Reba's Something to Howl About

Double Trouble has arrived

Sammy and Oscar were 2 cast out pups left to fend for themselves at the home of a handicapped woman. Anne, the lady who rescued me as a pup stepped in and took them. Anne brought them here and asked Auntie Chris if she still needed "watch dogs".

I was a little offended by this as I'm a very good watch dog! That is as long as whatever or who it is more of a sissy than me. BOL And it's not past my bedtime of course...

Anyway, Auntie Chris took pity, named them and said they could stay. I feel kinda sorry fur them too... Oscar had a tick in his ear. Neither one had ever had a collar on before much less know what walking on a lead is all about. They thought they were gonna be killed or something. The worst is they didn't know what a treat was! Or how to take one! They's gotta know that if mom is ever gonna teach them anything BOL

Mom figures them to be about 4 1/2 months (some puppy toofies left), probably Pitty & Chow mix. They's already about as tall as me and their paws are more than twice as big as mine (but then again I have cute paws even fur a dog my size). They's gonna be BIG boys when they gets growed up! 80 - 100 pounds mom figures... If I play my cards right I'll have back-up when it's MY time to be lead watch dog BOL but first I gotta do things like teach them how to play.

I are so sad I never got to meet Duncan nose to nose....

As most of you know we lost a truly wonderful pal, Duncan to a tragic unforseen accident. I am just beside myself, although I only knew Duncan fur a short while.

We "met" at the Doghouse Valentine's Ball. I stopped by after work dealing poker to see if any pal needed a ride home. Duncan was there, charming and greeted me like we was old furiends. That was right before Jack made him his red suit which he was so pawroud of...

Duncan sent me a PPR after we chatted at the ball and it turned out his family had family that they visited not too far from where I live. We toyed with the idea of meeting nose to nose on one of his family's trips, but...... *sniff sniiiiiiff*

Duncan my pal, you impressed me right from the start and I are so sad you left us so soon. *sniiiiiiffffff* Watch over your famly, as I know they miss you and have broken hearts over losing you, as many of us do.

We will meet my furiend, just not here or now, but someday...... *sniff*

Reba UNLEASHED!

We live on the same property where mom also works. Which is grrrrrrreat because mom and I are more or less together 24/7/365. When we were open fur business, on nice days, I'd get tied out. Not far away and I was always very good. It was something I got used to as a pup, but back then I would be on the patio, in a lawn chair (it was winter) in a sweater, flannel shirt and covered up with heavy towels. Now that I know how to hold my potties, I get to "camp out" under the counter on my big pillow bed on ugly days.

Business has been kinda slow lately, last week when we opened, mom didn't tie me out... Hmmmm I thought, maybe she furgot... So I just followed mom around and did as I was told. I've been free to follow mom around now fur a whole week! Auntie Chris and Uncle Bill (they own the business) hasn't said anything about me being loose. I think they may be proud of me, maybe wish a little that their dogs would be as easy.

I have barked a little at a couple of the customers, then walked past them. And I like to get a good sniff in now and then. I'm learning it's o'kay fur other people to be around. Mom is very proud. :)

Mom thinks it's been very good fur me. Today, although we're closed, the lady who reads the electric meter came by. In the past, I would shy away from her, and she always brings biscuits! Today, I was loose, I got 3 biscuits! Gave her a kiss on her hand, the meter lady was impressed and I got ANOTHER biscuit after I shook her hand!

I may be turning into a social butterfly! BOL!

Along came a Kitty

Mom and I were out in the arena practicing my weaves and just finishing up when we heard this loud MEOW MEOW coming from the scrap side. I took off, not wanting to miss a chasing opportunity and mom caught up to me shortly after. I was all excited as I showed her my next chase that I would shortly be doing.

It was a kitten, ruffly about 3 to 3 1/2 months old looking back at us in the pile of cardboard boxes and meowing. It tried to squeeze through the chain link to get closer to us. Mom stuck her finger in and it rubbed her finger! This was not the usual wild kitten... We walked, well I bounced, to the opening and it followed us there...

I just KNEW I was about to embark on a chase! Nope... The kitten came out, I played tough dog, barking and bouncing back and forth and it just stood there! I nipped at it and it pawed at me! I was in shock! Then she tried to rub on me! Mom picked it up and it climbed up on her shoulders...

Thinking she was just passing through, mom left some dry dog food out fur it to eat to help her on her way and we went in. The kitty cried to come in, but mom was strong. We last heard her around midnight. The next morning there was no sign of her, that is until about noon. There she was again.

This time she was brave enough to get close to Pepper the old deaf dog who has had 18 years of chasing kitties. I thought to myself, this is it, the kitty's gonna be on her way. Nope. The kitty rubbed up against her! Pepper didn't know what to do... This had never happened to her before...

