Thoughts from the Bark Side

We just didn’t think another dog could ever fill the void in our hearts that was made when Shilo passed away. I think we have bigger hearts than we can know. We can never fill the holes made by those that have passed on, those of the human or animal variety. We just find new places to put the newcomers.

We had registered with the Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue (SCGR Rescue:http://scgrrescue.org. We had our home visit and passed, whew! We made inquiries about a few dogs, but none of them came through, until Pinky Tuscadero. The volunteer emailed us asking if we were interested in meeting her, we said, “of course” and a few days later we were in front of the Rose Bowl meeting our new dog. Pinky said, “OK, I approve, now let’s get out of here,” and off we went. We made a quick stop at the pet store. She selected a nice bed, new collar and a few toys. We also had her name changed to Shelby for the engraved tag. Pinkey was the name they used at the rescue and was not her previous name so we figured it was OK. She very much agreed with the change.

When we arrived, Shelby immediately approved her home and yard. That evening she was greeting by a large raccoon peering over the fence at her. No barking (from Shelby, not the raccoon), just staring until she got bored, and called it a night. However, she does remember where the raccoon had been and now revisits that spot every outing just in case he returns.

So it seems we have already gotten into a routine. She seems to love her walks. I’m not sure she has ever had one of those before. She knows how to sit, but we definitely have to work on stay, heel, and down. She is now curled up at my feet under my desk. Oh, she is only 65 pounds, half the weight of Shilo when we adopted him. Whereas Shilo was bigger than a normal golden, she is smaller. She is just past 3 years old. Her owners had dropped her off at the pound saying they just didn’t have the time to take care of her. And she does bark, as we discovered when the gardeners came by. It took Shilo over a month to let out a bark.

So we will continue to get to know each other. We do want to be the best humans possible for her, and I know she is equally trying to be a good dog, and she is, a very good dog indeed.
Cheers,
Susan

Hi all,
Yes, we haven’t written for a while. Our lovely Shilo passed away yesterday. We are heartbroken as you can imagine. I really don’t have any words, but will let my wonderful husband say it all with his “Tribute to Shilo.”

Shilo, a faithful friend and companion passed away peacefully in his home of nearly 9 years and in the arms of his loving humans on a beautifully sunny California morning on August 10, 2009.

He was born on November 15, 1997 in Moreno Valley, CA, to Buster Brass Weigand and Rebecca of Sunnymead Orchard and later adopted by Susan and Bob of Sun Valley, CA on November 20, 2000.

He never graduated from college or even high school but did get high marks from his doggie training classes. Although he never won any awards, other than getting an “A” after coming home from an appointment with his groomer, he did receive fantastic and delightful accolades from authoring his first and only book, E-Mails from Shilo.

Among other things Shilo loved music. In his younger years he would sleep under the piano while Bob practiced. It seemed to put him in a very special and peaceful place. He especially loved jazz…the music of choice to be played while Susan and Bob were both out of the house.

He was eternally happy and loved his home and especially his back yard where he could lay out in the sun, chase balls or an occasional squirrel and take a nice leisurely swim in the pool. Giving him a pat on the head, a rub on his tummy, a nice walk, going out front to get the newspaper, a favorite treat or a plush toy to tear apart made him the happiest dog in the world.

He LOVED people and would greet every human…adult or child…with extraordinary respect and affection. It was his special way of putting smiles on their faces and happiness in their hearts.

Shilo had an incredible sense of humor and enjoyed showing off his “theatrics” and other “talents” to anyone who would watch. Because he was such a special spirit, he always left people feeling happy and better about themselves. He created warmth and affection in others but asked for nothing in return. His compensation was putting grins on faces and a “gee wiz” spirit in their souls.

Because of his daily neighborhood walks he soon became known as his community’s unofficial mayor. Neighbors would come out of their homes and even walk across the street to greet him and seemingly share in his love and wisdom.

In his local doggie park he was famous for stepping in to break-up over-aggressive, playful and rambunctious dogs with the intent of preventing fights or injuries. As a result he was soon given the nickname of “Fun Police.”

He was a brave little soldier having become a cancer survivor on two of three occasions but in the end lost his final bout. He was the world’s most wonderful dog, playmate, buddy, companion, chum, pal, sidekick and friend. Shilo, with his grace, sweet kisses, wit, hugs and sense of humor will be missed by many. He had class and style in everything he did.

