Sunday, May 31, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Best Friends Pictures 5/09
Click on the link below to see pictures from my latest trip to Best Friends:
http://myjourneytothebestfriendsanimals.shutterfly.com/
http://myjourneytothebestfriendsanimals.shutterfly.com/
Sunday, May 24, 2009
And Again, I Cry
Blue Bear, a dog residing at Best Friends, had to be euthanized yesterday. They took him up to Angels Landing, a beautiful spot in the canyon (one of many). This is an email I received from one of his caregivers:
Blue Bear
11 caregivers
2 vet techs
5 cheeseburgers
1 red blanket
over the Rainbow Bridge
We should all be so lucky to go out this way.
Blue Bear
11 caregivers
2 vet techs
5 cheeseburgers
1 red blanket
over the Rainbow Bridge
We should all be so lucky to go out this way.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Today I Cried
Today I cried. Which, if you know me, isn't exactly unusual. Especially these days. But today, I cried for a dog. Now, you might think that since I'm crying that the dog must be hurt or have died. But you'd be wrong. Let me back up a little. When I was at Best Friends in September I took a dog named Scratch on an overnight. I fell for him. Hard. So, now I'm back and have spent some quality time with the guy. So today I was asked if I wanted to take him on an outing. Well, duh! Of course I did. I was planning to take him to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. I started to walk out to the car with Scratch and it starting raining. Hard. I realized I needed a blanket to lay in the back seat (it is a rental, after all) and went to go back to get one, but Scratch wasn't having it. I promised him a car ride and he wasn't budging. So, I asked someone to get me a blanket while I stood in the pouring rain with a very stubborn dog. Once I got the blanket, into the car we went and I headed out to get some gas, hoping that the rain would stop by the time the car was all gassed up. Halfway to the gas station, I looked back, and it was what I saw then that made me cry. Scratch, laying in that backseat, in absolute heaven. He had the most contented look on his face. And all I could think of was that all this dog wants is a warm place to lay his head. Warm and quiet. Now don't bet me wrong, if a dog has to live out the rest of his days at Best Friends, he's still got it pretty good. But all he wants is that warm, quiet place. I wish you could have seen him. Crying. Me. I couldn't help myself.
So, you might be wondering if we ever made it to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Well, we did. The rain stopped and we went. But I almost didn't have the heart to make him get out of the car. But, I'm glad I did because he did seem to enjoy himself. We got back to Best Friends early so, instead of bringing him back inside, I got in the back seat with him and read to him. Yup, and the book was 'If Bones Would Rain From the Sky'. Pretty appropriate I must say. And he laid his head on my lap, and sighed. And I cried.
So, you might be wondering if we ever made it to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Well, we did. The rain stopped and we went. But I almost didn't have the heart to make him get out of the car. But, I'm glad I did because he did seem to enjoy himself. We got back to Best Friends early so, instead of bringing him back inside, I got in the back seat with him and read to him. Yup, and the book was 'If Bones Would Rain From the Sky'. Pretty appropriate I must say. And he laid his head on my lap, and sighed. And I cried.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Wonderful News Story About a Dog Hero
http://abcnews.go.com/US/AmazingAnimals/story?id=7587664&page=1
Friday, May 8, 2009
Great Advice About Finding Pit Bull Housing
This is from the Best Friends website:
Finding Pit Bull Housing
May 7, 2009 : 7:40 PM
Are you and your pit bull looking to rent a house or apartment? Get the right information from a woman who knows!
By Jessica Smith, Best Friends volunteer
It is not easy to find a rental that will accommodate a pit bull. In today’s tough economic times, it is becoming even more arduous. People are losing their homes and are unable to find anywhere to take their pit bulls, so, many are ending up in shelters.
Shelters are not a good place for dogs, especially family dogs that once had a home and a family of their own. Before getting any dog, but especially a pit bull, you truly need to examine your future and make a smart decision on whether or not you will be able to take care of this dog for his entire life. Dogs are a commitment, and pit bulls are an even bigger one.
When you decide to move, make sure to allow yourself enough time to research what is out there. Most commercial insurance policies do not cover pit bulls or any other exploited breeds, but some do. Most apartment complexes do not allow dogs over 30 pounds. With this in mind, options are drastically narrowed down, but there is still hope so do not stop there!
You do not want to have to hide your dog, so be open and honest with landlords. Tell them you have a pit bull and request that they meet him or her so they can see for themselves that you have a good dog. If you are currently renting and your landlord has approved your dog, ask for a referral letter.
You have to think in the future
If your rental agreement clearly states “No pit bulls” and your landlord finds out that you are harboring a pit bull in your apartment, you will undoubtedly be given you two options: 1- Get rid of Fido or 2- Move out. Unfortunately, many people choose the first option, but if you are smart about this process from the beginning, you will never be faced with that ultimatum. If there is a possibility you might be moving, start looking for pit bull friendly rentals now!
Research, Research, Research!
This cannot be stressed enough. Use your resources. Talk to other pit bull owners. Go to a local shelter and see if they have any recommendations. Post an ad on Craigslist or another site. Reach out! Speaking for myself, and a million other pit bull lovers, if someone came up to me and said “I’m going to have to give up my dog if I can’t find somewhere to live with him,” I will drop everything I am doing to help find you a home.
Personally, I posted an ad on Craigslist when I was looking for a pit bull friendly rental and I received an abundance of responses! I was descriptive about my dogs’ breeds, ages, names, history and included my price range. I also attached a couple pictures of the dogs. Most of the responses I received were for houses that were farther than I wanted to drive but, hands down, I would have taken a longer commute to keep my dogs.
