Repost: Adopting Shelter Dogs Works For Me! From 4/10/13

I have two dogs whom I adopted from less than Ideal situations. First, Romeo, a “Cocka-Poo” (Cocker Spaniel/Poodle). He is my calming influence. A good natured happy guy with good manners. Always ready for a game of “ball” or “stick”, plays well with others, as long as they don’t do much “Biting” (he hates that). I adopted Romeo when a gal at work, who owns a boarding kennel, put an ad in our Intra Net classifieds. It appeared Romeo was boarded at the kennel, and the owner, skipped out on paying and skipped out on Romeo. Well first look at Romeo and I was in love. I recognized his calmness, and his love of riding in the truck almost immediately (His favorite place to sit in the Truck is right on the back of the seat- I am thinking so he can look out both front and rear windows. Anyway He is a good dog, one of the best I have ever had!

   

 Buddy, my little “Cocka-Tsu” (Cocker Spaniel/Shi Tsu) on the other hand, well if Romeo is my calming influence, Buddy is my “Let’s go out and ride that damn roller coaster” influence. He is my little comedian. And a great source of entertainment. And when I say “adopted from less than Ideal situations, he wasn’t abused or anything. He was a foster dog at A.A.R.F. and waited a long time for a forever home. People that would try him out, I’m afraid were not patient, expecting a perfectly mannered canine. And get sent back. And while his “foster parents” are all great people, that has got to mess up a dog’s confidence.  Buddy likes to bark and play. And if he is hurting will bite (nip) when you touch him. I can’t blame him for that – I am the same way. So I let him bark when he is hungry until it is dinner time. And it is fine. So with Buddy you have to practice patience.

  

 My adopted pets work for me. Maybe it’s because they have such opposite personalities. Maybe it’s because I think of them as children. All I know is adopted dogs that others have work for them. Sometimes you just have to wait it out!

BUSY WEEKEND- Marathons, dogs and water Oh My!

 Pretty busy weekend... on Saturday, we held our 2nd "Park & Bark", we (B-Town D.O.G.) are holding these monthly to show the need that we need an Off-Leash Dog Park in the city of Burien, so our four legged friends have some where to run and play! And on Sunday Yours truly volunteered to work a "watering station" for the annual Cove to Clover" Half marathon, 10K, 5K and "Wee Race". I think the dogs running was better, although my hats off to all those who chose to run in the C2C!

Some of the dogs and humans that came out to Park and Bark 

The cove to clover is a neat thing because so many charities benefit from it, including A.A.R.F. (Animal Aid and Rescue Foundation) the folks who let me adopt Buddy! And they where out in force as a running team

Here comes the Runners... Here is the water!!!

The TEAM AARF Running Team!

Pets Add LIFE!!!

Reasons to get a pet( From the PAL web page):

Pets Help to Reduce Stress. Walking with a pet helps to sooth nerves and offers instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet. (Josephine M. Wills, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, United Kingdom)

Pets Help to Prevent Heart Disease and lower blood pressure. Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus a measure of protection from heart disease. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)

Pets Help to Fight Depression. Pets help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security. (Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship)

Add joy. Pets are the best! They're wonderful companions for kids and adults alike. Just think, no matter how bad a day you had, your dog will still love you, your cat will still cuddle you and your fish will still relax you buy swimming in graceful patterns. From canines to cockatoos, felines to fish, tree frogs to turtles, geckos to guinea pigs, owning a pet can bring immeasurable joy to your life.

Add health. There's nothing like a wagging tail or a friendly paw on your knee to lift your mood. Pets are therapeutic and we have scientific proof! Seriously, research shows that pets really are good for us humans. They help us fight depression, lower our blood pressure, reduce stress and prevent heart disease. All of which helps to lower health care costs. So there you have it, pets are a daily dose of good health and happiness.

Add the right pet. Pets are big, small, furry and scaly. Some have lips, some don't. The point is, every animal has specific needs for feeding, grooming, exercise and health care. You may have an idea of the type of pet you'd like to own. But your choice might not fit your lifestyle. It's important to consider the demands of your career or your family before buying a pet. For example, if you're single, work 12-hour days and travel frequently, a dog wouldn't be the best choice for you. Before getting a pet, do your homework. Pet ownership is a huge responsibility! Don't become a pet parent unless you're prepared to take good care of your new baby.

