I'm a dog lover, and most dogs love me. - sm
Posted By: My Pitbull Story on 2008-11-10
In Reply to: To pit bull owners and defenders: - truffle
I can be walking down the street, simply make eye contact with one and smile without saying a word, and the dog will usually rush up to me, wagging his tail like crazy and acting all silly and lovey-dovey.
In the past, some of the absolute sweetest dogs I'd ever known were pits & rotties. But that was in the ྌs, before the big 'gangsta-dog' thing became popular. Then people started breeding these dogs more for a surly attitude than for good temperament, and it seems to be a dominant trait that's getting passed forward, even when unintended.
So fast-forard to 2 weeks ago. I was out walking in my neighborhood, and was coming up a long flight of sidewalk stairs that go up the steep hill I live on. Halfway up, I saw a big brown pit bull standing there looking at me. I had seen him running loose on my street earlier in the day, and wondered whose he was, but then forgot about him.
He had an aggressive body-language that I didn't like. But I'm not afraid of dogs, and continuned on up the steps, and talked to him nicely as I reached the top. But then the dog totally went off, and began barking, growling, and making charges at me.
I knew to stand my ground, and first tried sweet-talking him. Didn't work. If I tried to slowly move away from him in any direction, he'd come around and try to come in at me from behind. There wasn't a soul around.
I tried scaring him off, but that only exacerbated the problem, so I decided to just stand there and let him do his thing. 20 minutes later, he was just as aggressive as ever, maybe worse, because his charges were coming closer and closer. The only 'weapon' in my possession was a single can of cat food in a plastic bag, that I'd walked down the hill to the market to buy. Considered whacking him with it, but didn't want to be in that close to him.
Turns out the owners were in an apartment right across the street. A couple finally came out and called off the dog, stating "Oh, we didn't know he was out." (I doubt that - the dog had been out all afternoon.)
Anyway, I told them I'd call the sheriff and/or animal control if I ever saw him out again. When I got home, I called animal control anyway, and filed a formal complaint, so that if he bit anyone in the future, there would already be a complaint against him, and he likely would not be released from the shelter. Animal control said they'd follow up with the owner, which hopefully they did.
In the meantime, I did 2 things: I programmed the sheriff's phone numberinto my cellphone, which I now slip into my pocket whenever I go out for a walk. Good thing to do, anyway. The other thing is I went to Army-Navy Surplus, and bought a cannister of professional-grade pepper spray. Not the wimpy, .02% 'dog-repellent'. I doubt that would stop a pitbull. I got the 15% stuff that will bring a 200-pound, raging crack-addict to his knees and keep him there for more than an hour. That goes into my pocket, as well. Now I can walk & bike with peace of mind.
Meanwhile, those pitbull owners should consider themselves very lucky that their dog went after someone who knows dogs, is not afraid, and didn't RUN. If a timid woman, or worse, a child, had come up those steps that afternoon, the resulting attack might have made the 6 o'clock news that night.
There are probably still some gentle pits left out there, but I think their numbers are declining because of the current fashion statement of being a 'big bad gangsta, with my big, bad gansta-dog'. They want their dogs to intimidate people, and then they wonder why they can't rent an apartment or get homeowners insurance to cover dog bites. In some cities you have to post a $30,000 bond in order to keep one. It's little wonder that unwanted pits and pit-mixes are clogging up our animal shelters. I feel sorry for the animals, but if I were adopting, I wouldn't want the financial liability of owning one.
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And dogs don't bite right? Love my dogs but I
nm
Love movie "A Christmas Story" when dogs eat the turkey and they go out for Chinese. We love d
nm
Love people who love dogs.
nm
You have to read this if you love dogs
Some years ago my mom's darling Westie, who was like my own, was taking a little nap downstaris in the rec room on the sofa. My stepfather got the upright vacuum cleaner out and plugged it in and began cleaning. Molly got up from the sofa and ran to a little bear that was given to her some years before (nothing left of it now but a shell of itself with all the stuffing pulled out) and dashed to the doggie door. I heard the click of the door and saw she had taken her baby out to safey and placed in on the patio. Just as quickly she came through the doggie door and back up on the sofa and continued the nap. God love her. How I miss her. 
Aww! I just love dogs. Any kind.
The one on the right looks like she/he is smiling.
"We love dogs" got cut off
...
How cute - I love boxers. My dogs would
be jealous of his toy box!
