Cerebrating Uniqueness

Blogging Friends.... If you have not already figured this out, I am a shameless advocate of mixed breed canines and mutt adoption on my Blog!! I'm unapologetic, really!! Why? Because I share my existence with a certain Beautifully Unique "Mystery Dog", named Rose!! And I love and celebrate her every second of the day!! Plus, based upon personal observation, seemingly nobody owns mutts!! But that is just what I have seen.... So, twice monthly, I will be expressing my feelings regarding anything mixed breed!! But do not desert me, dear Friends, because of this one Blog post. Please. There will be plenty of stories to come!!

We are all unique. Different in our own ways. Nobody is exactly the same, personality-wise. Nobody. Everyone is his/her own individual!! Everyone. And, what truly amazes me is how mightily this is expressed in nature!! It truly amazes me.... No snowflake is identical. A Zebra's stripes vary from creature to creature. My fingerprints are mine and mine alone. Plus no mutt looks exactly the same compared to even a littermate!! Nearly twain years ago, I was looking at some tables of various free stuff. I saw this children's picture story book entitled: "Zak: The One-of-a-kind Dog" by Jane Lidz. Curious, I picked it up. Flipping through this book's illustrative photographs, I was captivated by the first page!! It begins like this: (As Zak looks upward, a quizzical expression written on his face) The first thing people ask me is, "What kind of dog are you?" (As Zak lies, forlornly, on some leather chair) I wish I knew. Someone said there were many kinds of dogs in my family. Who are they? (A serious Zak looks as though he carries the world's weight upon his shoulders) Judge? (Zak is going to walk the plank) Pirate? (Zak and a Pug are lifting their legs on some bushes) Trailblazer? (Zak is standing beneath a "Pa Ingalls"-like statue) Pioneer? (Zak is wandering through miles and miles of acres) City Farmer? (Zak is running through the street) City Slicker? But that doesn't tell me what kind of dog I am. I'll have to seek the answer. (Zak is trekking up some sandy hill) (Zak meets a girl) Excuse me, but... (Zak then meets a baby boy) Do you know what kind of dog I am? Am I the top dog? (Zak plays with this small canine) Or the underdog? (Zak, looking overwhelmed, meets this larger canine) I'm not black or white. (Zak encounters two dogs. One black. The other white.) I'm not even on the dog chart. But at least I'm a real dog... (Zak poses alike to this mural of some canine) with real feelings. I can be brave (Zak crosses a black cat) honest (Zak has his left paw up) funny (Zak is "laughing") playful (Zak is attempting to steal a stick from some girl) curious (Zak is rebelliously looking up toward a sign which reads: NO DOGS ALLOWED IN THIS AREA) and loving. (Zak is being greeted by a pair of twin brothers) There's no one else just like me. It feels good to be special. So now when people ask, What kind of dog are you?" I say, I'm a one-of-a-kind dog." What kind of person are you? (The end!!) This book is such a beautiful tribute to Mystery Dogs everywhere!! Plus their weird and crazy owners.... Like me, who grab free children's books!!

You Had Me At "Mutt"

