Too cute!

Trooper is going to Flyball!

Trooper and Ann will be at Joshica's Planet Canine on Tuesday night at 6:30 pm for a novice flyball class.  Come out and see this EXCELLENT training facility and meet our sweet boy, Trooper!  He REALLY needs a home!

A Prayer for Shelter Dogs

Tonight I say a prayer for all of the dogs sleeping (or not sleeping) in shelters near and far.

May a person with realism, vision and acceptance walk past your gate.

May they see that the jumping dog in front of them is desperate to say hello.

May they realize that with a bit of training, you can learn polite greeting manners.

May they understand that you are not perfect, but that you can be trained to be a good dog.

May they understand if you are shy and overwhelmed, and see that with love, encouragement and confidence you will come out of your shell. May they understand this may take quite a few months.

May they see that the thunder and bluff is just that; and with training that teaches you in a peaceful way to get the distance you want from whatever “monster” that scares you, you will learn to resolve your conflicts with the world constructively and gain confidence.

May they understand you are curious and inquisitive and need to explore the world, but also you will need clear boundaries and kind but constant guidance.

And may they decide to make a life commitment to you. For who you are. The brilliant, the challenging, the aloof, the goofy, the exuberant, the serious, the silly, the reserved, the obnoxious, the funny, the athletic, the laid back, the complex and beautiful; the real dog that makes you the completely unique you.

Divorce is not an option in adopting. This is not fast food or Disneyland. This is real dog, real relationship and real commitment.

May you feel the touch of a kind hand and hear a gentle word.

May you take a car ride to your forever home.

When you mess up, may you be forgiven.

May your new family understand that it can take months and sometimes years of training, guidance and learning to help you be the best you can become. May they make that commitment to you.

May they accept you for the dog that you are in spite of all of the training. And may they smile at your imperfections as much as your achievements.

May they protect you, nurture you, give you exercise and adventures together.

And may you someday fall asleep on the bed, sighing in deep contentment, peace and security, spooned against your forever friend.

This I pray for you my friend, and for all dogs. This I pray.

Sleep in peace and we will both dream and pray for your forever home.

http://skijornmore.com/2012/02/an-evening-prayer-for-the-dog-in-the-shelter/

Adopting an older dog

Purdue University and Obi-Wan

Obi-Wan's foster mom will be taking him to Purdue onThursday to see if there is a Lymphoma study he is applicable for.  In the event that there is nothing available, he may start on chemo (CCNU) at the South BEnd Animal Clinic in Osceola. Special Needs Dobermans are in the process of donating money for two treatments and we have monies set aside to complete one more treatment ($340 per treatment average).  Pass the word everyone!!!  We need monies for three more treatments (6 total) and liver panels.

Ann

Obi Wan

Obi Wan has stated his Predisone treatment today.  The Prednisone is only to slow the progression of the disease. The longer he is on Prednisone, the less chance that the chemo will work. PLEASE help Obi Wan get started on his chemo. We would really like to begin treatment no later than two weeks from today's date.
If you have met Obi Wan in person, you would understand why we are so willing to help hm live a longer life.
If you haven't met him, you NEED to!  He has the greatest personality.

Ann

Obi Wan and oncology consult

Please send positive vibes and wishes for our dear young boy, Obi Wan. He is heading up to Grand Rapids Wednesday for an oncology consult. His lymphectomy came back positive for follicular lymphosarcoma.  He is going up north to see what we can expect and how we can help him out!  We have started him on B.S.S.T. (herbal immune system enhancer) and the prebiotic/probiotic mixture will begin when he returns.

It will be hard to teach tomorrow as my thoughts will be with him all day.

Ann

Amadeus and Hunter!

Paws are crossed for Amadeus and Hunter, who are both trying out their new families!  We are so proud of our boys, and hope that these are their forever homes!

Esme, Trooper, Emma and Ivy are all still waiting for their forever families to come along!  They are VERY sweet dogs who would love to show you how sweet a dog can be!