Duke's Story - grab a tissue before you read

I got this in email, I don't know Tom but I wish I did. The world needs more people like him.

Hi, my name is Duke and I am an eleven year old white German Shepherd. This is my story.

My first master was a young man who convinced his mother that he could properly care for me. As long as he was with me, my life was OK; perhaps not the best, as my owner like most young folk, spent a lot of time away from home and away from me. Still, when we were together, I knew I was loved and cared for.

My young master saw to it that I had good food, fresh water from time to time and a dog house of my own. True, the toweling that he put in for my bed wasn’t changed often and in the winter, it was often wet and cold but he tried. He didn’t brush me much, but did brush and bathe me enough that I had some self-respect. He also made sure that my injections and vet visits were relatively up to date.

My only real problem was my fear of thunderstorms and not being with him when they came. His mother would yell at me to be quiet if I barked or howled from fear. If my master was at home, he would let me come inside the home and we would cuddle in his room until the storm was over. Sometimes, if the storm was really bad and I was really afraid, my master would let me lie next to him on his bed…OH, that was Heavenly! The bed was soft and warm and I could lie right next to him, cuddling up as close as I could get and he would calm my fears with loving hands!

Then, when I was 3 years old, my master moved out of the home, leaving me for his mother and sister to care for because his apartment manager wouldn’t allow pets. OH, how my life changed then! His mother went and got a chain and fastened me to my doghouse. I couldn’t run around in the yard like I used to do and she only fed and watered me when she thought about it. I wasn’t brushed or bathed and vet visits were few and far between.

When I was 6 years old, some youngsters came down the alley behind the garage and I barked at them, they came in the yard and hit me in the head with a baseball bat, then they ran off, laughing that they had “taught that damn dog a lesson.” For the next three days I hurt and no one came to look at me until my master happened to come home. When he saw me, he took me to the vet immediately but it was too late and I had lost my sight in my left eye.

The last time his mother took me to the vet was during the summer of my eighth year and the flies had bitten my ears so severely that they were a bloody mess. My bedding was never changed, I was never allowed in the home and I was yelled and cursed at when I barked and howled my fears during thunderstorms. I didn’t understand what I had done to be treated like this and became afraid of her and most humans. I tried to show that I was a good dog by tucking my tail, cringing, rolling over on my back and wetting on myself when a human came near. Every time I did this, I got yelled at and cursed, but how else could I show that I wanted and needed desperately to be with humans who might love and care about me?

The day came when my master’s mother came out in the yard, unhooked me from the doghouse and chained me in the back of her truck. She had had “enough of my mess” and was going to take me to the dog pound to be “destroyed.” I really didn’t care, I had lost a lot of weight, my left eye hurt, the flies had been at my ears again and they were sore, my coat was filthy and matted and smelled horribly. Death was preferable to a life like this. As we went to “the pound,” a thunderstorm hit with hail and driving rain, I had no shelter and was almost instantly soaked to the bone as well as being pelted by the hail. There was no way I could get away. She stopped at a building and ran in, leaving me in the midst of the storm. I was so miserable! I howled my grief and misery to the heavens; what difference would it make?

The next thing I saw was a man who came out of the building; Lord he was angry! I could feel and smell his rage and was afraid, very afraid. He came to the truck, speaking gently to me even though he was being soaked and pelted just like I was. The next thing he did was snap a leash to my collar and take the chain off of me; then he picked me up and took me out of the truck.

He carried my to his van and put me inside on the back seat; then went around and opened the back and got some towels, came back to me and dried me off as well as he could, all the time talking gently to me. I couldn’t believe it! All I could do was cringe and whimper. His van was warm and dry and smelled like maybe he had another dog. Next he threw the wet towels in the back and opened a bag of dog food, pouring out a bowlful that he placed on the floor of the van. He poured water in another bowl and put it down also…Did he really mean for me to have it? He rubbed my head and scratched me gently under the chin and said he’d be back.

When he went back in the building the storm winds caught the door and held it open and I heard what he said; “Lady, I work with the Police K-9 Unit and the new Animal Cruelty Squad. You have two choices; you can give me that dog right now or you can go to jail. I’ll be delighted to file animal cruelty charges against you! If I do, I’ll make damn sure you spend the weekend in jail before you ever see the judge.”

