Thanks to the talented Kathy Pippig Harris, furmom to Clementine, for this lovely piece. So true!

Shine Bright

Dogs are like the brightest star, blazing through the darkness of night, and they are like a sun that outshines the day. They burn so intensely, so brightly. And for some, that blaze is for only a short time on this planet. Well, at least they get to spend more time in Heaven if their stay here is not as long as we’d like it to be. In nature there must always be a balance. Perhaps their stay is weighed with the goodness that fills them. It is said one cannot get enough of a good thing–dogs are that good thing to me.

I think our furry family members have the capacity for deep compassion, love, and concern for beings of all types, human and otherwise. I believe it goes beyond human understanding–because what they give comes from a heart that is pure, a spirit that is guileless, and a soul that operates on a level higher than anything close to human.

I am convinced dogs unfurl their wings when we are not looking. Have you ever noticed an expression they have, especially when they smile, that gives hint to something wondrous and grand? As if they have the most incredible gift they are hiding behind their back but you can tell they want so very much to show you what it is. Well, when I see that expression I could swear I feel the flutter of their wings in my heart.

Dogs can touch and mold our hearts, our spirits, and our minds. And in so doing they bring us a little bit closer to embracing, within ourselves, the goodness they are. Which is grander than any concept of humanity.

Copyright Kathy Pippig Harris

I’m working on a chapter for an upcoming book of news and unreported real stories on dogs. My chapter is about experiences with dog ghosts or dogs interacting with the Beyond. If you don’t mind sharing your experiences, please bark them in to me at the Bark to the Blog link.

Thanks so much in advance to everyone who is willing to bark me in their stories!

Debbie barked in to ask for help with her family’s loss. Her son’s coonhound Buck met an untimely end and her son is grieving.

Please don’t tell Debbie that Buck should have been inside with her son. I agree but let’s try to help her son find some solace in Buck’s movement to the Rainbow Bridge.

Debbie, my furbaby Annie, also a coonhound, sends her sympathies, along with those of the rest of the Ward Pack.

I am so lost.

My son 15 raise his walker coon dog from a pup hunting him every night he could. He was so proud of the job he had done. He would take him to hunt with grown men and win. I can’t tell you how much he
loved this dog and we awoke this morning to fine he had gotten out of his pin and got hit by a car and had died. See this man had gave him a dog to train with his dog Buck and the new dog dug out of the pin and buck followed.

My son is so heart broken. How do i help him? What to i say ? I was looking for a poem that talked about the love and bond between a boy and his dog. Any advice?

Dogs not allowed

KAVITA SIVARAMAKRISHNAN

Guhan wanted a pup, but his mother was doubtful because the neighbours were not too keen on dogs.

Guhan wanted to adopt a pup. His mother had said a big “No!” Having a pup in a swanky apartment was not a joke and they didn’t want to antagonise their not-so-pet-friendly neighbours.

They were visiting their aunt’s house after a long time and they stopped to have a drink of coconut water. From their previous visits they knew that the coconut seller had a little boy who had a nasty temper and was prone to bad moods and tantrums. Today they were surprised to see a puppy happily running around the little boy’s legs. The little boy looked happy.

“His fever has subsided,” said his mother.

“And no doubt his foul temper too,” thought Mrs. Sharma, Guhan’s mother.

The coconut seller chatted happily about the new addition. “It was a stray; he got hurt on the road. We nursed him back to health and since then he has been a part of the family.”

A new thought

There was a sparkle in his son’s eyes. The dog had a beautiful chain around his neck. And his beautiful black coat showed that he was well looked after. The dog wagged its tail as if to say, “Thank you for buying coconuts.”

On the way. Mrs. Sharma thought, “They live in a little hut but their hearts were large enough to accommodate a pup.”

Mrs. Sharma knew that it was definitely not a big sacrifice on her part to adopt a pup and to take care of it. In fact it would be a joy.