I recently finished reading an excellent dog memoir!! I enjoy true stories about canines and their owners!! But have a difficult time finding books that I wholeheartedly appreciate. Because an author has opinions which I disagree with.... Or else the memoir is dull, and not at all interesting!! Been there, done that!! "Marley & Me" by John Grogan is actually my number one favorite dog memoir. Ever written!! It can be a little rough around the edges in some parts. Grogan's writing is, at times, quite frank. But honestly? Those are the reasons why I love "Marley & Me"!! I own twain different copies of the book, plus I've read it twice!! Well.... Now I have a second favorite dog memoir!! It's called "Come Back, Como: Winning the Heart of a Reluctant Dog", written by Steven Winn. Nice title, huh? This story is about a family of three: Steven, his wife, Sally, and their only daughter, Phoebe. Then they adopt Como, an unusual-looking, pink-nosed, shaggy white, beautifully unique terrier mix!! A Mystery Dog, actually!! Plus, the Winn's adopted Como, age one, from their local shelter!! And, as approximately seventy-five percent of the canines that enter United States "pounds" are mongrels, I commend their decision to go that route!! Highly!! They, like myself when I adopted Rose, contributed to that seemingly lesser mentioned seventy-five percentage!! That's right. What attracted me to "Come Back, Como"? The very fact that he is a mixed breed!! Yep!! You had me at "mutt".... Como was a "bad dog", with this mysterious past. He hated men, especially Steven Winn. Como was also a destructive little escape artist. Being his daughter's main responsibility, and wife Sally's baby, it would have been simple for Winn to give up on Como. But he didn't!! Winn tried, and tried, and tried some more to be Como's friend. But Como was an incorrigible boy!! Set in his ways. Stubborn.... Winn, along with Sally, delved into the terrier mix's uncertain past, best as possible, which is a must when adopting an adult canine!! Seriously. And, eventually, they learned to accept him.... Just the way he is!! There were several heartwarming moments throughout this memoir. Acquiring fully grown dogs is much like getting foster children. They have a history. People owned them before you. And, chances are, those human beings made some training mistakes.... Or worse. I personally have enjoyed "becoming acquainted" with Rose. One-hundred percent!! I have enjoyed solving my little girl's past, mysterious as it may be, based on who she is. I am constantly observing Rose's behavior, and her "personality". I honestly believe that she was once owned by preoccupied, on-the-go, negligent people. They must have had babies/children, because Rose is so wonderful around them!! Perhaps there was marital fighting, for my mongrel literally cowers, shoulders slumped and head low as she walks away whenever anyone raises his/her voice. Or were they always yelling at Rose? She can somehow sense our frustration.... Nobody ever played with her, either. Poor girl.... Which explains why she never interacted with us.... At first. This has been a beautiful journey, as I have "gotten to know" Rose!!

Thankful For Mysteries

The other day, I finished reading this amazing fictional children's chapter book. Authored by Ann M. Martin. It is entitled "A Dog's Life": The Autobiography of a Stray". This story was an incredible page-turner--I read chapter after chapter--and could hardly put Martin's "tale" down!! Her writing was beautiful. Descriptive, forthright, ingenious, moving.... Squirrel's story, however, is at times heart-wrenching, plus intense. I would not recommend reading it aloud to young children. But otherwise, "A Dog's Life" is an excellent read!!

Here is what the back cover said:

Squirrel is not like most dogs. At first she has companions on her journey -- her mother and her brother, Bone. But when they're separated, Squirrel must experience the world in a different way. As a stray, she must make her own way, facing busy highways, changing seasons, and humans who can be both friendly and cruel. It's a hard life for a dog... until Squirrel makes two friends who will change her life forever. This is Squirrel's story, told in her own words. It is a story no reader will ever forget.

Reading this book reminded me of the blessing I have received by never knowing Rose's past. I often wonder about my mongrel's history. Was Rose owned by negligent people who were too busy for her? How frequently did she escape backyards, chains, open doors, or crates? The nipples across her abdomen indicate that Rose may have once carried puppies. If so, how many pregnancies did she survive? Had Rose resided in numerous local shelters before I adopted her? These queries of mine constantly accumulate.... Like the light snowfall we experienced throughout this weekend. But reading Squirrel's story--a stray mongrel herself--has brought something to mind. Ignorance can be bliss!! I am obviously emotionally attached to Rose.... Knowing her past may leave me mentally disturbed!! Thus I'm thankful for mysteries!!

