Boomer, 2 Months Later

Here are my 2 favorites of the Boom. It's still unbelievable to me how different this precious little guy has become. As I said, he is truly one of the happiest dogs I've ever met--and his happiness is so infectious. I'm not sure who got the best end of this deal, every time I look at Boomer he wags his tail and I have this silly grin plasterd on my face! He is just a treasure. He is definitely "Better than Prozac, Boomer."

Thank you so much!
Joy

PS. This is what Boomer looked like 2 months ago. Unbelievable what Joy's care has done for him!

As Dictated by the Pet

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But, I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, and yet I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, or I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.

10. On that difficult journey, on that ultimate difficult journey, go with me please.

Never say you can't bear to watch.
Don't make me face this alone.

Everything is easier for me if you are there.
Because I love you so.

Take a moment today to th! ank God for your pets.
Enjoy and take good care of them.

Life would be a much duller,
Less joyful thing without God'scritters.

Please pass this on to other pet owners.

We do not have to wait for heaven
To be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness.

It is here now, and it has 4 feet....

--Contributed by Donna

Fur Baby Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep.
The king-size bed is soft and deep.
I sleep right in the center groove.
My human being can hardly move.
I've trapped her legs, she is tucked in tight.
And here is where I pass the night.
No one disturbs me or dares intrude
Til morning comes and I want food!
I sneak up slowly and it begins,
My nudging's on my human's chin.
She wakes up slowly and smiles and shouts,
"You precious pest....5 more minutes, now cut it out!"
But morning's here and it's time to play.
I always seem to get my way.
So thank you, Lord, for giving me
This human person that I see.
The one who hugs and holds me tight
And shares her bed with me at night.

--Contributed by Joy

A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year old)

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.'

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good Life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The Six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home , always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy..

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them
gently.

-- Contributed by Jess

Why Everyone Needs a Dog

Watch for the Boston Terriers!

Daphne Has a Forever Home!

Hello All,

I took Daphne (my puppymill girl) to her new owners in Jersey today! She will be one of four dogs that they have (two bostons and a cockapoo). She will also have a 3 year old kid brother and a 7 year old sister. Things went fairly well with the drop off, but Daphne was very timid and ran into the crate to be next to Shaba (their 10 year old boston). I assured Valerie that this was normal behavior for her and that I was sure that she would come out of her shell fairly quickly when she realized that they weren't out to hurt her. She was doing very well, and progressing greatly at my home. I think that this will be a very good fit for her, and feel confident that she is with a loving family who will take the time to work with her. I made Valerie promise that she would send me lots of pics and updates. I will also give her a call on Monday to see how she is doing. Thanks again to all who helped me give this girl a wonderful new life!

--Tiffany

Fourth Grade Video Conference

I wanted to update everyone on the video conference that my fourth grade class had with Julie Klam today. Julie was kind enough to take a half an hour out of her day to talk to my students about fostering and answer their questions. She was so informative and interesting to listen to. The kids absolutely loved it...especially when she brought each of her 4 dogs to the camera for them to see:) I heard so many students talking about the call throughout the day. It was pretty neat to see all of them so excited about something. I know this fundraiser project will have a lasting impact on each student in my class. They have all become the biggest dog lovers. The fundraiser actually begins on Monday, but the kids have already donated $80. Our goal is $500. I'll keep everyone posted on the outcome. Thanks again, Julie, for your help!

Julie and Paul (aka Mr. Klam :-) both have a ton of writing and producing experience in both TV and print. You have a couple of real professionals here--who also happen to be awesome NEBTR members. Julie told the story of Dahlia and the *surprise* births of Fiorella and Wisteria. Like Julie's book, "Please Excuse My Daughter"-- the students were touched and amused at the same time.
--Janice

Do Not Talk to My Parrot

Wanda's dishwasher quit working so she called in a repairman. Since she had to go to work the next day, she told the repairman, 'I'll leave the key under the mat. Fix the dishwasher, leave the bill on the counter, and I'll mail you a check.
Oh, by the way don't worry about my dog Spike. He won't bother you.'



'But, whatever you do, do NOT, under ANY circumstances, talk to my parrot!'



'I MUST STRESS TO YOU: DO NOT TALK TO MY PARROT!!!'

When the repairman arrived at Wanda's apartment the following day, he discovered the biggest, meanest looking dog he had ever seen. But, just as she had said, the dog just lay there on the carpet watching the repairman go about his work.

The parrot, however, drove him nuts the whole time with his incessant yelling, cursing and name calling.

Finally the repairman couldn't contain himself any longer and yelled,

'Shut up, you stupid, ugly bird!'

To which the parrot replied,



'Get him Spike!'