A Dog Poem...

When I read this poem I laughed so hard that I cried! Thought you might like this and it may remind you of your canine companion...

"I lie belly up...

In the sunshine, happier than
You ever will be.


Today I sniffed
Many dog butts — I celebrate
By kissing your face.


I sound the alarm!
Paperboy — come to kill us all —
Look! Look! Look! Look! Look!


I sound the alarm!
Garbage man — come to kill us all —
Look! Look! Look! Look! Look!


I lift my leg and
Whiz on each bush. Hello, Spot —
Sniff this and weep.


I Hate my choke chain —
Look, world, they strangle me! Ack
Ack Ack Ack Ack Ack!


Sleeping here, my chin
On your foot — no greater bliss — well,
Maybe catching cats.


Look in my eyes and
Deny it. No human could
Love you as much I do."

-Anonymous

Love this, especially the part about the service workers being out "to kill us all". It just reminded me so much of Rocky and Shirley. The only part I don't like about the poem, is about the choke collar. I am against them and do not use choke collars, obviously. If you are kind and patient, you can teach your dog anything with positive reinforcement, not by abusive methods. When all else fails...use treats! Works every time. Works on people too. How do you think my parents taught me things like potty training? There is a reason I was reading at age three! Age three and high blood pressure from all the "treats". All kidding aside, I really was reading at age three. Fun fact about the Dirty Vegan. Why am I not working as a mad scientist you ask? I was born to be an animal rights activist and be the voice for my animal pals. And for now, the Reading-At-Age-Three-Animal-Loving-Fat-Kid is signing off.

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Happy Birthday, Shirley Girl!

Today is Shirley's 1st birthday! As many of you may already know, Shirley is our rescue pup, who really rescued us. She is the sweetest girl you can ever imagine and takes great pride in being a Mama's girl.

See what I mean about my little Mama's Girl! This is us sleeping. Out like lights. And don't even make fun of the pajamas/ socks...they are couture.

I'm so happy to celebrate her special day; to a doggie that makes our lives so special everyday of the year. We really take care of each other and have a great pack, a loving little family!

 Shirley's peanut butter birthday cake!

 Shirley and Rocky dig into the cake after we sing a silly Happy Birthday song!

 Like magic, the cake was all gone!

 Rocky ate his piece and then all of the crumbs on the plate...

 Shirley took her piece of cake and ate it on our bed.

Peanut butter cake all over the blanket and sheets! LOL

Looks like Shirley had a great day and enjoyed her yummy birthday cake! Now we'll play outside in the yard, then the pups will have a little afternoon nap too. The life! I hope your day is sweet like birthday cake and as cuddly as a puppy! And for now, the Dirty Vegan (w/ Shirley & Rocky) is (are) signing off. Tootles!

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Cat Talk: Claws, Litter, and Fur Shedding

Today I'm going to address three topics that are common among cat parents, including myself, with some simple solutions or ideas on how to keep the whole family in balance at the same time.

Simon making his Puss In Boots face!

Claws

When we rescued Simon a few years back, he had a problem with little Rocky. I talked about it in a Previous Cat Talk Post. At that time, Simon was attacking Rocky and it even resulted in some scratches. In fear of Simon ripping Rocky's eye out, kitty received regular nail trimmings and SoftClaw applications. Since this past winter, peace has been restored in the house, no more SoftClaws for Simon, and he now just gets regular nail trims. He no longer attacks Rocky, but not because he fell in love with him, its because we rescued Shirley, a dog who wouldn't stand for anyone being mean to anyone else in her pack. 

Shirley saves the day!

There are many other instances where your cat child may be causing doom and gloom with her claws. Many cats kneed on furniture or even scratch up the entire house. It is also not uncommon in the world of rescuing animals, to encounter feral or non-feral cats who just want to claw the crap out of you! Declawing is NEVER the answer. SoftClaws and similar nail covers is a better and more humane alternative. Thankfully it was temporary in my household and since, the canines and felines created their own boundaries and territories. I really didn't have to do too much there. However, if your fur children aren't making their own space and separating themselves, you may want to create a space for each, in which they feel comfortable and safe. It takes time and is trial and error, but eventually peace should be restored. Offering scratching posts, lots of toys and play/ stimulation, is also always a great idea.

Litter

There are always issues when it comes to litter. The mess, the strong fragrance, the way your cat reacts to litter, if your cat favors a particular brand or not, and so on. There is also the potential harm to your cat's health and the environmental impact to think about. A lot of clay-based litters that contain perfumes and other chemicals are risky for cats, especially since cats are such keen groomers and are prone to ingesting these chemicals. Alternatives are fragrance free litters or natural pellet and pine litters. I've heard a rumor that the small natural company that owns Feline Pine, has been bought by Arm & Hammer. I am still researching this, but if this is true and A&H is still testing in animals, then obviously Feline Pine would not be a vegan-friendly recommendation  However there are many other natural litters available, and other pine products. Another perk of using clay-free litters is that you don't have that dust cloud when you are pouring litter into the box. That is kind of gross.

