I don't think I need to comment on that...

MONDAY VIDEO on a WEDNESDAY

Good morning Green Dogs readers!

I would usually have posted this video on a Monday, but next Monday will be NEXT YEAR, therefore passed the holidays and I wanted to share with you a cute video of a Labrador named Lucy opening her Christmas gift. I just wishes my own dogs would be as delicate as Lucy when they have something in their mouth!

Enjoy!

Special Request : Please donate to a Rescue for the New Year

I first wanted to write this blog to ask you, Green Dog readers, to donate to a rescue group of your region.

I then started to think about Elmore, the rescue where we adopted Bella (read her story here), our mutt, and I knew I had to talk to you more about the rescue and about Bella.

Elmore is a no-kill shelter and the number of dogs they rescue is always on the rise.

Not only do they rescue strays, but they save abused dogs and nurtured them back to health.

At this moment, they do not only need the basic necessities, they NEED to built a bigger run for the bigger dogs, so they have can have a place to run and play.

Please visit the rescue here, to know more about it. And don't hesitate to donate. Even if it is a little, a $2 or a $5, it will help them. 

A Quick Story on How We Adopt Bella
Before adopting Bella, we never considered rescuing a mutt. We only envision having a pure race dog, knowing exactly what breed we would pick up.

But life happened and one day, we drove up to a rescue and fell in love with a cute mutt that was called Nervous Nellie. She had been picked up in the streets a week earlier and was very nervous. We spent time with her and the staff of the rescue, who taught us how to act around a wild dog and how body language was important.

Before we could bring her back home, Nervous Nellie had to be spayed and get all her shots. Only after where we able to go and pick her up.

A week later, when we picked her up, she was all cleaned up and ready to start her new life with us. We changed her name for Bella (because it was the only name everybody could agree on) and, surprise, she answered to it immediately. I am not saying that life is easy when adopting a rescue dog, but it is so rewarding. Bella is a bundle of love. She loves nothing more than hang out with her human family and she spends so much time on her back, hoping for a little scratch.

We would never give her up. She is not only ours, but we are hers.

Dog Treats

Stay tuned for our next products, coming in the beginning of next year: Green Doggie's Treats!

May all your wishes come true

Merry Christmas Green Dog readers.

See Santa Paws in action here!

How adopting a dog took care of one's OCD

My husband suffers from OCD. Not a bad case of it, but enough to drive me nuts.

But everything changed when we adopted a puppy. Jake, the Chocolate lab. You see, BJ (Before Jake), PC (Prince Charming : Jeff) had a bad case of OCD and we had to had an impeccable house. I have nothing against that. But when I say impeccable house, I mean cleaning up the trims of the entire house and the windows every week. Waxing the floors every week and vacuuming the carpets every day. Yeah. A lot of work. It was nice though, to have a nice house. To be able to eat my diner on the floor if I felt like it because the floor was so clean (as if anybody would want to do that).

And then, there is AJ (After Jake). Two weeks after we bought our first house, we decided to adopt a puppy. I guess that the thought of having to pay a mortgage for the next 30 years got into PC's head, because taking a decision like that - adopting a puppy - was not like him at all. Usually, when PC wants something, he spends a lot of time online checking reviews or thinking about how things would change his life before he makes any decision.



But we found ourselves adopting a puppy from a backyard breeder that we meet in an empty parking lot.

Our lives changed overnight. Not only we had to say "Goodbye late morning in the weekend", but our house became Jake's house.

Suddenly, we had to clean up pee and poop on the nice waxed floors. Mop puddles of water after Jake went drinking (which, by the way, he still hasn't mastered the art of drinking). For me, sit on a wet toilet bowl after Jake learned that the water there was so much better than the filtered water we were giving him. Vacuum the entire house once a day because of his shedding - who would have thought that a Labrador Retriever would shed that much ! -, find toilet paper all over the place because Jake thought it was fun to unroll it...

We tried to keep the house as clean as it was BJ for a few weeks. And then we just decide to live and let live. Really. Because what else is there to do ?

My kitchen floor.

Now, a little more than a year later, PC can live with brown hair all over the floors of the house. We wipe the puddles of water once a day. When we don't think about closing the lid of the toilet bowl, we wipe it before sitting on it. And my kitchen floors... I won't even comment on them. Unless I clean, double-clean and triple-clean Jake's paws EVERYTIME he comes back inside from playing outside - which really, is non-realistic - my floors are... let's just say not clean as they use to be.

