North of The Rainbow Bridge

North of The Rainbow Bridge by MakWa4me

The time comes. A Siberian Husky lifts up its head. There is an untested adventure beyond. Time to go.

Across the Rainbow Bridge is a place for all dogs. A river runs wide and shallow with tennis balls that fly with their own wings; that is the place for a Labrador or Golden to await its master's arrival.

The Siberian is not content here. Northward is its trail....

There are soft pastures for Aussies and Border Collies, with sheep and geese to pen. Agility equipment grows like trees amid Frisbees and flyball.

But the North continues its sure wild call, and the Siberian's journey continues....

Now the air is colder. Now the moon is always full. Now the light is silver and it breaks and shimmers on fields of bright snow. Now there are no roads, no walls, no pens, just endless space to run. This is where Siberians gather, North of the Rainbow Bridge.

They wait in this beautiful place, happy, but not complete. Suddenly, a howl begins, as one dog senses someone coming, someone very special. All the Siberians raise their heads and join in the ancient chorus. They dance like moonbeams and sing like winter winds.

There are red ones like dawn streaks, black ones splattered with many colors and silver ones like the first strange hour before light. They line up as if in harness and run together, in a scintillating, many-colored streak. The leader of the team guides the others past the fields and river, with racing feet and racing heart. They rush to greet the new arrival at the Rainbow Bridge, where the leader is rejoined with its beloved person, never to be parted again.

The glory of the reunion is celebrated by all the Siberians dwelling beyond the Bridge, a glimmering, multicolored team leaping and whirling with joy. The light from that scene is what we see on magical evenings in the northernmost parts of this Earth: The Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights beyond the Rainbow Bridge.

Rosie, German Shepherd, missing in Columbus, Ohio

If you are in COLUMBUS, OHIO or know anyone there, please forward this info! My pup pal Rosie, a German Shepherd is missing. She is mostly black with a pink collar.

Rosie is an adult, female, German Shepherd with a very black colored face. AC saw her at North Star and Northwest Blvd. at 10:00 AM this morning but couldn't catch her. If you find her or think you've seen her please call 614-297-8380 or 614-787-1405. She is normally a friendly dog but was very scared when she was last sighted and took off running. Please let us know if you see her.

Rosie was wearing a pink gingham collar, she has all her tags on.

Please help me spread the word to anyone you know who lives in the Columbus area. Share this message on Facebook and retweet on Twitter.

We are worried sick for Rosie's safety.

Please read more: http://ohiolostdog.blogspot.com/

FREE SCRAPPY!

If I had a dollar for every time someone I met while walking my human said I looked like a wolf, I'd be a rich doggie. Seriously, I'd eat steak every day! I am ashamed to admit this but here goes.

Though I am 100% Canadian Rocky Mountain Timber Wolf on the inside, I am 95% domestic dog on the outside. In comparison to dogs, wolves have narrow chests, proportionally large feet and teeth, and longer legs. I have a somewhat wide chest, little cat-like feet, normal size teeth, and short legs. I'm not Corgi short, but *gulp* I am shorter than the average medium-sized dog. Drives me nuts.

When wolf pups are about ten days of age, their eyes first open. Their eyes are a deep murky blue, but by about three weeks of age the pups eyes have turned a bright blue. Around six to eight weeks of age the pups eyes will turn green and finally will reach their adult color which can be anything from pale yellow, to amber or even orange or brown. Adult wolves do not have blue eyes like can be seen in some dogs such as Siberian huskies. My eyes are bright blue. That's right, like a little baby wolf. I'm certainly not a baby.

The inside of wolf ears are well furred and never flop. Well, there's one I can claim! My ears are perfectly un-floppy. On the other paw, so some Chihuahuas. Wolves' tails, while they may be held down or up, never have a curl to them. I carry my tail over my back in a graceful sickle curve .

I would like nothing more than to claim wild woof status. But with all the facts in front of me, I really can't. I hang on to the knowledge though that somewhere in all our doggie pasts, there is a wolf ancestor. A tiny point-two-percent is the difference between domestic dog DNA and grey wolf DNA.

It seems that many people have an idea in their head of what wolves look like. Maybe because huskies sometimes have acting roles in movies as wolves. Now there's a job I would like!

