October is Pit Bull Awareness Month!

Sorry for my lack of blogging...I needed to find a topic that I felt inspired to write about. Then, October came along and my inspiration was sparked! My love for the Bully Breeds, specifically Pit Bulls, gives me a chance to again try and help people understand this amazing breed through Pit Bull Awareness Month of October!!

Now, I'm not recommending you wander your neighborhood and go find a random Pit Bull to give a treat to and befriend. In fact, I don't encourage approaching any dog you don't know, no matter what breed. What I do hope is you will go to a Bully specific Rescue and meet some of the dogs that are available for adoption. The reason I say "Bully specific" is because they are more likely to help educate you on the breed and not just show you some dogs and send you on your way. Also, many Animal Control Centers do not adopt out Pit Bulls and will not allow individuals to interact with them. They will usually only allow Rescues/Shelters to pull (this is a common reference used for a Shelter to remove a dog from ACC and take them into their control for adoption) any of these breeds from them, if they don't euthanize them first. Sorry, it is the horrible truth of what happens daily to these babies.

Volunteering is also a great way to see first hand the personality of such a forgiving breed. Many of the Pit Bulls who end up in Shelters have had rough beginnings. My Maci, for instance, was found in a hoarder house with 80-100 dogs living outside under a house in Georgia. She didn't have much human interaction so she was terrified of me and our house when I first adopted her. Even with her anxiety and fear, she has never shown any sort of aggression. Other dogs that I've seen have been used as bait dogs, starved, abused, set on fire and have had acid poured on them. Yet, after being rescued and realizing they won't be hurt anymore, many become very affectionate and loving. Maci has never given kisses but she shows her affection by getting very wiggly (other Pittie owners know what I mean) when I come home from work. 

If you think volunteering is too time consuming or more than you want to sign up for, seek out articles on Pit Bulls that have been considered "Heroes" in the news. Although you will find many more negative stories on Pit Bulls, try to pass those and move on to the positive uplifting ones. Share the articles on Facebook with your friends and help change some of their perceptions. A few I can think of off the top of my head are; Lilly, who saved her owner after she collapsed on some railroad tracks. The dog lost a leg pulling her owner to safety as a train approached. Or, the Stray Pit Bull  who saved a Woman and her child from an attack in a parking lot. Kilo, who was shot in the head, and survived, while protecting his owner from a home invasion. These are just a few I remember reading this year but there are plenty of others that will make you wonder how such a "vicious" breed could be so devoted. 

Better yet, you could hold a event to raise money or items to donate to a Pit Bull Rescue in your area. Shelters are always in need of food, bowls, leashes, collars and most of all cash for the dogs that they rescue. Many of them will have a "Wish List" on their site of items they are in need of the most. If you are going to hold an event be sure to contact the Shelter you would like to donate to. They can help get the word out about the event through emails, Facebook, Twitter and other free advertising they may use to reach their volunteers and fans. Events are probably the most work out of all of the options given but one that will be most appreciated by those benefiting from your efforts. 

These were just a few options to participate in Pit Bull Awareness Month but I'm sure you can think of others. As I write this, I'm sitting next to Maci with one elbow resting on her back end and reminded how lucky I am to have such a wonderful dog as a part of my family. She can be a couch hog and a piggy when it comes to food but if that's the worst of her habits, I can handle it. I'm just thankful that I never listened to the media and other bad mouthing of her breed otherwise I would never know the breed for what they truly are...amazing, loyal, stubborn and loving. Hope all of you spread the word about Pit Bulls and help to change the views of one of the most misunderstood and controversial breeds. 

Choosing The Right Dog For Your Family

Choosing a dog for your family is an extremely important step in adopting a dog. This process should not be taken lightly and much research is needed in order to make sure the best decision. Doing this step will do two things; one, make sure that the dog you choose is right for your family; two, your family is the right fit for that particular dog. Below are some things you should think about when picking out your next fur baby.

Size: Size is probably one of the most important characters to determine right off the bat. I really wanted a Rottweiler but my house isn't big enough for that breed so I knew I had to have a medium or small dog. If you have a smaller house, like I do, then x-large or large breed dogs are out of the question. You want to have enough room in the house that you don't feel overcrowded with your dog in it. Plus, it's hard on larger dogs to move around in smaller areas.

