June 7th 2008 11:44 am
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Mom just wrote a guest blog post for the Dogster blog about how putting together a blog can help support shelters, rescues and responsible breeders, and educate other pet owners about socialization, cool new products and upcoming pet friendly events.
Yup that's right! Mom, not me, actually wrote on Dogster as a furless human.
Does Your Dog Need a Blog?
It's kind of long but so far her pals have told her they thought the info was helpful and their eyes didn't glaze over reading it.
I guess that's a compliment :D
She even explains how to make your own cute business cards to give to people with your own url to your dogster page if you would rather use your Dogster Diary then start an actual blog.
January 5th 2008 12:49 am
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Mom is featured in the New Years Resolution part talking about my new spay and neuter fund. But there's a snappy picture of me in my winter scarf right next to the part about her. Mom's Quote Click Here
And I'm entered in the "Photo of the Year" contest! If anyone has the time to go vote for me that would be swell! I have some very tough competition. One is a copy of his book in OUTER SPACE! How can a scruffy mutt compete with that? OUTER SPACE!
Link to Vote For Me!
We didn't even know about the photo contest until our pal Daisy Muddypaws messaged me!
November 25th 2007 4:45 am
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Well my mom got married last month and guess who was the Mutt of Honor? That's right. ME!
It was very exciting. Mom didn't dress me up but she did get me a beautiful white leather leash with a shiny gold clasp to snazz me up a bit. She combed my hair and tried to make me look less homeless because I had to be ready at 4:00 to have my picture taken with her before the wedding.
Then up to the suite we went to wait for the big ceremony. It was my first elevator ride and guess what? I wasn't even scared.
Then came time for the big ceremony. Mom was wearing a big white dress. My job was to walk down the aisle with my new dad. To keep me occupied once I got to the end mom got me a new stuffie toy. It was a stuffed sushi plushie with three shrimp on top! As the music started my soon-to-be new dad handed me my new toy! OH BOY there's nothin I love more then a new toy! I carried it in my mouth all the way down the aisle. More people followed after us and then mom came down the aisle. She was smiling and soooooo happy! Usually she saves that big smile just for me but I guess it was ok just this once for her to use her big smile for my new dad.
While they were busy getting married I got to work on my new stuffie. Mom had removed all three squeakers the day before, then like a highly skilled reconstructive plastic surgeon, she had stitched all three shrimp sushi back up again. In no time I'd eaten a couple of the tails off and was getting to work on making a hole to pull the stuffing out of when it was time to go!
We partied all night long! First there was a cocktail hour, then a nice long dinner. Everyone was so nice to me and I did my tricks for the kids at the end of the night. I was one tired pup when all was said and done but mom seemed very proud of me and very happy so I think I must have done a good job.
Just another chapter in my very exciting life.
November 20th 2007 3:11 pm
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After my big trip to NYC to be on the TODAY show I came home and one of the local newspapers wanted to do a story about me! Mom and I were interviewed for almost 2 hours! Then a few days later a lady with a camera came and took pictures of me at 8:45 in the morning. That was a sacrifice because I don't usually wake up until 9:30.
But it was really fun and now even more people have learned there are great dogs (like me) waiting for a new home at their local shelter! Oh and they talked about my new Spay and Neuter Fund too.
Here is a link to my "Cutset Dog Ever" website where mom posted the photos that ran with the actual newspaper article. There's a link there to the full article:
CLICK HERE
October 14th 2007 8:39 pm
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A brief intro: Last December 2006 a great group of my pals here on Dogster and I helped to rescue 6 puppies in Kansas. Thing was none of us live in Kansas, yet with a lot of confused coordination and support from many of our pals we were able to orchestrate the rescue and rehoming of 6 girl puppies. Fast forward to this fall when we discovered one of the 2 missing brothers to the 6 pack was spotted in the shelter by one of our group members. This began a chain of events that led to the rescue of both their brother, Levi, and a beautiful GSD dog named Uncle Buck. Both probably would have been euthanized had we not been allowed to step in and save them.
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We did it! Both Levi and Uncle Buck are now safely out of the shelter and at home in Nebraska with one of our rescue group members. Two members of our Kansas Puppy Rescue team made the drive to Hutchinson today to pick up our precious cargo. We had already paid their adoption fees earlier in the week and Levi was neutered just a few days ago.
Both dogs were friendly and happy to be leaving the shelter. Levi is adorable and Uncle Buck shocked all of us at how truly beautiful he is. We'll be posting updates and new pictures in the coming days as we learn more about what these two guys are like.
You can see in the new photos on their Cutest Dog Ever Page that Levi has tiny front paws.... Just like his sisters! Their story is on the same page. We're as sure as can be that he is in fact their long lost brother.
We would like to thank the staff at the Hutchinson shelter for helping us to keep these two pups safe until we were able to arrange the transport to pick them up. We think they're great!
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ETA: Both Levi and Uncle Buck have been adopted into new loving homes! YAY! Levi went to live with one of his sisters in Ohio. Uncle Buck went to a German Shepherd dog rescue in Colorado. The nice people there helped him to find his new forever home and we just got word that he was adopted on Nov. 23, 2007! Happy endings for both pups!
