Filling in the Gap, Part 2: Saying Hello...

Before we ever bring a dog or a cat into our lives, we know that we will only have them for a short time--perhaps ten or twelve years or, if we're extremely lucky, perhaps twenty or more. Knowing we will lose them, we adopt them anyway, believing that the rewards of sharing life with a companion animal are worth the emotional pain when they die. Whether from illness, accident, or old age, it is never easy to say goodbye. They are family, and just as we grieve the loss of human family and friends, so we grieve the loss of our furry friends who are also a part of our family.

Everyone handles grief differently. For some, the thought of bringing another animal into their lives is too much. They don't want to endure the pain of loss again, or they feel disloyal to their deceased pet if they bring another animal home. When our cat, Dickens died, we waited five months before getting another cat. But when Mindy died, we felt like our hearts had been run through a shredder. I couldn't sleep, food had no appeal, and the house felt empty. As my husband said, her absence was "loud." The only comfort was knowing that we had given her a good home and lots of love, and now her death opened the door for us to offer a "forever home" to another dog in need.

Paige enjoying her new bone, toys, and bed.

After two weeks, the pain of Mindy's loss seemed only to intensify. Not only did I miss my beautiful friend, but my health began to suffer because she was no longer there to meet those needs. I found brief moments of comfort by looking at dogs on the internet, but none of them "clicked." Then I saw a picture of a black, white, and brindle dog on the Humane Society of Chittenden County's  website, and felt drawn to her, so I called and asked about her.

On December 27, two weeks to the day of losing Mindy, we visited HSCC, and spent time with Paige, a Border Collie-Pit Bull mix, or "fuzzy Pit" as they called her. She was about three years old and had been rescued from a horrendous overcrowding/breeding situation. We were warned that she seemed skittish around men, yet she seemed to take to both of us right away.

Sometimes you're just too tired to make
 it all the way onto the bed! 

Her appearance and background were as different from Mindy's as night from day. Paige was half Mindy's size, totally different color, and different breed. Mindy's first family had taken excellent care of her, including having her spayed, keeping her up-to-date on vaccinations, and providing a clean environment. Paige had had several litters of pups, had no vet care, and had been kept in a small pen with seven other dogs plus her puppies, up to their elbows in their own waste. Yet, in spite of her rough beginning in life, Paige was affectionate, intelligent, and eager to learn. The HSCC staff had taught her to sit, and when I gave the command, she quickly obeyed. Then I tried her out on a few other basic commands. After two or three times, she understood what I wanted and did it. We knew she was meant for us when we found out later that someone else had already begun the adoption process for her, but never followed through. We filled out the paperwork on the spot, and Paige became a member of our family. She continues to shower us with affection and puppy kisses, enjoys her training, and is doing well with socialization. Her biggest challenge is to remember that the cats are family, too. When she licks them, I'm still not sure if she's giving them kisses or conducting a taste test.

       Paige in her new fleece-lined, waterproof coat.

During those two weeks between Mindy and Paige, I learned that I need a dog in my life. Maybe it's because when I was two years old, I woke up Christmas morning with a puppy licking my face. Perhaps it's because, over the years, I've had the privilege of knowing and sharing my life with many wonderful dogs, each with its own personality, and each of whom taught me something about myself and about what dogs are capable of. Maybe it's because dogs were my confidantes and best friends when I was growing up, or maybe it's because of their unconditional love. Whatever it is, I do know that when I don't have a dog in my life I feel an overwhelming loneliness that nothing else can fill. And now, at this stage of my life, I need a dog to assist me with the stresses and tasks of daily living.

Maybe the reason God put dogs on earth was to teach us how to love, how to enjoy the simple things in life, how to be in the moment, and to mirror His love. Whatever the reason, I am grateful every day for this little "fuzzy Pit" that has helped to heal the pain in my heart, makes me laugh every day in spite of chronic pain, and fills each day with joy.

Filling in the Gap, Part 1: Saying Goodbye...

When I posted pictures of Mindy on National Dog Biscuit Day in February 2011, I had no idea we would lose her to cancer just eight months later. She would have been thirteen years old in January 2012, though we used her adoption date, July 13, as her birthday.

Mindy's first family had moved from Tennessee to New England, but their new housing didn't allow dogs, so six-year-old Mendon (her former name) found herself at the Humane Society of Chittenden County in South Burlington, Vermont.

About the same time, my doctor said I needed a dog to help with some of my health issues. One look at Mindy's photo on the HSCC website and it was love at first sight, so we made an appointment to see her in person. David, whose previous experiences with dogs had been negative ones, knew I had grown up with dogs and trusted my judgment. But when he first saw her, his only thought was, "Oh, my gosh, she's HUGE!" At 100 pounds, this gorgeous Australian Shepherd-Collie mix was certainly no lap dog! But she was gentle, sweet, and very intelligent. As we filled out the adoption papers, another family came in to see her. Had we been just five minutes later, we might have missed out.

