Showing posts with label Chihuahua. Show all posts

Here's a miraculous story that I thought I would pass on! –Kim

A Guy Saw Something Strange on the Side of the Road.

The dog was found wandering the streets, badly injured.

This dog was found wandering down the side of a road, starving, alone and badly injured. He must have been hit by a car, because his rump was a bloody mess. The tail had been broken off. The injury was so bad there were nerve endings showing. His injury, though, explained something strange his rescuer noticed: the dog could only use his front two paws.

His tail was broken off, with nerve endings and bone exposed.	As a result of his injury, he could only walk on his front two paws.

The poor pup was rushed into a vet's office for treatment, shaking with fear. Luckily, "Hands Solo" (or "Hands" for short) was about to receive expert care, lots of love and a miracle.

His story didn't end there, though. After receiving treatment, he was welcomed into a foster family's care. There, he found out what it meant to be part of a loving family. He also found out a way to be miraculously healed ... just watch:


Hands is truly incredible! This dog did not give up once, nor did his rescuers or foster family! It's absolutely unbelievable he was able to run like a normal dog after it was all said and done. This is the best ending ever, so share it with others!

Source: ViralNova

• Turbo the Two-legged Chihuahua
• Kandu, the 2-legged Jack Russell
• Who, me? Handicapped???!
• Blind Dogs Make Great Pets!
• Why You Should Adopt a Senior Dog
• Couple Rescues Abused, Special Needs Dogs
• Lily & Maddison
• The Mutt Scouts Rescue, Los Angeles, California
• List of No-kill Shelters

Here's a great video that I thought I would pass on...beautiful story! –Kim

Homeless Dog Rescued from Garbage Dump

Frankie & Miley

• Homeless Chihuahua Abandoned in Highway Drainpipe
• Hope for Paws Animal Rescue
• More HFP Homeless Rescue Videos
• Shelter Dogs are Best!
• I Am a Forever Dog
• Adopt or Foster, but DO Something!
• Visit a Local Shelter to Adopt

News

GRAPHIC: Outrage Erupts over Cops Killing Dogs

People across the country are upset with a police officer from Hawthorne, Calif., after a video of him shooting a Rottweiler went viral.

Very upset, in fact.

So much so, that 113,000 have signed a petition calling for his resignation.

WND has reported on cases of police brutality, constitutional infringement, corruption and the militarization of police.

The response to the Hawthorne case, in which police shot an innocent bystander's Rottweiler as officers arrested the man for recording another arrest, appears to take concern over police actions to a new level.

Police were arresting the man "taking video" of an arrest that he witnessed as he was walking his dog. Another bystander got the arrest and the dog shooting on camera and uploaded it to YouTube and set off a firestorm.

The video has been viewed over 5 million times and has prompted angry citizens to gather signatures that were delivered to Hawthorne Police in conjunction with a rally July 27.

Rally organizer Kari Guerrero told WND that she delivered just under 113,000 signatures of upset people from the U.S. and around the world to the department that day.

But the Hawthorne shooting is not an isolated incident.

In Leander, Texas, a family dog was shot and killed when police raided the wrong home in search of a man with an expired vehicle registration.

A 6-year-old witnessed the incident, prompting questions about both policy and practice for officers shooting dogs.

Retraining is one response by police departments, including in the Denver area after officers shot families' pets.


Few would argue that police officers have every right to fire on a vicious dog if their life is threatened. But many of the cases appear to be "shoot first, ask questions later."

In Houston, Texas, alone, at least 228 dogs have been shot by police and deputies since 2010. Putting that number beside Houston's murder rate of 200 per year makes it even more startling.

There are now hundreds of social media sites dedicated to decreasing these deaths across the country.

Family pets including German shepherds, golden retrievers, Australian shepherds, pit bulls, chihuahuas, and others have been shot – in many cases in front of children. A news According to a Memphis news report, a Labrador retriever was shot by a police officer while the owner and child were playing with it outside.

"The police officer, he just came up and started shooting at my dog," the upset 9-year-old child told reporters.

The Denver area, too, has seen several instances of officers shooting family pets.

In an interview with WND, Sgt. Robert Sanchez, an officer in San Diego, told his story of shooting a dog. He said he shot the dog because it was attacking a little girl and there was no other way to subdue the animal. He said there have been less than a dozen shootings by police this year in San Diego, but he couldn't speak for the rest of the state.

Official stats show that San Diego County reported fewer than 10 dogs shot by officers each of the past three years.

When asked why police don’t carry equipment to deal with dogs such as a baton, mace or tranquilizer gun, Sanchez stressed that carrying extra equipment to deal with dogs would take the focus off of dealing with criminals and put it on animals, which is not the job of a police officer.

He explained that it is already a big burden for officers to load their vehicles with all the equipment they might need in the line of duty. To load another gun or mace would burden the officers, he said.
Another consideration is the potential of a lawsuit against an officer if he misses his target.

"What would happen if I accidentally shot a person with a tranquilizer dart?" he asked.

In states such as California, police are subject to greater scrutiny in the courts, and the fear of injuring a person and being sued is greater.

Sanchez said he tries to call animal control because it is better trained to deal with dogs. But he acknowledged the problem of dogs getting caught in the crossfire and the pressure from the public to find a way to deal with it.

