Dog Log Cafe- Prejudice and Pride

I've always been fond of going to kennels. There was a time years ago when I would come to a cage that had a pit bull and I would always, without exception, walk on by without so much as a glance. Back then I know what was in the headlines and what I believed to be true. That these were vicious killers bred for only one purpose. I had a prejudice that like all prejudices had no foundation or a limited one at best.

Today I look at these and all dogs and evaluate them as individuals and not as a breed. I have met pit bulls that are the most timid creatures I have ever met. They both were rescued from a past where they lived as 'bait' dogs for the fighters in the pack. All the dogs, the bait and the fighters were not born bad or good- they were raised in a certain fashion that set their destiny. Humans did this- not dogs. I have also met dogs with a breed history of docility that are more aggressive than the so called dangerous breeds. Remember its not the dog or the breed, its how they are raised and trained by humans. Give each dog regardless of breed, the benefit of the doubt.

Dog Log Cafe- Volume 5 Jack Bear

As previously stated from time to time we have been privileged to work with the local Humane Society. Several months after Lenny we were asked to consider fostering a miniature poodle. All the dogs we have met have a story and Jack, real name Jack Bear, is no exception.

The story we got is that Jack at the time was ten years old and that actually there were two, Jack and another miniature poodle. The other dog died and Jack started crying and didn't stop. So the owners bought a puppy hoping that Jack would enjoy the new friend and stop the crying. Well Jack kept crying and the couple decided they liked the new dog better and after ten years gave Jack up to the Humane Society.

Jack would not stop crying there either and we were again asked to bring him home in the hopes that the pack would help him get over his crying or grief. We met Jack after his having some teeth pulled. He was crying then, we agreed to take him and he cried all the way home. He was afraid of the pack and barked and cried. But like Lenny he soon came around began to fit in. His crying stopped probably an hour of so after he got home. After several weeks we received a call from the Humane Society that that had someone interested in meeting Jack and possibly adopting him.

It just so happened that this was a day or two before my daughters birthday and she informed me she was hoping to keep Jack with us. So Jack Bear became her birthday present and pack member number 5.

Think you're a manly-man? Try calling out Jack Bear to your miniature poodle and see how macho you sound.

Dog Log Cafe- Tough Times

A discussion this morning on a daily news show highlighted the affect that these tough economic times have on pets. When people get laid off often the pets are the first to suffer as they are given over to adoption centers and shelters in an effort to save money.

Dogs don't judge. Don't care that you're rich or poor. They repay love with love. In these tough times please remember the pets. Adopt if you can- you will be rewarded.

Dog Log Cafe- Washington Pups

Congratulations to newly sworn in Vice President Biden and his family on the adoption of their German Shepherd Dog. The Obamas have still to choose their new dog.

President Bush had two Scottish Terriers, Barney and Miss Beazley.

Dog Log Cafe-Most Popular Breeds

According to the AKC the 10 most popular dogs in the US are:
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Boxer
7. Dachshund
8. Bulldog
9. Poodle
10. Shih Tzu

Popularity is measured by the number of registered dogs. This is the 18th consecutive year for the lab.

Dog Log Cafe-Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to the American Kennel Club for reaching its 125th anniversary. For more information on the AKC visit www.akc.org.

Dog Log Cafe- K9 Hero

In December 2008, in Santiago Chile, highway cameras captured an incredible event as one dog risked his life to save another dog that had been hit by a car. The injured dog died. The hero dog ran off and was not seen again. Click here to see this incredible video on YouTube.

Dog Log Cafe Lenny

We have also been in the fortunate position to help the Humane Society from time to time. Our first assignment was Lenny, another Beagle who had been given up at quite an old age. He suffered from what was believed to be extreme shyness. It was hoped that our pack (we had four at the time) could help bring him out of his shell. When He was brought home there was about half an hour when the five were sniffing and barking and then without warning- all playing together as though they were life long friends.

Really, that is the great thing about dogs- they get along. They never looked back and from that first meeting Lenny fit in. There would certainly have been worse things than having Lenny as a permanent part of the family. But fortunately for him an elderly gentleman came to the Humane Society looking for an older dog that did not require too much physical activity. Lenny was the perfect fit. We returned him to the shelter and it was love at first site. Perhaps it was his years but Lenny exemplified the affectionate side of the Beagle. Some part of Lenny always had to be touching a part of some human. Lenny just made you feel loved.

Dog Log Cafe Volume 4 Ryuu (Part Two)

When we left off the tale of Ryuu, I was feeling quite desperate. I had no inkling how much noise one dog could make. We had managed to track down the young man who had left the dog with us and he seemed to think the noise was no big deal. In reality his situation had not changed at all; he was still living place to place and asked if we could continue to keep him. At this time Ryuu had not been neutered and the previous owner was not sure about breeding him or not.

