Rescued... with many tears

Here is :Bull Dozer, at six weeks of age, commonly called Dozer by his friends.   I was very active in a humane society in Springfield, Illinois, named  The Animal Protective League.  During the many years of my service to this group I fostered and trained endless dogs, allowing them to be placed up for adoption and found forever homes.   A bit of heartache came with letting each treasured animal go, but I knew there were so many more unwanted ones waiting to get a chance to move out of the kennels at the shelter and into a new home.
Life, at the time, was very busy and I was happy with my  own two dogs, Trigger and Spirit, who accompanied me everywhere.    Both excellently trained and very well behaved, the constant ebb and flow of foster "kids" never phased them.   Having a pack helped the mental growth of all the dogs.   Never imagining that I would be getting a new puppy soon, I went about my daily routines cherishing every moment with each companion.
Let it never be said that a dog was too smart, too well trained, too in control of their instincts, to not need a leash.   I always used a leash on my pets when away from my home, but when I took them out of the privacy fenced yard and put them into my car, they were allowed to walk with me, unleashed, the fifteen feet.    I never believed that one fateful night would come where I was allowing Trigger and Spirit to cross that short fifteen feet and I would witness their instinct over take my training and control. 
Trigger was six years old and Spirit was four.   In moments, my life was forever changed as I saw the two lose focus and dash across the front yard in pursuit of what I later found out to be a stray cat.   Having no idea that they had traveled further than the edge of the darkness I was looking at, I heard a yelping scream  and thud I will never erase from my mind.    Screaming out their names, I ran towards the main road, about half a block away, and stood at the edge looking into the darkness, illuminated only by the headlights of passing cars, to see my Trigger lying on the pavement.    All rational thought erased, I blindly walked out into the traffic, on that dark, rainy night, to see if my beloved Trigger was alive. 
Unfortunately, he was not.    Having been hit by a passing car who never even stopped, he laid in the roadway, lifeless.    Another motorist had seen the entire event.    Both dogs had been hit, Spirit survived the dash out and back across the highway and so had the stray cat.   My life tragically halted, I carried my Trigger away, cared for Spirits injuries, took her to the vet, and later that same night buried my first dog.
Suddenly emotionally drained, I still had all the fosters to care for as well as Spirit.   She mourned the loss of her companion nearly as deeply as I did, which in later years I found to be the norm for pack mates.  Within a week of my loss I got a call from the director of dogs, at the humane society, saying they found one live puppy and one mother dog living in a local park.   The mother had been placed in the humane societies kennels, but the puppy needed a home.   I was adamant that I did not want this puppy.   It was way too soon, the hurt way too fresh, but I agreed to take him in as a foster.   But Dozer, in his sweet, tender, soft furry way, grew on me.    He was the only survivor of the litter, and that made him even more special.   Our beginning bond was tentative, till he insisted upon nuzzling  me every time I picked him up.   House broken in a week, this five week old was a boy with endless imagination.    He graced my life for ten full years, moved with me across the state, was my very first Certified Search and Rescue dog, and opened the door into my first experience with personal protection dogs.    Wise beyond his years, he knew friend from foe, loved all other animals, and protected my car and home with fervor.   This fantastic companion became one of my best friends and our adventures seemed endless.   A bit of a clown he kept me in smiles throughout our time together.   I would never trade my experiences with Dozer for anything.   Although heartache colored the beginning of our relationship, nothing but happiness and loved followed in the years to come.


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Munchin' on ... Walnuts?

As much as we try to give our pets the best of everything, from food and toys to treats and games, somehow, they always manage to find their own chewies.   I have three very large walnut trees in the back yard from which a passel of nuts fall.   Of course, I expected the squirrels to eat the walnuts, but did not think Grace and Spike would enjoy them as well.

