My girl is home. Bella and I are back together. I can't tell you how happy I am. My sister-in-law and her family took beautiful care of her and I was a bit concerned Bella would say "Ixnay" to me when I went to take her home. The door greeting was wonderful. Lots of through the legs, circling, whining...when I sat, ear-licking (she's doing this, not me!), smelling and cuddling. I couldn't be happier. When I sat down, she laid down at my feet watching me. This, after being able to get on couches and beds, playing with her sister and her favorite 15-year old. I feel honored.
She's been home two days and is sticking by my side. I'm so in love.
January 30, 2011
January 23, 2011
Baja Dogs
I need to take pictures, but never seem to have my camera when I want it. The dogs here are interesting. Every once and a while you see a purebred, but my guess is it belongs to a gringo. Most of the dogs are short-furred, with upright tails and pointy snouts. All have fleas. None are overweight, though some are quite skinny. The legs tend to be shorter than looks normal for the length of the body, so one wonders. Who has the dachshund that added this character trait?
The male dogs are not castrated. It isn't part of the local, dog-owning mentality and is no different than the consciousness I recall in the U.S. in the '50s. Female puppies, supposedly, are not desired. People feel they do not make good guard dogs. Although almost all homes have wire fences to keep out whomever or whatever, not all dogs are fenced. In fact, very few seem to be confined.
Like male puppies, no one would pay to spay the females. As females mean more puppies (because none of the males are neutered and most dogs run loose), no one wants them. The end result is many female pups are dumped in the arroyos to die. Problem of puppy proliferation solved.
It's ghastly. In the weeks that I've been here, I can't tell you how many gringas have been toting around a female pup to see if any other foreigner would like to bring one home. I've been sorely tempted, because some of the pups are adorable...and what puppy isn't? But of course, that can't happen. We just don't have space for more than one dog. None-the-less, it's great that some dedicated people who live here over several months of the year are making the effort to re-home them. There is a resort/shop called Baja Joe's that has set up a connection between people willing to foster and puppies. They advertise via an internet forum and local grape vine. They want Canadians and Americans to get the dog out of here, because staying isn't an option.
Love your pup today. Let her know how lucky she is to be living with you.
The male dogs are not castrated. It isn't part of the local, dog-owning mentality and is no different than the consciousness I recall in the U.S. in the '50s. Female puppies, supposedly, are not desired. People feel they do not make good guard dogs. Although almost all homes have wire fences to keep out whomever or whatever, not all dogs are fenced. In fact, very few seem to be confined.
Like male puppies, no one would pay to spay the females. As females mean more puppies (because none of the males are neutered and most dogs run loose), no one wants them. The end result is many female pups are dumped in the arroyos to die. Problem of puppy proliferation solved.
It's ghastly. In the weeks that I've been here, I can't tell you how many gringas have been toting around a female pup to see if any other foreigner would like to bring one home. I've been sorely tempted, because some of the pups are adorable...and what puppy isn't? But of course, that can't happen. We just don't have space for more than one dog. None-the-less, it's great that some dedicated people who live here over several months of the year are making the effort to re-home them. There is a resort/shop called Baja Joe's that has set up a connection between people willing to foster and puppies. They advertise via an internet forum and local grape vine. They want Canadians and Americans to get the dog out of here, because staying isn't an option.
Love your pup today. Let her know how lucky she is to be living with you.
January 12, 2011
Raw or Home-Cooked?
There is a woman staying at this location with us who is a big advocate of the BARF diet. She has had several Rottweilers who have had skin or intestinal issues and she believes this type of diet has cured them. I know with Lucy, who barely and rarely ate, the home-cooked cancer diet was a winner.
I've been curious about this particular food, but is it necessary? Would I be diligent about making it day in and day out? Would I be able to supply both the variety and required nutrition? Is really good commercial food really that bad? My vet recommends rotating through different commercial products to keep the dog not only interested, but to make available different nutrients in each product.
So I was pleasantly surprised when I was browsing links today to come across the pros and cons of this very topic. It certainly didn't answer any questions and the topic seems as controversial as ever. For the time being, Bella will remain on a variety of commercial foods. But perhaps I can offer occasional raw or home-cooked treats...
Weigh in with your thoughts. What and how do you feed your dog?
I've been curious about this particular food, but is it necessary? Would I be diligent about making it day in and day out? Would I be able to supply both the variety and required nutrition? Is really good commercial food really that bad? My vet recommends rotating through different commercial products to keep the dog not only interested, but to make available different nutrients in each product.
So I was pleasantly surprised when I was browsing links today to come across the pros and cons of this very topic. It certainly didn't answer any questions and the topic seems as controversial as ever. For the time being, Bella will remain on a variety of commercial foods. But perhaps I can offer occasional raw or home-cooked treats...
Weigh in with your thoughts. What and how do you feed your dog?
January 8, 2011
The Pet Blogger Challenge
I am sitting in the shade on a patio on the Sea of Cortez looking at the computer. That sounds pretty pathetic now that I write it. Why aren't I swimming or paddling? For Pete's sake, woman! It's January and you're in Baja on vacation! Well, at this hour, mid-afternoon, my poor little northern latitudes body can't take any more of that solar heat. In meandering around the computer, I found a link about the Pet Bloggers Challenge 2011 and decided to take it. Below are the questions; my answers are in red.
1. When did you begin your blog? July 2007.
2. What was your original purpose for starting a blog? My dog, Lucy, had a herniated disk and could barely walk. I was unable to find information on the 'net regarding care for a dog post-surgery and decided I would blog about it to help any other pet owners who might be going through a similar situation.
