Dogs and Death

My Auntie sent me the clip below from Dr Michael Fox's newspaper column. Once I wiped the tears away, I realized it needed to be shared. Too many of us (me too, at one time) don't think about whether dogs miss the friends THEY lose along life's journey.

I didn't start thinking about how dogs react to loss until Ben and I lost little George. They didn't get along in life - my bad - and I never thought young Ben would miss little, old crotchety George when she died. It wasn't until I saw Ben crying as if his heart would break when by chance we saw a dog who looked a bit like George that I I started asking questions. My friend and dog walker said, "Ben cries like that every time we see a little gray dog when we're walking." The vet and behaviorist I consulted weren't surprised - they both said that many dogs feel loss as much as we do, and we need to be more aware, more responsible and more comforting.

When I saw the article my Aunt sent me, I remembered Ben and George, and started thinking about all the dogs who are separated from human, canine, feline or other "friends", with no goodbyes, no explanations, and no understanding when the sad, confused and perhaps frightened dog goes off the rails:

- When a dog "couple" is separated due to death or the breakup of a human relationship.

- When dogs enter a "shelter" as a "couple" or become "friends", but aren't adopted together.

- When a dog is next to a compatible dog in a "shelter", and his neighbor is euthanized. (Do dogs suffer the canine-equivalent of "survivor's guilt"?)

- When puppy mill mothers and puppies are separated without due care to proper weening.

- When dogs in laboratories watch the dog in the next cage disappear for the "final" experiment.

- And of course, when a beloved human dies, and the dog doesn't realize their master or mistress isn't coming back.

Here's the article - apologies for the quality, but I couldn't find it on-line:

I did find one very interesting article on Dogster, discussing Dr. Fox's article, as well as the subject of dogs and grief: When a Dog Loses a Loved One: An Interview with Dr. Michael W. Fox.

The next time you suffer the loss of a loved one, take a moment to consider how it effects your dog. If you're ending a relationship, think about how your dog will be effected. If you're adopting a dog who has a long-term relationship with a fur-friend, seriously consider keeping the partnership together.

And everyday, remember that critters have feelings too...

Thoughts on Proposition B Missoui's "Anti-Puppy Mill" Legislation

Update November 5: This legislation did indeed pass! Now we need to make sure these laws are fairly enforced AND that similar legislation is passed elsewhere.

Update November 9: They aren't going to let this go, there are efforts a-foot to repeal Proposition B. Guess the fight isn't over yet...

November 2, Missouri will vote on Proposition B, legislation designed to crack down on irresponsible large-scale breeders. Last week I posted a few comments from organizations who are opposed to this bill - this week I've tried to respond to their "concerns":

The Tea Bag Party - "The society (HSUS) seeks only to raise the cost of breeding dogs, making it ever-more difficult for middle-class American families to be dog-owners."

As a very rough estimate, there are over 4,000,000 dogs in shelters, with rescue groups and running stray who are looking for homes. Over 2,000,000 dogs enter the system every year. Over half of those dogs will be euthanised. Around 25% are purebred. Although there aren't any statistics on the number of puppies who find their way into rescues/shelters, there are generally litters available, if you look hard enough.

In our life-times, and in our children's life-times, the chances are very good there will be hundreds of thousands of dogs, affordable dogs, looking for homes. They may not be purebred, show quality dogs, they may not be puppies, but they will be good dogs in need of good homes, and they will be affordable.

And breeders of good quality dogs charge two, three or even four times more than the cost of a dog at a rescue, shelter or the local pound. Pet shops charge even more than a good, local breeder, and they're willing to charge purebred prices for what are essentially "mutts" - e.g. mix-breed dogs. Financially sensible middle-class owners can't afford dogs today, controlling large-scale breeders won't change that!

Missouri Federation of Animal Owners - "Our goal has always been and shall always be to protect the rights of animal owners and enthusiasts against the devastating effects of the animal rights movement."

Proposition B is about protecting animals from pain, suffering and even death, quite frequently protecting them from the "owners" and "enthusiasts" themselves - people who breed dogs in deplorable conditions. Any animal owner worthy of having an animal would be sickened by the conditions the dogs this legislation is designed to protect are subjected to.

In reality, this legislation IS protecting dog owners and enthusiasts. There are thousands of dog owners who adopt badly-breed dogs and spend thousands of dollars and endless hours of grief trying to cope with products of irresponsible breeders. Proposition B IS protecting the rights of animal owners, ensuring their right to have a healthy, well-bred, well-socialized companion.

United For Missouri - "... Proposition B is an economic question as well as one of basic liberty."

Yes, it is economic and it's about liberty. It's about abolishing the "right" to make an easy profit at the expensive of a fellow living creature (be it dog or the human that adopts a dog). What kind of person wants economic prosperity or liberty at the expense of the pain and suffering of another?