Guhan said, “The coconut seller gave the pup a new lease of life but our educated, rich neighbours are complacent and will complain about the stray population, but won’t lift a finger to address the issue. If we just listen to their irrational fears we are just like them.”

Mrs. Sharma wondered if the attitude of her neighbours should stop her from adopting a pup.

“We can educate them but if they still don’t want to change then let them just get used to it,” said Guhan.

Mrs. Sharma knew she didn’t have an answer to the entire stray population but she knew she could do her part. When Guhan heard his mother’s reply, he was indeed very happy.

Jim Willis, author of the much-loved Pieces of My Heart, barked in this piece that sure sums up my life.

My apologies to everyone for attributing this piece to Jim. Blame me and not him for the mistake. Thanks to all of you who so kindly barked in to help me get it right. Unfortunately I could not get the mistake fixed immediately so the post sat on the blog for a day before it could be changed.

Isn’t it funny how the universe works? Family things have me wrapped up right now so the Ward Pack isn’t getting the attention they deserve. You know what happens then. Sol pouts, Star barks, Annie makes moany noises cause she can’t go walkies to see the world (they have a big yard so its not for biological reasons) and Beatrice spends a lot more time trying to climb on my lap. And of course, the toys and dog hair are everywhere. A bit overwhelming to say the least.

Then this morning I got “If I Didn’t Have Animals” and it brought me back to reality. Sure, the house is messier than it would be without the Pack but my life would be soooo much emptier and less fulfilling.

If I Didn’t Have Animals

If I didn’t have animals . . .

I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety.

My house could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated.

All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and cars would be free of hair.

When the doorbell rings, it wouldn’t sound like a kennel.

When the doorbell rings, I could get to the door without wading through fuzzy bodies who beat me there.

I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted, without taking into consideration how much space several fur bodies would need to get comfortable.

I would not have strange presents under my Christmas tree –dog bones, stuffed animals ,toys, treats nor would I have to explain to people why I wrap them.

I would have money ….and no guilt to go on a real vacation.

I would not be on a first-name basis with 6 veterinarians, as I put their yet unborn grand kids through college

The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit, down, come, no, stay, and leave him/her/it ALONE.

My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates or barriers.

My house would not look like a day care center, toys everywhere

My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats and an extra leash.

I would no longer have to Spell the words B-A-L-L-, F-R-I-S-B-E- E, W-A-L-K, T-R-E-A-T, B-I-K-E OR C-A-R.

I would not have as many leaves INSIDE my house as outside.

I would not look strangely at people who think having ONE dog/cat ties them down too much.

I’d look forward to spring and the rainy season instead of dreading ‘mud’ season.

I would not have to answer the question ‘Why do you have so many animals?’ from people who will never have the joy in their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally by someone as close to an angel as they will ever get .

How empty my life would be.

Thanks to Clementine’s furmom Kathy for this touching poem.

Their Messenger

This emissary has a gilded heart for all the furry ones
for the many souls whose time on Earth is done
and of the tales they tell, this messenger doth send

and, lo, many a human ear awaiting news will listen in
through tales, she shares their tidings–heartfelt and dear
they bid her tell their humans, how in spirit they are near

she also knows what the treasure is our Creator gently holds;
for in God’s hands the many joyful beings, are the truest gold
those innocent creatures waiting, in the land at rainbow’s end

some of the new arrivals–the forgotten, neglected, and abused
those who knew no tender touch, and on lonely streets had roamed
shall be warmly welcomed now in their new sun-glistened home

and in the bluest skies, the stars twinkle–there is never a dark night
while younguns romp in meadows, others gambol in rainbow hues of light
and as God watches their keeping, their Guardian Angel begins to write…

copyright 2007 kathy pippig harris

If you cross-post this funny piece, please make sure to give Lorna the credit.

Is it Okay to Date Your Dog on Valentine’s Day?