Some dogs simply like to put objects in their mouths.   Many breeds and mixes find twigs, grass, leaves, and rocks  gratifying  to chomp on.   This can be of great benefit to the owner who takes his pet out while trimming trees and teaches them to pick up the fallen branches and put them into a pile.   But for most of us, it causes endless times of frustration when we catch our companion with less than desirable chew toys.    Many a dog has had to have surgery to remove rocks, stuffing, toys, wood and a huge assortment of other items they have eaten that became bound up in their intestines or stomachs.   Besides the obvious trauma for the dog, there is the cost of the surgery, the possibility your pet won't make it through recovery, the knowledge that once they create a habit of eating non-consumables they may always do it, and a host of other issues.

No one wants to see their beloved animal suffering because of a poor choice.  As owners, guardians, and teachers, we must seek to make the environment that our pet lives in as safe as possible; thus removing unsafe opportunities.   When I hear an owner complaining that their dog ate their pantyhose or chewed up an expensive item of furniture, I just shake my head.  Clearly, the owner is to blame for the dogs act.  We, as guardians, have the foresight to pick up all our carelessly tossed items which the dog might find interesting, use baby gates or crates to confine an animal which can not be trusted to refrain from chewing, and patrol our yards to pick up unsavory items our little angels might grab.   There is also a responsibility to ensure we have prior knowledge of poisonous plants, foods, and drugs the pet may come in contact with while living in our home.   Just like having a child, we need to keep our prescriptions out of reach, put away toys that can be torn apart and swallowed, and remove from the environment basic threats.   Establishing the level of chewing our pet has and purchasing appropriate, safe, chew toys, can save a lot of heartache.   Be aware that wild grapes growing in your yard, chocolate left out, and Tylenol are just a few examples of poisons to our dogs that we encounter every day in our homes.

Our pets explore with their senses.  Tasting, chewing and sniffing are a few of their favorites and it is prudent to keep in mind that most problems arise when we are not watching our four legged friends.   Keeping their environment safe and peril free is your job, not theirs. 



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Gone Brushin'....

Care and maintenance of your pet, any species, is a daily labor of love.  Just as you prepare your children and yourself for each day and week you must also set aside time to care for your companion.  The task may be quick and minor or very involved depending upon the breed, hair coat, season, health and daily routine you establish. 

Some breeds are what I call wash and wear.   A short coated dog such as a Toy Fox Terrier, Doberman, or Dalmatian falls into this category.  A soft rubber brush , toe nail clip once a week, and a monthly bath pretty much do it for these dogs.   Collies, Poodles, and Shih Tzus  are breeds that take daily brushing and maybe even De-matting.  Among some breeds, such as the Dachshund, there are three coat varieties, each with different levels of care.    Picking the correct breed or mix for your family may be the most important first decision you make when owning a dog.

If you are not proficient at the use of clippers and scissors you may have to employ a groomer as often as once a month to help maintain the coat of your animal, depending upon the cut or shave you chose to use.   All this adds up to time and money spent out of your day, every day, for as long as your pet lives with you.   Yes, there are those owners who are content to get a dog and toss it out back on a chain, maybe throw it food and water once a week or so, and never give it more than that, but I would guess that the people who are reading this are not that type of careless owner.

At the least, plan to run a brush or comb through your medium or long coated dog every week, daily if the coat is left long, and weekly on a short coated breed.   Toe nails should be clipped once a week, thus sparing the dog a costly trip to the vet or groomer to do it and keeping the animal comfortable with small snips of the nail.   Inside of ears should be cleaned with soft cotton balls or a wash cloth weekly, more for drop eared breeds who tend to get infections.    Eyes should be checked daily for any infections , maybe when it is feeding time, and also look over the general impression and demeanor of your dog.    This will help you to catch health issues early before they become out of hand.   Touching your dog weekly, all over, will help you detect lumps or tumors that may have formed as well as any minor injuries.   Depending upon the season, paws should be checked frequently.   When ice and snow is outside , the paws should be cleaned of all outdoor material after each walk.    Leaving snow in between the pads can cause frost bite and the salt can burn.