Your dogs are too cute. They look like little love-sponges. :) sm
What is a belly band and what do you use it for?
Are these pugs related to the pug that was oin the Men in Black movies with Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith? Just a different color?
Shelties or Australian Sheep Dogs are great family dogs. rm
a
These dogs appear to be puppy mill producing dogs.
The two females, which I thought were older, appear to be just worn out/depleted. Their teeth are those of a 3-5 year old dog. So, I do believe they have had litters each cycle and are suffering from malnourishment.
Funny thing, yesterday, they were covered with mud (it rained and they were digging) and this morning, I look out and see they have all been grooming as they are clean.
Called Love of Animals who has committed to spaying/neutering the animals, giving them their shots, flea repellant and showing them at Pets Mart on Sundays. In a few months, there will be a regional dog show at the local college where on average 150 dogs are adopted out and she asked that I keep them until then.
Which I will...And a girl saw the ad for the Lost Pets and is looking for a replacement for her Shi Tzu she lost a year ago and will come by tomorrow morning.
Cat Lover - need your help
We have two cats, one male, one female, both have been fixed.
One of them, I suspect the female, has taken to spraying in the master bathroom. Is there anything I can do to get her to stop?
ICKY
I'm a dog lover too but...
Wouldn't this be funner through IM?
cat lover, too
My last cat had some sort of brain tumor - we think. Vet wanted me to take him to a specialist and have brain surgery - which I was not equiped to pay for, nor did I think he would survive the surgery. I didn't think he was in pain and he was eating, with some difficulty because he had some left sided facial weakness. FYI, vet told me that dying cats purr. Then one morning he apparently had a stroke (my diagnosis) and it was obvious. I was lucky enough to find a vet that came to my house and gave him the injection. He died on my lap and I don't think I will ever get over it. I had to get 2 to replace him. It's expensive, but they are important to my quality of life.
For the dog lover's out there...
WHEN I GOT MY DOG....
I asked for strength that I might rear her perfectly;
I was given weakness that I might feed her more treats.
I asked for good health that I might rest easy;
I was given a "special needs" dog that I might know nurturing.
I asked for an obedient dog that I might feel proud;
I was given stubbornness that I might feel humble.
I asked for compliance that I might feel masterful;
I was given a clown that I might laugh.
I asked for a companion that I might not feel lonely;
I was given a best friend that I would feel loved.
I got nothing I asked for,
But everything I need.
CAT LOVER
You bet. I have had Sheba for 7 years. She is a huge black spayed female. I got her when she was about 6 weeks old. She is very "opinionated" and must have her way. If I even shake my finger at her, she will come at me. My daughter's dog accidently came in the house one time, and my cat had a FIT and scared the bejeebies out of that poor Jack Russell, Luke. My cat is not very affectionate. She will not sleep with me, and she only sits in my lap for 5 minutes or less.
Well, I was wanting a small dog. My daughter talked me into buying one. He is a Pekapom named Ping Pong. My cat hisses at him and growls, but I have also seen her playing with him when she did not see me watching. My dog agivates her all the time, and she puts up with him.
Well, my next door neighbor moved and abandoned his black cat. He never tood very good care of him, and I would hear him crying during the winter and when it was raining. I could't hardly stand it. I would sometimes sneak him in while Sheba was in the other room, but she knew another cat had been there and would go around hissing and growling. Well, I started letting "Jeepers" into the basement on cold days and nights. Sometimes he would get into the house without my knowing it. Sheba does her growling and hissing, but she has never attacked him. I have to keep Sheba's food on a chair in my office so Ping Pong will not eat it. Yesterday I saw Jeepers up there eating her food. (I usually feed him in the hall way where the basement is). He has also started staying in my house and is sleeping on a blanket on my couch right now.
I never thought Sheba would tolerate this, and that is why I never got another cat. So, you see, it can happen. I would try it. Cats seem to work things out in their own way. If they hiss and growl, let them work it out. It usually takes about a week for cats to get to know each other. You may be surprised just like I was.
Cat lover #3 here.
I have 3 rescues myself. Could it only be when they are going #1 and the litter is so absorbant that they don't smell it to cover it? Or is it just random with jobs 1 and 2? I don't know, just a thought. We know how independent and mysterious these precious ones are!! That's why we love 'em!!
