Past time, in fact, for new collars. That’s the inside of Guinness’s collar on top. She has an oilier coat. Both sides of Margot’s collar look pretty good still.
New duds:
I felt the need to use some pet store gift cards we’ve accumulated to spoil our girls. Today was a tough day for The Compounders and our friend Roberta. We learned that she lost her beloved companion, Buddy. Buddy had a hard story before he found his forever home, but once there, he lived the life of a prince. He was already a good dog, but he learned to be the best dog thanks to Roberta’s patience and willingness to make sure he received all the training, praise, and love a dog could get. I never met Buddy, but I came to know him through the photos that I always looked forward to Roberta sharing. He was a champion napper and a toy hound.
I want to think he’s found his new pack with River and Rex and they’re all having a good romp together. Roberta, we know how deeply you love him and will miss him. Love and good thoughts to you.
Prompt from FMS Photo A Day.
Today i was at the vet with Dash who was getting his yearly exam – and there was a picture of a bassett hound that had a very hard life, and somehow managed to escape, and find some kind people that took him and deticked him … he was not in good condition but they nursed him back … and while I was there, the foster mom came in, and said that she had found a new home for him – with a woman that would take good care of him and was already in love. I imagine Roberta has a big heart just like these people.
I don’t know Roberta and I didn’t know Buddy, but I am glad there are so many compassionate loving people out there – people like her, that take in doggies and give them the 2nd chance they deserve, and isn’t amazing that they always live up to it? So please give Roberta my best – and let her know even strangers are thinking of her and Buddy.
Thanks, Marika.
And you’re right. Just keeping up with Pier the burned dog on Facebook, I have been awed by the thousands who follow his story, leave encouraging comments, and by all those who’ve donated money, toys, and even time to this rescued dog. Only one person hurt him. The good still far outnumber the bad.
Mlle. Renee pointed out the girls colorful new collars and then showed me her dirty pink one. I reminded her that her birthday is coming up next month and asked her if she wanted a new collar or a cake. She paused with a Jack Benny take and replied, “I’m thinking.” She knows she’ll sucker me into getting her both.
We really can’t love them enough. She’ll deserve both.
I wonder if this would be helpful to little kids who think all doggies are nice and like to play:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-22164702
Kids AND adults should be taught never to approach a strange dog (and even to reacquaint with care when meeting a dog again). From a tiny chihuahua to a big mastiff, a dog’s temperament is determined not by breed but by his or her history. Has there been training? Abuse? Is the dog ill? Old? Deaf? None of those things exclude a dog being a good dog with the pack it knows, but they can mean a dog won’t react well to being approached and particularly to being startled or feeling threatened.
Unfortunately, stupid and ignorant people are found everywhere–on both sides of a leash (or in worse cases, no leash). It is to dogs’ credit that they more often than not treat us well even when they’ve been treated poorly.
A hundred years ago the American Bull Terrier was known as a gentle family with kids dog. Buster Brown’s dog Tige was a Bull Terrier, and so was Spot the dog in the Our Gang/Little Rascals movie shorts. That was before cruel and idiotic humans turned them into PIT BULLS.
The Humane Society Of Missouri who rescued Renee, spent five months nursing her back to health after the humans who thought they needed a puppy dumped her on the streets. Every dog they rescue is evaluated by their training team before being placed with a potential owner. I had to go through a half hour interview before they even considered me as an adoptive parent. I was lucky to be the selected parent out of four potential adoptees that day.
You might have heard about Trooper, the poor little bull terrier mix puppy, who was dragged behind a car for almost a mile. He made the national news and now has his own Facebook page. Check it out for a puppy with spunk and spirit.
https://www.facebook.com/TeamTrooper
Thanks so much Becky. Buddy was an awesome, loving, fun dog and while I could have never had him long enough, I sure am glad I got to be his human for almost 4 years. He has set a high bar for all rescue dogs to follow – and there will be another one, once I’ve had a chance to grieve a little more and start the search for the second best dog in the universe.
You’ll know when the time is right. Future rescue dogs will be lucky to find a home with you, and though none will ever be the best as Buddy was, he or she will find his or her own best way to be.
Until that time comes, your grief honors you both. I know there are many happy and funny memories that will help heal you. And you’ve got lots of friends to help, too.