 If your dog is healthy you may need only to do a few things each day or week to keep your companion in tip top shape.    Once your pet becomes older, arthritis, skin irritations, lumps and bumps are the more common issues to maintain a close watch on.   Some pets must take daily medicines, eat special food, need specific oils in their foods, etc and all this takes time.   During the shedding season ( twice a year a dog will shed more than what it does daily) there will be extra brushing.   In the spring, summer and fall fleas and ticks are active and a vet approved treatment as well as heart worm medicine must be given, some daily, some monthly.

If you don't see it yet, what I am saying is having a pet can cost a lot of money.   Be prepared to spend that money for not just feed and yearly shots, but also for good animal hygiene, emergencies, boarding, and any other of the things your pet needs during a life time of service to you.  Read and research as much as you can before you make a choice on any dog, mixed or purebred.    It will save you heartache, headache and make you aware of how much of your time you have to devote to the animal who shares your life.


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My Brasso

Meet Brasso, purebred German Shepherd Dog, all boy, with the heart of a lion.   If you read my previous post about Quicko you will already know how I came to get Brasso.   For those who did not, he came from a 20 plus year trainer, handler, breeder who lives in Pana, Illinois.      Never before, and I doubt ever again, will I have a dog who would truly sacrifice his life for me.

Brasso was not just extensively trained in basic and advanced on /off leash obedience, but was 110%  personal protection dog.    The type of personality he had was not just a product of selective breeding but a complete identity.    He would not have made a show dog in any ring for he was what some people call  "always on".   Meaning there was not a time when this dog did not protect, over eating, sleeping, or even sickness and injury.     He was the type who makes it into the Military War Dog program to defend our soldiers on the front lines.    Some people might love to have a dog who would always be ready to defend their owners and property, however, it comes with a grave amount of responsibility.   Brasso had to be kept away from all people, and the ones that were allowed into his domain as his family, had to always be respectful of me in word and deed.    The dog was completely tuned into the actions of people in his environment.    There was an established perimeter that the dog set around my physical being and no one was allowed to step into that "zone", without invitation, or they should expect a bite.

I have no children  who might not understand this and Brasso was raised with four young boys for the first two years of his life.  His "family"  could do no wrong in his eyes.   When he left that home, Brasso only transferred his complete protection and loyalty to me and the other critters that lived in the house, cats, dogs, and bird.    His pack was also under his protection and he would race to defend them as well, but I was always his person of greatest importance.   Never did he offer to bite me on any occasion  and I did all the usual things with him such as bathing, nails, brushing, shots, caring for wounds and injuries.    His devotion to me was unmatched by any other dog I have ever had in my life.   By this I mean, he saw me as his number one priority.

In life there are not many, animal and especially not people, who are willing to put you first, all the time, above their own needs, wants and desires.    My home was never broken into, my car was completely theft proof and I was untouchable.    I often joked to people I would be willing to place a $100 dollar bill on the dash board with all the windows of the car down and walk away with just Brasso there to guard it.   His bark alone would send shivers down a persons spine.

As much as I loved this dog, and wanted this exact type of animal in my life, I had no idea how alert and attentive I had to be to house and keep Brasso in safety.   Posting warning signs all around the property, extra secure fencing, a huge outdoor kennel that had a top made with metal strong enough to hold a gorilla, muzzling when he went to the vet or out on walks, making sure the car windows could not have an unsuspecting hand slide into them, were just a few of the long list of things I practiced.  I was constantly attentive :  24/ 7 / 365.     After awhile it begins to take a mental toll on your when you realize  you can not control  the actions of others.   Unwilling to crate or kennel this wonderful companion all the time, Brasso had free roam of the yard and house and use of the doggie door except when I left the property.   At that time he was confined in a safe place in case of fire, or a person walking into the area uninvited.    I would have preferred to be robbed than to go through the court system and be forced to euthanize a dog for doing what it was trained and bred to do due to the stupidity of others. 