The San Diego City Police Department's policy is to contact animal control for assistance when there is advance notice of a potentially dangerous dog. Some officers, like K-9 and narcotics units, carry catch poles. But the equipment is cumbersome for the few officers who carry it, and usually the only equipment the officer has at his fingertips to deal with the animal is his sidearm.

A Harris County, Texas, police spokesman told WND that animal control is only called in cases of a dog bite, and officers do not carry specific equipment to handle dogs. Residents of Harris County, which encompasses Houston, put in 4,100 dangerous animal calls to the sheriff's department in the past two years. In 58 cases, officers shot and killed dogs.

In an interview with Houston's KHOU-TV, Sgt. Joseph Guerra said that training is the answer.

"A lot of times, officers are not sent to training to get that type of certification to feel comfortable enough to deal with these animals," said Guerra.

The Houston Humane Society employs Guerra and other law enforcement officers as full-time investigators. Guerra investigates animal cruelty and neglect, and teaches police how to safely interact with potentially dangerous animals.

"It's enough for you to back up slowly and exit the gate and make that phone call to the owner and have them put that dog up," explained Guerra.

Guerra is pushing for mandatory training for officers. KHOU reports that Houston Police do not require such lessons, and a spokesman for the Harris County Sheriff's Office told WND that it offers training but does not require it.

• Protecting Our Families & Pets from Governmental Abuse
• Police Routinely Shoot Harmless Dogs
• Federal Police Officer Shoots Dog in Park
• VIDEO: Owner of Dog Killed by Police Reenacts Crime
• Governor Signs Bill to Teach Police Nonlethal Ways to Subdue Dogs

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...and it makes a good point, too! –Kim

A Fourth of July Nightmare

It was the day after the Fourth of July, a day that is always traumatic for so many of America's pets, and a day that is always extremely busy for animal shelter personnel and pet rescuers. Despite all of the pleas and the warnings for people to keep their pets safe and secure on the Fourth, hundreds of terrified pets run off each and every year and become lost and panic stricken during our nation's numerous fireworks celebrations. And so very sadly, many of them never find their way home again.

This past Independence Day was no exception. After helping to round up several terrified dogs in our neighborhood, I received a phone call asking me if I could pick up a frightened Pit Bull being held at a police station and then return him to his owner. On my way out the door to fetch him, I soon spotted a small brown blur racing down a street near my home, and I immediately gave chase.

I quickly discovered that this canine was a tiny Chihuahua that looked extremely terrified as she desperately raced all around our neighborhood in search of some kind of shelter. And when she spotted me chasing her, her panic only increased, and she quickly hid behind a garbage can in an alley.

I quickly grabbed a discarded cardboard box from a nearby trash can and I managed to push her into it without getting bitten – she was snapping at me in utter terror now, and shaking uncontrollably.

Little Lupita

When we finally reached the safety of my backyard, I opened the box and she immediately scurried under an evergreen bush, still extremely traumatized. She was also extremely thirsty. When I placed some food and water near the bush, she raced out, gulped the water down, and quickly raced back to cover.

This terrified little run-away stayed under that bush in my yard for the next three days, and she would cringe and shake in absolute terror whenever I attempted to pet her. It took a few more days before she finally calmed down enough to let me touch her. But once this happened, she now became a completely different dog. Now, she wanted to be constantly held and comforted after her lengthy and terrifying Fourth of July ordeal.

And now, when I finally got the chance to examine her, I discovered the deep rope burns around her neck. I immediately decided that she had been tied up outside somewhere during all the fireworks, and that she had frantically freed herself and bolted off into the night.

The next morning, when I took her to the vet, I got quite a surprise. "This little girl is pregnant! I'd say she's due in about a month!"

So, I brought her back home, and I now spent the next several days attempting to find her owner – she had no collar, no tags, no microchip, and apparently, no one was looking for her. My wife soon named her 'Lupita' and she quickly became a member of our ever expanding animal orphan household. Lupita also now insisted on sleeping on my chest every night. And about four weeks later, I became her birthing assistant.

She woke me at 5 A.M. that morning, nervously pacing and panting all about the house. At 5:30 A.M., she gave birth to her first tiny pup. I soon discovered that she couldn't bite off the umbilical cord – so I helped her with that.

An hour later, she delivered her second child, and I cut this one's umbilical cord, too. It took another long hour for the next one to arrive, and so very sadly, her third little one was still-born. Little Lupita and I were both extremely sad now, and I thought that her difficult delivery was finally over.

Lupita's Puppies

But an hour later, she surprised my wife and I with her fourth and final offspring, and my spouse did the honors with this puppy's umbilical cord.

Little Lupita turned out to be an excellent canine mother, and my spouse and I soon fell in love with her three adorable pups, too.

I buried her still-born baby under the cherry tree in our backyard that morning, and these days I often find Lupita sprawled out there in the grass next to its grave.

Whenever we watch television, little Lupita insists on curling up on one of our laps. And each and every night, she crawls into our bed and dives under the covers.

Lupita is an extremely happy, healthy and affectionate little dog these days, but she still becomes extremely panic stricken whenever there's a thunderstorm, and whenever she hears any kind of fireworks. I doubt that she'll ever lose this fear of loud noises, but I can't say that I blame her after the terrifying nightmare she went through.

Please safeguard your own pets this coming Fourth of July Independence Day.

Source: Harmony Fund
©2012 Ed Kostro

Paco to the Rescue!!!
By David Edwards
July 18, 2011

A small neighborhood dog proved to be too tough for a couple of armed robbers in Altadena, California.