Well that was almost a week ago... Auntie Chris told mom she needed to keep the kitty so the kitty had a chance at a good life. She's wearing a collar now. Comes in at night to sleep so she doesn't end up a coyote or owl snack. She sometimes gets in OUR bed! But I make mom move her when she gets in MY spot. She hangs out with Pepper during the day or charms anyone she comes near.

The first 3 days she was here, all she did was eat and sleep. She'd eat so much her belly felt like to would explode! Poor thing must've been without fur a while. I'm sure she's decided she likes it here and is gonna stay.

We don't know where she came from, or how she got here. Just that she appeared in pile of cardboard boxes, so we call her Boxie....

Getting to each other better TAG!

Copy this diary entry, and paste it into your diary. Read then delete my answers. Then you can fill in your own! Then send a rosette to 4 pals and ask them to post it in their diary!!

We can get to know our pals better!! Have fun!!

Here is more about me....

1. What color is your collar?
all the colors of the rainbow in a Native American design

2. What kind of food do you eat?
ACE High crunchies and Pedigree can food

3. What are your favorite treats?
that my mom gives me or those I find myself BOL! In a package I'd have to say T-Bonz... That I find myself I'd have to say horse poop cookies (not too dry though)

4. Do you have a Valentine or significant other??
Others... Don't want to embarrass any of them

5. Do you get Table Scraps?
Yep, tidbits and I do dishes too!

6. What is your favorite toy?
I love my toys, but I love balls the best! Especially the ones that bounce really high!

7. When is your Birthday?...
July 24, 2007

8. How many times a day do you get to eat?
I gets breakfast and dinner. Sometimes I skip a meal. Probably because I was snacking outta Peppers bowl all day BOL

9. Do you have a favorite color?
Red. I look goodin red and my favorite ball is red

10. Do you hope all your pals put this in their diary?
Yep I do! I wanna read their answers! I'm kinda nosey that way...

now who am I gonna tag that hasn't been tagged????

Been Tagged and Tagged so here I go!

I usually am very bad at responding to these, but I'm gonna give it my best try this time fur my pals who tagged me! *hugs*

5 Funny things about Me!

1. In my younger days, I would catch plastic grocery bags that flew by in the wind. I'd tear them up and eat them! (unless mom could get to me first) It all came out in my poop though. Uncle Bill was hoping I'd get the poop IN the bag fur easier pick-up! BOL

2. When I'm really happy, my tail wags in every direction. This includes up and down, circles, and the occasional figure 8.

3. Mom says I'm a border-line Fetch-a-holic! I really don't think so because I will take breaks in-between insisting mom throws it again, throws it again, throws it again.......

4. Every morning when mom goes to feed the other animals, I grab a toy to take with me. Mom calls it the "Toy de Jour". I will either play with it myself, or make mom play with me while she's going from here to there...

5. Before I eat my breakfast or dinner, most of the time I act like I'm burying it. Then I sneak up on it and have a couple of little bites before I just get down to the business of eating my meal. A chow hound I am not...

Extra bonus funny... when I'm playing ball, if it gets too dirty from slobber and dirt, I drop it in my water bowl (my pool in the summer) to clean it off... When my pool is up and I'm playing Frisbee, I'll spend 20 minutes washing off my Frisbee....


Well I guess I's supposed to go off and tag some of my pals now, but most or all of the pals I hang with have already been tagged!

If you haven't been tagged, and you know who you are, THIS is your tag from me! BOL!

Some days are Ruff....

It's been a trying week fur me. First, mom took away my pool! Said it was too cold fur it now. I mean really, what was she thinking? How did she expect me to rinse off my balls when I get them slobbery and dirty from playing fetch? She knows I like to clean off my balls! (get your minds out of the gutter) I out-smarted her.... Now I dunk them in my water bowl! BOL I haven't figured out what to do with my Frisbees yet though. They're bigger than my water bowl....

Then Thanksgiving we were on the road fur hours. It seemed like a long way to go fur a few snacks....

Today was the worst... Mom took me to the Dogtor! I was o'kay until I had to go to THAT room. He put me on the scary thing that lifts me off the ground (said I weighed 41 pounds) and then mom helped him while he stuck that thing in my ears! Mom helped! OMD I HATE that thing and she knows it! But my ears were clear and good. Then he poked me 3 times... Ouch! All I got fur all that was a new pretty fur my collar.

Later, mom put that funny hat on my head and took my picture. You know the one... It's there fur all my pals to make fun of me now.

Thanks fur letting me whimper to all of you. I feel much better now getting that off my chest.

Happy Tails, Reba

Save up my kisses fur Bucket *RIP*

Tomorrow will be a day like no other I have known. Not to be able to give Bucket kisses. I have given Bucket kisses every day since I came to live with mom. Every day... And every time she'd scold me fur being an over-excited pup, but she never hurt me. I couldn't help myself. I was always excited to see her and therefore HAD to give her kisses.

