Do I Go Home Today?
My family brought me home
cradled in their arms.
They cuddled me and smiled at me,
and said I was full of charm.
They played with me and laughed with me,
they showered me with toys.
I sure do love my family
especially the girls and boys.
The children loved to feed me,
they gave me special treats.
They even let me sleep with them
all snuggled in the sheets.
I used to go for walks,
often several times a day.
They even fought to hold my leash,
I'm very proud to say.
These are things I'll never forget
a cherished memory.
I now live in a shelter
without my family.
They used to laugh and praise me
when I played with that old shoe.
But I didn't know the difference
between the old ones and the new.
The kids and I would grab a rag
for hours we would tug.
So I thought I did the right thing
when I chewed the bathroom rug.
They said that I was out of control,
and would have to live outside.
This I did not understand
although I tried and tried.
The walks stopped, one by one;
they said they hadn't time.
I wish that I could change things,
I wish I knew my crime.
My life became so lonely,
in the back yard on a chain.
I barked and barked all day long
to keep from going insane.
So they brought me to the shelter
but were embarrassed to say why.
They said I caused an allergy,
and then, kissed me good-bye.
If I'd only had some classes,
as a little pup
I wouldn't have been so hard to handle
when I was all grown up.
"You only have one day left,"
I heard the worker say.
Does this mean a second chance?
Do I go home today?
by Sandi Thompson
I read the above poem, and it brought tears to my eyes.
I've seen this happen so often.
The little puppy that looked so cute sleeping on the couch ~ now weighs close to 100 pounds ~ and isn't so cute when he takes up the whole thing.
I grew up with dogs ~ and I've always owned at least one.
Usually alot more! LOL
There are so many things that I just do automatically ~ that I found ~ some people never thought of doing.
Let me say right now ~ I don't claim to be a "dog expert", but I've always owned well behaved dogs.
When I sent my pups off with their new owners ~ I always sent along a folder.
This included the puppy's health records from my vet, and some tips on adjustment.
Also ~ some little words of wisdom!
I have had several owners call me to say thank you for this.
Nothing bugs me more then to be at someone's house, and have them say "Don't pet the dog when she/he is sleeping. It growls."
Excuse me.
Another one of my favorites is "Don't go in the kitchen when the dog is eating".
Excuse me.
Then it would dawn on me ~ these dogs were never taught as a pup.
From the time we bring a new puppy into our house, we pet it when it is sleeping.
I've never owned a dog that you couldn't pet while it was sleeping.
It was never a big deal around here.
Whenever I fed a pup ~ we would pet it, and play in its food.
Anyone could take his bowl of food away ~ and he wouldn't get upset.
They learned from day one that there was no reason to defend their food dish!
These two things are so important .. especially if you have children around.
It prevents growling, or snapping before it ever starts.
My pups learned immediately that growling of any type was not allowed.
If they felt they had to bark when someone knocked on the front door .. fine. Then be quiet!
I call all of this "house manners"!
I've raised Labrador Retrievers ~ which is a gentle loving breed of dog to start with, but I have seen mean ones!
All my kids learned at an early age to put their things away ~ don't leave stuff around that one of the Labs could "retrieve"!
I also owned Alaskan Malamutes.
This is another gentle breed ~ although they can be aggressive towards other dogs.
Mine were 125 pound "pussy cats"!
When you own a large breed of dog ~ certain manners have to be taught.
No sleeping on the furniture .. no jumping on people .. off the bed!
These rules should apply for smaller dogs also ~ but we allow the Beagle to sleep on the couch ... she doesn't take up much room, and is always willing to share!
I trained my kids ~ as well as the dogs!
They were taught to never play tug-of-war with a puppy.
If the pup had something they wanted, they were told to say "give" and open the dog's mouth and take it. Never to pull it away.
That teaches aggression ~ and the pup thinks it's a game.
All my dogs ride in crates while in the car. It is safer for them ... and I don't believe in dogs bouncing around while you are driving!
My dogs sleep in crates at night, and they love them!
Dog crates are the greatest ... and they aren't cages!
They are never put in there as punishment .. it is their haven!
You can go anywhere ... bring their crate along .. they're happy!
Dogs need human companionship. They need rules and structure.
Think of them as a two year child!
The "puppy stage" can last up to 18 months with the larger breeds. They mature more slowly.
I highly recommend taking puppies to obedience class.
There are usually "puppy classes". These are great for socializing your pup.
They learn to get along with other dogs, and other people.
When they are older, they go to regular obedience class to learn manners ... such as sitting, staying, heeling, and coming when called.
If you don't know where obedience classes are in your area ... look up dog clubs in your phone book. Most clubs have obedience classes. Some times ~ the local humane shelter offers obedience classes.
These are fun ... you meet other people working with their dogs, and it's fun to compare notes!!
If you buy a dog from a breeder, that is the person to talk to about training. They should be able to line you up with classes in your area. Most breeders care about the puppies they sell ... and this lasts a life time.
The most important piece of advice I can think of is ... be an educated dog owner.
Before you get a dog, read up on the various breeds.
See which one would fit into your lifestyle.
Read up on breed personalities ... traits .. good and bad.
Don't buy a dog that requires alot of grooming, if you don't want to spend the time or money.
Don't get a big dog ~ if you don't have the time to take him out for excerise, or you don't have a yard.
Don't get a long haired dog ~ if the thought of dog hair on the floor bothers you!
Don't forget about the hundreds of dogs and puppies at your local animal shelter.
I've seen some of the cutest dogs come from there!
Unless you want to get into showing dogs ~ I would adopt from the animal shelter.
No matter what kind of dog you end up getting ... be a responsible dog owner.
Don't allow your dog to bark and bug the neighbors.
Keep your dog on a leash. It doesn't matter how well trained they are ... if they see something REALLY interesting .. it only takes a second for them to run into the street ~ and get hit by a car.
Have a secure yard for them ~ where they can't get into trouble.
You can have a beautiful yard AND a dog! Just fence it off .. a spot for the dog .. and a safe haven for your prize roses!
If you decide you want a purebred dog, check with your local dog clubs, or the American Kennel Club for a breeder in your area.
Go to some dog shows, and look at the dogs in the ring.
There are many "types" within a breed .. find out what you like.
Talk to various breeders .. after the show.. when the nerves are settled! Don't try to talk to someone getting ready to go into the ring ... they are usually too distracted to take the time.
Give dog ownership some serious thought.
Who in the family is going to be taking care of the dog?
Who is going to feed him?
Can you afford the occasional vet bills.
Will you make him a loving part of your family?
I can't picture my life without a dog. OR a cat!! LOL
Just be sure ~ before you bring that cute little puppy home ~ he is going to grow up ~ and you will have him (hopefully) for many years.
