Dog stories....

Subject: Dog stories....
From: keltcgrasshoppper
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 07:23 AM

Thought about this as a thread after reading what Kat said in the Leadbelly/Bush thread.. All of us or maybe most of us have owned some fabulous dogs...Lets share some tales( Tails)... My dog Tazzie was rescued from a PET store about 5 years ago.. When I first saw him he was chewing his way out of his cage.. I asked to see him and the girl put on work gloves told me to enter the visiting room first.. she held Taz arms length away from her and tossed him to me slamming the door behind her... Well he did 360's around the room banking the walls.. proceded to chew off both of my shoelaces... all in about 30 seconds.. ONE HYPER PUP.. When I asked about him I was told he had one more day them Puppy Heaven.. That did it.. I asked the price then made a lower offer the clerks clapped and the rest is history.. Tazzie has turned into a wonderful fellow.. He loves people and has only chewed through four screens in our house.... KGH

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: kendall
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 08:03 AM

A few years ago, I had a yellow labrador retriever named Clancy. He always laid down with his left paw over his right. I lost him to cancer of the liver. I was devastated, and eventually I bought another just like him. Named him Seamus. He was the opposite of Clancy, a one dog wrecking crew. When he was about 6 months old, he was so bad, I was pondering the neighbors offer to take him off my hands. Seriously pondering I mean! I looked around at him, and that little begger was laying there with his left paw over his right! Hasn't done it since. Dont tell me he didn't know what was up. Now, I couldn't give him up for anything.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Rana
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 08:06 AM

Of course one should listen to the Kipper Family's "These are the dogs we have loved" (or such like title).

Rana

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: kendall
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 08:19 AM

When I was 4 years old we had a big dog that had bitten many people. One day, I climbed down inside a rock lined well on an abandoned farm. That dog went nuts, and, as luck would have it, a man who live half a mile away was walking by, and the dog wouldn't let him pass. It kept barking and running from the road to the well. Finally, the neighbor realized that there was a problem, and he came and got me out. If it hadn't been for that dog, I would not be writing this today.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Ritchie
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 08:26 AM

When, I was a boy and old Shep was a pup .......ahhh you probably all know the rest anyway.

regards Ritchie

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Mooh
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 08:43 AM

No grand story here, just good feelings.

My dog Rosie (remember the led Zeppelin song, "Oh Rosie, oh girl..."?) wouldn't leave the Penetanguishing Folk Festival a couple of years ago, even after a swim in the lake she defied me and sprinted back to the PFF site. Not sure why, but I think the Dawnbreakers were playing...She's never defied me since. She talks, smiles, and thinks she's a Border Collie (actually Scottish Collie and Springer Spanial mix with perhaps some coyote). In winter she likes to sleep very close to the woodstove, closer than I can stand. A gentle dog too. Gets along with the family cat on her own terms. Cost us nothing, the owners had too many puppies. Attracts women. Will do anything for a raw egg. Amuses me. Knows everybody by name. Does not order pizzas without permission. Always finishes her meals. Smart enough for the voters list.

The only person, I will swear to this, who Rosie didn't like at first blush was guitarist Phil Cooper, but she warmed to him after a while.

Don't know if she likes folk music.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Midchuck
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 09:45 AM

All my dog stories involve walking or running on public streets, doing no harm and posing no threat to anyone, and having a dog run out and attack me. I have never understood why, if a human runs out in the street and tries to bite a total stranger, he'd be put in jail or the laughing academy, but if a dawg does it it's just the way things are.

God Damn all dog owners who don't secure the stupid beasts.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: catspaw49
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 10:02 AM

I've been lucky enough to have had some wonderful dogs. I have a real passion for Weimaraners....a lovely and docile breed, very desiring to please, and although excellent hunters, I think they make superb house dogs. Our current Weimie is named Jaeger (Yay-ger) and is a bit different in looks. Weims in the US are only recognized for show by the AKC in the short hair version which more people are familiar with, if they know what the hound looks like at all (I see that William Wegman's Weims, of Sesame Street and calendar fame, are now in a Honda commercial). Jaeger is a blue longhair, very rare and only bred by VALKYRIE WEIMARANERS in Akron.

What he really is is the most gentle of a very gentle breed. A great friend and companion, he has been mauled and wallowed around on by a lot of kids that have lived here, without complaint. Just a wonderful fellow in all ways.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 11:32 AM

Midchuck, when attacked by a dog, did you report it to the authorities? In most (if not all) states an owner has an obligation to control his animals. That can mean a chain, a fence, or whatever. The owner is responsible for wht the pet does. (see my last paragraph below)

Here in Indianapolis about a year ago my wife, while walking on the street, was bitten by a dog which ran out from the owner's property and crossed the street to bite her. We reported it to Animal Control. They picked up the dog and held it for about a week, to see if any signs of rabies showed up. None did. The dog was returned to the owner, with the admonition that another such bite would probably result in destruction of the animal, and with instructions as in my last two sentences below.

Interestingly, the dog had been confined within a fenced area, and had dug out. Never mind that, the owner was responsible. If any real harm had come to my wife, beyond the bruise she got through her slacks, we would have had a solid case for a lawsuit.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: sian, west wales
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 11:48 AM

Mooh, could you ask your Rosie to have a chat with my Blewyn re: sending out for pizzas? More than once, I've gone to my local for a quiet pint and, just before closing, the landlord has given me a big box o' bones - a Mr. B. Thomas having ordered them by phone. I take it out of his pocket money of course ... but that causes ructions on the home front, too.

sian

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Mooh
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 01:09 PM

sian...Rosie won't talk on the phone directly, I think she feels it's beneath her, but she responds with excitement to people talking on the answering machine. Lately she ordered cd's from a mail-direct club, dogs mostly. Mooh.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Metchosin
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 01:21 PM

I have two wonderful dogs "Old Wort" of mixed heritage, possibly a wirehaired dachshund/terrier cross who looks a bit like a Dandy Dinmomt with his large soulful eyes and zen demeanor and "Maddy" a young hyper West Highland White Terrier who unfortunately hates cats.

We are not sure if he likes folk music, but "Old Wort" is definitely an opera buff. From the time we rescued him from the SPCA, he sang along with our daughter when she practised and studied voice. He could hit high notes you wouldn't believe, his phrasing wasn't bad and his tone superb, although his pitch could be a little off at times. He had preferences regarding singers as well. He would enthusiastically sing along to recordings of our daughter and Leontyne Price, but he doesn't care for Maria Callas or any of the newer sopranos and found tenors a bore.

Sadly, in recent years, "Old Wort" has gone deaf and only when our daughter faces him and cups his ears in her hands to sing him a few bars, does that old spark and fire return to his eyes and he will lift his head in joy and belts out a few soulful lines.

Maddy too, (named for Maddy Prior) is not interested in folk music, but spends a lot of time on her hind legs, jumping up and down in front of the TV watching animal shows. She is particularly fond of "Jock" on Hamish MacBeth and can recognize the introductory music for the programme from outside the house and can manage to be inside to perform her "dance" in front of the TV screen before they have even got through the second bar of the theme.

