The Scooter Chronicles

Blizzard of 2010

2010-02-27T16:43:00.000-05:00

I've been through some great snow storms since moving to NJ, but nothing like the one we had this month. Almost a foot and a half of snow in one day! Jackpot!!

Comfy spots

2009-12-27T16:22:00.000-05:00

They can pop up in the oddest places, can't they? I do so love cuddling. This is me, zonked out with my Dad.

Blizzard of 2009

2009-12-20T14:42:00.000-05:00

I LOVE SNOW!

Gotcha Day! My 1st Anniversary!!

2009-10-14T08:14:00.002-04:00

YAY! Today marks the one year anniversary of the day I was adopted by my family.

I love them SO much, and they love me. It has been a truly wonderful year. I have a big yard to run around in, two comfy beds to sleep on (of course, the "dog bed" is just for my toys...I prefer the bed in the guest room), and a houseful of people who adore me.

I get lots of yummy treats, delicious dinners, and tons of play time every single day. In return, I guard the house, lick everyone as often as possible, and shed sparingly. A match made in Heaven!

Happy Anniversary to me!

Avoid a Tragedy! Get a Breakaway Collar

2009-10-08T15:08:00.001-04:00

A very scary thing happened to my friend Fuddy today. Here's the story, as told by her mom:

This morning I came very close to losing Fuddy. She was playing with her friend and the other dog's lower jaw became caught in her collar, in their struggle to break loose, they flipped over, the collar pulled tighter and she began to choke. I mean, she was strangling right in front of me and I could NOT get that collar to unlock--because it was pulled so taut. She was making the most horrifying noises and almost passed out.

I finally got it to unlock--I have NO idea how but I came home, went online and learned this can happen very very easily and quickly. And dogs do DIE like this. So if you leave a collar on your dog while in the house, the yard or your dog plays with others...this can happen.

So please invest in a breakaway collar!

How frightening! Poor Fuddy!!

The way to avoid accidental strangulation is simple: get your dog a breakaway collar. You can purchase one here: Breakaway Collars at CoolDogToys.com

My mom is buying one for me...she loves me!

Dogs used in fighting are devastated -- baltimoresun.com

2009-09-20T22:21:00.001-04:00

Dogs used in fighting are devastated -- baltimoresun.com

Posted using ShareThis

Help Save Homeless Animals!

2009-08-07T17:21:00.003-04:00

The Cesar and Illusion Millan Foundation is has a new program, in honor of Cesar's upcoming 40th birthday, that will save homeless dogs.

Please follow this link and find out how you can help:Millan Foundation 40 for 40.

Pet Airways: It's About Time!

2009-07-13T19:41:00.003-04:00

Wow...this is an idea that is LONG overdue.

There's a new airline that caters exclusively to pets. No more cramped, scary cargo hold for us--we get to fly in the main cabin with the flight attendants! The airline provides the pet carriers, and the in-flight attendants have special training to ensure our comfort and safety.

Before you take your next vacation, ask your human to check out Pet Airways instead of locking you in one of those stupid crates. If they really love you, they'll go for it!

A Rescuer's Answering Machine

2009-06-28T21:38:00.002-04:00

Pat, the wonderful woman who runs the animal rescue shelter that saved me, sent this in an email today. Sadly, it really touches a chord with anyone involved in animal rescue.

A RESCUERS ANSWERING MACHINE

Hello: You have reached 123-4567, Tender Hearts Rescue. Due to the high volume of calls we have been receiving, please listen closely to the following options and choose the one that best describes you or your situation:

Press 1 if you have a 10-year-old dog and your 15-year-old son has suddenly become allergic and you need to find the dog a new home right away.

Press 2 if you are moving today and need to immediately place your 150 pound, 8-year-old dog.

Press 3 if you have three dogs, had a baby and want to get rid of your dogs because you are the! only person in the world to have a baby and dogs at the same time.

Press 4 if you just got a brand new puppy and your old dog is having problems adjusting so you want to get rid of the old one right away.

Press 5 if your little puppy has grown up and is no longer small and cute and you want to trade it in for a new model.

Press 6 if you want an unpaid volunteer to come to your home TODAY and pick up the dog you no longer want.

Press 7 if you have been feeding and caring for a "stray" for the last three years, are moving and suddenly determine it's not your dog.

Press 8 if your dog is sick and needs a vet but you need the money for your vacation.

Press 9 if you are elderly and want to adopt a cute puppy who is not active and is going to outlive you.

Press 10 if your relative has died and you don't want to care for their elderly dog because it doesn't fit your lifestyle.

Press 14 if you are calling at 6 a.m. to make sure you wake me up before I have to go to work so you can drop a dog off on your way to work.

Press 15 to leave us an anonymous garbled message, letting us know you have left a dog in our yard in the middle of January, which is in fact, better than just leaving the dog with no message.

Press 16 if you are going to get angry because we are not going to take your dog that you have had for fifteen years, because it is not our responsibility.

Press 17 if you are going to threaten to take your ten year old dog to be euthanized because I won't take it.

Press 18 if you're going to get angry because the volunteers had the audacity to go on vacation and leave the dogs in care of a trusted volunteer who is not authorized to take your personal pet.

Press 19 if you want one of our PERFECTLY trained, housebroken, kid and cat friendly purebred dogs that we have an abundance of.

Press 20 if you want us to take your dog that has a slight aggression problem, i.e. has only bitten a few people and killed your neighbor's cats.

Press 21 if you have already called once and been told we don't take personal surrenders but thought you would get a different person this time with a different answer.

Press 22 if you want us to use space that would go to a stray to board your personal dog while you are on vacation, free of charge, of course.

Press 23 if it is Christmas Eve or Easter morning and you want me to deliver an eight week old puppy to your house by 6:30 am before your kids wake up.

Press 24 if you have bought your children a duckling, chick or baby bunny for Easter and it is now Christmas and no longer cute.

Press 25 if you want us to take your female dog who has already had ten litters, but we can't spay her because she is pregnant again and it is against your religion.

Press 26 if you're lying to make one of our younger volunteers feel bad and take your personal pet off your hands.