“Shilo, our time together was much too short but thank you so much for your unconditional love, loyalty, tremendous joy and wonderful memories. Good job! Now that your physical aches and pains are gone, we know you’re enjoying an unrivaled and new variety of California sunshine along with the long awaited reunion with your old pals Laddie, Snickers and Crackers. Even though cats are not your “thing” give a great big shout out to Calgary, Scooter and Harley when you see them. We know you’re having a great time chasing squirrels and maybe a rabbit or two. Have a ball (pun intended), let your fur down a little and take great delight at Rainbow Bridge. May God bless and watch over you. Peace be with you always.” — Susan and Bob

Shilo is survived by Susan and Bob, his human parents, caretakers and friends.

Hi all,
The top part is from Susan and the bottom part is from Shilo!

Independence Day is not a fun time for Shilo, he hates fireworks-the noise scares the bejabbers out of him. Unfortunately, though it is illegal in Los Angeles County where we live, our neighbors break the law and set off fireworks and firecrackers sending Shilo into a proverbial quivering maelstrom of fear. Besides the danger of setting fires, we cannot believe that year after year, even after we request them not to, they still insist on setting off these fireworks “for their children.” We have long ago given up leaving the house the few days before and after the 4th as these neighbors and others keep the booming going. We need to reassure Shilo everything is OK and we are here for him!

The ASPCA sent out a instructions to all the dog loving humans just how to protect and keep our poochie safe this 4th of July. Please take it to heart and pass it on to your friends and neighbors who also have dogs in their lives. Here is what the ASPCA wrote:

Fourth of July Festivities:
Should You Bring Your Pet?
As the country dons its red, white and blue to celebrate Independence Day, nothing says patriotism like a good old-fashioned barbecue with a side of fireworks. But beware pet parents, what’s fun for people can be a downright drag for our furry friends.

The ASPCA recommends keeping your pooch indoors as much as possible during backyard parties and Fourth of July festivities, even if he is a pro picnicker. From toxic food and beverages to raucous guests and fireworks, the holiday weekend is a minefield of potential pet problems.

“Even the most timid dog can leap a six-foot fence if he’s spooked by loud noises,” says Dr. Pamela Reid, Vice President of the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center. If your dog shows signs of distress from fireworks or boisterous revelers, Dr. Reid suggests giving him a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter. “The consistent licking should calm his nerves,” she says.

The ASPCA offers some more expert advice to keep your pet singing, “Oh Say Can You See,” all the way to the fifth and beyond:

• Keep your pet on the wagon. Since alcohol is potentially poisonous to pets, place all wine, beer and spirits well out of paws’ way.
• Avoid scraps from the grill. Stick with your pet’s normal diet—any change, even for a day, can result in stomach upset. Certain foods like onions, avocado, chocolate, grapes and raisins are especially toxic to pets.
• Avoid lathering your pet with any insect repellent or sunscreen not intended for the four-legged kind. Ingestion can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy.
• Stay fire-smart. Keep your pet away from fireworks, matches, citronella candles and lighter fluid, which if eaten can irritate the stomach, lungs and central nervous system.
• Be cool near the pool. Don’t leave pets unsupervised around a pool or lake—not all dogs are expert swimmers! Also, pools aren’t large water bowls—they contain chlorine and other toxic chemicals that can cause stomach problems.

As always, if you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous from the picnic table, please contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. And be sure to check out our more complete list of holiday pet care tips for a safe and happy Fourth!

Shilo’s Tips for a Fun Independence Day:

Stay cool-the only hot dogs should be the ones you sneak off the grill (whoops, a no-no, yeah right, can’t blame a dog for tryin’)

Protect your eyes. Sun can damage even a dog’s keen eyesight. Gotta keep those baby browns 20-20 to spy those marauding squirrels.

Stay hydrated. Insist on fresh water, and no ice cubes. Don’t want to crack those bone-chewing teeth.

BE PATRIOTIC! Take some time from the celebrating and give thanks to our heroes and heroines who gave up their lives or were injured, so we can all be free.

And to those who have served and are now serving in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines & Coast Guard…Thank you from the bottom of my doggie heart. Big licks to you!
Your buddy,
Shilo
From Susan too, but I’ll blow you a kiss in thanks!

Hi all,
With the troubled airline industry, you would think that a new, very niche airline would be a hard thing to get off the ground, (pun intended.) But here is Pet Airway with flights from Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, Baltimore/Washington D.C., and New Jersey/New York/Tri State Area. Their first flight is due July 14th, 2009.

