Happy News

I visit some rescue sites quite often, partly to see what's out there--more bully dog mixes and chihuahua mixes than ever. But name a breed and you'll find it or a mix with the breed in it. One of my favorite rescues is Pet Orphans of Southern California. It's a beautifully run rescue for both dogs and cats, located in Van Nuys, California. It was the alma mater of our first rescued dog, the unforgettable Daphne. Ajay, a small, eleven year old spaniel mix has been on their adoptable list for months, waiting for a home. What a cute dog! Alas, he had the bad luck to lose his home at an advanced age. Eleven year old dogs are very hard to place. But, when I checked the Pet Orphan's site today, I discovered that Ajay has a new home. Congratulations Ajay! and Thank You Pet Orphans for all you do for homeless dogs and cats.

Another Needy Dog

A wonderful Rottweiler-Shepherd mix is in desperate need of a home. Another victim of the economy. His human had to downsize into an apartment that doesn't permit dogs. Our Rottie mix is well socialized, house trained, gets along well with other dogs and small animals, walks well on a leash and behaves himself in off-leash dog parks. Frankly, friends, I'm close to tears as I type, because so many of these sad stories come to my attention. And as I read of a new round of lay-offs, I know that things will only get worse for our domestic pets, and rescues will face grim fundraising times. All I can say is: If you are thinking of adding a new canine companion to your life, do not purchase a puppy from any sort of breeder. Show puppies will always find homes and pet stores support puppy mills that are dog concentration camps. Backyard and kitchen breeders need to be ignored until they stop their destructive practices. If you know of a home for this very deserving dog, please contact me at: portiasmom at live dot com.

Another Day, Another Sad Story

A great friend of dogs just emailed me with an appeal for an eight year old, 33 pound, white with dark markings, short haired mixed breed female dog who has been dumped at a high kill "shelter" in East L.A. She has lovely blue eyes and is dazed over this turn of events. Her human died and there was no one to take her in.

If you have any room or any prospects for a foster or forever home for this sweet dog, email me:

portiasmom@live.com

Another Day, Another Needy Pom

A ten year old, five pound Pomeranian desperately needs a foster home by the end of tomorrow (Friday) afternoon. My source was evidently so eager to get the word out that the sex of the little dog was not included.

If you can help, email me:

portiasmom@live.com

Foster Home Needed!

An adorable 15 pound female Pomeranian named Honey--which describes both her color and her disposition--will soon be in need of a foster home. Honey was rescued from a public shelter, but it was discovered that she has pelvic injuries, probably inflicted by a car hitting her. She is undergoing surgery for these injuries and will need a foster home while she recovers and waits for her forever home.

If you can help, please contact me.

portiasmom@live.com

Hooray for Misty!

In April of 2001 we adopted our first rescued dog: Daphne, a Soft Coated Wheaten/Sighthound mix--perhaps Greyhound, perhaps Whippet.

I found Daphne's picture on the internet and was immediately gripped. "She's asking me to come and get her asap! Just look at that face!"

We live in San Diego County. Daphne was at Pet Orphans in Van Nuys, north of Los Angeles.

John, bless his heart, agreed to the adoption. And so, on one of the hottest April Sundays on record, we drove up to Pet Orphans, adopted Daphne and began the brand new educational experience of living with a dog who scored 10 out of 10 on the Adorable Appearance Scale, but, as we were informed, had "issues."

All I can say is that adopting a dog that was found at about one year of age on the streets of L.A.; was bounced from two placements; and because of her unique breed mix and background experienced great stress being kenneled for most of two years; was a far cry from our previous pattern of buying pure bred puppies from a highly responsible breeder.

But Daphne changed our lives. We will never again buy a pure bred dog. We will always adopt a rescue.

And I will always have a very soft spot in my heart for Pet Orphans, Daphne's Alma Mater. They loved her, did their best to socialize and train her, and stuck with her until we, her "forever home", finally materialized.

That's the reason there is a link to Pet Orphans on the right hand side of this blog. And that's why I visit their site at least once a week. It's my connection to Daphne. And I become particularly attached to and concerned about the dogs who wait and wait for forever homes.