Thank you to all who helped us make this happen. Thanks to those who drove to rescue and transport Levi and Buck, those who fostered them and those who donated to help fund the effort. We couldn't have done it without all of you pitching in to save their lives and make these adoptions possible!
October 11th 2007 10:57 am
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Last year I didn't enter and a bunch of my pup pals pmailed me asking why I didn't enter my sushi costume in the costume contest. Mom doesn't really like contests. Well this year she decided she would enter my Dog Whisperer costume and a few other pics just for fun.
Let me know if you're in the contest and I'll come vote for you too!
ETA: I made it into the finals! Woo Hoo! Well technically speaking my tail made it. The rest of me not so much BOL! Im really not too optimistic about my tail winning Best in Show. For that matter I have some pretty tough competition in the tail category. One pup in particular has a very unusual tail. Though it's more beautiful then crazy in mom's opinion. So she thinks I may still have a chance as my tail is not beautiful, just crazy and weird looking. :P
VOTE FOR MY CRAZY TAIL HERE
October 8th 2007 2:53 pm
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Please meet Levi and his honourary pal, Uncle Buck. Here's his story in his own words!
If you have ever wondered about fate I can probably tell you a thing or two about its existence...
During December 2006, 6 beautiful chow/shepherd mix puppies were rescued from Hutchinson, KS. You can read more about their story here- Cutest Dog Ever. As fate would have it, their rag-tag team of rescuers became close friends and watched all 6 girls grow up in wonderful, loving homes. The original story had 2 male pups from the same litter getting adopted in their home town, it was the females that were unwanted and saved from a kill shelter.
Well, as fate would have it, a member of the original rescue team just happened to search Hutchinson's petfinder listings wondering if someday a brother or mother or father would appear... when one day, there I was. Could it really be? The picture was passed around and it was agreed that there was a strong possibility that I was a brother to the 6-pack. I was the right age, build and weight, similar face to Lena and Letta, and same ears as Lea, . It was confirmed when Lena's mom asked Lena if I was indeed their brother after showing her my picture and she kissed her mom on the cheek! What else could the same rag-tag team of rescuers turned friends do but try and save me as well?
I will be picked up and transported to Nebraska on Sunday, 10/14. From there things are a little unknown but I will be safe, warm and out of the shelter, that much is for sure.
Please read about my sister's story here on Cutest Dog Ever. It truly is an amazing story filled up hope, happiness, foster failures, and forever homes, hopefully my own happy ending will be written soon as well.
And as long as they were heading to Kansas they decided to also save the skinny, scared looking GSD on the shelter's petfinder site too. As some of you may already know, two of the original 6 Pack cheerleaders have GSDs. They love the breed! His name is Uncle Buck and he is an owner surrendered German Shepherd Dog. By looking at his photo you can tell he is underweight and most likely was not cared for properly in general. We are coordinating with a different set of official rescues to place Uncle Buck in an experienced GSD foster home where he can get the help he needs until he finds his forever family.
September 16th 2007 1:18 pm
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OMD my mom is freaking out again! Today we went to Bark in the Park, an annual dog lovers event held in Downtown San Jose. On average 3000 dogs attend along with around 12,000 humans. It's like an art and whine festival for dogs with booths selling products and spolighting pet related services. There is plenty of fun to be had by all including contests, herding, agility and flyball demonstrations, wading pools and of course lots of butts to sniff and doggies to meet,
So each year we watch the costume contest but have never participated in it. This year mom's friend forced her to enter me in my Dog Whisperer costume. The competition was incredibly tough. Mom honestly didn't even think I would place. She could easily have chosen three other dogs who she thought had amazing costumes. Especially the "Yoda" dog. So imagine her surprise when I won first prize! A years supply of Canidae dog food! OMD one of my favorite brands!
Mom felt kind of bad for me because I got a little too warm... So she took my costume off as soon as my turn to walk across the stage was over. But after a short break in the shade we spent the rest of the day hanging out at the park and having a great time. After stopping to talk to some friends I pretty much laid myself flat on the ground to let mom know I was ready to go home. But not before she got a funny video shot of me all sprawled out. I really wasn't as tired as I looked. I always lie in the sun in the backyard just to relax and work on my tan.
You can view my video by CLICKING HERE
June 22nd 2007 11:53 am
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Just to prove that any dog, of any breed and any size can in fact be a lap dog, Jodi and I thought to come up with a new stroll proving how we can all fit in, on or over any lap that comes our way!
Tag your photo's:
No Lap is too Small
June 20th 2007 12:18 am
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Michael,
I can't believe you're gone. Can't believe our world has lost you. Even though I never knew you? I felt like I knew your heart after reading about all of the amazing things you had done to help others. I was stunned when I just read the news online and saw the story that you had left us.
Michael wherever you are I hope you know how many people loved you. Even those of us who never knew you cared about you greatly. Your heroism and kind heart touched and inspired the world. My heart goes out to your family and friends for losing someone as precious and wonderful as you.
From the NBC11.com website:
Man Who Saved Dog From Fire Dies
SAN FRANCISCO -- A man who had been hospitalized since running back into a burning building to save his friend's dog in February died Monday in a San Francisco hospital, NBC 11 reported.
His death of a stroke came as a surprise to his loved ones, who had been celebrating his progress and looking forward to his release from Saint Francis Memorial Hospital.
