The Good Dog: Happy New Year! Keep It Happy: Keep The Dogs In On...

The Good Dog: Happy New Year! Keep It Happy: Keep The Dogs In On...: "When humans get crazy, it often means trouble for dogs. Loud noises, unfamiliar people in the house, loud parties and thumping music can fri..."

Happy New Year! Keep It Happy: Keep The Dogs In On New Year's Eve!

When humans get crazy, it often means trouble for dogs. Loud noises, unfamiliar people in the house, loud parties and thumping music can frighten your dog.

If you're celebrating, put your dog indoors in a safe, quiet location, where visitors aren't likely to go.

If you plan to have a party or an open house, chances are that front door is going to be left open a few times, so keep the animals in a separate room, so that no dogs or kitties are accidentally left outside.

Traffic will be crazy, and there are drunks driving, so if your dog or cat get out on New Year's Eve, the chances are higher that they will be hit by a car.

Over the New Year Holiday, Animal Services are overtasked, and the shelters typically don't open or answer calls until the following business day, so if your dog or cat is lost on Friday,  you may not know if he's been found for Monday or after! That would be awful, right? Right!! SO,

Don't let your New Year become tragic! Protect your pets!

When you adopt a dog, there's no telling who he might become!

Actordogs and Spokesdogs you may know from Film and TV:

"Honey Tree Evil Eye," a Bull Terrier, was a spokesdog for Budwieser. She broke through hollywood stereotypes that said female dogs can't play male dogs, when she played the role of a male dog, "Spuds Mackenzie.

"Paddington," a handsome Golden Retriever, is the well-spoken spokesdog for Bush's Baked Beans.

Rolling in the bucks is Gidget, a tiny female Chihuaua, also bucked Hollywood's stereodogtypes when she played the role of a male dog in Taco Bell commercials, and was in Legally Blonde II, playing the role of Bruiser's mother.

Also wealthier than he weighs, is "Moonie" was the Chihuahua who played Bruiser in Legally Blonde and Legally Blonde II.

"Mother Teresa," a beautiful Newfoundland, starred in the movie, Must Love Dogs. "Mother Teresa" is now seeking a deal with Pantene hair care products.

"Buddy," a Golden Retriever, played Comet in the ABC comedy, Full House.

A Border Collie mix named "Maui" played the role of Murray in the show, Mad About You.
 

 
"Buck," a Briard, played  Buck Bundy on the show Married... with Children.

Animal Care and Control Appreciation, Part 2: China

How would you like your dog to be made into Dog soup? How about some Dog steak, or maybe some spicy Dog with tofu?

As horrifying as that sounds to dog lovers, It's a long-standing tradition in China and in Korea, and Vietnam too, to eat dogs and cats. Dogs and cats are raised solely for meat, are taken off the street, and are also, (it is claimed) stolen from owners, so that Chinese restaurants can put them on the menu. Every day, cagefulls of dogs are slaughtered and eaten. .

During the Beijing Olympics, Chinese officials ordered all dog meat removed from menus at local markets to avoid traumatizing international visitors.

The Chinese government is said to be considering legislation that would make eating cats and dogs illegal.
 Individual violators could face up to 15 days in prison and a small fine, and businesses found guilty of selling dog or cat meat would risk fines up to the equivalent of  $73,500.

Sources report that the law prohibiting cat and dog meat could take as long as a decade to pass.The legislation is gaining support as the people who own pets is on the rise, but cultural mentality is slow to change, and it may take a generation or two before dogs and cats are no longer seen as food sources.

"The dogs you raise at home, you shouldn't eat," a Chinese butcher explains in a CNN interview. "The kind raised for eating, we can eat those."

