A Story of Hope
On July 29, 2005,
having been out of town, I had not opened my email in several
days. When I did, I was inundated with requests to help Kimmi.
Kimmi was an older Catahoula Leopard dog that had been dumped in a
shelter in northwest Florida. Making the six-hour round trip, we got
Kimmi home. She was in horrible shape. She had multiple tumors and
severe anemia due to flea and tick infestation. Taking her immediately
to the vet, we found she had osteosarcoma, and bone cancer that had
metastasized to her lungs and spleen. She was given about two weeks to
live.
I made
the decision to treat her as a hospice type case and simply give her
all the needed medication, love and comfort I could. It was plain to
see very early on, this poor dog had never known human love. She would
not even look up at me. I let everyone in our rescue organization know
that Kimmi was safe but I did not think her name fit her. I asked for
assistance from everyone to come up with a new name. My dear rescue
friend in Montana, Janeen Jackson came up with “Hope” and
it was perfect.
Hope
surpassed her two-week life expectancy and surprised us all by making
it to a month. At the end of month two, Hope finally looked up at
me. I had my first miracle, her trust. Hope became my constant
companion moving ever so slowly to wherever it was that I went. She has
inspired a great many people including myself. In her honor I wrote a
song entitled “A Song For Hope”; in addition, she inspired
Book V of the series, “Adventures in the Kingdom of Mim: Hope: An
Inspiration To All.” Hope is currently our poster
“dog” representing Catahoula Rescue, Inc.
On
December 8, 2006-one year, five months and eight days later, I smiled
through my tears as I laid my dear old friend to rest. Hope has taught
me more about the power of love and life than any human ever
could….
Choosing a Dog - Things Everyone Should Look For
By: BJones
When the moment arrives for selecting a dog of your
own, you should have a good idea of what you are looking for. If you
are primarily concerned with finding an average dog, we highly
recommend your local animal shelter. Not only will you be helping to
relieve the local over population of animals as well as possibly
rescuing a loving little dog, you just might meet the best friend you
will ever have.
No matter where you find the right dog for you, the
same basic rules will apply. You will find that a very young puppy only
vaguely resembles the adult dog you admired on the street or in the
show ring. Older puppies, between the ages of six and twelve months or
so, go through an awkward adolescent stage during which they seem
hopelessly out of proportion. You will often get a better idea of what
the puppy will eventually look like if you observe the adult members of
his family, (when this is possible).
If you are looking for a puppy, rather than an
adult dog, there are various methods of picking the best puppy from a
litter. Some advise avoiding the weakest and shyest, even though the
runt of the litter may turn out to be the best. Some breeders claim the
mother picks out the best, so they remove the puppies from her and note
which ones she brings back first. But everyone agrees that the signs of
a good temperament in a very young puppy are friendliness, confidence,
playfulness, and curiosity.
When you must choose a puppy from a litter you
should proceed by elimination. First of all is sex, male or female,
this will eliminate 1/3 to ½ the group. Then you might consider
colors or markings, next a playful and happy attitude. But always bear
in mind the role he will play in your life. Do you want an active
playful dog, or one that is quiet and more reserved? Go with the one
that most closely fits your lifestyle.
Choosing an adult dog is different. He has already
achieved his full physical development and personality. He may also
have acquired physical or mental quirks. When choosing an adult dog of
unknown past, you must use all of your powers of observation. Like the
puppy, a good temperament is the most important quality of all. Keep in
mind that adult dogs are more difficult to train, as they have already
been trained by someone else.
If you are looking for a show dog, temperament may
be secondary to physical conformation. There tends to be considerable
difference of temperament between the show lines or breeds, and the
working lines of certain breeds. If you want a pet whom you can also
show with some success, the best solution is to choose either one of
the breeds in the sporting and working groups that have not been
affected by artificial show standards.
Lastly, when making your final choice, choose from
the heart and not so much by the book, and you both will be happier for
it.
Article Source:
http://www.articleinterchange.com
Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry
for a long time. Recently they formed Joncopets.com. On the site,
customers can read articles about anything pets as well as shop for the
latest fancy dog collars, dog dresses, fancy dog beds, and more for
their best friend. Feel free to check out the site at
www.joncopets.com Submitted with Article Distributor.
