Having said that I feel an overwhelming need to shed light on what I do know.  I know that a form of  squealing triggers an instinctive response in some dogs to get aggressive.

I have seen it in my dogs.  Very passive, loving dogs with  no aggressive tendency will “attack” another dog that is making that squealing sound that comes with fear and vulnerability.  The more the victim is “harassed”, the louder the squeal.  The louder the squeal, the more aggressive the other dogs become.

I have seen this same behavior in dogs towards other animals – like moles, squirrels and other varmints.   The more they “squeak” the more the dog continues its aggressive behavior .

Perhaps this is an ancient behavior from the past.   A sound trigger that causes aggressive behavior.

Squeaky dog toys seem to play into this behavior stream.  The more the toy squeaks the better the dog like it.  They bite down to create the squeak again and again.   It is fun.  They like it.  It is fun to watch and fun with play with a squeaky toy and your dog.

Here is where the scenario gets difficult.  Young children tend to scream and  make that squeaky sound.  Should it cause a dog to get “rough” with the child , the child become frightened and screams more.  A vicious cycle can be created.

I think that some dogs are more prone to this response.  Perhaps dogs that are bred for their aggression tendencies are more likely to make this response.  And while children are most vulnerable, adults are also vulnerable to this behavior.  The worse thing you can do is scream if a dog attacks you.  It increases the frenzy.

What you do when you are approached by an aggressive dog is directly related to what the dog does next.

Again I am not an expert on this but don’t scream, don’t raise your arms (again a thing that children naturally do), don’t continue moving forward into the dog’s personal space, don’t look in the dog’s eyes.

Remain calm, try not to show fear and try to walk backwards out of the dog’s territory when the dog relaxes.

Dogs are amazing members of our human family.  They protect and save people.  They nourish our souls.  In return for their love and companionship, we need to understand more about dogs.

“UNTIL ONE HAS LOVED AN ANIMAL, PART OF THEIR SOUL REMAINS UNAWAKENED”

What do you think?

For me, however, the most powerful lesson is reflected in the comments of the trainer.  The lesson she learned from Ricochet can change the lives of millions of people.    Think on this as you watch this incredible video:

Instead of focusing on what your loved ones can’t do, focus on what they can do!

From Service Dog to Surfice Dog

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker ’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ”I know why.”

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.

He said,”People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The Six-year-old continued,

”Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

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 on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you’re 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’re not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

To his dog, every man is Napoleon, hence the constant popularity of dogs.

Aldous Huxley

was English Writer considered by some to be a leader of modern thought and best know by many for his novel,  Brave New World.

But I wonder what Huxley thought about Napoleon?  A great leader?  A kind compassionate guy?  A fun loving person?   What kind of leader does your dog want?

Or does the quote twist the message?  Every guy wants his dog to think of him as a great leader; therefore the popularity of dogs is related to every guy looking for adoration from dogs.

Any thoughts?

but the heart of dogs always shines on their faces.

Lynda McCall

Sam was afraid of thunder but he was not afraid of snakes or coyotes.  He loved to tree squirrels and could out tree the best squirrel dog in Arkansas by using his intelligence and his keen sight.  He watched the squirrels run up the trees and tracked them through the canopy by sight.  If Sam said there was a squirrel up the tree, you could bet money on it.

Because Sam was sensitive to storms, he was our weatherman.  If Sam said a storm was going to hit the ranch, you had better be ready.  If the weatherman issued tornado warnings for our area and Sam said “Nope, wasn’t going to happen”.  Bet on Sam.  He was never wrong.

When Sam went into his “storm shelter”, it was going to storm.  Simply as that!

One day my husband and I were working on a building project under a huge red oak tree.   About 30 yards to the side of us was another really old cedar tree which stood at the end of the main horse barn.

We knew that a storm was off in the distance, the thunder was barely audible and we were hurrying to finish “ripping” a piece of lumber with a chainsaw.  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Sam walk by  and head towards his storm shelter.

A minute or two later, Sam appeared at my side with another English Shepherd girl.  Sam began jumping up on me , pushing me.  I yelled to get my voice heard above the chain saw.  “SAM, STOP! DOWN!

