Puppies are so cute but ...
by Miss Liberty,
M.E. (Mutt Extraordinaire)
Find bio and credentials below
Are you really up to a puppy? I, of course,
was a perfect angel. And if I do say so myself, as adorable as they come - however - I
about wore out the old lady and have heard a million times, "Never again!"
Housebreaking was no big deal. I had a brother to teach me - never got that leg-up thing
mastered though. Didn't get into trouble for chewing shoes either. Always had plenty of my
own toys. The thing was, I was a free spirit - any opening - count me gone. I was a
regular teeny Houdini. I could run like the wind too. Fortunately I couldn't go far on a
cul-de-sac surrounded by canals. Traffic was waaaaay up at the other end of the street and
I never did like to lose sight of the folks. The fence went up after I decided to try a
little walk to the Gulf of Mexico during low tide (how embarrassing to be fished out with
a net).
So, what's a girl to do but dig? I had people to see, places to go, soooo many delicious
aromas to investigate, tasty flowers to sample, and well ... you get the idea.
Eventually I learned what was expected of a well-behaved girl about town (on a leash
natch) and earned a welcome just about anywhere. We do all have to grow up sometime. Lucky
for me - the fact that I grew to about twice the size expected didn't really matter. My
siblings were returned to the shelter. I feel very bad about that, and it's one of the
best reasons to consider an adult for adoption. What you see is what you get. Even if
you've seen the mother and think you know the father, one litter can produce a
variety of sizes and temperaments. You've probably noticed a litter where at least one pup
was altogether different. Incidentally, surprises happen in purebred planning too.
Have I made you think? I hope so. No doubt, some of the happiest stories are about adult
adoptions. The old theory was seven human years equal one year of a dog's life. Actually,
it goes more on a sliding scale. The first year of a pup's life spans baby to toddler to
teen. Then, we slow down the aging process so it ends up at about the seven to one ratio.
As a rule, smaller breeds live longer than the larger. An 8-year-old, middle-sized critter
will behave pretty much like a 40-something human - plenty of life left to live, and love
and joy to give.
Note from my secretary:
I don't do puppies
Irrefutable and abundant evidence appears in real
print, non-retractable. And on numerous Web pages, so beloved because I can
take back idiotic statements before the whole world notices.
The lesson here would be watch what you preach. Approximately 15 seconds after I finished
a "No bugs on my critters" article, a not-so-tiny
bundle of joy appeared at my back gate, complete with his very own full-blown flea and
tick factory ... of course, what else?
For the rest of the story (the pup is still here): http://www.therealmartha.com/NoMoreHomeless/index.htm
The
Difficult Years
Does your dog seem rather impulsive or suddenly overly aggressive?
Maybe a bit gangly and awkward? It's adolescence, that period of time when the body
doesn't quite fit the ex-puppy's world, and puppy enthusiasm isn't as welcome as it once
was. This is not a full-blown identity crisis, nor will this teen insist on a weird
haircut, but you may notice her trying to assert her independence. Remain patient. As soon
as she figures out what the boss wants, she'll grow gracefully into adulthood. Meanwhile,
just make sure, gently, of course, that she knows you're the boss.
More Lib growing-up pics: http://www.therealmartha.com/lib2gallery/index.htm
I was 12 before I decided most of that
roughhouse/squeaky toy/ball stuff was beneath my dignity. I knew a 16-year-old Lab who
never missed her daily dip in the lake. Seemed like she was a little less
"creaky" after a swim too - although nonetheless crotchety as befitting a grand
dame.
You can teach an old dog new tricks. In fact, they seem to catch on a little
faster than the young squirts. One gal I heard about had never lived inside and had a
couple of accidents. All it took was a few dramatic "Oh sweetie, this is not the
right place for this," and showing her the door to correct that problem. Sometimes an
oldster will surprise you with a trick if you happen to say the right word. I also knew a
cocker who loved to chase rocks but nobody told the new human. The light went on after the
cocker kept bringing the rocks and waiting patiently - honestly, sometimes you people are
clueless.
"Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit well." - Bonnie Wilcox 'Old Dogs, Old Friends'
Please, consider this: puppies (ok, kittens too), for all their trouble, do have the best possibility*of adoption. Older animals have had a chance to be socialized. Through no fault of their own, they find themselves sitting in a cage wondering what happened to their family. Even in abuse cases, they don't forget whatever attention they knew, the craving for humans is strong. Kind words will win a heart forever. Ask anyone who has adopted from a shelter - rescued animals know and appreciate. Vet records are often available and spay/neuter expense is out of the way. How often do you get a chance to be a hero?