Today I checked on the dogs of Pet Orphans who need homes. And happiness of happiness, one of my favorites, a tiny Chihuahua/Terrier mix who has been waiting and waiting and waiting--maybe not as long as Daphne, but way too long--has been adopted. Hooray for Misty! Congratulations to her new family! Only the presence of Bingley and Magic had prevented me from talking to John about another trip up to Van Nuys.

Now there's Teddy, the Pomeranian mix. He is really adorable. So he jumps five foot fences. I'm sure there's someone out there who can work with him on that issue. And Yogi, the American Bulldog, and Bart, and Annabella and Elvis--all Chihuahua mixes and....

But today is Misty's Day.

Now there's room for another dog who can be "transferred" from one of the high kill "shelters" in Los Angeles County to Pet Orphans, one of the finest private rescues, and a true shelter for Teddy and Yogi and Bart and Annabella and Elvis and all the other dogs and cats waiting there for forever homes.


Note: There is a malfunction that is preventing me from giving hot links in my posts. If you wish to visit Pet Orphans' site, the link at the right of the page is in working order and will take you to pictures of some wonderful dogs in need of forever homes.

Updates

Patrick, the rescued Pit Bull continues to improve. But rescue is never an easy undertaking. Associated Humane Societies continues to post progress reports.

Please remember. If you wish to contribute to animals in need, be sure that you know for a certainty that the organization to which you contribute is directly involved in the rescue and or care of individual animals. Organizations whose primary activity is "advocacy" all too often drain important resources from rescues that desperately need funds for desperate animals.

There is no national umbrella organization for humane societies. Investigate the actual work that an organization does before contributing. It is scandalous that organizations that have had no part in the expensive effort to rescue and rehabilitate Patrick are trying to capitalize on his misery and are deflecting donations from the true rescuers, Associated Humane Societies.

Closer to home--I hope. Early this morning as Bingley, Magic and I were completing our walk, we heard a coyote killing party in the hills just north of our neighborhood. Perhaps this signals their return. Before long, it will be warm enough for snakes. Some predator is going to find all the rabbits now hopping all over our subdivision--and multiplying under our deck. I prefer coyotes, hawks and owls to snakes.

Details, Details, Details

Some corrections and updates on the story of Patrick the Pit Bull.

At the time of Patrick's rescue, he was not taken immediately to Garden State Veterinary Specialists, but to Associated Humane Services, the emergency agency for abused and neglected animals in Newark, New Jersey. There he was stabilized before being transported to to Garden State Veterinary Specialists for long term care. And it is the Associated Humane Services who are paying and fundraising for Patrick's treatment. If Patrick's story has gripped you as it has me, I urge you to visit their website where both pictures and narrative tell Patrick's story.

Friends of Portia will be giving updates from Associated Humane Services website as Patrick's recovery continues. All paws are still crossed for him because he has a foreign object in his digestive track that cannot be removed immediately due to his fragile condition. We are well aware of long term problems following near starvation because our own darling Bingley was rescued in early stages of starvation and dehydration. Although Bingley's condition was far from the extreme suffered by Patrick, Bingley continues to have a very sensitive stomach, is on prescription dog food, and frequently requires a dose of Pepto Bismol to aid his digestion. We hope and pray that Patrick will gain sufficient weight and strength so that the foreign object issue can be resolved.

Incidentally, Associated Humane Services is a a local humane agency not affiliated with Humane Society of the United States. Many people donate to HSUS thinking that it is the umbrella organization for all local humane societies. Nothing could be farther from the truth. If you wish to help distressed animals in a specific locality, give to a local agency or rescue. They are the people who day after day deal directly with the objects of human neglect and cruelty. They deserve your support.

It's An Ill Wind That Blows No Good

The day before St. Patrick's Day, a Pit Bull was found in the trash of a New Jersey apartment house. The poor creature's ribs were showing in graphic relief. He was so weak, he couldn't stand.

Named Patrick for the approaching saint's day and his reddish coat, he was rushed to Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls. Dr. Thomas Scavelli, director of the hospital said that usually an animal in Patrick's state would be humanely euthanized, but Patrick looked up into the doctor's eyes, seemingly pleading for his life. So the staff did what they could to save him and Patrick did the rest.