Press 27 if your cat is biting and not using the litter box because it is declawed, but are not willing to accept the responsibility that the cat's behavior is altered because of your nice furniture.

Press 28 if your two year old male dog is marking all over your house but you just haven't gotten around to having him neutered.

Press 29 if you previously had an outdoor only dog and are calling because she is suddenly pregnant.

Press 30 if you have done "everything" to housebreak your dog and have had no success but you don't want to crate the dog because it is cruel.

Press 31 if you didn't listen to the message asking for an evening phone number and you left your work number when all volunteers are also working and you are angry because no one called you back.

Press 32 if you need a puppy immediately and cannot wait because today is your daughter's birthday and you forgot when she was born.

Press 33 if your dog's coat doesn't match your new furniture and you need a different color or breed.

Press 34 if your new love doesn't like your dog and you are too stupid to get rid of the new friend (who will dump you in the next month anyway) instead of the dog.

Press 35 if you went through all these 'options' and didn't hear enough. This press will connect you to the sounds of tears being shed by one of our volunteers who is holding a discarded old dog while the vet mercifully frees him from the grief of missing his family.

~Author Unknown

My Secret for Stayin' in Shape

2009-06-25T13:28:00.002-04:00

Sure, I love a good walk as much as the next dog, but you know, to really stay in shape, Pilates is where it's at.

Mass slaughter in China

2009-06-16T11:31:00.003-04:00

In a misguided effort to eradicate rabies, officials in Hanzhong, China ordered the mass killing of 36,000 dogs.

What makes the incident truly sickening is that while some of the dogs were strays, many were domesticated house pets, too. They just rounded up these beloved, four-legged family members and executed them.

You can read the article yourself here: Dogs Killed in China

Chillin' and Snoozin'

2009-05-30T22:48:00.001-04:00

Now that the weather in New Jersey has warmed up, I've been spending a lot more time outdoors, running around in my backyard and playing with my family. We go on long walks, play fetch with a tennis ball, and my new favorite thing to do is try to eat bees when my Mom isn't looking. Shhh!

After all of that exercise, it's nice to come back inside and chill out in front of my favorite window. From that vantage point, I can look outside and see the neighbors driving by, watch my dog friends on their daily walks, and bark like mad at the mailman.
Of course, after a while, I get sleepy, too.

*sigh* I love weekends!

Peanut Butter...oh my my my

2009-05-22T22:34:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite times of the entire day is first thing in the morning, when Mom wakes up early and comes down to make the lunches for my human sisters. Every now and then, she lets me have a little taste of what she's making...usually it's a few slices of turkey or cheese. Yum!

Well, today, she let me try this sticky stuff that I see Cathy eating ALL the time. It's called "peanut butter". OMG you guys....I LOVE THIS STUFF.

My mom is the best.

Bees!

2009-05-15T22:24:00.001-04:00

Now that Spring is here, I have a new favorite hobby: chasing bees and trying to eat them.

Mom does not like this new hobby, so I have to do it when she's not looking.

Now that's a REALLY old dog

2009-05-02T10:58:00.002-04:00

I was surfing the web this morning after breakfast--I prefer to read the news online, because newsprint makes my fur itch--and came across an amazing article about a 2,300-year-old mummified dog. He was found buried with his human (an ancient Egyptian mummy), according to the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.

You can see a picture and read the entire article here.

You do realize, if he were still alive today, he'd be over 16,000 years old in dog years? Creepy!!

I told you wind was dangerous!

2009-04-29T06:37:00.004-04:00

For the most part, dogs are easy-going creatures. Our hearts are filled with love for all things great and small, which is one of the many reasons we are so irresistible to humans.

I love so many things--chewie toys, tummy rubs, turkey slices, running in the grass, chasing geese, filet mignon cooked rare and sliced thin--but friends, I must confess, there is one thing that I absolutely HATE.

Wind.

It scares the heck out of me. I especially hate those random gusts that come out of nowhere and rustle the leaves and make the trees sway and cause buildings to make those awful whistling, creaking noises.

So imagine my horror when I read the story of Tinkerbell, a 6lb chihuahua from Michigan who was swept away in a tremendous gust of wind. She was guarding her humans' home--a trailer--when a 70mpg wind picked her up and carried her away. How terrifying!

Her humans were, understandably, quite upset. They searched everywhere for her, and eventually consulted with a psychic who told them exactly where to look. Tinkerbell was found in a field about a mile away from her home: scared, dirty, but thrilled to be reunited with her family again.

This story has a happy ending, but it still sends shivers down my fur.

The next time we're out walking, and a gust of wind comes, and Mom says, "Relax, Scooter, it's just the wind" I'm going to remind her of this story. I know I weigh a lot more than Tinkerbell does, but a dog just can't be too careful.

Wind. Grrrrrr.....

Meet Bo O

2009-04-13T08:03:00.002-04:00

It's official....the First Family finally welcomed a canine into the White House. Ladies, gentlemen, fellow pooches, I present, Bo Obama:

photo by Pete Souza, White House/Reuters

Although the Obamas did not rescue Bo from a shelter, they did the next best thing--they got him from some guy who lives on "The Kennedy Compound," which sounds like a scary place, if you ask me.

Just kidding...it was nice of Senator Kennedy to offer one of his pups to the Obamas.

Welcome, Bo! You're one lucky dog!!

A true survivor

2009-04-06T17:19:00.002-04:00

Click the following link to read an amazing story of survival: Dog Survives Four Months Alone on an Island

True life testimony to the courage, strength, and resilience of canines everywhere.

Way to go, Sophie!

Wise words from Hagar the Horrible

2009-04-05T10:27:00.000-04:00

Happy 9th Birthday Mittens!

2009-04-04T21:22:00.003-04:00

My brother cat, Mittens, turned 9 years old today. My human family celebrated with cake, but Mittens held out for the good stuff: a whole can of Pet Promise wet food.

I wonder what I'll get on MY first birthday with my forever family...maybe a nice steak?

Thunder

2009-04-03T14:35:00.000-04:00

I do not like it. Not one bit.