Fur Shedding

Whether your cat child is a short haired breed or long haired breed, chances are you're dealing with fur everywhere. Embedded in your rugs, on your furniture and clothing, and even clumps slowly breezing by like tiny tumbleweeds. Well, regular brushings help keep everything under control, and also will create a bond between you and kitty. Also, some groomers have a brush that trims a little while it brushes, if your cat is very fury. For rugs and such, I notice that a hard bristle broom (plastic bristles work great) will get the hair unstuck. Just sweep as usual, applying firm pressure to your rug and sweep into a dustpan. You may also want to use a small handheld sweeper. I usually take Simon's fur from the rugs and brushes and put them outside in the yard for the wildlife to make nests with. Its always funny to see nests made with an array of materials, including your cat's old rug fur! It must keep the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and other wildlife nice and warm in the fall and winter months. Not to mention it must make a soft and comfortable home for them.

Do you have any neat animal companion tips or stories?

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Choose Bravery: Face the Storm...and Bark at It?

Rocky & Shirley

Today's post is about being brave. Rocky was never scared of thunder and lightening, storms, or fireworks. Not until he met his late friend Sammy. Sammy was scared of those things. She was also big, strong, and tough. Rocky knew it. My guess is that if Sammy was so brave and still afraid of those noises, that Rocky should be too, because the noises must be a big deal. Rocky started fearing storms and fireworks.

A few years after Sammy passed, as you know, we decided to adopt a pup from a shelter. The tragedy of Sammy's passing hadn't left us, but we felt as people who have the means to rescue another animal, we should do it. Nine year old Rocky started becoming a chipper young pup again with the new addition to our family. We met her at her foster home, the next morning after her shelter transfer. They called her Shirley. Her sister named Laverne. Laverne was already adopted. Knowing us, we would adopt them both not to separate the sisters. Shirley seemed like she was doing just fine, however. Brave little girl.

She was this little ball of fur, but very muscular with big paws. Shirley is the toughest pup I've ever met (so tough that when she was only about 40 lbs she sent me to the hospital with a contusion - almost broken nose - during "play" - but thats a story for another post). 

Spring approached, Shirley's first spring, and accompanying it was the first big thunder storm of the season. Living in the countryside, I now get a taste of storms in a much different way than when I lived in the city. It brings me back to my childhood, the nature that I thought was long gone (global warming, I assumed). In the city, in a third story apartment, you do not get to experience seasons the same way as when you live in the country. This spring storm's thunder rocked the house. I was pretty frightened. Rocky was shaking and I pulled him up onto the chair to sit with me. We both looked at Shirley, who was standing guard. The first thunder boom looked like it gave her a scare. She studied Rocky and me. The next thunder boom happened, now sounding louder than before. Shirley ran off the couch, onto the chair at the window, puffed her chest out, and barked at the storm. She let out a booming thunder of her own, a bark so terrifying that the neighbors might have thought my companion animal is a T-Rex! 

Shirley could have chosen to feed off Rocky (the way he did from Sammy) and be afraid of the storm. Instead she chose to be protective; she chose to be brave. She chose to suck it up and fight the thunder. Today's lesson is about bravery. No matter what life throws your way or how many people tell you that you should be cowering from it, choose to face your fears and be brave. Puff up your chest and stand tall. You are tougher than you think. And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off.

Shirley - one tough broad

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All You Need: Be That Voice For Others

I surround my life with knowing about all this cruelty and pain, so that I can fight to free others of their pain and suffering. I knew I was meant to do something in life, and to find that something is the biggest blessing to me. I am meant to fight for others who are less fortunate than me. I am meant to speak for ones who cannot speak for themselves. Animals, gay and lesbian community, fellow women who are still victims of sexism, people of all races and nationalities, people who are alone and need help, victims of bullying, men and women who are victims of domestic violence - everyone has the power to help someone else out. Let's speak up for those who don't have the means to speak up for themselves, or ones who need a little help doing so.


There is so much that can be done to help. Volunteer at an animal shelter, holding the animals to provide them some comfort until they get to their forever homes. Foster animals so that frees up space in shelters and lessens the chance of them being put to sleep. Rally for people's rights, vote for peaceful ways that allow others to be happy and make their own choices, the ones that suit them. Not everything is right for everyone, but let others decide what is right for them. Speak up for people being bullied. If you know someone who is a victim of anything, tell authorities, tell your teachers, or parents, or someone you trust, go to the police. If you know of animal abuse or neglect, call the humane society or local animal control office. Do these things anonymously if you are scared of backlash. Volunteer at homeless shelters, soup kitchens, old-folks homes - be the sunshine in someone else's day. Be the light that shines on someone else and brings them joy when they thought it wasn't even possible to feel happiness again. You never know what one kind word, or one kind action, will do to someone's life; it can turn everything around.


