A few years ago, Julien Roohani of Portland, Oregon, was at work when her roommates spontaneously decided to go on a hike. Not wanting to exclude Julien’s six-month-old Shepherd/Border Collie mix, Niña, they threw her into the back of their pickup truck and set off for an adventure.
Niña had never been in a truck bed before. Whether she was scared or just spotted something of interest, she managed to jump out during the drive. Panicking, the roommates called Julien, who rushed Niña to an emergency veterinary clinic where she was diagnosed with a broken spine and other severe injuries. Julien had no choice but to allow her young pup to be humanely euthanized.
Unfortunately, stories like Niña’s are all too common. It is never safe to drive with an unrestrained pet—especially with that pet in an open truck bed.
“When you drive with a loose dog in the back of your truck, you’re taking a huge risk and placing your dog and other motorists in danger,” says Chuck Mai, a vice president with AAA Oklahoma. “Even if a dog is trained, we’re talking about an animal who responds to stimuli on impulse. This irresponsible decision can start a deadly chain reaction on the road.” Is It Legal?
Transporting unrestrained dogs in low-sided truck beds has been banned in a handful of states, including California and New Hampshire, and municipalities including Indianapolis, Cheyenne and Miami-Dade. However, in the vast majority of jurisdictions, it’s not even illegal to transport children in this manner, so we must rely on common sense and education to protect children and pets alike. How You Can Help
One can feel terribly helpless witnessing a loose dog in a pickup truck. The best course of action is to try to get the vehicle’s license number (if you can do so while remaining safe) and call the local police. Rather than dialing 911, Jill Buckley, ASPCA Senior Director of Government Relations, suggests storing your police precinct’s phone number in your cell phone.
Sheila and Page Butler are fabulous advocates in the Dalls area. They have transported most of our pups from that area, fostered many of them, and always help us with fundraising, vet visits, and anything else we need. We are so blessed to be a part of their journey in helping those without voices. Thank you both of you, the world is a better place because you are in it. Wishing you lots of labby kisses.
Please watch the video for pictures of Kane, Rigel, Kaiden, Rex, Cocoa, Sawyer, Travolta and many more Luvin’ Labs alumni.
Toby knew what he wanted for Christmas. The same thing everyone here wanted.
A ring.
Christmas was close, he could feel it. Ribbons were hung on the walls, and there were special treats with dinner. More people came by to visit, and everybody was in a good mood.
Except Emmett. When Toby shared with Emmett his Christmas wish, Emmett just shook his head.
“Toby, you and I don’t get rings,” he said. “Look at us, a couple of losers who were given up on. It’s the youngsters that get rings.”
Toby looked at his reflection in his water dish. There was gray on his muzzle and along the tips of his ears. It was true he couldn’t play fetch like he used to. And his legs hurt when he walked too much.
But he could still race to the front door when he heard it swing open, wagging his tail like a pup, and go on a slow walk around the block, sniffing here and there. And how he loved to curl up at the foot of the bed, keeping watch during the night.
But those were the old days. Now he was here, with Emmett instead of with -
“See, here we go again,” Emmett said as puppies up and down the long hallway yapped and barked, a sign that people had just arrived. Emmett stretched out on the concrete next to his water dish. “Wake me when it’s over.”
Toby peeked through the gate and saw a little boy and girl walking slowly his way. They stopped in front of almost every kennel, and sometimes they would kneel in front of one and laugh.
Toby wished them closer, his tail wagging. He knew if they saw him, then maybe . . . just maybe . . .
“Don’t get your hopes up,” said Emmett, his eyes still closed. “You’ll only be disappointed.”
Toby looked down the hall. The woman in the blue shirt who brought food every day was opening one of the gates. A brown puppy bounded out and into the arms of the girl, who squealed with delight.
From her back pocket, the woman in the blue shirt brought out a ring, pale gray, just like all the rings. She slipped it over the puppy’s head.
“Everyone wants cute and adorable,” Emmett said as he heard the door close, knowing what surely had happened. “Years ago we were cute and adorable. No more.”
But it was Christmastime, Toby thought. Things are different at Christmastime. There is happiness. There is cheer.
There is hope.
Toby remembered when he had a home and a bed and a yard and a person who loved him. But one day people came and they were crying, and the next day he was here. Now all he wanted was a ring, again.
Emmett opened an eye when the barking started again but closed it as he stretched out. Toby pressed his muzzle to the gate and wished again.
“It’s Christmastime,” he said. “A season for miracles.”