Later he came back out of the building, looked to see if I had eaten anything and drunk a little water, I had and Lord it was GOOD! He poured out the rest of the water, got in the van and said; “OK big guy, let’s go home.” I whimpered and crawled between the seats, lying next to him as he drove. He dropped a hand down on me and kept it there all the way to his home, rubbing gently and talking to me as he drove.

When we got to his home we went to the back yard and he let me off the leash, I could hear other dogs in the house and after a few minutes he went in and let them out. He came back out with a brush and comb in his hands and introduced me to the other dogs. There were no dog houses in his yard, where was I going to sleep? Did I dare believe that he might, just might let me sleep in the house?!

We spent the rest of the day until sundown in the yard, I got a good brushing and combing as did the other dogs. There was no anger, no yelling or cursing, much petting and talking quietly; an occasional command which the other dogs obeyed immediately. I felt cared about for the first time in a long time. I was still scared but he never got upset when I crouched down or wetted as I approached him. I felt warmth and affection in his voice and in his hands…How did I get this lucky? What did I finally do right?!

When we went in the house, I didn’t know what the dog door was for and he had to come back out and hold the door open for me. The other dogs knew and went right through it but I was afraid. That was OK, it didn’t upset him. When I finally got inside, I crouched down in the utility room, afraid to go in the kitchen. The other dogs were all eating from a huge pan of dog food next to a big bucket of fresh water. He let them eat all they wanted and then refilled the pan. Then he came and brought me into the kitchen and sat on a stool talking to me while I ate.

When he left the kitchen he went into another room and sat down in a big chair. After a while I got the courage to go look, two of the other dogs were asleep on the couch and the other was asleep in a love seat, I crawled up next to his chair and huddled there. He put his book aside and rubbed my head, “You’re safe now, nothing to be afraid of. This is and will be your home too.” I couldn’t believe it, but I sure hoped he was right! “We need a name for you, one that will give you your pride back. How about ‘Duke’? Sound good to you?” For the first time I dared to wag my tail and lick his hand. “Eh, Duker, think you’ll be a lover do you?” The warmth and love in his voice made me want to wiggle all over!

That night and for the next several nights I slept by his bed, as close as I could get. If I dreamed, he would reach over and pet me, reassuring me that everything was OK. One night I dared to put my front legs up on the bed. To my surprise, he reached out and put his hand on the back of my neck and helped me up in the bed next to him! I crawled up next to him and cuddled as close as I could get. That night we slept with my back against his side and his hand resting on me…I was in Heaven! Loved at last!

I learned that his name was “Tom,” he worked two (2) jobs, but I had company in the other dogs. We were a family and very happy together. We lived together, traveled together and enjoyed being together. Never was I chained outside. I learned not to be afraid. I learned to be proud again.

*********************

I’d been with the “family’ for about 3 years when I began to not feel so good. My belly hurt and I really wasn’t hungry like I usually was, there was also a base-ball sized lump on my right side, right behind my ribs. When Tom was brushing me and pressed on the lump, it HURT! I knew better, but had to turn my head towards his hand. He examined the lump gently and then in a quiet, sorrowful voice said; “Well, Old Son, looks like we need to go see Doc.”

We got in the van and drove, by ourselves (That’s unusual!) to Doc’s. Tom told Doc about the lump and they picked me up and put me on a table so Doc could examine me. He told Tom, “We need some x-rays and a biopsy” (whatever those were). The next thing I knew, Doc gave me a shot and I got very sleepy and dozed off. I could still hear what was going on, but was so sleepy I couldn’t care less. Tom was still there, I didn’t hurt and wasn’t afraid.

I heard Doc tell Tom, “You’re right, it’s a well developed cancer that has spread through-out his abdomen.” Tom said “Ok, put him in my lap and let him go while he’s still asleep.” I was lifted off the table and put in Tom’s lap and that’s the last thing I remember.

