Holding a Puppy

Greta and I were outside tending to some chores and the 3 next door neighbor schnauzers were shrieking at us as usual. We wandered over (their yard edges our driveway) to have a little communal sniff and practice not barking (at least on Greta's part). The neighbors came out and I asked about the littlest one.

Yes, they admitted they have a new addition-born in October. She is a glorious chocolate colored schnauzer. Now, I don't know if AKC approves of that color, and I don't care. They let me hold that baby and the puppy magic happened. I think I almost lactated.

Unfortunately, it's this same puppy magic that fades and ends up in dogs being rehomed-so it's a dangerous sort of magic at best.

Now I'm watching Cody snooze in the afternoon sun (Greta is on the dog couch behind me, and the spotties are in Oklahoma, probably taking their afternoon nap). Cody was a purchase, not a rescue, but he's at the age (2) where the new wears off....and I just don't get it. Who could resist watching such a gorgeous little dog snooze in the sun, flicking his ears. His brindle coat is a work of art in the sunlight. His crooked blaze, from this angle, makes his nose look like it's on the side of his face. What perfection.

There is the rush of warmth you get from holding a puppy and rush of warmth you get holding a dear old friend. When I set out to sort out things for Uncle John last summer, I took Dottie with me. She calmly went in, set up her command post in the best chair amid the chaos, and made a dreadful situation much much better with her presence. At the age of 7 she found a new calling as a great Diva of the Nursing homes. A puppy would have been too much for the situation, it required the wisdom of an elderly genius.

My wish for today is that all dogs, old and young, be appreciated for the wonders that they truly are.

Need to Close my eyes for a bit

It's raining puppies on Craigslist.....it's now the end of January and all the bad 6 week old puppies that can't be potty trained are now looking to be rehomed. Of course, no one wants to actually lose any money, so to insure a good home there will be a rehoming fee to cover the cost of all the toys that come with the dogs. Lots of toys, but not any shots or health related things.

I'm having one of those days when I feel a little hopeless and helpless. What can I do to make a difference? I can't afford another daring rescue right now. But I want to HELP. I want to make it stop-all the full blooded, designer dog, hybrid cutsie, I care but I don't want to be bothered in anyway bullshit.

Sometimes I feel like hiding my dogs because I don't want someone to see them, think they are cute, and on impulse go buy one, only to start the viscious cycle again. Do we need stronger laws regarding pet ownership? Would that be the answer? Maybe classes and more outreach in the schools? It's a start.

Anyway, no more CL Pets for a week-I'm officially on the wagon.

It's not easy being cute

This is a little Jack Russel, 8 months (teenager) looking for a home because her family just doesn't have time for such an energetic dog. Here is Texas, Jacks were all the rage-because they were small, yet macho enough for men. Never mind that they have an energy level that defies description.

The problem is that people don't seem to comprehend that an 8 week old puppy can't "hold it" all day-that is grown up dog stuff. A 16 week old puppy is far to busy to want to be held all day. Then, oh horrors, the hormones start and it's usually all over and on to the next home.

I've actually thought of creating a dog zoo-or a community dog farm, where people who want to play with cute dogs could come and play-but not take them home. Unfortunately, once it was cute and all the rage, no one would bother going to the shelters any more, and those poor guys don't need the competition.

I'm not at all in favor of big government, but if a city can license dogs, why not give them the authority and resources to manage how those dogs are treated as well? Just a thought.

Just don't have the time or the money BUT I WANT

From a craiglist ad: I want to find this cat a good home, we've bred her before but I don't think she should be bred again.........

Translation:

I'm not going to breed the cat any more and I'm not willing to pay the 30 bucks to take her to the SPCA to have her neutered before I give her away. I DO CARE....but not enough to be put out in any way.

Another Ad:
Want small dog, housebroken, not a puppy and not old...about 1-2 years. Can't be yippy. Will give it lots of love an attention, but can't pay for the dog because I want to spend the money on toys and vets. Females only.

Translation:
I want a little female dog who won't be any trouble or any expense so I can breed her to death and make a little money on the side. When I'm done with her, I won't bother to neuter her, I'll just recycle her on craigslist.

Variation:
Same ad, but ASKS for a neutered dog.

Translation:
I want a dog, but I don't want to take the time to train the dog, it better be housebroken cause if it makes a mistake it's going to end up back on this list. Also, I certainly don't have time to run the dog down to the SPCA for a low cost neuter or to my vet for a high cost neuter and if this dog has any issues which will take away from my busy schedule, you guessed it, it will end back on this list.

Common theme: Pets take time and money and I am not willing to spend either of them, but I really want a cute dog who will wait paitently for me to come home and let it out to potty. Bonus points if it can drop a litter, deductions if it drops a bomb on my new carpet.

Suggestion: If you must rehome your dog or cat, please please spay or neuter before you do.