Age: Are you looking for a puppy or an adult dog? Remember, puppies are a LOT of work. You have to have the patience to work on potty training and keep a close eye on them for their first year. Most adult dogs, who have had previous homes, are much easier to potty train or learn the rules of the house. Unless they came from horrible backgrounds, adult dogs can adapt fairly easy to a new home and tend to fit into a routine faster. Most puppies can be naughty up until the age of 2. Until they hit their 2nd birthday be prepared to deal with reverted training, hyper-activity and lots of correction. Some breeds continue to be "puppy-like" much past two...this includes Labradors and Beagles to name a few. Also, if you are an avid runner and looking for a running partner, you will need to wait until after your dog is at least one because running is hard on their little joints. Senior dogs can make great companions as well. They are usually more mellow and happy to just have a place to hang out comfortably all day. Senior dogs can also come with more medical issues as well. If possible, get on a good pet insurance right away to cover any Vet costs that may come with an older dog.

Activity Level: Some dogs require more exercise than others. Making sure your dog gets proper exercise will not only help with their physical needs but also mentally. Dogs who have higher activity levels; such as sporting and herding breed dogs, need to have an owner who is physically active and willing to include their dog into their activities. Just because you have a large yard for your dog to romp around in means nothing if you are not out there making sure they are getting their energy out. If you tend to be less active than make sure to look at dogs that have lower energy levels. Don't think that you will get an active dog so that you can become more active. It may work for the first few weeks but a dog should not be your motivation to be more active in your life. Here are just a few of the breeds based on their activity levels. 

     High Energy Dogs:

         Most Terriers (Airedales, Pitbulls, Jack Russell, Rat and Fox)

         Beagle
         Boxers

         Collies
         Retrievers

         Setters

         Shepards

         Spaniels

         Weimaraner

     Low Energy Dogs:

         Basset Hounds

         Bernese Mountain Dogs

         Bulldogs

         Chow Chow

         Great Pyrenees

         Lhasa Apso

         Mastiffs

         Pekingese

         Saint Bernards

         Shar-Pei

         Shih Tzu

Trainability:  How dedicated are you to training your dog? Labs and Retrievers are known to be easier to train because of their eagerness to please. Other dogs are considered more stubborn and need a patient pack leader to be consistent with training in order to have a well-behaved dog. Most of the stubborn dogs can be found in the hound and terrier groups but some sporting dogs can also be hard to manage. If these dogs are not trained well and are left alone without companionship or exercise they can show destructive, nervous and even aggressive behavior. A few of these harder to train dogs are:
     Akitas   
     Bernese Mountain Dogs
     Dobermans
     Great Danes
     Huskies
     Pit Bulls
     Rottweilers
     Setters
     Weimaraners 

Maintenance: This is in reference to their fur. Obviously dogs with longer fur need more brushing and grooming then short haired dogs. Some dogs; like Poodles, Shih Tzus and Lhasa Apsoes actually need to go to a groomer to get trimmed on a regular basis. Unless you are willing to learn this on your own and can find the extra time needed to do it, make sure to add this into your monthly expenses. Short hair dogs do need to be brushed and washed as well but not as much as one with the longer hair that can and will get matted if not cared for. 


Shedding/Allergies: A common misconception is long hair dogs shed and short hair dogs shed less. Shiz Tzus for example have very long hair but are considered non-shedding because they have hair (like humans) and not fur. Non-shedding dogs are also considered hypoallergenic because they don't produce as much dander and flaky dead skin, which is what triggers allergies. Maci actually sheds worse than a Lab/Samoyed (CleoPhatra) I had growing up as a kid. At least with Cleo's fur it was seasonal shedding and the big clumps were easy to vacuum up. Maci's hair is short and wiry and sticks in everything! Before I got my Dyson, the one specifically for animals, it would take me an hour to vacuum my couch and chair to try and get all her hair up. Remember, the more hair that you are able to get out with brushing is the less hair that will end up on your floors and furniture. There is always the Xoloitzuintli, or the Mexican Hairless dog, who truly only have a very small amount of hair on the top of their head and their tails. These dogs do require sunscreen and warmer climates though....unless you want to buy them a winter wardrobe to live in colder weather.


