SPCA Dogs

Thought I would show you some of the great dogs I have walked lately.  Most of the photos are less than perfect as the dogs were interested in smells, sights and sounds instead of posing prettily.

This is Jill, the first dog I walked at the Monterey SPCA.

A few weeks ago we received a slew of Great Danes.  The breeder decided she couldn't manage them any more.  This was the mom who came in with a litter.  I didn't get to see the puppies. :(

Continuing with the B&W theme is this lovely guy.

Here's his face.

This is one of the daughters of the Great Dane mom above.  Also very sweet.  Danes are so easy to walk, at least that was my experience with these girls.

This lovely brindle Pittie was interested in each sound and sight.  A very sweet boy.

Isn't she a little sweetie?  She is a Wire Haired Fox Terrier.

When she walks, she looks like she floats above the ground - just beautiful.

There have been so many more.  But my job is to walk them, not to take their pictures.  The little ones (there are so many) are even harder to photograph. 

There is a little boy named Lucky (there are quite a few "Luckys" on any day).  He is a mix of Chihuahua and something black and tan.  He has those dots of light brown above his eyes that I associate with Rotties - but surely not!  He has a deformed front leg and paw that you don't notice for quite a while because he is so friendly and cute.  I guess it is why he is still with us.

It is interesting to me how my attitude has changed about the animals at the SPCA or other rescue organization.  There was a time that I couldn't even consider going to see the animals because I would feel so sorry for them.  Now I know that these are the lucky ones.  They will get a loving home, and while they are here, they are surrounded by people who want the best for them. 

Living in a kennel with lots of other unknown dogs is not the best life, but in most cases it will lead to a forever home with a good, caring family.  Meanwhile they will be comfortable.  They are well - fed and any physical problems will be addressed.  If they have psychological scars, these will be addressed too, by the animal behaviorist and other caring staff and volunteers.

Dogs across the border

My friend Susan asked if I could describe the process of taking a dog from/into/between the US and Canada.  She and her husband lost their lovely old boy, Connor, recently.  They are going to get a new puppy from a breeder in the US.

I rescued Daphne from a shelter in Washington State when she was about a year old.  After the woman in charge of the shelter checked me out thoroughly - references and everything - we arranged for me to pick up Daphne.  Because they are a small shelter in a small town in eastern Washington, they sometimes have volunteers take dogs over to Seattle where the dogs are more likely to get adopted.  So they arranged to have Daphne brought to Seattle for me.

I was told to meet the driver in the parking lot of a Dairy Queen outside of Seattle.  Daphne would have all of her health and vaccination records with her.  So, when a grey pickup drove into the parking lot, I went over to see if they had my dog.  She was in a crate in the back.  They gave me her papers, we opened the crate.  I put a leash on her and said "Hi Daphne; let's go for a walk!"

And that's how I met my dog.

Every time I take Daphne across the border, I bring her vet records to prove that her shots are up to date and that she is healthy.  That is a requirement, I am told.  But no officer at the border has ever asked to see them.  Still, I would be sure to have them.

Susan, as you are getting your dog from a reputable breeder, I am sure they will give you copies of your puppy's records and anything else that you might need at the border.  And you can begin your adventures with your new puppy!  Connor can watch you from doggie heaven and be glad that you are happy.