I have my dogs on it, and yes all my past dogs but 2 have died -sm
from cancer. But I had 2 schipperkes on Frontline for years and one died at 13 from cancer, the other at 16 just from old age/kidney failure. My last husky was 8 when she died from cancer, but I have had one die at 2 (unknown causes), and another at 9.5 from liver cancer (she actually made a nice recovery but succumbed about 6 months later), but huskies don't tend to live past 10 unfortunately. I have had purebreeds and mutts, and with or w/o Frontline/Advantage they have all died from cancer. I suppose it is possible that it causes it, but if you live long enough, cancer will most likely be your cause of death, anything and everything causes cancer anymore. I hate fleas and ticks and we have lots of them, so the dogs get the Frontline except in the cold winter months. They are 6 and 3 and both doing quite well.
my dogs are basically indoor dogs sm
but have a doggie door to go in and out as they please. Sometimes our Jack Russell gets excited and barks inside the house. My DH grabs is belt and snaps it and the loud noise shuts her up right away. I am not trying to frighten our dog, but many times just saying knock it off doesn't work.
I am very sorry, being an animal lover, but
I really believe the final call on this had nothing to do with money. A horse, unlike cats or dogs, cannot support their weight only on 3 legs and I believe the people who owned this beautiful animal did everything they could to let him live. They knew he would never run again much less be able to live any kind of meaningful life. I heard he was not doing well yesterday and thought this would be the outcome. So sorry, though.
Sock lover too!
![Heel-Toe](http://scene.barenecessities.com.edgesuite.net/is/image/BareNecessities/fa14n105kar?$productpage$&extend=1,1,1,1&bgcolor=221,221,221") If you haven't tried chenille super-soft socks you don't know what you are missing! 
I am so, so sorry as I am an animal lover also
and can really feel your pain. I have 3 furkids of my own and my heart just goes out to you and your family at this time. These special animals are just part of our own families and I grieve with you.
Plum lover
Yep, I just finished #12. I know #13 is out there, but probably will wait until it comes out in paperback. I got all mine 1-12 on E-Bay, so as not to pay too much. Also have read some of Evanovich's other books, but they don't hold a candle to the Plum books. She always makes me laugh. Too bad they can't be turned into movies, but then the stories usually are not as good. Happy reading to you!
I am animal lover and get this
Spoke with my daughter last night. She owns her own home and rents out part of it. She tells me her roommate gone a lot- she intends to speak with him about his small dog. She tells me her dogs and this dog are not hitting it off too well but it is freezing here for the past 2 nights and the dog is outside without any shelter. I have written her a note and told her if she gets pis…oh well. I told her she is responsible for things that go on at her home and surely I gave her some compassion in her raising, otherwise I have failed miserably. I asked her how long does it take to bring the dog in, feed and crate it for the night? Surely as a human being you can not allow a poor defenseless animal to suffer because it belongs to your roommate. I am never confrontational- let her run her own business but I really hate this and if it puts a wedge between us then I guess it will have to. I keep my mouth closed but I could not this time. If it were my neighbor and they had small dog left outside, I would probably call the animal abuse people on them and someone there might do the same. I don’t worry so much about that as I do the abuse of a small animal. I asked her to find in her heart the right way to deal with this. I hope she is not as cold-hearted as she was last night.
animal lover
I would LOVE to be able to do that, or something similar. However, I barely make enough to pay for my own puds, much less any homeless ones. If I could, I would take in all the neighborhood strays, have them all neutered and whatever else they needed and give them a good home. Maybe one day I'll be able to do that. Until then, I'm so glad there are people like you !!
Yo, COFFEE LOVER sm
I, too, crave coffee that tastes like it smells. My son was a Starbucks manager and I know a lot about coffee as a result.
Growing regions:
African coffees are more acidic.
Colombian and South American coffees, whether robusta or arabica beans, will be earthy, muddy tasting.
Asian coffees are cleaner tasting, though can be very rich.
Kona and Jamaican coffees are often lower in caffeine and smoother, less acidic.
Roasting:
The darker the roast, the deeper the flavor. Dark roasts are said to have a bit less caffeine. Light roasts will be more acidic.
Ultimate rich cup:
Starbucks Gold Coast. It is Asian and dark roast. Not overly heavy, not muddy, not very acidic.
Sumatra. This is Asian, tends to be muddy in texture, but rich in taste. Usually dark roasted. If made in a French press, it will leave fur on your tongue!
Another good choice:
Verona. A blend of different growing regions. Dark roast. Hint of Italian espresso flavor.
