Dog Blog

2012-01-24T14:02:00.000-08:00

In regard to the recent proposed changes to laws that affect the welfare of animals in California, I believe that this great state, which once shone as a beacon of progress for the world (but apparently no more), needs to set a strong example for humane treatment of all animals, both pets and those used for food. I'm appalled that the Supreme Court has decided it is okay for downed farm animals to be used as part of our food supply and that these "wise" men do not see how wrong it is for these unfortunate creatures to be treated so cruelly that they become sick or crippled in the first place. Instead of being dragged or bulldozed into the food chain, they should be humanely euthanized and their bodies disposed of (but not fed to their brethren) instead of being eaten. As a very lucky survivor of e. coli and salmonella poisoning years ago, I think that this latest ruling to feed the greed of a heartless industry is reason enough to shun the consumption of animal flesh. There are healthier foods to consume that don't require the killing of living beings that feel most of the same emotions we do. Bottom line: You just really don't know what you're eating any more when you buy meat products at the supermarket or at a restaurant.

As for the Governor's ill-advised proposed repeal of Tom Hayden's law on extending hold times for pets in shelters, I don't believe that the lives of helpless companion animals should be sacrificed to bolster a trashed economy which is the result of stupid, selfish actions of human beings. We got ourselves into this mess. Why should our pets pay the price? They have no voice in their fate, so we have to be their voice. I would probably not have my wonderful Beau or Peaches if shelter hold times had been any shorter. Certainly I would not have Beau, since he was an older mixed-breed dog that had already been a stray twice before I adopted him. His three strikes were nearly up, and I found him in the nick of time. Best day of my life. And his! Governor Brown may not have found his Sutter, either, if this protective law were not in force, though I'm sure that purebreds stand a far better chance than the throngs of mutts, seniors and other less adoptable dogs that find their way into shelters, again because of too many stupid, thoughtless, greedy people. This law gives pets a second chance for a happy ending. It must NOT be overturned! Are you listenin', Guv?

2012-01-20T22:26:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to report that those beautiful bassets at the SSPCA, Rufus and Emma, have been adopted. I'd like to believe that it's because of someone reading this blog, but it's probably more likely due to their appearance in the Sacramento Bee on Wednesday. But then, every effort helps when the lives of two dogs needing a forever home are at stake. N'est pas?

2012-01-14T17:31:00.000-08:00

What can the California Department of Fish and Game be thinking? According to the article in the Bee, their new link allows everyone, including hunters, to track the migration of OR7, the lone wolf that has migrated to our state. Don't you just know that there's a big, white hunter or livestock rancher just aching to bag his very own wolf and hang its carcass on his den wall? No wonder it's taken 100 years for wolves to come back from near extinction in the West. In addition to the tracking device on OR7's collar, why not just hang a big red-ringed target around his neck? Now everyone will be out gunning for him. How do they expect this animal to survive? Unbelievably stupid, Fish and Game idiots!

2012-01-12T18:42:00.000-08:00

   Keep chewin', chewin', chewin',
   though the rug is ruined.
   Keep them doggies chewin'
   RAWHIDE!

2012-01-11T14:46:00.000-08:00

Won't someone please adopt Rufus and Emma? These two bassets up for a dual adoption currently at the SSPCA. They are absolutely beautiful! If only I had the room. The fee for the second dog is reduced for whoever will give these beauties a forever loving home. Go see them today!!!

2012-01-01T22:45:00.000-08:00

This basset hound is currently at the City of Sacramento shelter on Front Street. He may not be up for adoption yet. Hopefully, his owner will come to claim him. He's a beautiful dog. I imagine he's one of the many that escaped during the fireworks last night and ended up in the shelters.

This DOG - ID#A388269
I am a male, tricolor Basset Hound.

My age is unknown.

I have been at the shelter since Dec 31, 2011.
This information is 1 hour old.

2012-01-01T22:24:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE AND THEIR CANINE COMPANIONS!

MAY THIS BE A BETTER YEAR FOR ONE AND ALL

MAY EVERY SHELTER BE EMPTIED OF HOMELESS PETS BECAUSE NONE SHALL BE UNADOPTED

2011-12-29T09:55:00.000-08:00

Peaches isn't reading the daily paper, but she loves to sit on it when we're trying to read. The latest news is that Peaches has been with us five years now. Her Gotcha! Day was December 28. I bought her some special treats at the Pet Department Store. I remember meeting a fearful little basset that day after Christmas in 2006 and how she crab-walked into the get-acquainted room, came straight to me, huddled close and sat on my foot. I understood that I had been claimed and I was hers and she was mine from that day forward. She would continue to do the crab walk for a long time after our first meeting when she was in any new situation or saw anything larger than she was, like street lamps, for instance.

Since I was told she was 3 1/2 when I adopted her at the SSPCA (she was transferred from her and Beau's Alma Mutter in Stockton), that means she is now 8 1/2. My beautiful little girl has a frosting of snowy white on her muzzle now. How unfairly fast the time passes when you're a dog.

2011-12-27T22:24:00.000-08:00

Gracie has spent Christmas at the City Shelter, poor girl. She's the last dog on page two of the list. Her profile says she is a Beagle/Basset mix, but she looks mostly Basset Hound to me. Can anyone give her a forever home? What a pretty dog she is. Request ID# A387956

2011-12-25T15:47:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMUTTS TO ALL!

A happy Christmas morning with Peaches and Beau. What greater gift is there than this? Peaches couldn't wait to get rid of that silly Santa hat.

2011-12-23T23:29:00.000-08:00

Each dog I've had has a special ornament I display on the Christmas tree each year. One of the most special ones I hang on the topmost branches in a place of honor is a little gold one of a beautiful little golden dog I once loved so dearly, and still do. Her name was Dolly, and I have written of her often. She always took great interest in the holiday tree, as though we had dragged a live tree into our living room just for her to appreciate (not to pee on, as Beau might think--I'm happy to say that hasn't happened, yet). I think you can see from this photo that she really did. Especially when Mrs. Santa hid special dog treats among the branches.

2011-12-15T21:51:00.000-08:00

I had a fun time tonight at the Sacramento Connect holiday party, hosted at The Fox & Goose Pub. As a writer who doesn't get out that much to socialize with others who also write, what a breath of fresh air this evening was. I got to talk to lots of interesting people and Bee staff and a few pet lovers. Sadly, I didn't get to finish my interesting conversation with the other basset owner there. We're a rare breed.

The fare was great! Especially the sausage rolls. My English mum-in-law used to make them around the holidays, and these tasted just like hers. To die for! Lisa very nicely ordered another round of those for the group, hot and fresh from the F&G kitchen.

After the party, my friend, Jennifer, and I adjourned to the other part of the pub where a band was playing some bluegrass music. My former guitar teacher from the Fifth String, Steve Mclean was one of the performers in the group. Good company, good food, a little libation, and some lively music. What could be better at the holidays, or any time for that matter?

2011-12-11T12:54:00.000-08:00

Another famous Fido foodie named Flash, my mom's beloved Schnauzer.

He was famous for sampling whatever was on the dining table.

Further lab work on Beau showed that his overall thyroid level was low, but his T3 was normal, so the doc said that though he is headed toward hypothyroidism, no medication is necessary at this time. So we will have to watch his diet a bit closer and try to get some of that weight off him. It never hurts in maintaining good health, for dogs or people.

2011-12-04T22:21:00.000-08:00

I had a follow-up call from Beau's veterinarian. Looks like he is hypothyroid, which may account for the heart murmur she noticed during his last exam and his weight gain. I'm glad to know it isn't our fault. I just couldn't figure out how he could gain so much in a year if we haven't changed his diet. The lab is doing a T3 & T4 test to determine the level of medication he'll need. I'm so relieved that it's something easily treatable and doesn't mean his life will be shortened. I want as much time with my wonderful boy as I can get.

Guess he doesn't have to give up licking out dregs from the Skippy jar after all.

And not to leave out the ladylike Miss Peaches...

2011-12-03T10:03:00.000-08:00

Stumped for gift ideas? Instead of putting more stuff under the tree this year, use your money where it can do some good for animals in need. If you think people are suffering in this miserable economy, it's even worse for the animals. Make a donation to RED ROVER (formerly United Animal Nations).

2011-12-02T21:54:00.000-08:00

I took Beau to his yearly checkup this morning. His vet said he has a heart murmur. I don't know if this is something he was born with or something that has developed from some underlying cause. I've lived my entire life with a heart murmur with no problems thus far. Many people and animals do. We were referred to a cardiologist to determine if the murmur is anything we need to worry about, but from what I've read about heart murmurs, it says that the examining vet should be able to determine the severity of the murmur before having to do further tests. She didn't give me a level for the murmur and Beau is asymptomatic--no cough, weakness, panting or the like--so I'm wondering how serious (or not) this problem may be. She said it's not urgent and could wait until after the holidays, which indicates it is not that serious. But it has me worried, nevertheless. I doubt if I'll wait that long. I cried on the way home and could think of nothing else the rest of the day. Beau is the sweetest boy ever and has such a good and loving heart, it should be a perfect one. I pray that my time with this wonderful dog I rescued will not be cut short. I already missed five years of his life.

2011-11-27T22:18:00.000-08:00

As it turns out, Beau and Peaches both love to hear me play the piano. I recently bought a used Boston upright, a Steinway brand (designed by Steinway & Sons and built at the Kawai factory in Japan), from Sherman Clay. It has a rich but bright tone and is a far better instrument than I have ever owned. Beats the Story & Clark I learned to play on as a child, though I heard it again at my brother's house on Thanksgiving, and it does still have a nice, mellow tone. It is not nearly as responsive to the player as the Boston is, though. This piano's sound fills the room in a way no other piano I've had ever could. When I was first married, I bought an old junker upright, then had a new Kawai some years ago but sold it. Since then I have sorely missed having a piano to play.

I found all my old sheet music stored in my Aunt Iris's old suitcase in the attic, all except for the well-worn book of Christmas music I used to play many years ago for my family at this time of year on the old S&C. I was glad I didn't have to dig too deep to find it because I'd need a shovel; there's so much junk piled up in there. When I flipped through pages of the Bach Preludes I used to play, I thought I'd never be able to play them again like I had before, but it's amazing how the brain so efficiently stores what you learned decades ago in childhood--a very good argument for reinstating music and the other arts at the elementary school level. An education comprised of only science and math and smattering of English is hardly an education at all. This was like pulling something out of an old dusty filing cabinet; you brush it off and it's as good as new. All that I had learned in those eight years of piano lessons I took from age 6 to 14 (thanks, Mom and Dad!) came back to me very quickly.

Yesterday when I was playing a lively selection, the dogs came into the music room, got all feisty and started frolicking with each other like puppies. Seeing two senior bassets do this is amazing. What a delight to see them engaging in their joyful dog dance. How I wish I'd had my camera at the ready, but if I'd gotten up to search for it, they would have immediately ceased their gavotte.