Now here's the issue I was getting to with all this woofing about my own looks. Here in Des Moines, an 8-year-old Husky dog named Scrappy escaped her yard one night and went for a run. Read my last diary entry, that's the #1 goal of any husky-ish pup! I say good for Scrappy. Scrappy isn't a digger or a climber, but erosion from the rain carved an opening under the fence. She had a chance for freedom, and she took it! Scrappy got picked up by the scary animal control truck, and ended up at the Animal Rescue League. The following day, Scrappy's mom went to pick her up. She paid the fees and everything to bust Scrappy out of jail. But on the way Des Moines' chief humane officer stopped them. He said she was a wolf, and that she was staying. Scrappy likes belly rubs and kids and dogs and hasn't tried to bite a person or anything like that - she doesn't have that kind of character.

Scrappy spent 3-months in doggie jail. She turned 9. Scrappy's still in jail, but she's now living with a trainer on 10 acres in the country. I've been to this place lots, and I'd say Scrappy is much better off there than in jail! But I'm sure she'd like to go home. Her people visit her every day. Scrappy's family is going back to court on September 25.



Info on what you can do to help here

Takoda's Guide to Gift Giving

August is birthday season in the Takoda household. Lena, Loki and Catori. It's like, here we go again in this crazy month of wishes and expectations and pressure to give—and spend your doggie dollars until you wish you hadn't. In addition to all this mindless gift giving, a lack of socialization and exercise is one of the toughest issues plaguing canines today.

On August 1st my 2 sisters turned 3. That's 21 in human years - they were due for a PAWTY!! Instead of buying expensive department store dog toys that squeak and giggle (I personally dislike these things anyway) or silly Bedazzled dog clothes, I felt it would be more beneficial to give the girls an off-leash run. With Mom gone to work, and Dad busy with home maintenance chores, I knew no amount of nose poking, kissing, and stares would make this happen.

Throughout the day I watched Dad closely as he painted the exterior of our home. Periodically he entered and exited the outside gate, sometimes with his hands full. I laid in the sun on the deck with one eye half open, strategically facing the gate. Around 6 pm, just as Mom was unknowingly preparing to leave work and come home for the day, a golden opportunity presented itself.

Dad had left the gate open. When this happens, doggies, waste no time and run through it! Ask questions later! On August 1st, I did, and my furry golden sisters followed.

I sprinted down the street, a tri-colored blur followed by a golden double dog blur. It felt good. In my younger years I flew out open doors, gates, and holes in the fence now and then. A few times my pawrents, who are a little slow, decided to join me a little late and came in the car. They also gave me lots of hugs and cried a little. One time the nice dog loving neighbor returned me to my door. Now middle-aged, it felt like I was reclaiming my youth and my freedom. My pawrents now excel at preventing such breaches and the random chance to run free rarely presents itself.

Meanwhile back at the homestead, Dad noticed his entourage was lacking a few tails. Catori was behind a doggie gate, and silly Vegas was oblivious to the whole thing. Truth is, the boy is totally whipped and fails to see an open gate as an opportunity.

I ran my birthday girls towards McDonald's. Last year I had a McCheeseburger for my birthday, and I thought this would be a great birthday treat for Lena and Loki.

Then things took a turn. A turn for home - what?! Lena and Loki were running the OTHER way. I followed thinking maybe they had caught scent of deer or bunnies. Too late a realized the girls were hightailing it for home! Just in case I followed anyway. Did they NOT want freedom and cheeseburgers?

I was running so fast, I didn't see my dad's truck zoom by! Dad passed us and was happy to see the girls were bringing me home.

The girls sprinted right back into our fenced backyard. I was a bit behind them, still wondering why they bailed on me and went home. Dad stopped his truck sideways in our driveway and grabbed me as I attempted to pass on by and continue my run solo. He held me and kissed me, it was so weird.

Then I was returned to my jail-like backyard, and Lena and Loki gave me a fiesty little talking to. I guess they didn't appreciate the best gift ever, or maybe they were angry that they never did get the McCheeseburgers.

Mom and dad spent the night talking about heart attack feelings and discussing double gating the yard and being even more cautious.

Sunday the 16th was my furbrother Catori's 6th birthday. By now I felt that my meaningful gifts were not all that appreciated. Instead, I accompanied Catori on a LEASHED nature walk along with Mom and Grandma. We ate a cheesewurst sausage and saw a dog on a bike in a basket. Atleast we think the little barky thing was a dog! Then we went to Grandma's and ate chicken, napped, and wrestled. A good day and the humans didn't cry or get excessively huggy.