Brasso lived a long and healthy life full of joy, love, swimming, walks, toys, soft beds, and  other four legged companions (as well as a few humans) for his nearly 11 years.    He never forgot his first owners and when I would go on trips I would drop him off with them and Brasso had no trouble cuddling up in their laps and loving them as if he had never left.    Brasso was the personal protection dog I always wanted and I don't regret a moment of all the time we had together.   He taught me  loyalty, respect and what it meant to truly be completely devoted to another.



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Gone Diggin' ...

Most all dogs have the desire to dig, oftentimes where we would prefer them not to.   Being aware of that natural tendency I try to teach my pets when and where it is appropriate to dig (not always successfully).    I try to catch my pet in the act of digging and praise them, then teach them to stop and come dig in a better spot,  like the garden I am working on turning over the soil  or for more avid diggers, that new basement I  always wanted ! 

Dogs dig for many reasons, to cool off in moist earth, hunting for critters and burying that favorite bone, are just a few.     I used to take my dogs to a large forest preserve with trails to walk on and when we got past the area of foot traffic, step off the paths and show them mole hills.    Adding a word like  "dig"  or "get it "   serves as a placeholder so the dog remembers the action as a command.  Some of the best times were when my companion was sure there was a mouse, mole, or shrew avidly digging while they were trying to unearth the critter.  Motivated by prey drive, they learned the new command quickly.    Nine times out of ten there was nothing under that mound, but that one time there was served to encourage them greatly. 

For people who have avid diggers or breeds such as  terriers  (derived from Latin terra , meaning earth)  these dogs were bred for digging and controlling rodent populations.    One might want to get a sandbox or designate an area of the yard and cover it with sand, bringing the dog to that space and, in advance, burying favorite toys or treats to encourage digging in that one place.   This will save your yard from looking like a mine field.     Less fervent excavators may take to the places you show approval and gentle correction teach them to refrain from other areas.
 
Grace, being a beagle, loves to dig!   One can only dog proof a large fenced area just so much with bricks and tent stakes to try to keep the dog in, after that you need to train the animal.   Grace never tried to dig out, however the very first night I  brought Missy home, she dug under two fences and vanished.   I was worried sick and after leaving the gates open and walking the streets till about two A.M. I returned home to find her sitting on my back step waiting for me.   I was lucky !   So many dogs never find their way back or get hit by cars before they do.   Missy never dug out again.

Grace still digs here and there and one day she was digging at the edge of where my gravel meets the grass, directly under a 4x4 piece of treated lumber.    It was warm and sunny out so I stayed and kept telling her to get it, even helping by moving the lumber out of the way.   She was not making a deep hole, but one that went under the rocks.   She got to one point where she stopped, laid down, and looked at me.  Foolishly thinking she needed encouragement, I poked the hole with my fingers and told her "get it out of there!"

Of course, being a good dog she did, and what I thought might be a tiny mouse or bug was not at all.
The last time she stopped , laid down and looked at me I bent over and thought I heard a buzzing noise coming from the spot.   That was the last thought  that crossed my mind as to my horror, out crawled a huge hornet !    The hornet immediately took flight after Grace and I, dive bombing us.   I was yelling "get in the house Grace!" and she, Spike, and I hit that back door in a huge hurry, with the hornet in hot pursuit.   Slamming the door and looking at the confused dogs, I baracaded the doggie door until dark, then went out and covered the hole.   Thankfully, the hornet decided it would be better to find a new place to live.    That day, digging was not fun for any of us.

On the whole, allowing your dog to fulfill it's natural tendencies to forage for prey though digging is rewarding , builds self confidence and provides exercise for your pet.   For owners who prefer a pristine yard, make sure to pick a breed that has little inclination for this task.  I count this experience as another lesson learned about the art of digging.


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