It' BJ.
It's almost time for the ball to drop and end a year that could have been better.  I'm looking forward to 2013  and better times.

Mom and I want to wish all of our blog friends, two legged and four legged, a very Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous  New Year.

It's BJ.  Today we need some of your thoughts.  You know, I'll be 13 next month and I'm beginning to feel a little of my age.  Sometimes it'a not so easy to get up after I've been sleeping.  I have two beds now (plus every other soft surface in the house) but they are regular beds.  Mom and I talked it over and she wants to get me a better bed for my age.  One of my favorite things to do is lay down on top of the pillow.  I can mush it up and sink in.  Sometimes I like to just stretch out.

The question is, does Lynda buy an orthopedic bed or a memory foam bed.  I'm not sure I understand the difference so I don't which one would be best for me.

Doggy and human friends, what do you think?  If your bones are beginning to ache which bed would you want?   Help.  ASAP we need the bed soon, I'm not getting any younger.

Thanks

It's BJ.
I had a very good day.  We had no traffic on the way to Trumbell, CT and I slept soundly.  As always as soon as we exited the parkway, I picked my head up because I knew we were almost there.  It was exciting to see everyone and go around saying hello.  I didn't get any presents because I got mine at Hanukkah.

I got fresh turkey for dinner.  Yum.  Mom gave me a little at a time because she knew I would gobble it up.  And, I did.  After I had my fill, I curled up under a chair and went to sleep.  Mom looked at me when I stood up and said I had turkey tummy.  Her nephew agreed.  Boy talk about a kill joy.  i didn't  have dessert because I was too self-conscience.

Anyway, there was no traffic on the way home so once again I slept until we got off the FDR.  I picked up head because we were almost home.  I love going places but I love my home more.

I hope you all had a wonderful day and you're all safe and sound at home.

Hey, it's Christmas Eve.  For all who celebrate, Merry Christmas, may the next year be a good one.  If you've ben good this past year, then I'm sure that Santa will be good to you.  If not, then you're on your own.

I'll be you will be up early and down to the tree to sniff out your presents.   Have fun.

I'm really embarrassed about this and I need your help.  I know I was paired with a blogger to support the blog.  I was doing an e-mail cleanup and deleted the e-mail telling me who it is.  Please help.  I really want to keep in touch with the person (dog).

It's BJ.  Lynda said something very silly today.  She bought me new cookies and I didn't like them.  She gave me one and I spit it out.  She tried again and I walked away.  Then she laughed and said that in spite of being a stray, I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth.  That's so silly.  You can't be born with a spoon in your mouth.

I know people love Christmas, but I can't wait until it's over.  On almost every other street the vendors have the Christmas trees lined up along the store fronts and the curbs.  It's hard to walk and mom has to hold my leash tight so that I won't lift my leg and pee on the trees.  She says that won't be nice.  Sometimes there is so little room to walk, mom picks me up.  I can't get to the poles or streets to sniff or pee.  I can't wait until the trees are all gone.

The narrow passage

It's raining again.  I thought i would have a few nice days in a row.  Now it's supposed to rain for a few days.   I hate the rain.  I hate feeling it hit my head and back, I hate having wet feet.  Today, we went out and I ran to a tree and did what I did.  Then Lynda turned to continue our walk.  I was having none of that.  I dug into the sidewalk and wouldn't move.  Then I pulled to go back.

I know mom wants me take a walk so I would get exercise and pee and poop; she just doesn't get it.  I hate the rain and would rather hold it in than walk in the rain.  Do you think she'll ever learn?

How do the rest of my friends feel about the rain?

It';s BJ -
Two great things happened today.  It'a not raining and it's laundry day.  The first is self explanatory.  I'll explain about laundry day.

Laundry Day

i like warm things and one of my most favorite things is to jump up on the bed (that's where mom sorts and folds) and snuggle in the clothes when they come out of the dryer.  It's comfy. Well today I had a dilemma.  We went for a walk and then went to the laundry room to pick up the clothes.  Whenever we come in from a walk, I get a cookie (dates back to house training).  We came in and Lynda took the clothes from the wagon and dumped them on the bed.  Ordinarily I would jump on the laundry.

You may not think that causes a dilemma.  I do.  Should I run into the kitchen to get my cookie OR do I run into the bedroom and snuggle in the warm clothes?  I had to take a step back and decide which I wanted more.

Which do you think I choose?
If you choose cookie then you were right.

My thinking was this:  the clothes will stay warm for a few minutes, but Lynda may forget to give me my cookie if I opt for the laundry.  My way I'm assured of my cookie AND I get to snuggle in the warm laundry.  What a life.

How's that for an afternoon's thinking!

It's BJ.  I don't live in Seattle so why is it raining every day.  I hate the rain.  I don't like getting getting a bath or getting rained on.  Between my shoulder making it a little harder to walk and the rain, the only thing I do is go to the hydrant in front my building, do what I do, and pull to go back inside.  Lynda pulls to go for a walk and I pull to go back inside.  I win!

Hanukkah Semeah.   I got another great treat for the second day.

It's BJ.  Now that I'm feeling almost all better I can sit down and write the next chapter in my history with Lynda.

Lynda really wanted me and she wouldn't give up in getting to keep me.  First, she has lived in a rent stabilized apartment for a few decades, hence her rent is low compared to similar apartments on the open market.  (In case you're not familiar with the rules for stabilized apartments, the landlord can only raise the rent by the percent decided on by the R S Board.  And they must give you a lease.  They cannot make you move.  If you do move, he can raise the rent to market value.)   The landlord would do anything to get me out so he could raise the rent.