We got Maddy to revive Old Wort's interest in life and keep him young at heart and because of her enthusiastic wandering eye it has worked.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: GUEST,Mrr
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 01:26 PM

My next-door neighbors, actually the other half of my duplex, have a Rottweiler who is just the sweetest thing, she's great with my twins, stronger than any human I've ever met (I certainly couldn't hold her if she chose not to let me) - and she's afraid of my kids' black stuffed animals! They have a big (taller than they are) cute stuffed fluffy black bear - the dog won't even stay in the yard if it's on the porch - and a little black doggie that I think the Rottweiler thinks is out to get her (and she doesn't argue). It's a howl. She doesn't seem to be afraid of any others, just the black ones. Go figure...

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: keltcgrasshoppper
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 01:41 PM

Kendall, that was an amazing story.. so glad that dog was persistant...Tazzie by the way is a Lhasa Apso..Considered to be a favorite of the Dali Lhama ....KGH....Midchick.. sorry you feel that dogs are beasts.. I for one take very good care of my animals and understand your feelings about being attacked.. I was.. while walking my Tazzie attacked by a Rottie...whose owner assured me that he had never done that before...and proceded to blame my 14 lb pup for starting it... OKKKKKKK....

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: SeanM
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 02:28 PM

"So, let's bid farewell to our Bellman, whose voice we all used to know..."

No "smart dog" stories, but a brief memory of one of my favorite dogs, and damn near the stupidest creature on the face of the earth... would play "fetch the imaginary stick" for DAYS and never catch on...

Windy was about the sweetest tempered German Shepherd I've ever seen... her one big fault was a near psychotic fear of thunder. Well, one night, I'd been drinking pretty heavily and had pretty much barely managed to pass out in my own bed. It'd been ugly all day, but I wasn't figuring on rain...

Some time late at night, all hell broke loose in the skies. I didn't notice for obvious reasons... however, Windy most certainly did. Now, while stupid, she was by no means a SMALL dog... and panic motivated her to even higher levels. Damn dog broke my door in, and dove under the sheets to deposit a VERY cold nose in some very personal locations.

I'm not sure who was more startled... me by the sudden rude awakening, or the poor dog from the combination of the thunderstorm and my sudden yells...

M

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 02:34 PM

Nice thread, KGH, I am a little rushed right now, so am going to plagarise my own previous posting about our Current Canine. It has been really nice to read what others have to say.

Midchuck, I get pissed off at those who walk our neighbourhood with their dogs loose, not only because of the safety factor, but also because they usually allow them to poop and pee on everyone else's lawn! I've a mind, some days to follow them home in my car, with my dog, then take him out on a leash to their grass and have him do his business!

So, anyway, here's a past bit about our little darling:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I live with the world's most anticipatory dog, a McNab Border Collie. He is not only constantly watching and always ready for action, he works very hard at thinking what my next move might be. His intelligence can be downright scary at times.

It is as though we are playing out a chess game of life, for he has infinite patience and, despite his vigilance, is not a nervous or nerve-wracking dog in the least. Like a Fischer or Kasparov, he calmly, silently studies the lay of the land, eyebrows like independent question marks, going up and going down, until he has figured out his next move, based on my own, and we are off.

He is full of joy for life and an eagerness to please, with a modicum of reserve when it comes to the usual dog things: doesn't run off, never barks without a good reason, and eschews the company of his own kind (in fact, he is downright curmudgeonly to his own kind.).

Like a child, when he hears his "dad/s" vehicle pull up, he is at the door, which I open for the sheer joy of watching him race out to the truck, every inch of his body exuding utter happiness to look the fool in letting his "dad" know that he is glad he's come home. Or, if Rog doesn't come home at the usual time, like an old curmudgeon, he rattles the miniblinds, shoving his nose under them to glare out the window, and mutter/curse at me with deep gruffness.

There is not a day that goes by that he doesn't make us both laugh at the spontaneous love of life which fills his every pore. Joy, eagerness, calm acceptance, wanting to please; without disparaging those I've had before, I have to say he is the smartest and most engaging "furperson" I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Here's to Merlee!

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: catspaw49
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 02:40 PM

Ah but I DO know about that Sean!!! Fawnie was a very sweet girl who was terrified of thunder and lightning. She also would not sleep unless she was touching me. Fortunately she was short haired or I would have been smothered on several occasions. On one stormy night (in my single days), I arrived home to find her huddled in my closet. Not too odd you say? How about on the upper shelf? Large dog, but she must have had a helluva' time getting up there. I know I had a tough time getting her down.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 05:32 PM

My husband (the veterinarian) has two Weimaraners, and I have two Yorkies. Spaw - we've noticed that Weimars are very hyper; perhaps some are intelligent but ours have been rather hard-headed. My husband said that if we had known earlier how much fun the little dogs were, we might not have had kids!

Mary

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Llanfair
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 06:06 PM

Tess is a blonde collie cross who was found at 12 weeks in a garage pit by Jim, my husband. She was covered in fleas, had worms and parovirus. She's nearly 10 now, anticipates every move, like Kat's collie, communicates remarkably well, and can laugh all over her face when she wants to. She is friendly with our three cats, only chasing them when they are daft enough to move fast. and hates all the other cats with the temerity to walk across our garden.
Benson is a retriever cross, who was aquired to keep Tess company when we went to work. Tess has played mind games with him since he was 6 weeks old, and he appears thoroughly cowed by her. But if there is a bone or toy that he wants, that she is being posessive about, he will whine urgently at the door until we let them out, then double back and grab the prize. Who says dogs can't plan ahead.
He is able to seek out and dispose of any crumb of food in the house before it hits the floor, thus my E-Mail name of crumbhound.
I love my dogs!!!! Hwyl, Bron.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: catspaw49
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 08:03 PM

Hi Mary........I've heard others say that too about weimies, but I've never had anything but wonderful, docile dogs. They need exercise, but many are major couch potatoes when given the chance. The breeder at the website I gave above commented to us and I see its on her site too, that they tend to pick up the "tone" of the house. On the other hand, they are prized for their intelligence, but mine have all been lovable idiots. The Bassett Hound Karen had when we married was THE hardest headed dog I have ever seen.

While we're all talking dogs here, until I got on the net a few years ago, I had no idea there were so many "Breed Rescues." I knew they existed for Greyhounds and Dals (too popular=too much bad breeding and too many unwanted dogs) but was unaware that they exist for almost all breeds. They are very dedicated folks in general and very particular if you want to adopt one of the rescued dogs. If you can find one close for a breed you are wanting, its a great way to go.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 08:56 PM

My girlfriend had a yellow-haired German Shepherd by the name of Custer, nicknamed "Cussie", who was deathly afraid of thunder. One day when she was out sailing off the coast of Rhode Island, I became concerned because a storm came up & I knew she was out. I didn't have a key to her apt. so couldn't really do much except hope for the best. Usually she had to hold him under the covers, cowering in fear whenever thunder rolled along.

Didn't hear anything from her until about midnight, when I heard, "Cussie *sob* *sob* is missing. He's jumped out the second story window and we cannot find him anywhere!"

This brought us across the border from CT to RI, a few blocks away, where we began cruising the streets looking everywhere a scared dog might hide. We were sure that me must've been injured as it was a straight drop to a hard paved driveway from her fire escape, which he'd obviously barreled through, evidenced by the torn screen.

Finally, after being stopped by the small town cops wondering if we were some sort of perverts or buglars, my daughter and I spotted a dark shadow which moved under some steps of a school. Sure enough, it was poor ole Cussie, who could barely walk. We got him loaded in the car, called the vet, took him over, and my friend met us there. That poor dog had torn everything there was to tear in his front lower leg, BUT had somehow managed to not break one bone.