Kids/Family: When I use to work with a rescue organization and had to interview people that wanted to adopt a dog, one of my many questions was to ask if they had kids and if so, what their ages were. Young kids should ALWAYS be supervised around any dog....I don't care if it's a Maltese or a Doberman. Not all kids understand the temperament of  a dog, let's face it, many adults don't either. So there needs to be an adult around to make sure that the child is giving the dog space when they are showing signs of irritation. Many dog bites could be prevented if people would follow this rule. I also don't recommend getting a puppy if you have younger children, this usually means age 8 or younger. Again, puppies are a lot of work and so are kids. Why would you want to stress yourself out with a puppy when you are already busy with your child? Also, consider what your family life is like. Is your spouse on board with a dog in the house? Does everyone understand the responsibility of a dog and willing to help with raise it? 

Go to PetEducation.com to find a more detailed list

Cost: Animals in general are costly. Between their food, shots, Vetting and other daily needs things add up quickly. I can be sure that every year I will spend around $250 for each dog on shots and heartworm and fecal tests. That doesn't include their monthly heartworm and flea/tick treatment which can be over $100 for both dogs every 6 months.  If this sounds expensive, don't forget the occasional Vet visits for random infections or injures that seem to come up at the most inconvenient times. I highly recommend Pet Insurance...yes, another monthly expense...but one that can help save thousands on some Vet procedures. If you are adopting a puppy, get them on the Pet Insurance right away before they can have any "pre-existing" conditions. Also, remember that some breeds tend to have specific health issues. Many large breeds have hip dysplasia, which is not covered under any insurance that I've found. These medical conditions are part of having a dog and a dog shouldn't be put to sleep because they suddenly became to expensive. There are many programs out there to help people pay for their pet's health treatments, you just have to find them. If you are adopting a "Bully" breed dog, make sure to check with your insurance first to see if they will still insure you if you adopt this type of dog. 


These are a few of the items that you should consider when you are thinking about adopting a dog. There is a great site called, Dogtime.com,  that asks questions and gives you a list of dog breeds that would be a good fit for you based on your answers. Although you may have your heart set on a particular breed because of it's looks or other qualities, ask yourself if you will be the best owner for that breed of dog. It's better to have a good match instead of trying to make it work and then giving the dog up because you can't handle their traits.


I can't complete this blog without mentioning how important it is that you dedicate the next 10-15 years to your dog. Dogs are not disposable or replaceable. They will love you unconditionally and deserve your love and care in return. A dog is not a "filler" until the next best thing comes along. If you are willing to give up your dog when you get a new boyfriend or have a child, then do not get a dog in the first place. I understand things happen as far as income and situations but also know there are organizations that are willing to help out financially so that your dog can stay with you. 


It breaks my heart to see how many people drop their dog off at a shelter like they are trash. How can you do that to an animal that has dedicated it's life and loyalty to you? I don't know the exact number of dogs that are put to sleep daily but I know it's in the hundreds. Most shelters are too full to care for all the animals that are surrendered to them daily. So please be a responsible pet owner, spay/neuter your dogs and adopt, don't buy from a breeder. 

I saw this on Facebook and thought it was perfect!

         

Pit Bulls...What Do You Think?

American Pit Bull Terrier
without cropped ears

Aaahhh...the ever controversial "Pit Bull" discussion. When I talk about Pit Bulls I'm referring to the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. I don't include the Bull Terrier (the Target mascot dog) into this group because they usually aren't mistaken as a Pit Bulls since they don't have the "boxy" looking face like the other three.

To some, Pit Bulls are scary, vicious, people killing machines. This was not always the case. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th century these dog were considered "Nanny Dogs". In fact, Helen Keller's dog was a Pit Bull, as was the dog on "The Little Rascal's". So how did these dog go from being a common family dog, who was considered loyal and protecting of children, to being feared and banned in many cities? That's easy...stupid people. Individuals who saw dog fighting as a sport became very interested in these dogs because of their muscular physique and fearless nature. These horrible people started to breed these dogs into aggressive, reactive animals who were willing to fight to the death. Since the areas the dog fought in where pits in the ground, these dogs became known as Pit Bulls. Although Pit Bulls have the traits to be aggressive, if raised correctly and socialized well they are much less likely to show any aggressive behavior. Beware though, they can lick you to death.