But I won't be giving her kisses tomorrow, or the next day, or the next, or any day after that. Bucket crossed over the bridge today to where I can't reach her. I will miss her. I will miss giving her my kisses. I will miss her scolding me fur giving her kisses...

I won't miss seeing her having a bad day. I know she's out of pain now and can run and play again. I will see her again someday. And I will save up all of Bucket's kisses to give her when I do.

For now I will kiss the tears from mom's eyes, and I will kiss her after the crying stops. I are not a big dog, but I have a big heart with plenty of kisses to go around. I'm just sorry I can't give Bucket more fur a long time....

Dog's night out!

After mom gets off work we're loading up and going to the Gymkhana field! Mom hooks us up with her van so a pup like me has everything I could possible hope for at an outing.

We do have to watch Auntie's 2 little dogs, Dee Dee & Nikki. Dee Dee's not so bad, but Nikki can be a terror!

I'll let you know how the evening goes. I plan on having a good time!

I was tortured and humiliated!

That's right... First I was tortured, but I wasn't the only one. All 7 of us dogs were put through anguish one by one at the hands of my Auntie Chris. We watched those who went before us, hoping she would stop her reign of terror before it was our turn, but alas, that was not to happen. I was the last....

My turn, I am tied up as those before me so as not to escape. She picks up the long long rubber stick, points it at me and it starts to spit all over my body and face until I am dripping wet. I thought I was gonna die right then and there, but I didn't.

Auntie finally tames the spitting stick and sets it aside. She pours smelly thick liquid on me and starts to rub me all over. Now that felt good. I didn't even mind the foamy thing it was doing to my fur as long as she kept rubbing me all over. No not the ears, please let me keep my ears! aahhhh those are MY privates! yea, do the chest and the belly, now my sides, oh yes right there, a little more to the left please... why'd you stop?

No! Put the rubber stick down you'll wake it up! AAAHHHHHHH!

She told my mom she gave me a bath. Yea right. She didn't give me anything, not to play with or eat....

My humiliation was what happened when I dried. All my fur poofed out! Who knew I could be so fuzzy. Auntie said I looked like a poodle and she was gonna shave me but thought mom would get mad.

ha ha ha... I didn't think it was so funny myself.

Attending my first Gymkhana

Mom whisked me away as soon as she got off work and packed me and some bags into her van. We got to this place where there were lots of people and horses and kids and dogs, it was a bit unsettling at first. Then we found everyone we knew.

Mom had to go enter Auntie in the events and mom took me with her. I walked up my first flight of stairs! A guy in the office wanted to be friends, but I was feeling shy right then.

Later I met a little gray haired lady that I immediately liked. I let her pet me, licked her hand and wagged my tail. It was good to meet someone that I felt good about right away.

Mom had everything with her I could possible need or want. Well almost. She didn't bring steak but she did bring treats. *BOL* A couple of guys were supposed to watch Auntie's little dogs, but they got tired of doing it so Nikki and Dee Dee came to hang out with mom & me. Good thing because they were both really thirsty!

I managed not to bite any kids *BOL* and had a pretty good time.

The worst part was the stickers (fox tails) on the ground. Mom had to comb them out of my fur when we got home and it's not like I'll stand still for that!

Next time mom says she's gonna bring something for the ground too. What could the ground possible want to have?

In appreciation to Bonzer, myPal, my Hero

My pal Bonzer gifted me yesterday with Dogster Plus! It made me SO happy and mom had tears in her eyes... The thoughtfulness and generosity of the pups on Dogster never ceases to amaze me. I thought me heart was going to burst at Bonzer's kindness!

Bonzer is a fine example of how there is still goodness left in the world. And a pup can find a lot of that here on Dogster. Dog people ROCK! :D

God Bless Us, Every Paw!

Thank you again Bonzer!

Follow the Yellow Brick Road!

I might as well fess up... Last week mom took me with her to watch the local Cowboys practice roping calves. It was pretty neat and I started getting into it. The calf would come out of the chute, and if mom didn't have me on a lead, I was going for the chase too! Although it might have been the horse and rider that went by that excited me more. ?

Like I said, it was pretty neat, then they had to go because there was a competition down the hill. As they were packing up, one of the Cowboys brought his 10 week old pup for me to meet. He was less than half my size and this little guy SCARED me! He came at me at 100 miles an hour and I didn't know what to do! (no wonder the old dogs at home get so mad at me when I do that to them).

I got a sniff in when he turned his back, but I didn't want no part of him face to face.... Auntie says I'm a big sissy. Mom thinks she may be right...

So who is this wizard and can you tell me how to get to Oz?

One step forward, 5 steps back

The 5 steps were 5 kids all came over at once! OMD that was just too much for me to deal with. They were running and yelling and it made me soooo nervous... I couldn't help myself...

