Nuff Said

Here's her picture. What was I thinking not taking her home???

It's Not You, It's Me...

I've decided not to adopt Scout. It's not that she isn't perfect. And not that she isn't everything I have been looking for. It's all me. For one thing, I have some personal stuff going on that really doesn't make it the right time to get another dog. And secondly, I'm not sure I WANT another dog. My bond with Stella is so strong, and our routine is so solid, I'm not sure I want to mess with it. Even for the perfect little dog. Man, I have GOT to get a picture of her up, she is SOOO cute. While my friend Rachel did post that two is better than 1, no one else has voted in the poll, leaving me to think that either none of you care, or no one reads this. Either way, it's ok. I have made my decision on my own. I am a grown up! Now I just need to focus my efforts on finding her a GREAT home, because honestly, I will die if some loser tries to adopt her just because she is cute...

Now what should I blog about? My quest for a new dog seems to have travelled down a dead end road..

She's Perfect, But Am I Ready?

Well lookie here. Two posts in two days. I am what you call a real blogger. ;.)

Ok Ok, enough with the suspense. I went to a somewhat local shelter in the hopes of bringing back a few adoptable dogs to boost our adoption floor. We're low on dogs, and like to help out other shelters when they are getting overcrowded. Well, I found two cute Aussies and one cute, adorable actually, fuzz face. I can't believe I don't have a picture!!! It will come shortly. Anyway, she's about a year old and probably a Lab/Griffon mix. Or, she's a German Wirehaired Pointer. Or, maybe a terrier? Although, I really don't think so... Anyway, what's important is that she is a FUZZ FACE!!! Plus, she's perfect!!! So sweet and well behaved. She heels when you walk with her, sits when you approach her and loves to play with other dogs. Oh, and she's ADORABLE!!! So, here's the thing. Why isn't she sitting next to me, cuddled in a dog bed rather than the Kuranda bed at the Shelter? I can't decide if I really want a second dog!! It's horrible isn't it? After all this, I find the perfect one and I can't commit to her. Ugh. Oh right, Stella also has to love her too, but I am assuming that won't be an issue. So, do I adopt her?? Those of you that added a second dog to your life must have some words of wisdom! Is one dog really that much easier? I need help....

Sundance, dancing in the sun

Neglectful. That describes how I have been with my blog. So sorry. I know you are all waiting with baited breath for a new post ;.)

Ok, so Sundance had a bit of a setback. Well, I had a bit of a setback with Sundance. I left him out when I went to a dinner party and apparently he spent the evening barking. My neighbor (which is about 1/4 mile away) complained, leaving me a not so nice note in the morning. ooops. So, he still comes and visits, but only the evenings. I take him to work during the day and leave him there if I am going out at night. He is making huge strides though. He loves to go to the neighboring park and isn't scared of the Chuck It anymore. He sleeps on his bed (i've removed the crate!) and he is getting more and more comfortable in the house. On the other hand, he still hates going new places, and I find myself not taking him on hikes because he gets so stressed out and doesn't enjoy himself. He would do great in a home that ad lots of acreage and he could run around there. Sounds like my dad's place would be perfect for him....hmmm.....

I have other big news but I am going to post it tomorrow. It involves me, a fuzzy faced dog named Scout, and convincing Stella she wants a sister.... Oh the suspense!!!

Foster Dog Week 2

Things with Sundance are certainly progressing. I actually brought him back to the shelter for a few days around the 4th. I live close to where the fireworks display was and in Idaho, people love their firewrks, they shoot them off themselves for about a week prior to and after the 4th.  Anyway, Sundance is gaining self confidence and becoming more comfortable at my place. It was quite sweet, when I went to get him to take him back home, he saw me and began whining and crying. I guess he likes me! I've been shutting him out of his crate during the day, so he has to find other places to feel safe, but this evening he opened the crate up and went in. Smart dog! I guess he really likes it in there... 

As for Stella and Chip, not much has changed with them. 

They still live in the lap of luxury....

I've posted some pictures of my place too. It is way too cute, and what a view!!!! With Sundance progressing so nicely I am hopeful he'll be able to go to a new foster home in the coming weeks. In the meantime he'll hang out with us, enjoying the view and comfortable accomodations!

A NEW foster DOG!!!

