Very nice essay

@sharronhurlbut: That is because Therese has just love dogs and you picked the right breeder and pup! Did your homework and see how you got "lucky"!!! True, true. I know someone mentioned in a thread something to the effect that they were hoping their b would stop being so clingy. I, on the other hand, love how Kipawa wants to be wherever I am. He will wake up from a dead sleep to follow me into another room. He really does not like me to be out of his sight, and I love that, because when I am out with him at an offleash park, he is the same. He always wants to know where I am. Regarding "luck"… well, I think it was just meant to happen. Kipawa and I bonded instantly. His little sisters were more interested in Darrel in his wheelchair, but Kipawa had to snuggle with me on the couch and put his snoot in my hair. I will never, ever forget that.

Yes, I believe you are right. We spoke about that a few class meetings ago. Mostly saying that that sort of thing is normal in many places; however, I am from one of those areas/small towns where people are born, raised, and die here. Haha. Not to say that everyone does, but you get what I'm saying I'd guess…

Thanks for posting this Fran!

@tlish: i'm also guilty of having suki loose in the car. i don't drive with my windows down, so at least this particular tragedy probably won't happen. i haven't tried crating, but it just makes me nervous - if i were to get rear-ended, she'd be squooshed. i guess i could try the crate in the back seat sometime. not sure if she'd better or worse. she's not very fond of the car - she doesn't whine or freak out, but you can tell she's not very comfortable. she seems to be on high alert. We only open the windows a tiny bit, never enough for Tillo to even stick his head/muzzle out. And I don't like crates in the car either. I prefer a car harnass. Tillo actually has a harnass for the car.. I'm just too lazy to put it on him. Tillo likes to switch places from the sun.. out of the sun.. just how hot he gets.. and that's not possible if tied to one place. But that's probably not a very good reason to leave him loose.. ;)

Solar energy is a renewable form of energy which can be put to various purposes depending on the individual's needs and the solar device used. Solar energy can be obtained easily by installing solar devices in your home and these devices are quite efficient and come with a lifetime warranty.

Sigh, I feel your pain, Megan. I have relatives I wouldn't give a stuffed animal to. Including one sister. I actually contacted all the Chow rescues in her area with a "do not adopt" letter. Yeah she takes care of them while she HAS them, but she swaps dogs like most people change underwear. I don't know where she got it.. whole family of responsible pet owner. Grandmother was not only a midwife but the person all the hunters brought orphaned (ie they accidentally shot the mom) animals to (raccoons, deer, rabbits…). LOL, you know in Japan and some other places (I think even NYC) they have "rent-a-pet" programs. That's the only pet she should have. But many people see all animals them as "just animals".. their value is food/fur/guarding and if they are feeding them, giving minimal care, wow aren't they benevolent. :(

amazing! thanks for posting this!

I read the Scratch and Peck blog all the way through and I really enjoyed it. The writing style was quite humorous and the illustrations made me chuckle. Thanks for sharing.

cool what a great secret :D

Hunter & Bandit suggest looking through the Sunday coupons. They can find a buy 1 get 1 free like no one's business!!!!

good suggestion Fran, or maybe a cat rescue?

Well, bless them. Animals are resilient and they will go about their lives as if nothing is wrong with them. And there will always be those dear people who will lovingly care for little creatures like this. However, I agree with other posters who have indicated that the bitch NEEDS to be spayed. Whether it is a DNA problem or the bitch doing this to the newborns, spaying needs to be done to ensure this doesn't happen again.

Oh my God - that is horrid. Poor Hope, and all the breeding bitches left like her to die at the pound. I don't believe Whoopi Goldberg put much effort into research in arriving at her decisions regarding pet store dogs and/or the defense of Michael Vick. I sit here wanting to say more on the subject and just can't even think…..........

that is hilarious..thank you so much for that laugh out loud noice coming out of me..I needed it.

@Shannanigan: I thought as much. (about the vet) I don't think Paco gets it…he can be very difficult to handle with food around, and Chris and I are VERY adamant about not giving him food anywhere else besides his food bowl or while training outside. He used to even nip at me while I was eating, so that we'd have to put him outside while we ate. Thus, I prefer my guests not feed him from off their plates and encourage it. :D I remember the problem you had with Paco and the pizza. We never feed Malaika off our plates and don't allow anyone else to do it either. She wouldn't need much encouragement to take food off our plates. We will treat Kwame the same. They do sometimes get left over treats but in their own dishes.