With almost 3 million Americans buying Valentine’s gifts for their dogs and 30 million sharing their beds with them, clearly the differences between humans and canines are disappearing. In the past, spending Valentine’s Day with your canine companion could be the choice of last resort but now, for many dog owners, it’s preferable.

Los Angeles, CA January 28, 2008 — You find yourself alone, again, on Valentine’s Day. So you turn to Plan B, your faithful, furry canine companion. If this story sounds familiar you’re not alone. Over 15 million* single people own dogs in this country and it’s a good bet that most of them have curled up with their dog on at least one Valentine’s day.

Today, human and hound can share everything from a Valentine’s Day meal for two, to spa and pampering products and even matching clothes.

People view their dogs as extensions of their personalities

“People view their dogs as extensions of their personalities,” says Kevin Fisher, co-owner of happytails Canine Spa Line. “If the owner is into sports, they’ll have a sporty dog. If the owner is into fashion, the dog will have a wardrobe. With someone around who likes all the same things as you do, why look any further? You’ve found you perfect Valentine.”

Some dog owners are taking the trend even further as the differences between humans and canines disappear. “People are looking for ways not only to bond with their dog, but to humanize them,” Fisher said. “Just look at Dogster.com which is basically the Facebook for dogs. Dogs can send messages to other dogs, invite them to be pup pals and send virtual gifts.”

So according to almost 3 million* Americans who actually buy Valentine’s gifts for their dogs apparently it is perfectly acceptable to date your dog this Valentine’s Day.

Here are a few things that you can share with your special furball this Valentine’s Day:

If a movie on the couch is your plan for Valentine’s Day forget the popcorn! Sammy Snacks Treats are created especially for owners to enjoy with their dog.

Feeling a little dry? bowWOW Butter Balm is an indulgent shea butter treatment for relieving dry cracked noses and paws. This blissful balm will also moisturize your dry lips, elbows, cuticles and heels (and it makes a great massage cream should you be in the mood)

Maybe you can’t share clothes with your dog, but you can match. Check out the hip fashions from Ruff Ruff & Meow.

If you want to take a hike on Valentine’s day, now you and Fido can sip from the same Water Bottle. One bottle, two separate water supplies. Keeps you and your pet properly hydrated on those long hikes!

Is your dog’s bad breath and gas becoming a little overwhelming? Dog Smog Remedy to the rescue. This all natural breath freshener and digestive solution is sugar-free and delicious to both hounds and humans.

The classic yoga pose, downward facing dog, has taken on a whole new meaning. Why not spend Valentine’s Day getting even closer to your innerdog with some at home Yoga (or Doga). Check out “Doga: Yoga for Dogs”

If you’re really feeling frisky, why not share your bed with Fido this Valentine’s Day? According to Sealy, the mattress company, 67% of US pet owners regularly sleep with their dog or cat.

You and your little loved one can be matching fashionistas in co-ordinating newsboy caps and scarves from Barking Baby. Leopard fur, menswear plaids, and bold florals are just a few of the prints available.

Okay, maybe this isn’t your first choice in movies, but in every successful relationship there is compromise. On movie night why not also pop in the Movie for Dogs. Your dog will love it. www.themoviefordogs.com

So a night out on the town is in store for you this Valentine’s Day? Put on your heels, your little black dress and spritz on your dog’s Shimmering Mist. It can be sprayed onto your hair, décolletage or any other body part. This subtle glitter spray contains natural silk proteins that moisturize and restructure the coat (or hair), leaving it silky, smooth and glittery. .