When I woke up, Tom wasn’t with me; I wasn’t in his lap any more. What’s going on? Hey, my belly is OK, I don’t hurt any more. I can see with BOTH eyes now! Where am I?

A very gentle and kind voice told me: ‘Duke, you’re at the Rainbow Bridge. Tom sent you on to us, we’ve fixed your belly and your eye. You’ll live here with us and our friends until Tom comes to join us.’

© Thomas Johnston

Lost Australian Cattle Dog - NY/PA border area!

UPDATE 6/4/08

SIGHTINGS!

I was spotted on Old Newark Valley Road yesterday morning, around 7 a.m.

The lady that saw me tried to coax me to her, but I ran back into the woods.

And here's his dogster page - Regal - lost!

PLEASE CROSS POST
esp to Southern Tier of New York or across the border in Pennsylvania

New York – Broome County

Australian Cattle dog, Blue Merle
52 lbs neutered male
Regal slipped his collar Friday 5/30 due to fireworks
Last seen on Hill Road (between Newark Valley and Town of Maine)
Reward available
If found, please call Brenda (607)775-1377 or Gina (607)372-7313

see pictures at
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o144/Mokiesmum/DSCN0894 .jpg
ht tp://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o144/Mokiesmum/regal2.jpg

Low cost vet assistance - many thanks to Dutch for streamlining and coding!

GENERAL
American Animal Hospital Association
Helps those in need access quality veterinary care for their sick or injured pets. We raise funds and award grants supporting veterinary care for pets that have been abandoned or whose owners are experiencing financial hardship.

Angels 4 Animals
Angels 4 Animals, a guardian angel of animals whose caretakers find themselves in difficult financial situations. Our services range from financial aid to complete treatment to those pets in need.

Care Credit
A credit card company for health care, including veterinary care.

Feline Veterinary Assistance Program (FVEAP)
Fax: 888-301-4264
Seniors, People with disabilities, People who have lost their job, Good Samaritans who rescue a cat or kitten - any of these folks may need financial assistance to save a beloved companion.

Help-A-Pet
Telephone: (630) 986-9504, Fax: (630) 986-9141
Established in 1999, HELP-A-PET is a nonprofit organization with a single purpose: to provide financial assistance nationwide for the medical care of pets whose owners are unable to afford the expense.

In Memory of Magic (IMOM), Inc
Phone (866) 230-2164, Fax (301) 599-1852
Helping people help pets. To better the lives of sick, injured and abused companion animals. We are dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged.

The Pet Fund
The Pet Fund is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit association that provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need urgent veterinary care. The purpose of the Pet Fund is to work towards a future where decisions about companion animal medical care need never be made on the basis of cost.

Piggers' Pals:
A nonprofit organization designed to assist families in need seek specialty level care for their pets. The foundation will accept applications from individuals or families that require financial assistance to provide advanced medical and/or surgical veterinary care that will extend both quantity and quality of life for their pets that would otherwise not be available to them.

Shakespeare Animal Fund
Shakespeare Animal Fund was founded after the loss of a beloved Cocker Spaniel "Shakespeare". He died after a very costly illness, and in his memory this fund was founded to help others who might face financial problems while trying to save their pet.

United Animal Nations
Telephone: (916) 429 2457, Fax: (916) 429 2456
The mission of LifeLine Rescue and LifeLine Individual Grants is to help homeless or recently rescued animals suffering from life-threatening conditions that require specific and immediate emergency veterinary care. We strive to serve Good Samaritans who take in sick or injured animals.

ASSISTANCE DOGS
Int’l Assoc of Assistance Dog Partners VCP Program
IAADP has established an emergency veterinary fund to provide financial aid to United States IAADP Partner Members whose assistance dogs require high cost veterinary intervention beyond their ability to pay.
Ortho Dogs Silver Lining for service dogs with orthopedic issues.