For more information on what's happening in animal welfare in Asia, try these sites:

Asian Animal Protection Network
Animal Welfare Legislation in China : the Petition Site
Street Animal Welfare in China: Humane Society International
China.org.cn

Animal Care and Control Appreciation: PART 1: India

Rabies is common in most parts of India.The Association for the Prevention and Control of Rabies in India (APCRI) reported in 2004 that there were 20,565 reported human deaths over the period of one year. Due to mis-diagnosis and under-reporting the actual number of rabies deaths is believed to be higher.In India, every year, more than 20,000 people die from Rabies.

Approximately 70% of the victims of rabies in India are children under fifteen. India's Rabies deaths make up nearly 36% of the total deaths due to Rabies, world-wide. While the rest of the industrialized world has effectively eliminated rabies in domesticated animal populations, India has not made a dent in the problem. Awareness  and education on prevention is terribly lacking.

Nearly 96% of rabies cases are due to bites from stray, ownerless, dogs.

The dog population of India is around 25 to 30 million animals.
The city of Delhi alone, is said to have an estimated 200,000 stray dogs. http://www.neoncarrot.co.uk/

The vision of the APCRI includes the aim, "To work for improvement of stray dog control measures with a humane approach and strict implementation of laws of licensing of pets by municipal authorities and routine immunization."

Many reputable animal welfare agencies exist in India, and they do the work which isn't done by the municipal authorities, who seem more interested in global positioning than the quality of life in their own country, or the welfare of their own people.

(Directors note: sorry if that bothers you, India, but it's true.)

Here are but a few of the organizations working in India. They could use your support.

PawsIndia.org
friendicoes.org
circleofanimallovers.org
AnimalSavior.org

and for an exhaustive list (some links are dead) try:Dogs In India.com

A Short List of Christmas Movies about Dogs:

Lady and the Tramp is an an adorable Disney movie, which uncovers the harsh disparities between Cocker Spaniels who have everything and Terrier Mixes who have nothing. It’s a love story, it’s an action film, and it sheds light on the diabolical underworld of talking stray dogs in London, circa 1950.

The Dog Who Saved Christmas is a weird movie in which an ex police dog saves Christmas for the family who adopt him and discover that a dog is supposed to be part of the family and not a security system.(2009, rated PG)

The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation is the sequel to The Dog Who Saved Christmas. There’s a love story between the aforementioned police dog and a poodle, and I’m told there’s some kind of drama/espionage/action thing happening. (2010, rated PG)

In, The 12 Dogs of Christmas, a 12 year old girl fights a “no dog law” by arranging a holiday spectacle with children, adults, and at least twelve dogs. (2004, rated G)

A Dog Named Christmas is a Hallmark movie, so get out your Kleenex. A family fosters a shelter dog during the holidays. The dog helps their developmentally disabled child, and makes the dad a good guy again. Or something. This movie apparently has five star customer ratings on Amazon. (2009, rated G)

I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown – Now here we have a classic, ladies and gentlemen. I recommend this one for everyone, it is guaranteed to bring Christmas cheer to one and all. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL!!

Keep an eye on the dogs around the Christmas Tree! This is so funny...just watch his face. Who says dogs don't know right from wrong?!

Step Two: Behavior Modification

It's working. I can't believe it's working.

The Fighting Poodles are no longer Fighting Poodles! It's only taken a few weeks, ok, maybe I should look at the date of that last post, but it's been a quick transition from argument to play, and from fighting to sleeping together. Awww....

We employed the rules of heirarchy and order: All kids must obey the sit command and wait for permission to eat/go outside/receive a snack. Anyone growling on the couch is gingerly removed from said couch, without a word. If an arguement breaks out,Mom leaves the room (unless that isn't convenient, in which case I provide a distraction (turn off the TV, open or close a door, open or close the drapes...almost anything works)).

And the most important thing: I have to say completely C A L M !

This evening I came home from work and the kids were a little excited, as per usual. Our ritual is that everyone gets a brief greeting (hello Katie, hello Frankie, hello Ava) and then I walk away, so that my arrival is NO BIG DEAL.