Ways to make it:
I am a purist to the end. Must have freshly ground beans, I do at home. Must have filtered water.
French press:
Makes a chewable cup at times. It is espresso in texture, rich and heavy, oily in the cup. Have to have a rough grind, not a fine grind. You can't make Folger's this way.
Percolator:
Coming back as a popular way to make coffee. An antique or vintage one is better than the new ones. Has the advantage of sterilizing the water and the beans. Stronger than a drip maker, not as strong as a French press.
Drip coffeemaker:
Why? Do you want your coffee to taste like paper? Permanent gold filter is best. Tends to make the weakest coffee of the three processes I mention here.
While I like Bux coffee...there are some awfully good store brands of whole beans that are quite good.
I'll plug a local coffee brand too.
AmericanCowboyCoffee.com It is 100% pure Kona and at about $22 a lb, it is CHEAP for pure Kona. It is packaged in the oldest, continuously incorporated town in Wyoming, a place called Hartville. The store is literally right down the street from me. This is my special, after dinner, later evening, lazy Sunday morning in bed with the paper coffee.
thanks for letting me vent this!
One hint - when a dog lover can't visit or
travel places that others think are fun - its because the person doesn't want to do it! Best excuse in the world.... I know...
website for fellow dog lover
Hi. Its www.inthecompanyofdogs.com
when I was living in North Carolina I met a wonderful older lady at the vet who had her dog in a car seat and gave me the catalog. I Love this catalog. It can be on the expensive side, but the carseat was totally worth it. He loves it. When I get in car he goes in the back and jumps right in it. It took a little time in the beginning, so I gave him treats when he jumped in it. It has good restraints too. but there is another website called GWlittle.com that has carseats that are little less expansive than mine and pretty similar. 
oh dear! I'm a beagle lover and I know what
you are going through. Poor poor poor puppy. I know they grow up to be dogs, but I can't help it, they're all still puppies to me!!
Keep updating on the board!
Yay! You GO, dog lover and protector! Gotta
s
If you google John and his lover,
you probably are going to pick up a man's name (as in the nanny you speak of). I knew the police were already involved. I am sorry for John and his wife as far as the loss of their child but there are very odd things going on here.
Stray animals and an animal lover
On Sunday, I was working when white fur flew by my window. On further inspection, I see neighbors in front yard observed ~five~ dogs running around the street, from house to house. I got them into my garage ASAP so none would be hit by a car. Placed ad in paper fully expected a response by an owner who had left the gate open - but, nothing.
Right now, they are in my backyard. Three males, two females, all under 10 lbs. None neutered. Two of the males are attacking a third, older male. Separating them has led to one howling in distress in my garage.
In the meantime, my 2 dogs and 2 cats are in distress from this. I feel so bad as I am now looking at the call to the SPCA and it is hearbreaking, absolutely heartbreaking. In fact, I am near tears.
I had a vision of us all living reasonably well together until I could find homes with them but I am faced with the realization that it is too much for me and I feel like a failure. There is an animal rescue group but even they are overwhelmed with stray animals. In fact, one that I have is a stray that I was fostering and kept as she fit right in.
Not being an animal lover does not make one a bad person...
Huge animal lover here but I agree
I once had the most beautiful cat named "dumb cat" cause that was exactly what he was, but he knew he was loved and well cared for.
BTW, I live right out of the city limits but if I did live in the city limits I would not be allowed to shoot a gun.
How far would you go (or would you) to find out if your husband/lover was cheating?
I am married now and never even think of his cheating or even worry about it, just do not have a feeling like that but in the past married to a real dog. I then checked his pockets, his shirt collars (for lipstick, makeup), phone calls and on and on. How far would you go and what have you found?
because you're an animal lover....you will stay on this; so 2 pets don't get
nm
I LOVE love love shallots! I use them in everything that calls for an onion and/or garlic. Mmmmmm. n
x
American Idol - Love, love, love Adam!!!
I think he'll make it til the end! At least I hope so!
My niece had a Yorkie, the love of her life! We all loved her so. Lots of love in store for you.