He saw the woman in the blue shirt, and she had by the elbow a man walking very slowly down the aisle. They were talking, but Toby couldn’t hear them over the barking.
They came closer. And closer.
Almost, thought Toby. Almost.
Toby squeezed his eyes shut. He wished harder than he had ever wished before.
“Hey, fella, what’s your name?” Toby heard.
He opened his eyes.
Toby noticed the man had gray around his muzzle and more gray around his ears. He was bent over slightly, and Toby noticed a cane holding the man up.
Toby wagged his tail and put his paw on the gate, and when he did, it opened.
The woman in the blue shirt reached behind her. There in her hand was a ring. Gray, like all the rest. But the man shook his head.
Please, Toby wished. Please.
The man reached behind him and pulled out his own ring. It was red and had green and gold stones that glittered in the light.
He slipped it over Toby’s head.
Toby was going home.
“C’mon, boy,” the man said. “Cute and adorable, you are. Lots of life left in you, fella.”
As Toby placed one paw outside the kennel, he stopped for just a little. Lowered his head for just a little. Glanced behind him for just a little.
The man looked at Emmett, and Emmett looked at the man.
“That one, too, if it’s OK,” the man said. “Looks like a set I’d hate to break up. My home may be a bit small, but my heart is big enough.”
The woman in the blue shirt took the ring and slipped it over Emmett’s head.
And that’s when Toby knew Christmas miracles do happen.
Emmett wagged his tail and spun in a circle and barked. Just as if he were a puppy.
From “Toby and the Christmas Ring,” copyright 2008, by Scott Craven
When a bag of kittens was dumped and run over in traffic on a rural Iowa highway, a dog named Reagan rushed to their rescue.
Iowa’s Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary is home to two kittens who owe their lives to Reagan. Three months ago her owner called the sanctuary seeking help after pulling two live kittens out of a Meow Mix bag that her dog had found in the road.
“It was gruesome, quite gruesome because the kittens…there was a litter of 4 or 5 of them and you couldn’t tell if there were 2 or 3 (in the bag) they had been run over by a vehicle. It was not a pretty sight,” said Linda Blakely of the Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary.
The fact that Skipper and Tipper even survived is difficult to explain, but one thing is certain: had Reagan not found them, they likely would have died on the spot. The yellow lab literally dragged the bag out of the road. Then she dragged it all the way home. And cried until her owner opened it. Reagan’s owner could hear faint cries from the bag, but said she was completely unprepared for what she found.
After recovering from the shock of finding the kittens in that bag, Reagan’s owner called the sanctuary and brought them in. They were weak and required bottle feeding every few hours, but both have recovered fully and are thriving at the sanctuary. They are also available for adoption. Blakely says they probably never would have made it off that road were it not for the love of a dog.
“The instinct of the dog was to nurture and not kill. With all the blood some dogs would have responded to the scent. Reagan the dog is a hero,” says Blakely.
hello miscoleennn tis iz mis bree sumptn out here in tex-ass….I had long tawk wit my fosteer mama and papa and told dem I wantde to stay familyy here wit dem. dey say dey wil o-dop me and use dis ting dey ave calld muny to get me fixxxed…o-ka but I dunt no wus n-e-ting broke wit me….Thye say I hafe 2 chke wif u furst 2 see if dats o-ka….
is o-ka…plsssseeeee I luv b-in here wis dem…
luv mis bree-sumptn…..
heers me tinkin what it wud be lyk if I didnt liv heeer no more….
Hat’s off to our fabulous foster’s and volunteers who made today’s event such a success. The labs and lab mixes you see pictured here would not be alive today without the help of each one of you. We are so grateful for your help, and so blessed to have you on board. Hat’s off to Luvin’ Labs folks!! The pups pictured from left to right are: Colton, Lucky, Bailey, Kass, Maggie Mae, Caderyn, Sawyer, Cali & Lobo
The “dog days” of summer are coming to a close as back to school is upon us. We spend much time preparing our children (and ourselves), yet this transition also affects our pets.The freedom and attention received during summer vacation abruptly ends at the first day of school. Without warning, schedules shift – coming and going, eating, exercising, freedom may be limited and human companionship lessens. Human playmates of summer suddenly have new interests and friends. All of this can create a great amount of stress and fear in our pets.
This stress adds uncertainty and affects our pets in many ways. It can cause behavior problems such as chewing, soiling in the house, excessive barking with dogs or clawing furniture with cats.
These problems can be annoying to us, but more serious health problems can also occur with your pet. The distressed pet may experience vomiting, diarrhea, skin problems or eating problems. Eating problems may range from not eating at all to eating strange objects such as gravel, dirt, plants, toys, etc. This can lead to emergency medical problems as these objects can easily get caught in the intestinal tract.