Healthy treats, unhappy belly

2009-03-26T10:34:00.004-04:00

Mom is always trying to make sure I eat healthy, and likes to try out new treats for me. Recently, a good friend recommended these biscuits:
My pet sitter said that they're great quality, and Mom figured the parsley and mint combo would give me nice fresh breath as an added benefit. Of course, to a dog, "fresh" breath is a relative term, but I do like to make my mom happy.

The good news: the biscuits were very tasty! I love 'em!!

The bad news: in the middle of the night, I pooped all over the dining room--a lovely shade of parsley and mint green.

Mom was not happy. Back to Milk Bones for me.

Davie's Law: Stop the Gas Chamber!!

2009-03-13T08:12:00.002-04:00

As you know, I was rescued in the Southern United States, before being brought up north by the rescue group Lukes' Place for adoption. I had some health issues when I was found, including a bad case of heartworm, hookworm, and whipworm. I was lucky enough to be taken in by a no-kill rescue group, who made sure that I got the medication I needed. I was fostered for two months, nursed back to full health, and then brought up to New Jersey to my forever family.

Not all strays are as fortunate as I was. Those who end up at shelters that advocate euthanasia have just a few days before they are put down.

Tomorrow, my Mom is going to help out at Luke's Place again. They have another transport of puppies coming in from a kill shelter in North Carolina--more than a half a dozen sweet little puppies who would have been killed had Luke's Place not taken action.

I understand that there are so many strays out there, and that it's difficult to feed and care for all of them. Some arrive at shelters too sick or abused to be adopted, and these are the unfortunate souls who end up euthanized. Of course, I would prefer that NO dog or cat ever have to face that, but for those who do, the least that our human friends can do is ensure that their final moments are peaceful.

Unfortunately, for many dogs and cats, particularly in North Carolina, the end is terrifying and barbaric.

While many shelters in North Carolina use lethal injection to euthanize strays, some still use the gas chamber method, which can cause dogs to convulse, scratch, claw, and cry out in terror before they die. This method is cruel, and must be stopped.

Recently, a bill named Davie's Law was put to the North Carolina legislature. It would force those shelters who use gas chambers to use more humane methods instead. The law is named for a puppy who managed to survive the gas chamber, only to be discarded in a plastic bag and found in the trash later, clinging to life.

To learn more, visit the North Carolina Coalition for Humane Euthanasia at their website: www.ncche.com You can also read this news article on Davie's Law for more information. If you live in North Carolina, contact your local legislators and urge them to support this bill.

For those who live elsewhere, take a moment to investigate the laws in your area, and find out if inhumane methods are in place. If so, contact your local humane society and ask that they push for a similar bill in your state.

And, please consider opening your home to foster or adopt a stray in need. Visit www.petfinder.com to find a rescue group near you.

On behalf of my furry brethren, I thank you.

Redi-Whip...yum!

2009-03-02T21:40:00.003-05:00

I know, dogs aren't supposed to have dairy...but have you ever TASTED this stuff? It's awesome!

The Obamas Make Their Choice

2009-02-25T18:45:00.004-05:00

According to People magazine, the First Family has decided on what kind of dog they want: a Portuguese Water Dog, which they hope to rescue from a shelter.

Um, seriously?

I suppose they are entitled to their decision, but I was really hoping they'd go for a mixed breed dog. We tend to have better temperaments, less health issues, and a longer overall lifespan than purebreds.

Just sayin'.

Escaping

2009-02-24T07:48:00.002-05:00

I'm in a time out at the moment.

You see, every time someone opens the front door even the littlest bit, I've gotten into this habit of running outside and taking off for the top of the street. I did it yesterday when Christina answered the door for a neighbor, and again just now when Amy left to catch the school bus. Mom was still in her pajamas, so all of the kids waiting at the bus stop ended up chasing me.

It was so cool.

I tried to outrun them--it was a fun game!--but Amy eventually caught me. In the middle of all of this, the school bus came, so my neighbor Debbie grabbed my collar so that Amy could get her backpack and get on the bus.

Mom was SO not happy with me. By this point, she had gotten on some sweatpants and had my leash. She thanked Debbie and made me do the "walk of shame" back to the house, straight into the crate. She used some words I've never heard before--not sure what they meant, but judging by her tone, they were not exactly terms of endearment.

She's sitting at the kitchen table as I type this, mumbling something about "invisible fences" and "no Snausages for a week."

*gulp*

Reunited!

2009-02-22T19:36:00.000-05:00

My family returned from their vacation today!

I was so happy to see them, but man, it was confusing, too. I really enjoyed hanging out with my pet sitter, and even though I am thrilled to see my family again, I miss Norena, too.

Those suitcases in the front hall have all sorts of new and interesting smells on them that I don't recognize, and to make things even more crazy, Mom had her annual Oscar party here at the house tonight, so we have guests staying over. Aunt Maria is here, and she gave me lots of treats (as usual). I also got to meet my Aunt Karin and Mom's friend Vickie. They're having a great time, but laughing hysterically and making lots of noise...my poor ears!

I think I'm going to retire to my crate for a few hours and listen to my iPod until things settle down.

My new friend!

2009-02-12T15:31:00.003-05:00

Well, I have good news and I have bad news.

First, the bad news: my family is going on a vacation, and they're not bringing me with them. I know they planned this trip way before they adopted me, but I have to admit, I'm really sad about the idea of not seeing them for over a week. I love my family!!

But, the good news is: they hired a really nice, certified pet sitter to come and stay with me here at the house while they're gone! She has been here many times before, and my feline siblings, Mittens and Tiger, told me that she is really awesome. Her name is Norena, and she came to meet me a couple of days ago. Oh my gosh, she was SO nice!

She said that I am "perfect" and that I am a beautiful dog, which is sort of obvious, but I never get tired of hearing it.

She took me for a walk on Tuesday with my Mom, and yesterday, she and I went off together--just the two of us--and I showed her all of my favorite pee spots. She told me that she has lots of special training and experience that allow her to care for many animals, but that for the next week or so, I'm going to be her number one priority. Norena is going to sleep here and hang out with me the whole time my family is away. I'm so excited!!

She's coming back again in a few hours to take me for another walk, just to make sure that I'm comfortable with her before my family leaves. She has nothing to worry about, though--I love her already!