I have begun work at the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley, and am thouroughly enjoying myself. Being back in Idaho is a bit of culture shock, but for the most part I have found the people to be incredibly friendly and warm. And the dogs! There are so many wonderful dogs here! The Wood River Valley is so lucky to have such a great animal shelter. The resources they put into their animals, as well as the resources they have for the community are amazing. Because it is an adoption guarantee shelter, they certainly have some long term residents. One cat has been here since I left 2 years ago. It makes me think she was waiting for me to come back to adopt her... There are also some long term resident dogs. One in particular peeked my interest. "Sundance" was dumped at the shelter after hours. It took staff 3 days to catch him, he was so shy and untrusting of humans. During his time at the shelter he has certainly blossomed. He even goes to an organized agility class which he really loves. Don't be fooled though, he is still a shy boy, and he displays his fear at the shelter by barking at anyone who passes by his kennel. I knew he wouldn't get adopted acting that way, and I had a hunch he probably hadn't ever been in a home setting. So, after making sure he and Stella would get along, and that he would behave around Chip, I decided to take him home as a foster, and try to get him some socialization.

So far it's been a bit rough. He is petrified of everything. Thank goodness for his crate. He retreats to it any time he is inside, which is fine with me. I am happy he has a safe spot. Our biggest challenge is that he won't go to the bathroom while here. He is too spooked by everything outside, and he paces or runs around the yard tail tucked. So, I have resorted to taking him back up to the shelter to go to the bathroom a couple times a day. (It's amazing, we get there and he walks around marking on everything...) Today we had a breakthrough- he trotted around the yard with his tail up, and didn't hide nearly as much. When we went inside I was able to call him over to me, open the front door and he ran inside. (Usually I have to creep up to him to put his leash on and coax him into the house) So, maybe we are making progress. Did I mention that the first day he got out of the yard and ran off for 3 hours? Thankfully he did come back when a thunderstorm passed through.... He sure is handsome though...

So, I'll keep you posted on Sundance's and my progress. If nothing else, I am learning how to be more patient.....

With Love comes Pain

Yesterday my friend Rachel made the tough decision to put her cat Lou to sleep. She had had Lou for something like 18 years, and while he had been diagnosed with cancer and diabetes over a year ago, he was still chugging along, even though his new nickname was Skeletor. Rachel works as an emergency vet, and a large part of her job is, unfortunately, counseling people on euthanasia. Rachel is amazing at helping people come to peace with their decision and stressing the fact that sometimes euthanasia can be the greatest gift we give out pets. Being a "euthanasia counselor" however, didn't make the process any easier for her when it was time to put her beloved Lou to rest. Speaking with her made me think about Montana of course, and the euthanasia and grieving process I went through. As Rachel asked me for advice, I had the same thoughts go through my head: No matter what I say, this is a decision she has to be ok with. It is such a personal decision and it really doesn't matter what anyone else says.

I think Rachel made the right decision for Lou, and I think she agrees. What is so important for me, when dealing with the death of a loved pet, is that until you've done it yourself, you can't judge anyone else for the choices they make. I used to think some people were "prolongers" keeping their pets alive for themselves, rather than for the pet. But, quite honestly, after struggling with the decision for Montana, I understand why people wait as long as possible.

It saddens me how many of my friend's pets have been lost recently, but I am somewhat comforted by the thought of them all in pet heaven together, waiting for our time to join them. I sincerely hope that Lou, Tang, Montana, Mackay, Teddy, Chum, Maggie, Mariah and Jack, among others, are going to be ready for us when we join them. To all the pets that have touched our hearts and made us better people, I thank you!

Left Behind, But Not Forgotten

I made the decision to leave Tang in Ithaca when I moved to Idaho. His cancer had spread throughout his body, but his quality of life was still good. He was eating, catching chipmunks, and wrestling with my upstairs neighbors cat. When I mentioned that I was considering euthanizing him to my neighbor she offered to take him in. The stress of the trip to Idaho could prove to be too much for him, and seeing how he loved Tammi and her pets, I agreed. I felt that if he was still doing well when I flew home in November I could transport him back on the plane with me to Idaho. It was incredibly hard to say goodbye to him. While I knew I was making the right decision, I've never left a pet before, and it was a truly heartwrenching experience. Tang was the perfect cat in so many ways. He was great with my dogs, great with other cats, independent, but still loveable. He had been at the animal shelter for a year before I took him home, and I wish I had taken him in sooner so that we could have had more time together. In many ways I felt like Tang was so happy to be in a home that loved him, and he showed his gratitude by being exactly what I wanted out of a feline companion.