He was a willingly pathetic invalid, lapping up the attention and went on with a more than pronounced limp whenever anyone looked long after he had healed up...soft tissue damage, ya know?**BG**

He was such a wonderful dog except for that one quirk and hating to go down the wooden stairs when his mom wasn't around. His favourite *binkie* (toy) was a bowling pin he would carry around in his mouth. He also had nice, soft stuffed toys, but his Binkie was his Bud and went almost everywhere with him. He also knew how to pick up all of his toys and put them in his basket.

Oh, Cussie, you good dog, you, rest in peace, pal.

kat

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 09:34 PM

Working around lots of dogs for many years, we've also noticed that they tend to pick up the tone of the house. We've also noticed that most dogs really are a good judge of character! It's just my personal observation...but the best pets I've ever seen have been ones that were in some way rescued from a bad situation. It's almost as if they know they have been given a second chance. BTW, did you know that only about 40% (or less) ever make it out of the pound alive? My husband's first Weimaraner was rescued from the pound. Besides Breed Rescues, you can often find nice pure bred dogs (especially big dogs) at the pound. It seems that many idiots give their dog away when they realize it will get big.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: catspaw49
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 09:42 PM

Did you see the story in "People" a couple of weeks back about the fellow who played "Robin" opposite Adam West's Batman in the 60's? He now has a Great Dane Rescue! Neat story. Can you imagine the feed bill? They also had their home completely tiled to make cleaning easier!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: keltcgrasshoppper
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 09:46 PM

Kat.. Love the tale about the BINKIE.. Taz seems to know when we are about to leave without him and carries one of his babies following our every move.. I have a great Weimie story.. Years ago when we first married we had friends who had a beautiful weimie... He loved kids and followed "his" everywhere.. They had a little record player and the dog would sit and watch while it spinned... he would turn his head around following the spin and make himself so dizzy that he would fall over... of course this made the kids crazy and of course they played more records.. The same dog ran through several picture windows when the school bus arrived... They are the funniest dogs.. what great personalities...We considered one for a while but fell in love with lahasa's

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: kendall
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 10:02 PM

A bit for Midchuck.. my brother is in the habit of walking every day. He carries a golf club when he goes, and, one day a lady asked what the club was for, and he said "Dogs." She was appalled, and said "My God, doesn't that hurt them?" he replied "Not if they stay on the god damn porch."

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: keltcgrasshoppper
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 10:23 PM

I've got a great Sheep Dog Story... I work in a town where there is a working farm that uses dogs to herd.. The woman who ownes and trains them was coming down the lane one morning with her older dog and a young "trainee". She gave the older dog the task of getting the sheep to the center of the field which he did expertly.. she then called him back and tied him.. Then brought the young dog to the center of the field and the young one managed to scatter the sheep in every direction.. I was standing by the older dog and he actually hung his down to the ground shook his.. head and began to grown continually until he was ordered to be quiet.. but he continued to shake his head with disapproval..it was as if he was embarassed about the young ones behavior... They are amazing animals SOOOO smart its almost unbelievable....Dulldan

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: catspaw49
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 10:30 PM

cute story Dan......And can we even talk about dog stories without asking how many of us have read all of James Herriot's books? Your story, Dan, reminded me of his kind of tale.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 11:02 PM

When my hubby was in vet school, the AVMA gave James Herriot an award for "raising awareness" or something...but all vets accused him of plagiarism because his stories have happened to all of them. *BG*

BTW, have y'all read his book about the Yorkshire Dales? Makes one want to go there right now.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: catspaw49
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 11:11 PM

I think that one of the charms of his books is that they are common stories...well told. But I'm sure that Vets from everywhere are in agreement with your husband. Karen and I have read them all, you can tell since we have a son named Tristan. (Came from several sources, but that was one) BTW Mary, if you ever get to Yorkshire, we have a lot of members in those parts.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: MMario
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 11:17 PM

Our current dog is a Malamute. He has several distinctive barks for cars coming into the driveway, one for friends, one for strangers, one for family...and one special voice he uses ONLY for "Gramma" - and which is the most woeful sounding thing you have heard in your life...in eight years he's never used this "voice" for anyone else, but you should hear the stories he tells her!

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 11:18 PM

Ahh, the Tristan connection! I loved the TV series (originally produced by the BBC, probably PBS here) of all the episodes. Also, they interviewed the actors about filming the series. I think it was Tristan that said, "Put my arm, where?"

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: keltcgrasshoppper
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 11:20 PM

I loved all of his books and enjoyed the series which PBS ran a few years ago...I loved "TrickieWOO" the over weight Pekineese which was pampered so by her owner...KGH

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: keltcgrasshoppper
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 11:29 PM

Mmario...I once owned a wonderful Collie named Shamie He was trained by a fellow named Paul.. If we even mentioned in conversation the name "Paul"... Shamie would howl and race to the door continuing to bark and howl until he was convinced that Paul wasn't there... It wasn't a fear thing rather a love thing.. he was crazy over Paul...It is amazing when you know an animal and are able to recognize all of the different vocalizations which they use.....KGH

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Metchosin
Date: 04 Jun 00 - 08:45 AM

In honour his Chihuaha "Butch Henry", and my two dogs Maddy and Old Wort and generally of dogs everywhere, my brother wrote a fiddle piece called "March of the Dogs" that can be heard on the Walter Bodega Band CD.

I am hoping Max will play it on Mudcat Radio on Wednesday. A reviewer said it was hard to listen to the music and not picture a parade of dogs coming down the street, tongues lolling and tails wagging. So for all dog lovers, hopefully you can hear it and if you aren't that fond of dogs and just like good music, you will probably still enjoy the tune.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Banjer
Date: 04 Jun 00 - 10:20 AM

Ah, where to begin? Can't remember a time that there wasn't at least one dog around. Sometimes also cats, but loveable though cats can be, their independence makes them stray sometimes. Not so dogs. The current boss here in the house is a Chow/Shepherd mix about eight years old. He's been with us about seven and a half years. His intelligence knows no bounds. The facial expressions and body language he uses to communicate never cease to amaze me. His primary love in life is a tennis ball. Looking around the house I can see about a dozen of them in various stages of destruction. I don't set an alarm clock any more. Bear will come in and wake me each morning when it's time to get up. He doesn't do it on Saturday or Sunday, knowing that I'm off those days. Sometimes I'm already awake when he comes in, but lie around until he comes to do his job. It seems he takes a certain pride in prforming his duty.
Last December 27th I had to perform one of the hardest things a dog owner has to do. My 13 year old Shepherd, a faithful companion for over 12 years had contracted cancer and it was time to say goodbye to her. I have had have dogs put down before, but my Dee-Dee was the hardest I ever had to face. She was constantly by my side. If I sat in the chair in the living room, she lay beside it. If I moved to the couch, she also moved next to it. In her early years she knew when I got up from my chair in the living room it must be bed time and followed dutifuly down the hall. In later years she would get up and stand in the hall watching to see if I was coming, walking back to nudge me if I didn't move fast enough to suit her. She was everything a person could ask for in a companion. I chuckle occasionally when I think of her antics with the cat across the street. April (the cat) would come to the front door and meow until Dee-Dee was let out and took up the chase. April would then head for the nearest fence or under a vehicle knowing that the 65 pound dog would not fit where she would go. This game lasted between the two until April and her family moved away. As I sit here thinking of Dee-Dee and all the love she brought to me I can't help but feel sorry (not condemn) those that think dogs are 'stupid beasts' Unless one knows the unconditional love of a dog such as Dee-Dee or Bear, or any of the many others in my life, one cannot understand what real love is.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Catlin
Date: 04 Jun 00 - 10:39 AM

My dog (who is sat at my feet ATM)is a sort of rescue dog. Her old owner works with my partner, and we got her when she was a year old. She was given to us because she ate the pet rabbit. She still is partial to a rabbit or two! She is a Border-Collie/German Sheperd cross and we call her Vixen.... because she looks like one!She is three nearly four now and still acts like a big puppy.