The boy was with them. He wanted to give me treats, which I took, but I was so scared I couldn't relax enough to even shake his paw. I could tell he was disappointed but I couldn't help it.

I did go up to a girl who was sitting in a chair near me and mom and sniff her. I even wagged my tail and relaxed my ears. But as soon and one of the other boys moved quick, I retreated back to mom and warned them to stay away from me.

Too many kids too soon for me. I'll keep working on it and try to remember the good days I have.

I forgot I wanted to bite him!

The other day mom & I came home and Auntie Chris had company. I like Auntie Chris's friend, but not her kids. Those that know me, know I really don't like kids. Something about them scares me so I warn them to keep away from me. I have been barking at them less than I used to. It used to be it was hard to make me quit. But I do now after a bit until they do something that alarms me and I start up again.

So anyway, mom put me on a lead so I wouldn't act out and she could keep me close. Then the strangest thing happened. The boy (who is the boy I swore I always wanted to bite more than any other kid) was holding Auntie Chris's puppy Nikki and Nikki liked it! I wanted to get closer and see. Auntie told my mom she could let me go but keep an eye on me. I was being good, not friendly, but good.

The boy got some treats, gave them to me and I ate them. Then I shook paws with him for a treat. A short while later I even rolled over and sat up for treats from him. I tolerated him being around as long as he didn't move too fast and I got to be loose. When he did forget and move fast I'd kinda go after him. Mom taught him to freeze and not look at me when I did that, so I'd just sniff and walk away. It worked good.

The boy wants us to be best friends, but I don't know how soon that'll happen. I do know it was a good day and I'm hoping this is the right path to getting over my fear of kids.

Training Mom...

I think I just about have mom trained the way I want her to play with me. I've been working real hard with her and the Kong ball lately.

You see I take the ball and put it in her hand. If she's standing I jump up on her leg to stuff the ball in her hand, but it's not that big a deal because I'm not big. Then she throws it for me! I bring it back and put it back in her hand to throw again... She's doing really good, although sometimes it slips from her hand (the slobber has nothing to do with it) as I'm giving it to her and I have to pick it up and we try again.

Last night we tried what she learned with the Kong ball on Frisbees! I'm happy to say she has got the idea, FINALLY.... I think because of this, I am even catching the Frisbee more often, but it helps if she doesn't toss it in the tree... Silly mom... I'm sure she'll do better next time.

It feels good to feel good again!

After a good nights rest I got up feeling like myself again. As mom was getting ready I pulled most of my toys out of my box, not knowing which one I wanted to play with the most.

The best part is mom isn't hovering over me like a worry wart now. Sheesh... she can be so protective sometimes...

Outta sorts...

Last night mom suspected something wasn't just right when I stopped playing with Skeeter & Sophie. I played a little ball, but I was done running with the pack. I'd just sit and watch.

No I'm not sick. I didn't puke and I'm eating and drinking (although I didn't finish my breakfast). My poop is normal. There wasn't even any plastic bag pieces in it! (I just gotta catch those things and tear them up when they come flying by me)

When we went in last night I went right to bed and didn't stir around like normal. Then this morning, I just wanted to stay in bed. Mom watched me as I would shake a little everytime I took a breath in. I felt better laying on my back (and mom gave me all kinds of rubs and loves).

So mom thinks I hurt myself playing. I might have run into a small brick wall or Skeeter (he's like a brick wall) or was in the wrong pen with the wrong horse, she can only guess and I don't remember...

So in the meantime, I'll have to be babied and take some stuff called Bute to help me feel better. I have to admit, I do feel better than I did this morning. Mom can tell. That's good because she was getting worried...

Baby horse news

Yesterday after the business closed I got to run loose as always, but I didn't run around like I usually do. That new baby horse is just so neat I couldn't stay away!

Mom watched me as I circled the pen trying to get a better look. I was mostly a good girl and stayed out, mostly I said. I tried to sneak in a couple of times but mom called me out so the mare wouldn't clobber me. Finally I would just lay down and watch, make a circle, then lay down and watch.

Eventually my opportunity came. The baby laid down for a nap by the side of the pen. His mom stood over him so I had to be very careful. I am not the bravest pup in the litter, so I snuck my way toward the baby, tail tucked and ears back to show the mare I meant no harm. I kept my eye on the mare and inched my way until.... I sniffed the baby's butt! WoooHooooo! and got away.

That was a GrrrrrREAT moment even if for a split second!

Now guess what? We got more babies coming! Yep. 2 other mares are gonna deliver AND a mini mare! I betcha I REALLY like the mini-horse baby. Even cooler are the minis are right where I'm tied out during the day while the business is open. I'll get to look after that one all day long!

Events of the past couple of days...