This evening Tang was put to sleep by two incredibly wonderful friends. Tammi called me yesterday to let me know he had taken a turn for the worse, he wasn't eating and barely getting around. I am so lucky to have friends that can help me out at a moment's notice and make sure that Tang didn't suffer a day in his life. His passing was peaceful, and while I wasn't there physically, my thoughts were with him and I felt peace knowing that he and Montana would be reunited.

I loved Tang so much, and I am so happy he was a part of my life. I hope that his time spent with me, Montana, Stella and Chip was as wonderful for him as it was for us.

***While this post is obviously dedicated to Tang's memory, it is also dedicated to Dr Brian Collins and Soshi Cook, two fabulous people whose love for animals makes them true humanitarians.***

In Anticipation of Chip's Arrival

As I sit here awaiting my cat's arrival via plane, I can't help but be anxious, nervous about the state he'll be in when he arrives. I hate flying pets, but in this case, it really seemed like the best option, and all I can hope for, is that Chip is his unflappable self when he steps out of his carrier and into my arms. I've never met a cat like Chip. He isn't fazed by anything. He spent the last week in the office of the TC SPCA animal control, and after about 5 minutes there he completely forgot about me and was ready to make it his permanent home. In fact, after my departure, my friend Kate gave me reports which consistently mentioned the fact that he couldn't care less that I had left him. Perhaps this is why no one ever considers cats to be (wo)man's best friend. Yet, for some reason, it is Chip's extreme disloyalty to me that makes me love him so much. It is the fact that he can acclimate to any situation that makes him such a great cat. So, here's to hoping that he'll be the same unfazed boy that he was before the flight. And, that he'll love life in Idaho with Stella and I.

**I dedicate this post to the wonderful animal control officers that made Chip comfortable, happy and spoiled while he waited to join the rest of the family in Idaho. And especially to Kate for taking him to the airport, making sure he was handled well by the cargo personnel and giving him lots of love.****

And Away We Go!!!!

Greetings from North Dakota! I'm well on my way to Idaho, and for those of you who may be wondering, no, ND is not on the direct route to Idaho. I'm taking a true road trip. Joining me are my friend Laura and my #1 companion Stella. We've been having a blast; sightseeing, driving, and driving some more. What's amazed me through all of it (other than the fact that our country is BEAUTIFUL!) is how amazingly perfect Stella can be!!! She zonks out in the car, sleeps through the night, and has been wonderful with all the people we've met. She is super happy too. I think dogs are amazing in their resiliance. As long as she is with me, she's happy. Although, she's certainly got a soft spot for my friend Laura too. At the beginning of the trip she acted deaf whenever Laura would call her or ask her to do something. Now, she happily trots over to her when called. Okay, maybe not all the time, but this is Stella we're talking about...

 I love my dog. I can't imagine not sharing this wonderful trip with her. We'll be in our new home tomorrow. I hope it makes her happy....

Goodbye and Hello

My last day at the SPCA has come and gone. My furniture and belongings have gone as well. This leaves me homeless, jobless, and a with a dog who seems more anxious than ever. My anxiety has lessened in the past few days however, which may indicate a strong future as a hobo...

While saddened by the idea of leaving the SPCA, I am also joyful about future prospects and starting at the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley. In the relatively short time I spent at Tompkins County, I learned a lot, saw a lot, and began to figure out how difficult good animal sheltering can be. I am excited about the prospect of starting anew and teaching what I've learned, helping more animals and gaining more knowledge. I only wish I could explain to Stella that her anxiety should lessen as well. Things are moving forward in a positive direction.

To check out a dog that may be a prospect in my future, check out Stacy by following the link below:

 http://animalshelterwrv.org/dog_gallery.php?pcID=67&pcTitle=STACY

My Time in DC

I'm currently in DC for the No Kill Conference, and while I could blog about the speakers, information, and personal views of the information received, I have more interesting news. I won a trip to Hawaii! How great is that? There was a raffle at the end of the conference in which the grand prize was a free stay in a Kauai condo. I jumped up and screamed when they called out my number. It was not my most humble moment, as I shouted "That's me, I won!!!" But it was one exciting moment, that's for sure.