However. I failed to make my escape in time, and Katie and Ava were vying for attention. There was a litte growling from Ava, and Katie started to tense up, and began growling...uh oh...It is ON like Donkey Kong!

So I quietly said, "Katie." I looked into Katie's eyes, and I inhaled deeply, and breathed out slowly. A slow, cleansing breath. Katie looked at me, and took her own slow, cleansing breath....and her body relaxed.

We're learning! We're All learning.

Step One: Crates.

I went to PetSmart last night and got two more crates (should have had them already, I know!) and we began crate acclimation. We had snacks in crates, and then later on we had dinner in crates. The photo above shows, (left to right) Ava, Frankie, and Katie, eating dinner in their crates.

I've got Good News, I've Got Bad News. Who Could Ask For Anything More?

The Good News: 

Ava is potty trained! (The crowd goes wild) It took a while, I cleaned up lots of "mistakes," but she's finally got it. We have the back yard, and we have potty pads for nighttime, or when it's too cold/wet to go out. So, we pat ourselves on the back, for a job well done...and then....

The Bad News: 

Ava is demonstrating signs of real anxiety. She's barking and growling at inappropriate things. She's aggressive toward Katie. Three times now, they've gotten themselves so strung out and over-excited that they started fighting. Yes, we've had fights.

Last night, while chillaxing on the couch, Ava started after Katie. Reason: Katie was near Mom (aka Me).  Classic jealousy, with insecurity and confusion mixed in. It started as a growl from Ava, then Katie started, and I merely said, "Stop it, both of you, that's enough."   

(Director's log: What I should have done was to get up and leave the room. But I didn't. I wasn't paying enough attention to these vital clues. Big, very big mistake.)

Well, they went AT it. A ball of white fur flying. I tried (TRIED) to be calm, as I tried to pull their back ends apart by their tails (which is actually a recommended practice, I didn't make this up). It wasn't working and Frankie (very distressed, as you might imagine, at seeing his two best friends attacking one another) began tugging on Ava's back legs. Still not working. 

So I did what I KNOW not to do....I KNOW not to do this. I TELL people not to do this; 

I got my hands in there and wrenched and pulled their little mouths off of each other. 

Well, okay so it worked. 

But I got bit! On the finger. On my nail. It felt like someone had hit my nail with a hammer. OW! I don't know who did it, but it hurt like a muherfoher.

We ALL went away from one another, all in pain. And Frankie is standing in the center of it all, wondering what just happened, and what to do. Her face was full of sadness. 

After I confirmed that cold water wasn't going to stop the pain in my finger, I saw to the two dogs. Ava had a cut on her one good ear. not deep, mostly it was soggy with saliva. just a nick. 

Katie had a small knick under her eye. She was woeful. Woe was Katie. 

Then, we all got cleaned up and we resumed watching television until bedtime. Like nothing happened. 

For three seconds, the thought crossed my mind to take Ava back to the shelter. Three seconds. But that's all it took to remind me that if Ava has problems, and she needs better support, I am capable of providing it. I know more than most about what to do. I just have been too f--ing lazy to do it. 

It's time to whip this fuzzy family into shape.

So, stay tuned, as we begin "The Good Dog:  Boot Camp Edition!"

Um, that's my new floor.

My newly-adopted dog, Ava is...well...she's peeing near her food. I know! Gross! The other two dogs agree. That's gross. So I feed all three of them, they are mostly finished eating and I exit the kitchen, and when I come back, Ava has peed on my beautiful new Mahogany finish engineered flooring.

Rude, right? Not having EVER experienced this unsavory behavior in any other dog (in a long line of adopted and quirky dogs, I assure you), I sought out advice from the experts.

The overwhelming responses were as follows:

A: Ava is guarding her food, by marking it as hers with her scent. If that's not it, she's at disquieted enough about food issues to not be comfortable leaving her dish unattended with food still in it.

Bottom line: we have a girl with food issues.

