getting the word out

I saw this little put in the middle of connaught place, about to die, yes i remember it so clearly that my friend stopped me from standing there and doing nothing about it.

I said we cant just leave the pup there, he will die.

To which she replied, can you take it home? because even you know the ambulance wont come.

I knew i couldn't , my parents wont understand, but if i were on my own terms, i wouldn't have given it a second thought,

I really don't know what happened to the pup, and it hurts me to think about it,

But i do know, that instead of waiting for an ambulance, i could have taken the pup there directly, on my own,

So the word to people, 

if you wanna help, you need to take initiative, dont go wander about in other places hoping for them to invite you, 

A true dog story!

They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie,
as I looked at him lying in his pen.. The shelter was
clean, no-kill, and the people really friendly.
I'd only been in the area for six months, but everywhere
I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open.
Everyone waves when you pass them on the street.

But something was still missing as I attempted to
settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog
couldn't hurt. Give me someone to talk to.
And I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local
news. The shelter said they had received numerous
calls right after, but they said the people who had come
down to see him just didn't look like "Lab
people," whatever that meant. They must've thought I did.

But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter from his previous owner. See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too.
Maybe we were too much alike.

For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls --- he wouldn't go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes.
I guess I didn't really think he'd need all his old stuff, that I'd get him new things once he settled in. But it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn't going to.

I tried the normal commands the shelter told me he knew, ones like "sit" and "stay" and "come" and "heel," and he'd follow them - when he felt like it.
He never really seemed to listen when I called his name --- sure, he'd look in my
direction after the fourth or fifth time I said it, but then he'd just go back to doing whatever. When I'd ask again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey.

This just wasn't going to work. He chewed a couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he resented it, I could tell.
The friction got so bad that I couldn't wait for th e two
weeks to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search
mode for my cell phone amid all of my unpacked stuff. I
remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes for the guest
room, but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the
"damn dog probably hid it on me."

Finally I found it, but before I could punch up the
shelter's number, I also found his pad and other toys
from the shelter...I tossed the pad in Reggie's
direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most
enthusiasm I'd seen since bringing him home. But
then I called, "Hey, Reggie, you like that? Come
here and I'll give you a treat." Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction --- maybe "glared" is more accurate --- and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down ... with his back to me.

Well, that's not going to do it either, I thought. And I punched the shelter phone number.

But I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope.
I had completely forgotten about that, too.
"Okay, Reggie," I said out loud,
"let's see if your previous owner has any advice."

_______________________________________

To
Whoever Gets My Dog:
Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this, a letter I told the shelter
could only be opened by Reggie's new owner.
I'm not even happy writing it. If you're reading this,
it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab
after dropping him off at the shelter.
He knew something was different.
I have packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time... it's like he knew something was wrong.
And something is wrong...which is why I have
to go to try to make it right.

So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it
will help you bond with him and he with you.

First, he loves tennis balls.
The more the merrier. Sometimes I think he's part
squirrel, the way he hordes them. He usually always
has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in
there. Hasn't done it yet. Doesn't
matter where you throw them, he'll bound after it, so be
careful - really don't do it by any roads. I made
that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly.

Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I'll go over them
again: Reggie knows the obvious ones ---
"sit," "stay," "come," "heel."
He knows hand signals:
"back" to turn around and go back when you put
your hand straight up; and "over" if you put your
hand out right or left. "Shake" for shaking
water off, and "paw" for a high-five. He
does "down" when he feels like lying down --- I bet
you could work on that with him some more. He knows
"ball" and "food" and "bone"
and "treat" like nobody's business.

I trained Reggie with small food treats.
Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of hot dog.

Feeding schedule: twice a day,once about seven in the morning, and again at six in the evening. Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter
has the brand.

He's up on his shots. Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with
yours; they'll make sure to send you reminders for when
he's due. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet.
Good luck getting him in the car. I don't know how he knows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows.

Finally, give him some time.
I've never been married, so it's only been Reggie
and me for his whole life. He's gone everywhere
with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if
you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he
doesn't bark or complain. He just loves to be
around people, and me most especially.

Which means that this transition is
going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new.

And that's why I need to share
one more bit of info with you....

His name's not Reggie.