And then, there is my backyard to take in consideration. BJ we had a nice manicured grass with nice little bushes around the deck and on the side of the garage. Now, AJ... sigh... Jake likes to prune bushes...

Yeah. He ate the chair AND the table.

Having a dog really changed our life. Actually, it made PC more human, made him have a more realistic view on life. As for me, I already have a daugther and, really, after having changed diapers (you know, THOSE diapers ?) and clean-up puke, there is nothing really to faze me. As for PC, he changed so much than when Jake ate a chair, he just looked at me and said : What do you want me do to ? We'll get another one when Jake is going to be older, that's all !

Oh Oh... Santa is in trouble...

Santa might be late this year...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kloosterven/5273922019/

Winter Dogs :: Part ONE

Jake is a SnowDog

Jake and Bella are playing in the snow and for once, Jake is running after her.

Jake is getting sidetracked. It happens a lot.

Jake DID got sidetracked.

And here comes the NO-BREAK girl!

The good thing Jake is good at, is to be faster than my camera!

MONDAY VIDEO

Greetings Green Dog readers!

As Christmas is rapidly approaching, many of our troupes are coming back from the war. It is a touching time for families and friends.

It is also reunion time for the soldiers and their dogs. No matter how big or small, dogs can, without talking, let them know they were missed.

MONDAY VIDEO - for CHRISTMAS!

Hello Green Dog readers!
Because Christmas is at our doors, in a few days only, I found for you a Christmas Doggie Video in which you'll discover who are the REAL Santa's little helpers!
Enjoy!

Paul Harvey's “Ten Commandments for a Responsible Pet Owner”, dictated by the pet

I spend too much time online. Every once in awhile, I findd a little treasure that make me stop and think.

I stumbled upon this page and I did stop and think. It's called the "Ten Commandments for a Responsible Owner", heard on Paul Harvey and everything in it it's true.

Please share this page with every dog owner you know, because sometimes, when we don't understand what our dog wants or feel, we need a little help.

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, 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 the difficult journey, on the 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.

Again, please share with your friends!

The original article can be found here.

Stumble if you like! 
Reddit if you like!

If I didn't have a dog...

While I was stumbling, I found this hilarious - and true - piece about how having a dog change your life. I know how the writer feels, because I feel exactly the same... read on and you will understand :)

• I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety.
• My house could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated.
• All surfaces, clothing, furniture, and cars would be free of hair.
• When the doorbell rings, it wouldn’t sound like a kennel.
• When the doorbell rings, I could get to the door without wading through fuzzy bodies who beat me there.
• I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted, with out taking into consideration how much space several fur bodies would need to get comfortable.
• I would have money, and no guilt to go on a real vacation.
• I would not be on a first-name basis with 6 veterinarians, as I put their yet unborn grand-kids through college.
• The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit, down, come, no, stay, and leave it ALONE.
• My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates or barriers.
• I would not talk ‘baby talk’. ‘Eat your din din’. ‘Yummy yummy for the tummy’.
• My house would not look like a day care center, toys everywhere.
• My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats and an extra leash.
• I would no longer have to spell the words B-A-L-L,, W-A-L-K,, T-R-E-A-T, O-U-T, G-O, R-I-D-E, C-O-O-K-I-E
• I would not have as many leaves INSIDE my house as outside.
• I would not look strangely at people who think having ONE dog/cat ties them down too much.
• I would not be as happy!

You can read the original post here.

Jake and Bella Christmas Wish List

Dear Santa, 

This year for Christmas, we have a very specific wish list. Oh, of course, we still want bones and food, but we heard about so many other dogs that are in need, that we wish you can help them before you send us treats.

This year for Christmas, we would like:

• That all shelter dogs find their forever homes;

•  That EVERY puppy mills be found illegal (particularly in Amish country, in PA);
•  That Schultz’s Law be extended to all the United States;
• That NO dogs be left chained outside in the cold (and not so cold) days of winter and/or the hot (and not so hot) days of summer;
• That no more dog food company have recalls for bad food ;
•  That every dog see a vet, at least once a year to get their yearly shots;
• That no more dogs go to the Rainbow Bridge because they were starved or beaten;
• NO more dog abuse;
• An Animal-Abuser Registry, in all the United States (for the Michael Vick and Kimberly Nizato alike) so that it become illegal for them to own another dog;
• That the Law do more than frown upon animal abuse and takes real steps to punish the offenders.

