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”.

Some people don’t understand, they think that because it was a small pet it is insignificant. But I loved her so much, and I miss her terribly and I wonder how I’m going to get through it.

 She loved sitting in the grass outside with me, I would protect her while she grazed. She let me hug and kiss her and she wouldn’t bite me, I’m really going to miss her a lot.

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.♥

(The picture and words below are from a dear friend who had to endure such a loss.)

Be sure to visit her site Small Dog Training, etc. for wonderful information and some great pet products!

“Dogs are more a part of our families than ever before. They eat with us, sleep in our beds and even vacation with us. Be sure to take LOTS of pics so you can put them in a pet memorial frame now or when their time with you is up. It’s tough to say good-bye, but a nice collage for your wall or desk can help. It helped me a lot last year when I lost my canine traveling companion in a tragic accident, but I wish I had more pictures”.

Small Dog Training, etc

I have had to “put to sleep” and gone through the pain and Pet Loss Grief with three of my furry friends in the last eighteen years.  Chuck our “Spotted Dog” as we called him because he had diabetes and went blind.  Noche, our long haired gray Persian cat that had cancer.  And  then Jordie, our most beloved and precious cat that developed renal failure.  Jordie loved me so unconditionally, and I her.  I have never  had a pet love me like she loved me.  She was such a special cat.  It is hard enough to “put to sleep” the one you love because of failing health… and in an act of compassion, but why should we “euthanize”  a helpless furry  animal just because there is not a loving homes to be found for them?

You know what I mean.  Anyone that has had to put down a loved one knows exactly what I mean.  We would give almost anything to have them back and have an opportunity to give them a second chance that the thought of needless euthanasia because of over population is intolerable.

There are so many dogs, cats and other small animals that are ready to be loved.  To spay and neuter our little ones is the only humane thing to do. Did you know that just two stray cats can produce over 100 offspring in only a few years?

If you think about wanting a little puppy, kitten or a well behaved mature animal, just go to any local animal shelter and take a look around.  There are literally hundreds of puppies, kittens and older animals wanting a good home.  It’s not their fault that no one wanted them.  How sad. That’s why the Humane Societies around the country offer free spay and neutering with all adoptions. They know that there are too many animals that are put to death for no other reason than that there are just  not enough homes to place these needy animals in.

So, even if you get a young dog or cat through a private party, please give considerable thought to having your pet spayed or neutered.  If your pet were to get out during “heat”, or as so often times happens some stray pet jumps your fence, the world does not need an unwanted litter.  How would you feel if one of these little pups or kittens had to be euthanized because you couldn’t find homes for them?

So please, won’t you consider following the Humane Societies lead to Spay and Neuter.♥

Who among us can resist a cute puppy?!?!?!?

I miss those cute little pink toes and kissing your little pink nose.