*No one can save them all. Until litters are not available on every corner, thousands will continue to die every day. Not cool that coincidental definition of trash.
Thinking the perfect gift would be a cuddly pup or kitten?
Think again. Holidays are not the time for
introducing new responsibilities. Once the novelty wears off the toys, tempting
decorations stored safely away and life is back to normal - that's the time to add a new
family member. Critters young and old need full attention to get with the program.
Circumstances vary - the holidays might be perfect time for
someone who lives alone. However, choice is up to the individual ... beauty in the eye of
the beholder (on both sides) and all that love at first sight stuff. You could offer to
cover adoption/vet fees.
Or, how about making a donation to a shelter in someone's name. Give yourself a feel-good
gift by volunteering a little time too.
More holiday thoughts/gift ideas: http://members.aol.com/Libbyk9/LibT-Daymessage.index.html
Fourth of July safety message and lots of friends all decked out in the Red, While and Blue: http://www.therealmartha.com/patriotcritters/index.htm
Go to free graphics link for holiday warning signs, spay/neuter messages and more: http://www.whispurrsonkittens.com/
Meet the Shelter Sweeties: http://www.therealmartha.com/adopt/index.htm - includes most of my critter page links as well as lots of outside animal welfare info/contacts
http://www.therealmartha.com/ChristmasPups/index.htm - Why live animals do not make good gifts
Spay/Neuter
Myth Busting
by Miss Liberty, M.E. (Mutt Extraordinaire)
One litter will calm her down. ~ Sure, ask any female. Surrounded by a pack of
whining brats? There's the ideal state of bliss.
It'll make them fat/lazy. ~ Animals get fat the same way people do, too much food
and not enough exercise. Lazy ... maybe, more like contented to hang around the old
homestead instead of looking for love in all the wrong places.
Children should see the wonder of birth. ~ Picture this: a beloved pet eating an
offspring. Even under perfect circumstances there'll be blood and guts all over the place
- that's a guarantee.
Every surgery has risks. ~ Every surgery does have risks, but no more for animals
than humans.
Cutting causes cancer. ~ It is human nature to believe the worst, and the
ridiculous. Those who prefer to rely on statistical facts know that the incidence of
cancer (and a wide variety of infection and other problems) in unaltered animals is
incredibly high - almost another one of those lovely guarantees.
It's so expensive. ~ It's always money with people isn't it? "Fixing"
an animal that isn't broken is a whole lot cheaper than damage repair. Animals at the
mercy of their hormones do not look twice before crossing the street - very messy that
asphalt rash. Some very good friends finally got the money message after their female
nearly killed a neighbor's dog. It wasn't the first time she'd become aggressive either.
The whole story is very sad and all too typical - one of those "gotta have a pup to
carry on after the old man is gone." Quite impressive bloodlines on both sides
actually, the rest of the litter would have sold easily. Naturally, nothing ever happened.
The worst part is the old guy did develop testicular cancer and it had spread before it
was discovered.
That about covers the usual ... I hope I've made my point. There is absolutely no good
reason not to be a responsible caretaker and every good reason to do your part to curb
overpopulation. Don't think for one minute that you're off the hook because your best
friend is male either - those girls aren't out there getting pregnant all by themselves.
Fifi may be so lovable and cute you think you'd have no problem finding homes ... think
again. Identical reproduction is genetically impossible - do your kids look/act
exactly like you? You may even be surprised by a throw back to an old weird Uncle Harold.
I'm not talking just mutts here - accidents happen in the "best" of families.
One message anyone can spread (start with friends and family, you'll soon graduate to strangers): Finding homes for litters you did nothing to prevent eliminates homes for others. For each so-called responsible placement, one more shelter animal will die.
http://www.therealmartha.com/spayneuter/index.htm - Spay/neuter graphics on printable pages, telling it like it is
Get with the program!
Non-gender specific is cool - spread the word.
Please check new spay/neuter graphics on printable pages. Ideas for creative use are included: http://www.therealmartha.com/spayneuter/index.htm. Always open to suggestions and requests (sizing, or maybe you'd like one graphic with another's wording, or your own message/logo).
http://www.therealmartha.com/I%20am%20your%20puppy/index.htm - I am your puppy, understanding that baby
If conditions aren't right to add another critter to the family, consider sponsoring a spay. Taking one momma out of the birthin' biz will save thousands of lives. Don't forget those girls aren't out there getting pregnant all by themselves. Neuters are a little less expensive too.