Its likely obvious that Ryuu became a part of our family- the fourth dog in the pack. He did get neutered and seemed quieter. I am now a huge beagle fan. He is hysterical to watch when he picks up a scent that interests him and he is on the trail. He makes a clicking sound and a cross between a coo and a whine and makes noises I can't really describe. He definitely would follow wherever his nose and the scent take him. At the end of the day he is the first to snuggle up against you and fall asleep. He does several things well, he tracks, sleeps and eats better than most and if he is awake he is smiling his infectious smile.

Dog Log Cafe Book Review- Broadway Tails

Book Review: Broadway Tails
by Bill Berloni

This is a unique look at animals used in Broadway productions. This book chronicles the life of a young aspiring actor, Berloni as he transitions to his lifelong job as Broadway animal trainer. The tail begins with the production Annie based on the long running comic strip, Little Orphan Annie, that included Sandy the dog. With this very first story Berloni begins to reveal little known or remembered facts about Broadway, the actors and the plays. He also sheds light into the conditions and circumstances surrounding shelters in the late 70's.

He also discusses the real methods, simple, common sense methods he used to train a variety of animals including dogs, cats and a pig to work, on cue, on Broadway. He makes it clear from the beginning that his style of training is non-threatening and non-aggressive- yet highly effective. Berloni is clear on his stand on shelter adoption and how these animals are not disposable, throw away items. The stories are engaging, amusing and sometimes a little sad. The only requirement to enjoy this book is to like animals and to enjoy being entertained.

So if you are interested in reading more about pig CPR, Richard Burton, Hameltta and Ophelia and Vito the deaf Bull Terrier, I highly recommend this book.

Dog Log Cafe Discusses- Cabin Fever

When I woke up this morning it was minus nine degrees. I was lucky as other parts of the country posted highs of minus 25 or lower, bone chilling. Tomorrow might, if we are lucky, make it to a high of 18 above. Its hard to get excited about 'doing something' with the dogs when as little as five minutes in these conditions can cause frostbite to humans. Some breeds such as the Husky or Malamute or Chow or St. Bernard might do okay but many do not, yet if you go out, most dogs will follow. Dogs need activity- just like kids. And dogs without activity can find other ways to amuse themselves such as new chewing activities and items. It's hard with six to play throwing games in the house and some don't enjoy or participate anyway.

During long winter spells or rainy seasons its important that we remember our obligation to our K9 friends. We look for breaks in the rain or snow and or the warmest time and try to run out real quick. Sometimes it works-other times not so much. Many Doggie Day Care facilites now offer 'Indoor Dog Parks' and while they do cost they are a good opportunity to get the dog some quality exercise and socializing.

Dog Log Cafe- Beagle Facts

What do President Lyndon Johnson and Charles Darwin have in common with termites and Underdog? In some way they all reference the beloved Beagle. President Johnson was a supporter of the breed and had several while in the White House. He was sometimes pictured picking them up by their ears. (Please don't do this) The ship that Darwin sailed on while conducting his research and writing his "Origin Of The Species" was the HMS Beagle.

The Beagle is an ancient breed and has been traced as far back as the fifth century B.C in ancient Greece. The modern Beagle was bred to be a hunter- specifically to hunt rabbits and most often they hunted as part of a pack. In fact, in England packs could be as large as 50 to 70 Beagles. Today Beagles are employed by the US Department of Agriculture as part of the Beagle Brigade. These dogs are employed in airports and are used to sniff out contraband foods being smuggled into the country. They are also used to detect termites and to locate bed bug infestations.

Beagles are scent hounds and their ability is almost as high as the Bloodhounds. Beagles are able to make three distinct sounds. The first is a regular bark like most breeds. Then there is the baying sound produced when they are on the hunt. This sound is used to alert the other dogs as well as the humans taking part in the hunt. The third noise is best described as a howl.

Beagles are highly food motivated and they gain weight easily. Care should be taken in managing their food intake. Overweight
or obese dogs may suffer the same health problems as humans.

In addition to Underdog, both Snoopy from the Peanuts Comic strip and Odie from Garfield are Beagles.

Dog Log Cafe Volume 3 Ryuu (Part 1)

Ryuu is our Beagle, the fourth in the pack. One evening I came home from work, said hello to the dogs, plopped down on the couch and was immediately pounced on by a strange dog. A puppy- a beagle puppy. A real cute little guy. My son had 'his own place' along with several roommates and one of them had bought this little guy. They were going on a long day trip and wanted to know if they could drop Ryuu off to stay and play. Of course we said yes. Later that night he was picked up and that was the end of dog number four- for a while.

