tales from straydom . . . . . . tips, stories and resources for pets

Observations on Country

I left the city for the country 17 years ago — for the peace and tranquility, but there is certainly a lot of activity among the various species that I could easily not notice. But once I see it, I realize the country is just as busy as the city, but in a different way. The city is full of the sounds of cars and people and the noise associated with that. Stepping outside on a warm summer evening after a rain, the sounds of the frogs and cicada and such is practically deafening. Other nights, the quiet is so large it seems deafening if you can imagine.

A homecoming… nonetheless

This morning’s quiet was broken by Layla’s meows. “Ah,” I thought, “my baby is awake.” When I looked into her carrier, I could tell by her stillness that she had just passed. There is a difference in the energy that surrounds a living body and one whose spirit has left.

Leaving no soldier behind.

Some of the less heard about heros in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan are dogs. The ones that are adopting our troops because, in our troops, they are finding kindness and attention. You see in Afghanistan, dogs are considered a disgrace. Anna Maria Cannan has untaken the task of bringing five dogs back to the US. Dogs that have served as watch dogs in camp protecting our soldiers.

Life with a deaf puppy

Living with a deaf puppy is not something I have ever done before, but thank goodness I have some older dogs to help.

An update on “one who always smiles”

I have to admit that I am always smitten by the underdog rescues. The ones that can test your meddle, but heap you with such passionate rewards. And when the opportunity arises to see the success of such efforts, it’s breathtaking and wordless at the same time.

Saving Brindi: “……until she is back home”

All I know is, I love my dog, Brindi, more than anybody on the planet. There is nobody who will take better care of her or work harder to keep her safe and sound, with all the necessary aids and precautions.

Saving Brindi: Because I can

Because the morning afforded it, I spent a little extra time in bed this morning snuggling with Ike and Maude, two of my rescued dogs. They aren’t anything special. They were born in the woods to a dog who had been dumped on the side of the road. They will likely live their whole lives and pass meaning very little to anyone… except me.

CAGE 18 — FEMALE MIX, 6 MOS.

CAGE 18 — FEMALE MIX, 6 MOS. That’s about all she was to anyone… except someone gave her the name Petra. Her photo was taken to put on the internet with the others.

Monday’s Funny

Monday’s Funny — What Cats are Really Thinking

Hachi – A Dogs Tale

Based on a true story from Japan, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale is a moving film about loyalty and the rare, invincible bonds that occasionally form almost instantaneously in the most unlikely places.