I’m one of those people that has to pretty much avoid any news (radio, television, print, digital, etc.) about animals because most stories usually leave me feeling very upset and oh so powerless. Today I broke my rule by clicking on a link on Yahoo news about a local Boxer story. It appears that this Boxer was being fostered by a couple (from Austin Boxer Rescue) and that the Boxer got between the couple’s young child and a rattler so that the snake wouldn’t hurt the child (the Boxer got bit instead). The Boxer did swell up and all but is okay. Then the story goes on to talk about Austin Boxer Rescue’s dilemma because of the vet bills for this hero Boxer and caring for all the other Boxers in their group. HELLLLLOOOOOOO People!?!??!?!?!  This outcome is just so wrong in so many ways that I can’t even get into it right now.  The photo of the Boxer was even sadder; she’s got her head between her paws looking very discouraged.  Of course she is?!?!?

Reminds me of the Boxer we were raised with from the time I was a baby until I was about 8 or 9 years old.  Duke was my parents’ first “child” (photo to be shown later). He was a gorgeous camel color with black mask and some white markings.  There are stories told by my parent’s of them leaving me in the front yard with Duke (while my mom walked a couple of yards over to talk with the neighbors) and Duke watching over me…keeping me out of harm’s way.  I have photos of me pulling on Duke’s ears and rolling on his tummy.  I just remember him being a great dog. After we moved to Japan, when Duke was about 3-4, the story goes that one day a guy who emptied the trash spotted Duke in our backyard and went gaga over him. He begged my mother to give him a chance to show Duke in some dog shows.  Well, soon after that Duke became a champion in our little corner of the world.  There is a photo of him with several plaques and ribbons and a nice silk blanket over his back.  Duke has a look on his face that seems to say, “well of course I’m a grand champion guys, who’d you think I was anyway??”

Please, please, please if you have an animal(s) respect them, pay attention to them, learn from them, learn about them, and become more connected to the world around you through them.  If you don’t have an animal and you’re interested in helping them there are so many ways that you can out there.  There are all kinds of rescue operations that you can throw money at if you don’t want to get your paws dirty or if you do want to rub noses, there are many opportunities for you to help socialize dogs and cats so that they can be adoptable.

During our evening walk with our dogs, David and I talked about a story in the paper this morning regarding a border collie who the master had given away to what she thought was a good home (because she did not think she was giving him enough attention) and the dog found it’s way back all the way across town and traffic etc. to it’s original home.  What many people don’t seem to understand is that many dogs take their jobs very seriously and most especially those dogs who are working dogs.  I can’t imagine the confusion and hurt that either of our dogs would feel (Aussie and Labrador) if we gave them away.  But you see I believe that truly giving an animal the best kind of life you can means that you are saying that you will give them shelter, food, respect, medical attention when needed and if they’re really lucky, a clearly defined “job” to do for the rest of their lives.  I know that there are times when the very unexpected happens but I believe most animals know if their lives are being changed because someone has passed away or is transferred out of country and cannot physically take them with them or if it is because the animal is just posing an inconvenience to them.

I hope that someday I will be able to make a difference out there by finally creating the animal sanctuary that I’ve been talking about for at least a decade and a half! Stay tuned!  You can hold me to it!

Who are the special animals in your life?