I decided to drive to the conference so I could bring Stella with me. I am lucky enough to have pet loving cousins who not only welcomed me into their home, but my mutt too. It's been so nice not having to worry about her while I am away all day, and I am so grateful to them for taking her on walks and letting her cuddle with them in my absence. Sure, she was excited when I got home, but she wasn't frantic, and that shows me that she was being well cared for. I have great cousins!

I also saw my friend Bernice, who is the behaviorist and trainer at Animal Farm Foundation. Seeing her made me want to drive to their facility and bring home a pitbull. But then I went on to Petfinder, and saw a Griffon that needs adopting, and maybe I need to go check her out. People tell me the right dog "just comes to you," but I think I am going to be actively seeking this new dog and not give it the chance to appear unexpectedly...

PS- Looks like Tuesday got adopted!!! I wonder if his potential adopter read about him on my blog and decided to go check him out. hee hee

The Update

So, I've left you hanging on a few things. Here's the twitter-esque update:

1) Tang is doing alright. Still no diagnosis, but he is eating, drinking, jumping on my bed, and acting "normal." Going back to the vet on Tuesday.

2) Finished Twilight and am now reading "adult lit." hee hee

3) I am moving. I accepted a job at the shelter I used to work for. I am excited to implement a lot of what I learned, and continue my career in sheltering. I have yet to start packing, and I think I am still in denial. I do love Ithaca and will really miss it here.

So, now you're up to date. For the moment.

While I won't take Pete off the blog just yet, I do want to feature another dog that I am in love with. Yes, he's a pitty. His name is Tuesday and we took him in from the Toronto Humane Society. I do love Canadians, but they have some backward thinking laws that state pitbulls are not allowed to reside in Ontario. So, we took a couple in. Quite honestly, the two we took are prime examples of why breed legislation is bullshit. These are great DOGS and it does not matter what breed they are. They deserve a chance just as much as the Golden Retriever. I would trust Tuesday with  child more so than many other dogs. So, to see the face of a dog that almost didn't make it because of his bad rap, take a look Tuesday. He is just one more pitty that makes me smile.

Sedona Finds a Home!

That's right. Sedona walked her pretty butt out of our SPCA and into a new home. Seems like it's going to be a keeper too. She's been going to the river for walks and her new adopters are quite smitten with her. I'll definitely miss her. I've become quite attached. But, there's nothing like seeing the dog you know you can't have find a great home. I wish Sedona the best, and I'll be sure to check in on her from time to time.

To replace Sedona on my blog I've chosen Pete. He's a great, big, Bloodhound. How many SPCA's have Bloodhounds? He is what I would expect from the breed. Goofy, loveable, and always drooling. Unfortunately he isn't great with other dogs or cats, so finding him a home has been a challenge. As a testament to his temperament though, he continues to love every person that walks into his room.

I know we'll find him a home, and in the meantime we'll keep him happy with lots of walks, peanut butter and cuddle time.

The Update

Ok, I've slacked. Let me give you a brief synopsis why: Sedona got adopted. Sedona got returned. I have decided to move back to Idaho. I'm embarrassingly addicted to the Twilight series and Tang, my cat, has an abdominal tumor and doesn't have much time left with us.

Not that any of these constitute a reason not to write. There were just so many things to write about and everytime I went to start about one, something else would happen. 

Brief synopsis of the Sedona siuation: Great with family, great with dog in home, prey drive with cat was a bit unnerving, family feared for cat's life, Sedona is back up for adoption. To make it up to her I took her for a 5 mile run in which she enjoyed the first 4 and wanted to walk the last one. I love seeing her tired!

We'll get to the Idaho thing some other time. We've got time for that.

Ah, Tang. 

He's been acting off. Then I noticed labored breathing. I took him to the vet for a benign check up, figuring I was imagining things.

I wasn't. The vet noticed the labored breathing as well and shot some x-rays. Tons of fluid in his abdomen and lungs. Poor kitty. He already has kidney disease and apparently cancer isn't rare in kidney cats... So, tomorrow I take him to the vet for another work up, she'll remove the fluid and see if we can see the cancer more clearly. It'll also make him more comfortable.