A Mixed Breed Resource

Earlier this year, I was browsing the "pets" isles in our city's largest bookstore. It is located several miles away from where we reside, so I seldom shop there. I came across this book, entitled: "Mutts: America's Dogs", written by Brian Kilcommons and Michael Capuzzo. I flipped through its pages. I already own a book on mixed breeds. Did I really need another? But I was thrilled by this finding. Brian Kilcommons is a nationally-renown animal behaviorist/trainer. I own two of his books. I never knew that he co-wrote something about mongrels!! And.... This book is different. Honestly. It is nothing like my other mixed breed book!! Nothing. "Mutts: America's Dogs" not only celebrates every mixed breed canine, but it also offers wisdom, plus insight on which beautifully unique creature best suits your lifestyle!! It covers known crossbreeds. It covers "Mystery Dogs". Now is there a "one-size-fits-all" with mongrels? Never!! Example: One Border Collie cross can be hyperactive. ADHD. Another laid-back. "Mutts: America's Dogs" features both heart-warming, and heart-breaking stories about true canines!! It is honest, hilarious, poignant!! And, of course, "Mutts: America's Dogs" provides special training tips, as well!! To quote a blurb on the book's back cover: "Brian and Mike make mixed-breed dog owners proud of their mutts. Through their comprehensive, creative, and very amusing descriptions, the prospective adopter will learn a wealth of information about every imaginable 'breed' of mutt. Brian and Mike have made the thousands of homeless dogs in animal shelters stars. Any adoptive pet owner must read this book before deciding on which mutt to adopt." ~Jane M. Stern, executive director, The Anti-Cruelty Society, Chicago. Well said. Plus, within this book's pages is a picture. Of an adorable hound mix. Tail curled, ears perked.... Just like Rose!! On its page are various notes. "Mischievous eyes--if you can catch me you can have my toy." "Large ears to hear refrigerator door opening from anywhere in the house." "Big nose--anything, anytime, anywhere." "Long legs for taking journeys whenever possible." Yep.... Every part of those notes describe Rose!! Purchase "Mutts: America's Dogs". It is a wonderful mixed breed resource!!

Summertime Is Calling!!

Ah, Summer has officially arrived!! Dreary rains have ceased to make way for warm, lovely sunshine!! A season when we sport shorts, tank tops, flip-flops. Drive to parks, enjoy hikes, indulge in backyard barbecues. A season when we attend weddings, graduations, birthday parties. In 70-plus degree temperatures.... With a light breeze.... That is my idea of the perfect afternoon!! And Summer is a lengthy, dull season sans canines to share it with!! Why? The possibilities for bonding are boundless!! You can take Buddy camping. Or sit in the privacy of your own garden with Sabrina. Seriously.... The options are endless!! I have been reading through this fantastic pet resource book entitled: "Beyond Fetch: Fun, Interactive Activities for You and Your Dog" by D. Caroline Coile. It is literally jam-packed from cover to cover with game ideas!! Red Light/Green Light. (Simon) Says. Red Rover. Some are physical activities, others mental. "Beyond Fetch" features party games, options for indoor/outside play, even homemade toy ideas!! Plus more!! Even games which encourage obedience!! Within the pages of this reference book are wonderful bonding opportunities between master and canine!! Not every game listed is suitable for every breed. If you have an "opinionated" Border Collie, then "Bark-o-Rama" wouldn't at all be appropriate!! As the owner, you should know your dog. Be his judge as to what's best for him!! On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Uncle Michael and I tried one of the activities featured in "Beyond Fetch". From Chapter 1. It was Hide And Seek. We enjoyed teaching it to Rose.... She had fun participating!! Of course, it was a trial run!! And our rules altered themselves three times. Firstly, in our backyard, I held Rose's collar, while Uncle Michael hid, or vice versa. Uncle Michael/I called out: "Rose Come!!" We allowed my mongrel to watch us run away. She seemingly had little sense of direction with that rule!! Really? Where is that incredible "hound" nose? Rose would bound toward me/Uncle Michael with gusto, take a spin around where I/Uncle Michael was hiding, then look pleased with herself!! But this felt like cheating!! Secondly, Uncle Michael/I held Rose's collar on our patio.... Where she could no longer watch us run away. My bright girl caught on swiftly!! She soon figured out that the object of this game is to run across our backyard as I/Uncle Michael called her!! Plus, we lavished Rose with verbal and physical praise whenever Uncle Michael/I were found!! Fun, fun, fun!! There was merely two "off-limit" hiding locations: No flower garden and no fruit/vegetable garden!! Around here, everybody has what we call: "House Rules", where original instructions are always bent. When we played Hide And Seek, on the third round, Rose decided that she was done!! Seriously? Done? By then, Uncle Michael was repeatedly calling out: "Rose come!!" with zero response!! She just stood there, motionless, like a statue, on our patio!! So I walked toward my now disobedient mutt. Firmly took hold of her collar. Gently lead Rose to my hiding spot. Rose's shoulders slumped, her head hung low. As if she was wondering: "Did I do something wrong?" Oh, that broke my heart!! By trying to teach Rose to obey, it seemed, we robbed all the fun!! So our "House Rules" will be that Uncle Michael/I only call Rose's name!! This way, when she is done, there's no disobedience involved!!