When the gun-toting men burst into Erik Knight's tobacco store, the normally laid back 'Paco the Chihuahua' sprang to his defense, nipping at the robbers' legs and eventually chasing them across the street.

"He was rescued, so I suggest everybody rescue a dog from the pound," Knight told KABC. "You never know when you're going to need him."

Watch this video from ABC's Good Morning America, broadcast July 18, 2011.

Source: http://www.rawstory.com/rawreplay/2011/07/paco-the-chihuahua-chases-away-armed-robbers/
Copyright 2011 Raw Story Media, Inc.

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim

Airlift Rescues Abandoned LA Chihuahuas

by Paula Bustamante
Feb. 12, 2011

LONG BEACH, California (AFP) – Blame it on Paris Hilton: the craze for owning small dogs as fashion accessories has led to an explosion in the number of abandoned chihuahuas in Los Angeles, where tiny canines are everywhere.

But now an animal-friendly philanthropist has come to their rescue, organizing an airlift of diminutive pooches abandoned by impatient owners in California – jetting them off by private plane to Canada, of all places.

"In Los Angeles, in particular, we have an overpopulation of small dogs, many of them Chihuahuas because people think that having a small dog is easy to maintain in a home," said organizer Madeline Bernstein.

The phenomenon has increased after films like "Legally Blonde," and "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" adds Bernstein of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA).

To make it worse, "a significant number of young celebrities like Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, they started to get out with these little dogs like accessories," she told AFP.

"The problem is, they are not accessories, they are dogs. They poop, pee and you should take care of them, ... and young people want them as if they were a nice bag, then they get tired ... and leave the dogs in the streets or shelters."

There are estimated to be more than 60,000 Chihuahuas in Los Angeles, where newcomers are often shocked at the luxuries afforded to the miniature hounds, often petted over like babies in the street or in cafes and bars.

Owners can choose from a seemingly endless range of dog spas, boutiques and even schools of canine yoga for their tiny charges – although the costs involved may possibly help explain why so many are being abandoned.

Whatever the reasons, animal lovers are determined to rescue those that they can from a sad and lonely life in a shelter in California.

That's why on Friday Bernstein and a group of other dog-lovers took action, strapping some 60 dogs in for a three-hour "Air Chihuahua" flight from Long Beach, California, to Edmonton, Canada.

Candy, Kobe, Sadie, Winnie, Taylor and Troudy were among those heading for a new life further north, a long way from the heat of California, and even further from the northern Mexican province from which they get their name.

The spcaLA has been organizing Air Chihuahua flights since December 2009, to destinations including Colorado, Houston and Florida. But Friday's $40,000 operation was the first international airlift.

Jan Folk, a Canadian businesswoman and philanthropist who owns the plane, said that in southern California animal rescue centers deal with large volume of strays admitted every day.

"They feel that they would have no other choice but to eventually euthanize the dogs if they were not transferred," she lamented to AFP on the tarmac in Long Beach, just south of Los Angeles.

In Edmonton, "more people are willing to wait for the California dogs because they know that many ... may come from puppy mills or brokers where they often live in horrible conditions," she added.

"The small breed dogs are in such demand that most were adopted within two or three weeks of arriving in Edmonton. In fact, there was a line of potential adopters at the Edmonton shelter waiting for the dogs to arrive!" she said.

Source: http://www.france24.com/en/20110212-airlift-rescues-abandoned-la-chihuahuas
Copyright 2011 FRANCE 24

Here's an interesting "interview" that I thought I would pass on...what are your thoughts on this controversial topic? Comments welcome! –Kim
  
Interview with a Pit Bull
By Mike Danahey
December 29, 2010
 

Elgin, Illinois – Protesters march down the Chicago Street bridge in opposition to a proposed law to ban pit bulls.

Q: What do you think about all of this?

• More on the Pit Bull Controversy...
• Oreo: A Story of Tragedy & Betrayal
• Vick Seeks Redemption with Eagles
• Message to the Media

Here's a great collection of facts that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim

Interesting Dog Facts - Part 2

World's largest dog..... The worlds heaviest as well as longest dog ever recorded was an Old English Mastiff named Zorba. In 1989, Zorba weighed 343 lbs and was 8 feet 3 inches long from nose to tail! The Irish Wolfhound ranks as the largest dog, and the Chihuahua as the smallest dog. The St. Bernard is normally the heaviest dog and other breeds range in size between these extremes.

World's tallest dog..... The tallest dog on record was named Shamgret Danzas. He was 42 inches tall (at the shoulder!) and weighed 238 lbs. Normally, the tallest dogs are the Great Dane and the Irish Wolfhound. The largest Great Dane stood at 103cm and an Irish Wolfhound 100cm.

World's smallest dog..... The smallest dog in history was a tiny Yorkie from Blackburn, England. At two years of age and fully grown this little dude was an incredible 2.5 inches tall by 3.75 inches long! He weighed only 4 ounces! HE was approximately the size of a matchbox.

World's oldest dog..... The oldest reliable age recorded for a dog is 29 years, 5 months for an Australian cattle-dog (Queensland 'heeler') named Bluey in Victoria, Australia. The average dog lives 8 to 15 years of age.

World's Best Drug Sniffing Dogs..... A US Customs Labrador named "Snag" has made 118 drug seizures worth a canine record $810 million. The greatest number of drug seizures by dogs is 969 in 1988. IN ONE YEAR! The team of "Rocky" and "Barco" patrolled the Texas and Mexico border, alias "Cocaine Alley." They were so good that Mexican drug lords put a price of $30,000 dollars on their heads.

