Open Thread – The Tale of ‘Buf’ the Dog
I read a great quote on Twitter tonight. “Never trust anyone who doesn’t kiss their pet.” – Steve Irwin
And as I read that great quote, and thought about what an awesome dog I have, it hit me. Today, October 21 is Buf the Dog’s birthday! OK, it’s not really a birthday, and her name isn’t really “Buf!” but it’s the day we adopted her. Buf is not originally from around these parts. She was born in far-off exotic Kotzebue, Alaska. That’s all the way out past the Seward Peninsula, North of Nome. A couple friends of mine lived there briefly, and were describing the very sad and unfortunate animal control methods employed there, and the surplus of unwanted puppies.
They told me of a lady that had raised some unwanted puppies until they were old enough to travel, and that Northern Air Cargo had agreed to ship them to Anchorage, and take the empty containers back to Kotzebue for free. Would I be willing to pick up a batch of puppies at the airport and take them to Tudor Animal Control for adoption, they asked? Well, I don’t know how completely soul-less one would have to be to say, “No, sorry. That’s inconvenient for me. The puppies are out of luck.”
So, I found myself driving to the airport with Spouse to pick up our group of weary four-legged travelers. There was a German Shepherd mix, an Australian Sheepdog mix, and a little funny ginger colored one with a white heart on her forehead and funny floppy ears and white socks. She was about half the size of the other two, and the only female. They all rode in the back of the car, behind the rear seat. Several friends had said to me, “You’re going to end up with one of those puppies!” “No,” I said. “We’re going to wait until we move into the new house. NO puppies for us yet. Absolutely not.”
So, just to make sure, the three of them rode all the way in the back, so there was no chance that their unbelievable cuteness would affect my senses. Well, I kept hearing little tiny grrrrr noises, and then every once in a while a little yip noise. Looking back, I noticed that the ginger colored puppy would crane to stick her head up and look over the seat, and then would get ambushed by the two bigger ones, and her head would disappear as she fell backward. That was the yip part.
After two or three rounds of this, I unbuckled and crawled over the seat to take a look. The sad little brown eyes met mine from the bottom of a literal dog-pile, and I decided that the best thing to do was let the two rough and tumble boys have the back seat to themselves, and the hapless little ginger one could ride up front. She was only about three pounds, and shivering a little and so I held her under my coat, whereupon she burrowed her little cold wet nose in the crook of my neck, took a great deep breath, let out a long shuddering sigh, and fell asleep.
And that was that. I brought the other two puppies in, filled out the paperwork and went back out to talk to Spouse. He informed me that a woman and her daughter fell in love with the little ginger puppy while I was inside, and wanted to take her on the spot. There they were, right over there by their car. What did I think? That’s when I knew she was mine. No adorable little five year old in a pink coat was going to get her grubby mitts on MY puppy. And home she came.
That was six years ago today.
I felt a little sheepish that I had forgotten that. So, to make up for it, I decided that a treat was in order. I made a peanut butter sandwich with Kraft American cheese singles as the “bread.”
Her two most favorite foods, together in one tasty treat. She watched with rapt attention as I made this incredible creation. She was impatient when I got my camera and took a picture.
When I finally handed it to her, I don’t even think it touched her teeth. The whole thing was inhaled - down the gullet in a flash. I don’t think she even tasted it. So, I got out a cracker, and loaded it up with peanut butter and gave it to her peanut butter side down so at least she’d be able to enjoy the flavor. That seemed to work out pretty well, and for several minutes she was making very amusing faces while she tried to get the peanut butter off her tongue.
So, happy birthday Buf the Dog – you who announce the presence of bears, and moose, and hikers; you who sit on my feet every morning when I’m trying to put my socks on; you who have fits of compulsive sneezing when you’re happy; you who sleep in the sun and remind me to slow down; you who bring me frozen rabbit parts in the winter because you love me; you who “buf!” at the door to come in and go out and come in and go out and come in; you who have tolerated even toddlers who stick their fingers up your nose and shriek in your ear; you who cry and howl with joy that would wake the dead when I’ve been away too long. Next time, I’ll give you your birthday cake in little pieces.
And thanks to the Kotzebue dog lady, and my friends who knew I’d end up adopting one of those puppies, and to Northern Air Cargo for being generous when you didn’t have to. The small kind things we do live on in many ways, even if we don’t know what they are.
Happy Birthday, Buf! And, thank you AKM for the lovely story to start my day.
Great story. My Dre was 7 years old about a month ago. He has been with me since he was 4 weeks old. He was my first child and continues to be my best friend, and he thinks my daughter is the best thing in the world.
Did i mention he is an 75 pound pit bull?
Awww ! Happy Birthday Buf !
Happy birthday, Buf, and thank you God for all the fuzzy little packages that teach us what unconditional love feels like. Mine are kitties, and they brighten every day.
What a sweet story. Happy Birthday Buf, we readers can never get enough of hearing about you. Now we know where/how the love affair all started. That heart on her forehead had to have been the first warning that AKM & loving family would keep her for a puppy!
Can I put a plug in here for a site? They’ve been reporting a shortage of clickers and hurting for the free food for rescue animals. Friends and I at another blog have been doing it for years, legitimate charity, where you click once a day and it thanks you for the click so you know it logged. The advertisers donate for petfood, free mamograms, rainforest, etc. Only takes seconds and all are worthy causes. Plus I really enjoy the daily pet rescue stories:
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3&link=ctg_ars_home_from_trs_thankyou_sitenav
Palins financial disclosure
http://www.ktva.com/ci_13147041#
That might be the old one, im not sure
Ah, Buf bounding through the snow. Could a dog look any happier than that?
Aww, that last pic of Buf is so awesome
And you have my chopping board, the exact same one!
For those (especially those in Alaska) who love animals you have to check out the website of a very special guy named David Jensen who does some incredible pet photography – he does photos for the local pet rescue places for free, and the pictures are amazing.
http://talkingtoanimals.blogspot.com/
I stumbled across the pics quite by accident on the Friends of Pets website and ended up at his website and then the blog which I immediately subscribed to.
And please, for those in Alaska – if you have a forever home waiting for a forever pet.. http://www.friendsofpets.org – my favourite cat is Emmie and I have been seeing her there on the page for a bit too long, if I were there in Alaska I would have gone to pick her up long ago.
Happy Birthday Buf !
BTW Buf’s name has always amused me…..In my home country a ‘buf’ is a ‘windy loosening of the lower intestine’….LOL. How can I put this as delicately as I can?….(ahem, please pardon the language)….a buf is a fart.
…see my amusement ?
Awe! We have 3 dogs and a cat and we love them all. They are very spoiled, just the way it should be. Glad Buf got a nice birthday sandwich, too
Happy Birthday Buf from another Buf! ( tho now Zim has me rethinking using that nickname!)
Buf looks so much like the first dog I ever met. My Grandpa’s dog, Kita, (part Akita, part Beagle and lord knows what else) was my bestest bud when I was just about as tall as she was . She adored my Grandpa and she ended up following him a few months later. We’ve always thought she pined away for him as she went off her food and would just sit by the door , waiting for him to come home. Every time I see Buf my heart melts a little.
Love the bounding through the snow pic. It’s so perfectly, “happy soul”.
(and re: that cheese n’ peanut butter sandwich. I’m pretty sure I used to eat those during my “70s Days” after a night out. )
what a great story, made my day
That is a simply wonderful story AKM. How lucky are we to have experienced a dog’s love. Happy Birthday Buf.
I just read this article, http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091021/ap_on_go_co/us_congressman_die_quickly , and found it to be very interesting.
I went to the website, http://www.namesofthedead.com , and there is a petition to sign there. You can sign it even if you do not have a story to tell.
“The Florida congressman who said Republicans want the uninsured to “die quickly” if they get sick has set up a Web site where people can post names of loved ones who have died for lack of health coverage.
Democratic Rep. Alan Grayson of Orlando titled the site “Names of the Dead.” He says it is intended to honor people who die without health care. Grayson has cited research showing that 44,000 such people die each year.”
( my previous post above neglected to mention that Grandpa DIED and that Kita followed him THAT way. Without the dying part, that post makes little sense. )
Ok- seriously – it’s coffee time. Morning, all !!!
Love the Buf story! Love the Buf from afar!
Sorry for the OT post #15, before even reading your wonderful ‘tale’. I have to agree, that last picture is absolutely wonderful, she looks about as happy as one could possibly be. That smile reminds me of other smiles that are only memories now.
Until, a few months ago, we still had 3 dogs and 1 cat in my family.
Sadly, I lost 2 within 3 months.
We still grieve thier loss and miss them terribly. They filled our lives with so much love and laughter. Our remaining 4 legged members still miss them too. They have become much more clingy than they ever were before. Of course we spoil them more now, I think). They are both almost 13 years old now so our time with them is growing limited as well.
Reading your ‘tale’ brought back memories of how our loved ones came to be in our lives. We were and are blessed. Can’t see through the tears now so that’s all I can say.
this story makes me miss my wonderful dog. Rest in peace, my beloved furry friend (1991-2006).
I have 3 rescued kittens right now, in a spare bedroom. 2 weeks ago, I took them from a feral mother cat (the neighbor lets his feral cats breed all over the place) who snuck them into my little shed a few weeks ago. I figure they must be about 6+ weeks now. These are the 7th, 8th, and 9th ones that I’ve rescued, and only kept two all this time. I’ve owned the house since ’02 and placed 6 different kittens from 5 different litters that I discovered. I’m running out of friends who need kittens! Now, once these adorable little furballs are a little bigger and a little more socialized, they will be offered out to any takers.
I do love sitting on the floor, watching them play. The best part is when they climb aboard my legs and fall asleep in a kitten pile. Bliss.
I make good cats. Like dogs, they are. Well, except one of the rescues I kept for myself last summer… she’s a true cat. She started turning wild like the mother just before I scooped her and her sister up, and she still has a little “looneybin” in her. The other one? Practically barks.
Happy Birthday Buf. May you have many more years of faithful service from your humans!