*According to the 2007/08 APPMA National Pet Owners Survey

###

Top 10 Reasons Why Your Dog is a Better Companion than your Partner

1. You were sober when you picked out your dog (no beer goggles)

2. Your dog doesn’t argue about what movie to see

3. Your dog isn’t looking at other humans wishing she was theirs

4. Your dog likes all the food you cook and always comes back for seconds

5. Your dog is always happy to see you, even if you look like crap

6. If you dog could speak he would say “of course I love to cuddle”

7. When you ask your dog “Do these pants make my butt look big?” he’s smart enough not to tell you the truth

8. Your dog doesn’t hold grudges

9. Your dog will listen to you for hours without interrupting

10. No matter what, your dog is always up for a little heavy petting

How much fun is this? Have you ever wanted to tell the whole world about YOUR special dog, cat or horse? Here’s your chance! Best-selling authors and columnists Gina Spadafori and Marty Becker are looking for real-life stories for a new book. Spadafori and Becker, among many other credits, are the authors of the Pet Connection blog (one of my must-reads!).

Please note the fast approaching deadline of March 15th.

Do you have a personal story to share about a special cat, dog or horse who touched your life? Syndicated columnist Dr. Marty Becker,the resident veterinarian on “Good Morning America,” is co-authoring with award-winning pet-writer Gina Spadafori the first three titles in a new series of “Ultimate” books from HCI Books, the publisher of the best selling Chicken Soup series.

Deadline for story submissions is March 15th. For more information please visit TheUltimatePetLover.com.

This fun poem makes me want to add a Bassett Hound to the pack!

Thanks to JL Smith, who wrote this poem and the Thoughts Fur Paws blog for letting me post her poem. If you pass this on, please make sure to credit her.

The Rebellious Bassett

Author: JL Smith January 17, 2008

Henry is a wayward Basset Hound.
His nose is always to the ground.
He feels the need to announce himself,
to other dogs on a walk, to people, and himself.
Henry prefers to spend his days lounging around.

Henry’s nose is long and stout.
It frequently steers him about.
He loses all control
When chasing smells is his goal.
His nose directs his whereabouts.

Henry likes to run away.
He gets caught up in a world of smells day-to-day.
He sneaks out the back,
His owner has a mild heart attack.
He then saunters home in his nonchalant way.

Henry’s ears hang down to his toes.
They’re almost as long as his banana nose.
They take quick dips in the water bowl
They get ice-covered on walks in the snow
Amazing how he can’t hear a thing when his owner scolds.

Henry has three-inch-long legs.
He uses them to look pitiful when he begs.
He whines and he squawks,
‘Til he gets what he wants
He makes visitors think he’s underfed.

Sometimes Henry’s too lazy to go potty.
He hates moving his hovercraft Bassett body.
He’ll just go in the driveway
Making his owner deal with the fray
He doesn’t care when he’s being naughty.

We call him a Perpendicular Peanut
We call him the Tubular Dog
Henry is genuinely one-of-a-kind
with his stubborn little Bassett mind.
He’s the sweetest little hound one could ever hope to find.

The holiday season is still with us and here’s a wonderful piece from Kathy Pippig Harris, furmom to the ever-loving Tawny, Clementine, Dunkin Clyde, and others.

BTW, keep an eye on this writer, Kathy promises to have some real staying power and I expect we’ll be hearing much more from her in the future!

Through Tear Washed Eyes

It was the weekend after Thanksgiving and Louise walked her black-and-tan Cocker mix through the hilly woods of her property out back. It was a cool morning with wispy fog trailing over the grass and threading through the trees.

Before they left the house, Louise put a yellow jacket on her furry companion. Her fur girl’s name was Daisy and she didn’t take well to the cold. Louise liked the bright color because it made spotting Daisy easier if she chased a ball into the nearby brush and trees.

Just yesterday the last of her visitors, her daughter and grandson, had flown home. As it was whenever family visited, upon their absence, Louise became a bit lonely. Spending quality time with Daisy chased those blue feelings away.

Daisy was a gift Louise gave herself. About a year before, while exploring a new shopping center, Louise went into the pet store. To her delight dogs and puppies from the local pound were there for adoption.

