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, 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