Find your new BFF today at a Shelter near you. Need more info? Check the PALS Page or ADOPT A PET.com 

 

Dog wants a Kitty

And now for a word from our "sponsors"........
Adopt a shelter cat or dog today!!!

D.Y.I. DNA TESTING

I am a big fan of CSI but that is not the reason I got a DNA test kit to test Buddy. Or maybe it is- maybe I just wanna be CSI Gill Grissom for a few minutes... and I have my first case in years...

He just looks guilty.

CSI investigation #867-5309
Suspect- Buddy "Bucko" Johnson
Crime- None as of yet,  possible impersonation of a Cockapoo; and possible suspicion of pooping on the rug, and the occasional garbage invasion, eating food wrappers and packaging. And his brother, Romeo (adopted) says to add destroying all the boom booms. (Stuffed toy animals)

Reason For DNA Sample: Suspect is of mixed breed make up. Need to take DNA to establish his genetic make up, in the case of Buddy getting older, knowing his breed sill help in the instance and curtailing certain breed specific diseases, helping him to be a happier healthier dog, enabling him to commit far more heinous crimes in the future
I recieved a Canine DNA kit from Wisompanel. In the kit there are two swabs for taking a saliva samples from suspect's cheek and gums. The sample is then sealed and sent to the main lab in Lincoln, Nebraska. And then I wait patiently for Buddy's results. Allowing me time to fly home to Las Vegas, Nevada and give my wife, CSI Sarah Sidle, a little pickle tickle and a bouquet of flowers. And maybe some blowfly larvae.

Respectfully Submitted-
Gil Grissom
3rd shift Supervisor, LVPD Crime Lab

TO BE CONTINUED

AARF Fun!

Romeo and Buddy checking out the goodies!

What I did on my weekend. Well I had to work, but I did have some time to attend the annual A.A.R.F (Animal Assistance and Rescue Foundation), where I adopted Buddy, Whine and Cheese Auction. While auctioning, I bid on some great items, and won two... A gift basket of dog goodies, which includes a grooming and a pet sitting certificates!

YUMMY!!!

And a guilt free  Raw Chocolate Cheesecake, which as you can see is slowly getting eaten, piece by delicious piece, from Deceptive Delights, a bakery that specializes in no guilt desserts! And too SWAG Bags full of goodies and food for Romeo and Buddy! All in all a good night and a great organization for dogs!

2nd Hand Hound

I took off Friday to go to Second Hand Hound, in Ruston, (North Tacoma), A unique idea in Pet Supplies... A second hand store for dogs! Very green idea this... They sell all sorts of pre-owned dog gear- toy's, coats, crates leashes, collars; even life jackets for Fido!

Buddy Bucko

The reason I went all the way to Ruston was they are also very involved in the pet rescue community, and I wanted to meet a potential new dog, Buddy, a cocker mix, like Romeo.

Romeo and Buddy

So Romeo and I got in the car and traveled south, were we met the cutest little guy named Buddy Bucko. Romeo seemed to like him just fine and vice-versa. I took him and Romeo for a little walk. They performed on the leashes perfectly. So now I am filling out adoption papers for Buddy, who knows maybe soon Romeo   will have a new "little Brother"!


More to come....

Burien Pet Adoption Center!

I am so happy to be getting a new home!

Well the good news is that after almost a year, Burien, which has opted to do their own animal control and fire the county, now has a Pet Adoption Center, right near my home! The new center is located at 13622 First Ave South., and is open Monday through Saturday, with the exception of tuesdays.

According to their website:Burien Animal Care & Control is proud to announce the opening of its new Adoption Center at 13622 1st Ave S. in Burien. The new location provides space for housing cats and kittens in individual and communal spaces, as well as a small medical and treatment area for routine care and surgical sterilization of all pets adopted. A small retail space will also allow for the sale of gently used and new pet products with all proceeds benefiting the animals being housed at the center.
Burien Animal Care & Control will continue to subcontract with local boarding facilities to shelter stray and adoptable dogs. All pets available for adoption can be viewed online at PetFinder.com. Search for “Burien Animal Care & Control”.
The Burien Animal Care & Control Adoption Center is open Monday, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The center is closed Tuesdays and Sundays. Residents can apply for city licenses for their pets at the new location. More info at: http://www.burienacc.weebly.com/

Hmmm... maybe a volunteer oppurtunity.