The building had been pet friendly but because of an irresponsible dog owner it became non-pet friendly.  Since there were other dogs and there was never a formal notice of the change she got me.      As soon as the landlord found out the problems began.  They sent her letters saying she had to get rid of me.  She ignored them and eventually was forced to answer.  Her sister scared her into getting an  attorney.  We learned until later that the attorney was not very good and put us through processes that could have been avoided.  Of course then he wouldn't have been able to suck money from her.

She had to get a letter from her doctor saying why she needed me; she had to get friends to give depositions about how she was happier because she had me.  He filed a motion with HUD.  Nothing is simple.  First she had to have a meeting to determine if there was cause to file with HUD.  There was.  Then you can file.  Then you wonder why the government is so inefficient and costs taxpayers so much.

Anyway, because the attorney couldn't find a resolution with the landlord, it dragged on, and on, and on.   He was making money and mom was suffering.  She cried a lot when it seemed it wasn't going to be settled.  More than a year later we finally went to court before an arbitrator.  The arbitrator determined that Lynda could keep me.  YEA!  And, that was how I got to stay.

Mom really wanted me and spent thousands of dollars to keep me.  I know she really loves me and is a good person for not sending me back to the shelter.  I tried to be a good dog.  There were some ups and downs, like my chewing a brand new pair of cashmere lined leather gloves, to name one.

The words "forever home" has an indescribable meaning to me.  It's been 12 1/2 years since I came to my forever home and I have been sooooooo happy.  I never want to go anywhere else.

BJ UPDATE -

It's BJ.  I'm feeling a little better.  Lynda has been carrying me sometimes.   The best part of my healing process is snuggling on mom's lap with a heating pad on my right shoulder.  The warmth feels very good and makes my muscles feel better.  I can't take longs walks because I still limp.  So I go out to the fire hydrant in front of the house and then we go for short walk.  The worst thing is that we can't go to the park and run around because the vet said I shouldn't.

The other thing that's bad is that people look at me with a look that is like pity.  They shouldn't do that.  I'm a little pup (really a dog) and I'm doing my best to get around.  Soon I'll be running around again and then people won't look at like that.

Time to take a walk.  It's raining and mom still takes me out even though she knows I hate the rain.  Oh, well.

BJ NEWS

My right leg hurts.

$131 later, the vet said that it looks like BJ fell on his shoulder and the impact hurt his muscle causing him pain when he puts weight on his leg.  The vet gave him a shot to ease his pain.  He is showing a little improvement and should be fine in a week or two.

We won't be able to go the park because it's too long a walk for him and he's too heavy for me to carry him so many blocks.  Also, he can't run around and I need to carry him down steps for a few days.  Besides that, I need to put a heating pad on his shoulder to help the muscle.

When will I be able to put my leg down?

Thank you for your notes.  I appreciate it.  I still feel guilty and didn't sleep last night because I was so upset about I caused.

Hi, it's BJ - a very unhappy BJ.  It started out to be a good day.  We went to the park and went home the long way.  At around 12:30, the day began to turn bad.  We went for a ride and I thought it would a fun ride.  Nope - we were going to the groomer.

Lynda has a Smart Car which sits high and I sometimes have trouble jumping down.  Today she picked me up and when she turned to put me down she lost her balance and I fell out of her arms.  My yelp and cry was so loud they heard me down the block.  My right leg sort of splayed out.  Nothing broken but I must have pulled a muscle or ligament or something.  I couldn't put my leg down at first.  Then I was able to put a little weight on it, enough so that I could still be groomed.  (Had I know I would have played my injury to the hilt.)  We detoured into to PetCo on the way to the groomer and I got good cookies.  The groomer gave me the cookies during the session.

I look okay, not great.  It wasn't worth it.  The vet wasn't in his office so I can't get checked out until tomorrow.   I'm still limping.  I'll let you know what happens.

I hope all is well with all of my blogger friends.

It's BJ.  Rumpy asked me to post something about Hanukkah from my point of view.  So hear goes -

I learned a little about Hanukkah after I came home with Lynda.  For starters, Hanukkah is known as the festival of lights, an eight day festival to commemorate the rededication of the Temple in 167 B.C.E.

If I were a Jewish dog, I'm glad I wasn't around in 168 B.C.E.  I could have been killed.  In short, the Jews were being persecuted by Antiochus IV.  He massacred them, wouldn’t let them practice their religion, and made them eat food they weren’t allowed to eat.   From my perspective, that meant that I might not have had a family or a home and would have had to eat food from pigs.  Bacon may taste good, but as a Jewish dog I'm not supposed to have it.

Two groups of Jews banded together to fight the oppression and won the revolution.  Since the Temple was desecrated because the Jews were forced to sacrifice pigs in it, the Temple needed to be rededicated.   Oil was needed for the menorah which  was supposed to burn for eight days.  (Seems like a long time to me, but hey, what do I know, I'm only a dog, cute but still a dog.)  There was only enough for one day, yet it burned for eight days.  An eight day festival commemorated the miracle.

We start with lighting one candle on the first night and add another each night.  Giving gifts has been added to the celebration because it’s so close to Christmas and the kids were jealous.

After Lynda lights the candles and says the prayer, I get special treats instead of a present (because I have too many toys and coats).  That’s the best part of Hanukkah.  When the Christians get gifts on one day, i get stuff on eight days.  Yea!

I can’t remember all of the details, so I hope you get the idea. 

It's Bj.  I want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.

I'm a very grateful dog.  I was found on the streets of NYC and good people brought me to the Humane Society.  I was checked out, given my shots (yuk), and put up for adoption.  It wasn't too many days before Lynda came along and I adopted her.

I am a very happy dog.

We all need to take a step back and realize how much we have.