As I'm sure you've noticed, I'm being careful not to say that they can't hurt people but I believe any breed of dog will react differently based on each situation. As much as I wish I were the Dog Whisperer, because I think he's extremely talented, I'm not. Therefore, I don't know why one dog reacts differently than another. I use to live next door to a family who had a Lab that was the sweetest dog ever...until it bit my friend's hand. Did that make me think ALL Labs are unpredictable? Not at all. It just shows that dogs have their own personalities. Some bite, others run away and others would just not be bothered by the same situation.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier
with cropped ears

I also believe the media has a huge part in portraying Pit Bulls in a negative light. There have been many reports of dog attacks that have said to be Pit Bulls, when in fact it was a Lab or Boxer or some other large breed dog. Not everyone can detect what a Pit Bull looks like. The media knows it will get a more reactive response, therefore more ratings, if they say it was another one of those "vicious" Pit Bulls then it being a Lab or Retriever. Yet, you have to search for the "Hero" Pit Bull stories because they usually aren't broadcast on prime time as the horror stories are. Just recently I've found quite a few stories on Pit Bulls being heroes. In one story, a man was trying to stop an intruder from entering his home. His Pit Bull bit the man and was shot in the head by the intruder in the process. Once the dog let go, the man took off. Thankfully, the dog survived because the bullet ricocheted off his thick skull. Another story involved a little girl, I think around 3 years old, who wandered off from her home and was found hours later in the woods by her neighbor's house. Her Pit Bull was by her side, just as a Nanny Dog would be. The media is not as willing to tell these stories though because that would go against the main stream of how horrible Pit Bulls are "suppose" to be.

When people ask me if I'm afraid Maci will hurt my son...she sleeps in his bed with him every night..I want to high five their face. Do they really think I would have a dog that I'm afraid will hurt my child anywhere near him? Of course I'm not worried. Maci would run away from something before she would bite. Will she correct dogs at the dog park when they won't leave her alone...yep! That's what dogs do. They teach each other manners and will let each other know when they are done playing...or sick of getting sniffed in between the legs like Maci does. I've only heard Maci bark 5 times since we've adopted her. Twice she barked because something scared her and the other 3 times were to let Meeko know she was all done with his craziness.

I've learned a lot about Pit Bulls since adopting Maci. I've learned they are amazing, loyal, friendly, misunderstood, stubborn dogs. I've learned to become an ambassador for the breed and not reacting like a crazy woman when people make ignorant statements about them. I've learned they are one of the most forgiving and appreciative dogs. Most of the rescue Pit Bulls I've seen are so thankful and happy that they've been given a second chance. I've learned they need to be exercised and mentally stimulated unless you want them to find things to do on their own...which usually means finding your prized possessions torn to shreds (I miss you pink suede boots!!). I've learned they can have horrible upbringings and pasts but can make the most loving dogs when given a chance.

I have a feeling Meeko was the instigator in this 
war with the kleenex but Maci wasn't afraid to 
take the blame.

I could go on and on about how wonderful this breed of dogs is but I think you get the point. They need structure, a strong pack leader, love and patience. They are not fighters, they are lovers. The unfortunate truth is too many people abuse, torture and make these dogs fight to make them money. I've seen too many graphic pictures of dogs who have been used as bait dogs or have been tortured because they lost a fight and it makes me sick. Pit Bulls can and do feel pain. They are like any other dog that just wants to be loved and show love back.

American Staffordshire
Terrier Puppy

I encourage all those that think Pit Bulls are evil dogs and should be euthanized on the spot to volunteer at a rescue for Pit Bulls. Find out their past and then look at the dog who's spirit is broken and defeated and tell me the dog deserved that treatment. Work with the dogs, let them get to know you and see how just a little attention and love gives them happiness and hope. If, after you have worked with these dogs for even a month and still feel the same way, then fine. Everyone has their own opinions but I would find it hard to believe that they won't steal your heart and change your mind. My Maci has my heart and even though she's terrified of life, I know if I needed her to protect me or my son, she would.

One last note...please adopt, don't buy. There are so many dogs in facilities waiting to die because people feel the need to breed their dogs. Help stop innocent animals from dying everyday and adopt your next fur baby.

What Should You Be Feeding Your Dog?

I think most people question what they should be feeding their dogs. It was a big question I had when adopting Maci. There are so many different brands and I was clueless on what would be best for her. There are 3 different kinds of dog foods you can feed your dogs. There is raw, which is the best option but is expensive for most dog owners. Then there is dry or soft food, each has their own benefits depending on your dogs needs. I'll be addressing dry food, since that seems to be the most commonly used for dog owners. 


When determining a pet food brand make sure you look for a few things. 

1. Make sure the first 5 ingredients are not fillers (corn, by-products or wheat gluten. To fill you in on by-products, it's things other than meat (not used for human consumption) such as eyeballs, tendons, lungs, spleen, kidneys,brain, livers, blood, bone, partially defatted low-temperature fatty tissue, and stomachs and intestines freed of their contents. It does not include hair, horns, teeth and hooves. This is according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials.