Proposition B is about the cost of medical care, training and resolution of behavioral issues, excessive costs paid by owners who've been duped into buying a substandard dog. Proposition is about the "liberties" of the potential owners, who should have the right to adopt a well-breed, healthy, happy, stable puppy.

Missouri Farm Bureau - "HSUS has introduced Proposition B as a means of eliminating the legal, licensed professional dog breeders in Missouri."

Dog breeders are not being banned by this legislation - the size of breeding operations are restricted, basic conditions for comfort, health and welfare are prescribed. Professional dog breeding isn't being eliminated - large, unprofessional breeders are going to have to start using a bit of common sense, compassion and become honest, ethical business people.

Missouri Veterinary Medical Association - "The issue of the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act has come about because breeding facilities that are unlicensed are not being regulated or inspected."

No doubt this is true, there are individuals in every industry who evade and avoid the law. However, Proposition B seeks to tighten the regulations for all breeders - good breeders have nothing to worry about, bad breeders and unlicensed breeders alike will be required to become responsible breeders or find another line of work.

The Alliance for Truth - "It is not unusual for outside interests to try to impose their will on the people of Missouri."

Throughout history, "outside interests" have "imposed their will" to make changes for the better. The French aided the revolutionaries who founded this country. Americans fought overseas to free Europe from the Nazis. Every day Americans exert their influence in numerous countries around the world in the name of religion, human rights and even animal welfare. If the rest of the United States - the rest of the world - are "imposing their will" to end the suffering of dogs in Missouri, perhaps it's time for the special interest groups in Missouri to listen.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) - "... (the provisions in) Missouri Proposition B do absolutely nothing to improve the wellbeing (sic) of animals; instead, it would add excessive expenses to responsible breeders who strive to produce well-bred family pets."

Funnily enough, good breeders in other states don't seem to be suffering from "excessive expenses" in producing superior dogs for the show ring or for pets. Most good breeders admit financial considerations aren't why they breed dogs, and indeed they frequently lose money - their interest is in improving the breed, not making money mass-producing puppies.

Missouri Pet Breeders Association (MPBA): News - No comment

Perhaps they know they just don't have a leg to stand on....


My take on Proposition B? If these organizations, especially the AKC and the Missouri Pet Breeders Association object to this legislation, it's up to them to police their own members and to ensure that ALL dog breeders ARE members. If they spent as much effort fighting side-by-side with the groups who are concerned with the welfare of dogs AND dog owners, we might actually get something done!

I am NOT a fan of excessive legislation, but when there's a complete failure of compassion and common sense, especially where innocent lives are at risk, especially when the responsible parties prefer to turn a blind eye to the suffering of human and animal like, perhaps legislation is the only way forward.

So if you live in Missouri, please vote on November 2 to support this initiative. Adopt, don't buy, your next dog or puppy. Thoroughly investigate any breeder you choose to do business with, and see how their animals are cared for. Report substandard breeders and support GOOD breeders - they do exist!

In Defence of Pit Bulls

Dino Dogan is promoting yet another Kenn Bell video (of "The Other Heroes of 9/11" fame), this time supporting the much maligned breed, the Pit Bull.



Let me be perfectly clear - IMHO Pit Bulls are not monsters, killers, vicious, evil or dangerous. I know because I work with dogs, and a kennel full of Pit Bulls is MUCH easier to deal with than a kennel full of Labradors or lap dogs.

Anyone who fuels the fires of prejudice against any breed (or race, creed or color), for fun, profit or cruelty is, pardon my French, a foutue idiote.

Let's use some common sense.

Let's ignore the press whipping up Pit Bull hysteria to sell papers.

Let's ignore uninformed and misinformed politicians trying to score points with uninformed and misinformed constituents.

Let's start treating Pit Bulls like dogs, and not like devils incarnate.

Let's not condemn all Pit Bulls because of the actions of a few bad owners.

Let's put an end to dog fighting.

Let's make Pit Bull Terriers a AKC recognized breed.

Let's end Breed Specific Legislation.

If you have never met a Pit Bull, please don't form an opinion until you do. Please do talk to someone who really knows the breed and who is a responsible dog owner.

By the way October 23 is Pit Bull Awareness Day - Let's Celebrate America's Dog!

Here are just a few other Pit Bull supporters, and a much better source of information than the guy down the street:

Pinups for Pit Bulls
Shorty's Pit Bull Rescue
Cesar Milan
Pit Bulls
Bull Dog Breeds
Pit Bull Rescue Central
Luv A Bull Pit Bull Rescue and Sanctuary
Don't Bully My Breed
Working Pit Bull Terrier Club of America
National American Pit Bull
Best Friends Animal Rescue


You can follow Dino Dogan on Twitter and Facebook. Follow Kenn via his website, The Dog Files.