The following is from The Dog Hause (graphics too): http://www.doghause.com/neuter.html
Did you know?
Information from SpayUSA and the Humane
Society of the United States.
Each day 10,000 humans are born in the U.S. - and each day 70,000 puppies and kittens are born. As long as these birth rates exist, there will never be enough homes for all the animals. As a result, every year 4 to 6 million animals are euthanized because there are no homes for them.
What can you do to stop the suffering?
Spay and neuter your pet! In addition to saving lives, spaying and neutering can also
drastically improve your pet's health and life expectancy. The idea that pets become fat
or lazy when they are spayed or neutered is a myth. Sterilized pets lead healthier, longer
lives. Spaying a female eliminates the possibility of uterine and ovarian cancer and
greatly reduces the risk of breast cancer. Neutering a male reduces the risk of both
prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. Neutering also will make your pet more
affectionate and less likely to roam, get in fights, or become lost.
After years and years of extensive research, top brains have finally figured out why dogs run in circles ... it's too hard to run in squares.
These articles are freely presented for reprint and distribution. Copy and paste to fit individual format (newsletters, flyers) if necessary. No byline is required - Lib is not particularly vain ... however, please feel free to use her photo (notice the press badge) and bio below.
Miss
Liberty was born in Florida. Mother was a cock-a-poo, father was a traveling man. The
litter of six was dumped at three weeks of age after mother was hit by a car, "Too
much trouble." Only three of the pups survived until a foster mother was found. She
was a large dog requiring a large run that had wide bars. No one expected any escapes, but
once little Poo Poo put on a good feed, she was off to see the world. "That nursery
stuff was boring, I wanted to be where the action was." It's a wonder she didn't fall
down a drain hole or end up as a snack. She was captured during a secret cruise by an
animal control officer making a midnight drop-off.
She went on to become a news hound, traveling the country as a good will ambassador,
making guest speaking appearances and selling kisses for spay/neuter funding.
More articles will be added as time permits. Lib's columns ran in a variety of print publications in the South and Southwest for a number of years. She enjoyed an uncommon editorial freedom (compared to a two-legged journalist) and took advantage of that freedom whenever possible. One of her favorite warnings for "snowbird" critter caretakers new to the desert: "Besides all the things that stick, sting and bite, the odds for ending up as coyote crap are real good. What a way to go!" Natural dangers vary by region. Lib will be happy to consult or ghostwrite for any animal welfare organization's volunteer who wishes to take pen in paw. Please address questions/comments/suggestions to Miss Liberty at LibbyK9@aol.com or her secretary MarthaJones1@aol.com.
Please include this URL on
reprints:
http://www.therealmartha.com/puppiesaresocu/index.htm
http://members.aol.com/Libbyk9/index.html
Please note: Miss Liberty's home page, Dog's Eye View, may not be immediately accessible at all times. This is due to a royal money screw job attempt in progress at aol. Please hit reload/refresh if you get a "traffic overload" message. It's not that the whole world is trying to get to Lib's site, this is an overall, equal opportunity, new exasperation. It was only a matter of time, unfortunately no huge surprise considering aol's general oh-so-fine service record. The freebie servers are doing it too. They all need their asses bit.
http://members.aol.com/Libbyk9/libgallery.index.html
- What a life!
(Please hit reload/refresh if all
pix don't show, clue: red x in white boxes and/or blank space, captions don't match)
http://members.aol.com/Libbyk9/Faveguys.index.html
- Girls just wanna have fun
More critter
pages
http://www.therealmartha.com/CritterIndex/index.htm
If you don't spay or neuter all your critters, Bob Barker, Doris Day and Betty White will kick your ass.
That's Bobbed Barker, from the TV show: The Price is Right to Spay Neuter; Betty White from the TV show: Sterile Girls and Doris Day from the movie: The Man Who Neut Too Much!
~ Neutered's cuter
Dude ~
Suggested by NeuterNeuterLand@yahoogroups discussions.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NeuterNeuterLand/promote
http://www.ddaf.org/
- Doris Day Animal Foundation
http://www.ddaf.org/SpayDay/spaydayq&a.html#PARTICIPATE
- Spay Day info
Please also see a project to wake the public to the need for animal protection legislation changes. Too many people are anesthetized to the "normal" forms of abuse - this is the height of depravity.
http://www.therealmartha.com/FirecrackerDog/index.htm
It is a must-read for anyone who cares. Do not be afraid to face it, no gory details were necessary. Your help is needed with circulation, by E or hands-on printout distribution. Tip: you may want to call the page "Super Dog" to "trick" the squeamish into opening. All's fair in this kind of battle.
