ADOPT 2011 CONTEST

When I was nine to ten years old, the woman who had raised me, passed-away after a brief illness. The human sister, with whom I had only recently became acquainted, told my canine brother, canine sister and me, that she couldn't replace our mom, but she'd always love and take care of us.

I had always been an outdoor dog, and had a myopic view of the world. But life, as I now know it, really began, during that summer of 2004.

That first month was tough. Not only was I grieving the loss of my mother, but I developed a fungal infection in my ears. Then I had an enlarged prostate and was neutered. I was diagnosed with a heart murmur. And I moved to a new home.

Well-meaning friends were concerned about my sister taking in three dogs, two of whom were seniors with newly diagnosed health issues.

But fortunately, my sister wasn't familiar with the old wives' tales of difficulty in housetraining, inability to adapt to changes or learn new tricks, lack of sociability, limited remaining years, etc. I could dispel all those myths, anyway.

Housetraining was never an issue, it seemed innate. I quickly learned to leash walk, and mastered basic tricks. And I effortlessly befriended everyone I encountered.

And that nonsense about considering limited remaining years, before adopting a senior pet?

I have been seeing my cardiologist since 2005. And I am his longest-term patient. Dr. Sanders has made the analogy about how one will read about 90 year-olds who continue to go to work each day, because they love life, and the human interaction is what keeps them going.

Dr. Sanders believes that MY love of life is what keeps me going. My love of life has made me resilient to the losses of my pawrents, unexpected losses of my canine siblings, and the heart condition that has progressed to heart disease.

My arthritic hips and legs have reduced my pace, and hindered the distances that I can comfortably walk, but I still demand my daily walks and opportunities to socialize. I have biweekly appointments for acupuncture, alternating with chiropractic care, and have a minimum of weekly visits to the pet stores or Farmers Market, where I greet all I see.

I am the center of my sister's (now mom's) universe, and even though she initially rescued me, I rescued her right back. Her adoption of a senior pet is the best thing that ever happened to either of us. And it could be for others, as well.

My February 1st, 2009 Message to Downtown Dogster

My Dearest Downtowners:

It was a year ago, tomorrow, that thanks to Sadie's mom and other members of Dogster Railroad, that my mom, Dad and I drove to Bloomington, Illinois, to get my sister, Ruby. Ruby had traveled, all the way from Homeward Bound Rescue in Minnesota, 640+ miles from our home in Terre Haute, Indiana.

If you have never checked-out the Dogster Railroad forum, I encourage you to do so. There, dogs can register their generous pawrents to help potentially transport orphans to rescues or furever homes. We will be furever grateful for the support and assistance we received in transporting Ruby.

While we were in Bloomington, waiting for Ruby, Mom checked her e-mail via her phone, and learned that I had become the newly-elected Mayor of Downtown Dogster. Well, I suppose it wasn't a total shock - BOL - as my good pal and running mate, Deputy Mayor Krackerjack and I were unopposed.

During this past year, I have made several new friends at Downtown Dogster, and strengthened those friendships that already existed. Together we have celebrated good news, encouraged each other during difficult times, mourned our losses and prayed for those who need strength. There is no more caring group on Dogster, and I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful family. Downtown Dogster is truly my family.

Tonight, when Ruby and I hold paws with our Mom, we will be asking the Great Dog to continue to watch-over the families of the missing Gizmo and the missing Zeb, to deliver comfort to those who are still mourning losses, and to give strength to those who are ill, stressed and suffering. We wil thank Him for giving Mom and me our pawrents and Dingo and Buddy for as long as we had them.

But quite importantly, we will thank the Great Dog for letting us find Dogster. It isn't just a place for us to park our webpages; it is a community and family. We are thankful for our family at Downtown Dogster, and we are hopeful that the Great Dog will continue to bless each and every one of you and your family.

It is indeed my pleasure to serve as your mayor.

Humbly,
Mayor Jimmy

Prayer Requests From The Mayor's Office

This is such a sad time for me, as so many of my pals are hurting.

I am the current Mayor of Downtown Dogster and here is the message that I sent to the Downtown constituency, last night:

My Dear Downtowners:

I've written before that I am a firm believer that Dogster is much more than a place for me to park my webpage. I believe it is a community of families, whose lives continue to positively impact another, each and every day.