He's still far from healthy, but prospects are good that Patrick will one day find his way into his forever home where he will be loved and cared for.

His story has inspired world wide sympathy. Gifts and messages are flooding the hospital where he will remain for an indefinite time as he recovers.

And the good news is that the attention being paid his situation has enabled Mayor Cory Booker of Newark, to launch a fundraising campaign for a state-of-the-art animal shelter to be named for Patrick.

Some people are concentrating on assuring punishment for the perpetrator of the callous neglect that almost led to Patrick's dying in agony. It does appear that she will be answering several charges of animal neglect. But Friends of Portia, while believing in serious consequences for animal neglect thinks that public service at animal shelters and heavy fines are more relevant consequences for perpetrators than jail time.

Meanwhile, Patrick has become the mascot of Garden State Veterinary Specialists. He plays with the toys sent to him by well-wishers, follows staff around, and is always available for pats and attention. No looking back. No recriminations. No hostility to humans for what he has suffered.

"Going to the dogs" should be a compliment.

Want To Rescue A Champion?

When I add a rescue to the list on the right side of the screen, I visit the site from time to time. I fret about dogs who wait and wait and wait for forever homes. I glow when a hard to place dog finds its place.

Today I checked in on Poodle Rescue of Southern California.

The current postings are illustrative of three themes that are dear to my heart:

1.) If you want a high quality, pure bred dog and you are patient, you can rescue one. Right at the top of the Poodle Rescue list are two show stock toy poodles looking for a new home: one is a champion.

2.) If you are not in the first blush of youth, particularly if you have no young children in your home, many dogs who are getting up in years are available for adoption. Many of these dogs are house trained, crate trained, doggy door trained. Who knows? Perhaps they can "roll over" or "shake hands." The point is, all the hard work has been done with these dogs. You get to enjoy a civilized canine companion.

3.) If you want any of the multiple Poodle mixes that the unscrupulous sell at high prices to the naive, many of these are available in rescues. "Maltipoodles", "Schoodles", "Golden Doodles", "Labradoodles"--take your pick.

My personal thanks goes to the diligent rescuers at Poodle Rescue of Southern California. Occasionally, they make room for "Honorary Poodles." Two such are Chiquita and Rambo, a charming Chihuahua pair who really need a home. Spread the word.

More Westminster

I have often mentioned Windsong, Bingley's and Magic's home away from home. I encourage you to click on the link and take a virtual tour of this wonderful pet spa. I really cannot call it a kennel.

It's hard to describe the relief I felt, finding a place where I can take Bingley and Magic with no fear, no second thoughts, when travel, health emergencies, or family concerns make it impossible for me to care for them at home.

For me, a bonus is the fact that Mike Dougherty, the owner of Windsong, is very well acquainted with Sight Hounds--Greyhounds, Whippets, Scottish Deerhounds, among others--who present unique challenges to caregivers. In fact, Mike is an A.K.C. show judge, who recently judged a number of hound breeds at Westminster. Two of the breed winners he selected placed in the Hound Group judging: the Norwegian Elkhound and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. Congratulations, Mike!

In addition to the actual show, there are many events during the Westminster related to the dog show world. Here are Mike and Michelle in their formal best at a fundraiser for Take the Lead, a charity devoted to assisting members of the dog fancy world who are facing serious illness.

Bingley can't understand why his pals Mike and Michelle would wear anything that makes it difficult to run and play.

Magic thinks it would be a wonderful idea if they dressed this way at Windsong. At least at Evening Kibble Time.

Happy News!

I just received word that a foster home has been found for the little Pomeranian.

If you made an effort to spread the word about her, please accept my thanks and appreciation.

All paws are crossed that, eventually, she will find a wonderful forever home that will appreciate her for the brave little girl she is.

Foster Opportunity

A six year old, six pound female Pomeranian is in need of a foster home. She has spent several months in a public rescue because she is evidence in a hoarding situation. I really don't want to think about what this tiny mite has endured, but I understand that she holds no grudges, is loving and perky. She has a damaged eye, but it has not cost her her vision. Her other eye is normal.