Hey, I'm right there, i have food issues too. I get it! I eat fast because in my food-obsessed family, if you didn't eat it all, someone else would finish it for you, right off of your plate (oh, you know who you are).

Hence my...well that's a different blog.

Back to Ava: The recipe for success appears to be four-fold:
1. Supervise dinner, until Everyone has eaten their fill.
B. Pick up Everyone's food as soon as they have finished.
Then. Immediately after dinner, direct entire clan outside for elimination.
4. Practice this until such time as you witness the dogs leaving the kitchen and going outside on their own to pee and poop, as soon as you pick up their dish.


I'll let you know how it goes.

HSUS rescues dogs found hoarded in Montana

One of the over 90 Shepherd mixes rescued

  http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2010/09/montana_hoarding_rescue_090110.html

The Humane Society of The United States reaches all over the world to protect animals from inhumane treatment. The found just such a situation in Montana, where an animal hoarder was keeping nearly 100 dogs in unhealthy conditions.

HSUS and parter agencies rescue dogs from filthy home

Animal Hoarding is a complicated compulsion, and historical statistics and research on this illness is truly lacking.
As an illness with a 100% relapse rate, it seems to me we should and could devote more energy to understanding it.

This dog was too weak to rise from this kitchen counter..

Maybe Johnson & Johnson can redeem themselves for the recent Ortho-Evra scandal, by funding studies into what causes people to hoard animals, and what treatments could keep hoarders from re-offending.

Three Dog Night

I didn't get to sleep at all last night. I was up all night with three party animals. One of them wanted to go outside so he could bark at something, anything, he didn't care what. Another wanted to play. On the bed. On top of me, huddled under the covers and trying to protect my nether regions from being pounced on.

The third dog of the night wanted something, she didn't know what. Hungry? No. Thirsty? No. Need to potty? No. Want to bark at something? Anything? No. Want to pounce on my stomach? No. Katie just wanted me to stay awake. Maybe she was having bad dreams, I don't know, but she would NOT let me close my eyes. Every time I tried to doze off, she put a paw on my face, and if I didn't wake up, she would run her nails across my cheek. Cheeky!

I think they have too much time on their hands. I need to get them jobs. Put them in school. Make them do chores while I'm at work. Something to tire them out, so their mom can sleep. zzzzzzzz..

Caught In The Act! Authorities Nab Cunning Shoe Thief.

An arrest was made today in the ongoing case of the mysterious moving shoes. Officials captured known suspect "Frankie" in possession of a shoe just this morning (See photo).

Frankie, who appeared contrite at the time, claimed later that he was set up, and that Debra placed the shoe in front of him and took the photo. Debra admitted to placing the shoe near Frankie only because she had forgotten to take a picture when she caught him in the act of playing with the shoe, and had put it away. She returned the shoe to take the photo. "Okay, it's a reinactment of the crime, but I WITNESSED the crime," Debra stated.

Frankie was convicted by the judge (also Debra) and was placed on unlimited probation with the admonishment, "No, no no, Frankie. Bad, bad. bad!"
Frankie expressed considerable remorse (with his eyes) and hung his tail in shame for a good ten seconds.

Shoe owner Debra says that she takes full responsibility for the crimes of her dog, Frankie. "Frankie is a good dog," Debra added, "It is up to me to provide him with appropriate toys so that he doesn't take matters into his own hands." Debra plans to go pick up some new toys for the dogs this weekend. Said Debra, in reflection, "I'm just glad it's over, and that no dogs, or shoes were harmed."

Criminals Becoming Brazen in Continued Theft Ring. Officials Stumped.

Two More Shoes Were Stolen Saturday.

Officials were shocked on Saturday to find not one but two shoes stolen from the closet and relocated on the floor of the hall. Closet owner, Debra, was stunned. "I was only gone for a little while, " Debra stated, "And it happened again. It's just wrong. Why won't they leave my shoes alone?"