Emotionally, pets can also suffer from depression. This can lead to a depressed immune system leading to increased susceptibility to arthritis, heart disease and even cancers.
What can we do to help these important members of our family? If possible, make changes and adjustments slowly, over a period of time. If Fido will be kenneled when the kids go back to school, start kenneling slowly for shorter periods of time before the big day. Also be sure to provide toys or chew sticks to help occupy their time alone.
Avoid abrupt changes especially in eating and diet habits. The first week of school is not the time to change either the time of feeding or type of food. Always be cautious when making any drastic changes to a pet’s diet and talk with your veterinarian.
For pets that become overly stressed when being left, there are several holistic remedies available. Bach Flower Remedies are quite commonly used. Aromatherapy can also be useful. Lavender essential oil for example can safely be used around pets to help with calming.
And finally, give your pet the most love and attention you can. Reassurance through regular walks, exercise, playtime and grooming will help your companion make a much smoother “back to school” transition.
Marian Brown is the editor of Holistic Health News and has been involved in holistic health care for people and pets since the early 1990s.
These are the dogs that worked the Trade Center that are still alive but retired, they are heroes too!!! Their eyes say everything you need to know about them. Just amazing creatures!
True heroes of 9/11 still with us today…
Moxie, 13, from Winthrop, Massachusetts, arrived with her handler, Mark Aliberti, at the World Trade Center on the evening of September 11 and searched the site for eight days.
Tara, 16, from Ipswich, Massachusetts, arrived at the World Trade Center on the night of the 11th. The dog and her handler Lee Prentiss were there for eight days.
Kaiser, 12, pictured at home in Indianapolis, Indiana, was deployed to the World Trade Center on September 11 and searched tirelessly for people in the rubble
Bretagne and his owner Denise Corliss from Cypress, Texas, arrived at the site in New York on September 17, remaining there for ten days
Guinness, 15, from Highland, California, started work at the site with Sheila McKee on the morning of September 13 and was deployed at the site for 11 days.
Merlyn and his handler Matt Claussen were deployed to Ground Zero on September 24, working the night shift for five days
Red, 11, from Annapolis, Maryland, went with Heather Roche to the Pentagon from September 16 until the 27 as part of the Bay Area Recovery Canines
Abigail, above, was deployed on the evening of September 17, searching for 10 days while Tuff arrived in New York at 11:00 pm on the day of attack to start working early the next day
Handler Julie Noyes and Hoke were deployed to the World Trade Center from their home in Denver on September 24 and searched for five days
Scout and another unknown dog lie among the rubble at Ground Zero, just two of nearly 100 search and rescue animals who helped to search for survivors
During the chaos of the 9/11 attacks, where almost 3,000 people died, nearly 100 loyal search and rescue dogs and their brave owners scoured Ground Zero for survivors.
Now, ten years on, just 12 of these heroic canines survive, and they have been commemorated in a touching series of portraits entitled ‘Retrieved’.
The dogs worked tirelessly to search for anyone trapped alive in the rubble, along with countless emergency service workers and members of the public.
Traveling across nine states in the U.S. from Texas to Maryland, Dutch photographer Charlotte Dumas, 34, captured the remaining dogs in their twilight years in their homes where they still live with their handlers, a full decade on from 9/11.
Their stories have now been compiled in a book, called Retrieved, which is published on Friday, the tenth anniversary of the attacks.
Noted for her touching portraits of animals, especially dogs, Charlotte wanted ‘Retrieved’ to mark not only the anniversary of the September 2001 attacks, but also as recognition for some of the first responders and their dogs.
‘I felt this was a turning point, especially for the dogs, who although are not forgotten, are not as prominent as the human stories involved,’ explained Charlotte, who splits her time between New York and Amsterdam.
‘They speak to us as a different species and animals are greatly important for our sense of empathy and to put things into perspective.’
Petty Officer Jon T. Tumilson was laid to rest Friday in Rockford, Iowa, where an estimated 1,500 mourners came to pay respects for the fallen Navy SEAL, including his dog Hawkeye. In fact, Hakeye’s loyalty to his owner at the funeral was visible, creating a heart-wrenching image as he laid down by the casket of his owner during the entire service … full story …
credits to: The Blaze Posted on August 23, 2011 at 1:25pm by Christopher Santarelli
Special thanks to Nancy of Angel Eyes Photography for the great pictures, and for giving a loving forever home to two Luvin’ Labs!! For fabulous photos please call Nancy at 505/688-6262
There was a celebration in the Lewis household last night, when I received a call at 7:40 p.m. from Albert Bass that they had found their beloved Max!