• Although corn is not considered toxic for your dog, there have been reports of allergies and behavioral issues related to dogs who consume corn. I stay away from it since people can't even digest it properly so why would a dog...but that's my 2 cents. 
• Just remember, the more fillers, the more clean up on the other end. Maci only poops once a day...Meeko about 3 times, but he's much smaller. Maybe too much information for you but it shows you that with a good dog food, you don't have as much to clean up.

1. Any meat should be named...such as "beef", "lamb", "chicken", etc. Do not buy a product that just has "meat" as the listing for the meat ingredient.
2. Never buy a product with “by-product meal” or “meat and bone meal.” The quality of these meals can vary from batch to batch and are not a reliable source of nutrients for your animal.
3. Try and find a brand that is labeled “AAFCO guarantee". This means the company has either met a list of nutrients or contents or passed an actual feeding tests. Feed tests are actual clinical studies, although not guaranteed, it is the preferred method to go by.
4. Avoid store or generic brands. These are rejects from the larger manufactures that contain poorer quality and cheaper ingredients.

My thought is, dogs use to forage on the land. Do you think they ate grains and fillers before they would eat meat? The sad fact of the matter is, most dog food is made out of dead, dying or diseased animals. Traces of pentobarbital, the most common euthanasia drug, is found in most pet foods. The common myth of dead cats and dogs in pet food is no longer the case, but it was common practice years ago.

So what do I feed my babies? They are fed Life's Abundance Premium Dog Food. It is shipped right to my house...I even have autoship so I don't have to remember. I know that it hasn't sat in a warehouse, then on a truck and on some store shelf for months before it gets to my dogs. That whole process can take months! No, I don't get any sort of kick back for mentioning this product. I just really like the product. It follows all the guidelines listed above, minus #3, but I did do research and this company has never had a recall on their food. That is huge for me! I guess the little bit of extra cost for dog food is worth it since I know it will save on health related issues down the road. 


What are some other things you look for when buying your pet's food?

"Tick" the Season

Tick season is in full swing here in the Midwest. So what can you do to help protect your dogs and cats?
First, you need to make sure that you have a good tick preventative. Frontline and K9 Advantix are two of the better known monthly topical treatments. I've found a cheaper option that works just as well called, BioSpot. You can buy it at Fleet Farm for around $13 for a 3 month supply. There are other treatments you can try such as tick collars, herbal supplements, dips, sprays and powders. I find the topical treatments to be the easiest to administer though. 

Ticks aren't just gross and irritating for your dog, they can carry deadly diseases that pose serious threats to your pet. The following are 2 of the most common tick-borne diseases.

• Lymes Disease, which is carried by Deer Ticks and most prevalent here in the Midwest, is the most common of the disease passed by these nasty buggers. Symptoms include, arthritis, loss of appetite, fever, swollen lymph nodes, lethargy and change in their gait. If left untreated, kidney failure can occur with is often fatal for your dog. My Aunt's dog Molly (Rest in Peace) went deaf after contracting Lymes disease. 
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is another disease transmitted by ticks. This disease, can show similar signs of Lymes disease symptoms but can also cause more serous issues. Some dogs have had seizures, pneumonia,& hemorrhages in the retina and may also develop blood in the stool or nose. Renal failure is also a major concern. Symptoms usually occur within 2-14 days after the tick bite.

Second, make sure to check your dog regularly for ticks. Although most ticks live in forested or tall grassy areas, your dog can still pick them up in your back yard or on a walk. Check around their head, ears, neck, feet and skin folds extra carefully as this is where most ticks like to hang out. If you do find a tick on your dog do not just pull it off. The proper way to extract a tick is; 

• Apply rubbing alcohol to the tick and pull straight off with a tweezers. 
• Do not twist or squeeze the body of the tick as this may cause bacteria and disease containing material to be injected into the site. Be sure to take care not to allow any of the blood from the tick to come into contact with your dog's skin. This could transmit any diseases to your pet.
• After removing the tick, place it in a container filled with alcohol to prevent it from reattaching to your pet or yourself. It is a good idea to save the tick for a few weeks in case your dog starts to show any symptoms of illness. The tick can then be examined for identification of any diseases it may be carrying.

