Four Bully Boy Sweeties Searching for Homes

Another week, another dog--or two, or three, or four--running out of time in an open shelter.

When I started this blog, I didn't intend for it to be primarily an online billboard for homeless pets. But, as anyone involved in animal rescue and rehoming knows, the need is there and never ending. And as it happens, I don't have a lot of other pressing issues or earth-shattering thoughts to share at the moment, so it behooves me to use my cyberspace soapbox for the purpose of saving lives...literally.

As some of you may know, I'm currently working on a couple of photo collections--"Brindled Beauties" and "Seeing Spots"--so my friends at shelters and rescue groups are frequently notifying me about potential canine models. Yesterday I was at the Prince George's County shelter to photograph three brindled boys plus one cutie with a sprinkling of spots on his ears.

As of today, only one of these guys has a single application, and even that's not a sure thing. Shelter staff have to guard against premature jubilation; it's never a cause for celebration until the lucky one has left the building. Since I had the privilege of spending several enjoyable hours with these beautiful boys, I thought I'd use my words and images to increase their visibility...and perhaps, with a little help from my friends, find them new homes. So here goes...


Meet Apollo (ID#A309190). This brindle-and-white American bulldog mix is about two years old and as handsome as they come. For some reason, he is continually overlooked by potential adopters...a fact that shelter staff find hard to understand. He's bouncy and energetic, but, come on, he's a youngster! While spending time with him, I found him to be friendly, affectionate, and food motivated (which usually makes for easy training).


Then there's Dukey (ID#A346769), an 8-month-old brindle-and-white mastiff mix. Wow! This cutie is all leg at the moment and moves like a gangly young foal. He's still underweight despite regular feeding at the shelter...probably because his body's still growing...trying to catch up with those stilts he calls legs. This sweetheart seemed a bit insecure and would benefit from some attention and confidence-building activities. But what a lover! Like Apollo, Dukey just hasn't captured the attention and imagination of any adopters, although after meeting him I can't imagine why.


Talk about darling! Okay, I probably wouldn't describe this boy as beautiful, but he sure is unique. Although he doesn't have a name, he struck me as a "Newton" (ID#A347221) kind of guy, so that's how I'm going to refer to him here. In shelter dogs, ancestry can be something of a mystery, but given his wrinkles, it's safe to say that Newton is part Shar pei. But his personality doesn't match my understanding of the breed standard; he is happy, exuberant, outgoing, and very affectionate right from the get go. In fact, he gave my face--and ears--a thorough cleaning while I was there. Being one of those people who loves kissy dogs, I was smitten!


Last but certainly not least was a precious 6-month-old American bulldog mix who I'm going to call Piper (ID#A346933), the Latin word for pepper, because of the sprinkling of black-pepper-like spots on his ears. Like Newton, this boy is a happy, confident, exuberant love bug...and another big kisser! Although we'd never met before, he bounded into the interaction room and greeted me like a long-lost friend...impossible to resist.

So now you've met this handsome canine quartet. Do you have room in your heart and home for one of them? If that's not feasible, please spread the word about them. And if you need more information, just call the shelter at (301) 780-7200.

UPDATE: "Piper" has been adopted!

SECOND UPDATE: "Newton" has left the building!

THIRD UPDATE: "Apollo has been adopted!"

Of Horror and Heroism

Those of us involved in animal welfare and rescue encounter horror stories on an all-too-regular basis...stories that depress us and cause us to question the "humanity" of Homo sapiens. Fortunately, we are also exposed to great acts of interspecies kindness, empathy, and selfless generosity that bolster our spirits and strengthen our resolve.

The story of Jimmy D exemplifies both: the horror and the heroism.

Somehow, I missed the initial news reports about Jimmy...how he was discovered in August by a Baltimore, MD, couple with part of his nose and muzzle hacked off. It wasn't until more recently that I discovered a blog devoted to Jimmy D's story--his rescue, his surgeries, and his ongoing recovery. And let me tell you, it's worth a read...right back from the original posts and photos.

It's a story that will infuriate you and inspire you. The kindness and devotion of Jimmy's foster mom and the physical and psychological resilience of this dog are awesome. They're both outstanding "ambassadors" of their respective species.

When Canine Eyes are Smiling: Encounters with Dogs of the Emerald Isle

Last week I returned from my first trip to Ireland, a two-week journey filled with rolling hills, rugged cliffs, charming villages, fascinating historic sites, warm and friendly people, and...dogs.

As a lifelong dog lover, I am unable to travel anywhere—near or far—without visiting with local residents of the canine persuasion. And Ireland was no different. In between soaking up the verdant beauty of the countryside, touring the odd castle or abbey, and negotiating miles of winding rural roads—on the "wrong" side—I made time to make friends with and photograph a dog or two.

In a country known for woolen goods and the sheep that make them possible, I had expected to see my fair share of border collies. And I did. At Kissane Sheep Farm near Killarney, for example, I met several of these intelligent, hard-working herding dogs, along with four adorable roly-poly six-week-old pups. I witnessed firsthand the amazing bond between human and canine as the farmers demonstrated the teamwork required to herd a flock of sheep—a bond so strong that each dog works its best with only one human. It was obvious that these dogs are more than just four-legged farm employees...they are truly members of the family.





But these quintessential working dogs were just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. My travels were also blessed with encounters with a variety of other purebreds and mixes of all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages.

Some, like English cocker spaniel Honey, golden retriever Jake, and a one-eyed little terrier mix, took the hour-long ferry ride from Doolin to the Aran Island of Inisheer for holidays with their people. Others, like a lovely collie/GSD mix and her “pugalier” companion frolicked on the beach at Derrynane. And still others, including an elderly beagle mix, strolled the pedestrianized shopping district of Galway.