Montana and Tang were best buds. He followed her everywhere. Perhaps he wants to continue following her. I just don't want him to leave so soon.

I'll keep you posted...

Poll Results

It's great to see that people are voting in the Poll! Thanks friends! It looks like it is going to be a tight race between "Stella wants to be an only dog" and "Yes, if its the right dog." I am not even sure how I would vote at this point! Thanks to everyone following this blog and I hope I am adding some entertainment to your lives!

I've added a picture of Sassy, Stella's soulmate. She is a 

dog I rescued in Idaho and brought to NY for my Dad, who was looking for another dog. Sassy lived with me for about 4 months and she and Stella were the best of friends. She was the only dog that Stella would allow to sleep in the bed with us. That's saying a lot! Sassy and Stella still see each other quite often, and they still play like crazy. So, a part of me really thinks that if it is the right dog, Stella may be even happier than she currently is...

A New Dog..Almost

Have I expressed to you my love for Petfinder.com? A website dedicated to showing the viewer every adoptable dog by age, sex, breed and location. Lately, I've been searching by breed. I type in Wire-haired Pointing Griffon (although it peeves me a bit that Petfinder spells Wire-haired with a hyphen..). Then, just the other day, a purebred Griffon appeared. She was in a shelter in Pennsylvania. To say I was ecstatic is a gross understatement. I can't tell you how quickly I dialed the shelters number to get as much information about my new dog as I could. She sounded great, 5 years old, good with dogs and cats and super friendly. I filled out the application, faxed it over and explained I would be there in 3 days. I spent the next day contemplating my new dog. Would Stella like her? Is the timing right? Am I insane? I convinced a good friend to make the 3 hour trip with me and help me make a decision. 

The day before we were set to leave I called the shelter to let them know when I would arrive. And that's when I got the unexpected news. She had been put on hold by another interested adopter the day before, and was being adopted that afternoon. Put on hold??? That's an option??? She'd been adopted by someone other than me??? That's an option?? My heart sank. I know, I know, it's great she got a home, but she was supposed to be MY dog. 

Oh well. I guess there will be another dog for Stella and I. Especially now that I am on to this whole "hold" concept.

As I look over, Stella is digging at my bedding because apparently a freshly made bed just isn't comfortable enough. Who knows, maybe she likes being the queen of the castle. Maybe a new dog isn't the right decision and fate's hand in this needs to be more closely observed....

Stella,Sedona and a Griffon

So, I tried to get Stella and Sedona to bond. It didn't go so well. I love watching Stella interact with other dogs. Her body language tells me so much. She pretty much ignored Sedona, lifted her leg in a submissive manner so Sedona could sniff her all over, then walked off to do her own thing. When I started throwing the ball for Stella, Sedona got uber aroused and she became fixated on Stella, not the ball. Stella gave every submissive gesture, no eye contact, low body posture, low wagging tail, which was probably her saving grace. If she had shown any dominance there could have been a fight. Obviously I was uncomfortable with the situation, as was Stella. So, no Sedona for us. It's amazing how dogs can read each other, and also how a dog like Sedona can be too much for Stella, but be best friends with Latte-who she plays with daily. 

I've decided I want another Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, or mix, a dog that is similar to Stella. She seems to love dogs that look like her, as weird as that might seem. I applied for a really cute Griffon that was on Petfinder. You can see her at:

www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=12605232

I LOVED filling out the application. I love telling people about how much I love my animals. Alas, it was not meant to be with Kasey. After a very nice email from the rescue group explaining that Kasey needed to be adopted with her brother, I realized getting one dog was one thing, 2 more were certainly more than I could handle. Oh well. I am happy Kasey and her brother have gotten a good home and I'll be able to help out another dog somewhere else... The search continues I suppose.... 

A New Take on This Blog

I've gotten all the foundation work done with this blog. Now's the time to make this blog more blog like. What do I mean? Well, shorter posts for one thing! A new theme: finding a dog! Oh, and I am keeping Sedona as the featured pet until she gets adopted, damn it! So, just know that every time you see her pretty smiling face in that column it means that she is still sleeping in the SPCA and not in a home... So sad. If only she and Stella would become better friends...