This afternoon I decided to go over to Klein's Music to browse through the sheet music. I love that store and I have a great guitar teacher I take weekly lessons from there. The store reminds me of Jack's House of Music, which used to be located at Country Club Center and was my music mecca back in the 60s and 70s. I bought so many Hohner harmonicas for my dad there, which I routinely gave him for Christmas and birthdays. (I wish I had some of them back now that he's gone, especially the old Hohner Echo Harp I played with as a child.) Jack's even used to sell pianos. Sherman Clay in Roseville seems to be the only place left in Sacramento that deals in new pianos.

Today I bought the sheet music I was missing from the old days and a few new pieces to learn, including Debussy and some Christmas hits, like the songs from A Charlie Brown Christmas, "Believe" and "Santa Baby." I also bought an easy book of Christmas songs for guitar. Funnily enough, I practice my music far more eagerly than I ever did when I was a child. I guess the difference now is that I really want to do it. I absolutely hated having to practice as a kid. It was like pulling teeth to make me do it. I just saw it as time I wasn't outdoors playing with my friends, and to kids that's time wasted.

I'm having a ball rediscovering the musical side of myself after all this time, and Peaches and Beau are joining in the fun, too. It's so great to have a piano again and also have dogs with "ears" for music.

2011-11-15T18:52:00.000-08:00

I was thrilled to learn that a Sacramento shelter has been emptied and cages are vacant, at least for a little while. Too bad it can't stay that way, but of course it won't for very long. Perhaps all the shelters in the region should consider hosting events like 11-11-11, offering deep discounts to help place more shelter pets in new homes. It's nice to know that so many pets will have a good home for the holidays, and for the rest of their lives one hopes.

Fact is, not everyone is able or willing to pay as much as it usually costs to adopt a pet from a shelter. It can be a deterrent for many. I was nearly discouraged by the $250 required to spring Beau from the Stockton shelter (how glad I am that I did pay it--I would have missed having the sweetest dog ever and the greatest love of my life). Private rescue groups usually charge much more; of course, that fee helps cover medical care and myriad costs associated with maintaining a rescue operation, which must be difficult in this economy. I hope that all the people who adopted a pet for $11.11 on Veteran's Day were made aware that it's a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of caring for a pet throughout its lifetime. Last night while sorting out old stacks of papers, I came across all the receipts from my last five basset hounds (Dolly, Bramble, Patti, Daisy, and Bubba), and it totaled thousands of dollars. The most expensive receipts for care were from VCA hospitals in the area. If we can't have universal health care for all the people in this country, perhaps we can get it for all our beloved pets. Either way, adopting a pet is a major commitment, not to be taken lightly.

I long for the day when there are no more homeless pets, and it's because they've all been adopted or weren't bred (and inbred) in the first place. On that note, I must say that I was appalled when I talked to someone at the Sacramento City shelter the other day about finding a Scotty or Scotty mix to adopt for my mom. I requested the number of a local terrier rescue group and was instead advised to go to a breeder. What???? Is that the advice they give to people seeking to adopt a pet? With shelters overfilled with homeless pets due in large part to overbreeding? I couldn't believe my ears.

Speaking of ears...

I've discovered that Beau has an ear (well, two actually) for music. I'm learning to play the guitar, and whenever it's time to practice, he comes into the room and makes himself comfortable on his soft bed to keep me company while I play. I wonder how he will react when my new piano arrives this Friday and I start playing that instrument? It's been many years since I had a piano, so I'm very excited about getting another one after all this time. I hope I remember how to read music! No matter how poorly I play, though, I doubt my conservatory canine won't mind. Truth to tell, he just loves to be wherever I am at any time of day, but I really do think he also likes the sound of the music. None of my other dogs have ever shown any real music appreciation, although I remember that one of my dogs, a mongrel named Snoto, used to like to sit on the piano bench while I played. Music doth have charms to soothe just about anyone.

2011-10-31T21:42:00.000-07:00

   Apple Hill Punkies

   HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2011-10-25T21:44:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-10-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-10-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-10-04T18:42:00.000-07:00

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"

2011-09-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

A CHILD'S FIRST CIRCUS

Sue Owens Wright

When I was seven years old, my teacher took our entire class to the circus. The circus had come to town, and I remember how excited I was about going to the Ringling Brothers’ Barnum & Bailey Circus for the first time. It was the last time I would ever want to see a circus.

As we arrived in the school bus, the sight of the Big Top sent thrills of anticipation through me. Waiting in the long line to be admitted into the vast red and white-striped tent, I could hear the merry sound of the calliope and cheers from the crowd of spectators. What amazing wonders and feats would we see once we were inside? I could scarcely contain my excitement. I had always heard how marvelous the circus was with its comical clowns, daring trapeze artists, and performing wild animals.

Like my classmates, I had no conception of how these animals were trained to do all the tricks we saw portrayed on the spectacular posters advertising the circus acts. The first thing I distinctly remember about the circus was the smell. When we stepped inside the Big Top, the air was permeated with a singular scent I’ve never forgotten—a blend of popcorn, roasted peanuts, sawdust, and raw fear. Until then, I had been blissfully unaware of the fact that the lions, tigers, and elephants were routinely whipped, poked, and prodded to perform on command. Wild jungle cats that were never meant to live in captivity or do tricks for an audience were forced to leap through flaming hoops, despite the fact that a fear of fire is instinctive.

Indian elephants balanced their enormous weight on narrow pedestals while a trainer jabbed them repeatedly in the sensitive flesh of their neck, armpits, or groin with sharp metal hooks, forcing them to poise precariously on only one foot. I now understand that their loud trumpeting which filled the tent and thrilled the audience were their cries of pain and protest. The terror and misery I saw mirrored in their eyes haunts me still.

Though just a small child, I felt a profound pity and sadness for these unfortunate creatures as I witnessed them being tormented for our “pleasure.” I wondered how those trainers would feel if they were prodded with instruments of torture to perform tricks for an audience. Was this what the circus was all about? I wished I had never come and couldn’t wait until it was time to leave. Even the clowns, with their freakish white faces, bizarre antics, and blasting cannons couldn’t distract my attention from this spectacle of cruelty. Perhaps that's really why there are clowns at circuses. How anyone could ever consider the subjugation and mistreatment of animals to be a form of entertainment was as incomprehensible to me then as it is now.

Mrs. Becker unwittingly taught at least one of her students a very important lesson that day at the circus so many years ago, but it’s probably not the one she thought she was teaching to the youngsters in her class. I learned that wild animals are not meant to perform unnatural feats for our amusement. I learned that wild animals belong in their natural habitat, not in a cage or a circus tent. I learned that circuses are not fun for me or anyone else who cares about the welfare of animals, and certainly not for the helpless, captive creatures that are still being forced to suffer for the amusement of the cruel and the ignorant.

ELEPHANTS REUNITED AFTER 20 YEARS--Here's what happy elephants look like.

2011-09-10T15:41:00.000-07:00

Read my interview with the publisher of Kings River Life magazine, review of Embarking on Murder, and my story, The Sleuthhound Speaks.

2011-09-06T22:54:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since my last post. Peaches, Beau and I had hoped to miss most of the dog days of the Sacramento summer enjoying the cooler climes of Lake Tahoe, but we at least got a nice long stay beside the Jewel of the Sierra. We've washed the last of the trail dust from paws and boots. Our escape was sublime while it lasted. We'll try to return in October before the first snow comes to hear the gold coin leaves of aspen trees clatter in the breeze, which is far preferable to the city noise and freeway drone that assaults our ears daily.

Since the hour grows late, and a picture is worth and thousand words (and happy dog faces worth even more) I'll let these photos speak for me.

2011-08-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

Worn out from trudging up mountain paths for the past week with two dusty dogs to prove it, I decided to give the Bijou Dog Park here in South Tahoe a try. I thought Beau would like to socialize a bit with something other than Golden Mantled Squirrels for a change. There were only three other dogs in the park, a Char Pei, a young husky and a senior lab/rottie mix. The Char Pei growled at Beau through the fence and the owner wouldn't call him back from the entrance, so we went into the small dog side of the park until he was distracted sparring with the husky. Then we slipped in without incident. The growly Shar Pei left, but the husky was a bit overbearing and didn't know his boundaries, which Peaches and Beau quickly clarified for him. After a little snarling and tree marking, they all got along okay. I walked them around the adjacent area for a while after we left the park, but after we got back to the cabin, Peaches was soon pouting at me, so I guess it wasn't enough of an outing to suit her. She knew we hadn't been gone long enough to qualify as an excursion. Guess I'll have to take them back down to Tallac Historic Site tomorrow. It's a bit of a drive, but we all love it, even though due to water levels there's not much beach left at Kiva Beach, Tahoe's only dog-friendly beach on the South Shore.

The best part of coming to Tahoe is Alpina Cafe on Emerald Bay Road. It's a quaint Tyrolean-style coffee shop I wrote about in my third mystery, though I changed the name. It even boasts a ghost that is purported to haunt the second story rooms. I believe it was once a house turned into a cafe. It was originally called Alpen Sierra. Coming to this wonderful place never fails to spark my creativity and fire my imagination, and I'm blocking out chapters of my current book and making notes for the next one.

2011-08-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

Peaches and Beau are exploring Lake Tahoe one twig at a time in true basset fashion. It's great to be here again with them, soaking up some natural beauty and inspiration for more books. Dogs have good memories. Don't ever doubt it. They remember every trail they've trod on before. Beau, unfortunately, is not much of a long-haul trekker. He has to take it in small doses. He's younger than Peaches, but he goes one speed on the trail, dead on slow. I may have to leave him behind for their second walk of the day. He's really just a one walk-a-day dog.

I heard there are a couple of pit bulls new to the neighborhood and the owners let them wander off leash, like every other resident in Tahoe seems to. A neighbor said the male seems very aggressive. I wouldn't want to run into him out on the trail. Don't they observe leash laws up here? They have never seemed to in all the years I've been coming to Tahoe. It's a given that everyone's big dog can roam at will. I don't care how nice that dog is to his owner, if I don't know the dog and I'm out walking my dogs, I want to see it at the end of a leash.

Hope to have some photos to post when I return. Can't seem to get my Bloggie to work, but we'll see.

2011-08-01T15:54:00.000-07:00

Today the world seems to me less full of grace, kindness, and compassion without my beloved Aunt Lucy (Lucy "Iris" Owens Kendall) in it. She preferred to be called by her middle name, Iris, which is a more beautiful name befitting this spiritual poet and artist, but she was always just Lucy to her blood kin. I don't know if the love of animals is learned or is a gene that runs through families, but there's no question that a passion for our fellow creatures is one she and I shared to our cores.

Lucy was a cat lover, and while living on the acreage she shared with Uncle Charlie near American River College, she provided a safe haven for over 20 homeless cats. Many of them were dropped at the end of her driveway, especially when word got out about the cat lady of Sycamore Avenue. She had them all spayed or neutered and gave her adoptive cats the very best of care for the duration of their lives, including her favorite, Puccinelli--Pucci for short. I once wrote a poem about him for her, which I'll post here if I can find it.

I well remember visiting Lucy's and Charlie's lovely secluded estate, cat heaven to the assortment of felines she doted on like the children she never had (something else we shared). Each cat had its own special domain, jealously guarded from the others. Some were indoor kitties, and others claimed a planter or other outpost of their own on the verdant property, which was also populated by a community of raccoons who helped themselves to the cat food. Whenever we came to Aunt Lucy's home, we were always treated to an entertaining dinner show viewed through the panoramic picture window of her dining room. At sunset, a bevy of bandits arrived to compete for the kitty chow. It was always such a delight to observe this wildlife diorama while dining on Lucy's creative assortment of casseroles, sans cat hair, amazingly.