Prior to my joining Downtown, I endured some scary medical tests, and was uplifted with support from my families at Snoop Dog Beagleys and Not-the-Beagles (NTBs). When tragedy struck MY family on Halloween, we were naturally supported and comforted by our Downtown Dogster family, our Snoops and NTBs. But it is particularly noteworthy that news of Buddy's death spread across Dogster. Countless other dogs and cats from the Dogster/Catster Community, whose pawrents park their cars all across the world, learned of our grief, and took the time to pray for us and send us kind words of encouragement. Memories of those kindnesses will be eternal.

This weekend, many of us will be celebrating the Independence Day Weekend with our families, creating new memories to cherish in the coming years. Some Downtowners may very well be spending their weekends, agonizing over situations that no one wishes to endure.

I'm not a very religious doggy. I don't feel moved to pray, everyday, and embarrassingly enough, I am usually asking the Great Dog for a favor for a Pal, when I do feel moved. I do feel very blessed to have all of you as my extended family. Tonight, while I am thanking the Great Dog that I had my mom and my dad, (who raised me), and Buddy and Dingo, as long as I had them, I am also thanking Him for my mom, (Colleen), my dad, (The Other Jim), and for all of you, as well.

I'd like to remind you, or in some cases, tell you about some special friends, who most certainly could use words of encouragement and if you are so inclined, your prayers, tonight, and in the foreseeable future.

Our good friend, Councilor Schumi, (Dogster ID:155307), will have a consultation with a veterinary surgeon on Friday. As you know, Schumi has a problem knee, and will face some weeks of post-surgery rehabilitation. I am very hopeful that Schumi's doctor will offer an excellent prognosis.

Our friend, Zeb, (Dogster ID:247112), has been missing for a few weeks, and his family has no solid leads on his whereabouts. I'm sure all Downtowners have been sending positive thoughts to Zeb's family, and I ask that those thoughts continue.

Gizmo, (Dogster ID:459881), has been missing for over 15 months, now. Her brother, Sheriff Cedar, and her pawrents continue to pray each day for her safe return. Please consider sending Gizmo or Cedar a message that you haven't forgotten Gizmo

These past few days have been some of the saddest of our time on Dogster. It isn't easy for a dog to see his mom sob. This evening, my mom, Colleen, gave me the terrible news that Sugar Girl, sister of our Rusty Pooh Bear, (Dogster ID:511082), has a reservation for the Rainbow Bridge. Their sister, Ellie Mae, (Dogster ID:426321), was seriously injured, today, during a scuffle with Sugar. We are fervently praying that Sugar will be at peace and will no longer be tormented by the aggressive demons that affect her so. I envision her being embraced at the bridge by my brother, Buddy, and Sugar's brother and sister, Bandit and Hayley. Please join me in fervent prayers for a speedy and complete recovery for Ellie Mae, and for strength and comfort for the Cowdog Mom, Laura, and the kids, Rusty, Scouty, Jake, Autumn, and their foster brother, Tommy, during this emotional time.

Although they aren't members of Downtown, many of you are acquainted with Maddy McCatterson, and the Beaglesworth Bunch, (Dogster ID:561870), Copper, Trixie, Charlie and Jasper, Maddy is an active NTB, her siblings are active Snoops, and they participate in other groups, such as All Fur Fun, where you may have met them. I will say this: if you have met them, you'd remember. (Big grin!)

Earlier this week, the McCatterson-Beaglesworth family lost their 19 year-old human sister, Kaylin, and a criminal investigation is underway. Although I am a very verbose doggy, I simply can offer no words to soothe the family or to express how terribly sorry I feel for them. Please, please, please, consider sending healing thoughts, prayers, or words of encouragement via pmail or Dogster gifts. If you would like to snail mail them a card, please pmail me, and I will provide you with their mailing address.

I truly am thankful for each of you, and appreciate the opportunity to assist the Downtown Dogster Council in making this not only THE place to be, but in fostering such a family atmosphere, too.

May God, the Great Dog and Great Cat continue to watch-over the families of Schumi, Zeb, Gizmo, the Cowdogs, the McCattersons-Beaglesworths-Mathews/Lasaters, and each and every one of yours.