Saying Goodbye

In beginning the process of adding another member to my canine family I must first come to terms with the death of my dog Montana. I have been stealthy about avoiding this topic, feeling it best to keep busy and not talk about it with friends. However, this doesn't stop the tears at night and the sadness in my heart from continuing into my future. So, I am going to buck up and face it head first. What better way to do so then to write about it on a blog posted for everyone to see. Perhaps in addition to helping me heal, this will help someone else who is struggling with the loss of a pet, or struggling with the decision to put their pet to sleep.

Let me begin with this. Having Montana put to sleep sucked. That pretty much sums it up. She was my first dog that was all mine. I picked her out at the pound, I named her, and I took her everywhere with me. She was literally the perfect dog. She never chewed anything up, had maybe two accidents in the house when I first got her, was fine home alone, perfect with other dogs and cats and fine with people. Her only problems were children and going to the vet, two things I am not all that fond of either... 

As the years passed I helped her age with dignity. I had two hip replacements done on her severely dysplastic hips. I stopped taking her on long hikes that would only ended with her feeling uncomfortable all night. I fed her food that helped brain function, gave her meds for arthritis and cognitive dysfunction and always helped her into the car because she couldn't make the jump. But in the end, it wasn't enough. Old age was still going to take her from me, and I had to come to terms that Montana now, wasn't the Montana of even a few years ago. 

In the end, Montana spent most of her days pacing, panting, and pooping in the house. I knew she wasn't happy anymore. Who wants to wake up and realize they've peed all over themselves? Certainly not a dog as dignified as Montana was. However, the decision to euthanize your pet is an incredibly intimate decision. I've counseled lots of people on euthanasia, but this is the first time I have gone through it myself, and I can honestly say that there wasn't one thing someone said to me that mattered at all. I had to come to terms with the decision on my own, and this wasn't something that other people could help with.

My first step was to make an appointment to have a  vet friend come over to my home to have her euthanized. I made the appointment for a couple of weeks out. At first I had a hard time with making an "appointment" for something so emotional, but in retrospect I am so glad I did. I was able to make Montana's needs first on my list. Stella and I could come second for two weeks. As long as Montana was happy, that was all that mattered. I began feeding her gourmet meals, and let her have the coveted seat on the couch next to me every night. I didn't get upset with her if she didn't want to go out to potty at night even though I knew it meant she would wake me up at some point during the night, or worse, would have an accident that we both were unhappily greeted with in the morning. As the day neared, I did my best to compose myself, but deep in my heart I feel like Montana knew what was coming, and amazingly, she was ok with it. Dogs are so in tune with their people, they know when we are upset, happy or frustrated, how could I hide my emotions about something so important from a dog that knew everything I felt? The week before her euthanasia I tried to take my holiday photo with my animals. We went to the farm where my horse is and when I called the dogs over for the photo Montana was nowhere to be found. I looked all around for her, to no avail. As soon as I put the camera away I looked up and Montana was there. Think of it what you will, but I can tell you I was freaked out. Small incidents like this sort of helped me. When Montana peed all over the floor right in front of me, it helped me feel better about the decision I had made. Strange isn't it? But it honestly felt like she knew and  she was ready. I felt better that it was a decision we were coming to together.

The euthanasia itself was one of the hardest moments of my life. My two vet friends that were with us were amazing. Montana was comfortable and at ease and most importantly she knew I was with her until the end, her head in my lap and my hands giving her her favorite ear massages. That night, as I cried and cried and cried, Stella and my two cats hopped into my bed with me and pressed their bodies up against me. They got as close to me as they possibly could, something they had never done before. Feeling them there helped me realize that I wasn't in this alone, and I was so lucky to have these animals in my life. No matter how difficult it is to lose a pet, the love they give is well worth the pain and I can't imagine a life without my four legged family.

Each day gets better, and I find myself talking about Montana more without coming to tears. I feel so lucky to have had her in my life and to have been loved so much by her. I hope I made everyday we were together a good one, and I still feel guilt about the days that maybe weren't her best. For anyone that is struggling with the decision to euthanize a pet I empathize. But know that one day, perhaps not anytime soon, you too will be able to move forward and realize how priceless the memories are that you have, and how those will be with you forever.