I love this story of Buf finding her forever home! Thanks for sharing AKM.
She is a beautiful girl.
Paul Williams said it so well “Every act of kindness is a little bit of love we leave behind”.
I heart Buf – HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUF – how can you not love that happy fuzzy face.
That snow dog picture is superb! The citation will read: “Buf the Dog’s actions and demeanor exemplifies the possibilities of unconditional love and reflects greatly on the traditions of Dogdom and her family. It shall be decreed this day forward that Buf shall be awarded a cheese sandwich with full dressing (peanut butter) on the anniversary of her arrival (or any day we want) bearing said unconditional love.”
The next time you give her peanut butter, be sure to get a glob of it on the roof of her mouth, stuck in the ridges. We do that to our German shepherd Loki, who was also a rescue. It takes her about 5 minutes to get all of the peanut butter down, but she loves every minute of it.
Happy Day Buf! What a smile inducing story. My beautiful Shep/Husky loves peanutbutter and cheese, never thought about making it into a sandwich.
AKM, you can string words together that plucks the strings of my heart! No matter the topic; you can make it happen.
Our Great Dane granddog, Sir Isaac Newton loves to run in the snow. He does all the things your Buf-love does. Newt’s simply not aware of his size.
This gorgeous story made my day! (Newt will be 2 on November 24th)
Has anyone else seen the husky on youtube who says “I wuve woo” (I love you)?
My dog wasn’t impressed.
(I just gave my sweetpea a bath yesterday, Husky/Shepard is one clean dog! BTW, I just got the “furminator” and it is a godSend for me and my carpet. If anyone has a 24/7 shedder this may help you.)
Like many above, this post reminds me of my own beloved dogs– both of whom we lost within the last year. I still grieve for them, but just last week we opened our hearts to a new little fellow. He’s a rescue and about a year old. Still very high-spirited and puppy’ish but with all the sweetness and intuitiveness that are the signs of a great dog.
Now, if I can only teach him about the joys of sleeping in on Saturday…
And I’ll second Kath the Scrappy’s plug for the Animal Rescue Site (see #5 above) and give you all another click-to-donate site that lists many, many charities you can support with your finger and mouse: http://www.thenonprofits.com/
I often open the page and do my clicks while watching The Daily Show online.
What a wonderful story and Happy Birthday Buff!
Max is sitting on my lap. I took my 2 children to the local shelter to find a black cat to replace our beloved Calvin.
While we were there, ‘max” kept throwing himself at the cage and yowling at my son. But we had 2 other cats plus the soon to be black kitten.
We had to go back and pick up “Winnie”. Max was still there and throwing himself against the cage when my son went towards the cage. He asked to hold him and while Max was curled around his neck, said “mom we have to rescue this kitten”!
That is our story of how we became the family with 4 cats.
And I am ashamed to say our no- cats- on- the- bed rule is trashed when we come home from a trip. Led by Max, who throws himself against the door and yowls, the cats are allowed to sleep with us that night.
We now have 3 cats. Tenny died last year at 22, but the others are 18, and 15 years old.
The best pets seem to be the ones that find you…especially when you have recently made it clear that you are not looking for a pet.
Dreamgirl (26)…ditto on the furminator! Stupidly expensive, but when you have a long haired shedder they are worth every penny. There are some knockoffs on the market now.
happy birthday dear buf. you are a beautiful one. may many more happy snow days come your way.
Weeping with joy for you and in memory of my final dog, who came into my life similarly.
@ Ripley in CT,
I just lost my BooBoo last Dec. The joy he brought me, god I miss my Boo. Pets are really pure love, aren’t they?!
Our neighborhood had a feral cat colony. One summer a momma Cat had a litter under my porch, 5 youngins. Around 4 weeks I began weaning them with mushy cat food w/sardines and got them familiar with me so that I could handle them. I got them all adopted. Plus another litter of 4 from a pregnant momma Cat who befriended me. Plus a stranded kitty (head was caught in a fence trying to follow it’s mom) only just able to walk, had to bottle feed that one.
Save a cat, save the world! I like to think animals and humans and our survival are linked, so I might be a little right.
Happy Birthday Buf!! Here is a birthday story for you…last night, I was depressed and to cheer myself up, I went to Mrs. Palin’s facebook for some laughs…I love her slavish followers and their loving messages, especially the ones that indicate that they fervently believe Mrs. Palin is just about to write them back! So one of them noted that “omg, a segment on Sarah Palin will be on Bill O’reilly next.” It had been posted a few minutes earlier, so I went and turned on the pervert’s show. Sure enough, he was speaking to Dennis Miller about the former governor’s appearance on Oprah to promote her book. Dennis Miller could hardly contain his contempt, criticized her sharply and said that she’s no rogue, she’s cashing in, etc. The best part is, when I returned to Mrs. Todd Palin’s facebook to see the outraged comments, there were none, because the post alerting everyone to the segment had been removed! Here is the video of a snarling Dennis Miller that I found online. It’s hilarious!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng3aF-9LSaI
29 @ overthemoon,
Went to PetCo and was ready to plop down $59.00 when the lovely checkout girl told me that another Petco branch had them on sale for $12.00! I bought 2! They were marked down because they were in a value-pack with dog biscuits and some sort of waterless shampoo, I suppose the expiration date was due or something. Yea my pocket book and Yea my lovely dog!
I’ve always believed that dogs are angels on earth, sent here to take care of us. There’s almost nothing in life that isn’t better with a dog nearby; reading the paper, taking a walk, snuggling in bed during a storm.
Thanks. What a wonderful story (patting heart). Mocha is our third “designer hybrid” from Dumb Friends League- after the first year, she (and the others) decided I was going to keep her forever, and has become the best. They are always so grateful, and have so much love (and slobber) to give.
Good thing she only ate the rattiest sofa (down to the wood frame) we had- otherwise Mr. CO would have donated her to someone, anyone, else.
A few definitions of ROGUE from the Urban Dictionary. I think these are fitting. Enjoy! Could the first one be a more perfect description of Ms. P.?
1. In World of Warcraft, a sneaky little bugger that wears leather armour, and attacks with pointy things to do a lot of damage in a little amount of time. Commonly mispelled “rouge”.
2. A sly, mysterious, and/or deceitful person / thing
3. An unconventional and devious fighter.” A rogues main goal in combat is to use any means necessary to inflict the most possible damage to his opponent
Here, here to a million acts of kindness every day, and more. Yes we can.
BTW, feral cats can be tamed. Just coo talk and feed them, they come around. Also, too, many vets will neuter them for free or very little.
Martha U, nice to read your wonderful wit again! I think many mudpups couldn’t handle Scarah land anymore. It’s draining. Thank goodness for AKM’s, beautiful, uplifting, humorous writings and awesome photography. And of course, thank goodness for all the mudpups who have hung in there.
I read on Wonkette that “Going Rogue” is British slang for a certain…errr….sex act.
I haven’t been able to confirm that yet, but will be hilarious, if true. Republican’s just don’t get the intertubes thing yet…where one can actually check the definition of words. I’ve yet to find “rogue” used in a positive way.
So hey, if she wants to call herself “a devious fighter who’s main goal is to use any means necessary to inflict the most possible damage to his opponent”, so be it.
Seems to be a perfect way to describe her?
Happy Birthday, Buf!!!
Hey, Paula, I’m your opposite. We have three cats and a dog. Our beautiful Maharet is a German sheperd (sp?) mix with a wee bit of wolf tossed in somewhere. Her bark is more of a howl and when the fire whistle goes off its hard to tell where the siren ends and her howl begins. She has perfect pitch. Did I mentioned she is beautiful?
Beautiful Dog! I really miss our Labs.
I love visiting this site every day, but never more than today and your beautiful story about Buf. People who love dogs “rule”. I can’t imagine living a day without my little best friend, Joe. It was not my choice of names, but it was the name he had when he was given to the shelter and I am the lucky recipient of this “throw away” very precious, funny little dog. Thanks for your beautiful story.
What an awesome story. It brought tears to my eyes. Reminded me of Walt Whitman or Ernest Hemingway’s writings. Thank-you for sharing your heart and giving me memories of my pet dogs who have passed on.
This was a heart warning story as I had just gotten an e-mail from my ex that the dog we had adopted thru border collie rescue had passed on to rainbow ridge.She was about 20 years old and blind with tumors growing all over.I had hoped to have a chance to see her again before she got that bad but he moved too far away.I give to the Alaskan vets that try to help by (fixing) the dogs when people cannot afford it.
Furminators, and their knock off brethren, are great for occasional grooming. Be very careful not to use them too often or you can cause serious skin problems. Those combs not only pull loose hair out, but also hair that is still attached to the skin. This can open small wounds in teh animal’s skin and opportunistic infections can result. Our vet has treated several cases of MRSA skin infection on animals who’s owners were too enthusiastic with the furminator type combs.
We have one and use it on our dogs once a month, maybe once a week during the heavy shed times. Other than that we use a stiff boar bristle brush and a wire brush for the heavier coated areas.
Wonderful story and pictures. We have 2 doggies & a kitty. Little white designer dog and big black rescued dog. Before the big black rescued dog we had our beautiful golden retriever, Aspen, also a rescued dog. Although Aspen has been gone for several years I have tears in my eyes thinking about him. I love all my pets, the present and the past but Aspen and Ralphie, the calico kitty I had for 16 years, will always hold a special place in my heart.
My new baby-kitteh is ‘Neu’, which rhymes with ‘few’ (which brother Walt says is a dumb name ‘cuz it’s not a ‘real’ name. This, from a guy who wants to name the cat ‘Jet-sword’!) but the cat picked it, and will come running every time you call it out, EVEN IF you do so in a non-falsetto voice; so that, as they say, is that … )
I found him at a craft fair. A no-kill shelter had set up a booth not far from my sister’s artisan glass booth. She’d spotted it first, and sent me over to check out the 10 month old bull-mastiff ‘puppy’ they had in a play-pen. I saw little Neu in a cage under the table, just sitting near the bars, his head cocked ever-so-slightly to the side, just looking at me….