In a small-gated enclosure was a doe-eyed, silkily furred, 10 month old pup. Soon to be Louise’s pup–Daisy. Louise was in her 60s and the pup was young enough for them to grow old, together. In short order they became best of friends and kindred spirits.

Daisy brought an old tennis ball she found in the shrubs to Louise. Prancing on her front legs, the little dog panted happily, waiting. Muttering love words to her fur girl, Louise bent down and took the ball, then threw it into a thicket of young evergreens. Daisy trotted after it, tail high and wagging.

When Daisy didn’t return, Louise decided to find out what was keeping her. She wasn’t far into the woods when she heard the screech of car brakes. Concern hurried her steps and as Louise crested a hill, at the bottom, shrouded by fog, a patch of yellow caught her gaze. When she reached the dirt road she saw the still body of her precious Daisy.

Her little girl was still breathing. Louise gathered her up and in a matter of minutes Louise was driving to Daisy’s vet. It was a half an hour drive and during that time Louise kept checking her fur girl. She had covered Daisy in a fleece blanket. But each time Louise gently laid a hand on Daisy’s shoulder, she found her body getting colder and her breathing grew shallow.

When Louise swept into the office Daisy whined and it tore through Louise’s heart. The vet took them right in and upon a quick examination he confided that it would be best to put Daisy down. She was beyond a vet’s ability to heal her.

Later, in agony, Louise left the pet hospital sobbing in disbelief and grief.

*~*

Two weeks later Louise drove back to the vet’s office to pay the bill. She had left so upset she forgot to pay the money she owed for Daisy’s final visit.

Louise told the desk clerk what she was there for. The lady behind the counter shook her head… “There’s no charge. I am so sorry, Louise!” She stood up and stretched over the counter to hug the older woman. Louise started to thank her but sobs knotted the words in her throat. Just then the bell above the door jingled as a man and woman stepped into the waiting room.

Trembling in the man’s arms was a small, older dog. His lineage was questionable–possibly some dachshund. He had soft, wispy, russet-colored fur that tufted out at odd angles.

The couple walked up to the counter and hurriedly explained why they were there. Their father had passed away the day before. The dog was his and they didn’t know what to do with it.

They told the receptionist that as it was close to Christmas and with funeral arrangements needing their attention they had no time to deal with the dog. They also had no family member willing to take the elderly dog in. They suggested euthanasia as a possible solution.

Louise looked over to see the dog’s eyes darting around the room nervously. Poor thing was scared to death. He started to whimper softly and the lonely sound of it tore at her heart. “What’s his name?” she said to the couple.

“Preston” the man muttered. The vet entered the room and the man handed a bottle of pills and the dog over. Without another word, the two walked out the door.

“Oh, let me hold him,” Louise stuttered. She gazed at the old dog through tear washed eyes–tears for her Daisy, tears for this abandoned soul with no one to croon and caress the trembles away.

The vet placed the little fur guy in Louise’s arms and then studied the bottle of medicine. It held half a bottle of thyroid pills. “Louise,” he said. “Let me examine him, run some tests, then he’s all yours.”

*~*

A month later, Louise returned for more thyroid medicine. Preston followed smartly behind her on his leash. The veterinarian greeted her. Joy suffused her expression as she told him how happy she was with Preston in her life. Then, suddenly, tears flooded her eyes. He asked why she was crying.

“Last month a small, old dog was at everyone’s mercy and unwanted. I am an older woman and I could just as easily be at someone’s mercy, unwanted and alone. I had thought a younger dog would suit me best, but that wasn’t necessarily true. Grief and belief are powerful teachers.”

The vet smiled and his eyes were full of a deep understanding. He nodded in agreement.

“I will open my doors to other senior dogs in need of a home with a kindred spirit. I will touch more lives this way and my life will be enriched beyond measure for the love I will share.” Louise nodded back at the vet, then glanced down at Preston. “You know–sometimes we see more clearly through tear washed eyes…”

*~**~*

copyright 2007 kathy pippig harris