It's BJ.  If I knew that a slight change in what I do and how I did it would lead Lynda taking me to the vet I would have been more careful.  I'm almost 13, so yes I am slowing down a little and I sleep a little more.  Apparently that was what caused this unwanted visit.  It was that when Lynda touched me on certain spots, like my thigh, it was sensitive and I snapped at her.  I almost bit her.  Then sometimes I was afraid to jump up on my window perch and missed the bed when I jumped for it.  So, we went to the vet.  I tried to dig my paws in and refuse to walk down his block.  It didn't work.

I mushed the pillow to make it comfortable.

Dr. Cotter looked at me, gave me regular, probed me, shined a light in my eyes which I did not like,  and gave me shot.  I whined and made noises and stood up and hugged mommy.  Finally, it was over and mom took me off the table.  The verdict:  I'm a perfect weight, my joints may be inflamed, and my back may hurt.  The terrible thing is I can't tell mom what hurts; I just react when she touches me where it hurts.

I got a great treat when we got home, and I get my pill in my food so I don't have to swallow it.  I hope the pills work.  I can't tell yet.

Well, we made it through Hurricane Sandy and the nor'easter.  Luckily we weren't affected by either.    We didn't get much rain during the hurricane and Lynda took me out when it wasn't raining.  It was very windy and my block is a wind tunnel, need I say more.  I'm sure I looked very funny trying to walk forward with the wind pushing me back.  I'm only 20 lbs. and the winds were 30-40 miles p/h.  Once we turned the corner I was fine.

I love my pillow.

I actually prefer being in the house curled up on my club chair or snuggling against Lynda.  Last night it was sleeting, windy, and cold.  i was not happy.  She pulled me through the door and over to the fire hydrant.  I did what I did and then pulled to go back.  I lost that fight and we went to the corner.  Then I pulled to go back home.  It wasn't worth the cookie i got when we came in.

Chapter II  - I Came Home

I'm BJ, a dog that went from being homeless on the streets of NYC, to a cage at the Humane Society of NY, to a cozy home in the most expensive zip code in the country.  How great is that?

I'm in my bed with my teddy bear.

Even though being adopted made me so excited and meant I got out of my cage and go home,    I was scared when I came home with Lynda and stood under the dining room table.  I was afraid to sit in case I needed to make a fast getaway.  She went very slowly with me so I wouldn't run and hide.  Even though I had to sleep in a crate it was okay because it was right next to her bed and I could see her all the time.

In no time I was sitting at her feet instead of standing, or sitting on her lap.  I followed her around for company.  It felt so good to have someone hug and kiss me, and scratch my ears.  I was so happy and I could tell Lynda was happy too.  She was smiling more, playing ball with me, petting me all the time, and taking me out a lot.  That is what heaven must feel like.

Little did I know what she would to go through for her not to have to send me back to the HS.  That's Chapter III.

It's BJ.  Lynda finally got it.  When she's on the computer and I keep hitting her laptop screen and put nose prints all over, she knows I want something and am not happy about her being on the MAC.   If it's dinner time, then she knows it's food.  If it's any other time, the she has to figure out if I want to play or go out.  I also throw in some whines and grunts.

I'm very proud of myself.  Now, i have to decide what out things I can teach Lynda.  Any suggestions?

BJ and I have been off the grid for a few weeks.  I've been s sick.

I need some help with this. 

BJ is 12 1/2 and in good health.  I've noticed a behavior change recently that has me concerned.  BJ has been hanging out in the bedroom by himself a lot.  He used to sit with me or at least be in the same room.  Now I find him alone a lot.  He is energetic, and is eating his raw food diet with vigor.  He runs toward his leash when I  say the word "out" or into the kitchen when I say "cookie".

Let me know if you've experienced this with your dogs.

I've had a very bad cold for the past three weeks and except for walking BJ, haven't been out much.  I know that dogs are in tune with their humans and "feel" when something is wrong.  BJ must have sensed that something was wrong because he did stay on the bed with me.  Still, he's been quieter lately and I'm beginning to worry.

Animal Cruelty

We all know that some people are cruel to animals.  When they are caught, arrested, and tried, they should be punished to the full extent of the law.  Also, I think they should add, "Do unto others.."

Please use this link to sign a petition for this 21-year old to be fully punished.  He was so cruel to his dog it made me cry.

PETITION: Punish 21-year-old Nelson Menard to the fullest extent of the law!!!

Thank you.

Dog given up during Hurricane Katrina turns up in NC

This is an amazing story about a wandering poodle.
First have your dog or cat microchipped.  AND, update your information.
Second, never to give up hope that your dog will be found.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/09/22/3549834/hurricane-katrina-dog-found-in.html

Fortunately, Lynda was not near the Towers on September 11 and did not experience the despair that many people felt.  She was feeling despair of a different kind and thought a dog would be good to have.  This is how I came to go from a cage in a shelter to a wonderful loving home and $70 wool turtlenecks.

When I was a puppy and Lynda walked past my cage in the Humane Society, I sensed that she needed a puppy and I was perfect for her.  I adopted her and after the HS checked her references, she took me home.  As we walked out, the staff person told her that I needed to gain 3 to 4 pounds immediately.  Lynda said if someone said that about her, she would make a beeline to Haagen Dazs.  (She's really thin.)  Alas, we didn't go there.  We went to a pet store for food.  I guess I couldn't get everything in one day.

I was only a puppy and yet I knew she was sad and needed comforting.  First, she couldn't stay in the house any more after work because she needed to take me out.  My terrier spirit, cute face, and pink nose had people stopping to pet me and talk.  Soon we joined the 11 PM walk with others on the block.  It was the beginning.  Then we went to Central Park and I ran around and she talked to the other dog owners, We've been doing this ever since.  What fun!