At my last stop, the Castle Lodge B&B at Malahide, I received friendly greetings not only from my human hosts but also from Jackster, the resident 21(!)-year-old JRT, and visiting Clancy, a Shih-tzu who, despite the indignity of a post-neutering megaphone collar, made it his mission to shower me with pre-departure kisses.


Basically, we met dogs everywhere we went. But the seaside village of Kinsale proved to be the canine mother lode. Known for its excellent dining establishments, this County Cork vacation spot also provided a wealth of dog-watching opportunities: Rex, a JRT, reclined regally on the front wall of his home observing passersby; Scampi, the resident canine of the Old Presbytery Guesthouse, greeted guests between breaks in her soft little dog house; a solitary Golden retriever relaxed in the middle of the street; and a pair of lurchers—a breed familiar to me only from the works of James Herriott—relaxed in the sunshine at an outdoor eating area.





All found their way into my digital record, and when I reflect on my Irish journey in years to come, they will be front and center in my mind.

Three Strikes and You're...Home?

Staff at the Humane Society of Kent County (MD) sure hope that's so for Momma. This sweet girl does indeed have three strikes against her: 1) she's black, 2) she's a pit bull terrier, and 3) she's 9 years old. Life for a homeless dog doesn't get much worse, statistically, than that.

First, there's the color thing: Folks in rescue will tell you that black dogs (like black cats) are less likely to be adopted from shelters than their lighter or flashier-colored counterparts. And if they're BIG black dogs, their chances are even smaller. Reasons for this situation, often referred to as "Black Dog Syndrome," range from a link in myth and legend between black dogs and evil and death to their "scary" image in horror movies to the fact that they just aren't as noticeable--especially in poorly-lit shelters--as other dogs.

Age can also be a big factor in an animal's adoptability. People often want the experience of raising a puppy (little realizing the headaches that can involve) and may worry about not having as long a time together with an older pet. But the truth is that older dogs offer many advantages: they almost never require housetraining, are more mellow and less demanding than their younger counterparts, require less vigorous exercise, and are more likely to be content just "chilln'" in your company. And the satisfaction that comes from giving a senior canine a happy home in which to live his or her "golden" years can be incredibly rewarding.

When it comes to breed--pit bull terriers, to be specific--well...don't get me started. Basically, pit bull terriers and pit mixes face extraordinary discrimination...probably more than any other breed of dog. And, yes, there are "bad" pit bulls--the result of intentional breeding for aggressive traits and inhumane, cruel treatment at the hands of people (although I haven't seen any laws "banning" them!).

But it's just as true that not all aggressive dogs are pit bulls. For example, the French face transplant victim was mauled by her Labrador retriever. An elderly Georgia woman was killed by her mixed-breed dogs. A family's briard killed their 8-year-old daughter. And golden retrievers--golden retrievers!-- attacked a 2-year-old in Kansas. The list goes on and on, although such attacks often don't make the headlines.

And just as some pit bull terriers are aggressive, others are gentle, loving, docile dogs. Take Momma for example. This sweet senior is described by shelter staff as "friendly, calm, easy going, and good on a leash." Oh, yes, she also loves hanging out with friends and being scratched behind the ears.

Nevertheless, this good girl has been at the shelter since last November. And although the staff are happy to care for her--and shower her with attention, treats, and "walkies"--for as long as she's in their care, Momma's future is tenuous at best. By law, the Humane Society of Kent County must take in every stray they find or owner-give-up that's turned in to them...limiting the number of animals the shelter can house at any one time.

And that means Momma's luck could run out at any time.

So, please, if you live in Maryland or a nearby state, and have a place in your heart and home for this special dog, call the Humane Society of Kent County at (410) 778-3648 or toll free at (866) 661-7387, or email them at kenthumane@yahoo.com. Shelter staff will even arrange transportation!

Momma thanks you!

Three Dogs, One Home

I was fortunate enough to spend a couple of days recently with my friend Sandy and her canine kids. As with human children (and adults as well, for that matter), dogs have distinct personalities...complete with a unique collection of likes, dislikes, abilities, phobias, obsessions, and accompanying behaviors. In short, they are individuals.

If I had to describe Sandy's furred family members in once sentence, I might say the following:

* Jocey is a gentle, affectionate, water-loving Queen Bee.

* Petey is a slightly neurotic, unpredictable boy who is never voluntarily without his round-shaped "pacifier."

* Oscar is a lover, not a fighter, who likes nothing more than a good cuddle.

I doubt you'll have any trouble matching the descriptions to the dogs' images above.

Days of Wine and Roses...Uh, Make that Sun and Lilies

I'm one of those people who really hates cold weather. My fingers and toes seem permanently frozen from November to March. I've been known to take two baths a day during the winter months just to thaw out. Friends and family have heard me say repeatedly that I'd rather be hot than cold.

But...this June has caused me to rethink my position. Record heat has left me feeling wilted, lethargic, and downright irritable. I worry about how reliant I am on air conditioning and live in fear of a power outage.

Fortunately, some of Mother Nature's creations seem to be weathering the heat far better. So here's a toast to the lilies of summer, those hardy, heat-resistant blooms that bring a smile to my sweaty face.

A Dreary Day Pick-Me-Up

This morning started off beautifully, but then Mother Nature pulled a fast one on us, and the sun disappeared. So I thought it was time for a visual pick-me-up. You can check out more of my favorite flower photos on my website: digitaldoggy.com.