Well to start off with, I thought mom & I were going to the vet with Auntie Chris and the turkey butt (the Jr Weiner dog who Auntie named Nikki) just to keep them company. noooooo... After turkey butt got her check-up, shots and worming medicine, mom put me up on the table! The the doc stuck his tool in my ears to look. I really hate that! I told mom it was nothing, just a tickle, but she wanted to be sure. The night before, I was chewing on my toy when I jumped off the bed and shook my head. Really shook my head and I couldn't just stop. I held my ear kinda funny and scratched a little at it too. Well there was nothing in them... I told her so!

Yesterday I got to play with the turkey butt by myself. She'd chase me & I'd run. Then she'd walk away so I'd nudge her and she'd chase me again... That one's going to be a pistol when she gets older (but she'll never get big! BOL)

Mom set up my new tunnel for me too. Just for a little bit. I jumped on top of it. Ran through it when she threw the ball in it. Once I stopped half way and rolled in it! Mom put it up when I kept trying to go underneath it...

Then this morning we had a baby horse born. Them horses sure do have big babies! I hope his mom takes care of him because I don't think I can clean his face if he needs to be bottle fed...

I'm not the youngest anymore!

Auntie Chris got herself another pup! It's a 6 week old Jr Weenier dog (Mini Dachshund) still on the bottle.

Auntie's daughter's friend breeds them and the mama had too many in the litter for her to take care of. The mama starting getting really sick with too many puppies. So here's Auntie to the rescue, again...

I don't know what her name is. Auntie's just been calling her a turkey-butt (turkey butts must be cute). I'm not sure what to do with her, she's so small, so I mostly just go about my business...

That makes 7 doggies living here now and I'm the only one who isn't black or mostly black. The old dogs, Pepper (she's really old) and Bucket are black. Dee Dee is black. Sophie & Skeeter are mostly black. And the turkey's butt puppy is mostly black. I see a lot of HOT DOGS this summer! BOL

I'm not the youngest anymore!

Auntie Chris got herself another pup! It's a 6 week old Jr Weenier dog (Mini Dachshund) still on the bottle.

Auntie's daughter's friend breeds them and the mama had too many in the litter for her to take care of. The mama starting getting really sick with too many puppies. So here's Auntie to the rescue, again...

I don't know what her name is. Auntie's just been calling her a turkey-butt (turkey butts must be cute). I'm not sure what to do with her, she's so small, so I mostly just go about my business...

That makes 7 doggies living here now and I'm the only one who isn't black or mostly black. The old dogs, Pepper (she's really old) and Bucket are black. Dee Dee is black. Sophie & Skeeter are mostly black. And the turkey's butt puppy is mostly black. I see a lot of HOT DOGS this summer! BOL

In Honor of the Black Dogs

I copied this from my pal Mokie's diary... have Kleenex ready...

"Contrary to Ordinary"

The Black Pearls of the Dog World

The author, Chris Benton, has given her permission to reprint this story and permission for you to use and pass it on to everyone. Her recommendation is that every person who takes an obedience class, adopts a dog or gets a puppy, should have a copy of this story.

After I was discharged from the Navy, Jim and I moved back to Detroit to use our GI bill benefits to get some schooling. Jim was going for a degree in Electronics and I, after much debating, decided to get mine in Computer Science.

One of the classes that was a requirement was Speech. Like many people, I had no fondness for getting up in front of people for any reason, let alone to be the center of attention as I stuttered my way through some unfamiliar subject. But I couldn't get out of the requirement, and so I found myself in my last semester before graduation with Speech as one of my classes.

On the first day of class our professor explained to us that he was going to leave the subject matter of our talks up to us, but he was going to provide the motivation of the speech. After agonizing over a subject matter, I decided on the topic of spaying and neutering pets. My goal was to try to persuade my classmates to neuter their pets. So I started researching the topic. There was plenty of material, articles that told of the millions of dogs and cats that were euthanized every year, of supposedly beloved pets that were turned in to various animal control facilities for the lamest of reasons, or worse, dropped off far from home, bewildered and scared. Death was usually a blessing.

The final speech was looming closer, but I felt well prepared. My notes were full of facts and statistics that I felt sure would motivate even the most naive of pet owners to succumb to my plea. A couple of days before our speeches were due, I had the bright idea of going to the local branch of the Humane Society and borrowing a puppy to use as a sort of a visual aid. I called the Humane Society and explained what I wanted. They were very happy to accommodate me. I made arrangements to pick up a puppy the day before my speech. When I went to pick up the puppy I was feeling very confident. I could quote all the statistics and numbers without ever looking at my notes. The puppy, I felt, would add the final emotional touch.

When I arrived at the Humane Society I was met by a young guy named Ron. He explained that he was the public relations person for the Humane Society. He was very excited about my speech and asked if I would like a tour of the facilities before I picked up the puppy. I enthusiastically agreed. We started out in the reception area, which was the general public's initial encounter with the Humane Society.