*Hugs* Catlin

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: keltcgrasshoppper
Date: 04 Jun 00 - 12:46 PM

Banjer.. What a touching story..I too have had a friend like that..her name was Pokie..She was a dear loyal little Lahasa..We got her when our son Gabriel was two years old and he (Gabriel) was her (Pokie) constant companion.. She was almost 15 years old when suddenly she was unable to use her hind legs.. She was in a lot of pain and after talking it over with Gabe and Chelsey we felt that it was unkind to allow her to suffer.. It was the saddest day we have ever faced.. The house felt like a tomb when we came back..I have never cried so hard..We miss her still and feel ( stupidly) that she lead us to Tazzie.. who is our new family member ....KGH

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: catspaw49
Date: 04 Jun 00 - 01:00 PM

Well, this thread wouldn't be complete without mentioning The Rainbow Bridge....scroll down a bit. I'm a sucker for schlock, but this is of course the way I'd like to think I'll meet all those wonderful 4 legged friends again.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Metchosin
Date: 04 Jun 00 - 01:54 PM

Banjer, thanks for the story, she said, wiping the tears from her eyes.

Spaw, I don't know if it's just my computer acting up, but I've tried your link twice and my computer crashed both times. Too bad, I would have loved to have seen it, I'm a sucker for schlock, especially regarding animals, too.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Jun 00 - 02:06 PM

Try again, Metochsin, it has a midi file which takes a while to load. Dammit, Spaw, I already had tears enough!**BG** You'd better bet it'll be that way, if not I am not going!

katlaughingreally

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Metchosin
Date: 04 Jun 00 - 02:48 PM

Still no luck kat. My computer will import the midi but as soon as it starts playing, the whole thing crashes. It says it is caused by a type 2 error, which I think is a memory thing, but I have never had any trouble with sound files before, even large ones. I'm using Netscape and not Internet Explorer, perhaps that could be the problem?

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: wildlone
Date: 04 Jun 00 - 04:04 PM

I have a rescued corgi cross sheltie who adores loud noises including thunder in a storm she will keep running to the door to be let out and then looks up at the lightning.
During the firework displays for the millenium she was in her ellement.
Dogs give us so much and expect so little in return.
dave

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Banjer
Date: 04 Jun 00 - 05:54 PM

I knew of the Rainbow Bridge and had even considered putting a memorial there for Dee-Dee, just never got around to it. Like Kat and 'Spaw I too hope that it will happen that way, someday reuniting with my animal friends. Oh what a wonderful reunion that will be. Let's see, there will be Dee-Dee, Buzzy, Kelly, Heinz, Darby, Lady, Duchess, Cognac and Brandy, and a host of others that for one reason or another adopted me. There will also be cats, rabbits, a couple of birds and the list goes on and on.

Hello, my name is Ray and I'm an animal lover. If that is an illness, it's one I never hope to recover from!

Like Wildone said, animals ask so little and give manyfold in return. Just today I had a visit from my oldest son and his two dogs, (my grandpups). One is about two years old, a boxer/labrador mix and her "little brother" about 10 weeks old. He is a result of the same parents that she was. While Jimmy and I had a very pleasant visit, I must admit to spending more time playing and talking to the two grandpups!

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: keltcgrasshoppper
Date: 04 Jun 00 - 07:24 PM

That site is wonderful SPAW.. it is great to know that there are others out there that are saps...KGH

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Jun 00 - 08:47 PM

Banjer and Wildlone/Dave, nice to see you both on here amongst the rest of the Sappy Critter Lovers' Lot!

Hi, my name is Kat and I am an animal lover, too! May it ever be so!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: JamesJim
Date: 04 Jun 00 - 10:42 PM

What great stories. Our little dog Missy is a cockepoo, but looks like a minature cocker. We have had her since she was 8 weeks old and now she is almost 13 years. One evening, about 9 years ago, my wife was walking Missy and a little stray cat followed them home. Missy would normally bark her head off at cats, but not this one. She seemed to know it was in trouble and needed rescuing. After a visit to our vet, "Lilly" (derived from the Cheers character, Lillith, whom I think had a perfect cat personality) became a part of our family. They have gotten along beautifully.

There is a tiny bit of jealousy on Missy's part. In fact, the very first night Lilly spent with us, she followed us upstairs to the bedroom and jumped in bed with us. Missy had been perfectly content to spend her nights in the laundry room (behind a closed door), in her bed, but when she heard the cat getting all of our attention, she went crazy. From that point on, both Missy and Lilly have slept with us. They each know their position on the bed. Thank goodness for a king size bed. Yes, I'm a sap too. But ain't it fun? Jim

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Banjer
Date: 05 Jun 00 - 06:48 AM

Yes Jim, I think those of us who are 'saps' lead a richer and fuller life than those that for whatever reason (fear, health, etc., in many cases no fault of their own) haven't experienced the wonderful feeling of those big watery eyes looking up at you, that long wet tongue brushing your hand, and the I LOVE NO MATTER WHAT look on the faces. As I sit here later in life I often regret not having been able to pursue the career in Veterinary Medicine as I wanted to at one point in my life. So I settle for the next best thing. Sharing what I can with the animals I love!

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: keltcgrasshoppper
Date: 05 Jun 00 - 07:29 AM

Banjer,I could'nt have said that any better..all of what you said if as if it was me talking..I guess animal lovers have a lot in common..KGH and Dulldan

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: kendall
Date: 05 Jun 00 - 05:37 PM

One who loves, gives hostage to fate.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Sorcha
Date: 05 Jun 00 - 07:08 PM

Indeed we do, kendall, but I don't regret a moment of it. We currently have 2 Pembroke welsh Corgis. I have never met a more "human?" breed of dog. Someone asked me a while back why I chose that breed, and I said, "Because they are perfect". The only serious drawback is that they are double coated, and boy, o howdy, do they shed.

I am so "critter oriented" that last weekend, camping at the lake, I took pictures of all the dogs (8) in camp. The hell with the people, they are only in the pics if they were accidentally in the frame with the dogs.

We also provide house service for 4 cats, and I move spiders outside (except for THOSE 2 kinds--they do get squished).