All dogs, from the German Shepherd to the tiny Poodle, are thought to be direct descendants of wolves. They can all breed together and produce fertile offspring. Technically they are of the same species.

The basenji, an African wolf dog, is the only dog that cannot bark.

Dogs can very easily regurgitate. In fact, after eating, wolves can travel significant distances back to their dens and regurgitate the food at will to feed their pups!

Dogs cannot normally see as well as humans and are considered somewhat color blind. Dogs can see color, but it is not as vivid a color scheme as we see. It is much like our vision at twilight. A dog sees objects first by their movement, second by their brightness and third by their shape.

Dogs are able to see much better in dim light than humans can. This is due to the tapetum lucidum, a light-reflecting layer behind the retina. Because it functions like a mirror, it also accounts for the strange shine or glow in a dog's eyes at night.

Dogs naturally have a wonderful sense of smell. Some authorities estimate that some dogs sense of olfaction (smelling) is as high as 1 million times greater than ours. They have many more sensory 'smelling' cells than a man's 5,000,000. A Dachshund has 125,000,000, a Fox Terrier 147,000,000 and an Alsatian (often used as a 'sniffer' dog) has 220,000,000. Truffle hounds can find the fungus delicacy even when it's a foot underground.

A dog can hear sounds 250 yards away that most people cannot hear beyond 25 yards. The human ear can detect sound waves vibrating at frequencies up to 20,000 times a second. But dogs can hear sound waves that vibrate at frequencies of more than 30,000 times a second.

Laika became the world's first space traveler. Russian scientists sent the small animal aloft in an artificial earth satellite in 1957.

A dog's heart beats between 70 and 120 times a minute, compared with a human heart that beats 70 to 80 times a minute.

A female carries her young about 60 days before the puppies are born.

Dogs have been used as guards, hunters, drought animals, eyes for the blind, drug and explosive detectors, rodent controllers, and even weapons! In Roman times and the Middle Ages, mastiffs wearing light armor, carrying spikes and pots of flaming sulfur and resin ran into battle against mounted knights. In World War II, the Russians trained dogs to run suicide missions between the tracks of German tanks with mines strapped on their backs.

The dingo is not native to Australia, but was introduced thousands of years ago by the first immigrants.

More than five million puppies are born every year in the United States.

Sadly, statistics indicate that eight million pets (all kinds) lose their lives in animal shelters each year due to overpopulation.

In America, about one family in three owns a dog.

The normal body temperature for a dog is 101.2 degrees Fahrenheit.

Though neutering has no effect on the overall personality, male dogs tend to display less aggression, and territorial behavior when they are neutered. They are also less likely to contract urogenital diseases.

Many foot disorders in dogs are related to long toenails. Check your dog's nails once a month and trim when necessary, avoiding the vein.

If your dog has bad breath, he may need his teeth cleaned.

Cerberus, the three-headed dog of Greek mythology, guarded the gates to the underworld.

Canis Major or The Great Dog: The Great Dog follows his master, Orion, as he makes his annual journey through the sky. Sirius, also known as the Dog Star, is located on the shoulder of Canis Major. It is the brightest in the heavens, and its name means sparkling and scorching, as it is nearest to the sun during the height of summer.

The hot, summer days – Dog Days – which Sirius was thought to cause, run from July 3 to August 11th. The three stars of Orion's Belt point at the Dog Star, Sirius, in Canus ajor at Orion's heels. It is best seen in the northern hemisphere during winter, between December and March. – First published in the May/June 1994 issue of ZuZu

Argos or Argus, Ulysses' hunting dog, was the only creature to recognize the Greek hero when he returned home disguised as a beggar after 20 years of adventure.

The Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts and the 4-H Club all offer merit badges in dog care.

NEVER punish a puppy for chewing.... Just be sure to provide the appropriate objects. Puppies need to chew to stimulate the loss of their baby teeth and to help place their permanent teeth.

Dogs are pack animals by nature. They need closeness, touching, and petting to be content and happy.

A dog is a true friend, and one you can be certain will never talk about you, no matter what you do.

Never assume that a barking dog won't bite, unless you're absolutely certain the dog believes it too.

A dog who destroys your home when you're away is frustrated. His frustration has been displaced onto household objects.

Put your kitchen garbage can in a cupboard. It's the only way to be certain your dog will stay out of it.

To keep your dog off the couch, nail empty tuna cans to a board and put it there before leaving. Your dog will find it uncomfortable, and it's easy to store under the couch.

Source: http://www.dogquotes.com/dogfacts.htm
Copyright © 2001-2008 Australian Media Pty LTD

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim

I Adopted Two Great Recession Orphaned Dogs
"600 Words by Esther J. Cepeda"
February 3, 2010

On Sunday I put out this provocative message to all the pals who keep up with me on-line:

"http://twitpic.com/10sdk5 - (picture) The adoption process went through on Friday and I picked up my new 5 & 7 year old boy/girl today."

Of course it was a tongue-in-cheek message designed to alarm those who might be unable to imagine the likes of an Esther J. Cepeda toting around sippy cups and snack bags of cheddar Goldfish for a set of living, whining tots. They, of course, were right-on in assuming I was somehow joking.