When she had to downsize to a smaller home after Uncle Charlie died, she also had to downsize her cat colony, but she took the greatest care to ensure that every cat went to a loving, forever home. The happiness and well-being of her cats was always the most important thing to my aunt. Living without any of them to love must have been unbearable for her after she had a stroke and was taken from her home much too soon by the relatives entrusted to manage her care and estate. Her remaining cats were placed with friends, she was assured, so at least she was content believing her cats were happy in their surroundings, even if she was not. "This is a strange life," she once told me when I visited her at her new "home." She seemed resigned to her fate, but is anyone ever really content living in a rest home?

Whenever I visited her, she didn't want to talk about her cats. It was too upsetting for her. The only remnant of her former life spent in the company of cats was a battery-operated fuzzy toy feline that purred loudly whenever you'd pet it. I doubt if it was quite the same for her as the real thing. She spent the last year of her life, like too many elders, in an unfamiliar place devoid of her beloved pets, and I'll always believe it hastened her demise, as the loss of the things we most love surely must. I hope that this country will someday see fit to adopt the models of European countries and realize the importance of allowing our senior citizens to remain in their own homes until their last day on earth and provide the finances for quality, compassionate care needed for them to do so.

Like my father, his favorite sister always liked to work and feel useful. If there is a vacancy in Heaven for a special angel to care for all the kitties, then I know Aunt Lucy has found her perfect work there. Your gentle presence here will be greatly missed, dear Auntie.

2011-07-23T00:04:00.000-07:00

In his own special way, Beau informs me he is ready for another cool spell. Hot dawg!

2011-07-05T11:05:00.000-07:00

DOGS ON THE COUCH--What our dogs are really thinking

2011-07-03T23:11:00.000-07:00

The Fourth of July won't be a celebration for many dogs that are fearful of the noisy fireworks (like my Beau). The ones that aren't injured or killed when fleeing into traffic will end up in our already overcrowded shelters and may never find their way back home. To avoid this 100% preventable tragedy, check these off before you light that first firecracker:

JULY 4th DOG SURVIVAL CHECKLIST

My dog is microchipped and wearing his collar with ID, including my current address and phone.

My dog is safely secured in his home or yard. Crates are safest. I've checked for escape routes in my yard. Gates are locked.

I keep vet-prescribed meds on hand to calm my dog if necessary. Benadryl and Rescue Remedy also work. I've left the TV or radio on to help abate the noise.

While I may want to take my dog along to fireworks displays, I realize that dogs have very sensitive ears and he may be terrified by the loud bangs. It's kinder to leave him where he doesn't have to endure all the noise.

If I know my dog gets upset during fireworks, I decide to stay home to ensure his safety or I hire a pet sitter. No amount of fun is worth endangering his well being. That's the price of being a responsible pet owner.

Lastly, I make sure that my dog stays cool on these firecracker hot days by not leaving him in places where he will overheat, like in cars or direct sun. I keep him inside my air-conditioned home, or I provide him with shade throughout the day in my yard and give him plenty of fresh, cool water. I am also watchful of my dog around rivers, lakes, and swimming pools and provide him with a life jacket. Dogs can drown, too, and often do.

HERE'S WISHING YOU AND YOUR BEST FRIEND A SAFE AND HAPPY 4TH!

2011-07-02T22:40:00.000-07:00

In my perfect world...THIS IS THE DOG'S DINNER

2011-06-30T16:02:00.001-07:00

Basenji Rescue and Transport has reprinted my article that appeared in the June 2011 issue of Inside Publications.

2011-06-28T12:28:00.000-07:00

It's another wintry summer day, but I'm glad the weird weather held off for Sunday's Seersucker Ride, the summer version of the Tweed Ride. Last Sunday morning, close to 150 cyclists arrived at Temple Coffee on vintage bicycles, some toting their dogs in baskets or trailers. Most of us were dressed in vintage clothing, which was supposed to include seersucker. I haven't owned anything made of seersucker since the 1960s, and I didn't have a clue where to look for any seersucker attire on short notice until I thought of the SPCA Thrift Shop.

I had gathered up some donations to drop off, so I did a little seersucker shopping while I was there. As luck would have it, I found a Bermuda shorts and jacket ensemble that was a perfect fit. I looked pretty natty for the occasion wearing that and my stylish new Yakkay bike helmet, which looks like a hat but is actually "brainwear" with a colorful fabric cover that can be changed to suit your mood or the season. Never mind that my seersucker suit was 100% Polyester rather than cotton, as it would have been in the early 20th Century.

Everyone socialized and admired one another's retro duds and bikes, which included a penny farthing and lots of bikes from the 40s and 50s, as well as some Electra bicycles, which you can hardly tell aren't vintage until you look more closely. It was quite a photo op (more photos to come). Revolution Wines sold boxed lunches for $10, which was fortunate since I didn't know that we were going to be riding to William Land Park for a picnic. I'd heard about this event at the last minute, so there wasn't much time to prepare. After our social hour, we all headed out for a ride through the town, which was the most fun I've had in ages. The Wire Terrier riding in the front basket of the bike beside me obviously agreed. I'm sure my face must have looked as happy as his, and by the end of the day I'd be panting, too, in my Polyester cyclewear. Another fellow was hauling a cello behind his bike. He was one of the band members who would be playing lively music for us at the park.

A bright chorus of bike bells chimed as drivers honked friendly greetings and people waved to us as we pedaled leisurely through the streets of Sacramento. This was a good experience for my husband, who is more of a speedster. The slower, gentler pace and civility amongst our group was the perfect panacea for stress reduction in an increasingly stressful world. What is a better stress-buster than a lazy Sunday afternoon bike ride? This is something my family always did when I was growing up, either by auto or bicycle.

Once we reached the park, everyone found a spot on the shaded grass in a verdant urban forest (Are you reading this, Army Corps of Engineers?) to arrange their lawn spreads and set up for their feast. This was especially pleasant for me because some of my fondest early childhood memories are of picnicking with my parents at William Land Park, riding the carousel, leaping fish and boat rides at Funland, and feeling the assurance of my strong Texan father's steady hand bracing his little girl in the saddle as I rode around the circular roped path of the Pony Rides. I felt as though I'd been transported back to a gentler century, when people seemed kinder, happier, and more cultured. One group had transported a portable vintage tea table, an English china tea service, and a wind-up record player that squawked Sing, Sing, Sing in 78 rpm. When I heard the wail of a train steam whistle, coming from Old Sac, I could easily imagine I was cocooned in some kind of time warp, if just for an hour or two. The sound of a cell phone ringing spoiled my blissful daydream and jolted me back to the present day.

We were treated to some scrumptious cupcake samples, and for $3.00 we could buy a Popsicle, which was such a cool delight on a warm day. My seersucker suit was making me sweat like the pig that knows he's dinner, and my husband and I were getting weary from standing so long, since we'd brought nothing to sit on. We ate our boxed lunch while standing. The rest of the group would ride on to Crocker Museum for more refreshment and then end up at DeVere's Irish Pub. I really hated to miss that, but the two of us headed back to Temple Coffee, where we ordered some cold drinks to chill out, then rode back to where our car was parked. The ride back was not quite so leisurely with my husband well in the lead of our two-person peloton. I had the same view I've had ever since we've been riding bikes together.

According to my odometer, we were actually only peddling for an hour on the Seersucker Ride, but it was a memorable afternoon enjoying Sacramento's growing bike culture. I would like to see Sacramento to give Davis some real two-wheeled competition, not only in events like this one and the adoption of a true bike culture in our city, but also in bike safety. We don't need any more Ghost Bikes like the ones near Sac State. I hope that the Give Me Three campaign is successful, so that cars give bikers some respect. Not all the motorists we encountered were courteous, even on a quiet Sunday afternoon, and some cyclists in our group ran a red light, which is a good way to end up a Ghost Bike.

BUI, though)--and something to sit on comfortably while we eat it. I'm searching for a vintage bike, too. I'd love to find my old forest green/cream Montgomery Wards Hawthorne. Stylish as it may be, I may skip wearing the Yakkay, unless the weather is like it is today, since this helmet doesn't seem to vent as well as a Giro. And next year my seersucker will be made of 100% cotton! Meanwhile, I'll be searching for that and some tweed to wear in November for the Tweed Ride.

2011-06-24T16:49:00.000-07:00

GERMAN SHEPHERD STRUGGLES TO ESCAPE CAR AT ARDEN FAIR MALL

This is so disturbing to watch, but everyone needs to. When are idiots like these ever going to learn that you can't leave a pet inside a car at a mall or anywhere else in the summer while they shop?

"Two minutes" one couple said they left their two Schnauzers in their car at Arden Fair Mall when security caught up with them. Run, dummies, run! Save your dogs! The dogs were actually shut up in the car 30 minutes on that 102-degree day. The report didn't say whether the dogs survived, but I doubt they did. These offenses should be punished to the full extent of the law, just like a premeditated murder, because that's what it is. Notice the man returning to his car with his "important" purchase, oblivious to the plight of his dog as he gets in the car and drives off. Let's hope he cranked up the A/C, for his own comfort I'm sure, and took his dog to the nearest vet for emergency treatment, though I doubt he did. I wonder how long it will be before he traps his dog in the car again while he shops? One can only hope he saw his cruel, stupid behavior broadcast on the evening news and will stop leaving his dog in a four-wheeled oven.

Seems like catching the offenders (and their car license) on camera should be ample evidence to convict them of animal cruelty. I'm stunned and furious that mall security captured this footage of an animal cooking in a car but no one responded to the emergency. If they were waiting for animal control officers to arrive on the scene to rescue the animal, the dog would probably be dead by then. I'm even angrier that no animal cruelty charges were filed against these pet owners. Fact is, the law doesn't care to pursue perpetrators of these tragic incidents. They have more important things to do. Would it be different if it was a child left to die in a hot car? You bet! Child or animal, it's a living thing, and there is a law stating that pets should not be left in cars in unsafe conditions. Unfortunately, it's a law no one enforces.

When these incidents occur, and they no doubt will continue throughout the summer, it should be acceptable for anyone to intervene to rescue an animal from certain death by whatever means necessary. The other day at REI, a citizen did exactly that when someone else had left his dog shut up in a hot car in the parking lot while shopping. The canine crusader shattered the imbecile's car window to save the animal. Better to have a broken window than a dead dog. I personally would not stand by and let an animal die before my eyes while waiting for police (who have never come when I've summoned them for a K-911 and certainly wouldn't now with budget cutbacks) or animal control (same problem) to arrive on the scene.