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: keltcgrasshoppper
Date: 05 Jun 00 - 07:57 PM

My daughter gave me a sign to hang on our kitchen wall it reads...."HUSBAND, KIDS AND DOG MISSING....$10,000.OO REWARD FOR THE RETURN OF THE DOG."...KGH

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Amergin
Date: 05 Jun 00 - 08:13 PM

Well, I used to have a dachsund many years ago and everywhere we lived she had a specific route she would take daily. Along that route and various points she had these "saps" who for whatever reason adored her and they would feed her their scraps and whatnot. The most famous (at least in our house) of these folks lived right next door to us, in North Idaho. He was an old German immigrant and he used to absolutely adore Toby (the dog's name). He would feed her so full of crap like ice cream, sausages and all sorts of other things. I swear he was just trying to fatten her up so he can have some sausage for breakfast. And fat she would get, her belly would hang down so low, it would scrape the floor. She's been gone seven years, I still miss her terribly. My first love....

Amergin

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: JenEllen
Date: 05 Jun 00 - 09:06 PM

Well....you all know about my 'Goose, but Im going to gush anyways!

I was working my way through school as a waitress at a summer resort in the mountains. One afternoon a guy cam in with two puppies he'd found by the road. The rest of the litter was dead in a bag in the ditch. He said he'd take one of them, but the other one needed a home. I did NOT need a dog, but I got one anyways.

He was a terror from the start. I named him Angus after Angus Mac Og. He truly had the power over day and night--well at least MY days and nights anyways..

I worked at the resort from 6am til 8pm. Long days with small trips up the hill to make sure he wasn't tangled around a tree or something, Scratch him and say hi. It was only in the second week that I had him that I ended up having to work over. Around 8:30 my boss came in to the restaurant and said "Your escort is here..."

Out on the back patio sat the pooch. He'd figured I was late, untied himself from the tree, and came to the restaurant to get me. It was like that the entire summer. I never did figure out why he didn't untie himself during the day and go play or something.

When I was in school, he was the perfect gentleman. Allowing us to poke and prod him, use him for practicing blood draws, radiographs, and bandaging practice. And when I brought home other animals in need of help, he gave up his bed, food, and attention in favor of the ones who needed it more.

He loves the mornings. We go walking before I leave for work. Some days he goes with me to the clinic, some days not. When I'm home, he's my black shadow. Curled up with his head across my feet so he can tell if I get up. He watches the goings on in the house with his paws crossed just like Kendall's pooch.

Last year, my house was broken into while we were home. Angus took off like a shot and attacked the guy. The last thing I saw was the two of them running into the woods at the back of the property. Angus came home dragging a leg and covered in blood. I took him in and my partner checked him over. I was a wreck. My partner came out shaking his head and I thought the worst. Turns out he was covered in blood, but none of it was his. It was the one and only time he's ever turned on another creature.

I've always loved animals, and always shared my home with them, but I can't say that any have affected me as much as this dog. Sometimes it feels like he's a guardian angel sent to give me a little boost. I can't sleep in, the black destroyer comes and pulls the blankets off the bed if I do. If I'm working too long, he'll lay his head on my lap and give the great big sigh....can't we go play or something?

And of course, no matter what I do, he thinks I'm wonderful. That kind of unconditional love is unbelievable. Totally unswayed by the money you make (just so long as you share your chow), and what kind of car you drive (just so long as I can go for a ride). Just scratch me on the ears and tell me I'm a good dog, that's enough.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: BarbaraLynn
Date: 05 Jun 00 - 09:30 PM

I've had several, the latest (and longest) having been Laddie, a blond Cocker Spaniel. Laddie and I had a loving relationship but I raised him just like I raised my kids -- to think he had a mind of his own -- and he took full advantage of that. For a time, I had a number of Hispanic friends, and the story went that my dog's name was short for "Ladino", because they so often heard me snapping: "Laddie, no!" He got into everything. He got into my purse and tore up paper he found in it (so much for the grocery list). He was a wizard at yanking things off the kitchen counter (thawing meat, boxes of doughnuts, etc.), and woe betide you if you got up from the dinner table for any reason as when you turned back you were likely to find Laddie nimbly walking on your plate! Oh, I did indeed try discipline, but Laddie would plant himself on the floor, set his jaw rigidly and glare right back at me. And then proceed as if I'd said nothing at all.

Though I've had many breeds and dogs of no breed in particular, I think there is nothing like a Cocker Spaniel for presenting a picture of True Unbridled Joie de Vivre -- to watch Laddie run and play, laughing mouth open, ears sailing, eyes a-light, never failed to raise my spirits.

He had most likely been deaf for about 3 years before a vet discovered this and told me. Laddie read me so well that I hadn't an inkling he no longer could hear me. I took then to resting my neck on the top of his head when I talked to him so he could at least get the vibrations from my throat. His failing eyesight did not stop him in the least, and it was left to me to become his eyes after the day he ran off the lip of a culvert and fell two feet into grass (luckily)-- although he sprang up and took off undaunted, I came more slowly under the weight of the new responsibility.

He passed in his sleep a year ago April at the age of 16. We were away that weekend -- how strange, one of only two weekends in the whole year that we were not at home...I think he somehow chose the time, because he had shown no signs of illness.

And up until at least several months later, he was still guarding his food dish in the backyard, but that's another story entirely. All dogs go to Heaven unless they are On Watch.

BarbaraLynn

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: keltcgrasshoppper
Date: 05 Jun 00 - 11:05 PM

BarbaraLynn, we need to hear that other story...KGH

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: catspaw49
Date: 06 Jun 00 - 12:37 AM

Its reassuring to be in the company of other saps as far gone as yourself.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Amergin
Date: 06 Jun 00 - 01:24 AM

One more story about Toby (the dachsund we used to have). She had this doggie bed that she slept in during the day, but she never slept in it alone. We also at that time had an old siamese cat. They were both around the same age. He would always crawl into that bed with her, much to her displeasure. She would growl and carry on making quite a fuss, until they would both go to sleep. This was a ritual that happened several times a day. She always seemed to hate sharing that bed with him. But the funny thing is that after he died, she wouldn't go near that bed until the end. When she got sick in her final days....

Amergin

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: kendall
Date: 06 Jun 00 - 08:32 AM

What has 4 legs and an arm? a Rotweiller.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: GUEST,Den at work
Date: 06 Jun 00 - 09:37 AM

Some wonderful stories there. We lost our Max last year. He was 15 and we had to have him put to sleep because his arthritis got so bad that he couldn't walk anymore and keeping him alive was just being selfish. He left us with some great memories though and was such a joy to the family. He was our first kid actually, a little fat ball of fur. Part border collie part lab part whirl wind.

We got him from the pound. They had a whole litter and we were having a tough time choosing. So we decided to go away and think about it as the pound was closing. As we went to leave this little guy came running/waddling out from the back and latched himself onto Andrea's (my wife) coat tail and wouldn't let go. Well that did it. He came home with us.

He was so smart. He used to herd the kids in the play ground and keep them all in the area where the swings and slides were. The neighbours loved it because they knew when Max was there the kids couldn't stray. It drove him nuts if they took off in different directions. He loved to go on the slide and would line up with the kids, taking his turn. He was able to climb the ladder and then slide down the slide. We have it on video tape and the kids still love to watch him.

He liked a little Guinness from time to time and so I'd pour some in his bowl and he would lap it up. When there was just a little left, I would say, "now knock it back", and he would lift the bowl in his mouth tip his head back and swallow what was left.

He was though a great companion and I always felt that he sensed when you weren't in the best of spirits and he would sit with his big head (he had the body of a lab and the colouring of the border collie) in your lap looking into your eyes as if to say I'll worry for you.