That's me looking at me on a needlepoint pillow a friend made for us.

Look for the next installment and what she had to go though to keep me.

Mudd and the Trampoline

This has got to be one of the funniest, LOL, dog videos I've seen.

Mudd is 4 years old.
It's of a English Bull dog jumping around on a large trampoline.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTxCmO-VYEg

Your signature will make a difference.

Please sign this partition.  The picture on the sight is disturbing.

PETITION: Please help stop French Islanders using live dogs and kittens as shark bait

Because this is horrendous and hideous. Can you imagine the fear these animals must be in the last minutes of their lives? No living being deserves to be treated and used this way. These are private fishermen and the penalty is ONLY 2 years and a monetary fine we want the penalty to be stiffened to deter this horrific crime!

MY BONE

Do you remember the Traveler's Insurance commercial with the shaggy terrier burying his bone in the dirt, then dreaming about it and going back out and digging it up?  I laughed every time I saw the commercial.

Well tonight BJ did the same.  I gave him a beef bone which he gnawed at and then hid it.  Every few minutes he pulled it out and put it somewhere else.  Finally he went to one of my planters (with only dirt in it) and buried it in the dirt.  He must have thought about it, decided it wasn't safe and dug it out.  I'm not sure which was worse, the dirt on the floor or on his face.  That bone got thrown out!  A while later, I felt bad for him and defrosted another one.

Guess what he got this morning.

The bad news is the terrible flooding that has taken place because of Isaac.  My prayers are for those who are affected.

The good news is people and their dogs and cats are being rescued.  A lesson was learned from Katrina and the animals are being saved and will not be separated from their humans.

Loving our pets causes us to do things we never in a million years thought we would do.  As I mentioned before, I'm transitioning BJ to a raw food diet.  I went to hare-today.com and learned a lot about the food, quantity, etc.  I ordered a variety of food and bones with marrow.

He loves the bones and was torn between wanting to go out or continue with his bone.  He went out and as soon as we walked back into the apartment he ran to his bone and then came over for his cookie.

It wasn't the same for the raw chicken.  He wolfs down cooked chicken and walked away from the raw.  I bought 2 lbs that couldn't be returned and needed to do something with it.  The only answer I could think of was to cook it.  You need to know that I don't cook.  In fact, I dust my stove.  However, I didn't want to waste money and BJ had to eat.  So, I cooked.  I couldn't believe it.  I actually cooked.  I must have done okay - he wolfed it down:  For breakfast and dinner.

I won't make this a habit.  As soon as I'm finished with the two pounds, I will go back to dusting my stove.  Cleaning it is too much work.

Anniversary Day

August 22 is a very important anniversary.  On Sunday, August 20, 2000 I found myself walking into the Humane Society on 59th and 2nd in New York and taking the elevator to the 3rd floor - the Adopt Me floor.  i walked to the end of the row and this scruffy terrier came to the front of his cage and starting jumping up and down.  Typical terrier puppy spirit.  I couldn't help smiling and then laughing.

Long story short - I filled out the paperwork, the HS checked my references, and I picked him up on August 22, 2000.  I have loved every minute of the 12 years since BJ came to his forever home.

I don't know which one of us was luckier.

BJ wants everyone to know that there are GOOD people out there who love animals and will do whatever is necessary to help them.

On Saturday, hikers found a German Shepard Dog wedged between rocks on a mountain in Colorado.  She was whimpering and injured and had obviously been there for a few days.  The couple treated her wounds and left her their water; they were not equipped to rescue Missy.  What they do that the owner didn't bother to do was to seek help from a hikers forum.  Scott Washburn assembled a team and went up the mountain and found her.  By the time the team got to Missy she had been there for 8 days and weighed 100 lbs.  The team took her down the mountain in an oversized backpack and brought her to a vet.  (She will make a full recovery.)

The owner was identified and he said that he was forced to leave her on the mountain because a storm was approaching and he needed to protect a teenager that he had taken with him.  So, he left the dog.  He told the sheriff and was told there was no manpower to help.  The owner did nothing else to get Missy.

The hikers DID something.  They sought help and another of hikers climbed up the mountain and saved Missy.

The owner wants the dog back.  Scott Washburn and his wife want to adopt Missy.  Now it's up to a judge to decide who gets the dog.

With whom should Missy live?

An update on BJ.
I've been applying the Silver Gel to the warts and so far I can't tell it they are reducing in size.  Joseph did say to be patient, which I am.  I just want the warts to go away immediately.   Hopefully they will go away.  Although they are benign, BJ began to rub his paw on them which is irritating it, and that's why I decided to do something about them.  He's 12 1/2 and I don't want to put him under anesthesia unless I must.

Mostly though I'm working on BJ's immune system since the wart, called Papilloma, is a virus usually found puppies whose immune system may be weak or in older dogs whose immune system is weak simply because of old age.  The virus is contagious form dog to dog.  It is not contagious between dogs and humans or dogs and cats.

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm treating BJ holistically.  He's getting a holistic immune booster and I'm starting him on a raw food diet.  We're starting slowly - organic chopped meat and sweat potato.  We'll slowly add other meats and vegetables.  No chemicals.  No pesticides.  He loves it and cleans his bowl.

Here's hoping.

I noticed a wart on BJ's snout and head that he sometimes scratches and irritates it.  Although the vet said they were benign, I felt they should be removed.  At 12 1/2 I didn't want him to under anesthesia, so I investigated a holistic approach to remove the warts.

I went to Whiskers, a holistic pet store in NYC, and spoke to the very knowledgeable Joseph.  First he explained that they are caused by a virus and we had to build up his immune system as well as remove the wart.   He thinks the pills are treats and loves them.  He's not so crazy about the gel I need to put on the wart.  Since i give him his favorite treat afterward, he's beginning to put up with it.