BREED-SPECIFIC
If you have a specific breed of dog, contact the national club for that breed. In some cases, these clubs offer a veterinary financial assistance fund. Here are a few websites for groups that provide financial assistance for specific breeds:
Bernese Mountain Dog
Boxer through Toby’s Gift
Boxer American Boxer Rescue Assoc
Corgi
Dachshund Disabled Dachshund Society
Dalmatians
Doberman (special needs)
Golden Retrievers (rescued dogs)
Great Pyrenees
Labrador Retriever - LabMed
Labrador Retriever – Labrador LifeLine
Pit Bull/Staffordshire Terrier
Scotties and Westies
Westies/West Highland White Terrier

DISEASE-SPECIFIC
Blindness:
Blind Dog Info

Cancer:
Canine Cancer awareness
Cody’s Club
Help your dog fight Cancer
The Magic Bullet Fund

Diabetes:
Muffin Diabetic Pets Assoc

Handicapped Pets:
Handicapped Pets.com Help Fund
From time to time, HandicappedPets.com recognizes a caretaker of handicapped pets that need some special attention, and a little extra help. There are those who are so selflessly dedicated to their animal families that they give up a little more than they can afford. This special fund is used to provide support to those people.

CATS
Cats in Crisis/Chronic Disease
Cats in Crisis Mesa Fund/Kidney Disease
Cats in Crisis Stripes Fund/Heart and Thyroid Disease
Cats in Crisis Gillie Fund, Neurological condition-Mobility impairment
Cats in Crisis Nine Lives Emergency Fund

Feline Outreach/Diabetes
FVEAP/Vaccine Associated Sarcoma

STATE AND COUNTRY ORGANIZATIONS
Arizona
The Southern Arizona Veterinary Medical Association may be able to help with vet bills. Call 325-0311 to request an application or to get more information.

California
Labrador Harbor is committed to providing assistance to Labrador Retrievers of all ages, in permanent homes or within a California based non-profit rescue organization.
Actors and Others for Animals Assists with emergency medical treatment and crisis aid (Hollywood, CA)

Georgia
Pets are Loving Support Assists people with HIV/AIDS to care for their companion animals (Atlanta, GA)
Save-A-Life, Inc. Assistance with emergency medical care of rescued and fostered animals (Savannah, GA)

Massachusetts
The Travis Fund at Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine for pets being treated at their facility.

New Jersey
God’s Creatures Ministry (Wayne, NJ)

New York
NY S.A.V.E, Inc., is a non-profit organization dedicated to the aid and assistance of low-income pet owners residing in one of the five boroughs of New York City, whose pet is in need of emergency veterinary care.

Ohio
Good Sam Fund The MedVet Good SAM (Special Assistance and Memorial Fund) was established to create financial aid for sick or injured animals who either are stray or client-owned animals in special circumstances. (Worthington, OH)

Pennsylvania
Animal Care and Welfare (Pittsburgh, PA)

Texas
Canyon Lake Animal Shelter C.L.A.S.S. Program for low income residents (Startzville, TX)

Washington DC
PETS-DC is dedicated to improving the health and well being of people living with HIV/AIDS or other disabling conditions and their companion pets at no cost to individuals in the Metropolitan Washington area.

Canada
Animal Cancer Therapy Subsidization Society (Alberta)
The Farley Foundation (Ontario)

United Kingdom
UK Assistance with Veterinary Bills

Bailey - Chihuahua found in Pensacola Florida

Update - Bailey is home safe!!!

Bailey is missing - please read what her owner has to say and help if you can!

Mommy does not have a computer right now, so she had a friend write this for me.

We just moved a few weeks ago to Pensacola, FL 32505. Some guys were fixing our new house and I escaped on March 5th. I am scared, confused, and do not know how to get back home! Can you please help me???

If you live or work near Pensacola, please copy my flyer Click here and be on the LOOKOUT for me. If you do not mind, distribute flyers wherever you can especially to your VETS. Call day or night with ANY information 850-456-6496 or 443-564-2813. There is a substantial REWARD for my return. It is way more than $500 that mom listed on the initial flyer.
If you do not live nearby, please share my flyer and/or dogster link with anyone you think might be able to use their eyes and sniffers to help find me. Any little thing you can do is greatly appreciated.

I went missing from the Marcus Lake area near Mobile Hwy and Massachusetts. Some people think I am big for a Chihuahua because I weigh 10 pounds, but really I am a standard purebred - light fawn or tan with a liver colored nose. My ISO microchip can be felt over my right shoulder, but I was not wearing any collar or tags.

