A Dog, A Cat, and A Rat

This is a video of a homeless man in Santa Barbara and his pets. They work State Street every week for donations. The animals are pretty well fed and are mellow. They are a family. The man who owns them rigged up a harness for his cat so she wouldn't have to walk so much (like the dog and himself). At some juncture the rat came along, and as no one wanted to eat anyone else, the rat started riding with the cat and, often, on the cat! The dog, will stand all day and let you talk to him and admire him for a few chin scratches. The Mayor of Santa Barbara filmed this clip and sent it out as a holiday card.

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!'

Update on Quincy

Hi all,

Quincy is a mill dog from Pa. He has mastered the stairs, finally. He used to be the slowest dog on the stairs, but now he's usually ahead of the crowd. He's also running around the back yard with Sweetie. Sweetie has taken him under her wing for showing him stuff to get into, like cat poop! He gets along with my dogs like he's always been here. He eats like a champ, not picky like he was in the beginning. He's still a little shy about coming near people. Sweetie has also taught him how to knock over glasses of water I'm drinking in the living room. God bless Sweetie, last night Quincy knocked over a glass of water and ice cubes on my lap. I really think Sweetie is proud of him. He crates well, barks sometimes (I'm working on that). I don't have any children for him, but I think he'd be ok with an older child. He's doing good with potty training, some accidents and leg lifting. He will make someone a great pet.

Gilda

Life-Size 3D Boston Terrier Pattern

Decorate a deck or patio, or a special spot in your yard or garden with this realistic looking, life-size Boston Terrier. Make him from layers of common lumber and our full-size pattern complete with assembly and painting details. (23" tall)

You can get it at The Winfield Collection Website.

This Dog Is Not Going to Heaven

Dahlia's Puppies are Growing

Here they are, in all their cuteness!

Dahlia, the mother, was Julie's foster dog. One morning, Julie heard squeaky noises from the dog bed, and discovered that Dahlia had had two puppies. She named them Fiorello and Wisteria, and Dahlia and her babies had found their forever homes. As Julie said, "I don't want her to ever have to feel sad or scared or confused about where she's going. So she's home and her pups are with her."

This Could Happen To You - Please Act!

This was posted on another list with permission to cross-post. Please read. This is important for ALL dog owners!

Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:23:12 -0600
From: Karlene
Subject: Please Act on this - it could happen to you.

I'm grieving today over one of our rescue girls who died yesterday, four days after the beginning of her heartworm treatment. In the midst of
my grief though, I'm overwhelmed with the desire to do something positive, and thus this post . . .

Another situation is really bothering me right now . . . and has me frustrated and determined to ask each one of you to take action. On
September 24, 2008, a 45 year old woman left for work, as she did most days. She probably gave a pat to her two old labby boys as she left,
and wished them a nice day. She knew they would be fine until she got home - they had the run of the house and a doggy door allowing them access
to the yard whenever they wanted to go out. It was a part of the daily routine. On this September day though, the routine was broken. An aortic
aneurysm ended the woman's life, and she never came back home. I didn't know her, I only learned of the situation recently when I heard of two old Labs,
10 and 12, destined to be put down on the 14th. I put the word out about them, and started searching for more info. I learned that these old guys had
been boarded at their Vet's office since their Mom didn't come home. I learned that "everyone" thought that "someone else" was looking for a home for
them. Finally, the woman's brother said he couldn't pay their boarding any longer - they had to find homes or else. That's when everyone jumped
into action.

I went to see the boys. Sweet, sweet dogs. The chocolate boy, Tracker, has arthritis. He takes "little old man" tottery steps in the front,
and slow steps behind. He is sweet and loves cookies and having the special place behind his ear scratched. Shooter, the black boy, moves
better, but his hearing is failing and I know he doesn't see as well as he used to. He, too, is affectionate and loves to be petted. Lab Rescue of LRCP
stepped up and offered to take these guys, but the local contact had gotten enough response when steps were finally taken to find a home for these boys
that she declined the offer. As of Friday night, the boys were still with the Vet, but that might have changed as early as yesterday. Whatever the
case, they are no longer in danger of being put down. The fact remains though, that there was no plan in place for them. These sweet old boys had
their lives changed in a moment, and have been dealing with turmoil and upheaval for nearly 4 months now? Why?? Because everybody thought somebody
was doing something, and nobody was.

