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Vredendal Valkyrie (1993-2003)

Valkyrie at 10 weeks

Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed Beauty without Vanity, Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, and all the Virtues of Man without his Vices. This praise, which would be unmeaning flattery, if inscribed over human ashes, is but a just tribute to the memory of Valkyrie, a dog.

Adapted from John Hobhouse, British statesman on the monument for Lord Byron’s dog.

Keeshond (also Dutch Barge Dog; pronounced KAYS-HOND)

Keeshonds were kept on barges in Holland as a watchdog and companion. A symbol of the 18th-century Dutch Patriots Party, the name derives from a dog, "Kees', belonging to the leader of the Patriots, Kees de Glyselaer and becoming the symbol of the Patriot faction. It is the national dog of Holland and accepted for registration by the AKC in 1930. The Keeshond is descended from the same genetic heritage as the Samoyed, Norwegian elkhound, Spitz, and Pomeranian.
 
"Keesies" are neither timid or aggressive. They are outgoing and friendly with people and other dogs. As Valkyrie's expression testifies, Keeshonds are lively, intelligent, alert and affectionate companion content, if not desirous, of spending time at home and loving being with the family "pack".

Personal Commentary

As a father and psychologist, over the past decade I have discovered the value of pets in the home and as clinical therapeutic allies. Through her companion dog, Emily Dickinson, the poet, felt protected, her anxiety lessened, and the dog was a go-between in Dickinson's ability to relate to others.

Anecdotally, I have seen pets have calming effects, serve as loving companions, introduce humor into stressful situations, offset loneliness in people of all ages, act as conscience and confidant, and prepare apprehensive individuals for the responsibilities and rewards of parenthood.

"If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men."
                                                Saint Francis of Assisi

When a pet passes on, an individual may experience grief and bereavement, as .Jim Willis  touchingly offers (see Tiergarten Sanctuary below).

                   I Loved You Best
Copyright © Jim Willis 2002, all rights reserved

So this is where we part, My Friend,
and you'll run on, around the bend,
gone from sight, but not from mind,
new pleasures there you'll surely find.

I will go on, I'll find the strength,
life measures quality, not its length.
One long embrace before you leave,
share one last look, before I grieve.

There are others, that much is true,
but they be they, and they aren't you.
 And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,
will remember well all you've taught.

Your place I'll hold, you will be missed,
the fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.
And as you journey to your final rest,
take with you this...I loved you best.

RESEARCH

Much pet research has been done. Some of the data shows...

	In an Australian national survey, dog and cat owners make fewer annual doctor visits and are less likely to be on medication for heart problems and sleeping difficulties than non-owners.
	Children attached to pets show greater empathy.
	The presence of a companion dog can lower the behavioral distress of children.
	There were fewer problem behaviors in an Alzheimer's special care unit due to the long-term therapeutic effects of dogs (Also see Assisi Animal Foundation Shelter Pet Therapy Outreach).
	Children lacking social communications and abilities (autism or Asperger's syndrome) showed a more playful mood, were more focused, and more aware of their social environments when in the presence of a therapy dog.

SAVING LIVES: A TRIBUTE TO RESCUERS & RESCUE "RAILWAYS"

Before reading, Jim Willis' touching pet's perspective on a "kill shelter", recall that, after the September 11th terrorist attacks, over 200 search and rescue dogs were used at the World Trade Center and Pentagon to seek out victims in areas too dangerous for humans. 

How Could You?
Copyright Jim Willis 2001, all rights reserved

When I was a puppy I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" - but then you'd relent and roll me over for a bellyrub.

My housetraining took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed, listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.

She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" - still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love."

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch - because your touch was now so infrequent - and I would have defended them with my life if need be.

I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams. Together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family.

I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog or cat, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.

After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"

They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you - that you had changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.

I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table, rubbed my ears and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.

She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"

Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself - a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. With my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not meant for her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever.

May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

I have had many communications with "rescuers", individuals who unselfishly and lovingly give their time, energy and monies towards animal welfare. Without a doubt, these have been among the most caring people I have ever met. The stories they tell of puppy mills, "summer pets", and other forms of mistreatment of animals are touching, poignant and provoke an astonishment at human insensitivity.  What rescuers and others have done to try and undo human mistreatment has, in many instances, been heroic. This includes "railroads", a chain of rescuers who transport pets hundreds of miles to waiting arms and new "Forever Homes". I hope to add some of these tales soon. However, animal neglect and abandonment speaks to the callousness and irresponsibility that prompted George Bernard Shaw to write:

"The worst sin towards our fellow creatures
is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them. That's the essence of inhumanity."                  

With a love of animals (and an understandable, personal bias towards Keeshonds), I have provided links for those interested in rescuing a pet, pet fostering and learning more about Keeshonds in particular.

Valkyrie's Champion Half-brother Ch. Vredendal Werther, CGC
(who opened his owner's refrigerator and ate our dinner)

Pieces of My Heart & The Tiergarten Sanctuary : Jim Willis

 Jim Willis. a writer, artist, and animal advocate, and his wife founded and personally funded a multi-species, rescue, placement, education and advocacy organization for all breeds--The Tiergarten Sanctuary Trust. They have adopted over three dozen rescued animals.

In "Pieces of My Heart"  Jim compiles prose, poetry, and essays in a humorous, saddening and inspiring collection. He says "I wanted Pieces of My Heart to depict the whole range of our relationship with animals - the funny, the serious, and the sad. I hope my book will entertain, inspire, comfort, and educate, and I hope animal-people will use some of the suggestions and resources contained in the Appendix. Most especially, I hope all rescuers, advocates and groups will take advantage of the quantity discount arrangement with the publishers and use Pieces of My Heart to help raise funds for their own efforts." Sales go towards furthering Jim's efforts as well as those of other organizations selling to raise funds.

Jim may be contacted at tiergartenjim@yahoo.com.

The book can be purchased through Infinity Publishing.com: www.infinitypublishing.com and Amazon.com. Your support is needed and greatly appreciated.

Recommended Dog Trainer, Behavioral Counselor Jill Alexander cindermilkyway@aol.com 215-293-9234

HERE COMES CASSIE !
Click on picture for Cassie's PAGE

Special thanks to Tink Boncler of Texas Keeshond Rescue & Railroad for sharing the Kees graphics.
**Portrait by Don Brewer (www.don-brewer-multimedia-design.com )