Here’s a little bit about Mommy:
She is the best in the whole world! She is a disabled veteran because she got hurt in Desert Storm and things have been really tough on her lately especially with the big move. We have been together through everything for almost 12 years. Many dogsters know we fight for animal rights and help save dogs (especially pit bulls) all across the country and even into Canada. Right now mommy is sick with worry about me. Her heart is breaking! Ellie misses me too and lies in bed with her head on the window sill looking for me EVERY night. Neither one of them can get much sleep.

PLEASE HELP ME BE REUNITED WITH MY FAMILY!

The Search so far:
Mommy has been working day and night to find me. Flyers are in EVERY neighbors' mail box including surrounding subdivisions, stores and businesses, etc. The nice mail man has been a great help. For the first 2 days, a number of people called saying they had seen me. No more sitings in the last few days, so please pray that I am safe. Friends have put me on many websites and emailed rescues. They are trying to get my flyer to as many vet offices as possible, but we still need help with that. Mommy has been going to some shelters almost every day, but she is not even sure if she knows where ALL the shelters are since we are new in town? It is hard because she is lost without her computer and even had to get a phone book from the realtor. Please pawmail me if you know the address of shelters in Pensacola AND surrounding areas.
We need as many eyes and ears as possible to be on constant lookout.
I WANT TO GO HOME!!!!!

It's contest time!!

GOFA 08 in Plus

GOFA 08 in Other Barks and Woofs

Yes, it's the third annual "Go Orange For Animals" contest, being held by Meaty and Oz. Tag your favourite orange themed pic "GOFA 08" and you're in the running for some super prizes!

Rescues and Rescuers Enter Heaven - author unknown

Dedicated to those that never found rescue

Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had been waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to watch.

It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. The other animals, the ones who had been there for awhile, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far too often. He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or illness. Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked toward The Bridge, he watched all of the other animals watching him. He knew he was out of place here, and the sooner he could cross over the happier he would be. But, alas, as he approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who apologized, but told him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their people could pass over Rainbow Bridge. With no place else to turn to, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge and saw a group of other animals like himself, elderly and infirm. They weren't playing, bur rather simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge. And so, he took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting.

One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge didn't understand what he had just witnessed, and asked one of the animals that had been there awhile to explain it to him.

"You see, that poor animal was a rescue. He was turned into rescue just as you see him now, and older animal with his fur greying and his eyes clouding. He never made it out of rescue and passed on with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existence. Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across The Bridge.

The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked "So what will happen now?" As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lifted. Approaching The Bridge could be seen a single person and among the older animals, a whole group was suddenly bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again, just as they were in the prime of life.

"Watch and see" said the second animal. A second group of animals from those waiting came to the pathway and bowed low as the person neared. At each bowed head, the person offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. The newly restored animals fell into line and followed him towards The Bridge. They all crossed The Bridge together.

"What happened?"

That was a rescuer. The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of his work. They will cross when their new families arrive. Those you saw restored were those who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are allowed to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor animals that they couldn't place on earth across the Rainbow Bridge.

For Ekko, taken too soon

Lend Me a Pup

I will lend to you for awhile a German Shepherd pup, God said,
For you to love her while she lives and mourn her when she's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three,
But will you, 'til I call her back, take care of her for me?

She'll bring her charms to gladden you and should her stay be brief,
you'll always have her memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below I want this pup to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true
And from the folk that crowd life's land I have chosen you.
Now will you give her all your love,
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to take my puppy back again?

I fancied that I heard them say "Dear Lord thy will be done,"
For all the joys this pup will bring, the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter her with tenderness, we'll love her while we may,
And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay.

But should you call her back much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.
If, by our love, we've managed your wishes to achieve,
In memory of her we loved, to help us while we grieve
When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife,
We'll have yet another German Shepherd and love her all her life.

-author unknown

Vote Dazzle!

My good pal Kitai has dropped out of his contest, after getting cursed at and hatemail. Charming, huh?