That's why I'm writing. Do YOU have a plan, written down and accessible by the people you trust, that specifies what should happen to your dogs
should you leave some day and never return? These boys are lucky . . . the woman's family and friends, knowing how much she loved her dogs, chose to
have them cared for. But with no one responsible for making other arrangements for them, they have been stuck in limbo. This was a real wake up call
for me, and I am asking you to let this serve as a wake up for you as well. Do not let another week go by without making arrangements for your dogs,
talking to someone you can trust to be responsible for them, and putting your plan in writing. Even if you are married or in a relationship, take the time
to make a plan for your dogs. I know my husband wouldn't want all of these dogs running out his ears and would want to place some of them, and he
would want to do it according to my wishes - but how can he if he doesn't know what those wishes are. And should something happen to the two of us, I
don't want my dogs to have to go through what Shooter and Tracker have had to deal with. I don't want your dogs to face this, either. Please take steps
this week to ensure they don't have to.

Update on HaNa

Hi Yall! Just wanted to give you an update on our foster princess Ha-
Na. Ha-Na is doing pretty well. She is getting along with the other
girls, but seems to really enjoy laying in a pile of blankets and just
relaxing. She does not have a ton of energy. She absolutely adores my
son. She is better with him then anyone in the house, dog or human!
This suprises me as she is partially blind, and one would think that a
three year old would startle her...but not Ha-Na! She has not learned
the steps yet or how to walk on the leash, but socially, she is doing
great. She is doing well on her potty training...and boy does she LOVE
snacks! We took her to the vet this week, as i think that the vet may
have underestimated the mess in her mouth. Sure enough, she has a
terrible infection in her gums and needs antibiotics. Her teeth are
soooooo yucky! She is due for her spay and dental in March! Ill keep
you updated on her progress!

-- Amy

Inner Peace

If you can start the day without caffeine,

If you can get going without pep pills,

If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,

If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,

If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,

If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,

If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,

If you can conquer tension without medical help,

If you can relax without liquor,

If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,



..Then You Are Probably The Family Dog!

A Feel Good Story

Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:

Dear God,

Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick.

I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her. You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.

Love, Meredith.

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith hand addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith , 'in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:



Dear Meredith,


Abbey arrived safely in heaven.

Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away.

Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.

Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you.

I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.

By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love.

Love,
God

The Lilly Chronicles - Part 4

Well, Miss Lilly has been spayed. She did very well.
really didn't seem to phase her at all.

There are days we take one step forward, then two steps back, but
things are slowly coming along for Lilly.

She is still unsure of Humans and does not react to hugs or kisses yet.
But in time, I am sure Lilly will one day figure out...that the love a
forever home gives is what she has been waiting for all this time.
As Lilly prepares for a forever home, we will continue to love and
support her until the day she leaves.

If anyone is interested in adopting Lilly or if you know someone who is
ready for a Boston like Lilly, please contact the group/application.

until later.....

-- Tammy

Just a Dog

Click to Read:



-- Contributed by Elly

From Boo's Forever Home

Hi:

Hope all is well with you. I just thought I would drop this line to let you know how Booda is doing.

Tomorrow is Boo's 5th birthday and Thursday he will be with us 3 years. My how time has gone by. He is doing fine and is certainly part of our family. He has his special chair to sleep on but prefers to snuggle against one of us while we are watching TV. He could have easily been named Snuggles. Boo also learned how to sun himself on the staircase as the sun shines through our front window.

Have a Good New Year!



Bruce & Stella Anglin