Mindy was a dream to train. She quickly learned both the obedience commands and service behaviors I needed her to perform, occasionally modifying one or two to  make the easier for both of us. And, if she saw a need, she filled it without being trained or told to do so. She loved people, bonded with our cats and with us, and feared nothing but thunder. She even picked up after herself!

Because she was an older dog, it wasn't surprising that she had some health issues. She had been shot in the foot as a puppy, the paw had healed crooked, and she still had several pellets in her forearm which predisposed her to arthritis. By the time she turned twelve, it impossible for her to go up and down the stairs, or hop into the car. So, I began sleeping downstairs so she wouldn't be lonely, we bought her an orthopedic dog bed, and a dog ramp for the car. 

Shortly before Christmas 2011, Mindy had a brief stomach illness, but appeared to quickly recover. Then, when David took her out one morning, she collapsed on the deck and couldn't get up. With both of us helping and coaxing, we got her into the house. After a brief rest, she stood up and walked into the living room, but we decided the vet should check her over. Our regular vet wasn't in, but the one who examined her thought she might have a urinary tract infection, and that perhaps the collapse was due to increased arthritis pain. She said if Mindy threw up overnight, to bring her back the next day. Not only was Mindy sick, but the next morning she collapsed again. We took her in and our vet ran tests and took x-rays. Mindy was dehydrated, so we had to leave her there to receive IV fluids.

We returned home to await the test results. Two hours later the phone rang, and the vet said, "Mindy's in serious trouble." An abdominal fluid aspiration showed cells from an aggressive cancer in her abdomen, and her kidneys were shutting down. She said they could do an ultrasound, but it would only tell us the specific kind of cancer that was killing her, and wouldn't change the prognosis. We rushed back to the vet's office, and they brought Mindy in on a gurney. As David, our daughter Sarah, and I gathered around her, it was obvious that Mindy was suffering. It was time to let her go. We spent time with her, assuring her of our love; and when the end came, it was very peaceful-- for her; but for us, the shock and pain of her sudden loss was devastating.

[see Filling in the Gap, part 2: Saying Hello...]

February 23 is International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day!

No, this isn't likely to be listed on your Hallmark calendar, banks and offices will NOT close, and mail WILL be delivered. There won't be any parades, special cards, or bone-shaped candies in colorful bone-shaped boxes or wrapped in pastel-colored cellophane. And it won't inspire family get-togethers or calls from out-of-town relatives and friends. It won't be the main news topic on CNN, not even a mention on your local TV stations.

There are no colored eggs to hide (though you could make a game of it by hiding a few biscuits around your house for your dog to discover), no hams or turkeys to buy, no loud firecrackers, no colorful costumes or knocking on doors, no candles to light or dreidels to spin, and no trees to decorate or stockings to hang. No shopping. No stress. Nevertheless, February 23rd is a holiday for our canine friends, and it is truly one of the easiest holidays to celebrate. So...

May I eat them now, Mom?

Woof, woof, hooray--Happy International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day! Go to your cupboards, get out the Mother Hubbard's (Mother Hubbard's dog biscuits, that is), and have a party with your pooch! The day may not have any special significance for you, but your dog will appreciate your efforts on his behalf. 

Here's a little quiz to test your knowledge about one of a canine's favorite treats. You'll find the answers at the end of this article.

1. What were the earliest known dog treats?

2. Who was the first person to make dog biscuits in the USA?

3. When were the first bone-shaped biscuits made? By whom?

4. After NABISCO bought Bennett's company in 1931, the name of Bennett's Maltoid Biscuits was changed to the name they are still known by today. What is it?

5. Why are dog biscuits and other dog treats an effective training tool?

Aww, there's only one left!

My dog, Mindy, loves Mother Hubbard treats in various flavors, but her number one favorite treat is Frosty Paws--a dog-alternative to a Skippy cup ice cream treat. When given her Frosty Paw, she carries it to her favorite spot in the living room, lays down, her half-closed eyes glaze over, her tongue makes contact with the tasty frozen treat, and she's in another world--her own private bliss.

Frosty Paws = Bliss

So, to Mindy and all our canine friends, a very happy International Dog Biscuit Day! What are you doing to celebrate with your dog?

Want to make some homemade treats for your favorite canine(s)? Check out this recipe from Martha Stewart-- http://www.marthastewart.com/article/homemade-dog-biscuits

Answers to Quiz:

1. In Roman times, people gave their dogs very stale, dry pieces of bread, called "dog's bread."

2. James Spratt, from Cincinnati, Ohio, got the idea while on business in England in 1860. He was the first to obtain a patent for dog biscuits.