2011-06-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally here and so are the dangers. The sudden warming trend may catch some pet owners unaware. Here are some reminders of protecting your pet from the heat and other summer hazards:

Hot cars can turn into a deadly death trap - even with the windows cracked. Within 10 minutes the temperature inside an automobile can rise to 160 degrees and cause irreversible brain damage and/or death to pets.
Dogs that are kept outside need available shade and water at all times.
Dogs should be properly groomed so that their hair doesn't get too long. Dogs with long hair are more susceptible to heat stroke and other hot weather problems.
Avoid excess exercise with your pet when it is hot outside.
Be mindful of hot pavements - dog paws are easily injured on super-hot streets and it is very painful to dogs.
Always keep your dog on a leash.
Always read labels on garden products, bug spray, and other outdoor products to make sure they are pet-friendly.

2011-06-19T22:31:00.000-07:00

You can't keep your pet? Really? (This post found on Craig's List--I'm passing it along)

By a Shelter Manager

I think our society needs a huge "Wake-up" call. As a shelter manager, I am going to share a little insight with you all...a view from the inside if you will. First off, all of you people who have ever surrendered a pet to a shelter or humane society should be made to work in the "back" of an animal shelter for just one day. Maybe if you saw the life drain from a few sad, lost, confused eyes, you would stop flagging the ads on Craigslist and help these animals find homes. That puppy you just bought will most likely end up in my shelter when it's not a cute little puppy anymore. Just so you know there's a 90% chance that dog will never walk out of the shelter it's dumped at? Purebred or not! About 25% of all of the dogs that are "owner surrenders" or "strays," that come into a shelter are purebred dogs.

The most common excuses: "We are moving and we can't take our dog (or cat)." Really? Where are you moving too that doesn't allow pets? Or they say "The dog got bigger than we thought it would". How big did you think a German Shepherd would get? "We don't have time for her." Really? I work a 10-12 hour day and still have time for my 6 dogs! "She's tearing up our yard." How about making her a part of your family? They always tell me "We just don't want to have to stress about finding a place for her we know she'll get adopted, she's a good dog."

Odds are your pet won't get adopted, and how stressful do you think being in a shelter is? Well, let me tell you, your pet has 72 hours to find a new family from the moment you drop it off. Sometimes a little longer if the shelter isn't full and your dog manages to stay completely healthy. If it sniffles, it dies. Your pet will be confined to a small run/kennel in a room with other barking or crying animals. It will have to relieve itself where it eats and sleeps. It will be depressed and it will cry constantly for the family that abandoned it. If your pet is lucky, I will have enough volunteers in that day to take him/her for a walk. If I don't, your pet won't get any attention besides having a bowl of food slid under the kennel door and the waste sprayed out of its pen with a high-powered hose. If your dog is big, black or any of the "Bully" breeds (pit bull, rottie, mastiff, etc) it was pretty much dead when you walked it through the front door. Those dogs just don't get adopted. It doesn't matter how "sweet" or "well behaved" they are.

If your dog doesn't get adopted within its 72 hours and the shelter is full, it will be destroyed. If the shelter isn't full and your dog is good enough and of a desirable enough breed it may get a stay of execution, but not for long. Most dogs get very kennel protective after about a week and are destroyed for showing aggression. Even the sweetest dogs will turn in this environment. If your pet makes it over all of those hurdles, chances are it will get kennel cough or an upper respiratory infection and will be destroyed because the shelter gets paid a fee to euthanize each animal and making money is better than spending money to take this animal to the vet.

Here's a little Euthanasia 101 for those of you that have never witnessed a perfectly healthy, scared animal being "put-down." First, your pet will be taken from its kennel on a leash. They always look like they think they are going for a walk happy, wagging their tails. Until they get to "The Room." Every one of them freaks out and puts on the brakes when we get to the door. It must smell like death or they can feel the sad souls that are left in there. It's strange, but it happens with every one of them. Your dog or cat will be restrained, held down by 1 or 2 shelter workers depending on the size and how freaked out they are. Then a shelter worker who we call a euthanasia tech (not a vet) finds a vein in the front leg and injects a lethal dose of the "pink stuff." Hopefully your pet doesn't panic from being restrained and jerk. I've seen the needles tear out of a leg and been covered with the resulting blood and been deafened by the yelps and screams. They all don't just "go to sleep"; sometimes they spasm for a while, gasp for air and defecate on themselves. You see, shelters are trying to make money to pay employee paychecks, and don't forget the board of directors needs to be paid too, so we don't spend our funds to tranquilize the animal before injecting them with the lethal drug, we just put the burning lethal drug in the vein and let them suffer until dead. If it were not a "making money issue" and we had to have a licensed vet do this procedure, the animal would be sedated or tranquilized and then euthanized, but to do this procedure correctly would cost more money, so we do not follow what is right for the animal, we just follow what is the fastest way we can make a dollar. Shelters do not have to have a vet perform their euthanasias, so even if it takes our employee 50 pokes with a needle and 3 hours to get the vein, that is what we do. Making money is the issue here, not losing money.

Then it all ends, your pets corpse will be stacked like firewood in a large freezer in the back with all of the other animals that were killed, waiting to be picked up like garbage. What happens next? Cremated? Taken to the dump? Rendered into pet food? Or used for the schools to dissect and experiment on? You'll never know and it probably won't even cross your mind. It was just an animal, and you can always buy another one, right?

I hope that those of you who still have a beating heart and have read this are bawling your eyes out and can't get the pictures out of your head. I deal with this every day. I hate my job. I hate that it exists, and I hate that it will always be there unless you people make some changes and start educating the public. Do research, do your homework, and know exactly what you are getting into before getting a pet. These shelters and humane societies exist because people just do not care about animals any more. Animals were not intended to be disposable, but somehow that is what they are these days. Animal shelters are an easy way out when you get tired of your dog (or cat), and breeders are the ones blamed for this. Animal shelters and rescue organizations are making a hefty profit by keeping this misconception going.

Between 9 and 11 MILLION animals die every year in shelters and only you can stop it. I just hope I maybe changed one person's mind about taking their dog to a shelter, a humane society, or buying a dog. For those of you that care---please repost this to at least one other craiglist in another city/state. Let's see if we can get this all around the US and have an impact.

2011-06-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

This morning Beau had a ball at the dog park with a young black lab mix named Lexi. He usually doesn't get on well with large black dogs, a common phobia with some dogs, I've read. Not so with Lexi. I don't often see him cavort with a dog like he did with her. They ran all over the place, with him trying to keep up with her, and her pawing at him to keep him engaged in the game of chase. She leaped over him like a hurdle, and he makes such a perfect one with his low, long body. I think he had the hots for her, but of course he wouldn't be able to do much about it, kind of like Hugh Hefner with his 26-year-old almost bride. At 85, you have to wonder how much longer he can keep this up, without Viagra that is. Too bad no one ever neutered Hef.

A corps of young workers were busy doing work in our little dog park today trimming, cutting, and generally maintaining the area. I don't think they were affiliated with the City of Sacramento, but what a nice thing to see, considering many of our larger parks are going to the dogs these days without any funds to maintain them. I forgot to thank them for their work but wish I had. We lost our water fountains months ago to copper thieves, and those have still not been replaced. It might be nice before the real summer heat descends on us to have some water available to drink that doesn't come in plastic bottles, which litter the parks after every weekend's activities.

I've ranted about this before, but with summer upon us and more folks descending on our parks, it would be so nice if those people who frequent public parks took just a few moments before they leave to collect their trash and discard it in the receptacles provided. Every Monday is the same at Glenbrook park after the weekend soccer and baseball games. Rubbish is scattered from one end of the park to the other. It makes me sad to see it because it shows such disregard for others who also enjoy the parks. So often I see trash dropped within mere inches of the trash can. Are we all so thoughtless and lazy these days that we can't even pitch our trash in the nearest trash can? I try to pick up what I can when I walk my dogs, but it's pretty disgusting having to pick up other people's trash. And it shouldn't be necessary.

I think part of the problem could be solved if the City of Sacramento reminded groups that seek permits for park events to dispose of all their garbage after the event. Also, the Mexican food vendor selling food to parkgoers in our area and those servicing other parks should remind their customers to toss their trash in a can when they finish eating. I grew up in a time when we were expected to be mindful of the rights of others, and that included not littering public places. Everyone has the right to enjoy a clean, litter-free park. So, parents, when you accompany your kids to the ball games or other pastimes at the park this summer, remind them not to leave their trash behind and set a good example by stashing your own trash in the can. I'm sure you wouldn't allow your kids to toss their trash on the floor at home, would you?

Of course, Peaches and Beau will miss the leftovers, but I really don't need any vet bills for the pancreatitis they may get from the Monday Mexican buffet at our neighborhood park.

2011-06-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

FROM DOG HELL TO DOG HEAVEN

If this video doesn't bring tears to your eyes, nothing will.

2011-06-09T22:01:00.000-07:00

Reminder from:		DogMysteries Yahoo! Group

Title:		Dog Mysteries Birthday

Date:		Friday June 10, 2011
Time:		All Day
Repeats:		This event repeats every year.
Notes:		Dog Mysteries group was created on June 10, 2000! Let's celebrate!!!! Here are some suggestions for how: 1. Read a dog mystery today. 2. Buy another dog mystery. 3. Donate something--It can be money, toys, bedding, your time, old (but still good condition) leashes, etc.--to an animal rescue or humane society or animal shelter in honor of our group or in honor/memory of a beloved pet. 4. Set aside some DEAR time today to help get that dog mystery read (or anything else): that's Drop Everything And Read. Pick an hour or two, or more or less--whatever works for you--to dedicate to JUST reading for fun. Nothing else is allowed during this time, except a potty break, if necessary. Keep snacks within reach to relieve unexpected hunger pains without going to the kitchen. And a lap dog or pet curled within reach to stroke while reading is also acceptable. 5. Take your dog(s) for an extra long walk today (or several short walks). 6. Give your pets extra hugs and kisses, and an extra treat or two!

2011-05-28T21:41:00.001-07:00

I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels.
I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.
I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage.
I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today.
Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past.  I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.
Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.

A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms.
I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side.
I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.
I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor.
So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors.
So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

2011-05-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

Mystery Scene Magazine has just published a reprint of my Maxwell Award-winning article, WADDLING IN DWIGHT, cited by the magazine as Most Popular. I also just received an invitation to be a guest at the 2011 Illinois Basset Waddle. Looks like I may be waddling with 1,000 bassets again in September.

2011-05-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

PEACHES AND BEAU WANT TO KNOW: WHEN IS THE ROVER RAPTURE?

I don't usually like to discuss religion or politics, but if predictions by the END OF DAYS kooks are correct and the "chosen ones" will be sucked up into Heaven or the Mother Ship, or wherever they think is better than the blessing of life right here on planet Earth, tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. (sorry, I have other plans), it begs the question where all the dogs are going and when.

To quote the great humorist, Will Rogers, "If there are no dogs in Heaven, I want to go wherever they went." They'll be in Heaven long before any of us will, anyway.

See you Sunday!

2011-05-15T21:59:00.001-07:00

THUNDERBUMPER BEAU

Poor Beau. It was another Rescue Remedy day for him with all this unseasonable wild weather. I was walking both dogs at the school when I heard the first volley of thunder. I could see him starting to freak out, so I hustled him and Peaches back to the car, and we made it home before all hell broke loose. I double dosed him with RR before he made a beeline for my bed. I hopped on top of the eiderdown with him and he buried his head under my arm. He was shaking so much I thought I was lying on one of those motel vibrating beds.