If you can offer a foster home to this sweet creature, email me:

portiasmom at live dot com

No Room At The Rescues

The Holiday Season is here. The pressure is on to Trim the Tree, Deck the Halls, Bake the Pies, Mail the Cards, Buy the Gifts--and Wrap the Gifts!

And no matter how many times people are urged NOT to buy a puppy or a kitten, a dog or a cat at Christmastime, some people do.

There are two REALLY IMPORTANT reasons why acquiring a family pet at Christmastime might be a Very Bad Decision:

1. There is inadequate preparation for the new family member. The purchase is on impulse, and, sometimes, the recipient is TOTALLY surprised. Not. A. Good. Idea.

2. Holidays are noisy, chaotic days in many homes. A living creature trying to adjust to its new home, trying to figure out the house rules, is at a severe disadvantage and might--probably will--communicate its confusion and distress in "unacceptable" ways.

Pets acquired under these circumstances will almost inevitably be new "intakes" at public shelters, humane societies and rescues over the course of 2011. And because these facilities are filled to the max right now, many wonderful domestic pets' lives will be sacrificed to the thoughtlessness of humans during this time of giving.

If you are planning to add a dog or cat to your household this month--or any month, for that matter--I urge, I beg, I plead, that you consider the following points.

1. Any breeder who sells a puppy, kitten, dog or cat through a third party is being cruel, uncaring, irresponsible about the well being of that animal. This most certainly includes "donating" a living animal to be auctioned for charity.

2. Any breeder who is purposely breeding and selling mixed breed puppies--regardless of the cute "breed" label they are given--is ignorant, greedy, dishonest--take your pick.

3. Pet shops depend on puppy mills, which are the canine equivalent of Auschwitz. Yes. The puppies they sell have "papers." Auschwitz kept good records, too.

4. Care of the pet will be the responsibility of adults in the household. It's wonderful for children to help adults care for pets, but they must be junior partners. All children--especially children under ten years of age--must be supervised in all interaction with pets. Small dogs are EXTREMELY vulnerable to injury by young children. Toy breeds are not good choices for families with young children. Furthermore. Dogs who depend on children to feed them go hungry. Dogs who depend on children to water them go thirsty. Dogs who depend on children to let them into the back yard or walk them relieve themselves in the house.

5. The Help--nannies, housekeepers, gardeners, etc. should NOT be left to look after a family pet. However, if you are adopting from a responsible rescue, expect The Help to be included in the screening process. Actually, the very careful breeder of our Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers screened all Help before she would consider selling a puppy to any family.

On The Other Hand. The Holidays are a time when there is an emphasis on thinking of the needy, remembering those who are dependent on the generosity of others. Pets in shelters and rescues certainly fit that description.

1. If you are thinking of making a charitable donation as a gift to a friend or relative, consider an animal rescue. It is never too early for children to learn generosity toward the helpless and needy. There is a list of fine rescues on the right hand side of this blog that will put your donation to good use.

2. If you really are considering a dog or cat as a Christmas gift for your family, make the gifts actually given on Christmas Day be items that the new family member will need: food and water dishes; beds and cushions; grooming aids; safe, durable toys. Then, when life gets back to normal, your home will be ready for the new dog or cat.

3. Think seriously before taking children with you to choose a dog from a pound. Seeing rows on rows of rejected dogs, all of whom need a home, all of whom deserve a second chance, and knowing that the majority of them will never find that home, that second chance, is painful for the most mature adult to bear. In his book, A Small Furry Prayer , Steven Kotler refers to the process of acquiring a dog from a pound as Sophie's Choice. That's a little too "real" for many children--and some adults.

This is not meant in any way to discourage you from adopting from a pound or humane society. It's a wonderful, rewarding thing to do. But make that heart-wrenching trip an adult only undertaking. Before confronting all that canine pain, think seriously about the size of dog you are looking for and try to keep your basic criteria in mind in spite of all the heart tugs. If you are looking for a mid-sized dog, try not to succumb to a five pound mite or an eighty pound galumpf, no matter how appealing they are. VERY SMALL DOGS ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES WITH SMALL CHILDREN. There. I said it again. And if a dog is eighty pounds while living in the stress of a shelter, it will easily be ninety or ever one-hundred pounds when it settles into a happy home.