In fact, after writing multiple pieces in the last two years (click here and here) on the effect the housing market downturn, rampant foreclosures and job loss on the lives of household pets, I put my time and effort into the adoption of two Chihuahuas.

I took the plunge after reading yet another news article about the plight of abandoned, discarded, and otherwise left-behind animals; they tend to become but a footnote in lives broken by unemployment or underemployment and all the things that go wrong because of it.

This particular story – "Howls for help; Hard times have left many pets homeless" in the January 21, 2010 edition of The Economist – mentioned several organizations working to place animals in homes and on a total lark I went to one mentioned in the article (http://www.adopt-a-pet.com/) and looked for a pair of sibling, housebroken, adult Chihuahuas who needed to be adopted together and were currently living near my home. I almost couldn't believe it when the search results spit exactly that out at me.

After filling out the application, putting in the requisite vet call, and passing the in-person interview – the adoption group had to ensure I was neither an ax murderer or a dog-eater – I finally got to meet Maxxie and Minnie.

As it turned out, Maxxie, 5, and Minnie, 7, had lived happy together for years when their owner unexpectedly died. They ended up in a Terre Haute, Indiana shelter before being rescued by one of the many pet rescue groups who have connected with http://www.adopt-a-pet.com/ in order to match people looking for new non-human family members. A few months went by and then I came along.

The foster family, who was housing another 10 dogs, just rescues dogs purely out of the kindness of their hearts. The 250 bucks I put out for each pup barely covered their vaccinations, "fixing", and micro-chipping, much less the cost of gassing up the car and traveling hundreds of miles to pick up scared, homeless dogs and drop off the lucky ones.

"We just love it," the foster mom, Laura, told me about the hours and hours of volunteered time devoted to housing and nursing back to health the unintended consequences of families' misfortunes. She was just thrilled to place the brother/sister duo in to a single home.

As for me, Minnie, Maxxie and the menagerie of furry family friends in my home, well… we're still settling into each other. Adopting somewhat scared adult doggies isn't exactly the same non-stop lovefest that brand new puppies have working in their favor, but then again, the quiet demeanor – and bladder control – they came with is priceless.

Keep up with me on Twitter (@ejc600words) and I'll give periodic updates on our progress.

In the meantime, know that there are literally thousands of "gently used" pets out there looking for a safe, warm home in exchange for unconditional love. If you're even remotely thinking of adding a pet to your life, please consider adopting one.

Source: http://www.600words.com/2010/02/i-adopted-two-great-recession-orphaned-dogs.html

Here's a wonderful story that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it inspiring! –Kim

As a puppy, ChiChi was rescued from abusive owners. Years later, at the ripe old age of 13, the Chihuahua-mix returned the favor by saving the lives of two elderly women in danger of drowning at a beach. This month, ChiChi was voted Reader's Digest Hero Pet of the Year.

Before he became a hero, ChiChi had been living with cruel owners who thought it entertaining to beat, kick and throw the little dog out of a moving car. Mary and Rick Lane's niece Heather saved the pup and soon moved in with her aunt and uncle in Greensboro, North Carolina, while attending a nearby college. Aunt Mary wasn't looking to bring a dog into her home, but when ChiChi came into the picture, something all too common happened.

"I fell head over heels in love with him," Mary told Paw Nation. "He's so smart and expressive," she said. "His ears perk up and do one of about 50 different things. He has so many ways of telling me what he wants to do, exactly how he wants to do it, and when he wants to do it." She fell so hard for the guy that when Heather eventually moved out, her niece graciously allowed ChiChi to stay with the Lanes.

And now, Mary and Rick have even more reason to love little ChiChi: he is a literal lifesaver.

Last October, Mary, Rick and ChiChi were enjoying a day at Indian Beach on North Carolina's Outer Banks. The Lanes set up a blanket and umbrella for their dog, tying his leash to the beach chair they brought for him because, "He doesn't like to lie on the sand," explains Mary. The three sat in a row on their beach chairs, the Lanes reading and ChiChi dozing.

It was late morning when the Lanes heard a little boy in the water shouting, "Help! Help!" Alarmed, the Lanes looked up, but the boy was only joking. The boy played this frightening trick several more times, and each time, the Lanes looked up worriedly. But ChiChi didn't stir.

As the day turned to dusk, the beach emptied. Deeply engrossed in their books, they didn't notice two women in the water.

Suddenly, ChiChi leapt out of his chair and started barking furiously. "He was whirling in circles, dragging the chair behind him and making a sound we'd never heard before," Mary recalls to Paw Nation. "It was very sharp, loud and fast. He seemed panicked and was almost twirling on his leash."

Startled, Mary looked up. "A hundred yards down the beach, in the surf, I could see two women," she says. "They were struggling. One was on her back with her head in the surf, and the other woman was trying to support her head."

Rick and Mary took off running down the beach. "We're coming! Hold on," they screamed.

"When we got there, the one woman was about ten feet in the surf on her back," Mary says. "There had been such a terrific storm that weekend and the night before that the waves were really loud. There was a three-foot wall of sand then the beach sloped down."

The women appeared to be in their nineties. Mary grabbed the frail-looking woman who was desperately trying to keep her friend's head above water and helped her to shore. Rick went to the woman struggling on her back and dragged her up. She was disoriented and said she had fallen in the water when she lost her balance bending over to roll up her pants.