The lobby was full, mostly with people dropping off various animals that they no longer wanted. Ron explained to me that this branch of the Humane Society took in about fifty animals a day and adopted out only about twenty. As we stood there I heard snatches of conversation: "I can't keep him, he digs holes in my garden." "They are such cute puppies, I know you will have no trouble finding homes for them." "She is wild, I can't control her." I heard one of Humane Society's volunteer explain to the lady with the litter of puppies that the Society was filled with puppies and that these puppies, being black, would immediately be put to sleep.Black puppies, she explained, had little chance of being adopted. The woman who brought the puppies in just shrugged, "I can't help it," she whined. "They are getting too big. I don't have room for them." We left the reception area. Ron led me into the staging area where all the incoming animals were evaluated for adoptability. Over half never even made it to the adoption center. There were just too many. Not only were people bringing in their own animals, but strays were also dropped off. By law the Humane Society had to hold a stray for three days. If the animal was not claimed by then, it was euthanized, since there was no background information on the animal. There were already too many animals that had a known history eagerly provided by their soon to be ex-owners.

As we went through the different areas, I felt more and more depressed. No amount of statistics, could take the place of seeing the reality of what this throwaway attitude did to the living, breathing animal. It was overwhelming. Finally Ron stopped in front of a closed door. "That's it," he said, "except for this." I read the sign on the door. "Euthanasia Area." "Do you want to see one?" he asked. Before I could decline, he interjected, "You really should. You can't tell the whole story unless you experience the end." I reluctantly agreed. "Good." He said, "I already cleared it and Peggy is expecting you." He knocked firmly on the door. A middle-aged woman in a white lab coat opened it immediately. "Here's the girl I was telling you about," Ron explained. Peggy looked me over. "Well, I'll leave you here with Peggy and meet you in the reception area in about fifteen minutes. I'll have the puppy ready."

With that Ron departed, leaving me standing in front of the stern-looking Peggy. Peggy motioned me in.

As I walked into the room, I gave an audible gasp. The room was small and spartan. There were a couple of cages on the wall and a cabinet with syringes and vials of a clear liquid. In the middle of the room was an examining table with a rubber mat on top. There were two doors other than the one I had entered. Both were closed. One said to incinerator room, and the other had no sign, but I could hear various animals' noises coming from behind the closed door. In the back of the room, near the door that was marked incinerator were the objects that caused my distress: two wheelbarrows, filled with the bodies of dead kittens and puppies. I stared in horror. Nothing had prepared me for this. I felt my legs grow weak and my breathing become rapid and shallow. I wanted to run from that room, screaming. Peggy seemed not to notice my state of shock. She started talking about the euthanasia process, but I wasn't hearing her. I could not tear my gaze away from the wheelbarrows and those dozens of pathetic little bodies.

Finally, Peggy seemed to notice that I was not paying attention to her. "Are you listening?" she asked irritably. "I'm only going to go through this once." I tore my gaze from the back of the room and looked at her. I opened my mouth to say something, but nothing would come out, so I nodded. She told me that behind the unmarked door were the animals that were scheduled for euthanasia that day. She picked up a chart that was hanging from the wall. "One fifty-three is next," she said as she looked at the chart. "I'll go get him." She laid down the chart on the examining table and started for the unmarked door. Before she got to the door she stopped and turned around. "You aren't going to get hysterical, are you?" she asked, "Because that will only upset the animals." I shook my head. I had not said a word since I walked into that room. I still felt unsure if I would be able to without breaking down into tears. As Peggy opened the unmarked door I peered into the room beyond.

It was a small room, but the walls were lined and stacked with cages. It looked like they were all occupied. Peggy opened the door of one of the lower cages and removed the occupant. From what I could see it looked like a medium-sized dog. She attached a leash and ushered the dog into the room in which I stood. As Peggy brought the dog into the room I could see that the dog was no more than a puppy, maybe five or six months old. The pup looked to be a cross between a Lab and a German shepherd. He was mostly black, with a small amount of tan above his eyes and on his feet.He was very excited and bouncing up and down, trying to sniff everything in this new environment. Peggy lifted the pup onto the table. She had a card in her hand, which she laid on the table next to me. I read the card. It said that number one fifty-three was a mixed Shepherd, six months old. He was surrendered two days ago by a family. Reason of surrender was given as "jumps on children." At the bottom was a note that said "Name: Sam." Peggy was quick and efficient, from lots of practice, I guessed. She lay one fifty-three down on his side and tied a rubber tourniquet around his front leg. She turned to fill the syringe from the vial of clear liquid.