And I froze, because my heart had just whisper/screamed, “Mine!”.
I’ve been typing one-handed ever since, because computer time is also ‘Mona is a napping surface’ time.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Happy Birthday Buf! And many many more. Thank you, AKM for letting us celebrate Buf’s birthday, too.
Peanut butter and cheese are the nectar and ambrosia of the gods for dogs.
I have a little Pug dog whom I adore. I had a strapping big Irish Setter/German Shepherd/Lab mix for sixteen years. She was one of the best dogs that ever lived! Her ashes are buried in my garden and I am happy to know she is still near me. I swore, after she died, that I would never have another dog. The pain of loss after a lifetime is terrible and my grief was boundless. I was “dogless” for three years. My children decided enough was enough and gave me my precious furbaby for Christmas nine years ago. She was ten weeks old and fit in the palm of my hand when she came to me. She is now 17 pounds of pure love and devotion. I love her snorts, and sneezes and snozzles. She is one of the best dogs that ever lived!
I have two cats rescued from a neighbor’s garbage can by two young teenaged boys after they saw him throw them in. They were barely three weeks old at the time and I nearly lost the little girl who was severely traumatized and having trouble sucking from the bottle. They are two years old now and healthy and beautiful. I have a big happy fur family!
I am raising my coffee mug (with picture of Brian’s snowy muzzle) to toast all
animals everywhere! How bleak and poor our lives would be without them.
Happy Birthday, Buf!
And AKM, you made me cry because your story about how Buf came to you reminds me of the two dogs, the cat and the rabbit that once lived with us, that we didn’t plan on letting be part of our lives, but couldn’t have imagined them not being there once they just seemed to appear.
Right now we don’t have any pets and don’t plan to have any more, but I find that I am missing all of mine very much.
It’s hard to type this through the tears in my eyes …. what a beautiful story. Happy Birthday Buf! And I am sure my little ball of fluff .. Sunflower … my cat, would want to extend her regards also to Buf … from a distance, of course. Have a great day!
45 gindy
You’re right about the possible misuse of the furminator. However my cat comes with a self regulated over-grooming alert system. He’ll put up with it for about 2 minutes (at most) and then he either attacks the brush or pulls a fast escape!
I use it mostly in the early summer when he’s got lots of dull dead hair that is ready to come out.
Buf is adorable. I have three dogs and they are all my very best friends.
Oh, Buf is a great lookin’ dog! I love the ears- flying nun style!
Our rescue dog picked us, he broke loose from the rest and landed in my son’s lap. That was that. I never have had a more grateful dog- or quirky. You can not move furniture around without his permission, he will bark until it gets moved back. Freaks out when the phone rings. All his ‘problems’ is probably why he was a rescue, but it is what makes us love him even more.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened” -
Anatole France
Re: the Furminator, Gindy51, thanks. your post bears repeating. I read up on it before I purchased it, all the pros and cons. (I use a rake and another brush for regular brushings and the furminator once a month before bathtime). I told my Mom I use it on my dog like i shave my legs.. gentle, firm and thorough.
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((liladyny and monalisa is my name)))))))))))))))))))
beautiful stories. and all the rest too. tears in my eyes. just went and hugged my kitteh.
Happy Birthday Buf.
A wonderful story for a wonderful dog.
It makes me think about our little girl-dog, gone for a year and a half now, and her hugely entertaining shenanigans (many were entertaining after a period of time had passed, admittedly).
You are aware that Buf had you hooked right from the “cold nose in the neck” bit, right? What a cutie!
The only love money can buy….and they’re usually free.
They love you unconditionally.
They have no idea how good they have it.
You can spoil them but they’re never spoiled.
There is a very old story (African?) about when God divided man from the animals. He brought them all together and drew a line in the dirt, with man on one side and all of the animals on the other. He said “who will stand beside man”? and no animals moved. So the line became a crack and the crack became wider and wider. At the last moment, dog jumped over and went to sit beside man.
If you can get a copy of Prayers from the Ark, do. Then read the Prayer of the Dog. It makes me cry every time.
Lord,
I keep watch!
If I am not here
who will guard their house?
Watch over their sheep?
Be faithful?
No one but You and I
understands
what faithfulness is.
They call me. “Good dog! Nice dog!”
Words…
I take their pats
and the old bones they throw me
and I seem pleased.
They really believe they make me happy.
I take kicks too
when they come my way.
None of that matters.
I keep watch!
Lord,
do not let me die
until, for them,
all danger is driven away.
For those watching the Obama White House v Fox News situation, here is a REALLY good video put together by Media Matters:
http://bit.ly/3IHKiG
Perfectly counters the cry of “Obama is attacking Fox” with clips of how they’ve insanely attacked him since he took office. Quite striking.
PalinsHatchetMan.com
He has a website but this is what it says if you go to it:
For all inquiries and interviews concerning Renegade:
Sarah Palin’s Hatchet Man please contact us at:
jmorgancommunications@yahoo.com
The interest in this book has been overwhelming so we
are temporarily limiting access to our website.
AKM, Thank you for sharing Buf”s story and your celebration of Buf’s adoption day.
My family ( spouse, 3 inside dogs, 1 old sled dog, 2 cockatiels and 2 rescued homing pigeons.) and I are getting used to our new home in the Valley. ( well not spouse he is still off on a remote job site). Sense the move the dogs have been especially clingy and the high winds of the last 2 days has created all kinds of new noises for them to get used to. My poor old shepherd mix is very concerned by all the new smells that come with the wind, mostly from horses and cows from the surrounding farms. It did not really did not think of the fact that getting used to a new home would be as hard on my “babies” as it is me.
Mudpups, this is one reason we can be glad Scarah was brought to public attention. Please help me pass this around. It’s very important and also tied into the terrible rape situation in wars and very cruel child and women mutilation in Africa that still goes on. Thank you!
This is a worthy fight, as worthy as keeping Scarah out of politics.
http://godsownparty.com/blog/2009/10/guest-article-thank-goodness-for-sarah-palin/
Your dog is cute. I was just watching this video before reading your post. The dog was probably trying to go home..lol. Animals have the right to refuse!!
http://gmy.news.yahoo.com/vid/16211406
Buf! She is the dog of the year, the hound of the month!
Great post, AKM.
I was also “picked” to be my late “Charlie Girl’s” mom. She was one in a litter of six or seven and decided I was her mom. She was a red chow and not really a lap dog, but she would wiggle her way onto my lap and cuddle and boy, I can’t tell you how much I miss her. She passed away seven years ago on Halloween and I am crying right now thinking of her. She was my best friend and the most loyal and loving pet ever. My husband who came along when she was about five, callled her a “Fur Person” because she was so smart and kind of human-like. I wish your dog “Buf” a very happy birthday and hope you are blessed with many more years of her friendship!!!
Awwww, Happy Birthday, Buf! What a cutie!
Forgot to post the link above.. sorry..
http://www.palinshatchetman.com/
Birthday wishes Buf. Rescue pets always have a story to tell. God Bless all those who take them in. I just told our Aussie mix, JD, about the cheese and peanut butter. He turned and made a beeline to the kitchen.
JD/Rich/Annette
Just tried your link above. Wow. Got this message:
For all inquiries and interviews concerning Renegade:
Sarah Palin’s Hatchet Man please contact us at:
jmorgancommunications@yahoo.com
The interest in this book has been overwhelming so we
are temporarily limiting access to our website.
Lexky, I just left a couple of comments in the “Going…Renegade?” thread about trying to track down more info about this book project. I’m skeptical that it is anything more than a trial balloon (and if the image that comes to your mind with that is a big silver UFO flying over Colorado, well, me too).
Did anyone happen to save (maybe in your cache?) a version of the palinshatchetman.com website before it was taken down?
Very nice story, AKM.
My little old man (a dachshund mix rescue) is snoozing on the back of the couch, nose to the window, always ready to alert me to the horrible dangers of UPS trucks.
After reading your article this morning, I have a feeling he will get an extra kiss on that spot between his ears, and maybe a nice piece of processed cheese.
I’m thinking Alaska is going to have a new Frank the Bank Bailey!
See Frank sing…
Sing Frank sing.
Someone has to stand up for Alaska, it might as well be Frank Bailey. Lynn Rockets is probably all over a Frank Bailey song by now :=}
Happy birthday to Buf! Had too much coffee, and songs pop into my head. Just came up with this one for Buf.
Buf the magic canine, lived by the sea, he frolicked in the winter snow, in a land called Denali. (to the tune of Puff the magic dragon).
I started the above writing about Buf and I got multithinking…again. A sure sign of Palinitis.
Hey Buf – 14 dogs on the ground at Camp Smith today –
ruffy ruff day to youuuuuu!
Alaskan Sisu and friends with paws also too.
When our first dog was facing his final days, our vet was a great comfort, and he eased us through a difficult time. Because our kids were young, he waited a polite week or two, and then called describing a rescue-dog that we thought we would like to adopt.
Our caring vet volunteered at a rescue place, donating his time to save strays. He was impressed with a six month old puppy who had already been housebroken, but abandoned (an all too common story). He estimated that the dog had been born at the beginning of July.
We picked out the 4th of July as the dog’s birth date, and named our newly adopted pet Sparky, since sparklers were the only authorized kind of fireworks that were available in our state (not any more). When we tried to include Sparky in our nation’s birthday celebrations, he dug holes in the backyard, and howled at the noise of nearby firecrackers (illegal and popular). He also barked loudly at strangers, squirrels and any other dog whose owner made the bad choice of walking in front of our house. He lived a long, happy life and filled our lives with much happiness as well.
Kraft slices are purchased in bulk at our house. It’s the ultimate treat for all four of our dogs. We lured in our second dog — who was a nervous stray who wouldn’t come too close — with a Hansel and Gretel trail of processed American — Milkbones wouldn’t cut it. Now I can get all four dogs surrounding me in rapt attention just by wrinkling the wrapper. And once in a while I treat myself to a grilled cheese.
Thanks for your wonderful blog — it’s a daily dose of sanity in a crazy world!
Awwwwwwwwwww.