While my family is away, I'm going to be really busy showing Norena around the neighborhood, introducing her to all of my neighbors, and of course, guarding my house like the fantastic watch dog that I am, so I probably won't be updating the blog much. I'm sure I'll have lots of great stories from my time spent as the "man of the house" , and I'll be sure to share them with you after my family gets home.

New dog food

2009-02-02T21:41:00.003-05:00

Mom decided to switch my food again. When I was adopted, I was eating Wellness brand "Super 5 Mix". I liked it just fine on the way down, but...it didn't do very nice things to my tummy, especially on its way out. Mom blamed it on the fact that the food was made from one protein source--fish--and told me that my feline siblings, Mittens and Tiger, also get upset stomachs if they eat cat food made from fish sources. And, the Wellness brand is hard to find around here, so buying it was a bit of a hassle. So, she started me on Newman's Own Organic food, which they carry at the local grocery store.

That stuff was pretty good, too, but after I developed a nagging cough, Mom read the label more carefully and realized that it didn't say "No animal by-products" on it. So, we switched to the brand that Mittens and Tiger use--Pet Promise.

Of course, I eat the dog food version. It's so very tasty, especially when Dad mixes in some steak from time to time.

I've been eating it for about a week now, and my cough is gone. I've also noticed that my fur is nice and shiny.

*sigh* I am such good looking dog.

A clean bill of health!

2009-01-28T11:34:00.000-05:00

On Monday, I had my follow-up appointment with the vet to make sure that all of my heartworm is completely gone. (I had tested positive for heartworm, hooks and whips when I was in Mississippi, and had my treatments in September before I was brought up to New Jersey). Dr. Collins did some bloodwork, and also gave me a 3-year rabies booster so that I could get my dog license approved without a hassle.

Well, the test results are in, and I am fit as a fiddle! Yay, me!!

I also grew--Dr. Collins had to remove my old red slip collar (good riddance!) and Mom bought me a nifty new collar to celebrate. It's a little big on me, but it has these cool reflective paw prints on it that light up when I go for a walk at night.

Oh, and I've put on a bit of weight since I was adopted....I'm nearly 32 pounds now! The doctor said I'm "just right."

But of course. Was there ever any doubt?

Best Acceptance Speech Ever

2009-01-12T12:57:00.003-05:00

“I would like to thank all my dogs….the ones that are here, and the ones that aren’t here anymore...because, sometimes, when a man is alone, that’s all you’ve got is your dogs. And they meant the world to me.”

-– Mickey Rourke, accepting his 2009 Golden Globe for
Best Actor in The Wrestler

Black dog bias?

2009-01-11T21:54:00.002-05:00

This article was originally published in the Los Angeles Times on December 6, 2008. It's an interesting topic, and one that hits awfully close to home for me. It is yet another reminder of just how lucky I am to have found my forever home.

Black dog bias?

Shelter officials disagree on whether dark-colored pets are passed up for lighter-hued ones. Some shelters make darker canines more appealing to counter any misperceptions.

By Craig Nakano

For many dogs awaiting adoption, the speed with which they find a home may rest not on their breed, gender or age but on one trait that has no bearing on their personality or temperament.

Shelter officials have dubbed it black dog syndrome -- the propensity of dark-coated animals to be passed over for adoption in favor of their lighter counterparts.

Skeptics say the syndrome is an urban legend, but shelter and rescue leaders insist the phenomenon is very, very real.

"It definitely exists," said Madeline Bernstein, president of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles. She cited many causes, not the least of which is a misperception that black dogs are mean. "It's that old thing of light is good and dark is evil. The light-versus-dark thing is so ingrained in our consciousness in books and movies. It transfers subliminally in picking out a dog."

It doesn't help that many would-be pet owners now start their search on shelter and rescue websites, where animals' back stories are often written up like the treatment for some Lifetime heart-tugger, each bio accompanied with a canine glamour shot. The problem: Black dogs often don't photograph well. Facial features disappear, and animals can appear less expressive.

"You can't see their eyes very well, and people seem to connect with the eyes," said Ricky Whitman, spokeswoman for Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA.

When prospective adopters do venture to a shelter, black dogs sometimes fade away into the kennel shadows. "They almost become invisible," Bernstein said.

Reliable quantitative studies on the problem are few, and Ed Boks, general manager of the Los Angeles Animal Services department, said his data indicate black dog syndrome is a myth.

In the last 12 months, he said, 27% of the 30,046 dogs taken in by his department were predominantly or all black. Of those that were adopted, 28% were predominantly or all black, he said.

Whitman said the question isn't whether a black dog will get adopted, but how long it will take. The average wait at her shelter is two weeks, she said. Black dogs may linger two months.

Karen Terpstra, who until recently was executive director of the Humane Society of Kent County in Michigan, said the problem is national. "We'd have a purebred black Lab, 2 or 3 years old, pretty much the perfect age, and it would sit there for weeks waiting to get adopted," said Terpstra, now chief operations officer for SPCA Cincinnati. "A tan Lab would go in days."

The lengthened stays create additional problems: Because black dogs are harder to place in homes, shelters often have a glut. "Then you have the problem of people thinking they're ordinary and common, not unusual and interesting," Bernstein said.

To combat the problem, savvy shelters keep their black dogs in their best-lighted kennels. A bright bandanna around the neck helps a dark animal stand out, and colorful toys can lessen the fear factor.

Last year Terpstra's former shelter in Michigan and the Austin Humane Society in Texas independently launched a Black Friday campaign on the day after Thanksgiving, reducing the adoption fee for any black animal. Mike Arms, president of the nonprofit Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe, created a program to help black cats, which he said encounter the same challenges as black dogs. Arms' campaign offers a free dark-haired feline with the adoption of any other cat. The program's name: Me and My Shadow.

The Pasadena shelter goes a step further, training dogs to venture from the depths of the kennels to come sit in front as visitors walk by. "People are charmed," Whitman said, and the dogs have a better chance of making a connection. And when all else fails, Bernstein said, SPCA-LA staff encourages adults to bring their children to shelters. "Sometimes," she said, "kids don't see color the way grown-ups do."

Nakano is a Times staff writer. craig.nakano@latimes.com

ALERT! Chicken Jerky treats linked to Renal Failure!!