Are you proud of what you accomplished today?



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Puppy Love

"Ooo, you make me live. 

I'm happy, happy at home. 

You're my best friend"

-Queen

You all know little Rocky, but who is his floppy-eared friend you ask? Well, we adopted Shirley about one month ago from the lovely folks at Critter Cavalry via Pet Finder. Adoption is always the way to go, no exceptions. Remember, there are countless animals out there that people throw away, abuse, neglect, and are unwanted by people who mistreat them. With that being said, why create a demand for more and more animals to be bred and born? Doesn't make sense now does it?

Shirley-girl joins our household of another dog (the Rockster you see pictured with her), a cat, and an iguana. I don't think she had any idea what she was in for! Ha! Royal treatment! You can call this residence an animal playground of sorts, doggy spa, with treats galore, toys everywhere (and I do mean everywhere all over the entire house!), comfy and cozy animal beds in every room of the house, puppy proofed place so puppy gets full range, big back yard, playmates, lots of attention, lots of love-hugs-kisses, and much much more! Sound like an infomercial much?

Positive reinforcement taught this smart puppy of less than 4 months to use the bathroom outside. WeeWee pads are also available indoors for convenience, but she has trained us, her humans, to know when to open the door so she can frolic outside whenever she fancies so. She is extremely smart! Shirley also loves the snow...Rocky, not so much a fan of snow.

I am just so happy to be able to give this special pup a second chance. I am happy to be able to spoil her, because she deserves it! All these rescues deserve nothing but the best because they have been thru a lot, even if they are only just puppies. They are being adopted out for a reason. I am especially happy that Shirley has found a friend in Rocky, and vice versa. I haven't seen Rocky play and snuggle with another dog like this since Sammy passed away a couple winters ago. Her passing really devastated the whole family, and the change in Rocky was noticeable. I love that Shirley brings out the puppy side in Rocky again. He took a liking to her very quickly, almost like he thinks she is a mini Sammy or something, almost like they knew each other forever. The friendship was instant. The first night she was here, we all piled in the car and took them to the puppy store. They both sat on my lap in the passenger seat. Anyone who truly knows Rocky, will understand how rare it is that he allows anyone else near me while he is spending time with me, but he has no problem sharing. Remarkable.

                            (you can see, what I call, Rocky's angel wings - the white fur that resembles    

                                                                             wings. Shirley has light "angel wings" fur growing in now also. Guess it means our puppies are angels)

Here is Shirley pulling Rocky across the living room in a sort of "ride" as he sat there. I couldn't believe my eyes at first, but then again it is Shirley. She likes to find the craziest ways to play. She also does this biting thing on Rocky, it is like a gentle bite with only the front of her teeth, and he moves from side to side as if he is getting a massage or a scratch. They do get on each other's nerves occasionally, but it wouldn't be true friendship if they didn't. As you can see, they like to spend time together.

I really love watching Shirley grow also. We know she will be a big girl when she is fully grown. When she first got here she was the same size as Rocky and every day she becomes bigger and bigger. The home feels complete now. Shirley was in our plan, we just didn't know it until one month ago. 

I would like people to realize that although I am extremely positive in my outlook on life, puppies are A LOT of work. Don't by any means take this as 'run out and get yourself into a situation you are not prepared for, and end up neglecting, or worse, to a poor rescue animal'. I truly believe that caring for another, whether it is an animal or a child, takes someone who is patient, kind, prepared, and committed to the lifelong responsibility. If you do not think you can handle it, don't. I see too many people who rescue or obtain animals, then chain them up outside, pen them up, and do not properly care and stimulate them. Puppies are full of energy and it is a constant job for people with the patience and drive to teach them. A puppy is a baby, don't forget. Remind yourself when it is tearing up the house, it does not know better, you have to teach it and be kind about it. Positive reinforcement is the best and most effective method, not to mention the kindest. Ignore negative behaviors or give a firm "No!" in a dissaproving tone, and praise/ reward for positive behaviors. Also the use of repetition and teaching words to animals is very important. It teaches them to understand you and keeps them safe. Most important words will teach an animal to stay or come to you. Just like you would teach a child, to keep them safe from harm. Having an animal companion is a blessing, and I would love to see all the abandoned animals rescued and in proper homes, proper is the keyword. And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off.

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