With love and sincerity,
Mayor Jimmy

My Week In Review

Sunday
On Sunday, the Downtown Dogster Bowling League concluded its 2008 season. The final results were:

6th Place - Ultimate Ballers
5th Place - The Fast Lanes
4th Place - Neon Juicers, which was my team
3rd Place - Strikers
2nd Place - Downtown Pirates
1st Place - Alley Dogz

I had lots of fun, each weekend, making new friends and strengthening the bonds with my old pals.

Monday
On Monday, I wore down my paw pads, writing names on index cards, multiple times, for the prize drawings for the Downtown Dogster Bowling League. It was exciting to see which names were drawn for Sadie's Biscuits.

When Ruby and Mom went to Paw Prints Training School, I thought I'd get myself a snack. Dad came home to find me in my bed with a partially-wrapped and partially-eaten Merrick Moo Tube. He took it away. When he went to the bathroom, I went to fetch a whole bag of Moo Tubes. The bag had initially been in a lidded copy paper box, but I knew how to open it.

Tuesday
On Tuesday, I went to see Dr. Staub for my annual vaccines. Mom told him about the Merrick Moo Tubes incidents. Can you believe he said, "You know you could reprimand him, don't you?" Mom and I were both stunned! I don't think it had occurred to her to reprimand me. I certainly hadn't thought of it.

Wednesday
On Wednesday, when Mom came home in the afternoon, I had soap pieces all over the living room floor, three Happy Meals toys unwrapped and partially-eaten, a cold compress, Mom's pajama bottoms, a rain poncho and a Rubbermaid container on my bed. Mom had never seen that particular Rubbermaid container. I am not talking!

Thursday
On Thursday, I pooped a lot of plastic.

Friday
I counter-surfed and successfully caught a bag of Twizzlers. Within minutes, Mom caught ME!

Saturday
I decided to re-organize the recycling. The plastic belonged on my bed, and the paper belonged on the kitchen floor. Mom was insulted that I re-did her work. Now, everything is outside in the jumbo recycling container, awaiting its Thursday pickup. Seem sort of silly to me.

Counter Surfing

My brother, Buddy, and my sister, Ruby, have always enjoyed ocean surfing with the Not-the-Bea gles, those faux pirates who are generally referred to as "the NTBs." I have to admit that I have occasionally enjoyed surfing with them. However, I do prefer a different type of surfing - counter surfing.

Secretly, I have counter-surfed for a long time. Oftentimes, my mom has simply thought that she was in early stages of dementia, when she couldn't find something, where she thought she left it.

Two weeks ago, I had a Merrick Moo Tube, on my bed in the living room. Although Colleen thought she had left it on the stove, she decided that The Other Jim must have given it to me.

On Thursday, I had to have some low-residue canned food. When Colleen brought Ruby home from the spa, that afternoon, she found the can lid on my bed, with teeth punctures in its sides and center. She kept pondering whether she had taken the lid off the magnet on the can opener, and might I have been able to reach it.

Today, though, I was BUSTED!

I was hungry, and got careless. I didn't look to see where Colleen was, and as it turns-out, she was in the bathroom, off the kitchen, with its door open. I thought I smelled roast beef in front of the microwave, and I stood-up, with my paws on the counter, to get a better view.

"Jimmy Beagle, what in the heck do you think you are doing?"

OMD! She sounded like Jake and Charlie, calling me "Jimmy Beagle."

I jumped down, and pretended that I didn't hear her.

When I turned-around, we had a stand-off, and she lost eye contact first.

Chalk THAT win up to Jimmy Beagle.

A Skinny 50.6 lbs.!

I had excess flab,
Now I am firmer,
Thank the Great Dog,
It's helped my heart murmur.


As my friends all know, I used to be a very attractive 62 lbs. I got plenty of exercise, and ate whatever I wanted to maintain that near-perfect beagley/hound body.

An off-hand comment from a rude stranger got Colleen to thinkin' that losing a few pounds might change my near-perfect body into a perfect one.

I exercised, and ate LESS. Much less. I got down to 57 lbs.

My friend, Toby, calls any weight loss plan a DIE-with-a-T. I must admit that concur.

I went to the Veterinary Specialty Center of Indiana on November 1st. It was a stressful day, as it was the day after Halloween. (See previous diary entries.)