Several months later the roommates broke up- many moving back home. The young man who owned Ryuu though had no real stable place to return to and after a couple weeks living in a hotel he asked if he could leave Ryuu with us until his situation got better. No way we could say no so we took him in- for a short time or so we thought. Before he left we got the spelling of the dogs name (It's pronounced like Re-You) and it means (supposedly) dragon in Japanese.

Within 24 hours I was desparate to find this kid who left his beagle on my door step and in my house. No way- again I say there was no way I was prepared for the noise, the sound, the volume, this little dog was able to generate. We finally tracked this kid down and gave one command, come pick up your damn dog. He showed up a little while later asking, "What's up"?
(to be continued)

Dog Log Cafe K9 Cop Hero

According to the Hartford Courant a police dog was stabbed several times by a knife wielding suspect. Late Saturday East Hartford police were called to a domestic disturbance. After numerous orders to drop the knife the police released the dog. The K9 officer was taken to a local vet and is expected to recover.

From responding to 911, to service as police officers and using their keen noses to reduce drug traffic- the K9 continues to show many of the reasons they are man's best friend. Please send in any stories you read or hear about these k9 heroes.

Volume 2- Hobo

As much as we did not set out to have six dogs after we had two, Nikki and Xena, we did not set out to have three. Hobo was a bit of a fluke. We had gone to the Humane Society to look at the dogs and saw Hobo and with little discussion or hesitation we took him. It's not just because he is a big collie shepherd mix. He is. It was not because he had been given up for adoption at the age of ten, though he was. It's not because he is the most gentle of dogs, though he is this as well. Hobo was a dog from my youth. When I was about ten years old we were living in Florida in a new sub-division partially on the water. I had a collie shepherd mix- the most loyal and best companion dog a boy could have, his name was Hobo.

My Mom named him-naming pets was always her job.

One day Hobo went missing and I was devastated. I went about calling out to him - he had never failed to answer. I knew, just knew I would find him. Where we were bordered on a lot of undeveloped area and in Florida undeveloped land meant rattlesnakes. His being bit was my greatest fear. For days I searched and called out. At night I cried.

On about the third day I was walking the seawall around the development. The tide was low and I spotted something I knew immediately to be Hobo, my lost dog. I knew immediately that he was dead. Without thinking how I would get back up I jumped from the seawall into the water and cradled Hobo's head. And cried. I noticed a rope tied around his neck. We never tied him up- we never had to. I pulled on the rope and it barely budged. I pulled harder and eventually found the other end tied to a concrete block. Someone had tied a rope to his neck and threw him and a concrete block into the water to drown.

Though as I grew old I did not think of him often, I never forgot him. And one day, at a Humane Society kennel, now himself ten years old, Hobo and I were reunited. He is thirteen now. I sometimes feel as though he has been with me my whole life. I did not know why we had gone that day to the Humane Society but today I believe that I was meant to go- to reunite with my lost friend.

Dog Log Cafe K9 Trivia

1. Which breed is sometimes referred to as the Grey Ghost?
2. Which breed is the smallest purebreed dog?
3. The corgi is part of which group?
4. Most breeds are believed to have the wolf as part of the genetic makeup. One breed though is thought to have been bred from the dingo. Name the breed.
5. Which breed was designed to walk under carriages and to frighten away robbers and wild animals?
6. Can dogs get poison ivy?
7. This breed name means 'little lion'?

Answers

1. Weimaraner
2. Chihuahua
3. Herding
4. Australian Cattle Dog
5. Dalmation
6. No but the oil can get in their fur and can be passed along to humans.
7. Low chen

Volume 1 The Six Pack Begins

I've had dogs my whole life, as long as I remember. When I got married we got a dog a purebred American Eskimo. He lived a very long life but eventually he ended up with arthritis and cataracts and few teeth. It was too much suffering and eventually he was put down. It still amazes me the things we do for our pets that we can't do for our human loved ones. I know putting a dog down is never easy and can now even see it from the vet's side after reading "Tell Me Where It Hurts", by veterinarian Dr. Nick Trout, a very worthwhile read.


We never set out to have six dogs. We had a dog and two cats and two human children. Our dog is the mother (not natural of course) to one of the cats and to this day they are mother and daughter- not dog and cat. But one day we went to the local Humane Society and we ended up with Xena, warrior dog, warrior princess. We got her as a playmate to our first dog Nikki. We also got her for her personality- for her cuteness and for herself. Having two dogs was a little harder than just one- but not twice as hard. This was probably the reason this trend continued. Next posting will be Hobo- dog three. Please come back.