I don't know if he liked folk music but if I played a certain frequency on my tin whistle he would nudge my elbow with his nose. So much so that I was unable to play...or maybe he just appreciated good whistle playing.

He will always be remembered.

We have since looked for a dog but we keep looking for just a little something of what our Max had he was just so much a member of our family. Den

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: catspaw49
Date: 06 Jun 00 - 10:23 AM

Dogs are such individuals that you can never replace one. Even within a breed, or within a litter, everyone has something different to offer. From the first moments of our relationship with them, each begins to develop a personality. I thought I'd never want another Weim after Gretchen....How could any compare? But they have all had something very special, very personal.

Possibly why so many of us get locked into a breed is because the basic traits are generally there and the individualism comes through more brightly. All my Weims have had different tastes and likes. All have been very individual. But below lies that goofy, Odie-like, pleasure in being with you that I find so appealing.

Go get yourself another dog Den......Won't be the same, but you'll see something in each one and though they may not be Max, the new one will give you another set of memories and years of friendship.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Art Thieme
Date: 06 Jun 00 - 01:27 PM

I had a hundred dollar bill sitting out on my desk after a late gig and our dog (Blossom) was going after the cookie that was holding it down from being blown away by our fan. Blossom ate both the cookie and the cash. I was pretty upset and I gave her an entire bottle of Milk of Magnesia. When that didn't do the trick, I gave Blosssom another half of a bottle. To make a long story short, she couldn't pass it. It was counterfeit.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Metchosin
Date: 06 Jun 00 - 01:46 PM

You asked for dog "stories", so please bear with me.

Prior to our present dogs, we had two others, Rupert and Sadie, an occasionally white, father and daughter mix of Maltese, Wirehaired Terrier and Lhaso Apso. My husband always joked that when they died, he was going to have them made into large fluffy bedroom slippers.

Neither of these dogs was particularly bright or talented, although Rupert had a knack for getting into difficult situations on occasion (one of which, involved me taking a plunge into an icy river after he had been swept over a waterfall). They were however, much loved.

By the time Rupert turned 14, he was stone deaf, (something that seems to happen to our dogs). I don't know if it is the result of the sound levels of the music in this house or just a predilection of the small breeds that we have managed to collect over the years. However, it should be noted, our daughters' Teddy Bear Hamster was found dead the morning after a rather loud jam session. Unfortunately, the cage was perched on one of the amplifiers. (My poor husband, even after all these years, still feels he has a lot of karma to work off).

Rupert's deafness and failing eyesight was of concern to us and we had been discussing what should be done with him, as he no longer came when he was called and we were concerned with his tendency to go on, sometimes, very long "walk-abouts" in our rural neighborhood. We decided that he was in no pain, despite his handicaps, so we would just confine him to the house except, for jaunts outside on leash.

One morning, shortly after this discussion, we had just given him an uncustomary bath and grooming and in a panic, noticed that he had managed to slip out a door left open by small children. We discovered that, on his usual visit to our neighbour across the road, Rupert had probably failed to hear an oncoming car and our first fluffy bedroom slipper was deposited ceremoniously in a resting place beneath the large maple tree in our front yard.

Sadie, his daughter, lived on until the ripe (and I use that word deliberately) old age of 17 years. For most of her life, she was one of those dogs that never seemed to cause any trouble whatsoever and for that matter, was not even particularly personable, consequently, at times, you tended to forget about her existence. Sadie just was.

With an upcoming Christmas to prepare for, along with two small children, I finally decided that it was becoming too much for me to look after our snoring odiferous couch potato. She had an oozing growth on her chest and had finally lost all control of her bladder and I was beginning to flag under the constant cleaning of dog and furniture.

On the last day of school, prior to the Christmas holidays, I made an appointment to take her to the Vet and load up on groceries for the Holiday. I set off with Sadie and my youngest daughter's coveted "Aminy Blanket", with which to wrap her for the last ride home. It was a very difficult shopping trip.

Unpredictably, on the drive to town it started to snow and by the time I had finished all my "errands", the snow was beginning to pile up. I decided to pick up my daughters from school early, as the school buses do not run in our neighbourhood, when there was any great accumulation. Upon my arrival, I was further delayed at the school, because the staff had decided, due to the weather, to cancel the evening's Christmas Concert and hold it in the in the afternoon instead. For awhile, I was lost in the wonderful sound of children caroling and forgot all about my sad bundle in the car.

We finally headed for home and I was confronted with further deteriorating road conditions and two very upset little girls, one particularly, even more distressed, because Sadie's rather malodorous old body had been wrapped in her precious blanket.

One of last stretches of road to where we live is a long steep grade, which I can usually make in the snow, if I can maintain constant speed on the uphill climb. Not so this day. When we were almost to the top, we met a shit for brains, joy riding 4X4er coming sideways down the hill towards us. Consequently, I had to pull to the deep snow on the edge of the road to avoid being hit, and there I lodged, crying children, numerous bags of Christmas larder and dead dog.

Upon abandoning the vehicle, amidst the further tears of my children, I explained that we would have to carry our fast disintegrating bags of groceries for the last half mile stretch up hill to home and that, "No, we couldn't manage to carry Sadie too", and that they "Shouldn't worry about leaving her in the car in the snowbank, it was really cold out" and it was "OK, this was sort of thing they did to bodies in morgues" and "Nobody was going to steal Ceilidh's "Aminy Blanket" and even if they did, "They were going to be in for a helluva surprise."

We were trudging along, with many stops to retrieve the various tins that were working their way out of the bottom of the bags, when we were rescued by a neighbour in his 4X4 and we gratefully piled ourselves and groceries into the back of the truck for the trip to our driveway. I stayed with the groceries at the bottom of the drive, while the girls went up to the house to get their flying saucer sleds to pile the Christmas goodies on. While I was waiting, I was greeted by the neighbour's Golden Retriever, who promptly liberated a garlic sausage ring from the pile of groceries. After a brief chase and tug-of-war, I returned, but Sage had got the lion's share of his prize.

That night we promised the girls that I would rescue Sadie the following morning, when the weather cleared. The following day I tundled out, pulling the saucer sled to unbury the car and bring Sadie home. After digging it out and chipping the ice from a frozen door I loaded her on the sled for the final trek up hill. The incline caused her now frozen bundled body to constantly roll from the sled and skid back down the hill. Eventually I abandoned the sled as a dumb idea and carried her the rest of the way.

My husband explained to the girls that because of the weather we would have to postpone Sadie's funeral, so Sadie "laid in state" for another week on a table under an overhang at the front of the house. Eventually the dog who for most of her life, had never been a problem, was buried with our other "bedroom slipper" under the maple tree and Ceilidh finally got her freshly laundered "Aminy Blanket" back.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: kendall
Date: 06 Jun 00 - 08:10 PM

Metchosin..that was beautiful. Extremely touching.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Metchosin
Date: 06 Jun 00 - 09:16 PM

Thank you kendall. Dogs do have a way of triggering memories and putting us in touch with our feelings, don't they?