Two shoes were left in a sculptural position (see file photo). One shoe was a black heeled sandal with white stitching, the other a grey knit Sketcher described by onlookers as an Ugg knockoff. Neither shoes appeared to have sustained any damage in the incident.

Witnesses were questioned by authorities, who recieved little information. Longtime resident, "Katie" was said to be uncooperative. Officials believe that Katie, who goes by the alias "Katie Katie, Pretty Lady," probably witnessed the crime but is concerned with retaliation.

A second witness a young teen known only as "Frankie," was forthcoming with information, but spoke mostly in an unfamiliar dialect known only as, "Roo Roo Roo." Body language experts reported that Frankie appeared uncommonly excited, but that, as Debra says, "Is how Frankie is ALL the time. It doesn't mean he feels guilty. He's very impulsive however, so I wouldn't put ANYTHING past that kid."

Officials state that they are narrowing their focus and now have a "Poodle Of Interest" identified.
The name of the individual was withheld, as the investigation is ongoing. Sources close to the victim have said that an area poodle known as Ava may be involved.

Quest For Shoe Thief Continues: New Theft, No Confessions.

When I arrived home last night, I CSI'd the perimiter for new evidence. I uncovered this new crime scene:

 What you see in this grainy evidence photo is a black suede loafer. This is a new crime, in that officials had cleared this area just yesterday, and this loafer was NOT, I repeat NOT out of the closet, in fact they were located in the other end of said closet, so they are yards (ok a few feet) from their original position.  Detectives have narrowed theories to one of two scenarios:

1: Loafer was too heavy for the unsub to transport any further, and the heist was aborted. or,
2: The heist was interrupted, perhaps a someone witnessed the crime in progress, and the mission was abandoned.

I have interrogated the three furry "persons of interest" identified as being in the vicinity during prior crimes. No one is talking. Well, okay they can't talk. But no one is talking.

The Curious Mystery of the Amazing Moving Shoes

When I was a little Debra, I loved reading Nancy Drew mysteries, and now that I'm all growed up, I'm addicted to Criminal Minds, House, CSI - I just love me a good mystery. Now I have a real-life mystery, and I can't figure it out.

Ever since Ava came to live with us (on Sunday) something weird has been happening. Every afternoon, when I come home from work, there is a shoe placed somewhere in the middle of the floor. One shoe. One of MY shoes, from MY closet. The shoe isn't chewed (if it was, I would blame Frankie for sure) it's just...MOVED.

One day it was a ballet flat. Another day it was a heavy biker boot! Yesterday it was a strappy heeled pump.
I'm assuming it's one of three furry unsubs who have access. I do not however, have a motive, and I lack evidence. Katie has never done anything like this. so while she could do it, it would be a new M.O. for this suspect. Frankie has, but it was to rip the shoe apart, not just move it to a different location, so she's a suspect, but it's not her signature. Ava is REALLY little, I don't think she COULD drag a biker boot three rooms away, and she's not shown any interest in the closet or my shoes, in my presence.

So I want to know:

Suspects Flee Scene of Crime

WHO is doing it?  And HOW  are they doing it, since I closed my closet except for about 4 inches (because Katie likes to lie down in there). But Most importantly, WHY are they DOING it? The mystery continues. I will let you know what is left for me today....(insert creepy mystery music here.)

The Kids Are Alright. Kinda.

Remember when you were a kid, and your mom made you and your friends play with some new kid that you didn't know, and didn't even want to know? Maybe she was BFF's with the kids' mom. Maybe she thought you needed a friend. Whatever. You were forced into a relationship. The kid played too rough with your toys, got all in your business, ate your snacks, and your mom acted like this freeloader walked on water. Stuff you got busted for, this kid got away with. "He's new, he doesn't know our rules yet." He's trying, he just wants to play with you." "Be nice to him." Geez, Mom...

This is happening at my house, right now. Katie, the oldest sibling, is put off completely by this interloper, Ava. Ava is so annoying. She wants to be right next to Katie.  She wants Katie to play. She doesn't know that each dog has their own dish, so she eats from all of them. Oh the humanity!

