Adopt '09

Well, here in the States, it's a day to celebrate all those great moms out there. Happy Mother's day to all the pawrents out there and the special ladies in your lives! I have to say that I think my entire family is super blessed to have two of the coolest pawrents around. The thing that makes them even better, is that they have adopted every last one of us furkids. Each of the 'rescues' has been a little different, but all have changed our lives for the better. Without the moms we may have never had a chance to know the good life.

When mom worked at the emergency vet, she saw all sorts of sad cases. She worked with several rescue groups and the vet was always helping care for fosters that were sick or getting health certificates so that they could go to adoption. These animals were in rescue through no fault of their own. They deserved a chance to know the good life. Kittens were always searching for homes, and litters of puppies would sometimes show up at the doors too, just wanting the comforting arms of someone to love them. Mom helped nurse some of those litters to health (heck I even got to play with and help take care of them too!) and into wonderful homes. Adult dogs were sometimes dumped in the waiting room, with no explanation for why the people didn't want them any longer. Luckily the kindhearted people at the ER, looked high and low to make sure these unwanted animals found a family to call their own.

So we support adoption 100%. There are so many great pets to be found. There are rescue groups for pretty much every breed. My friend found the most beautiful Harlequin Great Dane puppy in a rescue. Each of the dogs in our house is a purebred and a rescue. So there are definitely ways to finding that perfect dog for you. Same thing goes for cats.

Several of my best buddies on Dogster/Catster were rescues from high kill shelters and were slated for euthanasia. It tears me up thinking that I might never have gotten the chance to meet them, and that they never might have had the chance to know love and sense of belonging. They could have died there, lonely, scared, unwanted. It's just so sad that we live in a throw away society where their previous owners didn't give them the proper treatment they deserved. It is only through the wonderful rescuers that my friends were saved. Someone looked at these pups and thought, "You deserve to be loved. You deserve food and shelter and a chance at life." And to those rescuers, and to those all around, I am extremely thankful and grateful for giving my friends and other needy pets a chance.

So again, please take the time to seriously consider adoption for your next pet. There are usually rescue events going on every weekend around here. There are great sites like Petfinder to help you find exactly what you're looking for. Please, give us all a chance to be as lucky as I am.

Big hugs and thanks to all the rescuers out there!!!!

In Memory of Military Dogs

http://www.eagleid.com/veterans/InMemoryMilitaryDogs.pdf

We Were Soldiers
(Thoughts of a Soldier Dog)

On duty, scouting the dangers of war.
We Did what we had to during our tour.
Standing guard, we had little rest.
I'd put my life on the line; I did my best.
To my last breath, I was there for you.
I was not equipment and this you knew.
We were soldiers.

You were dedicated to our country.
For each other, no doubt our loyalty.
Dear friend, feel no guilt if I am lost.
It was my honor to you, at all cost.
Remembering me; it's ok to shed a tear.
It was meant to be, it was my career.
I was a soldier.

My spirit is forever by your side.
We were buddies, to each a guide.
My allegiance was to you; that was my goal.
It was my mission, we were on patrol.
We did our best, hold your head up high.
Find peace, I am the brightest star in the sky.
We were soldiers.

================================
http://www.ea gleid.com/veterans/poem.htm
When You Think of Liberty Think of Me

When you honor the red, white, and blue
When you celebrate our nation's liberty
Think of the one who's been beside you
in spirit, in heart, in body...
No being could be as loyal as me, for I am
your best friend, your partner... your family

When our nation was young
I was the runner, carrying messages
in a war that would leave us undone
where brother fought beside brother.

And, alone in the face of terror
I moved through enemy lines,
as families fought one another,
my mission foremost in my mind.

I was the one waiting for you even though
I sensed you would not be coming home
I languished on our wooden porch
growing thinner, until the war was over
and my days on earth were done.

I was in the trenches, fields, and meadows
accompanying you into foreign lands.
With you in the jungles and swamps
and at your heels on hot, dusty roads
or on blistering, desert sands.

I have been first in the line of fire
first to enter a field laden with mines
putting myself in your stead.
I went unflinching, leading,
to wherever, doing whatever you said.

With you I've jumped from the belly of a plane
dropping into places neither of us had ever seen.
All for the greater glory and good. All for humanity.

When a bullet took your life I laid by your side
my chin on your chest--despair in my eyes.
Content to have remained with you,
until a man in our unit lifted me up,
carrying me back to the war... as he cried.