Reciprocal links are welcome,
critter or otherwise: LibbyK9@aol.com or MarthaJones1@aol.com
Please use a clearly defined subject line. Due to virus threats and junk mail
pile-ups, I have to delete unknowns.
Kyler Laird's Animal Rescue Resources
Irving the Real Talking Dog, grand mascot, Boston Rescue Net
www.mollysmilitia.com (Rescue)
Just my Dog (Thoughtful appreciation - {s}he's not just my dog)
New!
http://www.therealmartha.com/WARK9/index.htm - Meet "adopted" K9 unit in Bosnia
http://www.therealmartha.com/Watchmy6/index.htm - SEAL pups? Coupla cuties, contribute a caption!
http://www.therealmartha.com/LPNs/index.htm - Licensed Practical Noogiests, therapy dogs
http://www.therealmartha.com/PianoDog/index.htm - Christmas Angel
http://www.petitiononline.com/AdoptOut/petition.html
Stop the sale of puppies and kittens in pet stores petition
http://www.vdhaonline.org/
Combat Veteran Dog Handlers - Support the National War Dog Memorial Fund
http://www.theanimalspirit.com/ - Animal rights and rescue, spay/neuter and other links, info
www.arnifoundation.org - Animal rescue, need and intervention, S/N bus
http://www.geocities.com/dogrescue2k/Rescue.html - Day & Nite RRR
http://www.ahimsatx.org/nnl/humorus.htm - NeuterNeuterLand - spay/neuter graphics, signs, posters, leaflets, etc., promoting neuter with humor
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NeuterNeuterLand/promote
Please use "Pet Kill Crisis" - most people don't hear pet overpopulation problem
any more.
The
sterile version of "Deck the Halls," co-authored by The Neuteress of the Night
and her spazzy dogmommie sidekick
Deck the halls
with balls of collies
Fa la la la la, la la la la
'tis no season for
litters' folly
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Dream we now of
spay and neuter
Fa la la la la, la la la la
'cause we know that
sterile is cuter
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Kind
regards,
Bekye and the Living Floor Mops
~ Shop to help ~
Catabunga! Kewl Toys and Spay/Neuter Promotional Items
http://www.meowsville.com
Funniest Pet Shirts on Earth/Put Your Fundraising Through the Woof!
http://www.furryfolks.com
http://members.home.net/puglover1196/spayneuter.htm - "Looks Don't Matter" plea, FAQ and link list
http://www.whiskersnwags.org - Whiskers and Wags Rescue Team, Inc., a new group in Fredericksburg, Virginia
http://www.furr-angels.com/ - Sponsor a homeless cat or dogwww.care-edu.org - Companion Animal Rescue & Education (C.A.R.E.)
http://www.recycledcanines.org/
http://www.smallpawsrescue.org
http://www.jvars-shihtzu.com/Rescue
http://www.nopuppymills.com
http://www.puppymillfighters.com
VetInfo
http://vetinfo.com/
U.S. FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine
http://www.fda.gov/cvm/
Cornell University Veterinary Medicine Feline Health
http://web.vet.cornell.edu/public/fhc/FelineHealth.html
University of Minnesota Pet Care
http://www.petcare.umn.edu/
NetVet
http://www.avma.org/netvet/nvredirect.asp
Disabled Pets
http://www.petadopt.com/rescueadopt/disabledpets/
Disabled Pet Network
http://disabledpets.tripod.com/
Special Needs Pets
http://www.specialneedspets.org/
Pets with Disabilities
http://www.petswithdisabilities.org/
AbleDogs
http://www.abledogs.net/
Handicapped Pets
http://handicappedpets.com/
Feline Diabetes
http://www.felinediabetes.com/?clkd=iwm
Pets with Diabetes
http://www.petdiabetes.org/
Blind Dogs
http://blinddogs.com/
Deaf Dogs
http://www.ukwebpages.co.uk/deafdogs/index.htm
Canines in Crisis
http://www.caninesincrisis.org /
Special Needs Rescues
http://www.felinerescue.net/RESCUES_BY_LOCATION/SPECIAL_NEEDS.htm
Emergency links
http://www.geocities.com/~olelo/shelties/emergencydoglinks.html
ASPCA
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServe
National Directory of No-Kill Shelters
http://www.saveourstrays.com/no-kill.htm
PetFinder
http://www.petfinder.org/
E-mail addresses of representatives and general information are also welcome from/for organizations without web sites.