Here is what caught my attention. Though the animals are in crates, they are flown in the passenger area, not in the cargo area where it can be much too hot or much too cold. Their website says the animals are supervised the entire time, their “potty breaks” monitored, and when they reach their destination, they can either be picked up or boarded overnight. When moving cross country I would think this could be a God-send! Though it is still too bad that they haven’t figured out how to have our beloved pet travel next to us (other than buying him a seat like they do for Lassie) at the current price of $150 it sounds like a good deal.

So have a look at their website, again it is http://petairways.com and see for yourself. The first flight is still in the future, so before booking, I’d most certainly check out the feedback and reviews. It seems like a great idea especially with so many of the airlines now refusing to take pets, and when they do having so many regulations.
Cheers,
Susan

Hi all,
While Shilo is out keeping the Easter bunny company, he wants me to remind you of the foods that are quite toxic and poisonous to dogs. Please keep your sweet doggie away from:

• Chocolate
• Onions
• Grapes
• Raisins
• Yeast dough
• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Marijuana
• Moldy or spoiled food
• Wild mushrooms
• Large amounts of raw fish
• Potato, rhubarb or tomato leaves
• Large amounts of raw liver
• Large numbers of macadamia nuts
• Fruit pits
• Corn cobs

Also, you might have heard reports about dogs eating cocoa mulch. It is HIGHLY TOXIC to dogs AND cats. Here is what Snopes.com says about it:

Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman’s Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called ‘ Theobromine’. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker’s chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.

As far as maintaining a poison free yard, here is a list of poisonous plants:
Lilies
Sago Palm
Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
Azalea/Rhododendron
Oleander
Castor Bean
Cyclamen
Kalanchoe
Yew
Amaryllis
Autumn Crocus
Chrysanthemum
English Ivy
Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily)
Pothos
Schefflera
(to learn more go here: ASPCA 17 Common Poisonous Plants)

If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, immediately call the ASPCA’s Poison Control line at (888) 426-4435. A $60 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.

To learn more about toxins and poisonous substances for pets, go to The ASPCA “Ask the Expert”

Hope you have a great holiday!
Cheers,
Susan

Hi all, Susan here,
I was watching the news when they did a segment on pyrethrin and pyrethroid pesticides in flea and tick shampoo. These substances are the same thing that is in Raid. They have had many seriously sick dogs and cats, and thousands of pet deaths due to owners using these products manufactured by Hartz, Bio Sphere, and Sergeants. And yes, they are EPA approved, how I have no idea. Obviously no one tried it out on their own beloved pet! They are going to now be reviewed. In the meantime, check all the substances you use on your pet, and when in doubt, ask your vet.

There are some very sad stories told on the website that is the written version of the on-air story presented by Joel Grover and Matt Goldberg. To learn more, click this NBC Los Angeles link: Pet Products Investigation You will also find links on that site to Hartzvictims.org, and statements from the manufacturers Hartz and Bio Spot.

Thanks to NBC Los Angeles, Joel Grover and Matt Goldberg for reporting on this important story for all pet owners. Pass the word on!
Cheers,
Susan

Hi all,

Went to a seminar given for the Los Angeles Fire Department for MCI-Mass Casualty Incident training yesterday.  We CERT’s (Community Emergency Response Team-see previous blog) were invited to attend (and be “victims” if needed). You no doubt heard of that horrific train crash that killed 25 people in Chatsworth.  Some of the firemen had been at that emergency. They had a lot of lessons learned from processing that disaster.

The fire chiefs repeated what everyone has been saying: it is not if the big emergency, earthquake, or terrorist event will happen, it is WHEN!  I’ve now taken over 24 hours of emergency training, and I have to tell you, I don’t think it is possible to feel totally prepared for the unknown.  However, to be as prepared as you can be, you are way ahead of the game.

I put together a website for our community.  Many of the pages are quite applicable to other communities and cities.  Please take a look at SunValleyHills.org (http://www.sunvalleyhills.org)  It has information and links to emergency supply places, PDF downloads of emergency preparation for the home and family, fire safety, etc.  There is also a page for dog rules and safety.  There is also a forum to ask questions and talk about different issues.  You do not have to live in our community to take advantage of the information available.

Hopefully, I can get Shilo back to the computer soon.  He is worse at blogging than I am. 

Cheers,
Susan