We're also introducing a raw food diet.  I'll be able to make it myself.  So far he laps it up.  I'll let you all know if there are changes in his coat, etc.

BJ is 12 1/2 and I know he has selective hearing.  I can call him when we're in the park and he doesn't even look up.  However, when he wants to he hears very well.  To put it mildly, BJ loves cheese.  Any kind of cheese.  Today BJ was sleeping at the far end of the bedroom.  I was sitting in a chair in the furthest part of living room from the bedroom.  All I know is that I started to quietly unwrap the paper  on a Baby Bell and BJ came running.  I barely heard the crinkle.  How did he hear it while sleeping in an another room?

Then he sits at my feet with his big brown eyes pleading with me to share it.  Of course I share it.  I outsmarted him on the second Baby Bell.  I unwrapped it while he was still near me.  And the I waited until he went back to sleep before I ate it.

Letters from Angel

Yesterday I posted a short review of Letters from Angel for Amazon and B&N.  I might as well post my full review and pictures of this precious dog.

Letters from Angel

In a heartwarming and sometimes heart wrenching book, Martin Levin, becomes the conduit for a shelter dog named Angel to write her story.  We meet Angel as a nine-year old Golden Retriever/Chow mix with Mr. Levin and his associate Paula standing in front of her cage.  She was excited and scared about going to a new home.

We learn through Angel the trials and tribulations of beginning a new life and importantly her feelings about everything.  We learn how she copes in new situations, actually she shakes when he’s stressed or afraid.  We see how the little things make a difference in her life.  You laugh at her description of fighting with Paula over getting a  bath.  Chalk one up for Paula.  

Angel has the reader laughing on one page, being reflective on the next, and  sad on the next.  She teaches dog owners that the little extras we do for them like putting ice cubes in their water to buying a comfortable bed has an impact.  She plays with your emotions and makes it easy to understand her fears and insecurities as we slowly you learn of her former home and how she ended up at the shelter. 

Although you know the ending from the dedication, “For those who own a dog, love a dog, or have lost a dog,” it doesn’t take away from the empathy you have for Angel and the sympathy you have for Mr. Levin and Paula when the time comes for Angel.  My tears and sobs prevented me from seeing some of the text.  And as I read the last sentence BJ was licking my tears and, like it or not, he, got hugged and hugged and hugged.

I met author Martin Levin, at Book Expo America and received an advance copy of Letters from Angel.  Angel is a Golden Retriever/Chow mix and Letters from Angel is as "told" to Mr. Levin by Angel.  If you want to read a book that every dog owner can relate to, read it.  Below is the review I wrote for them.

"In a heartwarming and sometimes heart wrenching book, Martin Levin, becomes the conduit for a shelter dog named Angel to write her story.  Although you know the ending from the dedication, “For those who own a dog, love a dog, or have lost a dog,” it doesn’t take away from the empathy you have for Angel and the sympathy you have for Mr. Levin and Paula when the time comes for Angel.  Angel has the reader laughing on one page, being reflective on the next, and sad on the next.  As I read the last sentence my 12 year-old dog was licking my tears and, like it or not, he got hugged and hugged and hugged." - Lynda Fisher, Two Ears and a Tail  

BARNES  NOBLE

Letters from Angel: A True Story In her Own Words

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/letters-from-angel-martin-levin/1102679187?ean=9781616084578

AMAZON

Letters from Angel: A True Story In her Own Words

http://www.amazon.com/Letters-Angel-True-Story-Words/dp/161608457X/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343068905&sr=1-4&keywords=MARTIN+LEVIN

URGENT READ


MSNBC. com headline:
Jerky Treats from China blamed for deaths (dog) owners sue.
"Dog owners in eight states who believe contaminated chicken jerky treats from China sickened or killed their pets are banding together in a class-action lawsuit against Nestle Purina, the maker of two popular brands of the canine snacks, and several mega-stores that sell them."


Read the full article at:
MSNBC.com

I, BJ, gets to write this entry.  Mom was very busy this week.  Actually she was reading and investigating ways to train me to change my way of doing things for almost 12 years.  When we go for a walk, I'm always in a rush to get somewhere  - usually to a fire hydrant, a pole, a wall that's been peed on, etc.  Also there may be some food on the ground that I can eat.

So the bottom line is that I pull her to get to these things.  I also think I'm a skier and traverse the sidewalk so I don't miss anything.  Anyway, mom decided after trying to get me to walk next to her without pulling, she was going to give it one more Herculean effort.

She carries yummy low-calorie treats and a clicker.  When I walk next to her I hear the click and get a treat.  I'm torn between sniffing the poles and getting the cookie.  So far the cookie in winning.  I figure that eventually she'll get tired of clicking and treating and I can go back to my old ways.

IMPORTANT RECALL

Pedigree has recalled dog food because foreign objects were found in the dog food.
This is the url for the complete article from DogChannel.com.

http://www.dogchannel.com/dog-news/2012/07/02/foreign-objects-cause-pedigree-dog-food-recall.aspx?cm_mmc=5420449

People spoil their dogs.  We love them; they give us unconditional love, and want nothing more than to be with us and please us.   So we give them our best.

Increasingly more and more people are treating their dogs like kids.  According to a recent survey by a dog food company, here are some stats:

20% let their dog sleep in their bed at night.
50% have birthday parties and bought presents for their dog.
60+% of women talk to their dog about their problems.

Okay, BJ sleeps on my bed at night.  I don't do the other things.  So I guess I don't spoil BJ.  Unless of course you think that refreshing his water dish and putting ice cubes in it to make it cold is spoiling BJ.  I really can't not do that.  When we come in from his morning walk he stands at his dish looking at me and won't take a drink until I refresh his water and add ice cubes.