And of course, if you still have time after that, you could convince mommy and daddy to give us more food, because after all, we are the furry-babies of the family.

Jake and Bella

Don't forget your dog for Christmas!!!

Because Christmas is at our doors, the Green Dog is offering you Christmas Box for your dog, or dogs.

Check them out: 

Ribbon-Antlers

3 antlers (in this picture, I use 3 medium size tip of antler) attached with a beautiful green ribbon. 

The weight of this gift is 1 -1.5 pounds

VINO-Antlers

Up to two pounds of antlers (7 of them!). I use medium and large antler for this gift. 

The antlers are nicely arranged in a hard Candy Cane box.

GREEN ANTLERS

Six antlers in a nice soft green wine bag. Up to 2 pounds of antlers for your best friend!

Since the prices of the gifts depend of what size of antlers you want, please contact me for any request at : contact@greendogpetsupplies.com

Hurry up if you want to receive it before or for Christmas!!

MONDAY VIDEO

Good morning Green Dog readers!
Because there is snow *almost* everywhere, I want to make sure you haven't forgot about summer. And who better than dogs to help us remember!
Enjoy!

NEW PRODUCT - ONE TIME ONLY!!!

Hello Green Dog readers!

For Christmas, we have a new product for you and your dogs! A one time offer!

1 pound of elk antler tips, for $18 (+shipping)  only! That's more than 10 pieces!

Take a look :

Contact us by email at : contact@greendogpetsupplies.com

Dogs read human emotions

In interesting article that confirm what all dog owners already know : dogs can read human emotions.

A U.K. study suggests that dogs are looking toward the left for the same reasons that humans exhibit left gaze bias - to examine the more emotion-rich side of the human face.

Read more at Suite101: 

"Schulz's Law" : A bill that would protect K-9 against crime

Schulz, brutally murdered in the line of duty

A few weeks ago, a terrible crime was committed when a K-9, Schulz, was brutally murdered in the line of duty in Gloucester Township, NJ. 

Authorities allege Schultz was thrown into traffic on Route 42 while the K-9 was trying to subdue a robbery suspect on the night of Nov. 30. A Washington Township man, 20-year-old Skyler Robinson, is charged with the dog's death.

In response to this crime, two lawmakers are working to have a new bill accepted. The "Schultz's Law". This bill would change the law for killing a police or search-and-rescue dog. Actually, a penalty of three to five years in prison, and a fine that can go up to $15,000. The new bill would change the penalty to a five-year minimum term, without parole, and a fine of $15,000.

Police and search-and-rescue dogs are working hand to hand with law enforcement and are considered "on-duty" when they are working. They work hard with their handlers and they developp a strong and tight relationship with them.

This relationship allow them to work closely with their handlers, helping society to fight against drugs, bombs, etc. and also helping find and rescue people in need. Just remember how much help these dogs were during the aftermath of 9/11.

Police and search-and-rescue dogs are not only dogs. They are part of a team that are protecting us, society and the Green Dog is 100% behind this new bill. Those dogs should not be considered less than their human co-workers.

I wrote in the past about how to become an advocate to your dog, and I want to extent this article to all dogs, not only our own. I want to extent being an advocate to all working dogs, police, bomb-sniffer, therapy, search-and-rescue.

Let's all work together to make sure this bill will pass.

ref.: Gloucester Township website
       K-9 Magazine

A little bit more about Elks

Usually, when we talk about Elks, people don't quite know what to think. No wonder, since it has many names.

• They are called Elk, Moose or Wapiti in North America and Elk in Europe. 
• They can be found in North America, Asia, Europe.
• The male is called a Bull.
• The female is called a Cow.
• Yes, I know, just like with cows. Which is okay, because they are in the same family : Ruminants.
• Elks have FOUR compartment stomachs.
• A baby is called a Calf and weights about 33 to 35 pounds.
• Elks sheds their antlers every year. And every year, the elk grows a bigger antler. 
• In the wilds, males are less likely to be around other males when they have their antlers. The reason : they use their antlers to fend off predators and by not staying together. 
• Without their antlers, they stay together (as a bachelor group) because it is easier to protect their herd.