"Thank you for rescuing us," the woman gasped, explaining that she had just had knee surgery and would not have been able to right herself and crawl up the sloping wall of sand to shore.

"It wasn't us, it was the dog," Mary replied. "He's the one who told us you were in trouble." Had ChiChi not alerted them, the women would likely have washed out to sea. "There was a riptide," Mary says. "And as far as you could see in either direction, there wasn't one human being on the whole beach."

Mary cannot explain how ChiChi knew something was wrong – remember, the pup didn't look up earlier in the day when the little boy cried wolf – but he sounded an alarm when the two elderly women, who hadn't made a sound, were struggling in the surf.

"I think ChiChi has some sort of sense that we don't have. It's the only answer," says Mary. "In all the pet stories I've ever read, the animals were always saving someone they know, like their family or friend. ChiChi wasn't. He was saving strangers. I didn't know I had a dog who could do such a thing."

ChiChi meanwhile, had jumped back onto his beach chair and fallen asleep during the dramatic rescue. When the elderly women tried to pet him, he growled. "He's a funny little dog," says Mary, laughing. "He'll save your life, but you can't pet him."

Source: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/08/24/chichi-the-chihuahua-mix-named-hero-pet-of-the-year/
© 2009 The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.

Here's a great series that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim

Basic Breed Information – Part 6

Boxer

In the entire world of dogs, the Boxer dog stands apart not just for its looks but also for its intelligence. The Boxer is not a pet for everyone. This special dog needs specialized handling and training. It is one of the highly intelligent breeds among the species of dogs.

The owners of the boxer dog need to decide beforehand if this particular breed is what they are wanting. The boxer is a sturdy, good-looking dog with many positive features. It is highly intelligent, lovable and loyal, and makes a very good pet.

Training a Boxer should begin quite early from about 6 weeks. Formal training can begin when it is about 13 weeks old. The Boxer should be given a chance to socialize and should be allowed to meet and play with other dogs.

The Boxer is dominant by nature, and therefore, it requires firm handling to keep it under control. It makes a good guard dog, which is why they are seen a lot in the police force. A well-trained boxer will help in sniffing out suspects. Its highly sensitive nose is good for detecting narcotics and other drugs. It can also help detect bombs. So, it is quite common to see Boxers not only serving in the police force, but also hold ranks.

The problem with the Boxer breed is that it tends to get bored and turn reclusive very easily. Therefore, it's important to keep this particular breed constantly engaged. This highly intelligent dog needs a good caretaker who can keep it under control. Otherwise it is known to turn violent and unfriendly.

Boxers need a lot of attention and care. The owner of this breed will need to spend a long time with this dog; otherwise, they tend to become withdrawn or ill-tempered.

The Boxer needs to be kept engaged for the greater part of the day. Taking it for long walks three times a day is a must. Playing with your pet and keeping it engaged for most of the day is one of the prime requisites.

A Boxer is a joy to own. With its good looks, intelligence, courage and loyalty, the Boxer makes its owner both happy and secure. This highly lovable breed has a lifespan more or less similar to other breeds. The average lifespan of a Boxer is about 11-12 years. However, some are known to live for as long as 15 years.

For more in-depth Boxer training info, check out: All about Boxers or Secrets to Dog Training.

Venkata Ramana is a Pitbull lover since childhood. Visit his Boxer Dog Web site and discover how you can make your boxer dog the happiest, healthiest loving dog alive.

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with an apple-shaped head and a short pointed muzzle. It has large, round, very dark eyes, sometimes dark ruby or luminous in color. The trademark large ears should be held erect. Puppies have a soft spot or "molera" on the top of the skull. The bone usually closes the gap by adulthood. The body is cobby (stout), longer than it is tall, and the tail is sickle-shaped – curled over the back or to the side. Besides the common short-haired variety, there is also a long-haired type. Colors include fawn, sand, chestnut, silver and steel blue, but any color is accepted, including black & tan and parti-color. The dog is more robust than he looks, with a level back, and legs coming down straight and square. The Chihuahua is a popular, economical companion dog.

The Chihuahua is a good companion dog. Courageous, extremely lively, proud and enterprising, it enjoys affection. Bold and saucy, it moves swiftly to avoid being stepped on. Chihuahua's can be strong-willed without the proper human leadership. They are intensely loyal and become very attached to their owners. Some like to lick their owner's faces. For some, they may be slightly difficult to train, but they are intelligent, quick learning, and respond well to proper, gentle (positive reinforcement) training. They may require patience to housebreak. Many owners simply paper train this breed.

Be sure to socialize your Chihuahua as a pup to avoid excessive aggressiveness with other dogs as well as reserve with strangers. Do not let the Chihuahua get away with things you would not allow a large dog to do (Small Dog Syndrome), such as jumping up on humans. While it may be cute for a 5 pound tiny dog to put his paws on your leg when you come home from work, it is allowing dominant behavior. If you allow this little dog to be your pack leader, it will develop many behavior issues, such as jealousy, and will become undeniably suspicious of anyone except its owner. When strangers are present, it will start to follow his owner's every move, keeping as close as possible. A Chihuahua who is pack leader of its humans may snap at children.