My body was too stressed to conduct my liver-related tests, but my wonderful cardiologist, Dr. Sanders, was able to do an echocardiogram. My mitral valve had weakened, in a six-month period of time, and it was time for meds.

He also suggested that my weight be further reduced. I could not believe my floppy ears! Me, Jimmy B. Chestnut, with the perfect hound body, needed to lose weight?

During the month of November, I quickly lost 3 lbs., as I was so grief-stricken about Buddy. But then I plateaued.

Dr. Smith, my internal medicine guru, and Dr. Staub, my vet, both seemed to think that 50-52 lbs. would be a good target weight. Oh my ears, my ears, my ears, my tender floppy ears! Did they really know what they were sayin'?

Well, let me tell you, I went to get a bath, yesterday at Honey Creek Animal Hospital. I was 50.6 lbs. They all said that I look good, but I wonder if I look good, in the way that Kate Moss allegedly looks good?

Today, I went back to see Dr. Sanders. I was greeted by that lovely vet tech, Kiyoko, who says that I am her " favorite spotted man." I was eagerly awaiting a comment that I am too skinny, that I must be fed more, and that she would go fetch me some treats. No such luck.

Dr. Sanders performed my echocardiogram, and there have been no significant changes, since November. Maybe the weight loss halted a progression of mitral valve deterioration. Thank the Great Dog for that!

Tonight, I vomited. Lots. I am trying to convince the pawrents that I have an eating disorder, so that I will get a steady stream of treats.

Please keep your paws crossed for me.

Memorial Weekend Musings

My daddy and some pals from the American Legion and VFW used to go decorate veteran graves on Memorial Weekend. He said it was to not only recognize the "war dead," but to recognize those who are no longer with us, who proudly served our country. Six years ago, he didn't feel well, after spending several hours at the cemeteries. Within a couple of weeks, we learned that he had lung cancer. He died, several months later.

Although I received a certificate from the Univeral Life Church, and have apprenticed in the Church of Dogster, I consider myself to be more of a spiritual doggy, than a religious doggy. This weekend, while I am thinking of my daddy, I am also reflecting on those who are no longer here, but have touched my life in a most significant way. I thank the Great Dog for each of them, and ask that He continue to watch-over their families.

Of course, I miss my mom and dad, who rescued me and took me home, after I was abandoned. It was there, I met Dingo, who I loved as much as any dog is capable of loving another dog. She was THE best sister, ever. And then there is Buddy. Buddy was my pesky brother, for whom we actively grieve, each and every day. Buddy passed-away, this past Halloween, protecting me, and defending our locked, fenced yard, against a vicious, stray, pit bull.

When we came to Dogster, among our first friends were Hayley and Bandit. They were already angels, at that time. In addition to helping us learn some things about Dogster, Hayley and Bandit offered words of comfort concerning our grief over our earlier loss of Dingo. The memories of that initial and continued kindness will always be with us. And we have been blessed to become friends with their brothers and sisters, the Cowdogs.

Nickie is the sister of Buddy's best pal, Max, and that HOT beagle, Louis James. Nickie was a very funny kitty, and she left us much too soon for that Rainbow Bridge. I am confident that Buddy was there to welcome her, and take her to her brothers, Bud and Foster. I miss Nickie.

Austin was a beagleweiler, who passed way about six weeks, after we came to Dogster. The concern for Austin's health and the profound sorrow that was shared after his death made us realize that the Dogster community is really a family, and not just a place for each of us to have our webpages. I think of Austin often, and am grateful to have the friendship of his siblings, KJ, Bernie, Frankie, and Buddy-the-Cat.

There are two dogs with whom I didn't interact in any Group, but whose pages we periodically visited, just to gaze at their wonderful pictures. Both Raffles and Arthur were very special to us, and both have recently gone to the Rainbow Bridge. May their pawrents be comforted to know that their smiles left lasting impressions on us.

Unless they still actively post, many Angel doggies no longer receive rosettes or stars, and that might make their parents a little sad to think that they are forgotten. This Memorial Weekend, I intend to visit pages of angels, and leave special messages for them.

For my friends who our still with me, I offer this modified version of the St. Francis Prayer for Pets:

"Dear Saint Francis, you loved all of Dog's creatures.
"To you, they were your brothers and sisters.
"Help us to follow your example of treating every living thing with kindness.
"St. Francis, Patron Saint of Animals, please watch over my friends and keep all of their companions safe and healthy."