A running Elk. Look at the trees, how they are damaged. When they have their antlers, they tend to rub them against the trees. This is one way they have to get rid of the "velvet" of their antlers.

Hope you liked this little bit of trivia!

Funny Elk

Last weekend, we used our new camera to take pictures of some Elks. Of course, because I am not a photographer, I usually need to take between 10 to 15 pictures for ONE nice shot. Sigh.

Anyway. I want to show you one of the best shot I took that day. I like it because it looks like the Elk is making fun of me. Cute.

Take a look at it :

Pay It Forward : A Visit To The Nursing Home

When I became a mother, I found out that the best way to teach my daughter how to share, how to think about others and how to give, was to teach her how to Pay It Forward. Paying It Forward is quite an easy concept to understand. It's to do something, not for yourself or to gain something, for somebody else. Paying It Forward can make you feel better about yourself, better than when you offer your child the biggest or more expensive gift. Paying It Forward is what keeps us all down to earth and open to other's problems.

An example of paying it forward, is to rescue a dog in need. Offering dog food to a dog shelter. Giving your time to a non-profit organization. Offering a meal to a homeless person. From experience, I can tell you that it is an extraordinary selfless concept. I did rescue a dog, Bella, and she brings us so much joy and love.

That being said, I wanted to write about something Jake (my chocolate lab) and I did last week end, to Pay It Forward.

We heard that the nursing home near our home was open for people that wanted to visit with their dog. And so we called, to make sure we would be welcomed should we choose to go with Jake, and we went.

The nursing home is the home to people who lost their autonomy and/or people who are in need of medical help because of Alzheimer or other conditions. It is sad to say that many of these elderly people are often "forgotten" by their family. I am not judging here, I am only stating a sad fact. It is also sad to say that many of these elderly people had to give up their animals to be able to be taken care of by the nursing home. Again, I am not judging. My own parents are now the "furry-parents" of a little Yorkshire Terrier that was in need of a new home after her owner had to go live in a nursing home.

As a puppy, Jake liked to eat his bed

Jake is not a therapy dog, at least, not yet. As a puppy, he was too much of a handful to do more in-depth training. Now, at 2, he is more ready. He knows how to sit, lie down, spin (and spin the other way), shake, beg, wait (the hardest of all) and slow down when he eats. He is so calm that people often say that we are VERY lucky to have a young Lab like that. And I quickly agree!

I always wanted for him to become a therapy dog because I know how dogs can help people. I believe in zoo-therapy. When my daughter was 9, she had an accident that required her to stay in a hospital bed for 3 weeks and 10 weeks in a cast, not able to move. The first 3 weeks were hard on her because she was in pain and feeling lonely, miserable and in general sad. I am convinced that a visit from a furry friend would have helped her.

Going to the nursing home with Jake would be the test to see if he had it in him to become a therapy dog.

We got ready to go to the nursing home by bringing the poop-bags (a necessity for all dog owners!) and the treats bag. Nothing else, nothing more.

I don't have pictures to show you, Green Dog readers. I honestly forgot about pictures. So many people wanted to say hello to Jake and pet him.

We visited three units at the nursing home. We first introduced ourselves to the nurses, went to the recreation room and then walk up and down the alley, talking loud to Jake to attract the attention of people still in their room. Some came out to see who was talking and came to us, others called us in because they were in bed. The nurses even went to get other patients from other units to see Jake!

And in all this chaos, Jake stayed himself. He only got excited twice : the first time he saw tennis balls on the feet on a walker and when a cute old lady started calling him "doggie, doggie doggie doggie!". Jake got so excited that he went to her and licked her face! The sound of her laughing in delight was extremely touching and rewarding, not only to me, but to Jake I am sure.

Jake also did a touching thing. There was a couple that shared a room and the woman was excited to see Jake. She woke up her husband that was obviously not mobile at all. He was in his bed and Jake tried to jump on the bed, at his feet. Jake must have sense that he was needed. I didn't let Jake jump, of course, but oh, did I wanted to!

It's when we left the nursing home, almost two hours later, that I realized that never once Jake got scared of walkers, wheel-chairs, stretchers or to go in the elevator. He also was not scared of all the hands that touched him that day. I think it's a good sign that he can become a therapy dog.