4. The internet is a wonderful resource when looking for a dog or cat. We found our first "rescue", Daphne, online. Petfinder makes it possible for you to visit shelters and rescues via your computer. We also investigated Greyhound rescues in San Diego County on the internet before we decided to adopt through Greyhound Adoption Center.

5. Regardless of the source of your adopted pet, be prepared for a screening process. In general, public facilities have fewer but more rigid criteria. Private rescues tend to be more thorough but will take individual situations case by case.

For example, my dear friend Edie, who is a model caretaker of small dogs, was refused permission to adopt a West Highland White Terrier mix from her county animal control shelter because she has no fence on her five acre property. She walks her dogs on leash as many times a day as they need it. This is actually the safest option for her little dogs, because coyotes, hawks and rattlesnakes frequent her property and letting a small dog loose--even in an enclosed area--for only a few minutes is risky. By the way, the dog that she applied for was euthanized because no one who met the agency's criteria wanted it.

On the other hand, John and I adopted our first rescue, Daphne, from a private rescue that waived the fence requirement because we were accustomed to walking our dogs on leash several times a day.

But there are also rescues--typically overwhelmed breed rescues--who may place dogs with no screening of adopters and little or no profiling of the dog. If you are a dedicated, experienced dog person, you will do everything in your power to make the adoption work. But for families with little experience with dogs, this type of adoption can end in tears. The less experience you have had with dogs, the more information about your adoptee's past, his or her behavioral patterns, and the more follow-up support you will need.

Remember. Even the least traumatic transition from one living arrangement to another--when a dog moves directly from one loving home to another--is stressful for a dog. It is a safe bet that the dog you adopt will not be experiencing "the least traumatic transition". Be patient. Be kind. Six months is not too long to expect as an adjustment period.

But whatever you decide to do, Think First. Please do not add to the misery of innocent cats and dogs who fill our rescues and shelters during this season of giving and good will.

Note: I usually write and post on the same day. This post has taken me eight days to write. The subject was too painful to deal with in just a few hours. Yesterday, as I was answering the phone for Greyhound rescue and thinking about finishing this post, I received a call from a Humane Society in the Central Valley of California, north of Sacramento. There are no large cities in the county they serve and they are hundreds of miles from San Diego County. But they have taken in a dog that appears to be part Greyhound and they are very crowded, so they were calling to see if we might have room for him.

The very nice lady I spoke with was apologetic: "I know you are probably full. Every shelter, every rescue I know of is full. I know you are at the other end of California. But I thought I would call, just in case..."

I am not the person who makes intake decisions for the rescue for which I do volunteer phone answering once a week. I don't have to decide the fate of a mixed-breed sighthound in a shelter miles away. I do know that the people who will be making that decision are compassionate, caring people, who will extend themselves on his behalf. But he is just one dog among hundreds of thousands of dogs who need homes this Christmas.

Please do not add to their numbers.

Maddox R.I.P.

Yesterday afternoon, Friends of Portia received the sad news of the passing of Maddox, a model of what a Greyhound should be--complete with a helicopter tail that expressed his happiness.

Madddox is an example of the great good fortune homeless dogs fall into when they are taken into a responsible rescue. Maddox was rescued from the race track by Greyhound Adoption Center. Once a dog becomes a GAC dog, he never has to be homeless again.

A few months ago, Maddox and his Greyhound buddy lost their first adoptive home when their humans divorced and their home was seized in foreclosure. For all too many dogs, these traumatic events mean a trip to the local pound. But Greyhound Adoption Center dogs don't have to fear the specter of ending their days at a pound. GAC adopters sign a pledge that, should circumstances make it impossible for them to continue to care for their Greyhound, GAC will be notified and the dog will return to GAC's custody.

Fortunately, that is what happened with Maddox and his pal. And even more fortunately, instead of returning to the GAC kennel for care and profiling pending a new adoption, the original Placement Representative who handled their first adoption had room for them both. Talk about Lucky Dogs. There isn't a better home for Greyhounds to be found. With Jim and Lindsay Howell, the only question to be asked is, "What is best for the dog?"