At the two locations where Max had been seen, Albert had set up two comfort stations with food and water, and some of his old t-shirts placed around the site. Maya’s personal aromas were there, too! One comfort station was located six miles from the crash site, and was about four miles from the other spot where Max had been seen. Albert diligently monitored both comfort stations, leaving the motel at 4:00 a.m each morning, and then checking again at night. Something was eating the food, and the t-shirts were being dragged away, or torn up. We certainly needed a trail camera to monitor the site, but there was not time to buy one when the Basses’ plight became known.
For eight days, the Basses were doing everything it is possible to do to find a much loved canine companion. Their perseverance never wavered. They had talked to dozens of people in town and in the country, plastered the area with updated posters, driven to the small towns around Dalhart and left posters, had walked and searched areas where he had previously been spotted, and went out at night with a flashlight to walk the alleys in town. Pet alert sent the story to the Dalhart Texan, the local paper, and that ran last Wednesday.
I was hoping for the best, but could hardly bear the thought that they might have to leave Dalhart once again without their Max. I felt that if that happened, it would be very unlikely they would see Max again.The chilling fact is that farmers and ranchers in that area shoot stray dogs. Also, Max was dragging his leash when he got loose, so the other fear was that he could get hung up somewhere, and not ever be found. So many things which could happen to a lost and starving dog.
Yesterday was going to be the Basses’ last day in Dalhart. Just imagine the heartache of knowing that you are going to check on a feeding station, and that if it is Max who has been the one visiting the site, you will be leaving food and water for him for the last time.
The last reported sighting of Max was last Sunday, when a man saw a dog north of the town of Hartley, which is south of Dalhart. The man said the dog had a leash on his collar. With no further sightings all week, it seemed that either something had happened to Max, or perhaps he was trying to find his way back Albuquerque. Either way, it was not encouraging.
Last night the Basses went to the feeding station, and saw that the food had been eaten, and that a toy bone had been taken away. Albert started whistling for Max. Max came out of his hiding place, which was an abandoned house, looked at Albert, then stopped. Then he walked very slowly toward Albert until he was about three feet away. Then, recognition and that joyful reunion!! Maya joined in by grabbing Max in a neck hold!
So there we have the happiest possible ending to this incredible story! As would be expected after being lost for 28 days, Max is terribly thin, and the backbone is showing, but that can be remedied!
To all those whose donations made this happy ending possible, Albert, Cyndi, Max, Maya, and Joyce, too, send their appreciation for all that you did for a stranded dog, and a devastated family. They will never forget it, nor will I.
All the best to you and yours, be they two-legged, or four-legged!
Joyce
Max’s story …
from Joyce Lewis who runs East Mountain Pet Alert and has helped our labs many times …
“Dear Pet Alert Members,
On July 17, I was contacted by a rescue organization re: two dogs which were lost on July 3, in Dalhart, Texas, after an Albuquerque couple, Albert and Cyndi Bass, were in a truck accident outside of Dalhart. Albert is a truck driver. Their two dogs, Max and Maya, were being held by a deputy, but somehow he lost his grip on them. The Basses worked non-stop in Dalhart, putting up posters, talking to people, contacting the newspaper, etc. Since the Basses have no children, these dogs mean the world to them. Max is a Boxer/Lab mix.
After learning about this sad situation, I called to tell them about the pet detective in Oklahoma who uses tracking dogs to find lost dogs. It was not something they were in a position to do. I asked them to keep me posted. On July 20, I learned that Maya had been found, and Albert and Cyndi had already gone back to Dalhart to retrieve her. She was covered from head to toe with ticks. A Ms. Porter had been able to gain Maya’s trust after three days of coaxing, read her tags, and called the Basses. She had also seen Max, but could not get near him. I called to say how happy I was at the good news. It was then that I learned that because Albert’s rig was being repaired, and he is not working, their financial situation did not allow them to return to Dalhart to continue to look for their beloved Max.
Max is shy and has been sighted, but won’t allow anyone to approach. This is normal lost dog behaviour for a shy dog, who has been lost this long. I am 99.9% certain that he won’t go to anyone except his people. He is ranging in a seven mile radius, and also around the accident site. How horrible would it be to realize that a beloved pet was running in circles, in a strange environment, trying to find you, and you can’t be there for him?