I now know what I have to work on with Jake. More basics commands, like say Hello and such, that will make him a better dog. The fact that he is a Labrador will make things easier because Jake WANTS to please me (and he also want to get that treat if he does well).

I will Pay It Forward again to the nursing home. The feeling of having accomplished something is great and beautiful.

Green Dog readers, Pay It Forward and let us know !

To learn more about therapy dog, visit the Therapy Dogs International, here.

Paws Care - the Green Dog needs your help!

Now that Jake is older, his pads are not as soft. I see it and feel it everyday (more than once a day) when I wipe his paws when he comes back from outside. I can't help myself but cringe when the towel I use to do it get stuck on his dry pads.

Jake and his "old" pads

His paws are really dry and I worry a little bit about winter's coming. The town were we lives uses a mix of salt/sand for ice and I don't want to be confined inside, because it could otherwise be damageable or  hurtful to walk in the streets. Jake is a couch-potatoes that LOVES the snow.

Bella, on the other hand, will soon be 1 and the pads of her paws are still pretty "new".

Bella and her still "new" pads

I have looked online for dogs foot care and was not satisfied with what I have found.

What do you use on your dog?

MONDAY VIDEO

Happy Monday Green Dog readers!

I want to start a tradition of posting cute and funny dogs/animals videos on the blog every Monday. The reason? Mondays are not my favorite day of the week and I am always looking at videos or stories that will make me smile. You know, making Monday a fun day.

So today, my Twitter friend dogsincanada posted this video and I couldn't help myself. I already watched it three times.It's a video of two Yellow Labradors that are sliding in the snow, clearly enjoying themselves!

Is your dog afraid of thunderstorm?

Many of us have had, or know of, a dog that is scared of thunderstorm (I found that dogs that are scared of thunderstorm are also scared of fireworks or any other big, loud sounds). If you don't know if your dog is scared of it, then it most likely means that he is not. The symptoms are quite obvious because they are physical :

- Over-salivation
- Shake
- Pacing
- Whining
- Hiding (under the bed or trying to get under the couch). Sometimes, dogs can even try to "create" a door by destroying a closed door or a wall.

 A study showed that on top of the physical response, there is a physiologically answer too : the levels of  cortisol, the stress hormone, was measured in dogs who were afraid of thunderstorm and it was found that it's levels had increased of an average of 200 percent during a storm! (The level of cortisol was measured after analyzing the saliva of dogs from a cotton rope  after they listened to a storm)

Knowing that, the study went further and measure the level of cortisol of dogs, either they were consoled or not, after hearing a thunderstorm. It was found that whether they are consoled (hold or petted) or not, the level of hormone would still increase.

But don't give up on your dog because you can't help him. Researchers say that having other dogs around may help lower stress levels. In dogs that lived with other dogs, it seemed that their response was not as high and that they seemed to come back to normal more quickly.

Of course, adopting another dog might not be the solution for everybody. And might not work either, if the phobia is set too deep in your dog.

Another way to help your dog, might be to make him tired before the storm starts, when you learn of a coming storm. A tired dog is less likely to react as strongly as a dog with pinup energy. You can also help your dog by staying calm, not letting your worries show. Don't forget, if you show you are a pack leader, your dog will most likely follow your example.

REF : Read the original article here.

Researches shows that dogs have bigger brains than cats because they are more sociable

According to a study by Oxford University, dogs have developed, over millions of years, bigger brains than cats. The study showed that highly social species of mammals, say dogs, dolphins and monkeys, need more brain power than solitary animals, like cats.

The study suggest that there is a link between the degree of sociality of mammals and the size of their brains, relatively to their body size.

The study analyzed data that was available on brain and body size of more than 500 species of living and fossilized mammals. It showed that over time, the brains of monkeys have grew the most, followed by horses, dolphins, camels and dogs. On the other hand, the brains of most solitary mammals, like the cats, deer and rhino have shown to  grow more slowly, during the same period.

Before this study, it was believed that brain growth had followed a trend across all groups of mammal, meaning that all mammals brain had grew at the same speed, all the same way. But it is now believed that the brain of groups of highly social mammals have developed faster than the groups of more solitary mammals. This discovery suggests that some mammals have develop larger brains, faster, in order to be able to cope with the demands of social living.

But there is still a question that is not answered. Does a big brains equals more intelligence?

REF : To read the original article, please click here.