Michael James Keenan was declared brain dead at noon Monday. However, he was kept on life support in order to fulfill his wishes of donating his organs -- the final act of a life marked by giving, friends said.
Keenan, 43, was severely burned after rescuing Bobby, a rough coat Jack Russell Terrier, when a fire broke out at his friend's apartment building in the 3300 block of Bonita Street. Keenan was house-sitting.
Keenan initially escaped the 2:36 a.m. fire, but was burned over 80 percent of his body when he ran back inside the house to save the dog, who was also critically injured, but has since been released from an animal hospital.
Putting himself in danger to save the dog was typical for Keenan, his friends said.
On Christmas Day, 2001, Keenan spotted a car that had driven into the San Francisco Bay. Keenan jumped into the water and broke out a back window, rescuing a woman.
Keenan's loved ones are planning a memorial July 8 at Fort Funston.
For more information, log on to:
Michael James Keenan Memorial
June 7th 2007 11:24 am
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Rescue from a shelter can be a truly amazing experience. Kitai is from a kill shelter and I could not have found a better dog if I'd tried. To read all about his adoption story and see what he's been up to lately, visit his website at www.CutestDogEver.com
A big THANK YOU to all who have adopted from a rescue or shelter.
May 23rd 2007 10:00 pm
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Hey puppers! My pals Mocha Bear, Raskol, Phog Allen, Bailey, Bear, Maggie, Ursa, Tallker and Wishbone tagged me and now I'm it. I get to choose 7 of my pals to tag.
Here are the rules:
Each player starts with seven random facts about themselves. Dogs who are tagged, need to post in their Diary the rules & their 7 pawsome facts. Then choose 7 dogs to tag and list their names. Don’t forget to bark them a pmail that they have been tagged and to read your Diary, or, send them a fun Rosette announcing they've been Tagged!
1. I got my mom a stun gun and pepper spray for mothers day to protect me with on walks
2. I love eating nori seaweed
3. Hugs are the best
4. I just got a new waterbowl
5. I sleep on the bed
6. Sometimes I bring a toy on my walk
7. Mom loves me the best!
I'm tagging the following 7 pups!
Kody
Socks
Fenway
Dickens
Missy
Chester
Bloss om
May 3rd 2007 12:18 pm
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Bad Medicine
I've got a stuffy and it's staring back at me
I've gotta rip its little eyes off and gnaw upon it's knees
And I've got lots of nylabone but they aren't what I need
It only takes a couple minutes to destroy this fluffy thing
And I got all the symptoms count em 1,2,3
First I need
Thats what I get for playing with toys
Then they bleed
Oh they bleed white stuff all over the floor
I use my teeth
Thats what I get for playing with toys
And now this pup's addicted cause the squeakers the drug
My toys are like bad medicine
Bad medicine is what I need
Tear them up, just like bad medicine
There ain't no doctor that can
Cure my disease
Bad, bad medicine
Bad, bad medicine
March 22nd 2007 6:23 pm
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1 ounce spring water
1 ounce toilet water
1 ounce tap water
Green food dye
2 ounces Freshly squeezed lime juice
March 10th 2007 7:03 pm
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So two weeks ago on the Dog Whisperer Cesar suggested that if you own a cat, to get a pet stroller and take the cat on walks with your dog to further establish the cat as part of the pack.
On a lark I told my boyfriend that he should get a kitty stroller so we could bring his cat with us on our 2 mile walk to the mall each weekend. It's a mile each way, we walk there and sit in the park area at the mall for an hour or so with coffee and tea then walk home.
I was shocked when he thought it was a good idea and ordered the Jeep Wrangler stroller online for $99 and even more shocked when we put a harness with id tag on his kitty and loaded him into the stroller and took off for the mall today.
Kitty was fine with the whole process. He's a 12 year old house cat who has never been outside, and has never worn a collar or harness before. But he was just fine. BF even rolled him into Peet's Coffee while Kitai and I waited outside for them.
So just wanted to say thanks to Cesar for the suggestion. It was great being able to spend time together with Squash included today. We're looking forward to all 4 of us spending the extra time together this summer.
February 11th 2007 2:30 am
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2-time hero clings to life
Man pulled woman from bay years ago; saving dog from fire may be his final effort
Erin Allday, Chronicle Staff Writer, Friday, February 9, 2007
When Michael Keenan ran into a burning building to save a dog -- a dog that didn't even belong to him in a home where he didn't live -- his friends and family weren't surprised...
Read about Michael and Bobby on CutestDogEver.com
Right now both Michael and Bobby (the dog) are fighting for their lives. Michael is in a medically induced coma for the next month and Doctors say with burns over 80% of his body his odds are 50/50 that he will survive. Donation information provided.
January 22nd 2007 2:40 pm
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So if you're wondering what the KSA 32 and PPTD stand for you'll have to go HERE and read all about it. I'm one week away from earning my CDE4 title. Stay tuned, it should be here soon!
January 12th 2007 1:52 pm
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OMD! It's like a dream come true! I am now officially pup pals with Cesar's pup Daddy! Can you believe it? After accepting my pup pal request I checked his page and I couldn't belive my eyes! I was actually showing up on his page as a pup pal! Yup top page! Not buried way back there with his several other hundred pup pals he's made since joining the site yesterday.