Be innovative
If you find a rental home that is perfect for you but they don’t allow pit bulls, ask them why. If their answer is due to insurance, ask them if they would be willing to let you get a quote from someone who does cover the breed. Why not? If there is an increase in the cost of insurance, offer to pay the difference with your monthly rent. Or offer to get your own renter’s insurance policy. I recently obtained a quote from State Farm for a policy and they will cover ANY dog as long as it has not bitten anyone and has not been trained for attack purposes. I have to add; it was very inexpensive coming in at $125 per year which is only about $10.50 per month!
Train your dog!
Take your dog to obedience classes. Walk your dog, run with your dog. If your dog is well behaved, it will make a difference. Happy hunting!
For more information links:
• Join the Stop BDL community for more information on how you can help put an end to breed discrimination.
• Learn more about breed bans at the National Canine Research Council.
• Learn how to find pet friendly housing: How to Find Pet-Friendly Housing.
• Moving?: Read Taking Your Pet When You Move.
Stock photo by Molly Wald, Best Friends staff
Posted by Fran Farrell, Best Friends staff
Finding Pit Bull Housing
May 7, 2009 : 7:40 PM
Are you and your pit bull looking to rent a house or apartment? Get the right information from a woman who knows!
By Jessica Smith, Best Friends volunteer
It is not easy to find a rental that will accommodate a pit bull. In today’s tough economic times, it is becoming even more arduous. People are losing their homes and are unable to find anywhere to take their pit bulls, so, many are ending up in shelters.
Shelters are not a good place for dogs, especially family dogs that once had a home and a family of their own. Before getting any dog, but especially a pit bull, you truly need to examine your future and make a smart decision on whether or not you will be able to take care of this dog for his entire life. Dogs are a commitment, and pit bulls are an even bigger one.
When you decide to move, make sure to allow yourself enough time to research what is out there. Most commercial insurance policies do not cover pit bulls or any other exploited breeds, but some do. Most apartment complexes do not allow dogs over 30 pounds. With this in mind, options are drastically narrowed down, but there is still hope so do not stop there!
You do not want to have to hide your dog, so be open and honest with landlords. Tell them you have a pit bull and request that they meet him or her so they can see for themselves that you have a good dog. If you are currently renting and your landlord has approved your dog, ask for a referral letter.
You have to think in the future
If your rental agreement clearly states “No pit bulls” and your landlord finds out that you are harboring a pit bull in your apartment, you will undoubtedly be given you two options: 1- Get rid of Fido or 2- Move out. Unfortunately, many people choose the first option, but if you are smart about this process from the beginning, you will never be faced with that ultimatum. If there is a possibility you might be moving, start looking for pit bull friendly rentals now!
Research, Research, Research!
This cannot be stressed enough. Use your resources. Talk to other pit bull owners. Go to a local shelter and see if they have any recommendations. Post an ad on Craigslist or another site. Reach out! Speaking for myself, and a million other pit bull lovers, if someone came up to me and said “I’m going to have to give up my dog if I can’t find somewhere to live with him,” I will drop everything I am doing to help find you a home.
Personally, I posted an ad on Craigslist when I was looking for a pit bull friendly rental and I received an abundance of responses! I was descriptive about my dogs’ breeds, ages, names, history and included my price range. I also attached a couple pictures of the dogs. Most of the responses I received were for houses that were farther than I wanted to drive but, hands down, I would have taken a longer commute to keep my dogs.
Be innovative
If you find a rental home that is perfect for you but they don’t allow pit bulls, ask them why. If their answer is due to insurance, ask them if they would be willing to let you get a quote from someone who does cover the breed. Why not? If there is an increase in the cost of insurance, offer to pay the difference with your monthly rent. Or offer to get your own renter’s insurance policy. I recently obtained a quote from State Farm for a policy and they will cover ANY dog as long as it has not bitten anyone and has not been trained for attack purposes. I have to add; it was very inexpensive coming in at $125 per year which is only about $10.50 per month!
Train your dog!
Take your dog to obedience classes. Walk your dog, run with your dog. If your dog is well behaved, it will make a difference. Happy hunting!
For more information links:
• Join the Stop BDL community for more information on how you can help put an end to breed discrimination.
• Learn more about breed bans at the National Canine Research Council.
• Learn how to find pet friendly housing: How to Find Pet-Friendly Housing.
• Moving?: Read Taking Your Pet When You Move.
Stock photo by Molly Wald, Best Friends staff
Posted by Fran Farrell, Best Friends staff
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
Should Pit Bulls Be Taken off The Vicious Dog List?
From the Best Friends website:
Should Pit Bulls Be Taken Off The Vicious Dog List?
May 1, 2009 : 11:43 AM
Cast Your Vote Now!
An Ohio news station is running a web poll asking people if they believe pit bulls should be taken off the vicious dog list in Ohio.
The "yes" votes are winning... let's keep it that way! PLEASE VOTE!
You have to click the link in order to vote.
http://www.wsyx6.com/shared/newsroom/poll/wsyx_web_poll_form.shtml
Stock photo by Clay Myers, Best Friends Staff
Posted by Cheri Moon, Best Friends Staff
Should Pit Bulls Be Taken Off The Vicious Dog List?
May 1, 2009 : 11:43 AM
Cast Your Vote Now!
An Ohio news station is running a web poll asking people if they believe pit bulls should be taken off the vicious dog list in Ohio.
The "yes" votes are winning... let's keep it that way! PLEASE VOTE!
You have to click the link in order to vote.
http://www.wsyx6.com/shared/newsroom/poll/wsyx_web_poll_form.shtml
Stock photo by Clay Myers, Best Friends Staff
Posted by Cheri Moon, Best Friends Staff
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