You can help other dogs and cats who need a forever home by voting for Little Bitsy: http://www.cutestdogcompetition.com/vote.cfm?h=08C91FF88447651C43B224AF9FFC1E6E. John Cole over at Balloon Juice (http://www.balloon-juice.com/) has been promoting her for weeks now. This is the last week of the contest. Every vote counts. Please help dogs and cats in need by voting for Little Bitsy.
Very cool–and lucky–puppy!
Combo dogs make the world go ’round! I have wonderful dog stories of tears and joy, too – where would we be without these magnificent friends? A life without dog kisses would be too hard to endure.
Most of my friends are dog people (of course!) but there are different levels which make me laugh. Some love their mutts, but no kisses please! Others love to let the kisses happen, but no way Jose, don’t lick the dishes! Other sweet owners do everything for their dogs except for letting them sleep in the bed. I can’t even imagine a bed w/o dog hair personally. Dog hair and dog kisses have healing powers, and in my opinion I will live forever as long as my buddies are close by!
Buf, Buf, Hurray! Happy Birthday, cutie with a heart on your head!
Awww AKM. I Love My Dogs
I love my dogs, this is their home.
Its my hope they’ll never roam..
My faithful friends, they are the best..
This is their home, you are the guest..
If to you, they are a peeve.
Then by all means please feel free to leave… Author Unknown.
Happy Birthday Buf! (Thanks for sharing AKM.)
Slightly OT, After my Boo passed my grief had my reading dog blog after dog blog (way to make me cry harder) trying to figure out what I did wrong, (denial-anger phase?) . I wanted to “save” my remaining dog, BoBo’s mom and came across some things I was totally unaware of:
Vaccionosis, a controversy of over vaccinating your pet causes renal failure
IAMS food, not so good,supposedly cause mast cell tumors in larger dogs (poor BoBo)
and began searching for natural remedies (better dogfood too, and also, we now feed non grain dogfood) as My shep/husky kept getting fleas even after applying Frontline, and found:
AppleCiderVinegar , 1 tbs in dog bowl is an old farmers flea cure and
Garlic, is extremely beneficial to us humans and pets. (the pet industry would have you think differently) One clove a day , i boil/blanch mine to take the odor away. I eat one everyday too, and also…
AKM may i post this link for health remedies for dogs for those interested:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Pets/garlic-for-dogs2.html
@58, mlaiuppa – What a lovely poem, how beautiful, you’re going to make me cry too, and also!
What a great story. Pets are the best aren’t they?
Happy Birthday to “Buf.”
I love the name “Buf” too by the way, and your post some time back on how you came up with it just made me smile. My daughter is also a big fan of both “Buf” and “Brian” stories, so I plan to show her this “episode” when she gets home. Thanks!
76 goodboypaschal Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:14 AM
Kraft slices are purchased in bulk at our house. It’s the ultimate treat for all four of our dogs. We lured in our second dog — who was a nervous stray who wouldn’t come too close — with a Hansel and Gretel trail of processed American — Milkbones wouldn’t cut it. Now I can get all four dogs surrounding me in rapt attention just by wrinkling the wrapper. And once in a while I treat myself to a grilled cheese.
Thanks for your wonderful blog — it’s a daily dose of sanity in a crazy world
——————
absolute favorite treat in my house to
WHAT?! No sloppy dog kisses? No furry bed-warmers? No dish-washers?
Why then would you spend enough money on food, vets and toys as most do on their kids? Why would you keep putting more quilts over the chewed up furniture till it looked like a grammy’s house? Even chasing ‘dog fluffies’ around the house with the handvac (or pulling one out of your mouth) is worth the look you see in the eyes of one who ADORES you..
reading all the anti-Obama-ites propaganda…it dawned on me that these people (now finally being stood up to) don’t realize their opposition is smarter, wiser, more intelligent (than them)…up to the task of debate, challenge, and requiring proof (than ever before)…more diverse, more in quantity…leaving them dumb-founded, standing with their mouths gaped open…it’s a beautiful day, here in our patriotic America! …the wait begins for them to slither with their tails between their legs…an apology is in grand order! I know, I know…don’t hold my breath!
Happy Birthday to Buf.. What a beautiful dog. I should have guessed that all you caring people would be animal lovers. I volunteer at the local animal shelter and some of the things you see are heartbreaking. I have 5 dogs of my own and am fostering a beautiful male boxer that came to the shelter, skinny and with heartworms. I am sure after nursing him through heartworm treatment I will end up adopting him because he has stolen both mine and hubby’s hearts. All but one of mine are rescues and Buf’s story brought tears to my eyes as I thought of the 3 that we have lost in the past 3 years. A house isn’t a home without these four legged companions. And yes we have a king size bed and they all sleep with us, even the foster. Over the years we have had furniture, eye glasses, remotes, cell phones, shoes and various other things destroyed and I don’t regret one minute of it.
Buf! You happy, happy girl! What a wonderful picture. Happy forever day.
Like so many others who have logged on today, your story brings back memories of pets past and present. While, I cherish and love the dogs and cats, that now share their lives with me. I miss Max (dog) and Bear and Diddle (cats), more than I can express.
I’ll never forget the day Max choose me as his owner. I had gone to the local shelter to get a cat because I lived in a small house. To get to the cats, tho, you had to walk past the dog cages.
While walking back, I was just looking over the dogs when my eyes meet Max’s and soon as they did I knew he was suppose to be my dog. He was scheduled to be put down later that day, but I begged them to wait a day until I could talk with BF about getting a dog instead of a cat. Fortunately, they reluctantly agreed.
I rushed home to talk to BF and he was opposed to the idea, but I knew Max was mine. So, instead of waiting till the next day, I rushed back to the animal shelter to get him. When they brought Max out…do you think he looked grateful…no, his expression was more of a what-took-you-so-long look.
He was a joy to me for 16 years…a lot longer than the BF.
My previous cats, Bear and Diddle were obtained through the Univ of NC animal labs. Animals used in this lab cannot be given to shelters or adopted. They are considered to be state property, so you have to sign a fostering agreement that you will give the animals back if they request it…yeah, like that was ever gonna happen. Diddle was a ginger tabby, sweet as could be, but not too bright. But Bear, he was more like a dog than a cat. He went with me everywhere, came when called, and never left the yard.
I had all these guys over 10 years and I still miss them so very much.
Oops, natural health remedies for dogs,
earth clinic: http://www.earthclinic.com/Pets/garlic_for_dogs2.html
This web blog reminded me of our (humans) wealthcare industry and how my Grandma angered my mother and my uncles because she never took her “medication” — she didn’t trust doctors. She lived to be 93 yrs. old. Go figure.
@ Sue in Kansas, 88, I just found out garlic may get rid of heartworms, hookworms and a plethora of parasites for both humans and their love-masters, animals. I posted above if your interested in what some believe to be a cheap and efficient cure: earth clinic . com, http://www.earthclinic.com/Pets/garlic_for_dogs2.html
I was interested in parasites, yucky, and natural cures only after my dog passed and wondered why, then I found this site and remembered a few years ago my dog got ringworm, from the feral cats that frequented my yard, and then so did I. (guess where they showed up in me … calling GYNY…) I didn’t want this issue to reoccur and knew our ancestors had a few cures up their sleeves so if your interested take a look.
Me and my dog are bug free. (screw you big Pharma, Pphhhhhhttt)
Good luck with your new Boxer!
Happy birthday dear Buf! LOVE the heart on her forehead!
Here is a way for Lynn Rockets to get started on the Frank Bailey song – the tune is “Won’t you come home, Bill (Frank) Baily, won’t you come home….”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Won't_You_Come_Home_Bill_Bailey
Never trust a person without dog (or cat-if that is your choice) hair on their clothes.
Best dog book of the year (in my opinion) “The Art of Racing in the Rain”.
dreamgirl@99 — Thanks for the links, I’ll check it out.
lovemydogs:
Never trust a person without dog (or cat-if that is your choice) hair on their clothes.
—————
I love that quote, and by looking at mine right now, I see I am EXTREMELY trustworthy! Loads of cat hair.
I noticed that Andree paid us a visit and explained what may result from Mr. Baileys book if it doesn’t match what he has previously testified to.
I even had to take a peek at this ‘ other site ‘ because my curiosity got the best of me seeing as 2 more books were being written about ‘ The Queen ‘.
We can really never not look away from the train wreck in front of us. These Fans, in their group think mentality ,think Frank will stand beside ‘The Queen’ because he has always been a loyal Subject in Her Kingdom.
THAT alone, seems to infer that it will be a tell-all because whatever ‘ they’ think… do the opposite and you will probably be right most of the time.
Andree may be right with the ‘ legal issue’.
I kind of go back to the beginning and ask this question. ” There has to be demand for the book/story… or why write it? “. Without THAT… there is no book. Frank agreeing with what Queen writes in her book ( and he doesn’t KNOW what she says yet) creates no story or demand. Who has the bigger stage presence or persona? The Star… or a stand-in Actor who has one line to recite in the Third Act of a Play before the curtain comes down.
And Andrew Halcro ( in his post ) says it backs him up or vindicates his claims all along.
There is no ‘ demand ‘ or story for his book unless it goes against what the Queen says. Would a small book publisher allow a book to be written that has no demand or interest. Not if he is smart. This publisher is not MoneyBags Murdoch with tons of Cash laying around.
Common sense says it is a tell-all. That ‘ legal ‘ thing… might be a problem.
Alaskan politicians play by different Rules. It WILL be interesting.
Happy Birthday to Buf! happy birthday to Buf! happy Birthday happy Birthday Happy Birthday to Buf!
And lots of roos and snuffles,
Beau, Harley, & Mindy Rose
The ..world of dog..is what has kept magic..in our lives here..for generations. On a dog site..I spent 5 years with others who also held those thoughts..and YES..to dog hair!! Happy birthday sweety..and many more.
Happy Boofday Buf!