Pet Alert was given a donation from a grateful pet owner for helping in the recovery of his lost dog. When I learned about the plight of Albert and Cyndi, I knew exactly where that donation had to be used. The Basses left for Dalhart yesterday, with Maya, because it is important to have a magnet animal that the lost dog knows. With two other donations, we are able to help them to stay in a motel through July 30, and provide the gas money for the round trip.
I was very hopeful that it would be enough time to locate Max, but there has been a setback. Albert spoke with a man yesterday who had spotted Max and went inside to get a hot dog for him, but when he came back outside, Max ran, and he ran into an electric fence. The man heard him yelp. It is not known whether Max will return to this area, which was the best bet for setting up a feeding station, and getting him to return to one spot on a regular basis. It is very difficult to realize that they may have to leave Dalhart again, without Max.
I met Albert and Maya on Saturday. These are good people, and Maya is a sweetheart. It is easy to see how much Maya means to them.
I contacted the Amarillo Globe News today, hoping that they will do a human interest story on this, and give people an opportunity to offer help, either with a spare room, or a monetary donation. I don’t know what the outcome of that will be. Diane Trull, of the Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary, has graciously agreed to accept any donations on behalf of Max Bass.
The Basses are currently in Dalhart with Maya looking for Max … how about a little help for them there?
Any proceeds raised in excess of the amount needed by the Basses will be used by East Mountain Pet Alert to continue on helping those without voices find their way home.
Lee Mitchelson is an Oil painter, watercolorist and pastelist. Lee Mitchelson is entirely self-taught in animal and figurative art. As a landscape painter, she was mentored by Plein Air Landscape Master Karl Albert, colleague of Edgar Payne & Sam Hyde Harris. Lee attended classes at Otis and at Pasadena College in Los Angeles as a Fine Art major. She feels particularly blessed with having being able to attend a watercolor workshop with Master Watercolorist Nita Engles, Lee’s most admired watercolor painter.
“My passion lies in using my art to make a better world. I hope to help shine the light of compassion on those who have no voice” Lee Mitchelson
Please view her beautiful art available on Ebay to benefit Luvin’ Labs
Bidding ends on July 21st!!!
“HERO”
LABRADOR RETRIEVER DOG ART
AN 8X10″ FINE ART GICLEE/IRIS PRINT ON ARCHIVAL PAPER
“OLD FRIEND” LABRADOR RETRIEVER DOG ART
AN ACEO (ART CARD) 3.5″ X 2.5″ (FITS IN YOUR WALLET) FINE ART GICLEE/IRIS PRINT ON ARCHIVAL PAPER
“THE HYPNOTIST” ( AKA, YOU ARE THINKING OF SAUSAGES….SAUSAGES……TINY SAUSAGES…..) LABRADOR RETRIEVER DOG ART
A MINI PRINT ABOUT 4″ SQUARE, A SMALL FORMAT COLLECTIBLE FINE ART GICLEE/IRIS PRINT ON ARCHIVAL PAPER
Lab Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary in the Top Spot, While the Bulldog Continues Its Ascent to Reign Supreme in the Dog World
The American Kennel Club (AKC®) announced its nationwide registration statistics today, revealing that for the 20th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed in America.
This year’s list included some shakeups in the top 10 – the Beagle overtook the Golden Retriever for the 4th spot and the Bulldog, who has been steadily rising up in rank, took 6th place away from the Boxer, who dropped to 7th in 2010.
“Not since the early 20th Century has the Bulldog enjoyed such sustained popularity,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “‘Bob’ was the first AKC registered Bulldog in 1886, and today the breed enjoys its highest ranking in 100 years at number 6.”
After spending two nights in snow and frigid temperatures, Sasha was found yesterday afternoon by her owner, Nikki, in the same area where she lost her. Nikki braved going down a big hill complete with a rope tie off to see if her girl was there, she called her, and Sasha came out tail waggin, a little cold, but in good shape overall. Welcome home again Sasha! Nikki, great job saving your girl.
Folks, let’s pull ours a little closer tonight for a hug, and keep them close to us and on leash during hikes and walks!
There’s a new cancer-sniffing dog on the scene. With the help of her trusty tennis ball, she’s outperforming medical lab tests.
Marnie, an 8-year-old black Lab, was trained by Japanese scientists to detect colorectal cancer by smelling the breath of a patient with cancer and then of healthy participants.
When she identified the cancer sample, she was given a tennis ball, according to AOL Health.
Marnie has performed with up to 98 percent accuracy while some current tests like the fecal occult blood test, are right only 10 percent of the time, according to the Huffington Post.