I'll keep the really good gifts for myself from now on!

Happy 7th WoofDay to me!

I turned 7 yesterday! I was adopted in 2002 from PAWS of Greene County in Jefferson, Iowa after my pawrents found me on Petfinder.org. My pawrents highly recommend using Petfinder if you're looking for a new fur friend.

Now that I'm 7, I've been using the computer with a little less human supervision. I enjoys social networking sites. My favorites are Dogbook and Dogster.com.

I even fill out fun surveys. Woofed by me:

Is there anybody you just wish would fall off the planet? That dang Border Collie down the street who randomly attacked me years ago and I never forgot it.
Do you wear your seatbelt in the car? No. I should though, I am notorious for trying to jump out car windows.
Do you have a crush on someone? My furbrother Catori. No secret!
Name one thing you worry about running out of. Dead stuff to roll in!
What famous person do you (or other people) think you resemble? Demon from the movie Snow Dogs... I get that one all the time!
What is your favorite pizza topping? 4 meat pizza!
Do you crack your knuckles? My leg joints pop sometimes.
What song do you hate the most? "Who let the dogs out?" So annoying.
What are your super powers? Energy that never stops and supersonic hearing.
Where are your car keys? In mom's bag, ready to take me for a car ride!
Whose answers to this questionnaire do you want to hear? My furbrother Vegas. I bet his answers are silly.
What's your most annoying habit? High-pitched barking in my human's ears everytime another dog barks. Especially in the car.
What is your best physical feature? My ice blue eyes!
What superstition do you believe/practice? Circle 3 times before you poo.
What color are your bed sheets? My bed is green.
Would you rather be a fish or a bird? A bird. Not a big swimming fan but I'd sure love to fly!
What are your favorite sayings? "Go for a walk?", "Car ride?", "Cookies?"
What song(s) do you sing most often in the shower? "Rain, rain go away"... I dislike rain showers, and the bath shower too.
What is your favorite Harrison Ford movie? Indiana Jones. I love adventure!
How many kids do you plan on having? None! I'm spayed and proud.
If you could kiss anyone who would it be? My mom or my dad!
What do you do when no one is watching? Steal chewies from my fursiblings.
If they made a movie about your life, what actor/actress would be you? One of Tom Green's huskies, Steve (who is a girl, btw) or Annie
Would you rather die in a blaze of glory or peacefully in your sleep? A blaze of glory! Not sure my pawrents would like that though.
Have you ever been in love? Yes! With my family. Love at first sight, and it grows deeper every day.
Do you talk to yourself? Yes, and anyone else who will listen. Sometimes not by choice!

My paw painting

I must be really special because hu-mom painted a picture of my paws! See them here on my blog>

Takoda Announces Run for Presidency

Takoda lays out plans for U.S. and how to achieve them

WASHINGTON - Addressing the countless problems the United States faces today, Takoda announced on Saturday Aug. 23 that she would run for president. In front of the Iowa State Capital building, Takoda carefully laid out the goals she has for the U.S. and how those can be achieved.

"All of us know what those challenges are today - breed specific legislation, dog fighting, a dependence on oil that threatens to end car rides to the dog park, doggy daycares where too many puppies aren't learning anything, canines tied out in backyards for hours on end, and human families struggling paycheck to paycheck despite working as hard as they can, with no money left in the budget for vet expenses and dog food," Takoda said.

Takoda spent a good portion of her speech relating to the "common" dog. She explained that he understands that it is not fair for people to work long hours and dogs to sit at home with nothing to chew. This is one issue she hopes to address.

Referring to herself as a, "short, stocky, Des Moines mutt who once did time in a city dog pound," Takoda explained that a change for the future is not only possible, but completely necessary.

Among the thousands of supporters, there were many protesters as well. Lining the streets surrounding the Iowa State Capital, Pro-Breeding groups held giant signs depicting neutered male canines, claiming that Takoda is not a worthy candidate because she supports such things.

"I don't really know what she plans to do, but I know that she is pro Spay and Neutering," Spike McBarky, a member of the Pro-Breeding Action League, said. "It has nothing to do with her breed either. I just want to see bitches in heat and lots of puppies."

While many pro-breeding activists were present, there were also a few that were outwardly supporting Takoda. Several dogs could be seen holding signs that said, "Pro-Breeding and Pro-Takoda."