All this time I was standing at the head of the table. I could see the moment that one fifty-three went from a curious puppy to a terrified puppy. He did not like being held down and he started to struggle. It was then that I finally found my voice. I bent over the struggling puppy and whispered, "Sam. Your name is Sam." At the sound of his name Sam quit struggling. He wagged his tail tentatively and his soft pink tongue darted out and licked my hand. And that is how he spent his last moment. I watched his eyes fade from hopefulness to nothingness. It was over very quickly. I had never even seen Peggy give the lethal shot. The tears could not be contained any longer. I kept my head down so as not to embarrass myself in front of the stoic Peggy. My tears fell onto the still body on the table. "Now you know," Peggy said softly. Then she turned away. "Ron will be waiting for you."

I left the room. Although it seemed like it had been hours, only fifteen minutes had gone by since Ron had left me at the door. I made my way back to the reception area. True to his word, Ron had the puppy all ready to go. After giving me some instructions about what to feed the puppy, he handed the carrying cage over to me and wished me good luck on my speech. That night I went home and spent many hours playing with the orphan puppy. I went to bed that night but I could not sleep. After a while I got up and looked at my speech notes with their numbers and statistics. Without a second thought, I tore them up and threw them away. I went back to bed. Sometime during the night I finally fell asleep.

The next morning I arrived at my Speech class with Puppy Doe. When my turn came, I held the puppy in my arms, I took a deep breath, and I told the class about the life and death of Sam. When I finished my speech I became aware that I was crying. I apologized to the class and took my seat. After class the teacher handed out a critique with our grades. I got an "A." His comments said "Very moving and persuasive."

Two days later, on the last day of class, one of my classmates came up to me. She was an older lady that I had never spoken to in class. She stopped me on our way out of the classroom. "I want you to know that I adopted the puppy you brought to class," she said. "His name is Sam."



by Chris Benton

Please Spay And Neuter Your Pets

I've been Tagged!

I got double dog tagged! By Missy and Nikaya! Talk about pressure...

Here's how the game is played.... We have to answer 4 questions in our diary and tag 4 furiends.

Here I go:

Name 4 jobs that you have
1. Keeping an eye on Dee Dee when she wanders off and no one can find her
2. Baby goat face cleaner and protector
3. Companion and playmate to my mom
4. Horse poop taste tester

Name 4 places you have lived at (or stayed at):
1. Where I live now in Anza, CA
2. With the lady who rescued me and my furblings
3. Where I was born and rescued from
4. The Animal Clinic where I was spayed


Name 4 places that you have been:
(not many as I'm still a pup)
1. The Animal Clinic where I was spayed
2. The Vet's office for my shots and check-up
3. Rides to town while mom did errands
4. and Auntie Chris took me for a walk around the hills where I live while mom was working
(this summer mom says she'll take me with her to the Gymkhana to watch Auntie Chris ride in the events)

Name 4 places you'd rather be:
1. I'd like to see the ocean and find a dog friendly beach
2. I'd like to go to a lake and play in the water while mom goes fishing
3. I'd like to go to a dog sport event (like Agility) and see how the other dogs do it in pawson
4. I'd like to go to PetSmart and pick out lots of toys!

Name 4 furiends you wish to tag:
1. Maya
2. Diva
3. Mighty Mika
4. Max

That does it! I wouldn't be at all surprised if some of my answers would change a year from now. I am still a pup and there's a lot of things I haven't seen or done yet. My adventure is just beginning!

Happy Tails!

Reba

WoooHooooo! I got NEW Frisbees!

If you are a Frisbee/Disc loving kinda dog, you're gonna go through a lot of Frisbees unless you get the good ones... I found that out the hard way!

Mom had got me the PetSmart cheapo's, figuring they were cheap enough to replace until she saw how I started going through them as I got Frisbee Fever.

Now I have Eurablend Ultimate Frisbees "for the dog who loves his disc" to play with! And you know what? They're made to last... We even tried them out on Skeeter who is notorious for killing a Frisbee (and most any other toy) in the least amount of time.

After we got it back from Skeeter, it was nearly blemish free. You had to look really hard to find any marks at all. Skeeter's mom was so impressed, my mom had to order her a couple of them for Skeeter.

We play Frisbee almost every evening, unless the weather's bad. I'm looking forward to tonight!

Toss it! Come on and Toss It Already!

Yesterday I went over the deep end and landed smack dab in the middle of a Frisbee Frenzy!

I always liked playing Frisbee with mom. She's toss it and I'd go get it... But yesterday I was on fire! She tossed them and I was jumping in the air trying to catch them in flight! And I DID catch a few! It was SOOOOO much fun!

I broke one in half and cracked another, but it still flies for now. Mom said I'm going to make her Frisbee poor.... What can I say? Sometimes they're hard to pick up (especially when I'm standing on it too!) I still have 4 more good ones. Plenty of Frisbees to toss until mom makes it back to PetSmart!

Who let the dogs out?

