Ridenbaugh Press/Dog Rescue

Both of these ads came off of Craigslist on the same day:

Need a new loving home for my puppy…i love him to death but just isnt fair to him because i do not have the time he deserves. Hes about 5months old and i have had him since he was 5weeks old. Hes a heeler and very loving, good with kids and other dogs as well. I am asking for a $50 rehoming fee and that is it.

Bella is special needs. she is a german shepard/ mutt mix. She is alpha, she jumps up, she is allergic to wheat, she barks, she can be other dog aggressive, ( but not often ). she digs holes, she jumps on little kids. she bolts out of the door ( but always comes back ). that said, heres the good stuff. she is so cuddly. so loyal, caring and very smart. she would make a perfect pet for adults with no kids under ten, with a horse ranch or many acres to run, and someone who either is retired or works from home. are you this person? i have had her for 4 years and she has brought many happy memories into my life, but its selfish for me not to give her the life she deserves. she could be the best dog ever! even as a trial run, i would always take her back if it didnt work out.. i beleive the perfect home is waiting for her out there..

What, exactly, goes through people’s minds when they are getting a dog? I know — stupid question — the answer many times is: nothing. No thought is given to what this dog is going to be doing; the person getting the dog has one thing in mind: A new playmate or companion to fill the person’s needs — little if any consideration is given to the dog’s needs. And when the new owner discovers that the dog has needs, their initial reaction is that the dog needs to go to someone who “has more time.”

For some reason they assume that if the dog was going to be their perfect companion it would have been born that way and no training would have ever been needed. I always wonder if it was socially acceptable for parents to give up their children, how many kids would actually stay in their birth homes to adulthood? Given the situation in Nebraska this summer, I have a feeling we’d see a lot more kids in foster and institutional care if the option was available:  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27706078/

What has happened in our society that adults seem not to be able to educate and raise another creature be it child or animal? What is going on that we have become so selfish and needy that we’re unable to put the slightest effort into helping another being grow and learn?

“I don’t have time for my dog?” Good grief! You have to feed it, take it for a walk, integrate it into your household and give it some love. How hard is that?

One last update: http://www.kval.com/news/local/69921102.html

The other day a friend of mine told me a story of protecting her dog from an ignorant child and parent. She’d tethered her very patient and friendly dog outside of the coffee shop and while waiting for her coffee was keeping an eye on her dog — so she saw immediately when the father and young daughter approached Lily and the daughter draped herself over the dog and began hugging her around the chest.

My friend dashed to the door almost before the girl wrapped her arms around the dog, and by the time she made it outside poor Lily was standing stiff and panicked wondering what exactly to do. In a calm, low key voice, so as not to upset Lily more, my friend called to the child, “No, no — we don’t pet doggies we don’t know!”  The child immediately burst into tears, the father was offended that someone had dared to tell his daughter “no” and the incident ended with a relieved Lily, my friend frustrated and defensive, and father and daughter walking off in a huff. Continue Reading »

I received the following from Hattie a few days ago…I think things are going well….

Hi Ladies,

 

It has almost been a week since Misty came home. Everyday I am in amazement that she is back home with her family. I decided I needed to stop trying to understand how this happen and just accept it as the miracle it is.

 

I was so anxious last week wondering if I had made the right decision to bring her into a house of loud, active boys but as she has shown it is always right to be with your family who loves you.

 

She is so funny I had forgotten how her little quirks made me laugh so much. Like when I scratch her butt and she backs into me so I can scratch more. The way she can zoom into a food scent and she would rather have human food than dog food. Of course we don’t feed her that but the baby does slip a few pieces in LOL. They are partners in crime.

 

Jacob is loving her giving her at least two walks a day. Jacob and I take turns taking to the bathroom. She is starting to get more familiar with the outside.

 

She has the house down good. We still need to guide her with sounds but she is doing well.

 

I had been keeping her in Jacob’s room during the most loud parts of the day but she is done with that. She gives a little bark and let’s us know she would rather be with us than not regardless of the noise. She will go lay down and sleep even with the noise.

 

The boys surprisingly are really considerate of her and settle down or take it outside.

 

Jacob somehow picked out the most perfect toy as far as she is concerned. I just finished having grrrr grrrr time and once again she made us laugh reminding us of how she still has a little get up and go in her.

 

It is the best thing that could of happen to us all. We had missed her so much and cried so many tears.

 

You are all so amazing angels on earth.

 

With tears pouring out of my eyes I thank you a million times over. If I can ever repay you or your organization just ask.

 

Take Care,

 

Hattie