Finally, be sure to start your tick prevention treatments right away in the Spring and continue into the Fall. Colder weather does not kill ticks. In fact, Deer tick numbers are at their peak during September through November so this is the prime time to contract Lymes Disease. If you live in warmer climates, you will need year round treatments...as I'm sure you already knew. If you do live in an area where Lymes Disease is an issue, you can have a Lymes vaccination given to your dog. This is something you would want to talk with your Veterinarian about.

As for cats...don't worry, I didn't forget about them. They have their own line of products. Never ever give a cat the same treatment you would give your dogs. In fact, if you are using Advantix for your dogs, make sure to keep your dog and cat separate for 12 hours..or until the oil has completely dried. The reason is, Advantix contains permethrin which is toxic to cats. This ingredient can be metabolized by dogs but not cats, which is why you can safely use it on your dogs.
The biggest tick-borne disease spread to cats, besides Lymes Disease, is called Cytauxzoonosis. In most cases this disease is fatal and symptoms include; anorexia,lethargy, fever, dehydration and enlarged lymph nodes. Symptoms will show about 3-7 days  before death occurs due to massive organ failure and bleeding disorders.

If you have an indoor cat I wouldn't really worry about a tick prevention. But, if you have a cat like mine, who likes to escape when ever given the chance, it's best to protect them....just in case. Same rules apply as for dogs, but find the cat friendly substitutes for the topical treatment. Be sure to check them every time they come back into the house and remove ticks properly as soon as you find them.  
Please feel free to add any other suggestions that you use to protect your fur babies.

About my family...2 legged and 4 legged.

Let me introduce myself. I'm Beth...yes, just Beth, not Elizabeth or Bethany (though my friends like to call me that and I still answer). I'm a single Mother of a son who I don't think could be more amazing. I like to think I had a lot to do with who he is as a person since his Father (a.k.a. Sperm donor as I call him) has never really had a role in his life. Hasn't even seen him or talked to him in 6 years, which is perfectly fine with me. I think there are a lot of perks of single parenthood...I don't have to argue with anyone about his upbringing, discipline, what activities he's going to be in, who's house he's going to be at for which holiday....you get my point. Yes, I wish I could get financial help but he has what he needs, nothing more, nothing less. My son is caring, helpful, athletic, is well mannered, well behaved and still loves his Momma. I'm not sure what he's going to be when he is an adult...he says an NBA player...but I know it will have something to do with sports. I think he's a little bit obsessed since he started watching ESPN at the age of 3. He memorized the MN Twins players, their numbers and stats at the age of 6 and can give a good argument on different basketball teams and why they are good or not at the age of 8. Every Mother's Day (or around that day) we go to a Twins game as a tradition. I think these are good to have with children since it gives them things to look forward to. We have a very strong bond since it has just been us together his entire life. Also, I believe in tough love and may have been a little harsh on punishment when he was a toddler but it paid off in the end. You will not see my child acting crazy, talking crazy, or doing a fourth of what some of these kids I see doing today. I think I decided not to have any more children when he was about 3 and I realized how lucky I was to have such a good kid. I don't wanna press my luck with another and have the possibility of some wild child that I have to work 3 times as hard to manage.
One more tip, I'm horrible with grammar and punctuation. So for all of you that are anal about this, please don't email or comment with my errors. I know they're there, you get what I'm trying to say so no need to point them out.

I'm also a proud pet lover. Growing up, my Sister and I had birds, chameleons, rats, mice, hamsters, fish, turtles, cats and dogs. We took very good care of our pets and never had to get rid of them because we weren't taking proper care of them. I'm sure my Mom would have preferred a "pet-free" home but she was a trooper letting us bring home our random creatures.

Baby Graydon

When my son was about 5 I decided he was old enough to have a pet in the house, so we adopted a cat. We went to the Humane Society and found a beautiful gray cat named Graydon. Since my son's name is Jayden we decided it was fate that the cat's name rhymed with his so we took him home. Graydon is a pretty cool cat..if I do say so myself. He isn't too needy, he doesn't meow much, if at all and he's pretty mellow. Even my Dad likes him which is unheard of. My Dad usually says, "Sure I like cats, I like them dead." But my Dad is the one who takes care of Graydon when we are out of town, so that says a lot about how he feels for my cat. I never thought of myself as a "cat person", even though we had one or two growing up, but Graydon converted me. Not sure how I feel about all cats, but mine is a keeper. My Sister's cats are okay too I guess...one is too fat to be obnoxious but the other one has some sort of separation anxiety. He meows too much for me and is terrified of everything.