Although dogs aren’t regularly being used in a clinical capacity just yet, they have recognized melanoma, bladder, lung, breast and ovarian cancers in the past. Perhaps Marnie will lead the way for a new breed of medical personnel.
A few sugar-free Tic Tacs, a pack of Trident gum, a spilled tin of Starbucks mints, a sugar-free Jell-O dessert cup. It takes only a little of this toxin to send a dog into hypoglycemia-induced seizures and sometimes fatal liver failure. All dogs are susceptible, some more than others. Indeed, it has been calculated that as little as a gram of sweetener can kill a 10-pound dog. For more information please click for the full article here
Yesterday afternoon, one of our worst calls … and I’m sure even worse for the family to make…
Our beloved Sampson and Delilah, now Sam and Emma, were lost while their forever family was up cutting their Christmas Tree in the Jemez forest.
Samspon and Delilah came to us from the Roswell Animal Shelter, where a rescue there pulled them for us the day they were to be euthanized. They are the sweetest, kindest, most loving dogs … both totally embodying the undying ability of dogs to love unconditionally. An obvious breeder pair kept in a small pen, Sam was starved so that his Delilah could eat, and feed the puppies they’d so obviously recently had. Both had pressure wounds from being in a pen, dumped at a kill shelter when they were no longer “wanted”, and saved in the nick of time. A sister rescue transported them here to Albuquerque where we worked with our fosters to get both spayed and neutered, then into seperate foster homes to recover, and eventually, blessedly, placed together in the same loving home. A long story, but a lot of loving folks helped Sampson and Delilah on their way to their forever home …
Their family made herculean efforts to find their Sam and Emma, and as soon as we were notified all of our volunteers and supporters began networking to try and help.
And best of best news … yesterday around 5pm …Sam and Emma HOME and SAFE!!! … here’s their story. Thank you to everyone for your amazing networking and quick help … we are so appreciative of each and every one of you!
from their mom … ” The dogs are home safe and sound. A lovely couple found them on NM 126 east of Cuba; as best we can figure from the map, they did something that defies logic–they ran north over a steep ridge instead of down the valley or even up the valley or over the ridge that leads into the La Cueva valley. They met up with NM 126 past Fenton Lake and then ran toward Cuba. We think they covered at least 20 miles. They are very tired and their paws are sore, but they have no other injuries. They were very hungry and we are feeding them small amounts at a time. They also drank a fair amount of water, though they probably had water on their journey from the Rio las Vacas. They seem very content on their cushy beds in a warm house”
There’s a big lesson here folks, and one we try to convey to each and every adopter … now we will try even harder. DOGS WILL BE DOGS … PLEASE DO NOT EVER LET YOUR DOGS OFF LEASH! You cannot blame a dog for being a dog, and chasing a rabbit or a butterfly or a wonderful scent. Our job is to keep them SAFE from harm which translates into keeping them with you. No matter how well they respond to you, how well trained they are, what a good job you’ve done with them, how much you love them and how loyal they are to you you cannot take the instinct out of an animal … they will still act like dogs and run and play. PLEASE keep your pups safe. A note from the family will be following soon, showing their heartbreak, and guilt, and loss at a very human, very simple, never forgotten mistake.
From all of our packs to your pack …. We wish a you a Happy, Blessed, Safe Holiday Season!
Meet our Cocoa … now known as Koki by her beloved family.
Cocoa came to our rescue a long time ago after being resuced by Golden Retriever Rescue of El Paso with her sister. Cocoa and her sister Lacey were at the El Paso shelter, they were saved and put into boarding. Boarding and foster and boarding and foster and somehow poor Lacey became ill with distemper. Poor Cocoa nursed her sister and eventually lost her. She came to Albuquerque and we placed her in what we thought was a loving home, only to have her adopter dump her at the Valencia County Shelter where shelter workers called and we had a volunteer pick her right up. Cocoa then went back to her foster home and evenutally went home to Ivy, her loving forever home where she is able to go to work with her mom.
Beautiful Lacey
Ivy and her hubby started fostering for Luvin’ Labs. Their first foster was our boy Coby, badly in need of a loving home and care after his surgery.
Our two legged hero’s? Ivy and hubby for taking in Coby and the big commitment of caring for a recent amputee.
Our canine hero? Koki and her tlc and love that helped Coby to know that life as a three legged dog was worth living, and that even tho he was in pain he could still enjoy loving and play.
Thank you Koki, you’ve taught us that despite losses and hardship and pain the ability to continually give is the biggest gift of all ….