Of course we will probably get bumped off before the day is done so I took a screenshot of it and will post it on my www.CutestDogEver.com website so I can look back on this day and remember how exciting it was. Not only that both Kotaro and Michiko also made it to his top page! Whooo hooo! What a day!
Well we just want to say "Welcome to Cesar and Daddy "(and whoever is actually taking care of Daddy's page as I'm sure Cesar doesn't have time to do it himself) we are really glad you're here!
December 26th 2006 8:57 pm
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So by far my best gift was from the boyfriend who swore he was not getting little ol' mwa a gift. But in a dramatic turn of events not only did he get me a gift... He got me the best gift of all! Mom got me some plushies to commit sufficide on, of course I love them too. But Mom had been eyeing this adorable leash, from France... Merci bluh bluh, and though it was cute it was too expensive for her budget. SO the bf who isn't even a dog person stepped up and got it for me. Mom was so surprised and is taking this as a very postivie sign that I have finally won the guy over. He even pets me now without Mom having to ask him to.
So Christmas was a lot of fun. I even opened all of my presents all by myself. Mom will be posting pictures on my website soon.
Hope everyone else got some great goodies and treats :o)
December 24th 2006 1:29 pm
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Please go here to read about and see the latest pictures of the 6 little girl puppies rescued from Kansas by Dogster members!
The resecue of these pups has been nothing short of a miracle. Starting in Kansas at two foster homes, then all 6 girls went to Iowa. 4 went to Ohio where all have now found homes. Lea and Lena together, Leta just today was claimed and Lana was adopted by her foster mom failure who couldn't give her up.
Back in Iowa Lexi found a home in California with one of the most loved members on Dogster! We will get to go to the airport to help pick her up when Griffen's mom arranges the flight!
So that leaves little Lena with the long pink tongue. Please contact us if you know anyone in the Des Moines area that would love to give her a forever home.
Thanks Everyone!
November 21st 2006 6:36 pm
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So Mom decided for me to be an official advocate of resuce from kill shelters I had to have my very own website so people could see what great dogs, like little ol' mwa, may be hidden away at their local Humane Society. Who knew that I would go from being homeless and living on the streets, to living in the noisy concrete and fence jail to my current wonderful life? I've come a looooooooong way baby!
www.CutestDogEver.com
Mom can't imagine her life without me in it, and yet who knows, a few more days and I wouldn't have been here, breathing the air, smelling the smells, making people smile and laugh everywhere I go and sharing my own scruffy sunshine and happiness with the world.
I could have been put to sleep with a single injection like the millions of other unwanted dogs that are euthanized in this country each year.
Mom can't imagine.
But it could have happened.
Please rescue from kill shelters. It's certainly not the only way but it's probably the most rewarding way to find your next pet.
November 4th 2006 8:48 pm
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So one of my best pals on Dogster just got some really awful news today. Osteosarcoma. Doesn't sound scary when you hear the medical name... but it means bone cancer.
Poor Paris broke his leg a few days ago... After having it pinned back together the biopsy just came in that at age 15 and already a cancer survivor from liver cancer, Paris is really really sick.
My heart is breaking for his Mom. Last year she lost two other wonderful pups to cancer, Bauer and Isabelle. They say bad luck runs in threes but this is just too much. Too much sickness, too much sorrow. *Tears*
Even though we've never met in person Paris and his Mom are really good friends, family in a way. My prayers are with them and my only hope is the time they have left together is full of love, mac and cheese and pain free for as long as possible.
Please join the stroll for Paris... My picture is bordered in pink because I once heard that pink is a healing color. Tag your photos : Hugs for Paris
Sending you lots of love and support.
Hugs to Paris and Mom
November 3rd 2006 5:55 pm
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Mom and I just wanted to say:
Life is too short. Too short for negativity, anger, grudges and hate. All we can do as individuals is try to be part of the solution, not part of the problem here on Dogster and out there in the world. Every tiny gesture of kindness and compassion we extend to others becomes part of something amazing. Peace. While you live your life create love, laughter, and happiness.
The worst emotion I have experienced in my life isn't unhappiness, isn't disappointment, isn't heartbreak. It's regret. The realization too late that I could have, with a simple gesture of kindness, been a better dog, and Mom a better person.
Life is too short.
Live and let live.
November 1st 2006 2:52 pm
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Well lots of you know Mom and I are ginormous fans of Cesar. I mean once we read his book this summer and started watching his show we were hooked.
SO Mom got this hair brained idea to turn me into Cesar for Halloween. How did she do it you might ask?
1 X-large blue shirt from the Goodwill, cut apart and altered to fit my doggie physique
1 pair of little baby khaki pants from the Goodwill for my front legs, again cut apart and altered to fit my stubby legs
4 plush dogs from Toys-R-Us and one fluffy one from the Goodwill to create my "Pack" of dogs
1 poor baby doll from Toys-R-Us who no sooner did Mom get her home then she tore the arms off of the poor thing and stuffed em up the sleeves
1 illegally copied cover of the book "Cesar's Way" so that I could carry his book along as part of my costume
1 incredibly tolerant dog (that's me) who came, stood and sat through endless hours of costume fittings just to humor the dingy woman
And there you have it! Kitai Milan was born! We went trick-or-treating last night and cracked up all of our neighbors, many of whom watch his show.