If you're still in a voting mood - and who isn't? - channel those votes right here! Dazzle is in a contest! Oh, you have to watch her video, she is so clever! You can vote by leaving her a bone - and you can vote once a day. Trust me, you want to see this!

Letters to a Dog

Letters to a Dog
Source Unknown

January 6

Dear Dog,
I saw you today for the first time, just a couple houses from my own. The school bus stopped to let out your kids, and your mom opened the front door to let you run out and greet them. You are a wiggly, bouncy and happy little puppy with a full belly and a shiny coat. Your kids grabbed you up, hugged you, held you and toted you inside. Your tail was wagging the entire time. I thought to my self, how sweet, what a way to end a long hard day. I spoke to your mom this evening and she said that they got you from the Animal Shelter, and the kids named you Lucky.

March 10

Dear Lucky,
I saw you today as I always do on my way home from work. You were already outside to greet the kids today, which seemed a little odd. The little girl got off the bus and shooed you away; she appeared to not want you jumping on her. The boy got off the bus and gave you a quick playful pat on the head, then smelled his hand and brushed you aside. You looked confused and sad, as you went to lie by the porch. You curled up in a tight ball on the cold ground and let out a huge sigh. My heart felt heavy that day.

March 21

Dear Lucky,
I saw you today. I was headed home, and the kids got off the bus, walked to the house, and you ran out as far as you could on your heavy chain to let them know you were there. The little girl ignored you, the little boy told you to be quiet, when you barked for his attention. My neighbor commented that they needed to do something with your barking because you keep them up at night. You had a bucket of water and a bowl of food, a relatively nice doghouse, but your eyes were sad and empty. I shook my head and let out a huge sigh.

April 30

Dear Lucky,
I worried for you today. You look thin, your chain heavy on your neck, your coat is dirty and falling out, you don't get up to do much anymore. Your bucket is turned over, and I have not seen your food bowl for a few days now. I spoke to the neighbor and asked about you. He said you still bark at night and he saw the man of the house throw something at you the other day as he scolded you. I shook my head in despair as I went back into my house.

June 4

Dear Lucky,
My heart sank today. I was headed home, and you weren't in your yard. A large part of me hoped you got away, another large part of me was frightened at all the other possibilities. I asked my neighbor about you, and he said your family went on vacation and sent you back to the Animal Shelter. I shook my head and cried for you as I went into my house.

June 5

Dear Dog,
I went to the shelter today. I found you huddled in the back of a cage that had a bucket, a bowl of food, and a blanket for you to lie on. You looked up at me as if you knew me, and my heart broke as I read your card. They did not even care enough to give them your name, and the card simply said, "male, neutered retriever mix. Owners did not want." I cried when a gentleman from the kennel said, "That's a sad one there. He came from here, you know, last Christmas. Guess they just got tired of him. He's too frightened, no one will adopt him." I went to the counter and told them I would be back tomorrow and please don't do anything just yet. They all kind of nodded like they heard that one before.

June 6

Dear Dog,
I brought you home today. You were scared and untrusting, but a small part of you somewhere allowed you to wag the tip of your tail when I told you that you were a good boy and that I loved you. I gave you a new name, "Happy", because you aren't and I hope that someday you will be. You had an accident on the floor, and when I came back to clean it up with paper towel you slunk down and whimpered as if the hand was coming for you. I tried to choke back the tears when I thought of what you must have gone through in the past six months. I reached out and patted you and your eyes closed and your body went limp at such a gentle gesture. "We're going to be all right," I told you. I showed you your food, and you ate voraciously, and you marveled at the treats and toys I got for you.

December 25

Dear Happy,
Good morning my best friend! You woke me, as always, popping out from under the covers on your side of the bed, licking my face to tell me it was time for our walk. We went through the living room and you sniffed what Santa left for us. I hugged you and said, "Last year you were a Christmas gift, now this year, these are all yours!" Your coat is shiny, your belly always full, and even though we found out at your first vet visit you had heartworms, you are healthy now. As we went out for our walk, we saw your old family in the front yard. They look at you each time as if they recognize you in a way, but you don't give them a second glance. --- Then I believe both our hearts stopped as we saw the children emerge from the yard holding a small playful puppy. "Isn't she just precious? We got her from the animal shelter. Hope this one works out, the other dog we got from there was so much trouble." I sighed and refrained from pointing out that you were not the trouble. You looked up at me as if to say, "Thank you, mom." I kneeled down and whispered in your sweet ear, "No, it is I who thank you."