VOTE FOR BLITZKREIG

Blitzkreig and his pack! Photo Courtesy Condo Blues

Todays post is in honor of a great dog. Not Romeo. If you follow Condo Blues, you know that Lisa's puppy, the One Eyed Wonder, Blitzkreig, is in the running for the Bissell MVP contest. And you probably know that I am on her case as Romeo is Cutest. Dog. In. The. World. And I am ruthless. But I concede that Blitzy should win, as he works so hard for the good of others. Blitsy is a peke whom was abused by a former owner, and luckily Mr. and Mrs. Condo Blues rescued him and gave him a new and remarkable life, full of love, and toys and treats. If Blitzy wins, he will donate the $10,000 prize to The Capital Area Humane Society in Columbus. A very worthy cause indeed. I do know if Romi entered and won, he would blow it on Chicken treats and pull toys. Cause that's how he rolls. So go vote for Blitzkreig and help out lots of animals!

May I introduce ROMEO

Here is the dog formerley known as Romi. I renamed him Romeo. Just so I could see the looks on my neighbors faces when I am outside yelling " Romeo, Romeo where for art thou Romeo?"
It takes so little to amuse me.
He is a bundle of energy, not unlike the Jack Russell two houses down. He met Topaz the labrador. All is fine there. She didn't get all crochety about him being around. Sammy the cat is another story. He looked at me when I brought Romi home and the expression on his face was "What the hell is THAT???" Now Romeo is sleeping on his spot on my bed. That will go over big!
We have already had our first go out to Petsmart and a little later we will walk around the neighborhood. It is good to have a dog again!

PUPPY!!!

Picture by Coghill Cartooning

It looks like I will be a father again. I met the pooch today. His name is Romi. I will be picking him up tomorrow morning. I am such a dip- I stopped by Pets Mart and got him a collar and a retractable leash, and I got an ID Tag made. Now I have to make an appointment to get him "tutored"- that's right I must turn the cock-a-poo into a cock-less-poo. But I am okay with it as I believe in nuetering pets. Bob Barker would kiss me. So would any owners of un-spayed female dogs. But I am not sure of that name. All I can think of is the movie Romy and Michelle- not a bad movie but still... at least Romy was the "smart" one.
Pics tomorrow after he is mine!

News of a different sort

I may not be dog less anymore. I go Friday morning to meet my possible new pup, a Cock-A-Poo whose owner abandoned him at a boarding Kennel. He is 3 years old and according to the kennel owner looks like a Cocker Spaniel with poodle hair. And he needs hair cuts! (One of my best memories of my first yorkie Max, was taking to get him groomed monthly- we would make a whole day of it, He would get groomed and then we would go to the park and have a picnic, sometimes go to pets mart after to look at dog toys)Anyway sounds promising.

Tuffy saga carries on

I talked to the vetrinarian on Friday- They want orange cat to come in for a Ultra sound on his tummy and heart. My mom of course said that would be enough for her to put tuff down- but not for me. The vet said that if they don't find anything Tuff could be treated with medication but what he doesn't know. He was talking biopsies and all sorts of stuff. I guess I will cross that bridge when I come to it.
In my last post I said I have a menagerie of unwanted animals. I guess i should explain that. My yorkie Binkey came from the local Yorkshire terrier rescue. He was there because his former owner had no time for him. My pug was from a gal at work who'd decided her family had lost interest in him. The Chocolate Lab was my roommate martin's mothers former seeing eye dog- she was fired, not a good seeing eye dog-she liked to go off and chase things like squirrels and other dogs- not good when you are working. My cats- Sammy found me the first Christmas I lived here - my neighbor and I figure the family down the street just left him when they moved- he had been feeding him for about a week when this little fluffy black kitty came up to me and Meowed and rubbed my legs and was purring like a demon... and Tuff, well originally I adopted him for my mom's neighbor lady on the proposal that if and when she passed on I would make sure Tuff had a home. She did and I kept my word. that is the short story of how I got my current animals. regular zoo going on here.
So that is how come I said unwanted animals. I urge anyone out there looking for a pet to adopt an unwanted pet from a shelter or rescue society. You will get lots of love in a great package!