I don't know what made me do it, but
when I dropped him off at the shelter, I told them
his name was Reggie. He's a smart dog, he'll get used to it
and will respond to it, of that I have no
doubt. But I just couldn't bear to give them his
real name. For me to do that, it seemed so final, that
handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting
that I'd never see him again. And if I end up
coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it
means everything's fine. But if someone else is
reading it, well ... well it means that his new owner should
know his real name. It'll help you bond with
him. Who knows, maybe you'll even notice a change
in his demeanor if he's been giving you problems.

His real name is "Tank".

Because that is what I drive.

Again, if you're reading this and you're from the area, maybe my name has been on the news. I told the shelter that they couldn't make
"Reggie" available for adoption until they
received word from my company commander. See, my
parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could've
left Tank with ... and it was my only real request of the
Army upon my deployment to Iraq , that they make one phone..
call the shelter ... in the "event" ... to tell
them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily,
my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where my platoon
was headed. He said he'd do it
personally. And if you're reading this, then
he made good on his word.

Well, this letter is getting downright depressing,
even though, frankly, I'm just
writing it for my dog. I couldn't imagine if I was
writing it for a wife and kids and family ... but still,
Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as
long as the Army has been my family.

And now I hope and pray that you
make him part of your family and that he will adjust and
come to love you the same way he loved me.

That unconditional love from a dog
is what I take with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do
something selfless, to protect innocent people from those
who would do terrible things ... and to keep those terrible
people from coming over here. If I have to give up Tank
in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He is
my example of service and of love. I hope I honored
him by my service to my country and comrades.

All right, that's enough.
I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at
the shelter. I don't think I'll say another
good-bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first
time. Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he
finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.

Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home,
and give him an extra kiss goodnight - every night - from me.

Thank you,
Paul Mallory

_____________________________________


I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope.
Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even
new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star
when he gave his life to save three buddies.
Flags had been at half-mast all summer.

I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog.

"Hey, Tank," I said quietly.

The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright.

"C'mere boy."

He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on
the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head
tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months.

"Tank," I whispered.

His tail swished.

I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each
time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture
relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood
him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried
my face into his scruff and hugged him.

"It's me now, Tank, just you and me.
Your old pal gave you to me." Tank reached up and
licked my cheek. "So whatdaya say we play some ball?"
His ears perked again.
"Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?"
Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room.

And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth.

Dog - A man's best friend

Dogs are the most faithful animals on the face of the earth, they follow you everywhere you go, and they love you unconditionally.

Recently i stumbled across lots of puppies near my school and also near my house.
Most of them were like the puppies we see in a pet store, looking at me and begging me to adopt them.

They may have been not pure in breed, but they also loved me the same way, any dog would love me, unconditionally.

Near my house, there were a set of 5 puppies born under this freezing weather. The mom was skinny and malnutritioned, the puppies were all snuggling up to the mother to get warmth. Some of them were taken by kids, and some died due to the cold.

When a call was sent to the NGO, paws, to give shelter to them, they said there shelter was full.

Basically, what i want to say is, if you see a dog, on the road, freezing and shivering. Give him some food, to help him survive.



I found this friendly and cute pups outside my school, if anyone interested in adopting them, contact me.

Protect your dog's ears this Diwali!

The common problem dogs face during Diwali time is the noise level of the bombs.

the best thing you could do for you dog is say no to crackers, Diwali is about lighting diya's and enjoyin the festival of light.

the next thing you could do is keep your dog comfortable, and make him/her suffer as less as possible.

To keep your dog at peace, give him some sedatives, that will make ur dog sleep all night.


Incase your dog gets hurt by a cracker, cool down the burnt area, and take him to the doctor immediately.

Wishing you all a happy and safe diwali!

Tick flu amongst dogs

Recently dogs have been affected by tick flu, dogs have died due to ignorance, that is why i will be posting more about tick flu.

If you see your dogs with the following symptoms, please consult a doctor.

fever
discharge from the nose or eyes
vomiting bile (yellow and possibly frothy) stained fluid
bleeding under the skin or a rash
pallor (pale gums or tongue)
weakness



Forward this message to all dog owners, thank you, hope we are able to stop the disease in time.

Adopt dogs

Adopting a dog from an animal shelter or a NGO is the best way you can actually help dogs.

Dogs from an animal shelter may not be the best in breed, but they are the best pets to keep, as a watch dog, or as a pet for children.

A dog adopted generally has a high immunity level, that is why it is easier to maintain them.

