A Beautiful Photo - A Loving Dog!

This is Billy Holiday - all dressed up - with her dog, "Mister". This is a different photo from the one to which I am referring but gives you an idea of the bond between the two.

If I can get permission to use another photograph, I will, but for now, here is a link to a beautiful photo of a dog named "Mister" (possibly a Great Dane with a little Mastiff or Boxer), patiently waiting for his mistress, jazz singer, Billy Holiday, cooking him a steak.

The photo was taken by Herman Leonard back in 1949. Ms. Holiday was living in an apartment in Harlem. She is wearing an apron and using a cast iron skillet.

This is a very special dog that he would patiently wait at Ms. Holiday's side while she cooked for him.

Suffice it to say our "Buddy" would never be able to contain his enthusiasm while something was being cooked and can barely stand it while Hubby makes his dinner from cold items!

http://harlemworldblog.wordpress.com/2009/06/20/billie-holiday-cooking-a-steak-for-her-dog/

Times Change: Chinese City Limiting Households To One Dog

Many of the purebred dogs popular in North America were originally bred in China. They are often pictured in masterpieces and so we know they have been around for centuries.

Many dogs are termed "Oriental Breeds". The Shih Tzu was originally bred by crossing a Pekingese with a Lhasa Apso. The Pekingese was from China and the Lhasa from Tibet.

Many of the Chinese breeds were fabled to be part of the Oriental palaces. Some were bred as companions, some as guard dogs.

My point is that many, many dog breeds have their origins in China. So, I was surprised to read in an AP story today that households in the City of Guangzhou, China will be limited to one dog. There is no grandfather clause to this new law, which means some dogs will have to be put down or hopefully find new homes.

Isn't it odd that a country so associated with so many popular breeds, including the Shar Pei, Chinese Crested, Chow, Pekingese and Pug would have changed that much?

Dogs pictured: Pug, Shar Pei, Pekingese, Chow Chow.

The Heartache Of Having A Dog

When we acquire a puppy, the one heartache we take on is the short longevity of the dog. We know - in our minds - that one day our hearts will be broken.

Always we remember our "best friends" as youngsters - vying for attention, trying so hard to learn and be good.

For unlike most humans, a dog asks very little of us. He needs water and food. He wants to be your friend and he strives to please you. When he makes a mistake, he is always sorry.

He loves to have his picture taken; he loves company; he loves romps in the garden; and most of all, he seeks your approval. All of this is hard to get in another human, although some of us have been luckier than others!

Sending out prayers and blessings to all whose dogs are sick and especially to those whose dogs have died.

Each of our dogs is different and we remember them all for their own special traits. Hopefully, we do have another dog or find another dog because people who love dogs need a dog of their own to love.

Breeds shown are: Boxer, Shih Tzu, Dalmation

Marley and Us

We finally found time to watch the DVD of the movie, Marley and Me and I must say I was disappointed to find out that it was so sad. I presumed from the picture promo that it was a happy movie.

Marley is much older that the promo picture during most of the movie. We watched the movie non-stop but were crying long before the end.

Marley is living proof of the saying that there are no bad dogs, just bad owners. It is hard to believe that any dog could not be trained at least somewhat. I was also very disappointed to see him at first without even a collar and later often without a leash and never in a fenced-in area.

I am always disappointed to see movies that portray bad behavior and I have seen a lot of dogs and as Barbara Woodhouse always said, "There are no bad dogs . . . "

Very disappointing!

Think About A Shelter Dog: Then, Please Take Care Of Fido or Fifi!

Summertime is a really good time
to think about adopting a dog from
your local animal shelter.

Because we are in tough times, there are more dogs than ever waiting to be taken home to a
loving family. You will find more purebred dogs than you expected or choose a delightful mixed breed (also called a "sport").

Humane Societies are excellent places to find a dog just right for your family. They have a form for you to fill out and you do pay a fee. The dog will be spayed or neutered and the Shelter people will try to match a dog - from its presumed age, traits, and needs - to your family.

After you bring your new family member home and have had him or her for a while, you will quickly see that the dog will add more to your household than you could ever have imagined.
Summer is a good time to adopt a dog because your children are at home, the weather is good and it is the perfect time to teach you, your children and your new pet all the things needed for him or her to become a good family member.

One thing especially important is that you remember that all dogs need identification tags on a collar and that he or she wears that all the time. Dogs deserve good, responsible care and need a fenced area to run. (Never allow a dog to run around your neighborhood. That is a sure way to be hit by a car.) Your children should learn to take their new dog for walks and how to feed and play well with him or her. Teach your children to be gentle and loving with their new pet.

There should be a child of at least ten in your household or you will be the one responsible and that is not teaching anyone anything.

Dogs do not ask for much. They want some water left down all the time, food, love and responsible ownership.

Think about it! Let this be the summer you add a new member to your family!