I turned the TV on with the volume loud enough to drown out the thunder and comforted him until the storm passed. I don't think I've had a dog before as afraid of storms as Beau is. I always wonder why he's so fearful of thunder and hope it wasn't something unpleasant in his past that made him this way. But I'm glad I can be here for him and make it all better on stormy days. Now if I could just get the neighbors to stop using their electric leaf blowers. He hates those, too!

2011-05-09T15:09:00.001-07:00

Join Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary for

Antiques & Collectibles

"Barking Lot Sale"

Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary

No Kill ♥ All Volunteer ♥ Cage Free Saturday, May 21, 2011

8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary Adoption Center 6001 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95819 (Corner of 60th & Folsom Blvd.)

Antique, vintage and collectible furniture, art, dishes, china, dolls, crystal, garden décor and more!

The “early dog gets the bone” — or, in this case, the wonderful treasures awaiting you at Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary’s Antiques & Collectibles “Barking Lot Sale,” featuring many fabulous finds all donated by community members to help support Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary, Sacramento’s no-kill, all-volunteer animal rescue organization.

It's time for Spring cleaning or Clutter's Last Stand, as I like to call it. What a wonderful opportunity to de-clutter our homes and also benefit our animal friends. To donate items for the Barking Lot Sale, please contact Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary at (916) 556-1155 or purrball@happytails.org.

While shopping the Barking Lot Sale, also take time to go inside the Happy Tails Adoption Center and visit the many furry felines all awaiting their “forever homes.” The center is open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

2011-05-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

To all you devoted mothers of four-legged kids:

HAPPY DOG MOM DAY!

We don't have to put our kids through college.

Our kids don't do alcohol or drugs or crash the car.

Our kids won't put us in a rest home when we get old.

2011-05-04T12:25:00.000-07:00

Mariah

Today I'm pleased to host a virtual book tour for my friend and fellow mystery author, Jean Henry Mead. Her latest book is Murder on the Interstate. She also features a dog in her Logan and Cafferty Mystery Series.

Here is her essay about her life spent in the company of dogs and how they influenced her career.

Mysterious Dogs

by Jean Henry Mead
Cats are usually associated with mystery novels, but dogs find their way into mine, from Bert, a retired police dog in Diary of Murder, to Miranda, an Australian Shepherd, who chews furniture in my first children’s novel, Mystery of Spider Mountain.
I’ve always had at least one canine in residence since Brenda, a small bulldog that I shared with four younger brothers. The list grew to include a large variety of mixed breeds, one of who was named Brillo, because the lovable terrier resembled a scrubbing pad with legs. He once jumped with muddy feet into a car full of white-habited nuns, but that’s another (embarrassing) story.
Then there was Prince, a small mixed breed, who learned to dig under a wooden fence to roam the neighborhood. In a matter of months there were a number of puppies in our area that closely resembled him. When I had him neutered, Prince literally disowned me for quite some time.
For a while, we raised Shetland Sheep dogs. The Sheltie is a beautiful, hyper breed that resembles miniature black and white collies, which I’ve always longed to own. We then adopted C.J., whose kennel name was Countess Juanita de Sangria because she came from New Mexico’s Sangria Mountain area. A lovely cocker spaniel, she contracted cancer at the age of 12, and we drove her to the Colorado Veterinary Teaching Hospital every five weeks for chemotherapy. She did quite well for 18 months until we lost her. And as all pet owners know, it was heartbreaking.
We then adopted Mariah, an Australian Shepherd, who served as the model for Miranda, the Hamilton Kids’ furniture chewing dog in Spider Mountain. Mariah only chewed the legs of our new dining room suite and has an almost human quality about her. She’s the only dog that ever owned me who can out-stare me. Most canines will look away after five or six seconds, but Mariah can hold her stare for a full minute without blinking. It makes me wonder whether she’s an incarnated ancestor.
Dogs all have distinct personalities and quirks of their own, which can be successfully incorporated into novels. Although Bert, my retired German Shepherd police dog, appears in the second novel of my Logan & Cafferty mystery suspense series, he’s only mentioned in my new release, Murder on the Interstate, because my two 60-year-old feisty women sleuths were visiting a friend with six cats. That could have generated plenty of conflict but would have detracted from the book’s main theme of homegrown terrorism. But you can be sure that Bert will be bailed out of his kennel in my fourth mystery novel, Magnets for Murder.
Jean Henry Mead has written and published 14 books of fiction and nonfiction. She’s also an award-winning photojournalist. Her novels are generously sprinkled with humor and light romance.
Leave a comment and be eligible to win one of three copies of Murder on the Interstate in a drawing May 28.
The book is now available at Amazon.com.

2011-05-02T15:14:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful article in Books & Media's Between the Lines by Allen Pierleoni about my Beanie and Cruiser cozy mystery trilogy, where he writes about "A dogged approach to writing mysteries." Bubba, Basset #6 and my rescued hound dog muse, would be proud of his adoptive mom. He is still so much in my thoughts, especially when he appears in the pages of my hometown paper. I think he must have known, though. He sent a beautiful yellow butterfly fluttering my way today, like the many I saw just after he passed in 2009. He is always with me.

My beloved bassets really have been my guide to success in writing and life in general. Those dogs never give up the scent when following a trail, and neither have I. I've been writing since 1986, although I didn't start writing a mystery until almost a decade later and got the first one published in 2001. I always dreamed of writing books, even as a child when I was devouring Judy Bolton Mysteries. I'll always be glad I followed my dream and never gave up. So many blessings have come my way because of it.

Like a hound, the scent fades now and then and you sometimes lose your way. There are logs and muddy gullies that block your path, but that short-legged hound manages to leap the logs and gullies and perseveres in its goal no matter what. So should any writer. There'll be many things to discourage you along the way and make you want to turn back from the hunt; but if there is one thing I've learned through all of this, it's that you can never, ever quit. That holds true of publication or of any other goal you wish to achieve in life. You must follow the path to its end, no matter what.

HOT DOG PATROL ALERT! The weather has turned hot very quickly. Don't park the dogs when you park the car--not even in the shade. It's too hot for them to wait for you in the car while you shop or run errands.

2011-04-19T10:14:00.000-07:00

The famous Sherlock Bubba, Basset Blueblood

Bassets on the Crime Beat

I heard on the news this morning that during Easter week, when classes aren't in session and people are away on vacation, burglars are on the prowl, breaking into homes, cars, and schools to take what isn't theirs. But burglars beware! We dog walkers are out in force with our dogs and on the constant lookout for any suspicious activity in our neighborhoods. We know who belongs there and who doesn't because we're always on the beat and ready to take a bite out of crime and dial K-911 if we spot trouble.

My deputy dogs are Peaches and Beau, badge numbers 7 and 8 in a long line of crime-busting bassets, who inspired me to write about a fictional one named Cruiser. Dog-detractors take note: There is no better defense against crime in your community than your friendly neighborhood dog walker and co. My hounds are doing their daily rounds with me in my neighborhood. So are all the other dogs and their owners in Sacramento. Rest a bit easier when you see them on the beat in your area.

2011-04-18T18:02:00.001-07:00

SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS

Starring

Peaches and Beau

2011-04-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

Guardian Angel Basset Rescue Newsletter

April 18, 2011

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Sue,

It is with great sadness that I must announce the passing

of the founder of GABR, Fran Gray.

She died peacefully at her home with her 3 GABR

Bassets at her side.

Due to Fran's commitment, Guardian Angel has

become a leading force in the rescue of unwanted

Bassets.

Her legacy will continue for many years to come.

Fran will be missed by everyone involved in our

Rescue and by everyone who knew her.

She was my friend.

Fran Gray - "To The Bridge"

April 11th, 2011

Larry Little, Chairman

Guardian Angel Basset Rescue, Inc.

Contact Information

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

phone: 815-584-1044

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2011-04-16T12:34:00.001-07:00

MORE MISERY IN MISSOURI

Bad news for puppies, good news for puppy mills

Brought to you by the bass-ackwards politics of greed and graft that have taken over all common sense and compassion in this country, for humans and animals alike. I'm posting this in loving memory of Crazy Daisy, product of a puppy mill (I learned years later and finally understood why she was such a nutbag her whole life).

Only we have the power to put an end to these cruel puppy factories

PUT THESE MILLS OF MISERY (MISSOURI)

OUT OF BUSINESS!

ADOPT!

2011-04-11T11:34:00.000-07:00

At our local parks there's a much worse problem than people who don't pick up after their dogs. It's people who don't pick up after their kids. This morning when I took Peaches and Beau to my neighborhood park, the place resembled a landfill with trash scattered everywhere, often within a few feet of a trash can. This is what I see every Monday morning after the weekend's soccer or ball games at our local park.

Our parks are taking enough hits lately with cutbacks. Someone actually came into our park and removed the brass bowls from the water fountains, even in the dog park. Let's don't add to these problems. We are lucky to have parks to take our families and pets to. My fondest childhood memories are of picnicking with my parents at William Land Park, but in those days there was still some civility and people were taught it was their responsibility to pick up after themselves and leave things nice for other park-goers.

No one likes to stroll in the park on a beautiful spring morning through a field littered with discarded bottles, soda cans, food wrappers and all the rest of the crap people have left behind when leaving the park. One time I caught Beau before he scarfed down a whole Mexican meal someone left behind. Trust me when I tell you that my gassy basset and burritos don't mix.

PLEASE DON'T TRASH OUR PARKS!

2011-04-06T15:24:00.000-07:00

Beau's story is included in a new book, Lost Souls Found, available now from Happy Tails Books for pre-order at a $2.00 discount off the cover price. All proceeds from sales of this book of heartwarming rescue stories and other related products like stationery and tee-shirts benefit Basset Hound Rescue. I hope you'll order a copy of the book and tell your friends to order one, too. It's all about the dogs.

2011-04-01T19:45:00.000-07:00

WHEW!!! Only a week ago, we all thought we were living in Seattle, not Sacramento. In just a few days we've gone from rain gear to tee shirts. Looks like we've skipped Spring again this year and gone straight to summer. I'm sweating biscuits, and so are my dogs. When I walked Peaches and Beau this morning around 10:00, I couldn't believe how warm it was already. I haven't seen basset tongues hanging out that far since the dog days of August. Beau was having a particularly hard time in the heat, and we had to stop frequently to cool off on shady patches of grass.

This sudden climate change is a big adjustment for all of us. On these glorious sunny days, it's natural to want to cruise around town with our canine buddies, but it's easy to forget how quickly our car interiors can heat up when the Mercury is nearly 80 degrees. Don't be deceived by this early spring and let your guard down on your pet's safety. Your car's interior will heat up to 100 or more in a matter of minutes. Keep that in mind when you go cruisin' with your canine, and don't leave your dog parked in the car.

2011-03-25T22:26:00.000-07:00

While gazing out the window of Peet's this afternoon, I noticed a little dog sitting outside in the rain waiting for his owner to come back out. There was no shelter for him, and I wish I'd had my camera because I never saw such a forlorn sight as that wet little dog. It got me to thinking: Where can dogs go with their people on miserable days like we've had lately? All the parks are sodden, including the dog parks, and who but the hardiest of dog walkers will brave storms like these?