This breed is not recommended for children. Most people treat the Chihuahua differently than they would a large dog. Because of his size, this breed tends to be babied and things we humans clearly see as bad behavior for a large dog is overlooked as cute with a small dog. Small dogs also tend to be walked less, as humans assume they get enough exercise just running around during the day. However a walk provides more than just exercise. It provides mental simulation, and satisfies the migration instinct, all dogs have. Because of this, small breeds such as the Chihuahua tend to become snappish, yappy, protective and untrusting of kids and adults they do not know. Chihuahuas who are their human's pack leader tend to be fairly dog-aggressive. An owner who realizes this and treats the Chihuahua no differently than they would a large breed, becoming a clear pack leader, will get a different, more appealing temperament out of this wonderful little dog.

Because of his short nose, the Chihuahua tends to wheeze and snore. His prominent eyes are susceptible to corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma. He is prone to slipped stifle, gum problems, colds, stress and rheumatism. Don't let him lick or eat toxic products, fertilizer or chocolate. Feed him lightly as he tends to gain weight. Chihuahua puppies are born with large heads, frequently necessitating cesarean deliveries by a skilled veterinarian. They are vulnerable to fractures and other accidents in puppyhood. Some of the breed have a molera, an unclosed section of the skull which can remain open throughout life. This makes the dog prone to injury.

The Chihuahua hates the cold and may shiver. It will tolerate and even appreciate a warm sweater on cooler days. They are good little dogs for apartment life. Although it is tempting to carry these dainty creatures about; these are active little dogs, who need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs; however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display a wide array of behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off-lead, such as a large fenced in yard. Don't think that just because he is small, he should be confined to a small space.

The smooth, short-haired coat should be gently brushed occasionally or simply wiped over with a damp cloth. The long coat should be brushed daily with a soft bristle brush. Bathe both types about once per month, taking care not to get water in the ears. Check the ears regularly and keep the nails trimmed. This breed is an average shedder.

This is the oldest breed on the American continent and the smallest breed in the world. Native to Mexico, nonetheless, he seems to have been introduced by the Chinese. He was only brought to Europe at the end of the nineteenth century. The Chihuahua is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua where he was brought to the rest of the world by travelers. This breed is believed to have been sacred to the pre-Columbian Indian nations. The most valued dogs weigh under 2-1/4 pounds (1.3 kg). Some can even stand on all fours in a person's palm! There is a long-haired variety that is judged separately, but is essentially the same except for the coat.

For more in-depth Chihuahua training info, check out: Chihuahua Training Secrets or Secrets to Dog Training.

Joan & David Anderson are creators of a site dedicated to pictures of Chihuahuas, plus Chihuahua resources. Visitors and Chihuahua picture submissions are welcome.

Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel is basically a hunting dog, and its appearance reflects the capability of the dog. These dogs socialize well and behave nicely with children. Cocker Spaniel obedience training is normally simple, as they are always eager to please their owners. Cockers sometimes may become more possessive of their owners and bark to alert them of a visitor. If they are left alone for a longer period, they become aggressive and may retaliate.

Cockers are brilliant family dogs and require lots of exercise; they also love swimming and running off the leash. They are friendly and love human companionship and like to please their owners. They live about 11 to 12 years; some of the health problems that affect them are skin allergies, cataracts, shyness, benign tumors, bite problems and deafness.

There are two types of Cockers: the English and the American. The length in these two types distinguishes them. Normally, American Cocker is longer than the English Cocker. Cocker Spaniel obedience training involves trimming the coat and regular grooming. If you want to give them a neat look, trimming is necessary.

Cockers are excellent working and hunting dogs. Cocker Spaniel obedience training can be carried out without much difficulty, as they are highly intelligent. Also, they are good learners and always eager to please their masters. The dogs can be trained as sniffer dogs that are used to check for food products or drugs. A working Cocker is a flushing dog, and it need some training to do the job efficiently. A well-bred Cocker Spaniel is playful, gentle, trusting, loyal and happy towards everyone.

Cocker Spaniel obedience training includes the special grooming needs. The coat length may be wavy or flat. The color of the coat can be buff, liver, etc. The ears are silky and long and require daily cleaning. Cockers should be combed and brushed at least twice or thrice a week to shun matting on the chest, ears and legs. They appreciate and love long vigorous walks.

Cocker Spaniels easily catch ear infections; hence, the ears should be cleaned properly. If you are leaving her for professional grooming, then make sure her ears are cleaned properly. Any excess fluid or water should not remain inside the ear. The ear cleaning may be difficult to carry out. Cocker Spaniel obedience training will be easier if you keep her healthy and free from ear infections.

Cockers' teeth should be cleaned with the specific toothpaste and brush at least twice in a week. Brushing removes the tartar and can help to avoid cavities and periodontal disease. The toenails also require care and should be clipped, regularly. Strengthen your emotional bonds with her to keep her healthy and happy. If left alone, she becomes more aggressive and even can bite or bark for longer hours to show her unhappiness. On the other hand, if trained right from a young age, she will behave very well with others and children, and shows her happiness and affection towards the family.

This article was brought to you by Sean Green, at Online Dog Training (©2008 Dog Obedience Training).

For more in-depth Cocker Spaniel training info, check out: Cocker Spaniel Training or Secrets to Dog Training.

Dachshund

A Dachshund – originally developed by German foresters – is an intelligent hound dog with a sturdy and willful personality. Its body is long and legs are short. Other features are a short sleek coat and long drooping ears.

Also known as Teckel, Dachshunds exist in three sizes – standard, miniature and toy and can be short-haired, wired-haired or long-haired. Typically, Dachshunds are independent and stubborn. But they can be transformed into a sociable breed through constant and rewarding training. Training dachshunds requires considerable patience and diligence.