He totally ignored me and jumped and jumped at me.  I turned my attention to my husband, yelling at him over the sound of the chain saw.  “JIM, SOMETHING IS WRONG. SAM IS GOING NUTS!

Jim never heard me, never looked up , till the shock wave of the lightening bolt blew over us.  Lightening struck that ancient cedar tree 30 yards away instantly killing a cow and 3 calves.

Sam never left our side.  We threw down the tools and raced for shelter with Sam and the other English Shepherd at our side.

In the years that followed, Sam never failed to come and find me if a storm was coming.  I might be out in the woods on a horse or anywhere on our 275 acres.  If Sam came to me, I always went to the house.  And there was always a thunder and lightening storm.

Sam’s wisdom wasn’t  limited to just storms.  If he came to you with that look in his eyes, he was telling you something important.

One day, he came running up the driveway, barking and bumping into me.   Dumb me,  I thought he was playing.  After giving him a moment of attention, I continued on my journey.  He barked and barked at me.  I turned and he ran down the driveway.  “Hmm, I thought!  Wonder what game Sam has come up with now.”   Again I continued on my journey in the opposite direction.   Sam raced back in front of me, barking and running down the driveway.

Now I might be dog dumb, but I am not dog stupid.  I turned around and followed Sam down the driveway and down the road to where one of my young English Shepherds lay on the side of the road.  He had been hit by a car.

Sam taught me a valuable lesson.   Dogs are our partners as we walk through life.  They have much to give, much to tell and much to share, if we will only listen.

Sam was my guardian angel.  I was blessed to have shared his life. I miss Sam and I always will!

There is a God in the Post Office
This is one of the kindest things I’ve ever experienced. I have no way to know who sent it, but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the US postal service.

Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about ho  much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could, so she  dictated  these words:

Dear God,

Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick.

I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her you will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.

Love, Meredith.

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, ‘To Meredith , in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, ‘When a Pet Dies.’  Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:

Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven.  Having the picture was a big help. I r ecogni zed Abbey right away.

Abbey isn’t sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don’t need our bodies in heaven, I don’t have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.

Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you.

I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.

By the way, I’m easy to find; I am wherever there is love.

Love,
God

As the story unfolds, the author shares his journey with treatment and his fight not to loose control. Suddenly, the story centers on Mishka, a white German Shepherd.  Struggling to maintain his schedule at the hospital, the author fights with nausa and fear.  He sleeps in separate room in his room with Mishka.  Mishka tends to him.  Comforting his nausa and removing his fear.  He share the calming attitude that Mishka creates in him.  

Every morning for the year that he was taking chemotherapy, Mishka encouraged him to run.  In spite of being drained by drugs and the disease, the author faithly goes on his daily 20 minute run.  (Not for him, he says but for the dog)

The days that his spirit was weak, Mishka urged him on, pulling him forward.    Together they ran and breathed life and hope into his body.  “I was lucky to have a dog” he concluded.

I would say he was blessed.  It is just one more way that dogs impact our lives in positive ways.  I would highly recommend this book not so much for the dog story but for the impact that it can have on your life.  Hopefully you will never have to battle cancer and hopefully this book can lead you to a healthy lifestyle.   

Bottom life:     Dogs help create balance and harmony in our lives.

Several months ago, I received this great handwritten letter in the mail:

Hi, my name is Jake.  My dad’s name is Pete.  I turned nine in June.  I think I’m old enough to have a puppy and take good care of the dog.  I would like to have a girl pocket beagle.  My dad is building a fence around the back year so we can play.  You can send me and my dad any information at his email address.  If you have any puppy pictures I love to see them.

Thank you. Jake

Enclosed with the letter was a deposit for a beagle that was due to be born in about 30 days.

The puppies were born and I sent Jake pictures and updates on the pups.  He chose the one he wanted.

Nine weeks later, the pup was sent on a road trip to its new family and Jake.  I didn’t hear a word!