“Paws and Stripes is a nonprofit organization that works to provide service dogs for veterans of our United States military with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. The service dogs are obtained only from shelters, and are trained by professionals specializing in service dogs. The trainers train with the veterans, thus giving the veteran the ability to maintain and bond with the dog, and form an optimum man-service dog relationship. Paws and Stripes provides these dogs and training for no cost to the veteran.
Jim Stanek, a medically retired Staff Sergeant from the United States Army, three tour veteran, can testify first-hand to the healing and empowerment of a service dog. After nine months in treatment at Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX, Jim and his wife, Lindsey, discovered that the most comfort and relief he found was in the presence of therapy dogs. Thus, the two founded Paws and Stripes. Now he has his own service dog he trained through the program, a process that he has found rewarding, relaxing, and more effective than any pill or therapy session. All in all, Paws and Stripes strives to bring peace and normalcy to the lives of our nation’s heroes and see that homeless dogs not only find a loving home, but a new purpose in life.
They told me the big black Lab’s name was Reggie, as I looked at him lying in his pen. The shelter was clean, no-kill, and the people really friendly. I’d only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street. But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn’t hurt. Give me someone to talk to. And I had just seen Reggie’s advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn’t look like “Lab people,” whatever that meant. They must’ve thought I did.
But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter from his previous owner. See, Reggie and I didn’t really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike. For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls — he wouldn’t go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn’t really think he’d need all his old stuff, that I’d get him new things once he settled in. But it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn’t going to. I tried the normal commands the shelter told me he knew, ones like “sit” and “stay” and ”come” and “heel,” and he’d follow them – when he felt like it He never really seemed to listen when I called his name — sure, he’d look in my direction after the fourth or fifth time I said it, but then he’d just go back to doing whatever. When I’d ask again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey.
This just wasn’t going to work. He chewed a couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he resented it, I could tell. The friction got so bad that I couldn’t wait for the two weeks to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cell phone amid all of my unpacked stuff I remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes for the guest room, but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the ”damn dog probably hid it on me.”
Finally I found it, but before I could punch up the shelter’s number, I also found his pad and other toys from the shelter…I tossed the pad in Reggie’s direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most enthusiasm I’d seen since bringing him home. But then I called, “Hey, Reggie, you like that? Come here and I’ll give you a treat.” Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction — maybe “glared” is more accurate — and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down. With his back to me. Well, that’s not going to do it either, I thought. And I punched the shelter phone number. But I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that, too. “Okay, Reggie,” I said out loud, “let’s see if your previous owner has any advice.”…. …..
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To Whoever Gets My Dog: Well, I can’t say that I’m happy you’re reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie’s new owner. I’m not even happy writing it. If you’re reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter. He knew something was different. I have packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time… it’s like he knew something was wrong. And something is wrong…which is why I have to go to try to make it right. So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you. First, he loves tennis balls. The more the merrier. Sometimes I think he’s part squirrel, the way he hordes them. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn’t done it yet. Doesn’t matter where you throw them, he’ll bound after it, so be careful – really don’t do it by any roads. I made that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly. Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I’ll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones — ”sit,” “stay,” “come,” “heel.” He knows hand signals: ”back” to turn around and go back when you put your hand straight up; and “over” if you put your hand out right or left. “Shake” for shaking water off, and “paw” for a high-five. He does “down” when he feels like lying down — I bet you could work on that with him some more. He knows ”ball” and “food” and “bone” and “treat” like nobody’s business. I trained Reggie with small food treats. Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of hot dog. Feeding schedule: twice a day, once about seven in the morning, and again at six in the evening. Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand. He’s up on his shots. Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with yours; they’ll make sure to send you reminders for when he’s due. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car — I don’t know how he knows when it’s time to go to the vet, but he knows. Finally, give him some time. I’ve never been married, so it’s only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He’s gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn’t bark or complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially. Which means that this transition is going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new. And that’s why I need to share one more bit of info with you…. His name’s not Reggie. I don’t know what made me do it, but when I dropped him off at the shelter, I told them his name was Reggie. He’s a smart dog, he’ll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt. But I just couldn’t bear to give them his real name For me to do that, it seemed so final, that handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting that I’d never see him again. And if I end up coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it means everything’s fine. But if someone else is reading it, well … well it means that his new owner should know his real name. It’ll help you bond with him Who knows, maybe you’ll even notice a change in his demeanor if he’s been giving you problems.
His real name is “Tank”. Because that is what I drive.