Training includes house training and socializing with strangers. Since the Dachshund is a hunting breed, it must be properly trained to get along with different types of pets such as cats. Dachshunds also need extensive desensitizing training to overcome their suspicious behavior towards outsiders. It is always wise to start socialization and training of a dachshund at an early age. Vigorous training is required for adult Dachshunds.

Dachshunds should be treated as one of your children. As they do not respond to any harsh training method, Dachshund training should always be game oriented and food-based. Eye contact is also important while training Dachshunds. And don't forget to praise him with tasty rewards when he performs well. Well-planned exercises coupled with lots of praise can bring amazing changes in Dachshunds. A properly trained Dachshund can walk on a leash and sit by your side without pulling when you stop walking.

There are numerous training schools that offer comprehensive learning programs for dachshunds. Instructions and tips for training dachshunds can be found from various sources including the Internet. In addition, CDs with info on dachshund training are available in most pet stores.

For more in-depth Dachshund training info, check out: Dachshund Training Secrets or Secrets to Dog Training.

For more information about Dachshunds, visit Dachshund World.

Here are some sweet pictures that I thought I would share...hope you like them as much as I do! –Kim
A Beagle and Fawn
Could you imagine coming home from work to find this tiny creature napping on your couch with your dog?
The fawn followed this beagle home – right through the doggie door – in the Bittinger, Maryland area. The owner came home to find the visitor had made himself right at home.

At the Belgrade Zoo in Serbia, a two-week-old panther cub has been adopted by Kimba, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, after being rejected by it's birth mother. The cub has successfully intergrated into the litter of eight, but requires some help to compete with the more powerful puppies.

Thoughts on Fostering

Tomorrow is going to be bittersweet. Tomorrow, I'm going to say goodbye to one of my sweet foster dogs, Maximus..."Max" for short. He's found a "forever" home with a wonderful couple who's been waiting and searching for just the right dog for their family, and Max is it.

He really is. He'll be perfect for them, and they for him. And I know it's right, and I'm happy they found little Max...but I'll still miss him.

Little Max came in a few months ago on a transport* from a rural downstate "kill shelter," where the rescue often finds and saves dogs because they have a better chance here in a big city to be adopted. He arrived looking like a walking skeleton...literally – just a head, ribcage and fur.

He's a Chihuahua mix, but too big for the typical Chi-lover. He arrived adult but young, not neutered, of course. A dirty, scared, oversized puppy. A dog with no history.

He had a wound on his side where he had been attacked by another dog in the previous shelter, and he was traumatized. But in spite of his obvious starvation and abuse, he was also amazingly forgiving...he was, alas, by nature, a dog.

Sweet, cuddly and gentle, he looked up at me through the bars of his crate with his sad, dark eyes, and I knew I had another foster to love for awhile. So, when the Vet told me he wasn't eating well at the shelter because he was still a little overwhelmed, I offered to bring him home to fatten him up.

Max had originally been named "Magnum" by the workers at the rescue, who in a burst of creativity had come up with it in order to name him something macho. But somehow, after I brought him home, my husband in a fit of mind confusion started calling him Max, and it stuck. Maximus, for a minimum-sized dog. It fit. And Max seemed to like it.

Max thrived over the next few months. He ate and ate, and gradually came out of his shell. It was obvious, at first, he didn't know what grass was. Could he have been a puppy mill dog? Or just crated his entire life? He would poop in his crate at first, his skinny little back end up against the bars so as not to dirty himself. When I would take him outside, he would stand a foot away from me the entire time and stare at the trees and sky, and sniff the wind. Then, he would come inside and run to his crate and poop.

After awhile he began to get the hang of things by following my other dogs around the yard...I would always pair him with my best "poopers": Alex or Beau, a Chi/Peke and Mini-Schnauzer. He learned to sit, to take treats gently, to wait for his food on his little rug by the door. Chachi, my other Chi, taught him to tunnel under warm laundry and Beau taught him how to play.

At night, he learned to sleep in his own little bed next to my own.... I forced myself to teach him not to sleep in my bed more for my own sake, not his; I knew I was getting attached, and I thought it would be best to teach him some independence...but many mornings, I would wake up to feel soft warm fur snuggled up against my back, and I'd lift the covers and there would be Max, happy as a clam. He'd crawl out and stretch and yawn and give me a kiss, then roll around on his back as if to say, "Ha ha, Mom! Surprise! And what a wonderful day!!!" I'm really going to miss him.

But tomorrow, Max is going home...to his real home this time. And though he doesn't know it yet, he is going to find more love then he has ever known. His new mom has been busy all week getting ready for him, getting his food, his treats, his new little bed. I have been his transition home, as I was supposed to be, and my husband, my boys, my daughter and I have been in his life for awhile to love him out of his shell, give him some security, then let him go to where he is supposed to be. To prepare the way, so to speak. To love and release. That's what fostering is all about.

In a way, his little story is the story of so many things in life. It's only ego that tries to tell me I could be or do the best for him, or any of my fosters. I need to step back, and step out of the way. If I really love them, I will.

And like the Vet told me once: "The more we can place, the more we can rescue...." There are so many more little Max's, and Alex's, and Beaus...sad dark eyes peering through cage bars. Sometimes bones and fur, sometimes obese to the point of hardly being able to walk. But the eyes are always the same.

And I will love another, again.

–Kim