Frankie is less critical of Ava in general, but she does get upset when Mom pays special attention to Ava. After all, Frankie is the BABY. He's been pouting and sulking when I show love to Ava, but if I ignore her, Frankie is happy to play with Ava, and even shares his toys with her. Frankie has a very generous spirit. Jealous, but generous.

At some point, everyone will get along. Or they had better, because this isn't somebody else's kid come over to play. She's mine. Forever.

Ava's shelter days are over!

Dog Saves Own Life in Hot Car!

Proof that dogs are resourceful beyond belief! This guy didn't need opposable thumbs to find a solution to his problem. Clever Canine Takes Matters into His Own Paws When Locked In Hot Car

And then there were 3! Please welcome little Ava

Ava was a stray at the San Diego County Animal Shelter. She is around 6 years old, and is just adorable!

Ava in her new forever home.

If you look carefully, you can see that her right ear has been cut in two. May have been an accident, maybe not. She's very cautious of her ears. She has a cataract in her right (Ava "Left-Eye" Keeney) and the shelter obviously had to shave her to the skin to clean her up, but she's just adorable, and it just felt like the right thing to bring her home as a sister to Katie and Frankie.

Dog Bites Man, dog Saves Man's Life.

From the Weird News files, comes a story about canine perception of human illness, and their ability and willingness to act on behalf of human life, even if that act comes in conflict with their norm of acceptable behavior. An undiagnosed diabetic man in Michigan injured his toe while he was drunk. He didn't feel it, because often diabetics lose feeling in their extremities. The injury quickly became infected. While he was still passed out and feeling no pain, his canine best friend, Kiko chewed off the infected portion of the toe, and effectively cleaned the wound. Dogs are known to smell or sense illness, including infections, cancer, heart trouble, and the advent of seizures. I'm not aware of any other stories out there where a dog actually chewed off the infection of his or her human guardian. This could indicate a new area of canine conceptual ability, specifically, an ability to prioritize a value system, which is a quite sophisticated mental process.  Dog Bites Off Toe, Saves Owner's Life.

Ice cream and pickles

Lately I've been feeling a really powerful feeling inside. It comes from somewhere in the middle, and the feeling is growing in me. It's the feeling that I'm ready to have another dog. I believe the time is right for our little family to grow just a little bigger. So the next question is, what little bundle of joy will it be? I have MANY choices. Currently there are about 14 white minature poodles at San Diego County Animal Shelters.

No More Doggies in the Window!

San Francisco has balls. SF. is attacking the loopholes that keep illegal animal traffickers running, by cutting off the head of the snake. San Francisco is proposing to end the sale of live animals within the borders of the City and County of San Francisco. In case you don't know it, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, This is a BIG DEAL.

For decades now, localities have been up against federal statutes that prevent the prosecution of store owners who are complicit in the sale of puppymill puppies, smuggled exotic animals, and other animals for whom the origins or means of procurement are less than legal.

This may be the answer. If San Francisco makes it illegal to sell live animals, then Californians will take notice. If California were to make it illegal to sell live animals, then the country would take notice.

Are you with us California? Are you with us USA?

The Good Dog: Animal Hoarding Premiers tomorrow night on Animal ...

The Good Dog: Animal Hoarding Premiers tomorrow night on Animal ...: "The therapist notes, 'Without treatment, 100% of animal hoarders relapse.' NBC is bringing attention to the terrible condition known as An..."

Animal Hoarding Premiers tomorrow night on Animal Planet.

The therapist notes, "Without treatment, 100% of animal hoarders relapse."

NBC is bringing attention to the terrible condition known as Animal Hoarding. This morning, The Today Show interviewed a recovering hoarder and a therapist who talk about why people hoard. Often the process starts with issues of feeling needed, wanted, and loved. They want to be a wonderful person who does good, with good intentions, and who loves animals in a way that no one can.