So, when Maddox began to limp from time to time a few weeks ago, he immediately received the medical attention he needed. Eventually, the dreaded diagnosis was made: osteosarcoma.

Maddox crossed the Rainbow Bridge yesterday, knowing that he was loved.

Our condolences go to Jim and Lindsay.

Osteosarcoma--bone cancer--is the plague of long-legged dogs. Boxers, Irish Setters, Flat Coated Retrievers are among the breeds I have heard of being particularly prone to the disease. All sight hounds are at risk.

The gifted Martingale collar designer, Alisha Navarro at Two Hounds Design has made canine osteocarcoma research a special project. Each year she designs collars to raise research funds to find a cure for this deadly disease. Next time you are looking for a stylish collar for your dog--Two Hounds Martingales look smart on any breed--pay a visit to her site and support canine osteosarcoma research.

Friends of Portia like to think of Maddox, now free of pain, running and playing with Jumble and Ruby and Portia and Zephyr and Ariel--and all the Dogs of our Lives that we have loved.

Knitters For Critters

It's not too late to knit up a scarf that will be sold for the benefit of needy dogs and cats in San Diego County. Preferred scarves are long, fringed, and in dark colors. Please use non animal based yarn. Send to Knitters for Critters. The critters thank you.

Happy, Happy Day!

Great News! Brody is going to a new home today where he can stay as long has he needs to, provided that he can adjust to life with four cats and one female Maltese who prefers to be addressed as Your Royal Highness. But given Brody's mellow temperament and the professional expertise of his new humans, I am very optimistic that Brody will make a successful adjustment.

Therefore, Brody would only be available to someone who wants him for himself and has a track record of loving and caring for toy dogs with grooming requirements. He needs to live in an adult only home or a home with older, mature children.

In "normal" times, a dog like Brody would never have found himself in such a desperate situation. He is an adorable dog with a sweet disposition. He is the embodiment of an ancient breed with a history of privilege.

But as precarious as Brody's life has been, he is one of the lucky Pekingese searching for love and security. Pekingese Breed Rescue is overwhelmed with many surrenders and few adoption applications. They are in critical need of foster homes. If you are thinking about contributing to a dog charity, consider a donation to the Pekes. If you have the time and love and space--Pekes don't take up much space--consider fostering one or two of these charming dogs.

Brody Really, Really Needs A Home!

For a year I have been mentioning an adorable Pekingese name Brody. These are tough times for all dogs. And Brody has been particularly unlucky even for these tough times. Ordinarily, it would be incomprehensible that such a shining example of an ancient and honorable breed would find himself without a loving, secure home. But that is what has happened to this little guy.

I cannot remember a time when I did not want to have a Pekingese of my own. But other dogs entered my life and John and I have made serious commitments to two Sight Hounds. One is Magic, a Greyhound/Deerhound mix. The other is Bingley, an officially retired racing Greyhound. I say "officially" because, just as a Marine is always a Marine, Bingley will always be a racing Greyhound. He is VERY high prey and cannot be safe with any small animals, in spite of his very sweet temperament and loving ways.

So even though Brody is not my dog and never can be my dog, in a sense he is the Pekingese I always dreamed of. And he needs a home. He is in desperate need of a home.

In other posts, I have written about the special needs of dogs in the Toy Group, the group to which Pekingese belong. They are not the best dogs for a young and boisterous family. They thrive on a close relationship with their human. Pekingese, in particular, have centuries of breeding to be highly treasured companion dogs.

If you have room in your heart and home for Brody, please contact me:

portiasmom at live dot com.

Back to Basics

About a month ago, Magic turned up with an ulcer on her left eye. We treated it with anti-biotic ointment and it seemed to improve, but it did not heal completely. So, Saturday morning, we took her back to the vet's. The ulcer had tried to heal, but had migrated, imperiling her vision. The best option was surgery which uses the third eyelid to cover the eye and protect it while healing proceeds. A tech who is a special friend of Magic and Bingley suggested that a transparent e-collar would maximize Magic's remaining vision in her right eye. While Magic was in surgery, I went to the local Petco for the collar.

As I pulled up to the store, I noticed a sign: SNAP ADOPTIONS TODAY

Since dog rescue is my passion and I had never heard of SNAP, I stopped to talk with a volunteer who had brought three Chihuahuas/Chihuahua mixes for adoption.