Pitbulls and the Breed Bias

I have begun exploring the idea of getting another dog. Wait, don't get too excited, I am beginning to explore the idea, that's all. I have narrowed my list to a few breeds that I am considering, or breed mixes of course. Springer Spaniels, Greyhounds, Wire-Hair Pointing Griffons (of course!) and Pit Bulls. Yes, pit bulls. I recently told that to my Dad and his girlfriend and she looked scared while he responded "No, not a pit bull." Yes, a pit bull. Why? Because they have been treated unfairly by their owners, the press, legislation and numerous other entities. Because as an advocate of the breed I feel it is my obligation to show people how great these dogs can be. So, let me take this opportunity to dispel some myths, recant some of my experiences and most importantly tell the truth.

Question #1: Are Pitbulls safe dogs? Don't they attack at will with no forewarning.

This one is easy to answer!! There ARE safe Pitbulls that would never attack a human, and Pitbulls were actually bred to be one of the safest dogs with humans, being incredibly loyal and loving to all humans. (For some great facts on this, check out animalfarmfoundation.org) Now, I am not going to preach to you that all Pitbulls are safe. They aren't. However, are all dogs safe? NO. I have been scared of many dogs, and many of them were not pits. In my line of work we see a lot of Pitbulls, and we adopt a lot of Pitbulls out. I make sure that every Pitbull we put on our adoption floor is going to be a safe member of the community. There aren't any guarantees about the temperament of any dog, but our pits are held at higher standards than most of the other dogs up for adoption. Not only do they have to be good with people, they also have to be at least tolerant of other dogs. Do I have to make some very tough decisions about the pits that come through our doors? Yes. Do I stand behind each dog on our adoption floor and feel it deserves a chance at a loving home? Absolutely.

Question #2: If I am claiming that the breed is safe why are there so many stories about Pitbulls attacking people? 

A very legitimate question. With a GREAT answer. Research has been done on this very question which shows that the media loves incidents involving Pitbulls much more than incidents involving any other breed. Essentially, if God forbid, your neighbor's Poodle bites a child in the face, the local newspaper may pick up the story, but you better believe all the national and international news sources have better things to report. However, make that Poodle a Pitbull and all media sources will pick up the story. Why? Well, because people already fear the breed, and this story will sell. As for the Poodle, people will think it is a freak thing, and no one will care a few hours later. Sensationalism sells. And a Pitbull is going to create far more sensationalism than a Poodle. The study done on this picked one day in history, June 6th, 2006, a day in which there were 4 reported dog bites. All the bites were of about the same severity, and all were done by different breeds. One, of the bites however, was by a German Shepherd, and not only did this dog bite a human, it also killed a dog. The other three bites were by a Lab, a Golden Retriever and a Pit Bull. Only one of these bites made national news, and it wasn't the Shepherd that killed a dog. It was the Pit Bull that bit a child in the leg. Media bias? Absolutely!! All the dogs were equally to blame, but the Pit was portrayed once again, as the monster. This happens time and time again, the media only picking up the Pitbull stories. I am not going to say that Pitbulls don't bite people. They do, but all dogs bite people, no matter what the breed.

Question #3: So, if I love the breed so much why don't I have one??

This is a good question! Here's my multi answer reply: 1) I haven't been in the market for a dog until recently. 2) The dog I do adopt, regardless of the breed, has to fit into my family, and I am very picky when it comes to adding to my four legged family. 3) I have only recently begun talking about adopting a pitbull. The last two pitbulls that Stella has met she has hated. They were very sweet dogs, but Stella did not like them, and she even aggressed to them. So, my question is this: Has Stella realized that all the attention won't be on her if there is a new dog in the home? Or, has she, like so many humans I know, begun to dislike the breed merely because of the myths they've heard? Either way, she's going to have to stop the breed bias, and hopefully, after I read her this post she'll see the error in her ways. I'll keep you posted!

Am I the Crazy Animal Lady?

When I tell people I work in animal welfare, they inevitably ask me "Oh isn't it so hard?" This is followed by: "I would want to take them all home. How do you not take them all home? It must be so sad." I have created a scripted answer for this initial set of questions. It goes like this "No, it isn't hard, it's quite rewarding actually. There is nothing better than seeing an animal who has been waiting months for a home find the perfect home. I work really hard to find the animals homes and feel that is a better mission than taking them all home myself."