A year later I had an urge to get a dog. I love love love dogs! I really wanted a Rottweiler but I knew my house wasn't big enough for one. Also, I still live with my Mom (it's in the basement and it's like an apartment set up...only have to go upstairs to leave the house) so I had to get her approval. She tried to convince me that I didn't want a dog, that they were expensive and I wasn't home enough to take care of one. Of course, those were just excuses so she didn't have to live with another dog. I had a plan though. I would have Jayden ask her in his sweet little voice that she couldn't resist. Just like I planned, it worked!

That night I was on the computer looking at dogs and trying to decide the breed and temperament to best fit our family. Unfortunately, there were SO many dogs to look at. They were all cute and some had such sad stories that I wanted to save them all! Finally, I came across a dog named, April. Her pictures was stunning. Her eye color matched her fawn colored fur and she had the cutest wrinkle in her forehead when she was cocking her head for the picture. She was a Boxer/Pit Bull mix and was about 1.5 years (good, no puppy stage were they chew and pee on everything). She was good with kids and cats...good cuz I had both, so I needed to find out more.

Maci Moo

Reading her story brought me to the realization that owning a rescue dog is not an easy task. April had a rough life before coming to her foster home here in MN. She lived outside in what they called a "hoarder house" where 80-100 dogs lived under a deck. The rescue in GA thought she was pregnant when they took her in because she her tummy was so extended due to worms. The summary on her gave a warning that she has high anxiety and would need a lot of work and patience to work through it. The story was touching, not as horrible as some of the other dogs that I looked at, but enough to know April did not have any human interaction for the first 1.5 years of her life and needed some love. It was going to take a lot to get her trust and make her feel comfortable in our home. But, was I ready for a dog with "issues"? Yes, I love dogs but I've never had to deal with one that was abused, neglected, hurt, or otherwise. Jayden and I discussed it and we decided she needed us and we needed to help her. Before we even met her we decided she needed a new name. It was like starting a fresh life and a new name was going to help in that process, we would call her Maci.

I did a lot of reading about rescue dogs and her breed. I wanted to make sure that I was the best dog Mommy to her and that she was going to be a good dog for us. I knew at that time that Pit Bulls were looked at as vicious dogs but I had no idea the paranoia that some people had about them. After much reading and research I felt like I knew what I needed in order to be the "pack leader" of my house. All dogs need a pack leader, but the bully breeds really needed a strong leader or they try to fill that role and that's when trouble starts. So not only did I need to work with her anxiety, her lack of human interaction, a new home but also needed to obtain this "pack leader" mentality to make sure she felt secure...was I really ready for ALL of this?

After filling out the paperwork to adopt Maci and having a woman from the rescue come to my house to do a "home visit", to make sure we would be suitable for a dog, we set up a time to meet Maci. Jayden and I met the foster parents at the adoption center for the rescue. We were told not to look directly at her and to let her just come to us. When Maci came in the room it was clear she was very nervous. Her tail was tucked tight up under her belly and she crouched low to the ground. It was hard not to look at her because we had been waiting almost a week to meet her. I kept thinking, "How am I going to bring a dog home that I'm not even suppose to look at?" After about 5 minutes Jayden says, "When can we look at her." I whispered back, "I'm not sure." So we both gazed at her from across the room being careful not to lock eyes with her. Maci finally came up to give us a sniff but was more interested in the room we were in then the people in it. A few minutes later her foster parents came in and said they were really impressed with how Maci was acting with us. Apparently, another family had been interested in her but Maci was terrified of them. So I paid the adoption fee, got her favorite toy and we took her home.

The first 24 hours were interesting to say the least. I must have brought her outside every 25 minutes to use the bathroom but she wouldn't go. She ended up finally peeing in my house which was right around 24 hours from when we first brought her home. Acclimating her to our house and rules was harder than I thought. I was hoping at her age she wouldn't be much of a chewer or continue to pee and poop in the house. I kept telling myself it would get better and she was an outdoor dog for 1.5 years so she needed to get use to being inside. For the first month if I coughed, sneezed or cleared my throat, she would run away from me. She still kept her tail tucked under her belly and paced throughout the house. We took walks twice a day to help get some of her anxious energy out. I think it helped us bond a lot more too.

