Apple Hill Punkies
              
               HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

THEY KILL DOGS, DON'T THEY?


Mentioned in passing in the Bee today (a caption with a photo) was that the dog of one of the Occupy Sacramento protesters in Cesar Chavez Park was euthanized when his owner was jailed for protesting peacefully in a public place.  There were no more details given about the incident, but it seems cruel and unusual to murder a person's companion animal because that person chooses to freely express an opinion that is contrary to someone else's. 


By now it should be apparent that we are living in a police state, particularly here in Sacramento where citizens are not permitted to peacefully gather to express their views, but do the dogs have to suffer, too?  Perhaps police forces would be of more beneficial use in other parts of our city where crime is rampant and some people are afraid to even walk around the block or go to their neighborhood grocery store after dark.  There is no crime being committed at Cesar Chavez Park, except for killing protesters' pets.

IT'S BEAU'S SECOND GOTCHA DAY!


Today marks Beau's second year with us.  It hardly seems like that much time has passed.  I'm so happy I found his photo posted online at Pet Harbor, which led me on a long and winding road down to Stockton's animal shelter, where I first laid eyes on that incredibly happy face peering at me through the chain link pet prison fence.  I'd been chosen!  Who could ever have overlooked this happy fellow?  But many did, including his owner who wouldn't post his bail from dog jail.  I'm so, so glad I did.  He's been such a wonderful part of our lives these two years.  He fills my life with so much joy.  He makes me laugh every day, and if there's one thing we can all use more of in our lives right now, it's laughter.   

I gave him some special treats today for his Gotcha Day and a nice, long walk around the park with Peaches.  He found a canine friend at the dog park he took quite a fancy to, but we had to leave when he repeatedly tried to mount him.  (Don't wag, don't tell.)  Beau wanted to go back inside the dog park, but I thought the Golden Retriever had probably had enough of his amorous antics.  On the way back to the car, he did his trademark "slider" in the soft grass and then rolled on his back delighting in the crisp, fall morning.  I'm sure I read Beau's thoughts, "Ah, this is the good life!"  And it is.  For all of us.

Peaches shnibbled (sampling kitty canapes) one too many times on her walk recently and ended up at the vet's with a tummy ache.  I awoke one morning to find she'd barfed on the hall carpet.  She was begging to come into the bedroom before dawn.  She climbed up in the bed with me and obviously wasn't feeling well.  She usually cuddles with me and licks my hand, but on that morning she was just staring off in space.  I was planning to take her in for her yearly exam that weekend, but she went in the same day.


 Turns out it was nothing serious, but I was frankly scared to death because Bubba had done the same thing before we lost him two years ago.  It's so hard to keep her (and Beau, who is her apt pupil) from this disgusting habit of gobbling cat or sometimes dog feces on our walks.  She's very sly about it, and whoever is walking her must pay close attention for the signs she's hunting for cat poo.  I've gotten pretty good at reading the body language but still miss the cues sometimes.  My husband never catches on. Before I know it, it's too late.  Down the hatch.


Her vet suggested the Gentle Leader, which seems anything but gentle from what I've seen.  I watched a dog digging at her muzzle to free herself from the restraint as I sat at the coffee shop one day.  They really seem to hate it, but I may resort to it rather than having a sick dog on my hands every time they get hold of something truly foul.  The other option is a muzzle, but I'd hate for people to think I had two killer bassets.  I could try treat training, but they are already rather portly, and I'd be handing them out all the time to keep them from shnibbling.  Such a disgusting behavior!

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
Read these 10 compelling reasons to adopt a shelter dog


I'll add another:  You just may find the canine love of your life, as I have.

"BEAU"