Before and After

Before humans started messing with the locations, not to mention the genetics, of dogs, the various breeds lived in particular areas of the world. These dogs had a purpose, a job, be it a sled dog in the cold North of Alaska, a toy dog for an emperor's lap, a hunting dog in the wilds of Scotland, or a sheepdog guarding a herd in England. 

Maggie before

But as humans are want to do, we started moving these animals around the world. Dogs soon became pets and it was up to the human caretaker to realize that not all dogs were made for all climates. Sheepdogs were NOT meant to live in Oklahoma. Even inside, these poor dogs can overheat.

Thus enters Maggie the sheepdog into this story. Sheepdogs have a coat that grows and grows and . . . grows. People may think these dogs don't shed, but they'd be wrong. Chunks of fur tend to get caught under chair legs, not to mention the furry dust bunnies that just appear within hours of the house being cleaned. This dog's fur is unique in that if a sheepdog has to fight a wolf -- to protect the herd, of course -- it is so thick the teeth of the wolf can't 1) get a good grip, 2) get deep enough to do major injury.
 
Uh, we don't wolves in Oklahoma, at least none that I'm aware of, nor do we own any sheep.

So we do what we have to do to keep the dog comfortable -- we shear it. Well, truthfully, my hubs does the hard work.

This first picture was taken at about 0730 last Saturday morning.



The fur from the back of the dog

Same fur pile, different view

When I went upstairs to change for my walk, my hubs took a picture of the first pass of shaving Maggie's back.




Did you know people can and do use sheepdog fur to spin yarn? We've also found it in bird nests and bunny nests around the yard.

Four hours later, we had a sheared and bathed dog.

Maggie after

She also wouldn't sit still for a picture, because she had sat/laid/stood for hours while being clipped. She's happier now with her short hair.

I don't even want to think about how much it would cost to have a professional groomer shave this dog, but I could hazard a guess that the $200 Oster clippers would be paid for within two visits to the groomer. If you have a dog that needs grooming, consider doing it yourself . . . of course, you have to start when they are very young to get them used to the sound and feel of the clippers, and fork out a chunk of money for some very good clippers, but it's worth it.

If we could train our cat to like being vacuumed (Yes, Kato was vacuumed weekly. When we would clean the house, he would chase the vacuum down to remind us he wanted his turn!) , then you can train your dog to behave while being groomed.

Remember to take care of your furbabies. They are the only critters out there that give  us their unconditional love. In fact, my Maggie is currently taking up room under my desk where my feet should be. . . . it was cute when she could actually fit under the desk, but now she pushes the chair out to have enough room to curl up.

Okay, I'll admit it . . . it's still cute.

 Later, Peeps!

Recyclable Pets--I don't think so!

Over the last month or so, I've noticed a disturbing trend of people acquiring family pets only to try to find someone to dump them on. This has happened with people I know, know through a friend of a friend and even on Facebook. I find it a sad statement about our country. If you can't deal with it, get rid of it. Shoot, I happens in marriage all the time--it's called a PRE-NUP. Sign a contract for a divorce prior to even getting married.

Everyone is trying to find the easy way out. Whatever happened to trying to make a marriage work? Or working with an animal to TRAIN it properly, er, actually train the stupid owner, NOT THE DOG. Or taking allergy shots if you're allergic.

And yes, I do understand there are circumstances that will force one to make a decision to give up an animal. Loss of a job resulting in the inability to care for the animal, severe asthma/allergies that send someone to a hospital, or a caregiver's illness. I'm sure there are more instances, but that's all I can think of at the moment. I'm not talking about these conditions, I'm talking about pure laziness on the part of the owner to train an animal, or loss of interest in the creature, or simple allergies, or not researching the breed of dog prior to getting it.

This seriously PISSES ME OFF!

Years ago, one of the trainers at my horse barn had a litter of kittens to give away. Her female Abyssinian got preggers by the neighborhood tomcat. I told her I would give one a try, but I knew I was allergic to cat hair/dander--I found that out when I worked for a veterinarian in high school. I took the kitten and by the time the month trial was up, I was sneezing my head off.

