Camp Run-A-Pup

There are a lot of great stories about wonderful people rescuing dogs. I hear happily-ever-after rescue stories in my business all the time. If you watched the Westminster dog show, Pedigree really stressed the importance of rescue and adoption. However, I really resent the heavy dose of guilt included with those commercials.So allow me to show the other side of the coin. Not every dog can be rescued. Many dogs have not been treated well at the hands of humans during their time on earth. This is unspeakably sad. However, passing these dog from home to home is not kind and it is not the answer. Ask careful questions as you go forward to rescue a dog. Often breed rescue groups will treat you like a criminal for wanting to adopt, and they will force you through many hoops before they send a dog home with you. This is a good thing.

Overcrowded shelters and well-meaning volunteers often only see the optimistic side of things. Another dog has a home. The crucial question becomes, “Is it the RIGHT HOME?” It's fine to want to bring a young or old dog into your home that will bring you and your family pleasure. If you have the time, it's fine to consider a special needs dog with thoughtfulness, not guilt. But the reality is that most families do not have the time for a special needs dog. Many shelter dogs are in fact special needs dogs. Each time a dog is passed from home to home, damage is done. Can it be "fixed"? Will a good home fix that damage? Probably not. Tons of quality time and hard work might help a shelter dog become part of your family. It’s important to ask yourself, “Can I provide that quality time and hard work and do I want to, or am I just looking for a great dog to fit right in and become a part of our family?

Many breeders have pet quality dogs that have never known anything but the good life. These pups need homes too. And, by the way, there is no crime in wanting or owning a purebred dog. It’s sad to see the commercial of the poor Pedigree pup left at a shelter because his family moved into a “no dog apartment building”. It would be sadder still for this same dog to be adopted by the wrong family, for the wrong reasons.

Hey what about that Westminster Beagle? WooHoo! Uno took best in show at Westminster. Scooby, Joey, and Wrigley are very proud of their Beagle breeding. When Uno beat Vicky the perfect poodle boasting 121 best in shows—it was a little like the Giants beating the Patriots a super Westminster win!

Camp Is Good, Hope you are too!
Katybeth

Dana and Daisy enjoy some snow play!

Did I hear the words Big Bed??

Are you sure you don't want to play anymore?

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. Around here, there was plenty of barking and clattering, with collars jingling throughout the house as my campers met the UPS, Fed Ex, and mail man with wild holiday abandon.

Petey and Seemore joined us in the early part of the month. As their parents sailed the oceans blue, we enjoyed Chicago’s blustery winter weather together. These boxer boys enjoyed sleeping late and lots of snuggling. They roughed it at camp on the couch. Their cousin Bubba joined us for the holidays. He’s the more rugged type - after all, he is named Bubba. Bubba enjoyed chasing Abby, the Airedale and Skelly, a like-minded Golden. They made quite a team! Bubba boasts the quickest sit in the Midwest when it’s time for treats or to go in or out.

The Bouvier des Flandres joined us at camp throughout the season and, as always, we enjoyed the company of Rosie, Lulu, Paris, and Emma. These campers enjoyed the weather, laughing as their furless canine friends ran in and out as quickly as their paws would carry them. Max T had a rough year recovering from several surgeries, but he is back to putting the T in Terrier, making us smile with his sweet and quirky ways. We had Doodles to brighten our holidays when Ambrose, Cooper, and Howard joined us, bringing enough fun to share. Mattie and Jackson helped us feel like we might have a shot at a Norman Rockwell Christmas as they quietly lay in front of the Christmas tree with snow falling in the background.

Then the boys arrived and well, who really wants a Norman Rockwell Christmas anyway? Joey THE Beagle lead the way, his brothers Max and George in hot pursuit, bringing the “holidogs” into full swing. Joey promptly aced us out of holiday pizza, and his brothers enjoyed trotting around the house, each with one of my UGG boot in their mouths. Zelda, our French Poodle, was visiting us while her parents were in Costa Rica. Zelda is always perfect - always! Nana, our big wonderful Newfoundland, was a joy. Nana grace is patience as she played with the other campers, took a quiet nap, or listened to us groan, wondering once again how we could trip over her as she lay in her favorite spot - the doorway of any room we are occupying. Lexi, our Ridgeback, joined us when her parents took off to Florida to pay the Mouse a visit. (Lexi would like readers to know that her breed is known for fighting lions in Africa, and if one shows up at camp, your pups are safe. In the meantime, she will just enjoy munching cookies, and napping in the sun.) The New Year was closing in when Crash showed up to help us ring it in. Not to forget old friends, we missed Brutus this year, and know he’s giving heaven his best.

My favorite family/business story this year was when a “dog dad” called and Cole, my eleven year old, answered the phone. I was not able to take the call so Cole told the “dog dad” I would call him back. As Cole hung up, he was mortified to hear himself say, “Bye, LOVE YOU.” I tried to explain that it was really not such a big deal, but Cole was still chagrined. Later that day, the same “dog dad” called and Cole once again answered the phone. However before handing me the phone, I heard him explain, “You know, when I told you last time you called that I loved you? Well, I did not really mean it.” When I picked up the phone, howling with laughter, the “dog dad”, also howling with laughter, told me he has never been so “high and so low in the course of a few hours.” We are a family run/family fun business.

Thanks for sharing your precious furs and your friendship with us this year. We look forward to seeing you all in 2008! With that comes a reminder—please book early for your spring break and summer vacation!

Camp is Good, Pats for your Pups,
Katybeth