From my very own “Wrecking Crew”.
at see4pee they are not sure Miss Wasilla will show for the WI right to life! here is a sample:
Hey all, so I want to go to Milwaukee to the Right To Life, but It’s a 4-hour trip and I don’t want to make it unless Palin is there. I don’t want to keep waiting either as I don’t want it to be sold out. What do ya’ll say? SHould I just buy tickets and plan on going?
Related to this thread over at huffpo, Baxter, world’s oldest therapy dog, dies. A very nice video included. Prepare to cry, but very heart warming.
If you run out of cheese slices, try carrot chips. Burrito and Mocha love these, and they’re good for them, too. also (sshhh…don’t tell the doggies, they think carrot slices are junky human food
)
Just thought, do you think Bailey could be writing his book to ‘back up’ and ‘confirm’ what Scarah says in hers? It would be just like him to throw himself on a sword for her. It might also give him a little piece of the money pie.
Does he still have cancer?
Does he still work as spokesperson for Palin appointed State Attorney, Sullivan, the Washington Republican that worked in Bush’s administration? I think it was in legal defense? I can’t remember exactly.
Dog and cat hair – my guilt-free fur coat!
(((Mudpuppies))) – You guys are the best! I bless John McCain every day for bringing us together.
I didn’t know about the garlic for heartworms. I reluctantly give Chloe her heartworm pill every month, but if it’s not necessary to “toxify” her, I’d rather do something natural. I learned long ago that she’s allergic to wheat, corn AND soy so I just cook her food. People look at me like I’m nuts when I tell them that, but dogs have lived and thrived for millenia before processed dog food came along so I think they can manage well on leftovers from our table. Dogs are omnivores and will eat pretty much anything, but I go easy on the carbs because Miss Pug could quickly turn into Miss Pudge! All I know is that she has no ear infections, no skin infections, no itchies. Her coat is satin-smooth and she doesn’t shed excessively (Pugs shed 24/7/365).
Say No…:
I think you are thinking of Bill McAllister. Bailey is a different person.
When we run out of dog biscuits both of ours love triscuits. Another favorite is the plain leftover rice after we’ve had Chinese take-out.
Not dog related, but VERY important (from HuffPo):
Franken’s Anti-Rape Amendment May Be Stripped By Senior Dem, Sources Say
An amendment that would prevent the government from working with contractors who denied victims of assault the right to bring their case to court is in danger of being watered down or stripped entirely from a larger defense appropriations bill.
Multiple sources have told the Huffington Post that Sen. Dan Inouye, a longtime Democrat from Hawaii, is considering removing or altering the provision, which was offered by Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and passed by the Senate several weeks ago.
Inouye’s office, sources say, has been lobbied by defense contractors adamant that the language of the Franken amendment would leave them overly exposed to lawsuits and at constant risk of having contracts dry up. The Senate is considering taking out a provision known as the Title VII claim, which (if removed) would allow victims of assault or rape to bring suit against the individual perpetrator but not the contractor who employed him or her.
“The defense contractors have been storming his office,” said a source with knowledge of the situation. “Inouye either will get the amendment taken out altogether, or water it down significantly. If they water it down, they will take out the Title VII claims. This means that in discrimination cases, they will still force you into a secret forced arbitration on KBR’s (or other contractors’) own terms — with your chances of prevailing practically zero. The House seems to be very supportive of the original Franken amendment and all in line, but their hands are tied since it originated in the Senate. And since Inouye runs the show on this bill, he can easily take it out to get Republicans and the defense contractors off his back, which looks increasingly likely.”
Contact Sen. Dan Inouye and let him know if he does this, he’s as bad as the 30 Repukes who voted against it in the first place. (HI is six hours behind Eastern time, so you can call those offices until late this evening!)
DC:
Phone: 202-224-3934
Fax: 202-224-6747
Honolulu
Phone: 808-541-2542
Fax: 808-541-2549
Hilo
Phone: 808-935-0844
Fax: 808-961-5163
http://inouye.senate.gov/Contact/Email-Form.cfm
Just got this in an email from the NRDC about Bristol Bay and the Pebble Mine:
Bristol Bay
Alaska’s magnificent wilderness named newest BioGem
The untouched wilderness of Alaska’s Bristol Bay is home to an incredible array of wildlife; grizzlies, wolves, seals and whales are all drawn here by the abundance of salmon, which arrive by the millions to spawn in the cool, pristine waters. Bristol Bay’s complex web of life has long sustained fishing communities and indigenous peoples, but now giant mining interests threaten to disrupt this delicate balance. With a number of foreign mining companies eyeing Bristol Bay for its gold and copper deposits, NRDC has named it our newest BioGem — an imperiled wild place that needs urgent protection. When we first notified BioGems Defenders back in August about the imminent threat to Bristol Bay from a mining proposal, more than 53,000 of you took action. Hard-rock mining — the only way to extract the region’s gold and copper ore — is incredibly destructive and polluting, and even a single accident could be disastrous, especially for the area’s wildlife. The proposed Pebble Mine, for example, would be one of the largest open-pit mines in the world and could create more than nine billion tons of toxic waste.
» Learn more about the wildlife of Bristol Bay and, if you haven’t already, take action to keep hard-rock mining out of this BioGem.
Regarding the Whitehouse vs FOX News; why is no one mentioning the following story? Was it proven to be a fake, or is it just being overlooked for some reason?
The Media Can Legally Lie
By Mike Gaddy
Writer for lewrockwell.com.
In February 2003, a Florida Court of Appeals unanimously agreed with an assertion by FOX News that there is no rule against distorting or falsifying the news in the United States.
I have been following the career of the freshman Congressman from Florida, Alan Grayson and have been enjoying his smackdown of the hypocrites in Congress. He (lucky Floridians) and Al Franken (lucky Minnesotans) have been calling them out left and right. They eviscerate them quietly and with grace and skill and TRUTH! It is a thing of wonder to see.
Grayson SCHOOLS Paul Broun on Constitution. He will NOT yield! (Update: Now with even more EPIC WIN)
http://cornsyrupawareness.dailykos.com/
Franken Schools Right-Wing Analyst on Medical Bankruptcies in Countries with Universal Health Care: “It’s Zero.”
http://thinkprogress.org/2009/10/21/al-franken-grills-hudson/
@liladyNY
I’m loving Grayson, Franken and Weiner right now. I’m also watching Rob Miller in SC and hope he kicks Wilson’s butt in 2010.
So the BeeHive Beauty shop who does Scarah’s hair is going to be on a TLC show? hmm, how interesting. She got a new fancy sign also, too.
How can they not ask questions about Scarah with all those clients? Course I’m sure Scarah primed and prepped ‘only good things’ or you’ll be sorry.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wasilla-AK/Beehive-Beauty-Shop/131312630027?v=wall
“So producers called and they want us all to sign releases! I asked why? They said TLC needs it………. (what does this mean!!!)”
“So I talked to Kelly the producer and he said it was just routine, not to get all excited about it. They are almost done finishing up the pilot to send to TLC! Hopefully we will all hear soon!!!!!!!!!
Yesterday at 11:23am”
[...]
“The vision is Ace of Cakes meets Steel Magnolias, meets Northern Exposure! It sounds really silly lets see what happens!!
They are going to freeze their buns off today!!!!”
“Anyone that has an appointment when the camera crews are in the salon, please bring in pictures of you doing Alaskan things either hunting, fishing, hiking, or camping, or gardening, or Hatcher Pass, or shooting or anything else you would like to brag about our beautiful state of Alaska! They want to show off our fabulous clients!!!! Thanks everyone!!!!”
As a reminder Glynnis Macnicol still has her Huffpo story up about ” Questions Oprah should ask Sarah Palin”. You may chime in there with a question.
The moderation is heavy and rather tricky with what is allowed to get through.
Posting links won’t work… and you must be a little generic. It could be that the older more recognized names that have posted there before are allowed to get posted. Because mine are showing up and people on the other blogs say they are getting deleted.
( New accounts just started on HP that is-just a guess,could be wrong)
I recognized some of the Mudpuppies from here.
I posted about 5 questions on different subjects that got through. Showing a total pattern of deception and lies rather than just 1 item in particular. Emails, Medicaid fiasco, AGIA, Trust funds issues/fund raising, etc. Showing the pattern of deception from what truly happened. My post just showed up right under Gryphens comment there about Sarah’s Dr’s statement/letter.
Why has her Dr.CBJ never made an official statement..?
My gravitar is the same as here.
Add some fuel to the fire if you want.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/glynnis-macnicol/top-ten-outrageous-sarah_b_328710.html
BBHounds
Yes, I love Weiner too! I’m just outside his district in Brooklyn. : ( I have written to support him and I donate to all their campaigns when I have a bit to spare. I sense a sea change in the air – I think people are finally getting sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Down with Ayn Rand! Down with the military-industrial complex! Down with Corporatism! Down with Faux News! Up with healthcare reform! Up with consumer protections! Up with environmental protections! Up with our President! !00%
I echo Alan Grayson: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
@93 loveyoudogs and #103 LiladyNY , I proclaim animal hair on clothing is the new black!
On medical bankruptcies please read all of Nicholas D Kristof, NYT,re: health denying issues articles.
And Bill Moyers, The Journal, “Profits before Patients”: http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07102009/watch2.html
And, Health Perks for Congress:
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=8709410
I hope it has sunk in that this will continue as long as she stays in the news, it’s what happens to celebs, Scarah, deal with it……….I imagine the media will be all over her again as the book comes out that will stir the pot. Get ready AKM and mudpups, do we need to clean? lol.
From the Plastic Surgery Channel web site:
http://www.theplasticsurgerychannel.com/celebrity-plastic-surgery/oprah-sarah-palin-to-discuss-new-book.html
“MakeMeHeal.com ventured into this territory in August 2008, speculating that Palin has at least opted for some Botox injections in her forehead, Restylane fillers around the eyes and possibly laser skin resurfacing for her blameless face.
According to them, it is less likely she has undergone any kind of knife-time operation such as a face lift. As a five-time mom, Palin would also seem a good candidate for a breast lift, but there’s nothing confirmed to prove she has had one.”
Say NO, I agree with you on Baily’s motives.