2009-01-10T17:18:00.006-05:00

Dear Friends,

I just heard some TERRIBLE news!!

Two dog friends of mine were rushed to the hospital. It is suspected they are suffering from renal failure, so please keep them in your prayers.

It has been determined that this illness was caused by chicken jerky treats--which were labeled "all-natural"--and made in China. The FDA issued a warning about chicken jerky treats from China back in September of 2007, but apparently, this poison is STILL out there!!

I urge you to read the packages for any treats that you are feeding your dogs, and make sure they are not manufactured in China. If so, I recommend that you discard them. Even though the illnesses have only been associated with chicken jerky treats thus far, I do not think it is worth the risk to my fellow canines.

Please visit the link above to visit Snopes.com for a list of treats that are associated with cases of renal failure. The site also includes information on the warning signs to look for.

And spread the word!!

*If the link above doesn't work, try cutting and pasting this URL into your browser: http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/dogtreat.asp

**UPDATE** My friends are now home from the animal hospital, but are being watched quite closely. They are suffering from "clostridium", which is a nasty form of botulism that has been found in commercial chicken.

Cheerio, Button!

2009-01-10T08:19:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to Button, a 3-year-old Dalmatian from Britain, for recently giving birth to a litter of 18 pups! In doing so, she has earned the distinction of having the largest litter of puppies ever attributed to her breed.

The poor dear had her pups via C-section, and thankfully, her owners have agreed that her breeding days are over. Button gave birth to 16 puppies in November of 2007, but one was stillborn. This latest litter, born on December 23, 2008, is remarkable because all 18 of the puppies managed to survive. Kudos to Buttons' human family, for their diligence in helping feed and nurture the pups 'round the clock.

I'm sure we'll be hearing about these pups for a long time to come. Button's father was one of the dogs that appeared in the Disney movie, 102 Dalmatians, and two of her new pups already have movie contracts. An acting dynasty is born!

Over the river and through the woods...

2009-01-01T20:37:00.000-05:00

...to Grandma Ann's house we go!

Today I took my first big car ride with the family when we went to grandma's house. I loved it there! Everybody smelled wonderful and was SO nice to me. I got lots of praise from Grandma Ann, and Aunt Carole said I was adorable and sweet.

Aunt Laura said I was a good doggie, but she didn't like it when I snuck up behind her and gave her a good sniff. Oops, my bad.
A big wet kiss for Aunt Laura

Aunt Maria kept giving me treats and telling me that I was such a good boy. I gave her lots of kisses to thank her.
Treats from Aunt Maria

I also got to meet my Uncle Curt, and my cousins Christopher and Brittany. Christopher played fetch with me and Goosie (he's got a great arm!) and Brittany was the most excited to see me out of everyone.

Mom and Dad said I was a really good boy today. What a nice way to kick off the New Year!

It's all fun and games...

2008-12-31T19:04:00.003-05:00

...until someone loses an eye.

Oops.

Heh.

Walkin' and Playin'

2008-12-30T19:51:00.004-05:00

Today, Dad and Cathy took me to the tennis courts nearby to go for a walk and play for a while. We had a great time!

Made just for me

2008-12-26T23:00:00.002-05:00

My sister Amy loves me SO much, she made me a plush chewy toy today. It was the very first thing she ever made with her new sewing machine.

I'm so lucky!

My First Christmas at Home

2008-12-25T21:49:00.004-05:00

Today marked my first Christmas in my Forever Home. I woke up to find my stocking filled with yummy treats, and loads of presents under the tree with MY name on them!

I got a new squeaky goose that sheds a lot less than the other one I had. I really needed a new one, too, because the thick fuzz from the old goose used to get caught in my throat and tickle my nose all the time. In fact, I was playing with the old goose just before present-opening-time, and when I got my new goose, I was so excited, I ran around and suddenly threw up. Sure enough, Mom saw tufts of old goose fuzz in there as she cleaned the mess. (There was also some lobster from the night before, but I'm hoping she didn't notice.) Then Mom washed off my new goose--yup, Goosie was right there with me when I was barfing--and we were both good as new. What a fun Christmas morning!!

Santa also gave me a bunch of other chewie toys that squeak and rattle and roll, and then I got even more presents from my Aunt Maria. My cousin Petey (he's a yorkie) sent me a whole stocking full of stuff, too.

The best gift of all, though, was being surrounded by a wonderful family that loves me.

It was the best Christmas ever!

Aunts & Uncles are for Spoiling

2008-12-24T23:32:00.002-05:00

Tonight was Christmas Eve, and Dad's family came to visit. Mom made this big meal called The Feast of the Seven Fishes. I'm not sure why it's called that, because she actually made ten different kinds of fish. All I know is, the kitchen smelled great all day long.

My Aunt Cathy and Uncle Angelo came to visit, along with Grandma Mary. I remembered them all from their previous visits, and gave them a warm welcome. I had never met Aunt LouAnn and Uncle Bobby before, so I growled a bit when they first came in. I tried and tried to have a sniff underneath Aunt LouAnn's skirt, but Mom kept stopping me and saying it was "rude." Honestly...I was just trying to get to know her a little better.

After a while, I realized that they were family, so I let them stay. That's when the real fun started! When Mom wasn't looking, Uncle Angelo and Aunt LouAnn kept sneaking me food!! They're SO bad!!!

I love them.

I had imported Italian breadsticks, calamari, cheese, and even a little lobster. I can't really say whether or not they tasted good because I ate them so fast I didn't bother chewing them.

I also got to have another one of those frozen beef bones, with the delicious marrow inside. They truly are my favorite snack.

It's getting late now, and Mom says I need to get to bed so that Santa can come. I can't wait to see what he brings me!

Snow Day!

2008-12-19T18:46:00.002-05:00

My sisters all had off from school today, and Dad worked at home, so I had my whole family here...on a Friday!

I've read about snow in books and such, but this was the first big snowstorm I've ever actually played in. We got 7 inches of snow so far!!

I love Winter!

Sweet Dreams

2008-12-15T21:42:00.002-05:00

I was running freely in a wide open field of grass, when I spotted the biggest, juiciest Canada goose ever. Black eyes glaring, he honked and waved his wings menacingly at me, but I was unafraid. I gave chase, and although the ornery beast was fast, I was faster.