Yesterday afternoon, with Peaches and Beau having gone stir crazy penned up in the house all day, we decided to take them for a ride. We thought we'd take them to one of the elementary schools nearby, where the covered corridors provide some protection from the weather, but school was still in session. We even thought of going to Home Depot, where people sometimes take their dogs inside with them, but I worried that they'd need a cleanup in one of their aisles if Beau made a mess. Then I thought of PetSmart. At least they could go inside with us and no one could complain. The only trouble was that after we drove all the way down to the store on Watt Avenue, I realized I had forgotten to bring along their leashes. So much for walking the dogs on a rainy day, but at least they got out for a joy ride in the car.

When we traveled in England, it was common to see dogs in the pubs, where food and drink is served. No one ever contracted any dreaded "zoonoses." In Holland, I saw cats lounging in restaurant windows as bold as you please. I've noticed that dogs are slipping into some Sacramento establishments with their owners without being ejected, and I have observed that Davis seems to be more relaxed about dogs in their midst. Not all of them are service dogs, either. I wish our city would stop worrying about who let the dogs in!

2011-03-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

A BEAUTIFUL COAT

Every woman should wear one.

2011-03-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

People weren't the only victims of the devastating Japan quake, as this story of Dog's Best Friend shows.

2011-03-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

ERIN GO BASSET!

2011-03-08T14:47:00.000-08:00

If you haven't yet had your dog vaccinated for canine flu, a new strain of the horse virus, H3N8, you might want to check into it right away. I was dismayed to learn that there has been a recent outbreak of this new ailment at the Glenbrook dog park where I usually take Peaches and Beau. Several dogs were sickened, but they did recover. Most dogs suffer only some mild upper respiratory symptoms, but some can become quite ill from the virus.

It's great to have designated, though often small and overcrowded, gathering places where our dogs can run free, socialize with other dogs, and get some real exercise off the leash without fear of the pooch police. But there's also a downside to these parks frequented by large numbers of dogs. Not all those dogs have been fully protected against diseases, so before visiting the dog park with their best friends, pet owners need to ensure that their dogs have been fully vaccinated against common canine diseases, and even uncommon ones, apparently.

If you've ever lost a precious dog to preventable diseases like distemper (see Bramble's poem in my earlier post) because someone never bothered to have his pup fully inoculated, you'll know where I'm coming from and get thee to the vet with thy pooch for his flu shot.

2011-03-07T10:06:00.000-08:00

Read my latest article, "HELP RESCUE A RESCUE" about Basset Rescue of Central California in Kings River Life online magazine. Like most rescue organizations in this dismal economic climate, they are in dire need of donations and volunteers to keep operating and helping homeless hounds. Perhaps someone reading this can help.

2011-03-06T12:25:00.000-08:00

Today I read about the woman who complained to Editor Melanie Sills about all the "dogs, dogs, dogs" in the Sacramento Bee. She probably isn't aware that there's a Canadian publication called Dogs, Dogs, Dogs. There are two explanations for such a ridiculous complaint: 1. She's a cat lover or 2. She really needs to have dogs, dogs, dogs in her own life. Needless to say, I'm glad that there is so much print devoted to our canine companions. They have so much to teach us about love, love, love.

2011-03-03T19:44:00.000-08:00

Peaches and Beau had a house guest all day today, a beautiful but starved Australian Shepherd named Max. Like many strays, Max had no name tag with his owner's name, address, and phone number. I only found out his name after tracing the numbers on Max's rabies and license tags on his collar to the County Animal Care and Control and Sacramento Animal Hospital. They were able to provide me with a name, address, and phone, but I had no way of knowing whether the owners still lived there or if this was another case of a foreclosed Fido. This dog obviously had been on the loose for a while.

I had spotted the dog wandering through our neighborhood a few nights ago, but of course he wouldn't come to me when I beckoned. I drove through the neighborhood looking to see if I could find him, but he had vanished in the dark. Then this morning when I was sitting out in the front garden with my dogs, soaking up some blessed sunshine, Beau let out an alarm. I glanced across the street to see what he was going on about. My neighbor had just come out of her garage, but then I saw what Beau was barking about. A dog slipped into her garage. I recognized it as being the same dog as before. He was getting desperate now, enough to approach strangers for help. He was trying to get into the open bag of dog food she had in her garage. This time I had a leash and managed to nab Max and corral him in my back yard, where he stayed all day.

The dog was skin and bone from being lost since last Thursday while his owners had gone out of town. A friend was supposed to transport the dog to the owner's mother's house (I'm not sure why this wasn't done before they left town), but the dog never made it to Mom's house. The friend took him to his office and Max escaped.

After I fed him, he slept the entire day, clearly happy to have a full belly, fresh water, and a save haven to rest a while. I kept trying all day to reach the owner, leaving several messages on the answering machine. No response. I was hoping they were just at work and I'd hear from them soon. I am most grateful to the efforts of the staff at Sacramento Animal Hospital on H Street in helping me to connect with Max's owner, who came to get him a little while ago. They even arranged for Aussie Rescue to take Max if no one came to claim him by tomorrow. I am so grateful to them that I plan to take my own dogs there for veterinary care in future.

Fortunately, this lost dog tale has a happy ending. I only wish you could have heard the squeals of joy that came from this dog that was so still and silent all day. It was growing dark when I took him out my side gate to be reunited with his grateful owner. He wasn't sure at first who she was, but when he got close enough to pick up her scent he went belly up and writhed with ecstasy at being reunited with her at last. His continued vocalizations brought tears to my eyes. If anyone ever doubts the power of the bond an animal forms for his human or the immeasurable depth of a dog's affection, you must witness a scene like I did tonight.

His owner told me that they had rescued Max last September. He was almost back in rescue again. He was a sweet, beautiful dog and was already winning my affection (and I his, judging from the tail wags and cuddles I got after feeding him dinner), but two 60-pound hounds is all I can handle. I am just happy that he is back with his rightful owners and sleeping in his own warm bed tonight. I sincerely hope they will be more careful with their companion in future so this never happens again. I know he must have suffered greatly this past week. His mistress offered to pay me a reward, which I refused, but I hope she will use the money instead to get Max a thorough checkup at the vet after his ordeal. It's hard for me not to feel angry with people who are so careless with their pets. Accidents do happen, but not if we're careful. Bottom line: the owner should not have trusted a co-worker to transport her dog. Would you trust a casual acquaintance with your child's safety? I feel no different about dogs.

Moral of the story: 1. Keep ID tags on your dog at all times with your current name, address and phone. It's your best insurance of getting your pet back home to you safely and quickly, but microchip him/her, too. 2. Trust No One who is not a professional pet sitter or kennel to attend to your dog in your absence. I learned early with my first basset hound that you can't necessarily even trust your own family members to ensure your pet is safe while you are away. We were also very lucky that time with our happy wanderer, Butterscotch. We found her at Glenbrook Park trying to nudge under the wire fence to cross Highway 50 to get back to our house. I never made that mistake again. These days, we don't take vacations where we can't take our dogs with us.

Good luck and happy trails, Max! After only a day in your gentle company, I already miss you.

2011-03-01T17:27:00.000-08:00

Adopting a pet doesn't always have a happy ending, as this poem illustrates about a 4-month-old basset pup I rescued from the Sacramento City shelter years ago:

16 DAYS

(Dedicated to Bramble—Gone Too Soon)

Sue Owens Wright c. 1996

You were mine only 16 days,

but you touched me in so many ways.

I saw you at the pound,

a friendly, young hound

and I brought you home to stay.

At first you played with your toys

in a flurry of puppyhood noise.

You were good from the start

to the core of your heart;

you filled mine with youthful joys.

You loved to play tug of war

and cavort on my carpeted floor.

The red leash and collar

that cost 20 dollars

hang on a hook by the door.

On the third day you took ill,

and all of the shots and pills

gave you no relief;

It caused me such grief.

Your memory haunts me still.

I nursed you day and night

in the hope that you’d be all right.

Though I emptied my purse,

your condition grew worse.

We were gradually losing the fight.

One day your demeanor changed.

You acted terribly strange.

It was clear from your plight

that the end was in sight.

Euthanasia was quickly arranged.

I remember when you could run

and warmed yourself in the sun.

If someone had thought

of that distemper shot,

your life would be only begun.

Only 16 days of love,

but I pray that in Heaven above

you’ll always know

that I loved you so.

Love was all I had enough of.

2011-02-28T22:09:00.000-08:00

Beanie and Cruiser are Embarking on Murder with Harlequin Worldwide Mystery.

Read an excerpt from the book, just released today.

2011-02-26T14:05:00.000-08:00

Wait! Don't kick Fido out of your bed before you read a few words from the Irreverent Vet about the Zoonoses and dogs sleeping in beds issue.

2011-02-22T17:25:00.000-08:00

"Do it for me!"

HAVE YOU SPAYED OR NEUTERED

YOUR PET TODAY?

IT'S SPAY DAY IN THE USA!

Help reduce the number of unwanted pets in America's shelters.

2011-02-17T23:20:00.000-08:00

THE DEER AND THE DANE--A LOVE STORY

I didn't know that deer laughed until I saw this.

2011-02-17T20:01:00.000-08:00

HICKORY DICKORY DOG

I wonder where Hickory, the latest Westminster champion, will display his awards? On the wall of his dog house? No, wait! Dogs like him don't have dog houses; they must have dog mansions. One woman at the show boasted that she had $1 million invested in her dog. I wonder what happens when the dog loses a high-stakes competition like this one? Hamburger instead of steak for dinner, one hopes.

Our first basset hound was the only dog we ever purchased from a breeder. Wright’s Butterscotch Sunday--We brought her home on a Sunday and her colors were like a Butterscotch Sundae--was a beautiful red and white variety of the breed (my favorite) with a long, illustrious pedigree from the finest kennels in the East. When we chose her, the pick of the litter, we promised the breeder that we would show her. But when the scruffy little mongrel next door burrowed under the backyard fence and had his wicked way with our virgin basset on her first heat, we had the vet give her a “morning after” shot. Shortly afterward, we broke our promise to the breeder and had our show dog spayed.

I am not in the business of breeding or showing dogs in the ring and wouldn't want to be. I've never wondered how many blue ribbons Butter might have won, but I'm sure she would have brought home a few for me. What I do wonder is whether all those hours spent preparing contenders for their brief trot around the ring are really worth it for the dog? They never look like they are having much fun enduring all that endless primping, fussing, trimming, teasing, and spraying, but dogs will do anything to please their owners, of course. We know who really cares about winning blue ribbons, loving cups, purses and such, don't we? Not the dogs!

Perhaps my only regret in not breeding Butter was that I never had any of her sweet offspring to comfort me after she was gone. In defense of her breeder, I have to admit that she was the best of them all in both conformation and temperament.

2011-02-15T17:08:00.000-08:00

More praise for 150 Activities for Bored Dogs

2011-02-14T21:46:00.000-08:00

MY FURRY VALENTINE

Roses are red,

violets are blue;

I'll always be glad

that I found you.

You had me at Aaaroo!