Oh and if you would like to see my Sushi costume 2005 or my Spider Bait costume 2004 CLICK HERE to see them in my Dogster Plus Photo Book!
:P
September 6th 2006 1:40 pm
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Well Mom thinks we cleared a MAJOR hurdle yesterday in my being socialized with the boyfriend's cat. After weeks of freaking out whenever I saw the darned thing we have been baby stepping our way towards becoming cat social....
Today that cat walked right up to Mom with me beside (on leash as always) and I was able to come in close enough to sniff the thing and lick it's butt! Not to be completely crude but I licked where the kitty crunchies come out of a couple of times. Can this make me sick?
I also was able to lick it's head and sniff all over it's body while Mom was petting it, then I jumped around a couple of times stuck my head down and butt up and tried to get that darn kitty to play with me.
He just looked at me like I was stupid and sat there.
I mean normally he runs away whenever he sees me then I want to chase him... But today he was like "OK I guess you're here for good, may as well get this over with" and promptly presented his Crunchie maker to me!
Mom explained that the kitty will probably never play with me ever but she seemed so happy that we are finally becoming friends and that I may not have to wear the leash around the BF's house much longer!
YAY!
Here is a little song I wrote in honor of this special ocassion:
*All of a sudden Kitai hears the music to "High Hopes" and starts singing along*
Just what makes that little old mutt
Think he can lick that grey kitty's butt?
Anyone knows a mutt, whut?
Wants to lick kitty butt
Oh he's got high hopes, he's got high hopes
He's got Kitty Rocca, crunchy munchy, in the sky hopes
So when the kitty's sleeping
and Kitai's creeping
Just remember this thread folks
Oops there goes another kitty butt
Oops there goes another kitty butt
Oops there goes another mutt for that butt!
August 24th 2006 11:58 am
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Ever start a thread then wish it would go away? The information flow ceased pages before and yet for some reason the thing just won't end? Even worse is when you had finally breathed a sigh of relief it dropped off the first page only to have some pup dragging it back up to take it further off topic? Well it got me to thinking and so today the all new SPAM THREAD ADVISORY was officilaly launched by my pal Bailey in one of her old threads.
Please note: This advisory is ONLY meant to be used by the dog that created the thread. It is also only meant to be used when the conversation has degraded past the point of sanity. It is not meant to be used just because someone has a different opinion then the Original Poster.
Please use it carefully and wisely.
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Directions for use:
1. Add this post to the beginning of your original post.
(But be sure to leave your original message up following or no one will understand what the thread was about if they stumble upon it later)
2. Add it to the end of the thread.
3. Cross your fingers and wait.
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SPAM THREAD ADVISORY!!!
Unfortunately it has come to our attention that even though the original poster did create a thread plan, unfortunately some pup used it as a piddle pad so now this thread is hopelessly off course.
Here are our options. We can continue to veer off course but will most likely end up in Moderatorville or HQland, in both cases the landing may be a bit bumpy with more turbulance predicted before landing.
Second option is to continue circling overhead until the thread runs out of fuel. We fear this could take several more days and who has the time for that?
Our third option which we are implementing at this time is a voluntary evacuation of the thread by all dogs.
Our thread attendents will shortly be making their way through the pages offering SPAM and your choice of spring or toilet water as a refreshment.
If at any time you feel the need, by all means sniff the butt of the dog seated next to you if that will calm your nerves.
Upon landing we ask that you remain seated until the thread has come to a complete stop. At that time you may use any of the 6 exits, 2 at the beginning, 2 in the middle, and 2 here at the end of thread to evacuate the thread as quickly as possible.
Please leave all baggage behind in this thread. It just causes problems when you drag it into the next one you enter.
Thanks to all who posted here and be sure to register for your frequent poster points redeemable for a wonderful "BAM! I've been SPAMMED!" t-shirt.
August 13th 2006 4:14 pm
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I'm going to post this in my diary not to stir trouble but to ask anyone who has an issue with anything I've ever said to PLEASE message me and give me the opportunity to talk, explain, apologize whatever needs to be done to calm the waters.
It came to my attention today in just about the meanest post I've ever read that at some point I said something that offended someone deeply. That is never my intention. Do I stick my nose out there a lot when I post? I would say I do. In the past I have not been hesitant to take the unpopular point of view if I believe in what I am saying. I would hope most would not take my opinions personally but just know they are my opinions, take them or leave them.
In any case I hope in the future if anyone has an issue with anything I've said they will at least try to communicate this to me.
July 29th 2006 11:51 pm
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So after a four month hiatus, Mom popped back onto Dogster during the heat wave last week cause it was too hot to work. LOL now she is back online which of course means I get to see all of my old pals and lots of new ones! As I told my new pal Fade to Black, a pup can never have too many friends :o)
It's nice to be back among our friends. So nice to see cute little Lucky the chi, chat with Mrs. No, get advice from Avongara Koca Khola, and nice to see all of my other pup pals. For the most part we will only be posting in the informational threads cause mom is really really busy. But hey, I'm not complaining, I'm just glad to be back :o)
February 26th 2006 10:00 pm
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Oh boy. The forums are a mess! Make that a MESS! We are going for a nice long walk. Maybe we'll be back, maybe not. We will continue to work with Francis at The Dogster Force. It feels great to do something good. Sorry can't talk anymore... Mom's tossing me a treat!
