Sam, Dude and Buddy, they came from New Mexico, ponchos and sombreros...not really they wore tube tops or something..

Sam, the typical, overweight, chiuahua who runs the house and is the first one to get to the food drops, which are not humanitarian aid, they just look for a dribbler at the table and good things fall into the mouths of hungry little dogs who wait.

Dude, a very large, golden retriever, never gets to the food drops, he waits and hopes there is something left after the little ones get theirs. Though this big lug is warm and cuddly, he is a watchdog, and is known to run off those who would be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

He's an old guy now, over the ten year old mark, so he has slowed down. But he allows his small dog friends to hang out with him. I think they like his long hair, warm I'm sure.

And finally, buddy, the mutt mix, with cuteness which has won him awards in doggy contests. He and Sam run the house, but recently have had to contend with a new dog, a hairless mix. His picture will be up soon.
Hairless dogs are strange to me, it seems like it would be something they would miss. Though the hairless wonder is shivering during the winter and has to wear clothes, jackets and occassionally booties, the summer offers a different challenge.
The hairless dogs now have to be careful in the sun light as they can get a sunburn.
I'm thinking I like my dogs with hair.

February at the SouthLake Animal Shelter...they're waiting...

Oh, those cute kitties and adorable, rambunctious puppies, I enjoy walking through hoping each and everyone of these animals finds the right home, a good home.

They were loaded up with puppies on Wednesday, some with eyeing me like I might be a toy or a mail carrier, while others tumbled around their enclosure, gnawing on each other and letting out a few junior growls and grrrs.

The older dogs, sat quietly watching the action as the late afternoon cleaning was taking place.

They say cats don't like water, but this little one didn't care one bit as the hoses sprayed the floor around the stack able cat cages. This young, sweet, kitten, looked a little drowsy and bored, probably could use a kitty dangler and young kid to play with, at least that's what I see in those cat eyes.

Already training, Rocky sat down when told, and looked like he would enjoy some good rounds of fetch and sit and stay. Each dog has his or her own personality and the shelter is hoping to upgrade the facility with some outside dog runs and places for the potential owners to see the dogs without the barking and whining inside the shelter which can often make them nervous.

Some of these cats could go into sales. As I walked by peering into each cage, a few of the cats would jump up into a pose, such as crooked tail or stretching farther than a gym teacher. I was impressed.

He's a big boy, but this Corgi mix, had all the makings for the person who wants a big dog, but with really short legs. No counters can they steal food from; but when they get those legs running they can really make them hum. Cute and sweet, he's sure to go fast, but you will probably have to help him into the car.

This old boy just wagged his tail, greeting me with a definite doggy smile. He doesn't look like a child's dog, but a yard, a porch, and someone to curl up next to seems like this old guy's dream. He's been at the shelter a while and could use a home cooked meal and some carpet.

Some of the animals are going for $10, not including license, and that is a deal. You will find friendly people who will help match you and your animal cat or dog, so take a look around the shelter when you get a chance, there is probably an animal waiting for you.

And if you have construction experience, materials, the shelter would love to talk to you about it's project to get the animals outside to greet their visitors.

He dreams of his own pack of little dogs: and he hit me in the eye. Walter, the Boxer, still looking for Johnny

New plans for the new year: Walter the Boxer needs his new pals.

It has been a difficult month plus since we lost our good friend, Johnny Rotten, likely to the virus, Parvo. And neither Walter nor I have completely recovered. And Walter, does not particularly like or even acknowledge his other syblings, the cat, Patches, (shown here trying to get Walter's attention) is one he seems to have nothing in common with.

After watching Walter mope for weeks, nothing to do, nobody to play with, and especially not the cat, I gave it a try to play with the big, emotional lug, one morning.

Unfortunately, in a moment of competing for the rawhide chew (which I honestly didn't want), Walter, pushed his paw into my eye hard enough to knock me off the bed. Yes, I had a shiner for several days and even had to report it to the doctor as my eye bled.

So, yes, it's no longer a question of getting the dogs for him, it's now a question of how soon can this be accomplished.

My sister came for a visit with her dog, "Princess," a spoiled beast and Miniature Pinscher, and this creature came in wearing a matching pink jacket and booties. We were all taken aback.

But, fun is fun, and Walter and Sky, my blue and gold macaw, decided to attack and play with my sister and her twisted dog.

