Ultimate Dog Tease

A tribute to Dexter

Written by Joanne Brown

 Dexters life companion

Oaxland (Oaxaca in Oakland): Shape Shifter: "Shape Shifter is an homage to my sweet boy, Dexter, who died on June 17. He was, in all regards, a miraculous and wonderful dog, the swe..."

Where is the Primal Pattie Tree?

Next to the money tree!

"Squirrels in my Pants" Music Video

I was told that this is Archie's favorite song!

Trouble

How can such a fuzzy cute face make dogs so crazy??

just melting butter

Useful Dog Tricks performed by Jesse

Dogs in Love - A Valentine Story

Simon's Cat in 'The Box'

Ode to Nicki

With Valentines Day around the corner, I started thinking about how some of us fall in love with our pets. It's a weird thing but I think this chemistry exists. One of my clients who recently lost her dog has been looking at some of the homeless pet websites. She even went to a shelter to meet some puppies. She said they were adorable, and sweet but she just didn't feel that any one of them "spoke" to her. She left and didn't feel bad that she didn't take one home. That conversation got me thinking. There IS something that happens when you meet "the one". Most of the animals I have shared my life with have either just shown up or had some urgent problem and ended up mine. The one dog that I did go out and purposely get only had a short list of requirements. Under 20 lbs. (check) healthy (check) cute (double check). Nicki had been found wandering the streets. She was picked up and brought to the Friends of Fairmont Animal Shelter. I was told that I would need to wait the required 7 days before she could be placed. It turned out, I wasn't the only one that was smitten with that little terrier face. There was a list of 10 people before me that wanted her. I added my name never thinking it would happen. I shopped for treats, beds, collars without buying anything because I just knew that the first person on her list of admirers would be the lucky new "parent". Imagine my surprise when I got the call! All 10 of the previous people flaked. Nicki was to be mine! I was so excited. I raced over to get her. We went shopping, we went to Pt Isabel we had a great "welcome to your new home" party. She seemed happy at first but after a couple of weeks, I realized something was wrong. She didn't connect with me! The problem was, she LOVED men. Believe me when I say she had no discretionary taste. She just loved men. Ted Bundy, Charles Manson - it didn't matter . She just had a thing for the guys. Don't get me wrong, she liked me - but she LOVED men. I had a hard time with it for a while but I finally accepted it and learned to be second to whatever guy happened to be in a 5 mile radius. I guess that unrequited love made me want her heart all the more. We had a long and happy life together but even in her final days she found comfort in my brothers arms. I was so thankful he was there for her. It feels sad to write this but I know in my heart of hearts that it was a good life for us both. So no matter what fur ball you are sharing your life with right now, Give them an extra treat and love this Valentines Day. It may not be perfect but it is true and you gotta love them for that!

Success!

This is Jackie aka Jackie O (as in oh no) or Yakity Jackity.

She was adopted from the Oakland Animal Shelter about a year or so ago. She has no impulse control. She jumps ALOT and barks nonstop while playing in the group. She does not have a mean bone in her body and her recall is excellent but that barking......

Last year I completed a couple of courses at the Marin Humane Society under the instruction of Trish King. It was $1,500. well spent. One of the many things I learned was about correction. When there is a behavior that is undesirable, DO NOT MARK IT! At first that didn't make sense to me but I was willing to give it a try. I always keep 6 foot skinny leads on the dogs that need help. When bad behavior happens, I am not to say anything. I just remove the dog from the activity. Jackie gets overwhelmed with excitement during play and starts that *%## barking. Instead of yelling her name 1,000 times and getting frustrated with her for not listening, I am to just pull her out of play and give her a time out. I started doing this about 2 months ago. Her schedule has been irregular with me but in January she has been on a daily schedule. 10 days ago my helper and I realized something was missing. JACKIE'S BARKING! I was elated. It worked! Every once in a while she forgets and barks and I forget and yell but we both check ourselves and do the desirable behavior. It has made such a difference for all of us. Now for that jumping.......

Cats Playing Patty Cake

DEUTSCHER SHAFERHUND - 110 YEARS OF EVOLUTION-BY EDUARDO DURAN HAEDO -

Lengthy but a very interesting documentation of what man has done to this once healthy, beautiful breed.

Have a stinking fun weekend

Yipee It's Friday...

Why do dogs roll? Why do dogs roll in smelly stuff? I like to think it's because they are happy and have an itch for life but that's not what the experts say. Some say it is the same as humans putting on perfume or cologne. Other experts say it is a technique to camouflage their scent for hunting. I am going to stick with my theory that it is just plain fun. I take care of one dog in particular that just cannot wait to share with me the latest most disgusting thing he has rolled in. He runs like a mad man with pure joy in his eyes and jumps up on me. Doesn't matter how much I fuss or complain he just acts as though I am really missing out. Maybe I am but he hasn't convinced me yet - but who knows.....there is still plenty of mud out on the trails. Whatever your weekend brings I hope you find the joy of a good old fashioned roll in the mud....

Happy New Year.

What happened? It's 2011 already! Thanks to those of you who have not given up on Animal Crack. I plan to do better this year by bringing all the muddy slobbery stories from the trails and beyond.
I continue to be humbled by the love and joy these incredible animals bring to those of us that pay attention. I hope you continue to join me in celebrating their lives and the lessons that quite frankly we could learn a thing or two from. How about starting with "Surprised Kitty"?