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: catspaw49
Date: 06 Jun 00 - 10:06 PM

It also triggers a hamster story...........My Dad loved animals and his dog was the Cocker and indeed had some reasonable success as a breeder. I loved them, but it fell to me as a young boy to care for them when he was gone (railroad engineer, ran freight, never knew when he'd be in or out). Co I also wanted other pets and like most kids in the 50's, the hamster thing came along and I had to have one. Dad bought two and we built a nice little cage together. They stayed on the basement steps, but we could bring the cage upstairs of outdoors.

Got real cold......Found hamsters were belly-up so to speak......Felt real bad..........Dad felt bad.........Mom felt bad...........Had a little ceremony and buried the hamsters...............Found out later that hamsters hibernate.

My Dad never did get over it. Years later I could always get him by reminding him he buried the hamsters alive. He was a practical joker and a gentle man....I shouldn't have rubbed it in, but then again, he'd have done the same to me. I miss him a lot.

Spaw

Spaw

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: keltcgrasshoppper
Date: 06 Jun 00 - 10:54 PM

Spaw that was a great way to end my day.. What a funny, sad story..It reminds me of our son who was playing with his sisters kitten next to the garage..I think you know what hapened..Its about those garage door openers..Well Gabe came in screaming "I'm going to go to hell Ive killed a cat" He had just made his 1st communion and the hell thing was firmly planted in his brain.. He still gets teased and not too kindly by his sister for that one..It was a family tragedy ...KGH

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Banjer
Date: 07 Jun 00 - 05:53 AM

Hamsters!!! When all five kids still lived at home the three boys shared one room and the two girls had the other. The youngest of the two girls had the bad habit of not leaving other peoples things alone, she was about eight years old. One afternoon the oldest boy reports to me that the hamster that belonged to the oldest girl had died and that he had buried it for her. I praised him for handling the situation for me and consoled his sister, who was the oldest of the five and missing her pet. This being the last of the hamsters we had, all the others having previously gone on to their just rewards, we disposed of all the various trappings, cages, etc.

All is normal so far, right??.....Not in this household!!!

About four days later, actually about 3AM I'm awakened by a scurrying noise on my side of the bed. Then I feel a light tugging on the sheet, that followed by a sensation of pressure on my leg!! I look over at wifey and she is sound asleep! I consider myself a brave person, but there is just so much brave anybody can muster at 3AM. I reach for the light, scream at wife to "wake up dammit!!!!, we've got rats in the house!!!" and jump out of bed, all in the same instant. Once I gather what few senses I could muster I look to see the "dead" hamster reincarnated and looking up at me, obviously annoyed at all the commotion.

It turns out that the youngest daughter had taken the hamster out to play with, let it get away, and in an attempt to cover her tracks put part of a furry stuffed toy which, upon exhumation could have resembled a dead hamster, back in the cage where her sister would find her pet dead. Being rather squeamish, the oldest girl of course called her brother to handle the situation! Mr. Wannabe Pet Funeral Director scoops the "deceased rodent" out of the cage with a plastic scoop and conducts a hasty ceremony without a post mortem and the rest is history!!

We now find our hero (ME) at 3:30AM, going to the local all night (at that time) supermarket which had a large area of pet supplies. Try explaining to a clerk at the checkout why you need to buy a hamster cage, wood shavings, and an excersize wheel, water bottle, and food at that time of day!! Many morals to this story....pick one you like!

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: catspaw49
Date: 07 Jun 00 - 08:07 AM

I was doin' OK til the "We've got rats in the house" line and I damn near died laughing!!!! Geeziz Banj, cracked me up man....REAL VISUAL in that sitcom sort of way.....Great story!!!

Morning news on CBS Early show has a nice story on right now about a dog who was put into the wrong compartment on an airliner and the pilot made an emergency landing so the dog wouldn't die....nice story. All the passengers cheered him, even if it did delay them.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Jun 00 - 10:31 AM

I have a cat who discovered the Redial button on my FAX/phone and placed 35 long distance calls to Buffalo, scaring my sister-in-law half to death several times at 3AM before I discovered what he was up to.

Another is subject to fits of depression and has to be hand fed or he pulls a Ghandi act.

The last is a kitten who cannot understand mirrors and spends hours crying for the people in them to come and play with her.

I think I need a dog.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Metchosin
Date: 08 Jun 00 - 11:54 AM

One more brief story this time. A number of years ago friends of ours had rented and older house. One night shortly after they moved in, they were awoken by a rhythmic clanking sound, coming from the upstairs hallway towards their bedroom. Thinking they were being broken into or worse yet a ghost? Rob grabbed a baseball bat and threw on the hall light. Looking down the hallway from the bedroom he saw nothing amiss. They settled back down and again heard the eerie sound from the hall and again turned on the light to see what the source was. This time Rob looked at the floor and there was his son's hamster making its way down the hall with a teaspoon in its mouth, that clanked from side to side on the bare wood floor as it struggled along with its heavy prize.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: keltcgrasshoppper
Date: 08 Jun 00 - 01:59 PM

I have a story ..Our daughter Dog Sat for folks while she was in college. One family owned a very needy Border Collie named Jamie..Well Jamie is terrified of thunder, fire workes, backfires any thing that goes bang..Chelsey was well aware of the problem and made all preperations for the problem..However one day she was teaching at summer school and a midday storm blew in..She raced home and no Jamie.. he it seems had crashed through the window and screen..of the second story bed room where he had been left for safety. You see if there is a bang Jamie will run away from the sound...Well Chelsey was in a panic.. she was scared to death for Jamie and for facing the family who owned him.. To make matters worse the family came home early and no Jamie...The child in the family just sat down on the floor and screamed...Chelsey was in a fit...They set out on a search of the neighborhood in the rain and thunder.. Well to end on a high note there was Jaime cowering in the corner of a garage the last house on the street.. He survived the fall not even a limp and Chelsey retired from dog sitting.. Jamie is still afraid of loud noises....KGH

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Bill D
Date: 10 Jun 00 - 12:16 AM

had an old dog..sort of a terrier/shepherd mix. Needed medicine, but was totally against having pills shoved down his throat. So, we tried mixing them in hamburger balls, but he was too good for us...he'd gulp the hamburger in...roll it around in his mouth, cross his eyes, and *poot*....spit out the pill.

Well, this went on a couple days, and I had an idea, The dog REALLY was jealous of the batch of half-grown kittens we had, and had to be practically held back when they were fed. So...I took some chicken scrap leftovers and began tossing pieces to the kittens. Dog was quivering...tossed MORE chicken to cats...dog was big eyed & frantic!...then I sneakily just tossed a dog medicine pill into the air near dog...*snap*...*gulp*...pill was gone!...*big grin*..In the weeks that followed, pulled the trick every day....it never failed....he'd still spit it out hidden in his food, but greed got it in him...must be amoral there somewhere.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 10 Jun 00 - 01:43 AM

Thunder and fireworks would always send my dog under the couch, which would be quite upsetting if you were sitting on that couch, considering Old Blue was a Newfoundland/Labrador mix who weighed in at 145 pounds.

When he was a puppy I took him on his first backpacking trip, up a narrow trail by a rushing creek. He scampered all over the trail, up the side of the hill, down to the creek where he'd hit the brakes, then back up in fear only to scamper off again. While executing this maneuver, a piece of the bank crumbled away and he plopped into the fast-moving brook. Encumbered by my heavy pack, I couldn't grab him, and he was swept away yelping down the stream. Luckily he was carried into an eddy near the bank where I fished him out. But he was so traumatized by this that he wouldn't go near any water except the water in his dish for nearly a year. Finally on a trip to Idaho, my wife and I were playing frisbee in a shallow pool while Blue watched from shore. Watching the frisbee sail through the air, he began to yip and jump around on the bank. Ana made a mighty toss that went over my head, and I had to swim fast for it before the current took it away downstream. That's when I got pushed aside by a major slab of paddling Lab as he nailed the frisbee with his jaws. From then on, you couldn't keep him out of water, which made him the world's lousiest fishing buddy.