Did I give him away?

Mr. Kato Kitty in his younger days

Heck, no! 21 years later, I had to put Mr. Kato Kitty to sleep, only a few months ago. I took allergy shots, medicine, and used an inhaler when needed. I also learned to wash my hands thoroughly after I finished petting him. I dealt with MY problem.

After my hubby and I married we had an assortment of critters--Siberian hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs. Uh, I found out the hard way that I'm allergic to guinea pigs. I still pet and groomed Harry (really, Harriet), but I couldn't clean her cage as there was too much of the concentrated allergens. So my hubby did. After Harry died, who do you think saw Rocky and talked the family into having another Guinea pig?  Yep, me. I just love those little guys!

Rocky, this AM

When I was in high school, I adopted a brindle Great Dane (tiger striped) named Gretchen. She was such a sweetie, but with many physical problems--she was a puppy mill dog. Turns out the dimwit who owned her didn't realize she wasn't an apartment dog. What part of GREAT Dane suggests under 20 lbs?? After Gretchen died far too young when she was only three and I was in my first year of college. After I graduated college, I bought Pippin, a harlequin Great Dane. Though I moved out of my parents house and I had to leave Pippy behind, I still payed for his board. My dad and Pippin used to go for walks in the neighborhood. Pippin had to be put down at the ripe age of 12. The life span of a Dane is 8.

Katie, age 12

Maggie and family

We currently have an Old English Sheepdog. This one is Maggie, but before her we had Katie who we had to put down at the age of 12 due to stomach cancer. We knew they would have to be indoor dogs--the heat is simply too much for an OES in Oklahoma. We knew she would need to be groomed and trimmed regularly. We knew what we were getting into.

All kittens and puppies are cute, but do a little research before picking up that animal to see if,
a) you are willing to do what it takes to have a new family member
b) realize how long these animals can live--and then add two or three years. Birds live a very LONG time--something to think about.
c) look at breed characteristics. If you want a laid-back dog, don't buy a rat terrier or lab. If the dog has to be outdoors, take into consideration their abilities to cope with the temperatures in your area, make certain you provide adequate housing, food and water.

Pets are family members. Would you give your kid away when they ticked you off? How about when you were potty training them? Did you get frustrated and give up? How about when they were a teen and they sassed you?
--Yeah, I know you want to give them away, but really, would you?

Be a knowledgeable and savvy pet owner. If you can't afford a big dog, don't buy one. If you buy a small pet for your kid, stress to the child that the animal can live for years. It the kid loses interest, then be mean mom and tell them to take care of their pet or step up and do it yourself. How fair is it to the animal when you desert them?

Animals become part of our family. They deserve your respect and love, because love is all they have to give back along with years of pleasure.

Later, peeps!

My Daughter's Autobiography

My fourth grader is writing her autobiography for a class assignment. And I get the job of typing it into the computer. You don't know how hard it was to keep from correcting the story! I had to type it exactly as she had written it, complete with misspelled words, very little punctuation, and incomplete sentences.

But I discovered a few jewels in this story.  Here are a few excerpts with her permission. My comments are in purple. The Kidlet's comments are in pink.

The dedication was my first surprise:

To my mom because she wrote The Gobblens Aprentic series and she taught me a lot about writing and edditing. Awww. . . .

Chapter One

My parents chose my name because if I got in trouble they could yell my full name. Too true . . .

Chapter Five

When my dad helped me do my bike he wouldn’t let me fall down but when my mom helped me she didn’t care if I fell so it helped me a lot. It wasn't that I didn't care, I did but it was time for a little tough love. Oh, yeah, right.

Chapter Eight

When I grow up I want to be a engener that invented the first flying car on bubble power that can hold a family of five. How cool is this?!  Sure do!

And last, but certainly the most touching.

Chapter Nine

If I was to go back in time and charge something from happening it would be my first dog (Katie) from getting stomic cansur and having to get put to sleep. *sniff, sniff*, ;-( Maggie's fun, but she's not Katie.

Later, Peeps!