Do not pity a shelter dog. Adopt one.

Posted on 16. Apr, 2010 by kchristieh in advertising, animals

Shelter dogs aren’t broken.
They’ve simply experienced more life.
If they were human, we would call them wise.
They would be the ones with tales to tell, stories to write.
Do not pity a shelter dog.
Adopt one.

Pedigree’s “Heroes” commercial, part of its Adoption Drive.

Best commercial I’ve ever seen.

15 Life Lessons I Learned From My Dog

Posted on 16. Sep, 2009 by kchristieh in animals, my life

When my sweet dog Genevieve died just over a year ago, I cried for days. Ever since we’d adopted her over 11 years before, she’d been my constant companion. She was rarely more than five feet from my side, and she was my office mate who sat on the couch as I did all the work. She lived a good, long life – perhaps 16.5 years – but in the end an enlarged heart did her in. It was only fitting, because she captured everyone’s heart.

We honored Genevieve and the place she had in our hearts by adopting another dog within eight days. As I look back on it, I can’t believe we adopted another dog so quickly, but Genevieve left a big hole, and I wanted to try to fill it quickly. I went to five local animal shelters, and at each one I asked them to show me their friendliest small dog. Some of the dogs they showed me didn’t show much interest in being social, and at other shelters the workers and volunteers had so many animals on hand that they didn’t know enough about them to help me. Finally, at the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society, several workers independently pointed to an adorable little guy whom I’d passed by the first time I saw him. They were right: he’s a love sponge, and a year ago today we brought him home with us. We named him Ricky, and he’s brought great joy to our family and to all who have met him. He’ll never replace Genevieve, but he honors her by filling in his own way the role that she played in our family.

Here’s what Ricky’s taught me in the last year:

1. Life goes on. I miss Genevieve dearly, but Ricky has helped me to focus on the present, not on the past.
2. Don’t judge someone by their looks. I thought I’d wind up adopting another terrier, but I’m very happy we brought Ricky home instead. I don’t know what breeds are mixed in him, but it doesn’t matter. What matters is what’s on the inside.
3. If you show love, you’ll get love. I’ve never known a dog who licked as much as Ricky does. It makes you want to pet him all the time.
4. If you ask for love, you’ll get love. Ricky loves to lie on his back, look at us with pathetic eyes, and shake his legs until he gets a belly rub. He’s irresistible.
5. Be persistent. The more you chew on that toy, the more likely you’ll be to break it down. Also, see #4.
6. Everyone is a potential friend. Keep trying.
7. Lead a balanced life. There’s a time for belly rubs, a time for chasing squirrels, and a time for sleeping in the sun. All are important.
8. Life is a journey: enjoy the ride. Ricky loves to go for car rides, and gets upset when I don’t bring him along.
9. Express yourself. If you’re bugged by the fact that someone dares to walk on the sidewalk across the street, bark and let them know it.
10. Be true to yourself. Just because the neighbor dogs like to swim doesn’t mean you have to.
11. Appreciate the blessings of life. Anything beats being in a cage at the Humane Society for a month and a half.
12. Live each moment to the fullest. One of my greatest joys is seeing the extra-high leap that Ricky loves to take when he jumps up the stairs after playing in the backyard.
13. Being small has its advantages. If he weren’t so small, Ricky wouldn’t fit on my lap or under the bed.
14. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to have fun. Even an old sock can provide great enjoyment.
15. Seize the opportunity when it’s available. As soon as the bedroom door opens, rush in to grab any socks that may be on the floor. (see #14)

Ricky is like a 9-year-old boy. He’s bright, sweet, energetic and playful all at once. He makes life exciting and rewarding, and we’re blessed to have him in our lives.

I wish Genevieve could meet him.

The Obamas should rescue a dog

Posted on 05. Nov, 2008 by kchristieh in animals, local news, my life, politics

Barack Obama promised his daughters that, win or lose, he’d get them a dog. Although Garrison Keilor may disagree, I think he should and will keep his promise.

This past summer, the American Kennel Club ran a “Presidential Pup” survey to see which dog people thought the Obamas should get. One of the Obama daughters has allergies, so the AKC narrowed the choices to the following breeds that are known to have hypoallergenic coats and stable, friendly dispositions: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Poodle, Miniature Schnauzer, Bichon Frise, and Chinese Crested. The Poodle won, and the AKC has offered to help the Obamas choose a puppy or adult rescue dog.

I think a rescue dog would send a great message. There are far too many dogs and cats in need of good homes, especially in these difficult economic times. Locally, the Pasadena Humane Society installed two large trailers to house pets because they have about 33% more dogs and cats than they did a year ago.

Too bad their daughter has an allergy to some breeds, because it would be cool if the Obamas got a mixed-breed dog. We joke in our family that since we’re all such a mix of different races (esp. my husband and kids), it’s neat to have a dog that’s also a mix.

Either way, I’d recommend that the Obamas aim for the friendliest dog they can find. It’s easier to deal with annoying puppy behavior when the dog is full of love.