*Catches treat as it comes flying through the air*
*Crunch crunch crunch*
Mmmgh a grarabble Bye!
February 25th 2006 11:32 am
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Thanks to all of you who sent me a pmail following the publishing of my first column about the Greenies debate... I appreciate the time all of you took to write them. That being said it would seem there are more here that feel the way I do, they just don't want to become embroiled in the hostile conversations that sometimes occur in the forums when it comes to this topic.
To recap here are the thoughts that inspired my headline: The similarities between Greenies and Pit Bulls and BSL/TSL are so strong I had to comment. Pitties/Greenies are not the only dogs/treats that kill but they are the most focused upon in the media due to the types of attacks/deaths that have occured and because they are easy to single out as a breed/treat.
Just for the record. I am not pro or anti Greenies. I am just trying to present both sides of this story. With that being said here is Part 2 of TSL against Greenies:
So the Greenies People have decided to change their labeling...
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From the MSNBC article:
Roetheli said the company plans to enlarge and expand wording on the packaging that tells dog owners to carefully monitor their pets when feeding them Greenies and make sure they feed their dog the right size of treat. The company has long warned that dogs who gulp their food or otherwise do not adequately chew Greenies could have trouble digesting the treat, as could animals eating Greenies that are too big or too small for them.
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Seems folks are begrudgingly pleased with this decision.
But at the same time it seems not many here on Dogster want to give Greenies too much credit for doing the right thing as they feel it was coereced by the negative media attention. So will the Greenies people catch a break? They are apparently damned if they do improve their labeling and damned if they don't.
Same goes for their new Greenies biscuits. There was an outcry for a safer product. They have produced one. The biscuits are recieving a luke-warm reception at best here on Dogster. Many say that the reason they won't buy the new biscuits is on "principle" because of how poorly the company has handled the whole situation... But again I will question have they really handled it that poorly?
Last night I saw a feature on CNN where the owner clearly stated that his company has voluntarily entered into testing with the FDA to analyze their product... And that they have always been willing to pay owners who's pets have been injured or died because of their product either the cost of vet bills or the replacement value of their pet. Apparently they have always felt this was the right thing to do.
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From the MSNBC article:
Roetheli said his company regularly investigates consumer complaints about Greenies and sometimes reimburses pet owners for veterinary expenses or even to replace a dog who died. He estimated the number of times his company has reimbursed owners since he began selling Greenies in 1998 at "several dozen" and that the 13 fatalities reported by CNN "is in the ballpark of what we've heard of."
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So what do consumers want? Some still just want their Greenies. Their dogs love them and they say they aren't buying into the "hype" because many toys and treats present the same dangers to their dogs.
Others seem to want even more clear labeling... Which I believe in the CNN interview last night was eluded may be coming... the removal of the 100% edible comment altogether.
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From the MSNBC article:
The maker of Greenies, the country's best-selling dog treat, said Wednesday it plans to change its packaging in response to complaints from some pet owners and veterinarians that the treat may pose a health hazard to some dogs. S&M NuTec, based in North Kansas City, also said it may remove a claim that Greenies are fully edible, saying its own study shows a dog can only digest up to 85 percent of the bone-shaped treat.
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Others apparently just want Greenies to close shop and get the hell out of town.
While I understand the sentiment "too little to late" which is becoming the unwelcomed tagline that seems to be following the Greenies name... I have to say that in todays world I doubt many other companies would have responded any better... And most would have handled things far worse.
Several owners here on Dogster have stated they hold the treat while their dog eats it so that they can be certain no large chunks are swallowed. Sounds reasonable to me.
I did hold an impromptou off camera interview with the owner of one of the high end pet shops I often frequent. As I stood at the counter purchasing a bag Flint River Ranch kibble I asked if they had noticed a decrease in their sales of Greenies... "Not really he replied. A couple of people a day will ask about it but we haven't noticed a decline in sales at all."
If you agree or disagree with the information presented here... All comments are welcome by pmail.
February 18th 2006 11:37 am
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We LOVED Greenies... Now we HATE Greenies... But are they really as bad as people are making them out to be?
I keep waiting to hear that someone has started TSL (treat specific legislation) banning Greenies from being sold in the city they live in... Considering all of the dangers out there with many many other treats it just seems to me that some are losing sight of the big picture that Greenies are not the first potentially dangerous treat, they are not the only potentially dangerous treat, and they certainly won't be the last potentially dangerous treat on the market.
The similarities between Greenies and Pit Bulls and BSL/TSL are so strong I had to comment. Pitties/Greenies are not the only dogs/treats that kill but they are the most focused upon in the media due to the types of attacks/deaths that have occured and because they are easy to single out as a breed/treat.