Oh, two other things I have to admit to:
   When the weather is around 90 I keep the air conditioning on low when I go out.  The electric bill is far less than a vet bill.
   BJ has a dog bathrobe.  Although I dry him with ShamWows, the terry robe absorbs more water.  I don't always blow dry him.  He hates that more than he hates his bath.

BJ wants everyone to know that Charlie, a New Jersey Sheltie proved what we have all been saying about fireworks.  During the July 4th fireworks, Charlie was outside and got frightened.  He ran away and today he was found by a motorist on the George Washington Bridge dodging rush hour traffic.  A motorist called the police.  The officer who arrived had a collar and leash in his trunk and was able to get the collar on Charlie.  Charlie was scared but okay.

Charlie's story has a happy ending.  It could have been fatal.  On the news report the owner seemed cavalier about his dog getting out of the house.

It's frustrating that people don't get it.  The media reminds people to keep their pets inside during fireworks.  Before July 4, 2013, what else can we do to make people protect their dogs?

It's interesting that BJ is very afraid of thunder.  He presses against me and shakes and pants.  Fireworks don't faze him.  Much to the consternation of east siders for the past few years we haven't had to worry about the fireworks because Macy's switched the them to the west side.  

For those whose dogs will hear the fireworks, keep them indoors.  There are many dogs who might bolt because they are afraid.

I'm happy I live in the America.
Happy 4th.

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days.  We were in Central Park on Sunday, and BJ has become impossible when in the park.  He loves to go into the area of pachysandra along the Mall.  He ignores me when I call him to come out and just continues to run around and eat the dirt.  When I finally get him out I have to put his leash on.   We got to the path near the 67th street exit and he again ran into the pachysandra.  This time, when I leaned over the bench he ran further into the patch.  Keeping an eye on him, I walked over to some friends.  He finally came over and I put his leash on again.

The result of that struggle was my phone must have fallen out my pocket.  There are some very nice and very honesty people in new York.  i called my number and someone picked up.   I was back in the park, sans, BJ and retrieved my phone.  Actually, being in the park on such a nice day.

He seems to have selective hearing.  When I call him there are times he ignores me and continues what he was doing.  However, when I ask him if he wants a cookie, he looks at me and most of the times he comes running.

An suggestions of what I can do?

Rumpydog.com just reported on animal welfare and rescue with statistics on money spent on animals.  It's astounding.

Many pet food companies donate to shelters across the country.  One way you can help -


Halo pet food posts a daily trivia question about dogs and one about cats.  All you need to do is click on each category and answer the question.  It's multiple choice and doesn't matter if you're right or wrong.  The company donates 10 pieces of kibble to shelters for each click.

Halo has donated almost 8 million meals.  If you want,  Halo will send a daily e-mail with links to the question.  Truly, it takes less than a minute to open the e-mail, click on the link and choose an answer, and Halo will donate 10 pieces of kibble.

It's fun and I've learned a lot from the questions.

http://freekibble.com

Thanks Ellen Degeneres for being so generous.

Grooming and Rain
Any time you want to know when it's going to rain, just check with me and find out when I'm bringing BJ in to be groomed.  It never fails.  It either rains that day or the day after.  Sunday was no exception.  It wasn't raining when I brought him in and started when I picked him up.

Aside from that, what does it take for the groomer to cut him the same way twice.  We go over the look I want, I show her a picture, and she said she knew what to do.  For a 20 lb 12-year old, he has tremendous strength when he digs in.   BJ was not happy when she began to take him down the stairs and he dug in.

Even with the picture she didn't get it right.  He looks cute, just doesn't have the scruffy face I wanted.

I'm happy to report that BJ is feeling better.  He didn't walk up during the night and his stomach seems to be back to normal.  I'm fairly certain that he reacted to a food I gave him.  He gets Natural Balance canned food mixed with dry food.  I gave him the Venison and Sweet Potato and that's when he got sick.  The Venison may have been too rich.  I threw that out and switched to the Lamb and Sweet Potato.  Now he seems better.

We are both happier.

Growing up I had a miniature poodle.  My mother always said she wanted to come back as a dog in her house.  It got me thinking about BJ living with me.  I know we're both very lucky to have each other; however, the last few nights he was luckier.

For the past few days BJ wasn't feeling well.  He had to got out very frequently including in the middle of the night.  For the last four nights somewhere around 3 or 4 AM, he stood on the bed near me and began to hit my arm.  When I didn't respond quickly enough he pulled the covers off me.  I got the message.  We ran out directly to the fire hydrant in front of the house.  I did walk him to the corner just in case.   I'm  happy it's hot so I just needed to throw on shorts and a shirt.

When we got back, BJ mushed up the chair's pillow, made him self comfortable, and went right to sleep.  I, on the other hand, couldn't fall asleep for a while.

The pillow is a needle point picture of BJ.  My friend did a beautiful job.

Tomorrow is Memorial Day, a day to honor and remember those men and women who have given their lives in US wars.

BJ wants us to not forget that we need to honor and remember the MWDs ( Military Working Dogs) who fought in the wars.  They are trained to detect explosives with their handlers and have saved countless lives because of their work.

Thank you

It's been a year since the Joplin tornado and there are some wonderful stories of reunions.  This story is not one of those.  I read this story on the No dog About It Blog and we need to help. Please click on the link, read the story, and get the word out.

http://nodogaboutit.wordpress.com/2012/05/22/joplin-dog-still-out-there-bring-hanah-home/
If it does retrieve it, do a copy and paste.

Thanks

Mother's Day was glorious.  The sun shined, the sky was blue, the temperature was perfect, and there was just enough of a breeze to keep the air moving.