He was a great pack animal. I could get two sixpacks and most of my food on him, and it wouldn't slow him down. He would run 30 feet in front of me, then stop, tongue out and ears up, waiting for me to catch up. He was a veteran of several 14,000 foot peak ascents, including Mount Elbert where I nearly lost him. He was 12 and had hip displasia, but I took him anyway. It was an exhausting climb, and 300 feet below the summit he could go no further. I left him there with a dish of water and finished the climb. When I returned he was gone. I looked all over the summit, but no sign. I decided that he had gone down to the camp, so I made my descent. He wasn't there, and so I decided he must have gone down to the car looking for me. Not there either. I went to a local restaurant and borrowed paper to leave notes on the windshields of the cars in the trailhead lot, then drove the 100 miles home. A woman called that night, saying Blue had followed her down to the stream where we had camped, and though he was exhausted, he wouldn't drink but kept trying to walk back up the trail. She said they made him lay down in a shady spot next to a large rock, a spot I remembered. I returned the next day and made the 5 mile climb to the spot, but didn't see a sign of him. I worked my way to a point where I could see the summit ascent, but I couldn't see him. At last I went home. The next night I got a call from the restaurant. Two climbers had stopped there saying they had found a dog on the Elbert summit, that they had carried him down, and were taking him to the sheriff's department. I went back the next morning and got him. I remember my feelings of both guilt and curiosity as I put him in the back of my car. I wanted him to tell me how he endured two nights on that cold and barren peak with no water. I apologized to him for deserting him there, but he looked at me with the same brown eyes that always said the same thing, that he was my best friend and nothing would change it.

He's been gone nine years now. I can still see his face inches away from mine, licking my nose to awaken me in the morning, a piece of cat-litter stuck on his nose. I can hear the sound of the pine branches he would retrieve from the forest, and then gnaw and chomp to splinters. But most of all I can see him, his pack tied on his back standing on the trail ahead, and waiting for me to catch up.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Banjer
Date: 10 Jun 00 - 04:25 AM

Good story Leej, Old Blue is indeed waiting for you to catch up. One of these days you will find him again, healthy and unemcumbered by hip problems, waiting to lead you up that last trail. See 'Spaws blue clicky to the Rainbow Bridge if you haven't already.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: IceWolf
Date: 10 Jun 00 - 10:19 AM

When I was growing up, we always had dogs. Now, though, my wife can't stand canines so we have two cats.

One night (about 2:00am), as the cats were playing tag, one or the other of them managed to open the freezer. Naturally, we didn't notice until morning by which time the contents had degenerated into a melted morass.

I cleaned out the freezer and yelled at the cats -threatening to turn them into winter underwear. Then my wife and I went off to work.

That afternoon when I came home, I found my tomcat sitting on the floor in front of the Yellow Pages, flipping through the Attorney's section.

Hmmmm.

IceWolf

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: sledge
Date: 10 Jun 00 - 10:42 AM

A Chihauhau (overgrown rat) used to live over the road from Parents and would constantly yap at all and sundry. Our dog Ben, a Lab cross, tolerated the overgrown rats presence on his patch until one night, when out for his constituional, the rat challanged him, and commenced yapping. Displaying great skill Ben turned and pee'd over the rat with a look that said "did someone speak".

The rat became something of a recluse for some time.

We lost Ben some time ago but I still miss him.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: kendall
Date: 11 Jun 00 - 08:59 AM

I cant imagine taking a 12 year old dog with hip problems mountain climbing. What ever were you thinking?

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: keltcgrasshoppper
Date: 11 Jun 00 - 11:47 AM

Sledge...Ben was lucky that the little guy didn't take a chunk for a snack.. I know that my little guy Taz would gladly take on dogs three times his size..I think most small dogs suffer from delusions of grandure...KGH

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: kendall
Date: 11 Jun 00 - 06:43 PM

Or, piss poor judgement lol

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 11 Jun 00 - 10:16 PM

Kendall, it was a mistake to take him on the climb, and it was a mistake to leave him while I went to the summit. The only thing I can say is that I found it very hard to leave him behind when I took one of those trips, knowing how he loved them. And his hip displasia was something he was born with, that gradually worsened over time.

Hindsight, as they say, is 20/20.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Banjer
Date: 12 Jun 00 - 07:08 AM

I would think Lonesome that Old Blue would have much rather been where ever you were than left behind. I think you did right taking him with you. Animals will let us know when they have reached their limits. We humans sometimes surprise ourselves when we attempt to exceed our self imposed limits. We could take a lesson from our animal friends.

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Kim C
Date: 12 Jun 00 - 05:54 PM

Dogs. Gotta love 'em.

I have two: Zenith, a 10 y/o Norwegian Elkhound, and Belle, a 5 y/o Murfreesboro Mix. (I think she's mostly German Shepherd with a little Lab thrown in. She has webbed toes.) We got Belle because 1)Zenith had let us get robbed, and 2) we thought she was lonely. (Turns out, though, she likes being by herself.)

Zenith was a pet shop dog. We had never intended to buy a dog from the pet shop, but we always looked in the window. She kept getting bigger, the cage didn't, and the price kept going down. We wondered what would happen to her if no one bought her. So we did a little research on Elkhounds. They are often described as being stubborn. Well, we didn't really think about that, and Zenith came home with us for well under $200.

Stubborn? STUBBORN? Ha! You would think this girl is deaf sometimes. Well, she's not. She just has a mind of her own. (Like us.)She was fairly destructive as a puppy and hard to train, probably from being in a pet shop kennel for so long. One night things were awfully quiet, and I went back to the bedroom to see what she had gotten into. I found her sitting amid a flurry of hot-pink feathers ---- the remnants of a slain feather duster. She had them stuck to her nose. The duster had only cost me fifty cents and I just couldn't scold her with those pink feathers on her muzzle.

The first time Mister got out his guitar, Zenith barked at it as if it were an intruder. She got over it, until I got an accordion. She's also afraid of thunder and fireworks.

Belle, on the other hand, is a bonafide pistol. Being mostly Shepherd, she likes to herd Zenith around. Well, Z doesn't like that very well and once in awhile that results in a little tussle. Belle is one of those dogs that looks right at you all bright-eyed when you talk to her. She was pretty scrawny for about three years but she finally filled out and grew in a nice glossy coat.

We also have a kitty named Thumper, who hides behind the washing machine when strangers come to the house...

Subject: RE: Dog stories....
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 13 Jun 00 - 04:28 AM

Slightly lateral, but I finally found out the meaning of "Dog Days of Summer" yesterday. I am probably the last to find out, but in case there's anyone in the queue behind me, it relates to the rising of the Dog Star, which rises in the northern hemishpere in June (I think).

Dave, you ancient traveller of sea and star, put me right, so I can hang the Dog Star in my rigging on those balmy nights off Blakeney.

All the best

Skipjack