Blue - Siberian Husky lost in Michigan!

Blue, a black and white Siberian Husky (4 year old male, brown eyes, microchipped) has been missing since May 8, 2007 from Brighton, MI.
Dogster page: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/620507
Website : http://whereisblue.com
E-mail: inform@whereisblue.com
Telephone: (313) 550-6095
Reward offered for his return, no questions asked.
Permission and gratitude for cross posting. Thank you!

A letter from Blue's owner:


"Blue" has been missing since May 8, 2007. Someone, somewhere HAS to know something about his whereabouts. He can't have vanished into thin air. I have done nothing but look for him for the last 12 weeks and I don't know where to turn anymore, so I'm begging for your help. There is a large cash reward for his safe return (NO QUESTIONS ASKED) or for information leading to his safe recovery. There are really only three possibilities. If you can help with any of these, please contact me asap (contact information below.)

1. Someone has him. Maybe they haven't seen the TV reports of the hot air balloon search. Maybe they are not in an area where the thousands of flyers have been distributed or have seen any of the posters around a 10-15 mile radius of Brighton Twp. It has been 12 weeks and after all, he could have gone much further than we think and someone could have taken him in as a stray. Maybe a long distance driver picked him up so that he wouldn't be hit by a car on the streets and he's not even in the area anymore.. Please email this notice to everyone you know, regardless of where they live. He could be in Montana or NY by now so please send this link to everyone in your email address book. Tell everyone you know about Blue. Even though his name is Blue, he does NOT have blue eyes. He is black and white and has brown eyes. He is microchipped, so anyone , anywhere can have a veterinarian scan for a microchip and even if he is halfway across the country, he can be identified. Please send this email to everyone in your address book, we need to get the word out in a much wider area than we have originally concentrated on and I really need your help to do so. Send it to everyone, even non dog people - please....

2. He could be dead. You might have hit him when he ran out on the street in front of you - that would not be your fault. Or if you're a farmer, he might have gone after your livestock and you shot him - you would be perfectly within your rights to do so. Even though I would be heartbroken, please let me know if either of these things have happened. It is better than wondering and worrying about him. I need closure. I need to bring his remains home so he and I can both finally be at peace. If either of these things have happened, please email me at codeblue@woofgang.com and let me know where he is so I can go and get him and bring him home.

3. He is still out there running loose. I wouldn't be at all surprised if this is the case. He's a very smart dog and could probably figure out how to survive on his own. There have been so many sightings, and while we know some of the dogs were not him (we were able to track some down) we don't know about all of the sightings. There were plenty of sightings last week in the Hartland area and we know that the found female is not the same dog in the cell phone pictures and we know that another escaped dog is also not the same dog based on timing. If you see a Siberian Husky running loose and you think it could be him, please call me asap at 313-550-6095. Timing is everything - if you call me a day or two later, he won't be in the same area and I'll never track him down. If he is still running loose, he's probably not going to go to anyone, but will run and hide if you try to catch him, so the best thing to do is to call me immediately with a location so I can get out there or get one of the many wonderful volunteers who have been helping me, out to that location as quickly as possible. Please don't email with a sighting, call me right away! 313-550-6095
There are so many people who are helping me look for Blue. There has been so much spent in time and gas and $ for flyers and posters and ads and the hot air balloonists and power parachute pilots who donated their time and equipment - if you know anything about where Blue is, please, please let me know so I can thank everyone for helping me and not continue to make requests for help which will be fruitless. I need to get my boy back home, one way or another, I really need him home.

Thank you for reading this far - the last three months have been horrible and I so much appreciate everyone who has helped. Please go to the following link to see pictures of Blue: http://www.yukonwindsiberians.us/bluephotoalbum.htm and my cover page for a beautiful head shot of Blue: http://www.yukonwindsiberians.us/

Sharon Young