A two days old kitten flushed down the toilet

I know, I know, it's not about dogs. BUT, it is a story that will make you smile. Well, it's end will.

Two days-old kitten

When her mother, Ammie Crofts, asked 3 years old where was the kitten, little Alannah Merleto, of Syndey, Australia, answered : "Down the toilet". The mother was immediately worried because her daughter have a history of flushing things down the drain.

After looking for the kitten everywhere, the family heard tiny cries coming from the pipes, under the house. The family called the fire department, and eight of them came to the rescue of the little kitten. Using a camera on a 80 feets long chord, they were able to see the kitten on a small monitor.

Part of the rescue operation

What the camera saw

Thankfully, one of the fireman was once a plumber and was able to direct his coworker as to where and how
to go to save the kitten. After four hours, they retrieved a tiny kitten, scared but alive.

The kitten is named Cain, after the fireman that lead the rescue operation.

Cain's mommy and her kittens

I am afraid to say that, the moral of this story is.... not everything is good to be flushed? and... Check what your children are flushing?

REF : Check the original story here

Well, if that's not loving your dog...

When you think that nothing can surprise you... something inevitably comes up.

Joseph Guiso loved his dog Honey so much, that he married her in ceremony at Toowoomba's Laurel Bank Park. You think he is crazy? What about his 30 friends and family members that witness the unique event?

Mr. Guiso was quick to assure everybody that it wasn't "sexual" : His vows were "You’re my best friend and you make every part of my day better." A self-described 'religious guy,' he said he could no longer stand the guilt of living with the canine cutie out of wedlock.

Crazy, or not crazy?

Check the link here

The Story of Bella or How we rescued a dog and How it made us happy

As many of you know, we have two dogs. Jake, a chocolate Lab of 2 and Bella, a … mixed breed and she will be one in December, or January.

Last July, when we rescued Bella, we were told that she was a Doberman/Weiramaner mix and that she was about 7-8 months. She had been found in the streets (where she most likely lived all of her life) and was alarmingly thin.

The rescue named her Nervous Nelly, because she was a nervous wreck. But before even having her, we wanted her to have a new name, since she was starting a new life. So, after A LOT of discussion (we have a very strong minded teenager. ) about names, something happened. At the same moment, us, known as The Parents and the Teenager, came up with a name... Bella, at the same time.

So Bella it was.

After our adopting application was accepted, we had to wait one week before picking her up, because she had to be spayed. And I have to be honest here. I shamelessly called them, the rescue, more time than I care to remember, to ask them for updates on Bella. They never lost their patience with me though. They only said that it was nice to see people caring so much for a dog that was not yet theirs.

So, one very sunny Saturday, we left Jake at home and drove to the rescue, ready to pick up the new addition to our family.

Yep. That's love!

That's trust

It wasn’t easy, to gain a stray dog trust. But with the help of Brown Lover, a.k.a. Jake, and lots of food, we were able to do it in a week or so.

We also came to realize that adopting a stray dog makes you feel so good. Today, I love my skinny girl as much as she loves me. Although, because dogs have this endless capacity of love without EVER expecting something back, I think she loves me so much more than I could.

I see a proof of this love every day. From the way she wants her head to be in my lap when she naps to the way she lets me know when it’s time to go potty. From the way she is so protective of her family to the way she runs toward me when I whistle for her. From the time she spends on her back, wishing for a scratch to the way she sneaks in bed with my daughter.

There is a difference between my dogs. Jake, whom we adopted when he was only 8 weeks, adores us. And he expects us to feed him (he will let us know, by crying, if we are late feeding him), to put him outside for his business (again, those cries). He expect me to scratch him behind his ears and to let him sleep in my lap when I watch TV. But I am not complaining. He is a brat, and he is MY brat. When I don’t feel good, he knows it before me. He is always there for me. Bella, on the other hand, doesn’t expect anything. She stays in the back, waiting. She lies down on the carpet, in front of the sliding doors, her head high and her front legs crossed. Very Nefertiti-like.

But there is something I am very curious about her. I want to know, very selfishly, what she is exactly. It won't change the way I love her, but I want to know. She obviously has some Dobbie in her. The markings on her face tell as much. Her big Minnie Mouse could also mean Weiramaner (or Doberman. What does a Doberman look like without his ears cut?).

As I am researching to know more about her, I remembered a dog Jake went to training with. Look at this picture:

I don't remember the dog's name, but he is a Louisiana dog.