It would appear that the public was misled as to just how safe Greenies are when it comes to digestibility. The company claims they are 85% digestible when eaten properly. Yet several dogs have died from undigested obstructions caused by Greenies, which the Company then says were eaten "improperly" as the dog should not have been allowed to swallow such a large piece. But I also keep in mind that the dogs that have died from a chunk of Greenies could just have easily choked or suffered an obstruction on any other treat or toy including rawhide, bones, cow hooves, pigs ears, a rubber or plush toy. Even nylabones, which I give Kitai, says to replace the toy when half of it is gone. Now personally I have never seen anyone take away the second half of a Greenie and throw it away, but I do that with Kitai's Nylabones every single time. If I ever gave him another Greeenie you can bet I would do the same thing even if the package doesn't say I have to or should.
Here is a website that shows how to perform CPR and the Heimlich on your dog if it ever chokes on anything. LINK HERE
The CNN article that talks about this issue points out two numbers of interest to me. Last year the company says they sold 325 million Greenies. There are a recorded 13 deaths due to Greenies. That means the odds of your dog dying from a Greenie is 1 in 25 million. Statistically those are good odds people.
For the sake of argument lets double the number of fatalities for those that went undiagnosed or unreported. Then your odds are 1 in 12.5 million. Statistically still very good odds.
I have been unable to locate statistics on how many dogs died from bones or rawhide last year but I can only assume that the number would be equal to or greater then the number of deaths attributed to Greenies.
I also found a statistic (not verified) on the internet that said of dogs who get their teeth cleaned the old fashioned way by going under anesthesia the odds of your dog dying are 1 in 400 which means that statistically speaking for the same 325 million dogs who ate greenies lasts year to keep their teeth clean to avoid the old fashioned cleaning method... 812,500 dogs may have died.
So 13 dogs died using one method of teeth cleaning and somewhere in the neighborhood of 800,000 might have died using another method? Hmmmmm as I stated before the statistical odds of using Greenies to keep your dogs teeth clean are actually pretty darn good. So how dangerous are Greenies really? Of course the best and safest way is to brush your dogs teeth every day and you can avoid all the risks. It's really that simple.
I agree the companies original warning was misleading and insufficient, and think they should use the same warning as nylabones to discard an uneaten portion so as not to create a piece large enough to cause an obstruction that can be swallowed when the dog reaches the end of the toy/treat... And I do believe they should be held accountable to some degree so I hope Burt wins his lawsuit. But now that the information is out there, I think owners need to be more vigilant when feeding their dogs any treats that can cause them harm... Not just Greenies.
To read both sides of this argument go to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and read the most unbiased article about the dangers of Greenies I have found to date. Here is a snippet of the article:
Sherwood Johnson, a veterinarian with Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialists in Shaler, often has dogs referred to him with esophageal or intestinal blockages.
He said that rawhide and chicken bones are the most frequent culprits for internal blockages. He's also removed a bottlecap, a bolt with the washer still attached, socks, underwear, gloves and even an entire bathroom rug from the insides of various dogs over his 11 years doing endoscopies.
But never a Greenie -- which he regularly feeds his own dog.
Regardless of whether it's a Greenie or any other dog treat, Dr. Schaer said that pet owners should monitor their dogs carefully while they eat, particularly if their dog starts to gag, salivate or act restless afterwards.
February 17th 2006 12:19 pm
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In case you don't know this, Lady Bug is one of my best friends here on Dogster. She is a very very very funny pup who like me is a night owl, loves twizzlers, and loves to have fun. Seems like everytime I bump into her in a thread something silly happens :o)
So a SHOUT out to Lady! I'm so glad we're pals!
February 8th 2006 11:34 pm
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Ha ha ha Mom says I'm starring in the new Oscar nominated movie "Crouching Leopard Hidden Dog Treat" as I lay in wait in a classic predatory stance... Or did I fall asleep? Or did I have too many dogaritas?
BOL! My Mom's friend went on a business trip overseas and while there found a cute pet shop that sold cute dog clothes... Her note said she couldn't resist getting this cool leopard print jacket for me, complete with a dark olive green faux fur lined hoodie!
Hee hee it was a little too small (made for an 11 lb dog and I weigh 24 lbs) but with some minor alterations should fit quite nicely when Mom is done with it!
January 20th 2006 12:18 am
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What an honor and a really nice surprise! THIS is the kind of fun with our pals Dogster is supposed to be all about. Thanks to all of the pups who voted for us. It means a lot that you are all so supportive of our relationship. I was really sad last week when our Engagement Announcement thread was closed because of the little fleas that keep hopping into the threads and making everyone uncomfortable. So this means even more because of that. Jombie and I are having a long engagement by Dogster standards as we are planning a June wedding.
I really want to thank our pal PEANUT for all of his hardwork running the contest every week and for our fabulous photo he made us as a special reminder of this very special honor. Thank you dear friend :o)
Truly this means a lot and I appreciate all of the love, friendship, and support more then I can say...
December 28th 2005 2:47 pm
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Well my Mom always says I'm one of a kind and now she knows I am fur sure!
She read that dogs love peanut butter in their Kongs.... So she went and bought me some and thought it would a great surprise for me....
And guess what? I hate peanut butter! Yup, can't stand the stuff, wouldn't even lick it! She thinks I must be the only dog on dogster who hates peanut butter. (OK there are three of us who hate the PB... My new Pup Pal Oliver informed me won't touch the stuff either and I just got a pmail from Dusty Charms who claims his hatred of the nasty brown goo runs even deeper then mine.)
I guess she'll try the frozen yougurt next...