This usually raises a few eyebrows. Do I really not take them all home? It is usually assumed that people who work in animal welfare have a lot of pets, that they are humane hoarders, people who love animals so much that they take in as many as they can financially and physically handle. For the most part this is a bit of a misnomer, and I like to think I am living proof. When I owned my own home, had a large fenced yard and pretty much free reign on as many animals as I wanted, I maxed out at 2 dogs and 2 cats. Occasionally I added a foster dog, but this was rare and for short periods only. Many of my non animal welfare friends had as many, or more animals, and I have come to the conclusion that I am certainly not the crazy animal lady.

I have a simple answer as to why I haven't had "hordes" of animals living in my home. My home is a sanctuary for my animals and myself. Every animal that comes into my home affects all of us, and to disrupt the hierarchy and routine is unfair on my four legged family. My animals are so forgiving of the long hours I spend at work, of the dogs I take on hikes with us that may be a bit snarky, or the fact that my dogs don't get a walk because I took so many other dogs from work out that I was exhausted by the time I got home. The least I can do, in my opinion, is to create a sanctuary at home where we can all co-habitate peacefully and have time together as one happy family.

Having a home that is stress free and enjoyable to go to at the end of a long day means the world to me. In fact, despite working tirelessly to find our great adoptable pets homes, I try not to be an animal "pusher." If people are looking for a pet, by all means I will find them the perfect pet. But, if a great dog or cat comes in, and I tell a friend how perfect it would be for them, and they aren't 100% committed to a new pet, I lay off. I would never ask someone to bring another pet into their home until their whole family is ready. For me, having a home filled with just a few, happy animals, is better than having a stressful environment where none of us are happy. After all, I don't want to be the crazy animal lady, do I?

How It All Began

Over 12 years ago, I found myself at the Lancaster County pound. I was ready to get a dog, and had been waiting two years, until I was out of dorm housing, and into my own house to get my very own dog. I had no idea what kind of dog I wanted, but figured it would all unravel when I got there. I asked a staff member which dog had been there the longest. She walked through and looked at the cage cards. She pointed out a German Shepherd mix. She had been there 5 days, after being brought in because she had been hit by a car. I figured I would add her to my list, although she didn't seem too interested in me. Her back was at the cage front and she didn't get up as I walked by.  However, being an animal lover growing up, I always assumed I would end up going to a pound and save the dog that had been there the longest. Once you actually get to the pound however, and realize you may be taking that dog home and living with it for upwards of 10 years, reality sinks in a bit.

After some more perusing, I chose three dogs I wanted to look at in the meet and greet room. The first was a Harrier, a hound that looks like a large Beagle. It spent the entire time sniffing the room and ignoring me. 

The second was a Boxer that was barking and lunging at the cage front. While it didn't appear like the Boxers my Dad fondly spoke about growing up with, I figured it couldn't be too bad, and my Dad would be thrilled that I got a Boxer. When I asked to meet the dog  I found out that it wasn't yet up for adoption. At the time I was disappointed, but in retrospect, I am so glad that I didn't take that dog out of it's cage. 

The third was the Shepherd. She came in the room and sat at my feet. Just lied there and allowed me to pet her. I wanted to think it over, but was pretty sure that the Harrier was the dog for me.  The Shepherd was too mellow and pretty big.

I got home and called my Mom. We debated the pros and cons of both dogs, and she tried to steer me towards the Shepherd.  "Schaferhund" as they are called in German, my mom's native tongue, and I imagine that it was this dog's country of origin that helped sway my Mom's vote. I wasn't sold, but figured I would go back to the pound, meet both dogs again and make my final decision.

When I arrived at the pound, the Harrier had been adopted. I was happy for the dog, but a bit disgruntled that he wouldn't be coming home with me. I figured I would walk around once more and see if there were any other dogs that interested me. After a walk through I ended up back the Shepherds cage. This time she came up to the cage, her tail a low wag. "Do you want to come with me?" I asked. Her huge upright ears turned forward and she pawed the front of the cage. 

I walked up to the desk and adopted her. Later that day I stood staring at the map of the USA I had on my wall and dubbed her Montana. It wouldn't be much later that her full name Montana Big Ears would develop.