"She's An Unknown."

"She's an unknown. She's a lot of unknowns. They don't even know what her age is." ~William, our neighbor kid in response to that old-adage question which I am frequently asked about Rose ("What kind of dog is she?"). William's swift answer tickled me, because he replied it before I, the owner, could even open my mouth!!

I recently finished reading this fun, sentimental, heartfelt children's book. It's entitled: "Because of Winn-Dixie", written by Kate DiCamillo. The story is about this sad, lonesome 10-year old girl, named India Opal. Opal and her Daddy move to a new place where she has zero friends. Plus no Mama. Then Opal accidently meets this big, shaggy, rib-thin "unknown" of a mongrel. She calls him "Winn-Dixie", after the location where the two met. And they have a wonderful Summer together befriending everybody!! Read it!! "Because of Winn-Dixie" was turned into a major motion picture from Twentieth Century Fox and Walden Media, which is almost just as good. I said almost!! As with nearly every Hollywood movies, the book is better!! (Note: It discusses certain adult subjects, like drinking and alcoholism, so a word of caution, moms, before reading this to your young children!!)

Educational Dog Book!!

Alright. It is high time that I recommend this particular pet health resource book which has been mentioned in several of my previous posts!! "Earl Mindell's Nutrition & Health for Dogs: Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy with Natural Preventive Care and Remedies" by Earl Mindell and Elizabeth Renaghan. What I love about this reference book adds up to countless reasons!! For starters, throughout its final chapter, Mindell mentions the most common illnesses which plague purebreds. This way, when you are considering adoption, his listings come in handy!! It mentions ailments, such as arthritis or constipation and how best to apply treatments. This book also explains symptoms of more serious diseases like cancer or kidney failure. It is quite informational regarding vitamins, minerals, nutrition.... plus much, much, more!! Now I do not follow every word of advice in "Nutrition & Health for Dogs". Rose's meals aren't home-made, her water isn't from store-bought bottles, I don't bake my mongrel's treats. But I flip through--and read!!--this book probably more frequently than any other pet reference material I own!! The downside of "Earl Mindell's Nutrition & Health for Dogs" would be that its author is not in veterinary practice!! However, he's a doctor--for humans--who has completed his research prior to this book's publishing!! What a helpful, educational read!!

"Missing Grace"

I just finished reading a fantastic page-turner yesterday!! It is an American Girl Mystery!! About Kit, the Depression-era character!! Its back states:

KIT writes a newspaper story about how her dog, Grace, saved the Kittredges and their boarders from a house fire. Grace becomes a local celebrity, and all the attention is a lot of fun for Kit--until the night Grace mysteriously vanishes. Who would take Kit's dog, and why?

Written by my very favorite juvenile mystery writer Elizabeth McDavid Jones, the book is recommended for ages 9 and up, as it contains no pictures.

What's Wrong With My Dog?

Attention all canine owners!! I hereby declare that I'm recommending a book!! It is entitled "What's Wrong with My Dog? A Pet Owner's Guide to 150 Symptoms and What to Do about Them" by veterinarian Jake Tedaldi. This is an amazing canine health resource book. It contains boxes labeled "When to Get the Vet", but also provides you with home remedies!! This book covers behavioral problems, as some issues indicate health problems. It lists a vast range of physical ailments. This book also has "Warning" boxes throughout that expresses you exercise caution while tending an injured/sick dog. Every canine owner should possess a copy of "What's Wrong with My Dog?"!! I can tell when a canine is dehydrated. How? It's in the book!!