ok ok Dad gets his coffee first but I don't, I look after you before anything..

We will always find the money to fix it, even when we don't have it.

We will always make sure your belly is full, even if it means ours aren't.

We will always be grateful you came into our lives. Even when you leave us.

But, please understand, if I tell you it will take a minute, it will take a minute, if you try to help me? It will take 3 times longer!!!!

If I tell you it's time for bed, it's time for bed, not time to wrestle!

If I tell you I love you, it means I'll give you everything of me, just like I know you will give me all of you.

You're my light, my life and my love.

Now, seriously, shut up and go to sleep!

Upcoming Vacation

Well it is almost that time, and I so need a vacation. We are heading to Cozumel on the 9th of March for two weeks. Emma is coming with is and we are meeting Maddie, Steven, Desmond and Danika in Toronto and flying down to Coz together. Then on the 12th Angie, Steven and Aselin are coming for a week.
It will be so good to have the whole family together in such a lovely place.. 
I get to see the grandkids all in one place.. 

The pups are going to the pet sitter and even though I feel guilty about leaving them I know they will be well looked after. Raider is finally doing better, no diarrhea in over a week, the new food seems to have done the trick. Will still keep him on the antibiotics while we are gone just to be safe.

Work has been absolutely crazy busy and I so need a break. 5 Sleeps!!!