During the day when I was at work I would crate her. Day 2 of crating I came home to a house that was destroyed! Apparently, these dogs are sneaky! She figured out how to escape her crate, that was held shut by a bungy cord (I know sounds really ghetto but it didn't have a lock, got it off Craigslist), and had a great time chewing everything in reach. Jayden's inhaler was in pieces, a library book was shredded, anything and everything that she could get off the coffee table was destroyed. She was just sitting there looking so guilty yet so cute and I couldn't punish her after the fact (read that in one of the many books about dogs). This happened a couple more times until I got smart. I left her out of her crate, gave her a frozen kong...filled with peanut butter and food of course, picked up anything that she could reach and magically the house was safe from destruction...most days.

One of the first things I knew I had to do was get this dog some training. With all of her "issues" though I knew I couldn't bring her to a training facility. Her anxiety would make it difficult for her to focus and I didn't want to put her in that position so early on. What I found was a trainer that came to my house to work on training. It was the best solution for us. We would train in what was becoming comfortable for Maci and there weren't any distractions. The trainer said that Maci's case of anxiety was pretty severe but she was confident that with a few lessons I could learn how to make her feel safe. By the 3rd lesson, Maci was actually going near the trainer, her tail wasn't totally between her hind legs and she wasn't pacing as much. The trick was to get Maci to feel more confident so she wasn't so anxious. I learned so much from this trainer and still use the advice when telling other people how to help their dogs.

Everyday when I would look at Maci I would think of how lucky we were to have her in our lives and how lucky she was to have us. I kept thinking about all of the other dogs I looked at and wondered what happened to them, or what about the other dogs that haven't had a rescue to help them, or the ones in a kennel that could be put to sleep at any time because they have been their too long. What could I do to help these dogs without becoming a "hoarder house" myself? That's when I decided to get involved with the rescue I adopted Maci from. I helped with some events to raise money for the rescue and coordinated adoption days. I also became a Representative for their Bully Division. I even fostered a few puppies myself. That's an entirely other blog in itself. What I learned from that is, I need to open my own rescue and have my own rules and guidelines. Until then, I will continue to donate money, and participate as I can at other rescues. My ultimate goal is to have my own rescue/sanctuary that dogs and cats can come live out the rest of their lives regardless of medical condition, age, breed, etc.

Since Maci had been with other dogs her whole life I sometimes looked at her and thought she looked so sad and lonely. I wanted another dog to keep her company but I knew I couldn't afford one. Then my Mom came to me one day about this litter of Rat Terrier puppies that her friend's daughter had and needed to get rid of...she was a breeder but wanted to get out of the business. The deal was, I would be the caretaker and my Mom would be the financier. That day, while Jayden was gone, we went to go look at the puppies. Now, when you go to "look" at puppies I don't know how you can leave without taking one home. We were originally going to look at a female named Sky, that was supposedly really friendly and mellow. When we got there, another puppy seemed to be more interested in us instead. His name was Jager...the whole litter was named after alcohol...and he had this little white spot on his black back that made him stand out. Again, how could I not leave with one of these adorable babies? Jager came home with us that day and Jayden was so surprised we had a new puppy!

Meeko and Maci

Maci wasn't as happy as I had hoped. She wasn't too thrilled with this ball of energy that would pounce on her when she tried to sleep or kept stealing her favorite crab toy. In fact, she looked irritated. He was more of a pest than a friend. Thankfully she could hop up on the bed to get away from him but that only lasted a few months. As you can imagine, I didn't want my son yelling "Jager" out the door when calling for the puppy so we named him "Meeko". Meeko would definitely keep things interesting and busy. He barked ALL the time. Maci has only barked a handful of times and they were either when something spooked her or she was irritated with Meeko and would give him one loud bark. So all the barking that Meeko did was probably normal for his breed but not appreciated in the neighborhood. I highly suggest researching that "Free Puppy" breed before bringing them home. As much as we love Little Buddy Meeko, he can be a pain in the butt. I think my Mom really likes having him around because Maci still won't go near her...yes even after 1.5 years...and Meeko will snuggle up right in her lap. Meeko is definitely an attention whore. If anyone gives any attention to one of the other animals, he will come right in the middle of your hand and that animal so that you give him some love instead. He can't stand being ignored or not fussed over. I tell him all the time he's lucky I love him because he makes me crazy!

So that's my story. I have 2 dogs, a cat and a kid. I like it that way. We have a system and a schedule and even if my son doesn't help out with the animals as much as he says he would, I don't mind taking care of them because they are my babies too. I can never imagine life now with animals in it. I think I've finally found my true passion in life...helping animals in need.