Well yesterday's romp with my Auntie's dogs, Skeeter & Sophie, started out like any other. We ran, we played, we ran some more, we played "I got it and you don't" with each other (I always lose that game), then Skeeter got a bright idea. He went under the fence and crossed the highway! Like a dummy I followed him (I never left before without my Auntie or mom) and so did Sophie. How we didn't get hit by a car I'll never know!

Uncle Bill spotted us after all the humans went looking for us when we didn't check in. I leaped off the embankment (it's pretty high too, 7-8 feet maybe) to come home and stumbled on my chin when I landed. Sophie was close behind me but she didn't jump down. Skeeter was still up there when Uncle Bill stopped traffic (a car) so Skeeter could cross the highway (it's just 2 lanes but it's still a highway).

We scared mom, Auntie and Uncle Bill really bad. But we're o'kay. Now Uncle Bill has to Skeeter-proof the fence...

but he Scares me!

I don't know why, but kids just plain scare me... So what happens? Auntie Chris's 5 year old grandson came to visit!

When kids get near me I get so scared I tremble and will growl at them if they get too close. Mom put my muzzle on me (they only other times I wore it was on the bed and I got treats & pets when I had it on) so I could "sneak up" and get a smell of him from behind.

Then Auntie let her dogs loose to play and I saw how they were playing with the boy and weren't scared at all. Soon I got to go play with the other dogs, but I kept my distance from the boy.

Later I sat with my mom, and let the boy give me treats. I got lots of treats from him through the day, and even let him touch me a couple of times when I was with my mom.

I still don't trust him (he moves around SO fast sometimes), but he doesn't make me so scared I tremble when I see him. I still keep my distance when I'm loose. Maybe someday we can be friends, but I need some more time....

New "Super" Toy!

Mom got me a great new toy! Well it's kinda for her too... You see she can't throw as good as she used to (in fact she's no good at it at all any more) so she found this thing on eBay (whatever that is) that shoots tennis balls!

I LOVE to play ball but it was no real challenge only going a few feet. Now she can send it a long ways before it even hits the ground. What fun!

It's called a HyperDog (for hyper pups) Tennis Ball Launcher and every dog who loves to play ball should have one. It makes me happy!

I are NOT ugly....

Can you believe it? My mom's friend, who happens to be the bi-ped that got me & my mom together, said I was ugly-dog... That she hopes I grow out of this awkward stage.

My ears are too big, my tail is too bushy, the fur around my pooper is too fluffy... but that because I have such a good heart I'm kinda cute. Then her daughter comes over yesterday, and she said I was ugly too! I have a cute face but I have too many colors. What does that mean?

I don't care what someone else says. My mom tells me I are a beautiful grrrrr...

That's easy....

Guess what I can do now? Roll over! I learned quite by accident.

Mom and I were practicing my tricks, one of which was to lay on my back and show my belly (great position for belly rubs) and I went all the way and rolled over. Mom thought that was too cool! So to make her happy (and I get a treat) I do it just as good as shake...

Pleasure to meet you!

Guess what I learned last night? How to shake "paws"! It was SO easy... Mom said I was a natural. I'm so good at it, I might run for public office someday (or not)...

Santa Pup Came!

Wow! I love Christmas! Are you sure it only comes once a year???? Santa Claws filled my stocking AND left me a present with stuff that wouldn't fit in my stocking... I got a Frisbee, Milk Bones, a big stuffed ball to play in the house with, a chewie bone, a chewie roll, a candy cane chewie, a rope toy with a bone and a new SQUEEKY TOY! WoooHooooooo!!!!! Now I gotta try to be good all year so I can be on Santa's "Nice" list for next Christmas... It'll be hard work, but I think I can do it....

A pup's work in never done....

I spent the whole day with mom helping her around the property the other day. Man that was alot of work! There were birds to chase away, sticks to gather (and fetch which is very much like playing ball I found out), hay piles to jump into, dirt to be moved around.... you get the idea.... My most important job was to keep an eye on mom and when it was time to go from here to there, mom didn't have to call me twice! I was SO tired when I went inside I went right to sleep without eating my dinner. I did wale up about 12:30 and eat and then mom took me out to, you know, I had to go.... and went right back to sleep....

Throw it again!

I played ball for the first time today! What a GrrrrrREAT game! My mom tried to show me how to play a while back, but I was just a little pup back then. There was so much to look at and sniff and taste that I couldn't keep my mind on the game. I'd make it to the ball, then something else would catch my attention.... But I'm not a baby any more... I'll be 5 months old soon and almost have all my big girl teeth coming in now. Anyway, mom knew I was going to be good at playing ball. I'd always bring her my toys when I wanted her to play with me, she'd toss them & I'd bring them right back. It was so much fun today! I did leave the ball when it landed by a really big stick... I tried to bring that back to her to see if the game would work with a stick too, but it was REALLY big and I kept dropping it. Maybe next time...