2011-02-03T21:48:00.000-08:00

FIX THE ONES YOU LOVE

An entertaining and informative dogumentary from

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

2011-02-01T16:27:00.000-08:00

Allen...Allen....Allen...Al...Allen.

2011-01-28T19:17:00.001-08:00

I wrote this poem many years ago. It was inspired by the name of a place called Hound Hollow, a basset rescue located in Pilot Hill where I adopted my forever dog, Dolly, in 1990
. As much as you love them all, there's always one dog that holds a very special place in your heart. For me, Dolly is that dog. She was the most beautiful little dog. She was the color of the leaves on the ground that autumn she left us. Our time together in this life was far too brief and perhaps her memory is all the more precious because of that. I feel certain that we will be reunited one day in the Hound Hollow that lies in the great beyond.

HOUND HOLLOW (c. 1995)

Sue Owens Wright

I'm headed for Hound Hollow

Deep in the misty glen.

It's a winding path I follow

I shall not pass again.

The air is crackling with autumn.

Crimson leaves tremble and fall.

Down in the pasture bottom

I hear a welcoming call.

Farther and farther I follow;

My feet sink deep in the loam.

I see the edge of the hollow;

I know I am nearly home.

I hear my hounds a' bawling;

Velvet ears sweep the trail

As they answer their master's calling

With a leap and wag of the tail.

All at once they have found me,

The beautiful brown and the red;

Again my companions surround me;

For Heaven waits up ahead.

2011-01-25T22:09:00.000-08:00

ZOONOSES, SCHMOONOSES!

What are those crazy UCD vets talking about? Beau says he is highly offended that anyone would suggest he spreads anything but unconditional love and comfort by sharing his mom's bed or planting an occasional adoring lick on her nose. "I concur!" Peaches says. She adds that those two guys who conducted that flea-bitten study obviously never experienced a cozy three-dog night, or even a two-dog one before reaching their conclusions.

Better nose around a bit further on that one, dudes. "We can help you. Our noses are second to none."

2011-01-22T19:04:00.000-08:00

Peaches and Beau engaged in their daily basset games. They have to do this on the way home from walkies, but it's always on a neighbor's front lawn, never their own. They sometimes get more energetic than this, but I finally got some footage of their game. It usually begins when Beau does his "slider" nose-first into a soft lawn with his rump up in the air. He snakes along and finally flops over purposely on Peaches to get a rise out of her. Then the game is on...

2011-01-19T21:29:00.001-08:00

It's been in print for a while, but the nonfiction book I wrote in 2006, 150 Activities for Bored Dogs, is still getting reviewed. Here's the latest good one from Krislair Dog Training Books.

2011-01-09T21:50:00.000-08:00

HEIL TO THE HOUND

I had to laugh at the story about Jackie, the dog that lifted his paw in a salute like the Nazis saluted Hitler in World War II. This makes me think of the scene in the movie, "My Dog, Skip," when Skip growls whenever he hears the name, "Hitler." What a tremendous fuss the Nazis made about it, persecuting the dog's owner because they believed that his wife had trained the dog to mock der Fuehrer.

Well, perhaps so. I hope so. Either way, good for Jackie! Could it be that this overblown distraction for the Nazi Party might have, in part, contributed to their ultimate downfall on the Russian front? I'd like to think that it was the actions of one good Finnish dog that helped finish the most hateful, evil regime of the 20th Century.

But hate lives on in the 21st Century, as we've seen from the recent tragic events in pistol-packin' Arizona. Hatred and violence never solve anything, and guns of all kinds are for the taking of life. Period. How many more innocent people have to die for America to get this?

2011-01-07T19:49:00.000-08:00

THE SECOND ANNUAL

SACRAMENTO WRITER'S BRUSH IS TOMORROW NIGHT

DON'T MISS IT!

Just a reminder that I'll be reading an excerpt from my most recent Beanie and Cruiser mystery novel for dog lovers, Embarking on Murder, tomorrow night, Second Saturday, at the Sacramento Poetry Center, 25th & R Streets. My art is being exhibited along with that of other Sacramento artists/writers, who will also read from their works.

The readings are scheduled from 6:30 to 7:30, but come earlier to sip wine, sample hors d'oevres, and tour the gallery.

Autographed copies of my books are on sale at the event.

Hope to see you there!

2011-01-06T10:20:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU, ANNEKE

With heavy heart and tears in my eyes, I read this morning about the passing of Anneke Vos, a woman of boundless kindness for her fellow creatures who dedicated her life to the welfare of pets of the homeless and worked so hard to raise money for the new animal shelter at Loaves & Fishes. How sad she didn't live long enough to see the opening of the new day-use kennel. I hope that someone will carry on her good works at L&F and that everyone reading this will donate generously in her memory to Loaves & Fishes Animal Emergency Fund, P.O. Box 2161, Sacramento, CA 95812.

If there is truly a Rainbow Bridge where all the pets we've loved here on earth greet us when we pass on, I am certain Anneke is there now, happy in their company.

2011-01-04T12:05:00.000-08:00

TO KILL A PIT BULL

A belated comment about the shooting of the pit bull that attacked the horse in Old Sacramento around the holidays. Don't Sacramento police officers carry stun guns? I'm sure it was dreadful to witness the horse being attacked, but couldn't the dog could have been subdued using less drastic measures than gunning it down in front of horrified tourists and children in the streets of Old Sacramento like the rabid dog scene in "To Kill a Mockingbird?" Did anyone ever determine whether or not the dog was actually rabid? I never read anything else about the incident or the outcome of tests done on the dead dog. If it wasn't rabid, I think they didn't need another Atticus Finch gunning it down. I guess it's hard to keep a cool head in a situation like that, but isn't that what police are trained to do? I'm just saying...

2011-01-03T15:37:00.001-08:00

BLACKBIRDS AREN'T SINGING

IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT

As someone who loves watching birds in their natural habitats and visiting my garden feeders, I was distressed to read of the strange occurrence on New Year's Eve, when 3,000 red-winged blackbirds dropped to earth from the sky for no apparent reason. No one seems to have any definite explanation for this event or for 100,000 dead drum fish in Arkansas. It could be caused by a lot of things, experts claim (my best guess is toxins or diseases caused by same) but even those who are not religious or inclined to read or believe what is written in the Bible can't ignore prophesies like these:

Ezekiel 38:20 "The fish of the seas, the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground."

Hosea 4 "Hear the word of the LORD you Israelites, because the LORD has a charge to bring against you who live in the land: 'There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land. There is only cursing, lying, and murder, stealing and adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed. Because of this the land dries up, and all who live in it waste away; the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky and the fish in the sea are swept away...'"

Zephaniah 1:3 "I will sweep away both men and animals; I will sweep away the birds of the air and the fish of the sea. The wicked will have only heaps of rubble when I cut off man from the face of the earth," declares the LORD.

Revelation 19:17 "And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, 'Come, gather together for the great supper of God...'"

The sun is shining today, but one can't help wondering if Man's day of reckoning is finally at hand for his wanton abuse of the Eden that our earth once was not so long ago. When you hear that a freeway is being built that will cut straight through the Serengeti, habitat to the most magnificent animals that inhabit the planet, you begin to have apocalyptic intimations. I hope this isn't the beginning of the end...

2011-01-01T12:10:00.000-08:00

TO EVERYONE AND THEIR FUR FRIENDS,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

May Peace and Prosperity

reign among all the people of the world

2010-12-28T17:43:00.000-08:00

Announcing the Second Annual

Sacramento Writer's Brush

What did Charlotte and Emily Brontë have in common with Kurt Vonnegut and Sylvia Plath, besides writing? Come find out at the second annual Sacramento Writer’s Brush event.

Can’t wait for the answer? Here is a hint: They all used both sides of their brains, the right to create art and the left to write. Some of our greatest writers were also artists. Sylvia Plath’s mother once told her she had to learn to write as well as she drew. Some writers even achieved a separate fame with their artwork, such as Lawrence Ferlinghetti did for his paintings.

In the tradition of these literary greats, the second annual Sacramento Writer’s Brush features local writers/artists Jennifer O’Neill Pickering, Frank Andrick, Lawrence Dinkins, Sue Owens Wright, Jeanine Stevens, Frank Graham, Tim McHargue, Susan Kelly DeWitt and others in an art show and reading of their literary work. The art show is eclectic and includes the art mediums of collage, video, photography, painting and, of course, writing.

This Second Saturday event will be held on January 8, 5-9 p.m. (reading 6:30-7:30) at the Sacramento Poetry Center, 1719 25^th Street (25^th and R Streets), Sacramento. The art will be on exhibit during the month of January. Admission is free.

2010-12-27T19:00:00.000-08:00

BODEGA BEAU (& PEACHES)--Salty Dogs

What a great Christmas we had at Pelican House, the place we rented in Bodega Bay, with Peaches and Beau. This was their first trip to the seaside, and Peaches got quite an introduction to the ocean when a large wave crashed down on her. Good thing she was on the leash or she would probably still be out there paddling around with the seals. She was unfazed and took it all in stride (better than I did) and seemed to love our trip, as did Beau. Seeing them so happy made up for never getting to take Bubba and Daisy to the ocean when they were with us. Peaches and Beau were in their element with Sandy Claws and muddy paws. Because of the rains, our Christmas Eve hike along the cliff path was muddy, and the dogs were black up to their bellies from trudging in muck.

The waves would get a lot choppier as the weekend progressed and the torrential storm hit on Christmas Day. The rain, which came in buckets all day long, streamed down the expanse of windows and made us feel like we were under a waterfall. We had nowhere to go, no technology to fry our brains, and almost no TV. Without screens to stare at mindlessly, we were able to appreciate the spectacular view when it wasn't raining. It was splendid when the sun lit the distant hills and an ancient lone tor that jutted from the landscape. Christmas night after the storm we were treated to a magnificent sunset with a brief flaming ball of a sun that seemed to roll along the horizon in a streak of crimson before sinking into the sea. There was nothing between us and the ocean to obstruct our view--this alone was worth the rent.

I was still learning to use my new Bloggie, so I didn't get as much good footage as I wanted to. I've included a couple of clips here, though. Dolly Parton sang about a Christmas to remember in Tahoe; this was our Christmas to remember at Bodega with our two happy salty dogs.

2010-12-18T13:33:00.000-08:00

STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER

We loaded up the 4-wheel-drive sleigh with bags of pet food and Peaches and Beau, too, and headed out to the Sacramento County Animal Shelter before the rain started up again. We let the dogs run in the spacious dog park to get some fresh air before we dropped off the donations. While I was there I had to go see if Strawberry, the basset pup I posted about earlier, had been adopted. Fortunately, she had been adopted. It's a good thing, too, because I fell in love on the spot and would certainly have brought her home and had three-wet-dog nights (like I had with Beau last night when he came in from the rain) from now on.

What a little beauty Strawberry was, and so sweet. Oh, those wonderful paws! Big old flippers that she will surely grow into. Though technically a tri-color, her coloring was predominantly red. Her head was entirely red, and she was far prettier than most bassets I see in shelters. I can't imagine how she ended up there, unless she has issues that weren't immediately apparent.