And then, look at Bella:

But then, look at a Greyhound and at a Whippet (not for the face, but for the body) : 

Greyhound

Whippet

 And then, look at Bella :

I know, she is skinny. This is the day we brought her home.

 To say the least, I am confused. But what is Bella?

A dog for Christmas. Bad or good idea?

Adopting a dog for Christmas is the ultimate present for a lot of kids. They beg for it for months and in the end, parents give in. Next thing you know, under the Christmas tree, there is a box with crude holes poked in it that makes funny noises. But, is it really a good idea?

To offer or not a puppy for Christmas really depends of the reasons beyond the gift and if you really have reviewed all of the pros and cons of adopting a dog.

A dog is a lifetime commitment. It needs time, resources and love. When offering a dog for Christmas and expecting a kid to be in charge of all of the above is simple unrealistic. Sure, Junior will take care of the dog for the first few days, but as soon as the holidays vacations are over, who takes care of the new addition to the family? Too often, a few weeks after the holiday, pounds and rescues are overflowing with unwanted puppies that are too much work for the family that first adopted them.

To DO IT THE RIGHT WAY, if you really want to surprise somebody with a puppy, made sure you discuss it through with the person that will be responsible of the pup. And yes, sometimes, that person is yourself. The subjects that needs to be discussed are the expenses related to a dog (food, accessories and veterinarian visits, shots, surgery and drugs), the necessary training in order to have a well behave dog and the fact their life will be changed for the next 10-15 years. No more impulsive ski week-end or long vacations without first planning a good kennel stay.

Don’t forget, if you are the one offering a puppy as a gift, you have the last word and can ultimately decide if offering a puppy is a good idea.

If after reflexion, you decide that a dog is a good idea, please DO NOT do these:

-         -  Wrap the puppy in a box under the Christmas tree. A puppy is a living being that needs air. Also, not only are you risking suffocating the dog, but you might un-wrap a pup that will have urinated and/or defecated and/or vomited on himself while waiting for you to unwrap him. Not quite the welcome you were expecting. And since a puppy is not a toy or a thing, don’t treat him as such.

-         -  Get a puppy from a pet store. Never, ever, ever buy a puppy from a pet store because those pups comes most likely from a puppy mills where dogs are kept all their lives in a cage and they are as good as they can breed. If you are serious in the search of a puppy, go to the pound, to a rescue. Find a reputable breeder or ask around you. 

-         -  Buy a puppy because of his look only or because it’s a popular breed. Each breed of dog is part of a group (work, sporting, hunting, terrier, herding, etc.) and if you choose the wrong group for your family, your life WILL be miserable. I can guarantee it. Imagine this. You just adopted a Labrador after seeing Marley and me but you are a very sedentary family that doesn’t do a lot of outdoor activities. Not only will you be overwhelmed by the work a Labrador needs, but your dog will be miserable and will act up. Check the site of the AKC (American Kennel Club) for more information about which breed is the perfect fit for you and your family or for the family you will be offering a puppy to.

An alternative

As I have mentioned above, since a puppy is not a toy or a thing, why not, instead, visit the pound as a family and adopt a dog that needs a new home? If you are specifically looking for a breed, look out for rescue groups across the country. Here are a few examples: 

a)      a) You are looking to adopt a Labrador. With a few clicks, you can find for “rescue Labrador new York”:
http://www.rudysrescue.org/ ;
http://www.tenspider-pets.net/pet-adoption/labrador-retriever-rescue.html ;
http://www.rescueforlife.org/.

      b)   You are looking to adopt a Yorkshire terrier. Enter : “rescue Yorkshire terrier new York” :
http://adopt-a-yorkie.adoptapet.com/ ;

http://www.yorkierescue.com/need.html ;
http://www.netpets.com/dogs/dogresc/breeds/dogyork.html.

Not only adopting from a rescue is a good thing, but the dogs coming from there are usually already fixed/spayed and/or have their shots and their behavior are assessed, making it easier to find a good fit, maybe for you and your family.

And if you wish to, not, if you feel as if you have to wrap something up, think about these necessary accessories:

-        - Leash and collar

-        - Food and water bowl

-        -  Toys

I can promise you that if you adopt a dog for the good reasons, whatever are your reasons, you will have a happy family, of humans and fur-balls.