I didn’t think they were friends until the very end.

Watch and be amazed!

http://www.wimp.com/catowl

We started telling her “no”, which was a word she was hearing a lot.  If she saw it, it was in her mouth and she was chewing on it.  That also meant your hands, arms, feet, toes, and oh yes, let’s not forget head, hair, ears, face, nose, lips…….get the idea?

I had heard that if you flick them on their nose when they bit you, that they would stop.  Not her.  She saw that as a challenge.  Her eyes would dilate, she wrinkles up her nose and starts barking at you in a high pitch and snapping at you.  Hence her new name ”Chompers”. 

If you point your finger at her and reprimand her, you’re in for a lot of snarling back talk!  We are working on it, and we’re gaining, but she is not going to concede easily.

My point however is this: their bark, growl, cry etc. actually mean something.   Baying means your dog is on the chase, whining means she’s frustrated, howling means he’s calling the pack, growling when playing means she’s playing tough, growling when confronting someone means he’s mad, and yipping means she’s hurt, according to Helen Fazio, Travel Dog Blogger www.traveldogbooks.com/

Thanks to Helen, I now know Maggie is “playing tough”.

I always new that there were some plants that were toxic to our pets.  One of Chuck's (our brown spotted Dalmatian) litter mates died from eating Oleanders.  My sister always checks before she brings in new house plants because her cats love to eat them.

Now, we have our new puppy Maggie Mae, and we need to be sure her back yard is safe for her.  Let me tell you I was shocked at how many common plants, even vegetables can be toxic!  In my garden I have onions and tomatoes.  Onions can cause problems as well as Tomatoe Plants, not the actual tomatoe.  That is good because Maggie loves to pick and eat tomatoes!

Some of my other patio plants that surprised me were Asparagus Fern, Aloe and Creeping Charlie.  Keep in mind that they are not all fatal and there toxicity level varies.

Check the ASPCA site below for any possible Toxic Plants that could be present in your house or yard.  Knowledge is power, and with this power you will be able to keep all of your four legged friends safe!       

 http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control/Plants.aspx?page=1

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels.  I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.  I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid. 

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage.  I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them. 

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past.  I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life. 

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me.  I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.  Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. 

A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.  Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe.  I would promise to always be by her side.  I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.  I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor.  So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors.  So many more to be saved.  At least I could save one. 

I rescued a human today.♥

 Squeeky toys make a lot of noise, but this one was really loud!