OMG! I'm becoming a CAT person!!!

I love animals, which is why I gave up a high-paying job as a technical writer to work with and write about critters. My preference has always been dogs - I could live without cats, but I only lasted three days without having a dog in the house.

However, since Piglet has entered my life, I think I'm becoming a cat person. He's out of his crate most of the time now, and has taken to sleeping with me, occasionally reaching out a gentle paw to touch my nose. So far, he's restricted the kamikaze attacks to waking hours - thank goodness I have frequent bouts of insomnia.

He comes when called better than Mac does, and everyone is amused when I yell "Sooo-eee, here Pig, Pig, Pig!", and he comes trotting out from wherever he's hiding.

Pig makes good use of his log and scratch toy, and hasn't wrecked any furniture, curtains or carpeting. If anyone says they won't adopt a cat or insist on declawing their kitty because cats are so destructive, you might point out that cats CAN learn to claw where you want them to claw. Destruction is NOT a valid excuse for refusing to adopt a cat, or for mutilating their poor little feet!

My dog, Mac, spends most of her time sleeping unless she wants out or to be fed - Piglet comes up at random times just to have his chin scratched, or to sit on my lap or keyboard. I refuse to believe it's because of the treats I have on my desk...

Whether it's gratitude for his rescue or because gray male cats do make good pets, Piglet is turning into a wonderful addition to the family. He is turning me into a cat person, and there are pluses and minuses to my new attitude:

The Plus Side

• I love fostering, and I can take in more cats than dogs.
• Cats are more independent and somewhat more tolerant of being left alone.
• Cats are cheaper than dogs - "fixing", inoculations, food, leashes and toys cost less - especially since I lean towards BIG dogs. -
  
• Cats play with anything - Piglet's current favorite "toy" is a piece of uncooked spaghetti.

The Negatives :

• There are so many cats, it's difficult to find them homes - I might become a crazy cat lady.
• Cleaning the litter box has never been one of my favorite jobs - it's bad enough with two cats, if I end up being a crazy cat lady, it will be my ONLY job!
• I like traveling with my pets, but while it's relatively easy with dogs, I'm still trying to get my head around traveling with a cat.
• I have enough trouble teaching my dogs what I expect, most cats don't give a soggy sardine about learning anything - I suspect Pig is a savant!

I'll never give up my dogs, but now I think I'll always have to have a cat or two in my life as well. Sadly, there are so many homeless kitties out there, I don't think I'll ever have to worry about NOT finding at least one to love...

This blog is a cheat...

I regularly receive emails with humorous animal pictures, and I love them - they're a great change from of the sad and frequently horrific stories I read. Here are a few of my favorites:

The side effects of deforestation:


And he complained when I rescued a kitten!:


The power nappers:


Did I miss anything?:


This global warming thing really gets me down...:


I'll never drink again... till next time...:


Breathe, damn you, breathe!:


Cats don't know that sometimes discretion is the better part of valor:


And perhaps my favorite, the dangerous dog attack:

I hope these brought a smile. If you send me one of your favorites, I might just add it to the end of this post.

Have a happy day and give your critter(s) a hug from me.

In support of Missouri's Proposition B

On November 2, 2010 Missourians will have the chance to vote on, Proposition B, legislation designed to improve conditions for dogs in large-scale breeding facilities - 10 breeding dogs or more. If passed, operators will be required to provide basic care to the dogs they own. Basic care is defined as:

• yearly veterinary care, prompt attention for injury or illness
  
• clean cages
• sufficient space in cages
• proper food
• clean water
• shelter from the elements (it can get very hot and very cold in Missouri)
• exercise
• a break from breeding between heat cycles (no more than two litters in 18 months).

Operations will also be limited to 50 "covered" (older than six months with intact sexual organs) dogs.

(If you've been living under a rock (or in a very small cage) you might not know that Missouri produces about a third of the puppies born in America.)

Various groups are against this legislation - I've included some of the more interesting comments. Please don't just read the comments out of context, click on a few of the links too.

The Tea Bag Party - "The society (HSUS) seeks only to raise the cost of breeding dogs, making it ever-more difficult for middle-class American families to be dog-owners."

Missouri Federation of Animal Owners - "Our goal has always been and shall always be to protect the rights of animal owners and enthusiasts against the devastating effects of the animal rights movement."

United For Missouri - "... Proposition B is an economic question as well as one of basic liberty."

Missouri Farm Bureau - "HSUS has introduced Proposition B as a means of eliminating the legal, licensed professional dog breeders in Missouri."

Missouri Veterinary Medical Association - "The issue of the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act has come about because breeding facilities that are unlicensed are not being regulated or inspected."