Then I woke up. But it was sure fun while it lasted.

*sigh*

Welcome, VP pup!

2008-12-15T08:24:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Vice President-elect Joe Biden and his lovely wife, Jill on their adoption of a three-month-old German Shepherd puppy. The puppy will be joining them in Washington D.C. this January.

A fine looking canine you have there, folks. Once you go tan-and-black, you never go back!

**UPDATE**

Well, it seems there has been quite a bit of controversy surrounding the newest Biden family member. It was discovered that "Champ" was purchased from a disreputable breeder in Pennsylvania, whose business has been cited for multiple animal rights violations. That's right: the Bidens went to a "puppy mill" instead of rescuing a dog from a shelter!

For shame!!

According to the latest news reports, the Bidens are promising to adopt ANOTHER dog, possibly a golden retriever, and this time, they promise to rescue it from an animal shelter.

Better late than never, I suppose.

I do hope that the Bidens will learn something from this debacle, and will use their new platform in Washington DC to put a national spotlight on the horrors of puppy mills.

I hope Santa wasn't watching...

2008-12-13T21:27:00.003-05:00

...because I was a little bit naughty today.

I snuck into my sister Amy's room, and chewed up her very favorite Littlest Pet Shop figurine. It's a Lamb that is really hard to find, and no longer available in stores. Here's what it used to look like:

I know I'm not supposed to chew human stuff, like toys and shoes, and usually I'm pretty good with that. It's just that once in a while, I get kinda bored, and the mood strikes me, and I simply can't help myself.

Amy's little lamb, minus its tasty ears, bow, tail, and other plastic bits

I'm sorry, Amy. :-(

The good news is, Mom was able to find the Lamb on eBay, and bought it to replace the one I massacred. She says it's going to come out of my doggie treat allowance. I guess it's the least I can do.

Indeed, I am Thankful

2008-11-27T20:12:00.004-05:00

This was my first Thanksgiving in my forever home. I am so thankful for my wonderful family, and for the love and affection they shower upon me every single day.

Today was no exception, of course. In addition to my usual meals of that scrumptious Newman's Organic food, I was given an extra-special treat: a frozen beef bone from the butcher shop, filled with delectable marrow. You guys, I can't even begin to describe how yummy it was. Just take a look at the video Mom took, and I'll let my tail do the talking:

Happy Thanksgiving!

Snoozin'

2008-11-25T22:40:00.003-05:00

Nothing I love more than a nice nap with my sister Cathy.

What price fame?

2008-11-13T15:22:00.003-05:00

A friend sent me a link to this livestream webcam of a bunch of Shiba Inu puppies.

Sure, they're cute, but honestly....don't you think today's youth needs to learn a little bit about overexposure? I mean, to live your life with cameras around 24/7...that can't possibly be good for one's psychological development.

Just sayin'.

Remembering our Canine Veterans

2008-11-11T08:06:00.002-05:00

Today is Veteran's Day, a day to remember those brave souls who have served in our military around the world, risking their lives to preserve freedom and democracy.

As a canine, I ask that you also take a moment to remember the dedication of the thousands of dogs that have served our country in times of war, starting in World War I and continuing to our country's present day conflicts.

There is a push here in NJ to create a war memorial in honor of U.S. War Dogs. You can learn more about the history of canines in military service, and make a donation to the memorial, by visiting their website: www.uswardogs.org

In Defense of Barney

2008-11-06T22:00:00.001-05:00

There's been quite a hullabaloo about the First Dog, Barney, having bitten a White House reporter today.

All I can say is, the video speaks for itself, and my fellow canine is getting a raw deal.

Clearly, this is yet another case of the "gotcha" media doing what it does best: entrapping innocent victims into a situation where they come off poorly, all for the sake of ratings. Disgusting!

Poor Barney had a rough week: he stayed up late watching the Election Results Tuesday night, and spent the last two days helping President Bush choose the transition team that will assist the new First Dog assume his or her new role after the 2009 Inauguration.

As I'm sure you've heard, the Obamas plan to get a puppy to bring with them to the White House in January. So, not only does Barney have to move out of his palatial digs, he does so with the knowledge that he is being replaced with some young whippersnapper who probably isn't even housebroken. The idea of the furniture in the Lincoln bedroom being chewed to bits is weighing heavily on Barney's mind. Is it any wonder that the taunting, high-pitched shrieks of "Here Barney, look here, look HERE!" from those pesky reporters put him over the edge?

Plus, it's clear from the video that it was just a wee little nip of that guy's index finger. He BARELY broke the skin, for heaven's sakes. Trust me, if Barney had wanted to, he could have taken that guy's finger clean off.

Much ado about nothing, I tell you.

See the Video HERE and judge for yourself.

My favorite TV show: The Dog Whisperer

2008-11-02T22:11:00.004-05:00

Dogs aren't usually interested in television much, but I must confess, I just love Cesar Millan, aka "The Dog Whisperer"....I could watch him for hours.

What can I say? He just...gets me.

In addition to his hit TV show and several best-selling books, Cesar and his wife, Illusion, run a non-profit foundation that supports the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of abandoned and abused dogs. They do wonderful work, and help animals in need all across the United States.

You can find out more (or make a donation) by visiting www.MillanFoundation.org.

Mischief Night

2008-10-30T22:39:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow is Halloween, which means that tonight is "Mischief Night." It's an evening when teenaged humans misbehave and get a bit rowdy, prowling the streets, making noise, throwing toilet paper into trees--but it's all in good fun, really.

Unless, of course, yours is the tree getting TP'd. Then, I suppose, it's not much fun at all.

Well, I guess I got a little carried away with the whole "Mischief Night" tradition, and got into a bit of trouble myself this evening.

Tonight, while Mom was busy getting the basement decorated for Christina's Halloween party tomorrow, I came across Cathy's costume. You know, the fuzzy cat costume that she is wearing tomorrow at school, and again in the afternoon when she goes trick-or-treating? The only costume she has this year?? Yeah, that one.