Again, if you’re reading this and you’re from the area, maybe my name has been on the news. I told the shelter that they couldn’t make ”Reggie” available for adoption until they received word from my company commander. See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could’ve left Tank with … and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq , that they make one phone… call the shelter … in the “event” … to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he’d do it personally. And if you’re reading this, then he made good on his word. Well, this letter is getting downright depressing, even though, frankly, I’m just writing it for my dog. I couldn’t imagine if I was writing it for a wife and kids and family … but still, Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family. And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me. That unconditional love from a dog is what I take with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things …. and to keep those terrible people from coming over here. If I have to give up Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He is my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades. All right, that’s enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. I don’t think I’ll say another good-bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time. Maybe I’ll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.
Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight – every night – from me.
Thank you, Paul Mallory”
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I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer. I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog. ”Hey, Tank,” I said quietly. The dog’s head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright. ”C’mere boy.” He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn’t heard in months. ”Tank,” I whispered. His tail swished. I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him. ”It’s me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me.” Tank reached up and licked my cheek. “So whatdaya say we play some ball?” His ears perked again. ”Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?” Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room.
And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth.
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy
Take naps
Stretch before rising
Run, romp, and play daily
Thrive on attention and let people touch you
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do
On warm days, stop to lie on your back in the grass
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie in the shade of a tree
When you are happy, dance around and wag your entire body
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk
Be loyal
Never pretend to be something you are not
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close, and nuzzle them gently
JJ’s stories had me rolling for two days. He is a 2 1/2 year old white lab that acts soo much like my Jericho. From his owner … “…I have stories like yours about the destruction of a lab pup. Sprinkler system chewed up and dug up, cords of lamps chewed through, socks, shoes, pillows, books, etc.. JJ is a pick pocket and then he loves to have you chase him aroung after he has done so. One day at the dog park he stole a womans cell phone and it took me 20 minutes to get it because people would not quit chasing him. Also, stole a man’s hamburger!!!” Labs add so much to our lives, companionship, love, loyalty and let’s not ever forget, like they’d let us, levity!
Jericho is our big, yellow 2 year old perpetual pup who has slowly helped us renovate our house. He is an expert at removing plumbing, cables, screen doors, sheetrock, insulation, and he even cleans floors nightly with his evening baths – sometimes he even waits until I am finished! Jericho is a perpetually happy, loving, sweet affectionate young lab who adores all of the 100 toys in the toy box (six in his mouth in the picture). He is my constant companion, co pilot in the car, warm shoulder to cuddle up against, and day long hiking companion. Jericho is the epitamy of a young lab, living each day with endless exhuberance and joy.
Fozzy Bear is our alpha male in our pack. He came to us when he was about 6 weeks old, already imprinted with a fear of humans. With years of patience and love our husky mix alpha is comfortable with his own family, and learning to be okay with some of his regular visitors. Fozzy is very playful and loves to stand up and stretch his legs out on you. His favorite toys are tennis balls!
Buddy is our big goofy yellow lab. Buddy came to us a year ago from the Clovis shelter via a very special animal advocate in the area. He weighed 64 pounds and was severly undernourished. Buddy has had tons of medical issues. His ears were so infected when he first came home that it took almost a year to clear them up. Unfortunately the constant ear infections resulted in his eardrums being eaten away. Buddy also was in some sort of accident that left his left rear leg an inch shorter than the rest, the femur healed at a ninety degree angle in the wrong direction and he will eventually require surgery. After months of TLC, veterinary care and good holistic nutrition Buddy now is a bouncy, 100 pound 2 year old! He is our biggest lap dog, our biggest goof, and the pup most attached to me at the hip all the time. Buddy, thank you for choosing our home as yours! You make us laugh daily, and you warm my side nightly!
Cocoa Puffs is our pretty girl. She is the only girl in a pack of 5! Cocoa came in to our lives at a time when my youngest was having bad dreams and he wanted a protector and friend. Our cuddly girl is our protector, friend, recess monitor for the 3 two year olds we have, and my son’s best friend. Cocoa loves to play, and loves to watch tv sitting on the couch like a person. The picture below is of Cocoa and her best friend Dawhoo, who we lost over a year ago.
Sammy came to us when he was 8 months old from the Albuquerque shelter where he was in danger. He was a very shy little boy covered by cigarette burns all over his ears, and very scared. Sammy had obviously been abused as a young pup and with tlc and patience he has come so far out of his shell we now refer to him as the General. He is the smallest of our dogs, and as such thinks he has to bark louder, move quicker, and be pushier than anyone else. But, come to cuddling time, Sammy is the cuddliest of them all!
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