I really just came back to retract every nice thing I said earlier about my dog. After checking on some persistent barking going on in the livingroom, I just found my month old couch (2nd replacement) in shreds. OK, just half of it in shreds. The dog (his name when in trouble) will be spared, but I might just use his own fur coat this time to cover the holes! (I’m sure we’ll kiss and make up before the end of the day but, AAArrgggghhhh!)
I adore Grayson and also admit to giving my dog *jam sandwiches* for lunch!
Yes. Best dog book ever.
The Art of Racing in the Rain.
I also recommend it on CD. I couldn’t wait to get the book so got the CD first and listened while I was waiting. When the book finally arrived I had to read the rest straight through to see how it ends.
I see Parnell has an 81% approval rating. You guys in Alaska sure are easy to please
He’s not Palin.
AKM
LiladyNY @103 – I’m with you on table foods for dogs. We have been raising Chihuahuas for almost 20 years and way back when, our vet said that there was nothing wrong with people food for dogs, as long as it was a balanced diet and that they had adequate roughage for proper digestion, and beef bones for their teeth. All have thrived and there’s no need to hunt around for decent dog food that isn’t full of chemicals and other by-products. I totally agree about keeping the carbs limited or they will get too fat. Several times a week, I’ll do a pot of ground beef, rice, and a can of mixed veggies, with a little olive oil and soy sauce, and they licked their dishes clean. Most dogs will also eat fish which is an excellent source of nutrients for them as well as us humans. Many people don’t realize that two common foods dogs should NEVER get are chocolate and grapes/raisins. Both can be very harmful to them, and even result in death.
As to dogs sleeping on our beds – my little ones go under the covers and way down to the end and are the best footwarmers on a chilly night!
And @109 – Great links! I sure wish Grayson was my Representative! Wouldn’t it be nice if more Democrats would take a page from his book and start speaking up?
HIG – My postings also got through but I’ve been posting there for a long time, so you may have a point on that one. I am very surprised at the low number of comments that have made it. It is also a brilliant idea to take just one topic at a time. Let’s hope someone from Oprah’s staff will read the comments. I’m also surprised that there are so few comments from Palin supporters.
Bea, I just sent a scathing email expressing my disappointment. GAH! Thanks for the heads up.
@boodog, deep breaths, in, now out.
Take pictures. Then share. ( do you crate your dog when you’re not there? Helped me and only have ankle-bitten-couch when husky/shep was a pup)
OT: If you have pups, they love icecubes when teething!
boodog
Everyone who comes to my home comments on the fact that my couch is beautiful,in fact it is 15 years old and the quilts used to cover it 24/7 so the dogs can use it as they please get tossed behind the couch out of sight when someone knocks on the door!!! I have ruined many a washer washing the doggy smell out of the quilts,but my couch has not needed to be replaced!!
@ Bea:
I emailed also (too)- pointed out the honorable action would be including the amendment, to provide some protection for female employees, and asked him why he would want our government to do business with contractors who acted so despicably.
@ boodog:
Take pictures! The gnawed down-to-the-frame couch (no people, just the couch) was our Christmas card picture that year. We heard from people we hadn’t heard from in years– all laughing.
msnbc is reporting NOW about Frank Bailey’s book and mentions his involvement in “the Troopergate SCANDAL.”
Happy Birthday Buf! My own birthday was last Saturday and I am proud to share a birthday week with such a wonderful, happy-go-lucky, fellow snow-lover!
I lost my crazy hero kitty a few years ago to old age. She was 17 and I had brought her home as a kitten on cross-country trek along with my oldest sister who had just been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The cat was the last direct connection I had with my sister and it was very hard to see her go.
She was part calico, part feral cat and may have even had some vestiges of bobcat blood in her…but she was clearly ALL cranky! She tolerated me in direct proportion to the temperature of the house…pure disdain in the summer but in my lap the moment I became even remotely horizontal in the winter.
As a first-time cat owner after years in a dog-loving family, she was certainly NOT the affectionate cuddler I might have liked (and I still bear the scars to prove it!) but she literally saved my life as a young cat and, for that, she was forgiven much of her ornery behavior.
While still living at home, I was asleep in my second-floor bedroom one summer night when she began making an ungodly fuss at the closed door. When I finally got up to see what the problem was, I discovered that the front door was obscured by smoke from the burned out motor of a box fan in the living room. Arches in the doorway would have prevented the smoke from reaching the detectors until after the flames had blocked our only exit. My father was able to drag the fan outside and douse the flames before any damage was done to the house…or to us…and we were all extremely grateful to our very special furry ‘fire alarm’!
On her designated birthday each year, she also received her favorite treats…canned tuna and three Cheese Doodles!
Hi pups, I’m on the road, but just checking in to say happy adoption day to Buf and hugs to all mudpups.
@Bea #106
Called Hawaii – Inouye’s office
Told her if he strips that amendment down, he is for rape and that makes him just as bad as the dirty thirty. Rape is one of the worst crimes a woman can face and to have no legal recourse is unconscionable!
I let the woman that answered the phone to let him know we will be watching.
If any of you feel strongly about this, CALL and let him know!
Happy B’day Buf.
There are so many unwanted animals, I personally think there should be a huge tax on purebreds that would go to support animal shelters, and neutering.
Some vets are nice enough to neuter live trapped feral kitten and puppies that property owners are lucky enough to catch. But why should the vets have to give a freebee, when breeders charge the earth for purebreds?
And places like pet stores would be a place to start that. Put a city surcharge on puppy mill pet sales, and some kind of incentive if they help adoptions of Pound Puppies.
@126 leenie17
Brava to your awesome kitty. I just read a story this morning in my current AARP magazine called Tails of Love about heroic animals and one of them was about a cat who saved the lives of her people when a gasoline pump in the basement cracked and allowed carbon monoxide gas to pour through the heating ducts in the house. Winnie, the cat, was sleeping next to the only open window in the entire house and was not affected by the gas. The mother was nearly unconscious on the floor in a hallway and the cat kept pulling her hair and yowling in her ear. She kept up this unusual behavior until the woman was able to dial 911 although she passed out before she could tell the operator was happened. State troopers were dispatched and were able to save the family. Winnie, the cat, was found in a closet. Five minutes longer and the family would have been dead.
We should never discount the ability of animals to think and reason just because they don’t speak our language. They are NOT lesser creatures than we are.
You guys are so funny, take pictures! Well, I will cool down and maybe do just that- Christmas cards to the kids that made me bring that dog (still mad) home! Two couches, a recliner, 2 game chairs and many, many sheets and bedspreads. It helps to understand that he was abused not only by humans, but the bully dogs they had. So now when he hears another dog bark, he attacks whatever he is sitting/lying on at the time. We are working on it (I thought we were seeing the end of this behavior, so, new couch). No crate for this guy- it is another quirk of his- he was left in one for days at a time as a puppy. We rescued him and will have to deal with what comes with that- see, I’m already forgiving him…aawww
boodog
I wonder what Cesar Millan would do for your doggy? There was a terrific article about him in the New York Times Magazine recently and he is the REAL deal. He has an amazing back story. I’ll see if I can find the article and post the link.
BBHounds, I will call Inouye’s offic- used to think he was ok a long time ago. I thought the republicans who got their names on the sh** list for voting against justice would be feeling a little sheepish for it, with the publicity it has gotten. I can’t believe Inouye is pushing this even further. If he gets his way, it will be an astonishingly sad day for Americans.
@boodog
Yep, its sucks when the couch becomes a chew toy. I was just very happy they didn’t eat it. Surgery for intestinal blockage costs a heck of a lot more than a new couch. One of our dogs keeps going for the couch, his bed, things plugged into the wall…………………………………………………………….
Found it:
Cesar Millan, Whispering to Dogs and C.E.O’s
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/11/business/11dog.html
http://www.care2.com/causes/environment/blog/marine-scientist-loses-federal-funding-for/
is the link to read about how a marine scientist at University of Alaska, Fairbanks lost his federal funding for standing up for the environment. U of AK apparently cares more about their funders (Big Oil, natch) than the truth. Spread the word, sign the petition, do something! Health and peace.
129 Marnie Says:
And places like pet stores would be a place to start that. Put a city surcharge on puppy mill pet sales, and some kind of incentive if they help adoptions of Pound Puppies.
________________________
as a mater of fact i think they shouldn’t be aloud to be sold in pet stores at all. I worked in a pet store in Germany as a teenager and my Boss was totally against selling Cats or Dogs in pet stores, actually i don’t remember seeing them in pet stores period over there. My Son refuses to go to our local pets unlimited because of the puppies and kittens housed in overcrowded cages. My Vet also dislikes this place because he things those Puppies come from mills
Lilady, thanks. I have every book written by the Dog Whisperer, or any other author who has written about dog training. I’ve got a whole library now! But I have been working with a guy that is pretty amazing with him. He specializes in abuse cases. It just is something that will take time I guess. He is a pain, but a love, also. I can learn to to like the ‘minimalist’ style of home decoration!
I hadn’t seen that one yet, thanks Lilday. I’ll head over to read it
Our pup (OK 3 yr old rescue Cocker Spaniel) got a spoonful of peanut butter after breakfast to celebrate Buf’s day. I swear, if it was possible for a dog to wiggle out of its skin in anticipation ours could do it! She loves fresh snow as much as Buf, also too. I love watching her bound through fresh deep snow (she’s a very petite spaniel so she really has to bound) They really make it look like there is no greater joy on earth. The cat, on the other hand, blames us for the snow and any other bad weather and anything else that isn’t up to her high standards.
By the way, love Earthclinic, Dreamgirl!
OT, Alan Grayson,
Bernie Sanders ( http://sandersunfiltered.com/ ) and (finally) Senator
Al Franken give me a glimmer of hope. (re: non bribed elected officials)
Fight The Good Fight! (and also, too…please take your health and your pets away from BigPharma!) read up on AppleCiderVinegar repels fleas and Garlic will expel Heartworms in your pets, http://earthclinic.com/Pets/garlic_for_dogs2.html – Good for us (stupid humans) and them (animal-under studies on how to get-it-right)
I have become a BigPharma skecptptic (sp) , like my 93yr old Italian Grandma was.(Thanks Grandma! I loved eating your love– Homemade pasta, pizza and pastina with your meat sauce) She distrusted doctors and refused her “medication”, much to the consternation of my Mom and Uncles… (93 years old! Wow!! To her I raise my head from my lethargic pillow and question everything!) (garlic for all! lol!)