I swear, I was only sniffing it, just sort of investigating, but then....I smelled those darn feathers. The headband with the cat ears has these little downy black feathers attached to it, and oh my goodness, I just HAD to taste them. And gnaw them. And nibble them, ever so slightly.

Dad found the headband at the top of the stairs and told Mom. She was NOT happy with me. She said a bunch of words that did NOT sound as sweet as when she usually talks to me. In fact, the only time I ever heard words like that was when I figured out how to use the cable box and caught an episode of The Sopranos.

I wish I had a better explanation for my behavior, but the truth is: I just couldn't help myself.

Mom was able to sew the ears back on straight, and she used a scary looking thing called a "glue gun" to make the headband into one piece again. Cathy says she forgives me, and to tell you the truth, in the time it took me to type out this post, I've just about forgotten what it was that I did wrong. If not for that heavenly taste of marabou lingering in my teeth, it all would be a distant memory by now.

As a way to show Mom I was sorry, I stayed very still while she tried my Halloween costume on me, and I even posed for a picture.

Oh, why do Halloween costumes have to be so tempting??

Sunday and the livin' is easy

2008-10-26T18:30:00.008-04:00

Dad and I had a great time playing frisbee out in the yard today. He tossed a tennis ball out there now and then, just to mix things up, but I ALWAYS managed to find it.

Later on, I came inside and took a little nap.

We did our usual trip to the stables, the dog park, etc. Met lots of new dog friends, and had a blast. I also spent a bit of time with one of my favorite chew toys.

I hope your Sunday was as relaxing as mine was!

Neighborly Love

2008-10-25T20:37:00.004-04:00

Remember my friend, Buddie, the yellow lab that lives next door?

Well, her human brother Nicky came over today with some presents to welcome me to the neighborhood! Wasn't that nice?

They gave me a whole bag of rawhide chewies, and some gourmet cookie biscuits that were YUM-A-LICOUS!! Mom let me have one right away. So tasty!

Stylin' new jacket

2008-10-22T18:03:00.003-04:00

Another day, another present.

Today, Mom got me a light jacket, to keep me dry and cozy when it rains. I love it! It reminds me of the stuff Tiger Woods wears on Sundays. It also has some reflective strips, so that I'm more visible during my nighttime walks.

Seriously, don't I look cool?

Presidents and their Dogs

2008-10-21T09:39:00.003-04:00

In two weeks, humans across America will head to the polls to elect their next President. As a rule, dogs like myself do not get involved in political matters. We, being the more intellectually evolved species, find the entire election process rather droll. The pack leader is the pack leader...end of story. I don't quite understand why humans must make it all so difficult, but then, there are many things about human behavior that are difficult to understand.

One thing that does interest me about the two candidates is that only one of them has pets at home. Barack Obama, for all of his talk about "unity" and "change we can believe in" does NOT have a dog. Hmmpf! I know my mom is still planning to vote for him, though, and she assured me that he has promised to get a dog for his daughters after the campaign is over, whether he wins or not.

As for John McCain, he has lots of pets at home, including several dogs (even a mixed breed, like me!), a ferret, and many goldfish. My dad says that's just one of many reasons to vote for the guy. If only his running mate didn't advocate shooting at my brother wolves from a helicopter, I might have considered endorsing him. Alas.

No matter which candidate you support, I thought you might find it interesting to read up on some of our nation's past Presidents, and the dogs that loved them: Presidential Pups

Figuring Out My Heritage

2008-10-20T12:49:00.009-04:00

Well, today was another big day: I had my first visit to the vet! Of course, I've seen a vet before, when I was down in Mississippi, but this was my first time visiting a local doctor.

Mom says I did great at my check up (no surprise there) and Dr. Collins was very nice. He took me in the back to have my microchip inserted (not that I'll ever run away, but you know, you just can't be too careful these days) and the staff went nuts over me. I got so many compliments on my adorable face, my petite stature, and my wonderful disposition.

You would think it gets tiresome to have humans fawn over you in this way everywhere you go, but for me, it never gets old. I'm guess I'm just a people-canine.

One of the things everyone seems fascinated with is my lineage. While I prefer to cultivate an air of suspense in that regard, I can understand the human tendency to try and figure these things out. They're such curious creatures by nature!

Although the rescue group said they thought I was a spaniel/terrier mix, the general consensus amongst those who have met me recently is that I am actually a terrier/beagle mix. While many of my overall physical characteristics resemble a Manchester Terrier, the little

speckles on my one white leg are indicative of some beagle ancestry. Dr. Collins concurred with this analysis, so that's good enough for me.

Here are photos of both of those breeds, and one of me:

Well....what do you think? I can certainly see the resemblance, but I must say, I love being a mix of the two. It's not that I have anything against purebreds--some of my best friends are single breeds!--but you can't beat the aura of mystery that surrounds a mixed breed like myself.

Making New Friends

2008-10-19T15:41:00.007-04:00

Lovin' the new dog bed!

I made some more new friends today. In the morning, Dad took me to the stables where Christina goes horseback riding. I've never seen a horse before! They're so cool!! I kept wanting to go run over and say hello close up, but Dad was concerned that the horses would accidentally step on me, so I stayed by his side like a good boy.

While Christina was having her riding lesson, Dad and I headed over to a nearby nature preserve, where lots of people go hiking with their dogs. I met so many new canine friends, and they all smelled so interesting! Lots of great sniffs.

Mom took me for a walk after lunch, and I explored in the woods for a bit. No geese today, darn it. Maybe tomorrow.

Best of all, Mom stopped by to see Pat and Roger at Luke's Place this afternoon, and got all of my paperwork in order.

It's official: I'm staying!! Yay!!

Getting some nice tummy rubs from my sister, Cathy

Hangin' with my Homies

2008-10-18T22:07:00.020-04:00

I had such a good day today!

This is me and my newest chewie: a round, rawhide thingy. OMG, I love it so! Mom and Dad are freaking out because they say it smells "like dirty wet feet."

And, I'm like, "Well, duh! It's made from dead cow skin. Helllllllo?" Honestly, humans have such limited palates. Rawhide is 80-85% protein, 12% fiber, and very low in fat. The eau du toe jam aroma is just an added bonus.