 

After all the excitement, a few chomps from the bird, Walter jumping all around in some sort of frenzy, I recognized the necessity for Walter to have playmates.

We have chosen a small dog from the shelter, and we have one waiting to get a little bigger so he can join our gang, they are Ricky and Brennan. Coming next month.

This is Brennan, he is being specially grown to be a the lap dog for me, and part of Walter's "small dog" gang. He's getting an extra Parvo shot and some training before he comes over in a few weeks. He's only a couple months old, so he needs some time. Walter has been visiting with him regularly and they are beginning to see that they have things in common.

The Lake Isabella Animal Shelter in South Lake make adoption the priority: Holidays bring in animal lovers

Calling all animal lovers: don't forget the shelter

It's never easy to go into an animal shelter and not keep from looking around and seeing animals you know in your heart are not going to be adopted. Then there's the feeling that you can't leave without helping one of these poor souls. I go through it everytime.

Imagine the fortitude it takes to work the job, having the lives and futures of these animals in mind day in and day out.

Diedra Morrison lives it, as she took over the shelter, and it has become her work, and I may say even her art.

With the help of the pet lovers in our community, Morrison was even able to give away an old dog, snippety, barky and bossy, they called her "Grandma."

Morrison said, it just happened that they were blessed with the help of a woman who collects the animals nobody else wants.

The messages:

Above the cages hangs a sign, a message from the cage bound animal, with promises such as "pick me" "I'll love you."

I wanted to begin covering the shelter on the pet blog along with important issues we all need to be aware of when adopting or raising an animal.

So, I took off with my video camera and walked in on a crowd of people...and animals, in the office area this holiday week before Christmas.

 Morrison sat at her desk several notepads open. The stats of the animal's shots, any illnesses, where the animal was found, sterilization, and finally licensing, all come with the adoption.

Morrison filled out forms, took phone calls answering all types of questions, while families walked through the cages of animals, as some took to barking, while some were meowing in protest, while others just sat and watched the potentials owners.

Morrison said the shelter has a difficult time adopting out the cats. She said so many cats are feral in the valley, they are almost dangerous to handle.
But there are other cats who are quite familiar with people and are quite tame and amusing.                      

Some of the cats were just irresistable, jumping up when I entered the room. They pawed at their cages, meowed, purred, and were generally happy to see people.

Cute puppies were everywhere, some young still in a pile of syblings, while others like this mix breed, several months old and looking for better quarters, like a couch or bed. Or an owner's lap.

These two robust pups, five months old, came to the shelter and have been waiting for a couple months to be seen by the owner or owners for them.

Those sweet eyes could not be resisted. (story later, they weren't)

These two mixes were another one of the amusing cages, as they greeted me with enthusiasm ready to play.

These two are still waiting for their homes.

But it's the cats that put on the displays, paws coming out of cages, vocalizing their displeasure with some really funny body language.

A couple of black and white, (don't colorize them) kittens romped up and down the two story cage.

 After an hour, two dogs were adopted,
and I saw at least two women come in and hand off checks or some kind of donation, which is commendable.

This portly pooch is going to be a present today for this couple's daughter.

The Shelter located on Hwy 178 in South Lake across fromm Sierra Gateway Market and gas station.

Hours of operation: Monday thru Saturday 9 am to 4 pm.

You can reach the shelter at 760-378-1131.

Diedra and Kim dedicate time and emotion to try and help all the animals they can. They work with many people helping them find the right dog for the new owner.

We will continue to visit the shelter as well as talk to the veteranarians around the valley bringing in educational materials to the Pet blog.

Next up: My boxer, Walter, may get himself a pack of small dogs. Don't ask, but I'm not sure I can replace his best friend, Johnson, with only one dog. And Walter loves his small dogs, so I'm sure I'll get no resistance from him. (maybe the neighbors.)

We've been so sad, and don't know what to do....

Walter, the boxer, and I miss our friend "Johnny Rotten" very much, and have not really been able to get through the depression of losing such a wonderful creature and friend.

Walter makes me sad as he looks for his friend in the yard, the car, the house, behind the chair where he used to hide, and he never finds him.

It's been horrible, the loss was not what I expected. That little dog brought life and energy to our house, and it is not easy for Walter or I to let go.