Amen

***

To the Great Dog, again I thank you for letting me have my pawrents, and Dingo and Buddy, as long as I had them. Thank you for my great pals here on Dogster, and may you continue to bless each and every one of them.

Amen from Jimmy Beagle Chestnut

Dishin' On Downtown Dogster

We've been following the presidential primaries, and listening carefully to all of the speeches.

I started reflecting-on my own foray into politics - running for Mayor of Downtown Dogster.

I am generally a boy who follows, rather than leads, but I very much love my family at Downtown, and had a strong desire to help make it THE best that it can be. On February 2nd, I was elected Downtown's Mayor.

Here is one of my campaign speeches from January - BOL!:

Hi Everypup!

I'm Jimmy and I want to share my experiences with Downtown with you.

I joined Downtown Dogster, last spring, at a time when Former Mayor Buddy was a candidate for office. Other than some Downtown Dogster Snoops, I didn't know anypup. But Buddy had a slogan contest, (which I won), and at that point, I started attending some pawties. Everyone was very welcoming, and I became hooked on this place.

This summer, I raced in the Downtown Dogster NASCAR Series for the Hollywood Stars. I looked forward to spending time with my new friends each Saturday, and for that reason, missed only one race. My attendance, (and maybe my driving skills), earned me MVP Honors.

I was so very excited, when soccer season started, this fall. I played for The Impacts. Being a rather organized pup, I attended nearly EVERY game throughout the season, (not just my own), assisted Scooter in scorekeeping, and once again, earned MVP Honors.

But more importantly, during soccer season, I learned a lot about the compassion and humanity of the constituency of Downtown Dogster.

When Mayor Soda experienced a death in her family, all remaining soccer games for that weekend were postponed for another weekend. And when my own brother, Buddy, was tragically killed on Halloween, Sheriff Cedar postponed that weekend's games, too.

My family and I were humbled, overwhelmed, comforted and uplifted by the messages of support from the Downtowners, especially those on the Council. We cherish the Buddy Elton Chestnut Memorial Trail at Clear Creek Forest. And memories of all of the kindnesses will be eternal.

I have been a Dogster pup for about 13 months, now. I have been active with group memberships in my beloved Snoop Dog Beagleys, Not-the-Beagle (BOL!), and Downtown Dogster. And I believe the experiences in these groups have shaped me to be an effective, positive-thinking, results-driven, hands-on, yet compassionate leader, who can and will focus on bringing a renewed vibrancy to Downtown Dogster.

I ask for your support.

Please vote for me, Jimmy, as YOUR next Mayor of Downtown Dogster!

Not Quite Back to Normal

In the first few nights after Buddy died, I placed my paws over his (different from my) Nylabones and cried.

I hadn't touched my Nylabones until Friday night, when I chewed for five minutes or so.

The backyard has skeered me, since that terrible Halloween. Because it had snowed Friday night, I willingly ventured into the backyard, for a little while, yesterday.

I didn't want to stay long, but at least it is some progress.

I miss Buddy terribly.

My Brave Brother, Buddy

My brother, Buddy, loved life. He enjoyed running in the yard, burying and digging-up his Nylabones. He recently became a proficient mouse catcher, demonstrating amazing speed and agility in capturing his prey. He proudly accompanied us on walks to the park, where he'd help "nurture" the trees by keeping the surrounding soil moist. But he was also perfectly content to lie on the couch, with his red blankets and his precious bobos, watching that bright box called a "TV."

Buddy was a bit of a fraidy dog. Sudden or loud noises terrified him. He loved being petted, but was afraid to approach people. He even took an anti-anxiety medication to help alleviate his fears.

But on Wednesday night, October 31st, Buddy mustered-up incredible courage, when a pit bull climbed our locked, gated fence.

In defending our yard, and defending me, Buddy paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Buddy has joined the angels, now. I am hopeful that he was greeted warmly by our brother, Art, and our beautiful sister, Dingo. I am hopeful that our parents were able to hug him, pet him, and tell him what a brave Buddy-Boy he was.

I love you, Buddy. You're the most courageous dog that I could ever imagine. I am proud of you and proud to be your brother.