While the masses braved the August humidity, others crowded into nearby East Village pubs and coffee shops to cool off and listen to Takoda via radio.

"Let's be the generation that ends canine homelessness in America…Let's be the generation that finally tackles our vet care crisis…Let's be the generation that finally frees American dogs from the tyranny of homelessness and needless euthanization," Takoda said.

She spoke of ending high-kill animal shelters and providing puppy kindergarten opportunities and shots for every young dog.

Takoda addressed the issue of widespread parvo outbreaks and what must be done to protect our young from it.

Takoda also discussed her support for pit bulls, and the issues revolving around the increase of veterinary care costs.

"We can stop pet overpopulation and homelessness. We can make sure that no more wooded areas are removed needlessly and that our rivers and lakes remain for generations after us to swim in and drink from. Global warming is a real issue and if we don't address it now, the number of squirrels and rabbits available to chase could soon be virtually non-existent." she said.

Emphasizing the fact that she cannot achieve these things alone, Takoda called for support from the audience.

"I definitely think we need some change in this country," Spencer Eatsalot, an English Bulldog attendee and political enthusiast, said, "While I'm still on the fence withTakoda, I definitely agree with a lot of her ideas."

Not available at the time for personal interviews, a personal human friend and colleague of Takoda's was able to offer a few words.

"Takoda is not only a very personal pup pal of mine, but a very down-to-earth girl," Steve Fitzpoochie, political director for the Iowa Federation of Dog Trainers, said. "When speaking one-on-one with her, you feel as though she really values your opinions, and that she takes them to heart."

Fitzpoochie went on to share that the Iowa Federation of Dog Trainers was the first major group to support Takoda in her election as State Dog Representative. Now that Takoda has moved onto bigger and better positions, Fitzpoochie still expressed a great deal of loyalty and friendship with Takoda.

Humans from the American Kennel Club had comments also. "While the AKC has not made a [public] decision on who we will vote for, we fund and support Takoda and we have always had a good relationship with her," DeAnne Bowwow, head of the AKC said.

Drawing particularly on the pups of the nation, Takoda called for "our generation" to be the ones to step forward and make a change.

"For that is our unyielding faith - that in the face of impossible odds, dogs who love their country can change it," she said.

Where does Takoda stand on the issues? Please read more here>

Who needs a nose anyway?

I nearly lost my nose to a HUGE angry Snapping Turtle this morning. I put my face in his face and he snapped and lucky for me hu-mom pulled me back. She said that turtle could kick my butt, I didn't think so, I barked and pulled and ignored the annoying "leave it" command.

On the way back, I was really excited to visit the turtle again but he was gone. I sniffed all over the spot where I saw him but all that was left was some pushed around mud. I sniffed it good, and I could have found him, but I was forced to go to the car and go home instead. No fun at all!

Hu-mom says if I was allowed to run off leash, I'd be nose-less and possibly worse. My curiosity always gets the best of me. Ahhhh the life of a husky.

My 6th Woof Day!

Yesterday was my 6th Woof Day! I got to go to the pet store with none of my fur siblings! I got a brand new collar... it's pink and brown with little paws. I got some new treats too! But BEST of all, the pawrents took me through a drive though and OH MY DOG they bought me my very own Mc Cheeseburger. I couldn't believe it was my very own. My eyes nearly popped out of my furry little head. Really they did... you've gotta check out the photos!

I spent the rest of the day snoring and farting, BOL!

If I were a human celebrity, I'd be Madonna... BOL!!!

I just took Dogster's celebrity quiz:

Come on, let's just face it: We are living in a material world, and Takoda is a material girl. So go ahead and thank your lucky stars—Takoda is the one and only Madonna!

Always desperately seeking attention, Takoda is multi-talented and savvy, not afraid to get her paws dirty and experiment with new methods of getting into the groove in order to reach her peeps. She commands respect everywhere she goes, a sophisticated traveler who insists upon the best—and more often than not, she gets what she wants. Appearance is everything for your true-blue diva and while her look may change as often as the Pellegrino in her water bowl does, her commitment to exercise is unwavering. Takoda's in tip-top shape, which makes her age in pet years a non-issue. Despite the hard fur and the no-nonsense approach, she's a softy when it comes to her devoted owner. It's fair to say that Takoda is, yes, crazy for you.

... Humom says, yeah, that's my Takoda. BOL!!!