When we had parted, when you'd gone home
and when on foreign soil I was left all alone
through no fault of your own I was forsaken.

The government advised you that your friend
and helper; the soldier who'd been by your side,
would not be accompanying you home...
To our home, our country, I could not be taken.

And so it was that we were abandoned
after you tearfully told us we could not follow
the men with whom we had served.

Confusion set in as we watched you depart;
being left behind, we had not deserved.
You left us dispirited, empty, and hollow
for we had given to you all of our all.
Like ghosts were we, missing our souls,
for you had taken with you... our hearts.

I have been injured for you.
And I have died for you.
In your absence I have wasted away
from the loss of you.

I'm the scruffy, thin dog sitting quietly
next to the veteran in his wheelchair.
On the hill, the band plays a song
and the man softly cries, while
fireworks light up the night's air.

Gently I place my paw on his knee
lay my muzzle on his withered leg.
He looks at the small flag he is clutching
then he turns his attention to me.

His eyes are filled with thoughts and tears
but his smile is as warm as the sun.
"Thank you for reminding me," says he,
"what's been sacrificed for the freedom we've won."

In the now, we cannot know
who will be needing who.
But what you may not know is
that when you'll be needing me
I'll be needing and looking for you.

We've been a team, you and me
through the many years
that have shaped this land,
and God has blessed us mightily.

So, every now and then, thank me--
with a look, kind words, and the
touch of a gentle hand...

When you think of liberty
and count the reasons you are free...
Don't forget to think of me!

Copyright © 2004 by Kathy Anne Harris

Happy Memorial Day

I just wanted to say thank you to all the brave soldiers that have made the ultimate sacrifice for us. We appreciate and honor you today, and thank you for your heroism.

It's my Woofday!

Yay! I'm so happy, it's time to pawtay!!! I turn 5 today! Here's hoping for lots of toys,treats and a trip to the park!! Thanks to all my pals for helping me celebrate this special day! I love the cake, Maggie!

I've been tagged!

My friend Maggie tagged me! Thanks for the rosette sweetie

A new Game on Dogster
April 4th 2008
There is a new game on Dogster...
Here are the rules:

Give 4 answers for each category.

**************************************
Name Four Jobs You Have

1. Making sure all of my toys get equal play time.
2. Herding Duke in the house when he gets 'lost' in the backyard.
3. Greeting other pups by chewing on their heads.
4. Patrolling the yard from vermin like bunnies and squirrels.

Name Four Places You Have Lived

1. With my fur-mom
2. At the vet clinic
3. At step-mom's house
4. Here!


Name Four Places You Have Been

1. The farm!!! :)
2. Stony Creek
3. Behnke Memorial Park
4. The basset hound picnic, BOL!


Name Four Places You Would Rather Be:

1. The farm, no doubt about it!
2. The dog park
3. Swimming at Stony Creek
4. Walking around the neighborhood with mom

Now I'll ask four friends to do the same.
1. Chelsea and Cadence
2. Dale Bo
3. Annie
4. Butch

Get well soon my friends!!

Two of my pals here on Dogster are going through some rough stuff with their knees. :( Baxter is at the hospital right now recovering from surgery on one of his knees. He's doing great so far! He gets to come home tomorrow, where he is going to get lots of love and attention, as he needs to stay quiet for a few weeks while he's healing. Bax Man, if you see that stupid e-collar again... do everything you can to stay out of it! Just give your mom those big puppy dog eyes and you're golden! My other pal is going to be having surgery soon on one of hers. She has a different problem than Baxter, but it still is a pretty involved surgery. I'm hoping for a quick and pain free recovery for her. I know once her legs are fixed she'll feel a ton better.

My bro Beau, is still doing great with his chemo. His lymph nodes have been completely back to normal for the past three weeks almost. His blood work, appetite, and attitude are great too. Mom thinks he is possibly in remission already, but of course is staying cautious and they're keeping a real close eye on him to make sure nothing goes crazy.

As for me, well, I am so glad that it looks like Spring might be finally arriving! Mom's tulips and daffodils are FINALLY making an appearance and the birds and squirrels are out in full force. I'm keeping my yard safe from those little critters! With warmer weather, it means more time outside with mom, and more walks. Hopefully we'll start going to the park more. With spring here, it means time at the farm soon! Can't wait to go there and run around!