Pet and human health benefits aren’t so different are they?
Eff you BigPharma! Pphhhhhhhhhhhhhhtttttttttttt, (Archie Bunker style!)
135 LiladyNY Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:54 PM
Found it:
Cesar Millan, Whispering to Dogs and C.E.O’s
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/11/business/11dog.html
————-
love him…watch him all weekend . Him and Dogtown.
Unfortunately my Dogs are still spoiled rotten LOL
Since on the topic of wonderful dogs-
this is a tear jerking video of Baxter the “End of Life Dog” used at hospices in San Diego- Truly touching.
Baxter finally died last Friday at 19.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/22/baxter-the-worlds-oldest_n_330249.html
so “Buf” is our Anonymous “Buffer” =) Cute cute dog. She had you as soon as she sighed in your arms.
This is for you Matthew Shephard!
The U.S. Senate just passed, by a vote of 68 – 29, the conference report on the Department of Defense Authorization. That was the final step in the legislative process for this bill, which contains the hate crimes language.
Happy Birthday Buff!
As a dog lover with a 13yr. old and 11 yr. old Jack Russell Terrier, these stories always bring tears to my eyes.
In my 50+ years I have never been without a dog and they have always been rescues. It doesn’t matter how much you love them, they always love you more.
Thanks for this wonderful story. We animal lovers have to stick together.
And more good news –
White House protects polar bears with Alaska ‘critical habitat’ designation.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2009/oct/22/alaska-polar-bear-barack-obama
So, we’re three for three today:
Buf’s birthday
Crimes Bill will become Law
Protection for polar bear habitat
Some days make their own sunshine!.
BBHounds – not things plugged into the walls?! NOOO!
Sorry, that’s
Hate Crimes Bill will become Law.
I was following up on a Huffpo story that was about Repuglicans using Fake Twitter account names ( names of Democrats ) to send out false or phony messages in an attempt to smear them or look bad. The GOP was posing as Democrats. I’ll include the Huffpo link. The redirect link took you to the NYT story as well.
They had a quote from Glynnis Macnicol there. Sound familiar ? Glynnis is the same person who yesterday posted the story about the Questions Oprah needs to ask Sarah. It looks like she may write regularly for ” Mediaite “.
( Not sure Who they are?)This might be someone to follow and see what she writes about.
————————-
“Today on Mediaite, Glynnis MacNicol writes that the practice is “What Dirty Campaigning Looks Like Today.” To continue, that as elections get closer, more politicians, including those running for national office, will be trying to use the Internet to their advantage, some of them with fakery. “It is for certain not going to be the last. The real Internet election year is yet to come.” ”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/22/twitter-scandal-gop-lawma_n_330483.html
Yes, I’ve stayed here because “I Can’t Take It Anymore” (google “Network”, the movie: Albert Finney, if you don’t have a reference point).
Our pet “stories” are the “canaries in the coal mines” . God Help us humans.
For pet owners/animal-rescuers of the world please google: Jessica the Hippo lives in house! If you haven’t already. Sheesh.
( try this, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWgB1hyOHWc )
There but for the grace of God, go me! ( believer and an agnostic)
Happy Birthday Buf!
My girl had a litter of 8 beautiful puppies. After about 4 days, it became apparent that one of them was fading. I bottle-fed the newborn Espilac every few hours for days and gently burped her. I cried the whole time, hoping that this little one would come back. She did. She captured my heart and never left my home. She now is extremely healthy and is my little thief of anything edible! She will be 4 years old on October 27th. Happy birthday sweetie!
Get out your virtual red pens! Got a creative urge and here’s what came of it. I think the last paragraph is a bit too Pollyanna but … eh. Fact checks especially welcome.
** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** *
Right now, across America, there are many unemployed men, who have many different kinds of skills, but who, because of the economy, were let go from their previous jobs. They want and are actively looking for work. They are willing to train and learn new skills. They may even be willing to travel and work away from home for long periods, if that is what it takes.
This is in part because they see their beautiful daughters, and remember them as infants crying in their mother’s arms, giggling when they were tickled, and remembering when they got to do all the great but mundane father-daughter things, like taking her to ballet classes, and maybe even tossing the old football around with her. All he ever wanted and strived for was a good life for himself, his wife, and their children.
Also right now, there are men working for American governmental contractors who would, if not stopped, rape this man’s daughter.
There is an amendment on the house floor seeking to redress that situation. It is called the Franken Amendment. All it asks is that if American public tax money goes to private contractors, those contractors should not insist their employees sign away their rights to sue the company for such egregious infractions as rape, as a condition of their employment.
You’d think this would not be a problem. Asking contractors to abide by American laws.
But apparently, there are men in congress who are willing to side with the rapists rather than with the female victims and their families.
If any U.S. senator is being pressured to alter the Franken amendment, it is because the people lobbying that senator must already be allowing or have some legal/financial stake in an atrocious amount of this or other crimes being committed. Therefore, if any senator capitulates to their demands, they are, in fact, condoning rape. The rape of that hard-working man’s daughter. Your neighbor’s daughter. Perhaps your own daughter.
The Franken amendment does not need to be changed from its present language. Any defense contractors who are lobbying against it need to get control of their own ‘house’. They might start by firing employees who break the law, and consider hiring people like like the decent unemployed and highly trainable guy with the beautiful daughter, who would never, ever, dream of committing such a heinous crime.
** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** *
My senators, on this issue at least, are all fine. As we all know, input from actual constituents is what makes a bigger impression (as it should be). So you have permission to adapt this for letters to your senators.
EX. (as if to your senator)
“If you are being pressured to alter the Franken amendment, it is because the people lobbying you must already be allowing, or have some legal/financial stake in, an atrocious amount of this or other crimes being committed. Therefore, if you cave in to their demands, you are, in fact, condoning rape and other crimes.”
Have Fun ‘flatties!
Thank you.
honestyinGov Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:17 PM
I was following up on a Huffpo story that was about Repuglicans using Fake Twitter account names ( names of Democrats ) to send out false or phony messages in an attempt to smear them or look bad.
___
Stooping low and being human scum is practically the platform of the GOP now. Disgusting!
And THANKS to everyone who’s called Senator Inouye (see my post #105) to let him know we don’t appreciate anyone who protects rapists and their employers, Dem or not.
Happy! Happy! Buf!
Makes me wanna get a dog too… will my felines permit it?
#109 LiladyNY
Franken Schools Right-Wing Analyst on Medical Bankruptcies in Countries with Universal Health Care: “It’s Zero.”
http://thinkprogress.org/2009/10/21/al-franken-grills-hudson/
~~~~~~~~~~~~
LOVE it!!! I saw this video yesterday and posted it but it was the end of the thread. Franken is the kind of elected official we need MANY more of…smart, well-prepared, no-nonsense and doesn’t hesitate to call people out on lies. He is quickly silencing all those critics who mocked him as a SNL-comedian-turned-politician.
With more Dems like Franken, we might actually get something worthwhile accomplished in DC over the next few years!
Thank you for rescuing Buf. I have two rescue dogs and I always tell people that want to buy a dog from a pet store because they want “pure bred” to check their local shelters and if they still want a “pure bred” to contact a breed rescue group.
Happy “Gotcha Day”, Buf.
Terpsichore, excellent letter, and I will steal it if you don’t mind. I can’t believe we even needed an amendment in the first place….
who you callin’ flattie?
153 terpsichore Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:32 PM
“If you are being pressured to alter the Franken amendment, it is because the people lobbying you must already be allowing, or have some legal/financial stake in, an atrocious amount of this or other crimes being committed. Therefore, if you cave in to their demands, you are, in fact, condoning rape and other crimes.”
___
Brava!
You should send the long version as a LTE to your local paper (or every paper!) too, Really hits home. Well done!
153 terpsichore
Excellent letter! I shall “steal” all of it and send it to my Congresscritters and LTE.
In honor of Buf and my dog, Rocky and dogs everywhere, here is a tribute of a dog name Baxter. Baxter is/was an “end of life” therapy dog. Dogs truly are the epitome of unconditional love.
If this doesn’t make you bawl, nothing will.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIrDbzoOxZc
Our three dogs are adoptees. They act like I’m the boss just to bug my husband. They won’t make a move without me. I let them get away with this, of course…
Buf with her heart on her forehead – how could you have resisted?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to YOU, Buf!
153 terpsichore
Just emailed to the Editor of my local newspaper.
Thanks for the format. I just had to shorten it a tad to fit their “number of words” requirement.
153 terpsichore Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:32 PM
“If you are being pressured to alter the Franken amendment, it is because the people lobbying you must already be allowing, or have some legal/financial stake in, an atrocious amount of this or other crimes being committed. Therefore, if you cave in to their demands, you are, in fact, condoning rape and other crimes.”
***********************************************************
I’ll go one further: Only someone who himself is a rapist would ignore someone else committing a crime like rape.
And, why is it we only care about women if they are our mothers, wives, daughters or sisters?
Awwwhh Buffy Birthday Buf,
My first dog was a Berneese (Swiss) sheperd, one big chunck of black, white and beige fur, who all her life wanted to be a lap dog, trying very had to keep her balance on my knees. When she no longer could have puppies, she sometimes still produced milk and served as a milk bar for my six grown up cats. That was 30 years ago.
Three years ago, shortly after I moved to Ecuador, one of the many street dogs here got hit by a car as I was passing by. I dragged her to the side of the street, and she started this eyes talk with me “I’m your problem now, will you accept ?” I answered OK, though it was going to be a hell of a problem, as I was staying in a little hotel while building my house. She had a first operation and they were able to save the paw, I rented a house with a small garden in the village, she had two other operations and I was changing bandages twice a day for two months. She now barely has a limp on rainy days. She is a beautiful white huskie type dog with a smile (no kidding, she must have some samoyed heritage in her). I invited in another street dog as a companion, and they love to crowd under my desk while I read AKM’s posts.