Our family got together in Greenwich, CT at my sister and brother-in-law's house.  They have a beautiful backyard with a nice swimming pool, albeit the cover wasn't removed yet..

Take a look at where BJ has never been invited.
He's never had a chance to run around or swim around in the safety of the pool.  Frankly, when I move into an apartment in NY with a terrace, I'm not inviting them.

It wasn't my fault.  I swear.

I had to have minor out-patient surgery on Thursday and knew I would not be able to take BJ for walks.  There was just no way I could take him for his afternoon and evening walks on Thursday and his morning and afternoon walks on Friday.  Since he loves his dog walker, she picked him up to stay with her.  He would not be in a cage.  He would have a bed (her bed) to sleep on.  He also had a cat to play with.  (He gets along with cats.)  I sent him with his cookies, his toys, and his food.

Okay.  You would think he would be happy to be home and see me.  Not.  Tail wagging he jumped on the bed and gave me a few kisses.  That was it until Sunday.  He wouldn't sit with me.  He wouldn't play fetch with me.  He didn't follow me around.  He was really mad at me and was going to be sure I knew that he did not approve of what I did.

Apologizing - to my dog.  I felt like an idiot asking me to forgive me.  I couldn't promise never to do leave him again because I can't keep that promise.  He finally decided to give it up and you see the look on his face change from a glare to a smile.

I survived.  Until next time.

I was reading an article in the recent issue of Dog Fancy ( I love that magazine.) about motion sickness.  It brought me back to when BJ was a puppy.  He would get car sick no matter how long or short the trip.  He had all of the symptoms - drooling, panting, throwing up.  Nothing I gave him helped - I didn't feed him a lot, I gave him Flower Bach, I gave him ginger cookies - he loved the cookies they just didn't help.

Something out of the blue helped.  My study group was spending a weekend upstate and BJ was invited.  BJ was sitting in the back between two friends and it within the hour, BJ threw up.  Unfortunately partly on friend.  He drooled and panted the rest of the 1-hour drive and bounded out of the car as soon as the door was opened.

The rest of the weekend he had a fantastic time running around her property and having 12 people to dote on him.  The trip up was the last time he drooled, panted, or threw up in a car ride.  First, he may have been put out of a car and left on the street before going to a shelter.  Second, I think he had such a good time that he thought being in a car is not so bad.

Isn't it great that we project just what we think on our dogs.

I was thinking about my last post and BJ's behavior.  Thought I would add additional info.


BJ is 12; I adopted him when he was about 7 months.  I had a 15-year old cat when he arrived and although they didn't fight they were never buddies.  A bit of jealousy prevailed.  BJ's eating any food in his dish before he would go out could have also been because he was afraid that Max would eat his food. He made sure that he knew where Max was before he would go out. When we came back, BJ would look for him. A short "conversation" ensued.  Interestingly, when Max died, BJ would go around the apartment looking for him.

Over the years BJ has gotten picky and spoiled.  When we come back from the park, he stands at his water bowl and waits until I give him fresh water before he drinks.  Is that considered spoiled?

My food.

We always think that elephants are the ones that never forget.  If that's the case then BJ must be part elephant.  BJ is a shelter dog.  A Good Samaritan found him on the streets of New York City and brought him to the Humane Society.  No one knows whether he escaped or was put out.  The experience was indelible.  A week later after he was evaluated, I came along and took this high energy mixed terrier to his forever home.  That's the back story.

I don't think he ever forgot that he was no longer in his home, was out on the street, and was hungry and thirsty.  He'll never refuse the opportunity to go out; his tail wags, and he comes right over to have his collar put on.  The not forgetting part comes just before I open the door.  He won't leave until he checks his food dish and eats what ever he left over from the prior meal.  Then he takes lots of laps of water.  Only then does he go out the door.

When BJ does that I get a little sad because I think that he remembers when he was on the streets, hungry. and had to scrounge hungry.  He's afraid of that and to be sure is has has eaten and had water.  

I'm a dog and I'm smart.  So why do I always get fooled by the same thing?

My favorite thing is getting treats; my least favorite thing is getting a bath followed by getting groomed.  Yet I always fall for the same trick.  My mommy buys this very special treat for me - Grandma Lucy's Meatballs.  She knows this is my favorite so the only time she gives it to is when I'm going to get a bath or while I'm being groomed.  I have to jump into the bath tub in order to get the treat.  I get fooled every time.  I want the treat, so when she goes to THE closet, I run into the bathroom and jump in the tub.  I get the treat; I also get the bath.  That pits something I love against something I hate.   You would think that I would "get it".


To make matters worse, she makes me wear a terry cloth bathrobe with a green turtle on the back.  It's humiliating.  I know I  look cute, but still.  Then again I get another treat, but is it worth it.  Does the treat win over the bath?  I guess it does because I fall (or let myself fall) for it every time.

It's a shame that dogs can't tell us what hurts.

BJ began coughing on Friday.  He sounded like a fog horn.  At first I thought he had swallowed  something in the street.  He hasn't been in a kennel in at least 8 years and doesn't really get close to the dogs in the park, so I didn't worry about Kennel Cough.  He was still energetic, was eating well, and showed no sign of not feeling well.  I gave him a small amount of Robitussin and then had to call him BJ red whiskers.  (He's not very cooperative at taking liquid medicine.)  It helped a little but he still coughed.

I'm not sure which he dislikes more, taking the medicine or going to the vet.  He had no choice.  He was going to the vet.  BJ knows when we get to the corner of his vet's street.  He digs in with all 20-lbs. and refuses to move.  I had to pull him down the street.