I can't help but think of our little Bramble, the basset I adopted in 1996 from the city pound. He was about the same age as this dog, four months old. He developed distemper, and we lost him just 16 days later. It was the worst 16 days of my life. Four different vets misdiagnosed his condition as kennel cough, pneumonia, and just about everything else. but never distemper. Discharge from eyes or nose is never a good sign, and can sometimes be more serious than kennel cough. Just a cautionary tale about adopting young pets from facilities where they may have been exposed to diseases. Always get them checked out thoroughly by a veterinarian right away to be sure your pet is healthy. Having said all that, I hope that it's Strawberry fields forever for that beautiful basset pup and her new family.

The Sac County Shelter was a beehive of activity this morning. Though I did see a couple of people drop their pets off at the surrender office, which bothered me mightily and made me want to ask them why they would do such a thing, especially at Christmas, I'm happy to say that a crowd of people was lined up to go in when we arrived near opening time (noon), presumably to adopt a pet. Now, I'm very glad to see so many people adopting pets for Christmas, or any time of year, but I fervently hope that those homes will be forever homes and there will be no returns after the holidays are over and reality sets in again.

2010-12-16T11:41:00.000-08:00

GIVE STRAWBERRY A NEW HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

This beautiful Basset Hound pup needs a home ASAP. She's being held at the Sacramento County Animal Shelter on Bradshaw Road, which cannot hold animals for long with the tragic constraints of the current budgetary crisis. I urge you to go see this girl and give her the priceless gift of a forever home, if you can.

Of course, there are many others at the shelter in dire need of loving homes. It's best in most cases to wait until after the Christmas craziness is past to introduce a new pet to your home, but desperate situations call for desperate measures. Help the county empty their shelter for the holidays by adopting a homeless dog or cat.

Make the Howlidays happy for a pet in need.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2010-12-15T19:56:00.000-08:00

BOW WOW! I'm in the TOP 100 in

Hong Kong

150 Activities for Bored Dogs is listed as #45 of the top 100 Pet Books on CD Wow

Price $135. Not American dollars, of course.

2010-12-13T15:07:00.000-08:00

GENTLEDOGS PREFER BLONDES

Peaches struts her stuff in Foxy Loxy boa to get her Beau's attention.

Beau met a beautiful blonde at the dog park today, a flirty young Golden Retriever who really took a liking to Beau. It's not often that he meets a dog at the park he likes enough to lose interest in sniffing long enough to play. Today was different. He and the golden girl ran around the park with her twirling in front of him to keep him interested in the chase. He loped after her as fast as his bandy legs would carry him. But, as is often the case in life, a talk, dark, handsome stranger (a sleek black Lab) made an entrance on the park scene, and the short, dumpy guy quickly got dumped. It was fun while it lasted.

Peaches didn't take it all lying down and put him in his place after they got back home by giving him a good ear gnawing. You go, girl!

2010-12-09T14:50:00.000-08:00

News for writers among my readers:

Mark your calendar--The Writers' Circle presents an Evening of Poetry and Prose and a Book Signing Party on Monday, January 3, 2011, 7:30 p.m., at the Sacramento Poetry Center, 1719 25 St. Sacramento, CA 95814. Come hear the following local authors read from their works: Jennifer O'Neill Pickering, JoAnn Anglin, Mellen Lunn, Sarah Stricker, Diane Lovegrove Bader, Patricia L. Nichol and Patricia Tollefson.

For more information visit: http://jennifersword.blogspot.com

On a doggy note, I hope all you dog lovers are enjoying the outdoors with your canine companions on this gloriously warm, sunny day. What greater joy can there be than this for pets and their people?

2010-12-01T18:31:00.001-08:00

HOLIDAYS STRESSING YOU OUT? TAKE A BREAK WITH BOWSER

If you're anything like I am when the holidays come around, you get pretty doggoned distracted with all that hall decking, tree trimming, shopping and entertaining. Yes, we may make a stop at PetSmart to buy some treats and new chew toys along with those silly felt antlers we think are so adorable but our canine companions detest and can't wait to shake off.

If they could ask Santa Paws for one thing while enduring that annual holiday photo shoot with him for your greeting cards, it would be to spend more quality time with their favorite humans. So, this season give your pet the gift he or she most desires: your attention and companionship.

2010-11-23T15:30:00.000-08:00

HELP SAC PETS THIS HOLIDAY--DONATE TO YOUR LOCAL SHELTER

Thankfully, Sacramentans have come out in force to donate hundreds of turkeys and other goods for needy families to feast upon this Thanksgiving. When you think of feasts, please don't forget to also bless the beasts. Many pets are also in dire need this Thanksgiving, and shelters are struggling to meet those needs in these lean times.

I encourage everyone who reads this blog to purchase a bag of dog or cat food (or both) or canned dog and cat food and donate it to one of the shelters in our community. They can really use our support, too, and not just at the holidays. Drop off your donations at any of the following (or an organization of your choosing not listed here):

Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation, 3839 Bradshaw Road

Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary, 6000 Folsom Blvd.

Titanic's Pantry or Loaves and Fishes, www.sacpetfoodbank.org

Sacramento City Animal Care and Services, 2127 Front Street

SSPCA, 6201 Florin Perkins Road

Sacramento's homeless pets and the people who care for them year 'round will be thankful for your generous donation!

P.S. While you're at it, perhaps you'll also consider offering a loving, lifelong home to one of those wonderful dogs or cats and help the reduce the number of homeless pets who will spend this holiday in a shelter.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!

2010-11-05T16:08:00.000-07:00

A LETTER FROM UNITED ANIMAL NATIONS

Occasionally, I receive comments about something I've written that are worth sharing. Here's an e-mail sent to me by Alexis Raymond, Director of Communications at United Animal Nations:

"Hi Sue,

I just wanted to thank you for discussing the topic of puppy mills in your recent column in Inside.

United Animal Nations (UAN) often rescues animals from puppy mills, so we have seen firsthand the devastating physical, behavioral and emotional effects these mass-breeding operations have on breeding dogs and puppies.

Many people are unaware that puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy mills; your article will help educate potential pet owners about the sad truth behind those adorable “doggies in the window.”

Thanks again for being such a great ambassador for the animals!

-- Alexis"

The season of giving is near, so I urge all you animal lovers who visit this blog to remember United Animal Nations and other organizations who do so much for creatures great and small.

2010-11-01T19:20:00.001-07:00

FIDO FAMILIAR

Beau had great fun helping me greeting all the little ghosts and goblins last night. I was dressed as a witch, Manheim Steamroller's Halloween disk was on the CD player, and Beau was my canine familiar. He stayed right by my side the whole evening as I sat in the entryway waiting for the kids. He's predominantly white in color, so the children probably thought he was a haunted hound dog. They were pretty spooked by our Halloween display, anyway. Our house has always been one of those houses like the one you remember from your childhood where you were afraid to go on Halloween. It was the house on the block that looked different, and spookier, than all the other houses on the block. If a middle-aged woman came to the door in a witch costume, that was the last time you never darkened Witch Hazel's doorstep again for fear you'd be baked in her oven. I think that's how the Salem witch trials started, wasn't it?

Beau was really into the whole Halloween scene this year, just like our first basset, Butterscotch used to be. She always greeted the kids at the door when they came knocking for treats. Kids don't say "Trick or Treat" any more but "Happy Halloween." I guess it's not considered appropriate to threaten mischief to residents if treats are not forthcoming. What have they done to Halloween? What's October 31 without a little innocent mischief? Unlike the letter I read in the Bee today from a Curtis Park resident who complained about rudeness and other behavior problems on Halloween, our little neighborhood T&Ters were all extremely polite.

We only got about 25 Trick-or-Treaters last night. I guess everyone was lurching through the streets in the Fab 40s, where kids are shipped in from foreign countries just to see the fabulous displays and where residents give out full-sized candy bars or maybe even gold bars, for all I know. I think next year we'll just dress up the dogs and take them down there, too. From the size of some of the "kids" who came to our door last night, we could probably get some treats, too. Halloween seems like it's been highjacked by nostalgic Boo-mers these days, anyway. It's been spoiled for the real kids by all the urban legends of hot pennies and apples with razor blades and other actual dangers to youngsters.

One rather buxom woman wearing a low-cut blouse came to our door holding her toddler in her arms. I reached out the door to find the child's treat bag to drop the candy inside. I couldn't see very well in the dark and accidentally dropped the candy down her blouse! My author friend, Gail MacMillan in Canada said her new Nova Scotia Duck Toller Retriever puppy ran out the front door to greet some kids. Her husband nabbed Fancy and held her in his arms for the kids to pet. One little boy held out his treat sack and said, "Put puppy inside." He bawled his eyes out when he found out Gail was not handing out puppies for Halloween.

Beau got hold of a miniature Three Musketeers bar that missed a treat bag last night. I heard him smacking his lips on something chewy and wondered what it could be until I saw the ripped silver Musketeers wrapper on the sidewalk. I have to really watch that sneaky guy like a hawk. He can snarf up treats (and far less appetizing tidbits) quicker than a bullfrog at a bug banquet, but our omnivorous Patience basset still holds the record for speed eating.

2010-10-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HOWLOWEEN!

Dogs in Disguise

2010-10-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

Autumn, where have you gone?

We delayed the dog walk as long as we could get away with it, but these hounds just won't let us off the leash, not even when the rain is pouring in buckets like it is today. I wouldn't take anything for my dogs, but I confess there are days, like this one, when I would be content not to set a foot out the door. But that's the penance of the dog lover. I suppose I'm lucky that my dogs are older and not an active breed. They are content with one or two (preferably three) walks a day, generously interspersed with snore fests on the sofa or chair, or wherever the heck they want to sleep. I don't often have to refer to my own book of bored dog activities, 150 Activities for Bored Dogs. Forgive that bit of shameless self-promotion, but what else can you expect from a writer?

What we'd all like to know is what happened to Autumn? Do we only have two seasons now, Winter and Summer? What has happened to the others? The delights of spring and fall are practically nonexistent these days. I didn't even make it up to Apple Hill before the bad weather set in. I always like to go before Halloween, so I can appreciate the fall colors and choose a pumpkin out in the country like people used to do. Well, a store bought Jack will have to do, I suppose.

2010-10-20T11:44:00.001-07:00

Today is Beau's "Gotcha" day. He's been with us a year, and he's the best dog ever. Of course, everyone thinks that about their own dog, but really, he is! I still remember the first time I saw him with his happy face in that miserable place he ended up and would have remained because his former owners wouldn't bail him out. I'll never be sorry I did. Their loss was our gain. I believe he went astray twice because he was looking for a better home with people who love him as much as we do. Happy Gotcha Day, Beau!

2010-10-13T21:10:00.000-07:00

Beau got this really cool Sloppy Kiss Card today from his vet at Arden Animal Hospital. This is the first time any of my dogs have ever received a birthday card from their veterinarian.

What a great idea! What a great dog!

Beau's actual Gotcha Day is October 20. I'm sure glad I gotcha, Beau.

2010-10-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

Here's a real Halloween horror story about South Fork Kennels, breeder of Basset Hounds and Cavalier King Charles puppies. I wonder if Peaches came from there? She's the most fearful dog I've ever adopted. Must be a reason.

Please don't keep people like this in business. Adopt, don't purchase, your next dog.