Guess what Mom had for dinner last night? A peanut butter sandwich. Yup I think she'll be eating quite a few more of em to get rid of that nasty old jar she bought me :o)
So I'm a brat.... She'll love me anyways!
Welcome to the members list of the" I HATE PEANUT BUTTER CLUB"
Founder: Kitai
Charter Member: Oliver
Charter Member: Dusty Charms
December 27th 2005 11:01 am
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Oh my Goodness... I don't have anything prepared... I never dreamt I would receive this honor... *nervously putting on his tuxedo*
I would like to begin by thanking the Academy (MGL & HQ) and to all of my fans (Friends and Pup Pals). Without your love and support this just wouldn't have been possible! *starting to cry* When I was a puppy living in the Humane Society I had a dream that one day I would grow up to be someone... And now *openly weeping* I feel that moment has come.
Thank you everyone *gesturing with both paws to the crowd* I love you all. *blowing kisses to everyone*
I would say more but they're saying I'm out of time....
*being forcibly drug off the stage*
Oh yeah and thanks to my Mom for all her hard work typing my posts, fixing my pictures and teaching me how to be a nice pup! *voice fading away into the wings*
December 25th 2005 9:50 am
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What a great Christmas! Everytime I turned around there was another beatiufully wrapped gift... So of course I got to work and tore off all of those bows and wrapping paper! Mom discovered my first year here that I was quite an accomplished gift opener.
So here's what I got:
A beautiful red water bowl for the bedroom from Gina & Michael
A big bag of compressed rawhide chew sticks from Gina & Michael
A super cool tug-a-war rope toy from my neighbors Bob and Linda
A squeaky Isaac Mizrahi shoe toy from Auntie R.
A beautiful doggie photo album from Auntie R.
$$$ from Auntie J. think I might have to go buy me some cookies!
A plush Snowman from Sally
A plush squeaky pug from Mom
A oool collar tag from Mom
A cool new leash from Mom cause my old one was getting pretty grungy!
Hopefully there will be some late-comers... A pup can never have too many presents!
Hmmmmmm Come to think of it, how come my Granny, who I love and adore so much failed to send little ol' Mwa a gift? I'm sure she sent her human grandchildren presents... And me? Nothing! Nadda! Zero! Zilch!
*Sighs and sinks to the floor, sadly putting head on his front paws and looking up with a sad little boo boo face*
I guess I just don't rate...
I love you anyways Granny... Don't feel guilty or anything but here it is... Christmas Day and I think you forgot me... Again.
Time will heal my pain.
And some therapy.
December 8th 2005 9:43 am
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Mom took me to play in snow! Every year there is a little holiday event near our house where the city brings in like 40 tons of snow for human kids to play in. For the past 3 years now at the end of the night we hang around and after all the kids are gone I get to play on the snow for about a half hour until they start to bull doze it into trucks to haul away!
I LOVE SNOW... I go jumpy jumpy all over it and dig little holes!
This year we told our neighbor about it so Murphy a real-life-labrador pal of mine got to come and play! He was really funny cause he wouldn't stop eating the snow. I only eat a little bit... The humans make snowballs and throw em and we chase em down... that's when I eat a little cause I bite the snowballs until they disappear into nuthin! Grrrrrrrrrr... Watch out you snow balls!
Mom wants to be rich so she can buy me my own snow machine someday and then I can have snow every single day!
December 7th 2005 10:36 pm
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My very first thread "Mutts: What the heck are you?"on the "Who's Feeling Silly" forum was a bit controversial.... Here is a recap located on page 10...
Hi Butch, (Taking a deep breath) Well in a nut shell you missed me getting yelled at by several dogs... first for saying heck (which you read) then for saying mutt, for saying mutt and for saying mutt, then for encouraging designer dog breeders then Pete yelled at a dog, Then Mom lost her temper and was mean to Trixie, then Trixie apologized and then Mom apologized to Trixie and now we are friends and in between lots of other dogs kept writing in for fun which was the whole idea..... (whew... almost ran out of breath)
George said: Kitai...everytime I come to this thread you're in hot water!
Then I said: I know George Underwood.... What's up with that?
Then I said: Mom says my new forum name should be "Jacuzzi Joe" maybe she'll make me a hot tubbin picture...
So now I have a hot tub where I invite over my friends for dogaritas (virgin of course) tacos and chips and salsa... Getting yelled at in the forums? Since you're already in "hot water" don't be surprised if you receive a paw mail from me inviting you to come on in...
My first guest was Naila who said: MUTTS MUTTS MUTTS... HECK HECK HECK!!! *gasp* Say Georgie, it feels so good to be so bad! BOL!
All in all my first month here I learned that there are countless fun dogs to become pals with here on Dogster. I also learned that my Mom cannot control herself and is going crazy making pictures for me and my best pals :o) Thanks to Bella Bean, Buddy, Butch, George Underwood, Jombie, Lady Bug, Maddie, Merry Man, Missy, Naila, Nutmeg, Peanut, Sabrina, Tallie, Tasha and Wishbone! You are the best! When I filled out my page I never dreamt I would find so many great friends here.
Oh yes, and now I have an evil laugh... Bwaaaa haaa haaa haaa... And sincerely hope that George's mom seeks my suggested revenge on his Auntie Lice...
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