It's too bad that BJ couldn't tell the vet what hurt.  In his case, he has a sore throat and a little congestion.  $86 later and a pill a day for 10 days and he'll be good as new.

I know I'm not supposed to give BJ people food.  I really know that and I don't give him food from the table.  I melt when he follows me to my chair and looks at me with those eyes.  You dog lovers, you know that look.  I don't think I've ever been able to eat a clementine or apple without sharing it with BJ.  As soon as I pick up a one up, he comes running and follows me.   He stares at me until I give him a piece and then has this satisfied look on his face  after he eats it.  I'm glad that a small amount is good for him.

Why is it that when your fire alarm goes off, it is always in the middle of the night. My new landlord put in a combined fire and carbon monoxide alarm.  I had thought I had removed the battery from the original fire alarm.  I guess not.  3 AM and that tell tale LOUD beep rang out.  BJ squeezed himself against me and began to shake so that you could hear his teeth chattering.  I went for the fire/cm alarm first and pulled the battery.  BJ in the mean time was pressing against my legs.  When the alarm sounded again it hit me that it was the other alarm.  BJ continued shaking and crying as I spent time getting the ladder to get to the alarm.

Look at that face.  I felt so sorry for BJ.  I held him and hugged him until he finally stopped shaking.   He does the same thing for thunder and the blasts from the second avenue subway.

On Saturday I knew something was wrong as I watched Sam, my friend's dog walk slowly toward the car.  Sam always pulls toward me when he sees me and snuggles in for pats.  That day he didn't.  On my  11 PM dog walk Susan told me that Sam died two hours after they arrived at the vet.  It's unbelievable as to how fast health changes.  Last month he got a clean bill of health.  This month, he died.

Sometimes serendipity comes into play.  They needed time to grieve and yet the house seemed empty without a cold nose snuggling.  Sooooo, Petfinder called.  Long story short - they found an 8-week old puppy that was rescued from a "kill shelter".  He's a Golden mix and has no name yet.  The family is now complete.

Let's wish them luck and happiness.

The weather in NYC is unbelievably warm.  BJ will need his summer hair cut soon and to think I had him groomed two weeks ago.  This is beginning to be expensive.

When I first adopted him, er, he adopted me, I bought the shaver and groomed him.  It's 11 1/2 years later and I'm 11 1/2 years older.  He's 15" tall and too big to put in the sink, and I'm getting too old to put him in the bathtub and bend over to bathe him.

Like it or not I have to leave him at the groomer.  The whine and the look in his eyes as they him to the back is heart wrenching.

We need rain in order for Central Park to bloom.  Right now the Park is awash in yellow with the daffodils in full bloom.  The white flowers are blooming along the steps.  (It was cloudy when I took pictures.)











The rain is good for the flowers, and the dogs love it.  They're dogs and think rolling around in the mud is the best thing since white bread.  Their owners don't think it's great.  We're the ones who have to clean them up before they're allowed in the house.
Take a look at this pup.  She is an 8 month old Tibetan Terrier, although you can't tell from the picture.  What do you think?

BJ doesn't like his snowsuit,

The rain is something that does not make BJ (Benjamin Jacob) happy.  He likes snow; he hates rain.  As far as I'm concerned, when I walk him, both are a pain.  By the time I get him out of his raincoat or snowsuit and dry him off and then get me out of my boots, my coat, etc., I'm exhausted.  The worse part of that weather is that I can't take him to Central Park because of the mud.  That leads to needing to exercise him in the apartment or playing fetch in the hallway.  I'm very happy the weather is going to be nice for a while.

Besides the wonderful weather, the other beautiful site this morning was the vast number of dogs running around Central Park.  (They can go off leash before 9AM.)  I have never seen so many dogs running around having a great time.  

With warm weather comes the fresh small of earth which my dog thinks is meant for him to eat.  I'm not sure which is worse, his eating the dirt or eating the tissues or napkins on the sidewalks.  One way or the other, at least he drops the tissues when I tell him to.  You would think that he didn't get premium food and treats.

Aren't dogs wonderful?

The pictures of the devastation from the tornados in Alabama and Indiana left me with the feeling of hopelessness.  If I felt that way from the pictures, the homeowners must have left an emptiness seeing everything they owned gone.

That was until I saw this picture of a older man madly hugging his dog while tears steamed down his cheek.  The dog had miraculously survived his collapsed house.  Out of all of the heartache a dog's survival was what gave people a hopeful miracle.

http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2012/03/man-reunited-with-dog-after-deadly-tornado-outbreak/

Welcome to Two Ears and a Tail on a Dog

Aren't dogs wonderful?   I adopted a 7-month old (or he adopted me) 11 1/2 years ago.  He is soft, loves to cuddle, and give kisses.

When I think about how he came into my life it makes me sad and happy at the same time.
On a hot August day I wandered into the Humane Society of New York City on East 59th Street.  Well, if you've ever gone to a shelter, you know that the animal chooses you.  All I did was stop at a cage of a smallish dog, jumping up and down and wagging his tail.  I was chosen.  Luckily I stopped in front of a cage of a small dog.  We played for a few minutes and we both knew he was coming home.

The Sad -
part was that he was found on the streets of NYC wandering around.  The person helping with adoptions felt that he was put out because he was VERY high energy.  He is a terrier mix.  How could people do that?  Why not just bring him to a shelter?  It makes me very upset.  I hug him tighter whenever i think about it.

The Happy -
is that I've had the joy of having a wonderful, warm and cuddly mixed terrier dog.  His picture doesn't do him justice.  He's 15" tall, 20 lbs, and his coloring reminds me of a Creamsicle - vanilla and orange.  (I know I'm dating myself, but I loved creamsicles.)

Why not share your stories.  Have a wonderful day.