Barbaro

I didn't bet on Barbaro to win in the Derby, and I may have had him in an exacta bet for the Preakness. Although I didn't depend on his winning to boost my winnings, he holds a special place in my heart none the less.
The only thing more beautiful than watching a thoroughbred run is to watch a greyhound run. These two animals display such grace and beauty with little effort. Their bodies are strong and exceptionally muscled. Yet they both depend on spindles for legs.
I cried that day in May when Barbaro couldn't finish the race. I watched spellbound hoping for news - good news, on his condition. A true animal lover knows that ones animals are synonymous with children. I applaud Barbaro's owners for trying to save his life. Too often the needle follows a break of the legs that hold up the bodies that move with stunning grace.
My heart was broken yesterday. Barbaro told his parents and doctors that he couldn't go on. The news reports that he "had a hard night" Sunday night. The hard part was probably listening to Barbaro say good bye.
There's a bit of happiness knowing that Barbaro left his legacy in Veterinary science, so others can benefit from his eight months of hope. I also believe that he is now at the Rainbow Bridge running among the clouds free of pain, waiting for his owners to meet him so they may cross together.
Run free sweet Barbaro.

The Dremel

Sadie did not want to write today. Any of you with an alpha female know the feeling. It's definately a what she wants when she wants it. That leads me to the topic of nail care.

There's nothing more exciting than wrestling with a 100# dog who doesn't want his or her paws touched. It was in my search for a magic nail shortener that I ran across a lady named Dawn. Dawn, or Dober Dawn wrote a very nice article, that has made it's way around the web more than the most successful spam letters.

Please check out http://www.doberdawn.com In the left hand column you will find a link for "How to Dremel your dogs nails."

The only knowledge I can add to her article is that conditioning is a MUST. Understand that the day you bring the Dremel home is not the day you will be using it. If, after proper conditioning, you feel that there's just someting missing, and the pedicure isn't quite complete - OPI, a brand close to many women's hearts now offers paw-lish. Nail polish for dogs - and yes, I'm serious.

Check out Dawn's site, using a Dremel is so much easier than the clipper wrestling.

New Dogs

Thinking of adding a new family member? Try an adult dog. Puppies are cut and are great photo opportunities, however an adult dog offers a lot more advantages than a puppy.

1. What you see is what you get
2. House breaking is easier than with a puppy
3. They're greatful to have a home to call theirs

How many times have you heard, "I didn't realize..." With an adult dog, what you see is what you're going to be bringing home. You know size, personality and behavior. Not to mention the ease with which they potty train.

Imagine bringing home a dog and pointing out the potty door, pointing out their bed and leaving it at that? A couple trips through the potty door with instruction from you to "go potty" and a treat afterwards will pretty much be all that's needed.

Adult adopted dogs are very happy to have found their forever homes. They will provide you with years of devotion and love. When you're considering adding a family member, don't overlook the adults, take one home - you'll be happy that you did.

~Sadie

My name is Sadie, and this blog will be used to express my thoughts and opinions. I am a personified canine and represent nothing other than a personified canine.

Puppies by nature are chewers. When I cannot find something suitable, I like Ugg and Feragamo shoes, very tasty. I don't suggest that you make a habit out of shoes though. Bones are a much better choice.

A visit to a pet store will provide you with a wide selection of chewing options. I want to warn you though, us Shepherds can chew, we chew to consume. Rawhide bones are tasty but dangerous. If you've never watched a GSD in action with a rawhide, you're in for a real eye opener.

The most popular rawhides are in the shape of bones, with knots on either side. It's quite easy for us to chew and untie those knots. The next thing we'll do is chew the rawhide until it's soft enough for us to swallow. Here in lies the problem. Chunks of rawhide can cause blockage in my digestive system. If I'm successful, I'll be able to throw up the piece of raw hide. If I'm not, I must be taken to a vet ASAP.

You'll know I am having issues if I'm straining to potty or throw up. If that's what you observe, call the vet and get me there. Another tasty bone is the smoked bones you can buy in the same pet store. These bones are so processed that I'm able to chew them up into pieces.

What do you think I do with those pieces?? Certainly not leave them on the floor for someone else...I'll swallow them. Just like rawhide, they can cause blockage, or more seriously puncture wounds in the digestive track.

I would suggest you stick to bones purchased from a butcher. They call them soup bones, as that's probably an easier way to market them. You can find these bones retailing for anywhere from fifty cents to one dollar per pound.

If you don't have the heart to give your dog a fresh bone, you can boil them. I find that these bones are the hardest to chew up, but extremely good for you. They last forever and don't break into pieces.

Know the signals that your dog displays. The more you know about their habits and tendencies, the better informed you will be. With that information, you'll know when I'm not feeling well and will be able to take corrective action.