SNAP stands for Spay Neuter Action Project

I urge you to click on the link and spend some time on their website. For twenty years, they have worked to tackle the homeless pet problem at its source: providing low-cost and sometimes free spaying and neutering for domestic pets that otherwise would reproduce offspring with no hope of finding a loving family. According to their website, the homeless pet problem is so severe in San Diego County, it would require pet owners to adopt Twenty-Four! pets apiece, to provide homes for all needy pets.

As I left the store, a fourth little dog had been added to the adoption group: a very small white Terrier, clearly with some West Highland White in its mix. The product of some "designer" dog breeding who somehow didn't quite meet expectations? I strongly suspect that. I wanted to weep.

Magic is home, sleeping on the sofa opposite me, wearing her transparent e-collar. We have three weeks of meds and collar before the stitches come out--and all paws crossed--she is restored to normal vision.

Meanwhile, the little dogs outside Petco haunt me. I pray that loving homes are in their future. That soft cushions, sofas, and good veterinary care will be theirs.

Doodles etc.

It's time to talk about it again: so called "Designer Dogs."

I have a friend whose beloved Lab is aging and will not be around for many more years. What does she want for her next dog? A Lab that doesn't shed. I wish her well. That's almost like wanting a Lab with a delicate appetite.

It's not surprising that my friend is beginning to think about a "Labradoodle."
"Doodles" are all the rage.

Since she is a reasonable person, I was able to talk to her about the randomness of mixed breeding outcomes. I think that at the very least, when it comes to choosing a new canine companion, if she still wants a Labrador/Poodle mix, she will choose an older dog whose coat is mature, so she will definitely know if it's a "shedder" or not. The fact is, if the mix is not a shedder, it will probably look a whole lot more like a Poodle than a Lab. Regardless, she will be able to find the dog of her choice if she visits a poodle rescue.
A wide variety of Poodle mixes are constantly available for adoption from rescues. If you want to pay a couple of thousand for a mixed breed dog, it's a free country. But if you are reading this post, you can no longer do it innocently. The fact is, if you buy a "Designer Dog", there is no redeeming counterbalance to the fact that you are directly contributing to the misery and euthanasia of shelter dogs. If you really, really need to pay a high price for a dog, go to dog shows. Study the various breeds. Make an intelligent decision about which breed will best fit into your life. Get acquainted with the breeders who show that breed. Make a judgment about who is most trustworthy and buy a puppy or an adult dog from them. In my opinion, that is the only defensible option to either formally or informally giving a home to a dog in need. (BTW, Brody, an adorable PURE BRED Pekingese, STILL needs a forever home!)

I remember years and years ago when Poodle/Cocker Spaniel mixes were all the rage: so called "Cockapoos". That fad lasted long enough for other mixes to come into popularity: "Schnoodles", particularly. It also lasted long enough for such mixes to become a permanent part of the homeless dog problem.

But the Labradoodle/Goldendoodle phenomenon is of more recent vintage. How did it start? Innocently, even altruistically, as it turns out.

A man in Australia who bred Labs for seeing eye dogs, had a client with severe allergies. He purposely crossed a Lab with a Poodle in a controlled breeding to produce a dog who could be less allergenic than a full bred Lab. When word got out, other blind allergy sufferers asked for similar dogs. The breeder knew he was breeding mixed breeds, but he was so pleased with being able to help some very needy people, he coined the name "Labradoodle". Now, advanced in years, he regrets that the name he made up has served to popularize not only the breed mix he was breeding, but a whole host of mixes. http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/pets/2010/05/05/2010-05-05_man_who_invented_the_labradoodle_regrets_decision_to_breed_worlds_first_designer.html#ixzz0nG1po1NK

Today I stopped by my local humane society to donate a small kennel that is of no use to us. In the short time I was there, I observed four pure bred dogs being walked by volunteers, including one of the cutest Cairn Terriers imaginable.

Do you want a mixed breed? Check out your local humane society, animal control or private/breed rescue. You want to brag about how much you paid for your dog? Make a generous contribution to the rescue. In these difficult financial times, they can really use it.