I know Walter has some idea that something bad happened: I showed Walter Johnson's body after he died, and Walter pushed him, trying to wake him up. Then we buried Johnson two days later in the yard.

It was if Walter knew that's what we were doing. We didn't want him to watch. But after we covered the lifeless pup, Walter came tearing out, barking at the burial mound.

Then yesterday, when it snowed, Walter went running outside to enjoy the floating flakes of ice, and suddenly stopped by the grave. He barked once and looked, as if he was telling Johnny, "come out there's snow."

While I grapple with the idea of getting another dog for Walter, I am too hopelessly missing our tiny dog. I want Johnson, I don't want another dog. But I have to get over it, and we have to move on.

Most of my animals lived to ripe old ages, so when they died, I knew I had a great life, the longest life possible, with them.

But Johnson was just a boy starting out and he was awfully cute and awful too. May God enjoy him.

I lost him: remembering Johnny rotten and warning there's parvo

I didn't get enough time with him, not just me, but all the people who had come to know him in the short two months I've had him. We will all miss out on one of the smartest and funniest dogs I've ever had in my life. He was something really special there was no doubt.

But he put up a hell of a fight and succumbed in a way that had dignity.

I was getting ready to update the blog while Johnson lay quiet, finally comforted that the nausea and vomiting that had gripped him, was over.

He was alert and I sang to him while he rested.

As I started write about how he would be going to the vet in the morning, Johnson suddenly looked up at me. I reached down to pet him, and his neck became rigid, and his arms outstretched.

Then, no crying, no nothing, he took his leave, a last breath, and sighed as he let it out for the last time. I watched him relax, suddenly everything.

I told him "thank you" for the short time we had. And the fact that he was so unique and special to all his Friends.


The boys

It wasn't just Johnson, in fact, Johnson was owned by my Boxer, Walter as they were inseparable the moment they met, which was only a couple months ago if that.
Walter doesn't know he's a big dog, all his friends are small, so when Johnson showed up, it was a dream come true.

Parvo is serious and it is out there right now:

I won't be getting another dog for Walter as this parvo is all over our home now, and would not be good to go through this again.

Walter has been vaccinated, but aside from depression over today's trauma, he seems lethargic and warm. He's going to get another booster for the heck of it.

My sister's dog was here and is now showing signs. She's been vaccinated too.

So, make sure your dogs are updated right now, and KV Veterinary here in South Lake has a low cost shots program the first Thursday of each month.

I haven't even decided what to do with Johnson's body, and I will be writing a memorial for him too.

Thanks everyone for your prayers and your concerns.

Bye Johnny "rotten" I loved you a lifetime's worth. And that was the best fight I've ever seen. And the most dignified death I've ever witnessed. Amazing strength in this dog.

He just showed me an example of true strength, now I'll make him proud. Johnny, there's still fight left in this dog, watch what I do in your honor.

Johnny died with great dignity after a struggle which impressed us all.

There are people I know who won't just "die" or step away from their positions who should take a lesson from Johnny rotten.

But, die you will, a different kind of death, but one you will never forget.

A Thanksgiving to remember: Johnson's last stand, part six, seven or whatever it is now...

The Johnson rescue plan

That was the first and last chapter of the blog as our efforts have failed and Johnson died last night.

It was a long day today, but those who saw him thought he would make it, he looked better. And so did I.

Wanted to keep the appointment for the vet on Monday, just not quite.

Johnson feeling better and alert after the phernegan treatment. His eyes were relieved as the nausea dissipated.

His breathing had a rattle sound to it, so he was elevated and we indirectly blew some oxygen around him.

Walter paced around all day, finally sitting with his friend on the bed. He pulled Johnson over to him with his paw.

Walter is very depressed. And I'm heartbroken.

The ever vigilant watchdog, watches out the window with Johnson sleeping behind him.

His aunt visits him, checking his lungs with a stethoscope. He sounded better this afternoon, which meant nothing.

And of course we could not keep her out, Sky the macaw had to see what was going on. She sensed something and finally wouldn't be stopped fom coming into the room.

Sky said, "awwww" when she looked at the baby. She's a bird, but with great intelligence and a sense of compassion and understanding seen in few humans.



Johnson's last hours, quiet and comfortable.

A real fight he put up, let me tell you.