Still going strong

My little brother is still doing well with his chemo. He just finished up with his first round of Cytoxan. He's still active and playful and getting into trouble! Oh man!! The other day, he got into a whole four pound training BilJac sausage! He even ate most of the wrapper. Today he vomited a little bit of it :(. Hopefully he's ok....

We're due for a snow mix tomorrow again. Something like 4 inches is expected! Mom's getting tired of the cold, though today's at least above freezing :). I still might get to go for a run tonight, which I can't wait for! Nothing is more wonderful than fresh cold air! (Well, at least to me... mom could really do without it).

Hope you're all having fun and keeping it real :)


Er... after I wrote this Beau started having a really bad day :(. He's vomiting a lot and not looking so hot. He's probably going to be on fluids for tonight along with some other medications for nausea and a possible ulcer. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery for him. IT's so sad watching him be sick.

Beau had his first dose of chemo today. He went and saw the really nice oncologist, and she said that lymphoma is pretty treatable. So the moms said there was really no question as to what they were going to do :). Yayy! I get to chew on Beau's knob afterall!! Now, I know that it can come back, and he still might have a little less time here than I'd like, but we're staying postive and hoping this does the trick for some time to come. It's been about 12 hours since the injection, and already there has been noticable shrinking of at least one of his lymph nodes. He doesn't seem to be phased by it, and is just looking for where his next treat is going to come from. Typical ;).

In some happy news, my friends Carly and Skipper from the dog park found me on Dogster today! They just joined and are two absolutely wonderful pups and have the sweetest owner ever! I'm glad you guys made it over to Dogster and and you can feel free to ask me for any help you need getting around here :). You guys should check out Carly's profile picture of her with the shower cap on! Toooo funny!!!

Yesterday, I found out my basset hound brother has cancer in his lymph nodes. Now, even though I'm a shepherd and thus really smart, I have no idea what this means. I do know that he's getting more treats than me right now and he gets to go for car rides and to work with step-mom. He's going to see an oncologist tomorrow to see if there's anything that can be done. Whatever he's got doesn't sound fun, and is making my moms sad. He's only 7 1/2 and I don't get why this happened to him. I sure hope he gets better! The one cancer doctor is really nice, so I know he's in good hands with her. Please keep Beau in your thoughts.

Santa visited!

This year, I was the lucky recipient of gifts from awesome Santas here on Dogster! I absolutely love everything they sent me and my siblings. You guys are the best!!!

Special thanks go to:
Miss Dixie!! Oh my goodness! I was not expecting the huge package you sent me! You were so generous to get something for each of us kids! There are nine of us, and it just meant a lot that you sent something special for us all. I love the honking goose! And I will admit that I am 'sharing' Duke's and ChiChi's toys with myself quite well ;). The cats love playing hide-out in the little house! Oh man, they're sooo funny! They hide behind the opening and think the others can't see them! Then they pounce on them, BOL! Hilarious!!

Shamara and Jewels!! For kitties, you are just purrfect! I love the chicken jerky and cookies you sent me! If it were up to me, I would eat the whole huge bag in one sitting. Mom's restricted me to only a few a day though... I supposed that's fine though, since it spreads out the goodness! The wubba's you sent are so much fun to play with! I love retrieving them, squeeking them and playing keep-away from my siblings :). They are really cool toys!

From Santa Paws, I got a plush squeeky toy, a cool flag bandana, and a plush reindeer :D. So far I haven't managed to destroy any of my toys yet. I've been good about playing nice, and I'm really trying to share.. sort of...

I'd also like to thank sweet Keyah for the toys and treats she sent my kitty brother Echo! He and Bonzai love the feathered balls! They pick them up, and shake and throw them around. The other will sit and watch them and then tackle the other. So much fun to watch them play! Shamara also sent a little something to Echo, since they were paired up before. Echo loves the toys, Shamara! Baxter!! You and your mom are just the sweetest ever! ChiChi absolutely loves the picture in the Bark magazine and is thrilled to finally have your pawtograph! She is so cuddly warm now too. You are such a generous friend and we would give you lots of hugs if we saw you!

Thank you so much for sending us holiday cards! This year we were so happy to receive cards from Mimi and Molly, Dickens and TJ, Maggie and Buddy, Baxter, Keyah Patan and Picara, HB5, Sharna, and the lovely Abbie! I hope I didn't forget anyone! I am just so happy to have such awesome wonderful friends! Thank you Dogster for letting me have a place to play and have fun!