All I wanted to say is adopting a dog is the best way you can help dogs,

10 best dog breeds to keep as pets! (part V)

German Shepherd

The German shepherd dog is typically 22 to 26 inches from the ground to the top of the shoulder. The normal adult weight is 75 to 90 pounds.

The German shepherd dog is very intelligent, easy to train, powerful and elegant. Though not overly affectionate, shepherds are loyal and faithful. The breed is renowned as a police dog and is often used in search and rescue missions. The German shepherd is also a popular companion dog, family member, assistance dog and guard dog.

Due to their tolerant nature, German shepherds are excellent pets for children and are natural protectors. With proper training, the shepherd is an effective and imposing guard dog.

Training should begin early in life. Untrained shepherds have a tendency to be difficult to handle and control. Since shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn, they can be trained to do a variety of tasks. They perform well in sentry duty, police work, tracking, obedience, search and rescue as well as assistance dogs for the disabled. Originally trained as a herder, the breed is still used in this capacity in some areas.

German shepherds do not require any special care. Daily grooming will help keep their coat clean and healthy.



Pug

From the top of the shoulder the pug stands between ten and eleven inches tall and weighs between fourteen to twenty-two pounds.

Not at all pugnacious, the pug is an affectionate, loveable, even-tempered breed with great charm and dignity. They are clever and mischievous with an outgoing disposition. Pugs love company and want to be everyone's best friend but they will sulk when left out of activities.

Pugs have always been friendly companion housedogs. They love being part of the family. Pugs are great watch dogs, playful companions for children and will happily curl up on your lap for a nap.

Pugs have a smooth, slick hair coat that is easy to groom with a firm bristle brush and comb. You should shampoo only as necessary and clean the wrinkles on their forehead to prevent moisture accumulation and facial fold dermatitis.

The pug is intelligent and easy to train using standard obedience commands. Their primary reason for living is to stay near the family and to please their owners.

Pugs are miserable in hot, cold or humid weather due to their short, square muzzles. They should not be left outside or in closed cars in the summer or winter months.

10 best dog breeds to keep as pets! (part IV)

Dalmatians

Adult Dalmatians average between 19 and 23 inches at the height of the shoulder and weigh between 45 and 70 pounds.

The Dalmatian is an active, energetic pet well known for undying protection of his owner. While not renowned as a dog that barks excessively, the Dalmatian may become vocal when strangers approach. The breed is usually eager to please his owner though is not too friendly with people they do not know or trust.

This breed generally makes a good family pet. They can get along well with children and other pets if they are introduced while still a puppy. This breed enjoys being active and loves to go for long walks or to run in a big yard. Some owners report that their Dalmatian is curious and likes to explore.

The Dalmatian is an intelligent dog and learns readily. They have been successfully trained for retrieving, rescue, circus performance and as coach dogs. They provide excellent protection. Dalmatians are considered easy to train.

Dalmatians may exhibit a curious combination of a smile and a snarl, a smarl. Lips may be drawn tightly back away from the teeth. Interestingly, this expression is an indication of a playful mood.

With the popularity of Dalmatians, overbreeding and poor breeding have resulted in temperament problems with the breed. Ethical and diligent breeders are continuing to try to reduce the incidence of aggression and behavior problems within the breed. Make sure you obtain your Dalmatian from a reputable breeder.

Dalmatians shed. Their short white hairs are easily noticeable on your clothes and furniture. Brushing your Dalmatian once or twice a week helps to remove dead hairs from the coat. Dalmatians may have "flaky" skin during winter months when the humidity is lower. Talk with your veterinarian to determine possible treatments. Dalmatians' ears are very thin and have a poorer blood supply compared to the rest of the body. Because of this, frostbite can occur if your pet is left outside for too long in cold weather.





Cocker spaniel


The English cocker stands at a height of 15 to 17 inches at the shoulder and weighs 25 to 35 pounds.


Overall, the cocker spaniel is a cheerful dog that is willing to please. As with other spaniels, the cocker is energetic and needs regular exercise. If not allowed to exercise, behavioral problems often develop.



Well suited for city or country life, the breed has natural protective instincts that make him a good watchdog. If raised with children, cockers can do well. Older cockers not exposed to children early in life tend not to tolerate their antics.


Cocker spaniels have an inherent desire to hunt and they make capable gun dogs. They can be easily trained to flush and retrieve game. Even though they are land spaniels, they can adapt to water. The English cocker is used as a hunter more so than the American.