3. Is your current purpose the same? No. If not, what’s different? Lucy has passed on and now I'm blogging about my present, wonderful pup (now a bonified dog), Bella. If so, how do you feel you’ve met your goals? My goal is to write about living with a dog. I want readers to learn what an owner goes through with training an animal that isn't going to compete, but must be socially acceptable in a variety of situations. I hope to clearly relate what training methods I use and whether the methods (and the owner!) are effective. In addition, I want to let readers know what it is like traveling around the United States with a large dog in a small van packed with two people and a lot of toys.
4. Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you? I blog when I am in the mood. Do you worry about… well, whatever you might worry about (e.g. losing traffic, losing momentum)? Yes, if I have not written for a while, I am concerned about losing traffic, but since my traffic is so small, what's there to lose? Hence, I am blogging while on vacation and...sigh...dogless.
5. Are you generating income from your blog? No. If not currently, do you hope to in the future — and how? Generating income always has appeal. Will I go that route? I doubt it.
6. What do you like most about blogging in general and your blog in particular (bragging is good!)? I like writing. I like the effort it takes to make a story effective. I think my blog gives a true view of what an ordinary person (not a trainer, nor a person interested in canine competition) goes through trying to live, travel and expose a dog to an enormous variety of situations.
7. What do you like least? I wish I had certifiable traffic and feed back, a real following.
8. How do you see your blog changing/growing in 2011? Writing has always been an interest of mine. Dogs have always been significant in my life. I hope my writing improves and that this blog generates a following.
Take the challenge! What's your reason for blogging about your dog(s)?
1. When did you begin your blog? July 2007.
2. What was your original purpose for starting a blog? My dog, Lucy, had a herniated disk and could barely walk. I was unable to find information on the 'net regarding care for a dog post-surgery and decided I would blog about it to help any other pet owners who might be going through a similar situation.
3. Is your current purpose the same? No. If not, what’s different? Lucy has passed on and now I'm blogging about my present, wonderful pup (now a bonified dog), Bella. If so, how do you feel you’ve met your goals? My goal is to write about living with a dog. I want readers to learn what an owner goes through with training an animal that isn't going to compete, but must be socially acceptable in a variety of situations. I hope to clearly relate what training methods I use and whether the methods (and the owner!) are effective. In addition, I want to let readers know what it is like traveling around the United States with a large dog in a small van packed with two people and a lot of toys.
4. Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you? I blog when I am in the mood. Do you worry about… well, whatever you might worry about (e.g. losing traffic, losing momentum)? Yes, if I have not written for a while, I am concerned about losing traffic, but since my traffic is so small, what's there to lose? Hence, I am blogging while on vacation and...sigh...dogless.
5. Are you generating income from your blog? No. If not currently, do you hope to in the future — and how? Generating income always has appeal. Will I go that route? I doubt it.
6. What do you like most about blogging in general and your blog in particular (bragging is good!)? I like writing. I like the effort it takes to make a story effective. I think my blog gives a true view of what an ordinary person (not a trainer, nor a person interested in canine competition) goes through trying to live, travel and expose a dog to an enormous variety of situations.
7. What do you like least? I wish I had certifiable traffic and feed back, a real following.
8. How do you see your blog changing/growing in 2011? Writing has always been an interest of mine. Dogs have always been significant in my life. I hope my writing improves and that this blog generates a following.
Take the challenge! What's your reason for blogging about your dog(s)?
January 1, 2011
Tough Choice
I had a chance for an extended trip down the Baja peninsula and grabbed it, but not without first agonizing about Bella. I am driving down and flying back and didn't want to fly her. She could have come back later in a car, but no one can take the same care of your pup as you, so that was also out. Also, many of the locals put out poison for the rats and feral cats and dogs. Bella would scoop up some tasty, laced morsel and swallow it faster than I could yell, "Out!" I'd be a wreck watching her 24/7 which of course is impossible to do. What about when I'm biking in a group, taking a yoga class, attempting stand-up paddle boarding? Nope. I just didn't see a way to make it work.
So as I type this in San Diego, I am going through serious Bella-withdrawal. She's staying with in-laws and her sister from a previous litter and her favorite 15-year old boy. The family called this morning to say she is terrified of fire crackers. I guess they took the two dogs down to their dock to light off fire crackers on New Year's Eve. Bella has never showed fear of the "pop," but she also has never been so closely exposed. She spent the night in my sister-in-law's lap...all 60 pounds of dog...and the rest of night quivering in their bathroom. My heart breaks for her. I would not have taken her so close to the action right away, but would have started her in the back yard to gauge her reaction. But I wasn't there, I was in the Angeles National Forest. My girl. Well, the dye is set. Fourth of July isn't in her/our cards.
My nephew, at whose house I'm staying, has two large German Shepherds. I'm getting my dog fix, if not MY dog fix. My fingers are crossed she remains safe over the next several weeks. I know she is happy where she is, but still I worry. What a complicated decision it was to leave!
So as I type this in San Diego, I am going through serious Bella-withdrawal. She's staying with in-laws and her sister from a previous litter and her favorite 15-year old boy. The family called this morning to say she is terrified of fire crackers. I guess they took the two dogs down to their dock to light off fire crackers on New Year's Eve. Bella has never showed fear of the "pop," but she also has never been so closely exposed. She spent the night in my sister-in-law's lap...all 60 pounds of dog...and the rest of night quivering in their bathroom. My heart breaks for her. I would not have taken her so close to the action right away, but would have started her in the back yard to gauge her reaction. But I wasn't there, I was in the Angeles National Forest. My girl. Well, the dye is set. Fourth of July isn't in her/our cards.
My nephew, at whose house I'm staying, has two large German Shepherds. I'm getting my dog fix, if not MY dog fix. My fingers are crossed she remains safe over the next several weeks. I know she is happy where she is, but still I worry. What a complicated decision it was to leave!
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