3. In 1907 by F. H. Bennett, to try to improve sales of his dog biscuits.

4. Milk Bones

5. Because most dogs are motivated by food, though some prefer a favorite toy as a reward, or just a good old-fashioned tummy rub.

Welcome to "PetWise Online"!

For twenty years, I have been writing a "PetWise" column about pets and pet issues as part of the newsletter for the largest housing complex in Vermont. Our population is the equivalent of some of the small towns in Vermont (and larger than a few); and our pet policy, which I helped to write, has been used as the model for other housing complexes here and in other areas of the country. Now, it feels like the time is right to launch an online version of "PetWise."

I am pleased to present author Nadine M. Rosin as my guest for this first issue of "PetWise Online." Nadine is the author of The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood, a heart-warming book about her journey from new pet parent, through her dog Buttons' cancer diagnosis at age eight, to an outcome that astounded her veterinarian when Buttons not only survived, but lived until the week before her nineteenth birthday. I've read her book, and it is a testament to the wonderful human-animal bond, and the lengths to which we are willing to go to do the best for those we love--whether they have two legs or four. I want to thank Nadine for being my guest. Her article and book exemplify the theme of the month--love--in its truest sense. ~ Donna B. Russell

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"Love is in the Air" by Nadine M. Rosin

It's February, and love is in the air! Can you FEEL it? If you've ever watched a cat lolling in the sun, or seen a dog with its head out the window of a moving car, then you know that for our pets, love is ALWAYS in the air. And not just on Valentine's Day or during the Christmas season, but every day of the year--24/7.

Their mantras are ones of enjoyment, play, adoration, and as they embody the best of our humanity--often better than we ourselves do--I believe we have much to learn from them. Unlike most of us, our four-legged apostles remember that beyond the actions of others or outside circumstances, regardless of the state of the economy or worldly events, life is supposed to be fun, and savored, and appreciated--it is supposed to be lived with delight in this very moment wherever we are.

I have had the honor of living with several dogs throughout my life. Two of them, I consider my heart dogs; our souls connected beyond space and time and physical death.

They continue to teach me every day the lessons of joy, living in the Now, and appreciating whatever is. All I have to do is think of them to consider that, in any relationship, how I treat other people is far more important than how anything (like my hair or my house) looks. I keep them alive--those furry bodhisattvas* of mine--by remembering that a smile from the heart can go almost as far as an enthusiastic tail wag.

My second heart-dog, Buttons, is the subject of my book, The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood. It is the story of how we saved each other's lives. In short--I helped her body heal itself of cancer. She helped my heart heal itself of fear. Both of us used an entirely holistic approach.

February is Buttons' birthday month. It is also the anniversary of her body's death. I will always miss her physical presence, but her love can never die. I am so deeply appreciative to continue Buttons' healing legacy by helping other pet parents, through my personal consultations, prevent their own pets from developing cancer or other degenerative diseases.

I want every pet parent and their animals to have at least as many happy and healthy years together as Buttons and I did (one week shy of nineteen) and will continue helping that happen at every opportunity. In the meantime, I encourage you to please take a cue from your pets and have a VERY happy Valentine's Day--EVERY day.

[This article © 2011 Nadine M. Rosin and printed here on "PetWise Online" with written permission from the author.]

*bodhisattva: a compassionate being who refrains from entering paradise in order to help others.

Nadine M. Rosin is the author of The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood (available Amazon.com), the true story of how she helped her 8-year old dog heal from cancer holistically and go on to thrive cancer-free for an additional eleven years to the age of nineteen.

Nadine is now a certified holistic pets, toxic-free lifestyle 

consultant who, through one-on-one phone consultations, helps pet parents stack the odds against their pets ever developing a degenerative disease like cancer. Information on both and her blog at http://www.TheHealingArtOfPetParenthood.com

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Website of the Month

If you enjoyed the featured article by author Nadine M. Rosin, you might enjoy stopping by her website, listed at the end of the article, or by her blog: http://petparenthood.blogspot.com/). If you do, tell her you heard about her through "PetWise Online." Enjoy!

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February Safety Tip

With winter upon us, here's a reminder that antifreeze, with its enticing sweet taste, can be harmful, even deadly, to both animals and young children. But did you know there is a safer alternative? Antifreeze made with propylene glycol is reported to be three times LESS toxic than antifreeze made with ethylene glycol. While this may be a safer alternative, the ASPCA cautions that it is still toxic if ingested in large quantities. So, the next time you buy antifreeze, read the label opt for the safer alternative, and be sure to keep it securely stored where children and pets won't have access to it.