Dog Shows, Welcome

Levi: FBI dog

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Do you remember the PAX series, Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye that aired from 2002 – 07?  One of the major stars of the show was Levi, the golden retriever who served as an assistance dog to Ms. Thomas.  The series was based on the true story of Sue Thomas, who served first as a fingerprint specialist for the FBI, then was promoted to a surveillance team with the help of her assistance dog.

Because of the involvement of Levi, Animal Planet has picked up the syndication option on the show and is broadcasting repeats on Monday nights at 9 pm.  If things go well, they may even have more episodes produced.

If you didn’t see the show the first time around, it’s worth checking out.  Not terribly dramatic or suspenseful, but a good way to see how differently-abled people interact with their assistance dogs, and not a bad story about the type of cases the FBI pursues.

Until next time,

Good day, and good dog!

Health

Update on my Maggie Dog’s Surgery

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We just heard from the vet that he removed half of Maggie’s thyroid, as well as a good-sized tumor.  He says they are almost always cancerous, but we will have to wait for the pathology report (5 – 7 days).  I did a little research, and it doesn’t look all that great.  I’ll follow-up with you after we hear back from the lab.  Going to pick her up now.

Human or Doggy Nature

Lava, Dog Rescued From Baghdad

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I just finished listening to the audiobook “From Baghdad, With Love”, the story of Lava, a dog rescued by Lt. Col. Jay Kopelman of the U.S. Marines.  In spite of rules which forbid bringing home dogs from a war zone, Col. Kopelman found a way to get this puppy home with the help of reporters, the Helen Woodward Animal Center, some Iraqi nationals, and the Iams pet food company. 

This is truly a good story – not only because it has a good outcome for the dog, but also because it shows how awful the war in Iraq truly is.  Kopelman pulls no punches when telling how the money is mis-spent, how the war strategy is flawed, and how the Iraqi citizens suffer under the invasion.

Here is a link to the book on Amazon, if you’re interested.  I highly recommend it!  (BTW, in looking at Amazon, I see there is a 2nd book by Kopelman, called “From Baghdad to America:  Life Lessons from a Dog Named Lava”.  I’ll have to put that one on my list, too!)

Until next time,

Good day, and good dog!

Health

Prayers for my dog Maggie

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I have a favor to ask of you.  I found a lump under my 8-year old Golden Retriever’s chin last weekend.  The vet took a biopsy yesterday and said it looks suspicious, so she is having surgery tomorrow (4/9/09) to have it removed.  I am so worried she has lymphoma.  We’ve already lost one dog to that, and I’m not sure I can bear to lose another.

Please keep her in your thoughts.

Until next time,

Good day, and good dog!

Behavior and Psychology, Breed Specific, Dog Fun

Tuesday’s Top Ten: Funnest Dog Breeds

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OK, so I’m not sure funnest is even a word, and there is no science to this list – it is simply the dog breeds I have known that I have had fun with.  This topic came to mind because my dogs are having  some serious playtime in my office – running all over the place and play-biting each other. 

Some dogs, like the Basset Hound, turn into doorstops soon after leaving puppyhood, so they’re not what I would call fun.  Other dogs, like German Shepherds, are too serious about being a guard dog, so I’ve never seen one having fun.  (OK, the address is “[email protected], for all of you Basset and German Shepherd owners!)

Continue reading Tuesday’s Top Ten: Funnest Dog Breeds →

Dog News

Dog Overboard!

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Remember the Tom Hanks movie where he survived a plane crash, only to be stranded on a deserted island? How about Gilligan and his friends, stuck perpetually on an uncharted desert isle after what was supposed to only be a three-hour tour (a three-hour tour). How many of you have wished to spend some time on a deserted island when life gets to be too much? Keep reading for a story about Sophie Tucker, an Australian Cattle Dog who fell overboard from her family’s boat and swam over five miles to an island. Continue reading Dog Overboard! →

Human or Doggy Nature, Welcome

Angel Dogs: Divine Messengers of Love

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Have you seen this book?  I haven’t read it yet, but I think it will be next on my list.  It tells many stories about how dogs have brought their families love – what a great theme!

Here is the “official” description of the book from the publisher:

With a well-earned reputation as man’s — as well as woman’s — best friend, dogs have an uncanny ability to sense exactly what their human friends need.  Gathered from thousands of stories Allen and Linda Anderson have received, as well as their own experiences, “Angel Dogs” demonstrates that dogs are not only faithful companions but also spiritual guides.  Stories include the four-legged speech therapist who helped a scared boy find his voice; the dog who came “special delivery” through the mail at just the right moment in a family’s life; the dog who helped guard Air Force One; dogs from the canine corps; service dogs; and many others.  The book also details new scientific findings on how dogs can save lives, sniff out cancerous tumors, and warn epileptics of impending seizures.  Each story is followed by a short meditation that helps readers focus on the messages of love that dogs bring to their lives.

Book Details:

Angel Dogs:  Divine Messengers of Love

By Allen Anderson, Linda C. Anderson

Edition:  illustrated

Published by New World Library, 2005

ISBN 157731493X, 9781577314936

218 pages

Link to Amazon.com

 

Until next time,

Good day, and good dog!

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