A new series is starting to address this uniquely troubling condition, and the people and pets who are suffering because of it. Please watch ,Animal Hoarding, beginning tomorrow night on Animal Planet.

Another Summer Tradition, RUINED.

Like a lot of Southern California residents, I always looked forward to summer, and Opening Day at the Races at Del Mar, also known as the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Its a completely unique party, one with excitement, horses, great-looking people, and fun, fun, fun!

I love horses, horses love to run, we love to watch them, and who doesn't love a cool beverage with a view of the ocean, surrounded by gorgeous people? It's awesome. Except for one little thing...

The Horses. What no one wants to talk about on Opening Day of the races, is the long list of fatal injuries sustained by horses at Del Mar, every year, so that we can have a party. For some reason, we are (and I have been, until now) able to shield our eyes, our hearts, and our conscience from a very gruesome truth:

The Races are cruel. It's not the running, but the industry norms have become (or have been) deadly for many horses, who have unnecessary pain for our pleasure.

The rest of my rant is made complete in the following well-written and factually accurate op ed piece: http://www.sandiego.com/beach-life/opening-day-at-del-mar-remember-the-horses. Please read it, and find something less insensitive to do with your summer. I will miss the fun, but frankly, the knowing has ruined horse racing for me forever.

If the industry changes the rules to favor healthy horses, and instututes stricter protections to save lives, I would consider returning. As it is, I have seen my last Opening Day at Del Mar.

Oh look. It's a puppy. Wonderful.

I'm in a local small-chain pet store, and there's a 20-something girl with a small fluffy puppy, about 6 weeks old. This little thing is about the size of a large baking potato. Definitely not the result of a responsible breeder, and since this is San Diego, she probably bought it in a parking lot from a mexican smuggler who brought the litter in from Tijuana. Possibly crammed in a tire or car door.

Having seen this before, I know several things:
1. She doesn't know this puppy is not eating dog food yet. This puppy was ripped from the teat so someone could make a buck and they didn't care to wait for the requisite 8 weeks and supervise a weaning process.

2. The puppy has no shots. He or she has not, and likely will not see a vet. Ever.

3. The puppy has a 20/80 chance of survival. He's probably already sick, and she doesn't know it. He's slumped over, and she doesn't get that puppies are either asleep or they're really energetic, anything in the middle is cause for concern.

4. When this puppy dies, she will throw it in a dumpster and eventually find another smuggler (they're regulars in some areas) and get a new one.

5. This puppy had siblings. They will likely all meet similar fates.

6. There's nothing I can do.

Number 6 kills me. I feel helpless and frustrated.

Animal Hoarding Cases: Coming Out From Under the Secrets, and the Rubble.

Do you know someone who rescues lots of animals, doesn't invite you to their home, believes that no one else can care for the animals as well as them? Do you hear regular barking, whining, meowing from a nearby house? Is the yard cluttered, tarped, or otherwise hidden from view? Do you smell something foul?  Contact your local code enforcement and your local animal care and control. Take action, and you can save lives!

Animal Hoarding Cases NBC San Diego

When "Animal Rescuer" turns "Animal Hoarder" things get ugly fast.

It's not true that everyone who "rescues" animals is doing what's best for the animals. 
There are serious psychological issues when someone rescues more than they can realistically afford to care for. The woman in this story turned the corner from rescuer to hoarder, and now she's facing serious charges for animal abuse.
How can we get a handle on this phenomenon?  http://www.10news.com/news/24121168/detail.html

"EL CAJON, Calif. -- Dozens of dogs taken from the home of a Lakeside woman charged with failing to properly care for the canines can be given away, a judge ruled Friday.
In March, animal control officers found 63 dogs -- mostly boxers, Chihuahuas and a few small terriers -- in dirty cages stacked throughout 65-year-old Alice Via's two-bedroom, 750-square-foot home on Moreno Avenue, said Dan DeSousa of San Diego County Animal Services."