XX
She's sweet. I think she's gorgeous. Love her hair. Love her sm
smile. I wish I looked that great! I don't even come close, so who am I do judge? I admire beauty greatly in other women...I envy them!
sweet....love the heart charm, he's got love.
nm
God bless you on your path, all love begins with self-love, so you are really on your way.....sm
We should have less time putting needless labels on things, paying attention to dividing lines, and pratice more love, understanding, and humiility....we will all have things to answer for, no one is perfect, but I believe we are all precious and loved by the Lord, who knows all hearts, and has infinitely more compassion and mercy than ANY of us can comprehend. Be happy and take care of yourself, sexuality is such a small part of who we are in this world, but you have to be happy and at peace.
Where dogs came from (sm)
A newly discovered chapter in the Book of Genesis has provided the answer to 'Where do pets come from?'
Adam and Eve said, 'Lord, when we were in the garden, you walked with us every day. Now we do not see you any more. We are lonesome here, and it is difficult for us to remember how much you love us.'
And God said, I will create a companion for you that will be with you and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will love me even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourselves.'
And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam and Eve.
And it was a good animal.
And God was pleased.
And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and Eve and he wagged his tail.
And Adam said, 'Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and I cannot think of a name for this new animal.'
And God said, ' I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him DOG.'
And Dog lived with Adam and Eve and was a companion to them and loved them.
And they were comforted.
And God was pleased.
And Dog was content and wagged his tail.
After a while, it came to pass that an angel came to the Lord and said, 'Lord, Adam and Eve have become filled with pride. They strut and preen like peacocks and they believe they are worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught them that they are loved, but perhaps too well.'
And God said, I will create for them a companion who will be with them and who will see them as they are. The companion will remind them of their limitations, so they will know that they are not always worthy of adoration.'
And God created CAT to be a companion to Adam and Eve.
And Cat would not obey them. And when Adam and Eve gazed into Cat's eyes, they were reminded that they were not the supreme beings.
And Adam and Eve learned humility.
And they were greatly improved.
And God was pleased
And Dog was happy.
And Cat didn't give a hoot one way or the other.
dogs
I love that - this year, my niece's huge yellow Lab grabbed a pie off the dessert table. Needless to say, nephew put the dog outside. We all thought it was funny - niece did not!
dogs
What breed are your dogs? The darker one looks like she has Boxer markings, but I have never seen one like the blond. Reminds me of a G.S. Beautiful dogs, no matter what they are!!
Oh and he's not alone. He has 2 other dogs with him.
.
Outside dogs (sm)
Outside we have a Boykin Spaniel (you can get these sometimes from rescue centers, Google if interested) and we have a mixed breed - Basenji and probably lab. Both have plenty of fur but not too much and love to be outdoors.
hot dogs....
kosher and nonkosher to cover all your bases.
I only like ketchup but you know there are those that want everything, so ketchup, mustard, mayo(yuck), relish, onions, chili?
hot dogs and brats...cover all your bases.....same on toppings...EVERYTHING!
If you have the space, fries are great when it's cooler weather.
Can/bottled drinks probably the best best. Less space, more drink for the buck anyway.
dogs
Uggg. I feel for you. At least the dog isn't being abused but I understand your frustration.
BTW you get the little icon thingies when you click "post reply to this message". They should be right underneath the message box and just click on the ones you want. Don't click "quick reply" because then they don't pop up. 
dogs
as a child, we had a rat terrior, irish setter and german shepherd - and daddy always had beagles.
as an adult, we have had a german shepherd, beagle, toy fox terrior, cocker spaniel, collie, border collie and right now we have a corgi and a chocolate lab.
Dogs
Since I was a little kid, Dad has always had dogs. I remember we had a black lab, a brittney spaniel, a toy poodle (wretched dog), a German short-hair, and 2 mutts. He and Mom now have another black lab. My sheltie, Casey, just died this summer. Now I have 4 cats. The last one (a calico kitten) got dropped off (we live on a farm and it happens all the time!) the week after my dog died and just suckered me in.
I have two dogs
They love me and are all over me every chance they get. Most dogs love me. The dog next door will look at my kitchen window and if she sees me, she will wag her tail and bark until I come out and pet her.
I am horribly afraid of German Shepherds. I got bit near my eye by one. My BIL has 2 of these dogs and they can tell I don't like them. But they just avoid me.
Now my friend who lives about a mile from me has a small dog and that dog hates me with a passion. It gets so upset and snarly when it even hears my van. I refuse to go in her house until that thing is caged. Am I bad person? I don't think so. Funny thing, I drive past her house to pick my girls up from school. They have a couch in front of a big window and every day when it is time for me to go by, that dog gets up on the couch and when I drive by it freaks.
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