In addition to hunting training, the cocker spaniel is easily trained in obedience.

Cockers should not be left alone for extended periods of time. This can lead to frustration and subsequent behavioral problems and destructiveness. With the increase in popularity of the cocker spaniel, indiscriminate breeding practices have resulted in temperament problems. Some are nervous and can be aggressive toward strangers.

Due to their long hair coat, the cocker must be groomed frequently.

10 best dog breeds to keep as pets! (part III)

Dachshund

Dachshunds are bred in either miniature or standard size. The miniature is 11 pounds or less. From the ground to top of the shoulder, the dog stands about 5 inches. The standard dachshund ranges from about 16 to 32 pounds with a height at the shoulder of 7 to 10 inches.

Dachshunds are outgoing and strong-willed – even considered stubborn by some owners – and are very alert.

The dachshund is a well-loved pet. The breed is curious, persistent and enjoys participating in activities with members of the family. Your dachshund may appear to possess seemingly boundless energy, thus keeping you well entertained. Because of their size, dachshunds make a good first pet. Vocalizing readily when strangers approach, the breed can be a good watchdog. If introduced at an early age, this breed can do well with children. Shorthaired dachshunds are particularly easy to maintain because they do not require frequent grooming. One concern for avid gardeners, however, is the dachshund's love of digging.


Dachshunds are intelligent and willing to learn; however, they may be strong-willed. This trait may make training challenging, but nonetheless fun.


The average dachshund can live up to 12 to 16 years.



Collie

The collie, both smooth and rough, stand 22 to 26 inches in height at the shoulder. Collies typically weigh 50 to 75 pounds.

Collies are loyal and affectionate dogs with natural protective and herding instincts. They are intelligent and quite active and some may be high strung and sensitive.

A devoted and faithful family dog, the collie is ideal for homes with children. Due to their tolerant nature, they are also excellent in homes with other dogs. Though not known for having guard dog tendencies, collies will alert the family when strangers approach.

The collie takes well to training. The breed thrives on mental and physical stimulation. Collies have a natural herding instinct, which must be overcome through proper training to prevent the breed from inappropriately herding small children and other pets

Due to their strong natural homing instinct, when initially brought to a new home, the collie should be kept securely confined until completely adjusted to their new environment. Without this adjustment period, the collie may escape and try to find his way "home."

The collie requires daily exercise and does not do well when confined for prolonged periods of time. The long hair coat of the rough collie requires frequent brushing to prevent mats and tangles. Make sure the brushing includes the deeper undercoat.

10 best dog breeds to keep as pets! (part II)

Beagle

The adult beagle is a small breed and is divided into two size categories, 13 to 15 inches at the shoulder and under 13 inches at the shoulder. In England, there is only one class, with a maximum height of 16 inches. Beagles average between 18 to 30 pound.


Friendly and lovable, the beagle's tail is perpetually wagging. The breed is not aggressive but, with his baying bark, will alert the homeowner of intruders. They are intelligent, good-natured and docile companions.


Beagles are excellent choices for families with children. The breed's easy going nature makes them tolerant family members that love to participate in games. Beagles do not enjoy being left alone for extended periods of time. They can easily become frustrated and bored, leading to behavior problems, including destructive behavior.

In general, the breed does well in obedience training but some find the beagle somewhat stubborn. Some have trouble with housebreaking.

Due to their short hair coat, beagles do not require special grooming.




boxer

The adult boxer stands 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weighs 65 to 70 pounds.

The boxer is the ultimate people dog. He is deliberate and wary with strangers but curious, and he will exhibit fearless courage if threatened. Boxers can adapt to nearly any environment, as long as they are with people.

Boxers are very intelligent but can be boisterous. For that reason, obedience training is a must. The breed enjoys training and learns easily. Some have worked as guide dogs as well as guard dogs.

The boxer is a friendly breed, devoted to his family. His temperament is fundamentally playful, yet he is patient and stoical with children. He is tolerant of their antics and loves to play. He is a natural protector and, if trained, can be a good watch and guard dog. Without training, some boxers tend to be too friendly and would rather lick and play with an intruder instead of guarding.

Boxers are low maintenance but they require consistent exercise. Their short hair coat requires minimal grooming. Though they are excellent family pets, they tend to fight among themselves, especially if the other family boxers are the same sex. The most significant concern regarding the boxer is the high rate of cancer compared to other breeds.