Then about a week later I received this pic and email:

Dear Mrs. McCall, The puppies came a few days ago. It was the best day in my entire life when I saw the two puppies. I thought I was only getting one.  I had named one KC before they got here from the pictures you sent. They were a little scared at first but now we are good friends. They are so soft and cuddly and they love licking me. They sleep in my room, but in a crate, until they get older. I am so glad you sent me two
puppies. I will take great care of them.

Thank you so so so so so so so so so so so much,

love’

KC, Bella, and Jake

This is greatest reward in breeding dogs. I get to meet some of the best people in world.  And Jake, here, is right on track to be one of the great people of the future.  Right now, he is one of the great kids!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!

These dogs are amongst our unsung heros.

Hachiko, Ruswarp, Dorado, Cash, Greyfriars Bobby and The Frontier SheepDog.

I am sure that there are thousands of untold stories about dogs like these. One of the amazing things to me is that dogs also perform these feats for people that they don’t even know.  Remember the story about the dog in Argentina that saved a newborn baby that has been left in a lot during the winter.  Or the story about the “collie” in Canada that followed a 3 year old as it wandered off into the wilderness, staying with it till it was found.

History Majors: Remember Romulus and Remus.. The two twin brothers that were nutured by a she-wolf and went on to settle the village that later became Rome.

I WANT  THIS DOG!

Buenos Aires – A female dog found an abandoned newborn baby girl early Thursday and took the child home with her puppies in a poor suburb of the Argentine city of La Plata, local media reported citing police sources.

The owner of the dog reportedly noticed the baby hours later, when he heard her cry. The man immediately called the police, and the newborn was taken to a hospital in La Plata.

The dog, called China, reportedly found the baby in a barren lot in the neighbourhood of Abasto. Guided by her instinct, she took the girl with her puppies and kept her warm in the Argentine winter.

The baby, weighing some four kilogrammes, was naked and showed some bruising, said authorities at the Melchor Romero hospital, where the girl was brought before being transferred to the Children’s Hospital. Doctors said she had been born only a few hours earlier.

Thursday morning, after the case was made public, a 14-year-old girl arrived at the hospital accompanied by a neighbour and said she was the baby’s mother. Medical authorities said she admitted to having abandoned the baby.
The teenager reportedly said she gave birth late Wednesday, alone and in a very precarious setting, and then decided not to keep her baby.

I think of you often, but even more so lately. I am sad to tell you that Bo, my English Shepard and the most wonderful gift anyone ever gave to me, has died. Turns out what I thought was arthritis in his leg was actually osteosarcoma…it spread to his lungs before I realized this.

We took his leg off 6 weeks ago. He recovered and did ok for few weeks, and I never went anywhere except work without him. Last weekend he died while with me in Little Rock at my brother’s. I can’t tell you how devastated I am. He was my sidekick and companion.

I’ve had lots of dogs in my life; only one other that was anything near as important to me as Bo. I’ll never forget him coming out from under your barn, and following me everywhere….and you saying “looks like you have a new dog”. I had no intentions of getting another dog at that time, but you said “he’s picked you”.

You were right. Bo did pick me and never gave up his job of taking care of me. A wonderful dog, and I am missing him something awful. I just wanted to thank you for giving me Bo.

One of these days, I want to come see you and if one of your pups picks me…I will bring him home. I think that is the key; too many times I and others go looking for a dog and pick one they like; what we really should do is wait until one picks us. Then we will have a loyal companion that will do anything it takes to protect and please us. Bo did.

Thank you again, my friends. Kim

Then I began to think about the joy and comfort that dogs have brought to my life. Dogs that showed me the meaning of “Never Quit. Never Give Up” . “Be True to Yourself” “I Will Die for You”

On the other hand, at 61 years of age, I have known a lot of people . The life lessons that most of humanity has shared with me is that human life is all about SEX, MONEY and POWER.

Thank goodness for animals in our life who still can be measured by their Willingness to Please, their Courage, their Commitment to their human partners. I hope that I can be smart enough to take time to listen to them..

and to step back and remember… when a person’s word was his honor.. and Honor was an important measure of a person’s character. A Time when Greed was a bad thing – not an acceptable business practice…. a time when the world was a kinder, gentler place.

Thank goodness for Dogs in whom we can find solace – if we will only take the time.