Unconditional love and so appeasing.
Happy Adoption Anniversary to Buf!! I love that last picture…she has the universal “Yipeeee!” dog look on her face. No matter what breed, the look is always the same and it shouts “Woo Hoo and I’m soooo happy!”.
Terpsichore….I love the letter you composed. That is worthy of being entered into the Congressional Record! I wish someone could do that. I hope you don’t mind me borrowing it. I will, of course, give credit to an anonymous writer and add my own bits and pieces. It is an excellent expression of what I was feeling and much more clearly stated than I was able to put into words. This whole issue has me very angry and bewildered.
If you travel on Airlines with your dogs here is a story for you.
You can check out whether or not this is true, but this was how it was reported on our local news station about a week ago. { IE : Continental Airlines }
Some Agency/Organization in the story ( don’t remember which one ) had to go in and rescue some dogs that were or had been abused. Some were Pit Bulls.
This one particular woman had fostered and cared for this one Pit Bull pup. he was very young at this age. She worked with him and nurtured him so that he could be adoptable. Once he was in good physical shape ( now 24 pounds ), word was put out and an new owner said she would adopt him. The new owner willing to give him a new home was in a different state… about 4 states away I think. It didn’t matter. The foster caretaker took him to the airport in a kennel to make the flight. Continental Airlines Rules step in after she is at the airport with the dog. They won’t fly the puppy because he is a ‘ Pit Bull’. They say they will only take a Pit Bull if it is under 20 pounds. Regulations they say.
The foster caretaker said in the interview that the Airline would have no problem if you have a German Shepard, Doberman or whatever other breed and it could weigh as much as 100 pounds. They don’t care.. won’t matter.
She took the puppy back home and they were then going to make arrangements to get him to his new owner on another Airline.
Do you think a 20 lb puppy or a 24 lb puppy matters? Their rules seemed pretty ridiculous and some logic seemed more appropriate here.
Her message at the end of the story was that if you travel with your Pets don’t choose Continental. Give the business to someone else.
That was the way the Story was reported that night. I guess if you own a Pit Bull… check out the Facts before you fly and buy a ticket.
Speaking of food, I’m off to feed my mutts dinner. They get very little dog food – we gave all that up about 17 years ago! Tonight it’s applesauce (no sugar), yogurt, mixed organic greens, potato soup (all organic), tortillas, organic beef broth and organic bananas. Add a little high quality kibble – Wellness is our favorite – and there you go!
Dog food manufacturers can claim one of the most successful brainwashing schemes ever, right in there with the Republican whack jobs that win through fear and misinformation. People food is real food, most dog food is utter junk.
I have a little saying that I announce for fun when I put down their bowls: “I know that without a doubt that you two dogs are getting a dinner that no other dog in the world is getting right now!” No meal is the same, we feed them right out of the frig with a ton of variety. They are spectacularly healthy.
My comment is awaiting moderation.
??????
That just happens randomly sometimes… One of the mysteries of the tubes. Sorry! It is liberated from moderation. AKM
166 honestyingov
Thanks for the info. As a pitbull owner i am used to things like this. Some counties in my state have banned the breed or atleast have tried to. Its yet another battle we have to fight.
From Continental Airlines website:
American Pit Bull Terriers (Pit Bulls, Pit Bull Terriers)
Continental Airlines will accept American Pit Bull Terrier puppies which are between 8 weeks and 6 months of age provided they do not weigh more than 20 lb (9 kg). All American Pit Bull Terriers more than 6 months old or weighing more than 20lb (9 kg) will be refused. Crossbreeds with American Pit Bull Terriers are also excluded from this embargo. This embargo is due to the danger presented to our aircraft and our customers.
Bulldogs and other Breeds
Continental Airlines has completely embargoed French and English Bulldogs, American Bulldogs, the “American Bully” and American Staffordshire Terriers over 6 months of age or over 20 lbs/9.0 kgs. Puppies which are less than 6 months in age or under 20 lbs/9.0 kgs are permitted when the temperature along the entire route is planned to be below 85°F/(29.4° C). The purpose of this embargo is because these animals are especially susceptible to high heat, high humidity and stress and have proven difficult to move safely. Thus in the interest of these animals’ safety, we have made this difficult decision.
————————————————————
I daresay, these “difficult” decisions have been made with liability insurance costs in mind over-riding any other concerns.
That being said, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds should sensibly not travel by air and the airline is correct that their safety is at risk in this matter.
I just read on Kos about Palin supporting Hoffman in NY election .
Sending him money. What I found strange is that they have a Republican Scozzafava, a Conservative Hoffman [Tea Bagger] and Owens a Democrate.
Are the Republican splitting?
Great comments today, everyone! Great dog stories, killer links, and good insight. I have passed on all of your birthday wishes to Buf, translating as best I could in to dogspeak. She says, *wagwagwagwag* *sneeze* *wagwag* *sneezesneezesneeze!*
(That’s good)
Thank you for rescuing your furry friend! I’m sure Buf has given back in joy an immeasurable amount
I currently have 13 dogs, 8 cats, 6 horses, and 4 goats(yes goats) all adopted and 7 extra foster horses. All rescues seem to “know” they have been rescued and will do so all of their lives.
To those ever even thinking about buying a pet shop dog…DON”T!! Ive seen the misery in puppy mills(Ive helped out a few times at shelters when they get overwhelmed when a puppy mill is shutdown..My best friend, Buffy spent her first 8-9 yrs in a filthy two by two metal crate having litter after litter before being rescued, she passed away in dec, but I am happy that her last few years were enjoyable for her.
To look for a purebred rescue(puppy or adult) a good site is to go to petfinder.com and do a search.
Sandra @ 104, yes, I think you are right. I was mixed up on confidants. Bill McAllister vs. Frank Bailey. Thank you.
“Buf” in the snow is — I don’t know — adorable.
On my side (Groveland, CA), I have been colonized by a kitten. A couple of weeks ago, this little guy materialized in my son’s room. I put him outside.
Couple of days later, he was waiting by the door to the garage. What I have never figured out is: how do they know who the sucker is? I mean, all I did was pick him up and put him outside. Suddenly I’m getting the full high-beam yellow-eyed stare, and he’s on his hind legs trying to reach my fingers. At this point, my 17-year-old decided a can of tuna would be a good idea. I did realize when I failed to body-check him that I was probably done for.
The kitten is not feral. He is clearly used to human people. The next day, after eating some cat food (where did thatcome from?), he meandered over to a small pile of potting soil, and very obviously attended to his toilet. Oddly, I had just been reminding myself what a drag it would be to have an untrained cat in the house. Hmm.
A couple days later, the night-time temperature dropped from 60′s to 40′s, and it rained about 4 inches. In my own defense, I did not wander around in the rain calling out, although I did leave the garage open. Eventually (this should be no surprise) a wet — although not soaked — kitten appeared, and I now have a cat, or vice versa.
One thing that was bothering me was that I couldn’t come up with a name. Other cats have had me, and their names have always been obvious. I had gradually worked my way around to “Black Furry Feline” or BFF, but I now realize that the pronunciation is “Buff”.
How do they know?
Oh, and AKM, as soon as you put her under your coat, YOU were done for.
Many, many thanks for warming my heart on a most difficult day! Happy adoption anniversary to beautiful, joyful Buf!
Strangelet, I love your kitty story. I got my two from the North Shore Animal League on Long Island. Macchiato picked me by putting her paw through the cage. Her sister Cashmere was the cutest puff ball ever. They’ve traveled with me on trains, planes and automobiles and have even gone to Montreal. Still follow me around the house, run to greet me every time I come home, 12 years later.
Groveland has a nice addition with your family.
I’ve never kissed any of my pets. Never ever.
Guess that since I’m untrustworthy, I might as well embrace my untrustworthiness.
A very belated happy birthday Buf! My dog, Sukie, say woof woof! She also says your humans should give you a frozen peanut butter bone as a birthday present.
Use any hallow bone (the ones from the pet store that had stuffing slurped out work great!), fill it will real peanut butter, and freeze for a few hours. Then you have your very own peanut butter ‘popsicle’ (aka frozen peanut butter bone) that will keep you busy and happy for a while.
Sukie loves them. She gets one a week when Sukie and I go in with my hubby one the weekend to set up his classroom for the upcoming week. Her other favorite is homemade peanut butter banana treats. She doesn’t leave the kitchen until the last one leaves the oven. She politely asks to fulfill her duty as quality inspector by periodically sampling treats, especially from the first batch!
A day late, but happy b-day to Buf! And congrats to her mommy & daddy, who exhibited exemplary taste is taking the little lady home.
Today I celebrate the 6th anniversary of my adoption of Pepper, who was an abused cocker left to die in a crate because she was not ‘perfect’. Her front legs are shorter than her back (left front shorter than the right front to boot), and she has a couple of bald spots. Breeder, a known “problem”, was raided, Pepper was rescued at around 5.5-6 months of age and I brought her home 10/23/03. She had worms of every kind but heartworm, ear mites so bad vets thought she’d be deaf (well, she is, as she has selective hearing – those with pets understand what I mean) and had no idea that there was a whole wide world outside her death cage.
It took 6 weeks of TLC to get Pepper to the stage where she could just be a puppy – she had no idea what a dish was, what squeaky toys were and that the big ole bed on the floor was for. Whatever shyness/scare-dy pup tendencies she had – well, they’re gone!
I use one of the first photos after I got her home as my photo stamp picture.
RE: Buf & the snow…
We’ve had some snow here is GA since I got my little Pepper. I can’t help but think that the perfect caption for Buf’s photo is the same one I used for one of Pepper “visiting” her first snow in early 2002:
“Faster, run faster! My boobies are cold, my boobies are cold! Where’s my nice warm bed?”
Like Buf, Pepper’s photo showed her tucking her paws right against her boobies area!
she’s so lovely dashing through the snow!!!