The Trip to Crazytown

The dogs had a great time in Tahoe for the Fourth of July weekend, and the trip up was scenic...however it was also very very NOISY!

Katie, my eldest fuzzy child, has developed a terrible behavior: She cries. The whole time she's in the car. THE WHOLE TIME? Really? Really.  It's  a ten hour trip, people!

It's time to do a serious re-train. I need to get one of those barriers that segregate the dogs from the people (I don't like it already) and black out the windows in the back of the car, effectively making a black box for katie to travel in. Then we drive around and wait for her to settle down. When she's quiet, we can try opening the front so she can see out. If she starts crying again, we close it back up. The theory is that the whole visual thing is too much to take in.

I'll let you know how it goes...in the mean time, no road trips for us!

Find TRUE LOVE at your local shelter.

This One Got Adopted!

It's a perfect time to adopt a dog. Shelters are at their breaking point, full of adorable, sweet and loving dogs of all ages, breeds, and personalities. There are at least eight poodles in the San Diego County Shelter alone! http://www.sddac.org/.

If you want to help and you can't adopt, please DONATE to san diego humane society, http://www.sdhumane.org/, or rancho coastal humane, or escondido humane of that's closer to you. These are the shelters that take in the dogs from the city and county shelters when they are overcrowded to the max.

Adopt a dog and find your TRUE LOVE!

When it happens, it won't be the dog's fault.

Driving to work this morning, I spotted a middle-aged woman standing still on the side of the road, her hands up, and her eyes focused on a young, collarless Rottweiler in front of her.  The dog was pacing, from the street to the sidewalk, and the woman was trying (I think) to get past him safely. She was clearly frightened, and whether her fear was warranted or not, her body language was inclined to worsten the situation, if the dog was as afraid as the woman was. I was afraid the dog would bolt into the busy street to escape her.
I pulled over, got out of the car, behind the dog, and he turned around to face me. I knelt down and began talking sweetly to the dog. I got his attention and walked slowly around the corner, and much to the relief of the woman, the dog followed.This dog wasn't dangerous, he was scared.
Once around the corner I spotted the dog's home. A second Rottie was peering through a broken-down chain link fence This one was also without a collar, wearing no tags. I squatted in the dirt next to the fence, and talked to them both, in calming tones.
A round little man in shorts and bare feet came running out of the house, alarmed. "That's my dog!" He said, rushing toward a gate on the side of the yard. He called the dog in and came over to me, on the inside of the fence.
"Thank you," he said nervously. "Where was he?"
He was around the corner, on the road," I told him. "Are they microchipped?"
"Yes, Yes," he said.
"You know," I said, trying hard not to sound bossy, "If they had collars on them with tags, then if they get out again, someone could call the number on the tag and let you know they found them."
"Yes, I know, I should do that," he said, and I knew he didn't mean it.
I looked at the fence between us. It was a three-foot high fence.  top line sagged, and the bottom had been dug out, I assume, by these two bored and lonely black and tan fellows.
I got back in my car and thought about how horrible that man is going to feel when one of them gets hit by a car, or just disappears altogether, never to be seen again.
It's really frustrating.

How can you be mad?

This is Frankie. Frankie is a puppy, and he is, well...energetic. If there's something he shouldn't get into, he's all in.  This particular morning, Frankie followed behind me as I watered the garden, and played in the puddles I made below the plants. I didn't notice. Frankie regained my full attention when I returned to the house, and he entered at a full gallop, with the above soil-blackened paws, dripping. Frankie did a victory lap around the living room, and across the entire couch, before coming to a joyful stop at my feet.

He was so happy.

Because Every Dog Is A Good Dog.

Welcome to The Good Dog. Here we will think deeply about all things dog. How they are, How we are because of them. The Good, the bad, and the ugly of a dog's life, and how it affects us people. Welcome, and let's begin.