The Alliance for Truth - "It is not unusual for outside interests to try to impose their will on the people of Missouri."

The American Kennel Club - "... (the provisions in) Missouri Proposition B do absolutely nothing to improve the wellbeing of animals; instead, it would add excessive expenses to responsible breeders who strive to produce well-bred family pets."

Missouri Pet Breeders Association: News - No comment

Personally... well you probably know how I feel about this legislation. I won't try to sway you - yet - just look at the arguments put forth by those who oppose Proposition B. I wanted to give them their day in court, let their side be heard. Next time, I'll discuss each of their positions, as I see them.

(And notice please that I didn't use the emotionally-charged phrase usually associated with this issue. You know the one I mean....)

And now for something completely different... Indian Burial Grounds

While I do enjoy writing about helping critters, I occasionally find myself thinking about topics that are totally off-topic, and wishing I had the time, energy and ideas to write numerous blogs on a wide variety of subjects. Such was the case this evening, when I was invited to come take a look at a local Indian - Native American - burial site.

It's very small, off the beaten track and probably not of any great historical significance (John Wayne never starred in a movie based in Michigan after all), but the site is of local interest, with links to a former Michigan governor, Henry H. Crapo. As a scared Chippewa site, I feel the rescue and restoration efforts must do something to help the local karma too. And believe you me, in mid-Michigan, we need all the good karma we can get.

We drove down a small farm track to a small grouping of ancient pine trees on a slight rise. In our unprofessional and amateur opinion the trees must have been planted around the time of the earliest known grave - Chief Wabaness's father in 1864 - although the land had been used by the tribe before 1860. Strangely enough, rather than the usual poison ivy which is so common in this part of the world, the ground is covered with vinca (periwinkle). While the area is mostly farmland, the burial site is surrounded by either brushy trees, swamp or large bedroom-community homes.

There are only a couple dozen graves which are marked with simple sandstone slabs and wooden crosses. Unfortunately in the 70's the local youths adopted the site as a party spot and destroyed the original markers. Fortunately a local resident, George Cook, had drawn a simple map of the site a few years earlier, so the location of many of the graves, including the earliest grave which belongs to Chief Wabaness's father, are known. Attempts to locate any fragments of the original markers have failed, despite the efforts of Bill Morgan, whose dedicated efforts have driven the rehabilitation of this historic site.

But humans weren't the only vandals. A fox has made a home under one of the pines, and our guide said when last he visited there was a leg bone outside the den. "Rabbit?" I asked naively. "No," he replied pointing to his own leg, "human." Either the graves are very shallow, or the fox is very industrious. No attempt has been made to dissuade the fox however - he even has his own maker: "Fox Den, Do Not Disturb".

But what impressed me about the burial ground is the community spirit which made the restoration happen. Locals came together to save a bit of history and culture which would have otherwise been lost. The work has all been done by volunteers - Native American, "European Americans", and probably Mexican and African Americans too. The materials and the equipment to improve the site have all been donated, and the land was donated as well, again through the persuasion of Mr. Morgan.

It impresses me that in this day and age, with the local economy gone down the poopper, people living hectic lives have given their time and their money to preserve something special. Over the last few years I've seen similar efforts elsewhere, run by dedicated local enthusiasts with a mission, ambition and commitment to do good. A massive bell for the local veteran's memorial. The relocation and complete restoration of a train depot. The preservation of a historic theater destroyed by arson.

But preserving local history or honoring local heroes aren't the only ways volunteers can make their little patch a better place to live.

Come on, you didn't really think I'd write something without dragging things back to how we can help critters, did you? Especially with the bit about the fox...

Volunteering and donations are wonderful ways to help animals too. The projects mentioned above had a core of almost full-time volunteers, but also had time, materials and equipment usage donated by others who spent a just few hours helping out once or twice a month, gave a few dollars or a bit of fencing/lumber/paint/metal, or loaned the use of a tractor, truck or power washer.

Please consider helping out a local project - or a local animal charity. It doesn't need to take a lot of time or money, but you will help to preserve a bit of history, honor those who need to be honored or you may even save a life or two - or twelve!


As an aside and back to the issue of karma, I hope I haven't messed mine up tonight. I have a stone from the site sitting on my desk, given to me by our guide, Kenneth Gallagher, who is also a long-time family friend and drinking buddy (a story for a completely different blog). While we volunteered to assist with the next project (moving a large pile of dirt), and respected tribal custom by leaving an offering of crushed tobacco, I am worried that removing the stone might not have been appreciated by the "occupants". I meant no disrespect, but wanted a piece of history for my own memory garden, which is filled with stones from our travels. But if I have any strange dreams tonight, that stone's going right back tomorrow....