Hey, I had some visitors today! First, Mom's friend Wendy came over with her son, Ben...and they brought me some gifts! Yay! I love gifts!

They gave me a new rope toy, and a furry skunk chew toy with a tennis ball thingy in the middle, and a rubber alligator squeaky toy that scares the crap out of me. It's the thought that counts, though, and that was so nice of them to welcome me so warmly.

Later on, Dad's sister, my Aunt Cathy, came to visit with her husband, Uncle Angelo.

Not to be immodest, but they frickin' LOVED me. They said I reminded them of their dog, Toby, who died several years ago. They were so great...they kept feeding me stuff I'm not supposed have, whenever they thought Mom and Dad weren't looking. Uncle Angelo gave me, like, 6 crackers, and Aunt Cathy kept sneaking me some cheese. They're so naughty! We hit it off right away.

They brought me a present, too: a new bed! It's very soft and cushy, not to mention stylish. Here's a picture of it, along with a sampling of the gifts I've received over the last couple of days:
I know, I'm totally getting spoiled over here. Isn't it great?

Adjusting to My New Family

2008-10-18T08:44:00.000-04:00

I love my new family.

My mom works at home, so I have someone here with me all the time. Once in a while, she goes to the store to buy me more toys, so I stay in my crate for a little while, till she gets back. I love a good nap as much as the next dog, and it helps the time pass more quickly until she's home again.

I have a big backyard that I can run around in, with lots of trees and grass. The girls take me for walks all the time, and they love to play frisbee with me--my favorite sport!

Another exciting thing: there are lots of other dogs living here on my street. The first neighbor I met was Buddie; she's a yellow labrador. We hung out together at the bus stop, saying goodbye to our human siblings as they left for school on Wednesday morning. I also saw Schatzie, the Schnauzer from three doors down, but he didn't realize that I was his new neighbor, so he barked at me. That's okay...his human realized later that I was "the new kid on the block," and called to apologize. I think we're going to be good friends, actually.

Yesterday, during my early morning walk, I met the English Sheepdog next door. Her name is Macbeth, which I think is quite regal. She's very down-to-earth, though, and asked me to call her Beth, so of course, I obliged.

I also met Scotty, the white Maltese across the street. He's quite a barker, I'm told, but I think it's all an act, because he turned tail and ran in the house when he caught sight of me. Hmmpf!

There are so many new friends living here. I've only lived in this house for 4 days, and I've already seen bunnies, deer, geese, and groundhogs scampering about on the lawn. None of them stuck around to introduce themselves, even though I didn't bark at them. Oh well...maybe they just have to get used to me.

Oh, guess what? There are CATS living in my house!! No kidding!!!

Mom hasn't formally introduced us yet, because Mittens and Tiger (that's their names) have never actually seen a dog before, so she knows they'll be a little scared of me at first. I think she plans to introduce us this weekend. That ought to be interesting, and Mom promised to take some video that I can post here on the blog.

Speaking of video, here's a quick snippet of me, enjoying my new rawhide chewy. Man, those things are TASTY!

My Story

2008-10-18T06:02:00.000-04:00

Let's start at the very beginning,

A very fine place to start...

Ah yes, Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music. Does it get any better than that?

Now where was I? Oh yes, the beginning.

Well, my early days are a bit of a mystery, really, because I don't like to talk about my childhood. Why dredge up those dreadful days again? Water under the bridge, I say.

Instead, I'll start with how it is I came to be in my current home, the place where I am most happy. Yes, that will be a very fine place to start, indeed.

I was rescued in Mississippi, where I stayed with a foster mom for about two months. She was lovely! She took great care of me, even when Hurricane Ike knocked out the power in her neighborhood for a whole week. She gave me lots of love, and worked with me every day to teach me how to be a well-behaved dog. I still think of her with great fondness, but alas, I could not stay with her. As much as she wanted to keep me, my destiny lay elsewhere.

I was transported to New Jersey in early October, on a noisy tractor trailer, with a bunch of other rescued dogs. We were carefully placed into crates and brought to Luke's Place, in Ridgewood. There, I was greeted by the director, Pat, and her staff of volunteers. Such nice people! They were so kind to us, taking each of us for a walk, cleaning us off, and giving us lots of love and attention. They got us all ready to meet our adoptive families.

Two of the volunteers were a girl named Amy, and her mom, Lisa. In what can only be described as extraordinary chemistry, I instantly bonded with Amy. She looked into my eyes, patted me on the head, took me for a nice long walk, and I was putty in her hands. When no one was looking, her mom let me sit in the back of their SUV, keeping Amy company while she had a snack. Amy let me lick the cheese from her Cheetos off of her fingers, and I knew at that moment that I had to find a way to go home with them.

The family that adopted me was very nice, but--no, I'm not proud of this--I was a bit of a handful. They had never had a dog before, and I confess, I took advantage of their naivete. Within a week, they were overwhelmed by my excessive bursts of energy (I figured out how to use the coffee machine, and was frickin' wired the whole time), and so they sent me back to Pat.

One of the volunteers contacted Lisa, and she was so happy that I was available for adoption, she came right over the very next morning and picked me up. Pat warned her that I would be a "challenge," but Lisa is very careful with her coffee stash, and was not worried in the slightest.

Would her faith in me be justified, or would she discover that she'd made a horrible mistake? Stay tuned!

Welcome, humans!

2008-10-17T21:31:00.001-04:00

Allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Scooter, and this is my blog.

You may ask yourself: what does a dog need with a blog, anyway? Shouldn't he be doing more important things, like sniffing fire hydrants and chewing on fuzzy things? And don't his nails make it difficult to type?

So many questions. And that, dear reader, is exactly why I'm writing this blog.

Every dog has a story to tell, and yet, so few take the time to tell it. We are so busy going about our daily activities, we miss out on the opportunity to truly communicate with our human friends, whom we love so deeply.

A shame, that.

I'm different, though. My mom is a writer, and she has a blog that she enjoys working on very much. She says it's a great way to express herself, and to reach out to others. She's been an inspiration to me, and I decided that I am willing to give up some precious chew-toy time to share my thoughts and feelings on all things canine.

So, friends, welcome to my blog. Pull up a chair, settle in with a nice dried cow ear, and enjoy.