My standard poodle passed away last June. He was 14 years old. I have 2 other shelter dogs, who are wonderful. Shadow was the elegant breed dog. He was the quiet leader. All the animals love him, even the cat. We all really missed him.
Shadow
After some time, I thought about the breeder who gave me Shadow. I discovered that Alexander Poodles, from Hillsdale, New York was still in business. I spent hours looking at http://alexanderpoodles.com/ . I found that Alexander Poodles had a new litter of puppies. The mother was white and the father was black. All the puppies were black. There were 9 puppies in all.
Finally, after a lot of thinking, I called Joan Alexander. Her warmth persuaded me to buy one of the puppies. Yikes!
The puppies were born on Oct. 2, 2010. I made the trip up north to Hillsdale, N.Y., on Dec. 10, 2010. I found my puppy, Gandhi, playing with his mom.
Sugar Pop, his mother, gives Gandhi a kiss.
Gandhi says goodbye to his mother.
Gandhi didn’t get car sick, and he slept well. The next morning he was all ready to explore his new home.
Gandhi’s first day at home.
He quickly learned fetch. I’ve even taught him to sit.
Gandhi is always ready for fun.
I am hoping he will be like Shadow, and like Mahatma Gandhi, a quiet leader, a saint, a gentle soul.
The sky was bright blue, a warm fall Saturday, perfect for Puttin’ on the Dog Show, a festival to benefit Adopt-A-Dog. Allyson Halm, Adopt-A-Dog president, felt good about what is the biggest benefit of their year. “Our 23rd Puttin’ on the Dog was wonderful,” she said. “Thanks to all our volunteers and the community.”
Allyson Halm sits with Candy, one of the Adopt-A-Dog's adoptables during the show.
Tyke is another dog from Adopt-A-Dog. He is very popular among the volunteers. He needs a home.
Tyke has some fun with the volunteers.
Puttin’ on the Dog has many contests. My favorite is the Biggest lap Dog competition.
Ann Marie Alonzi, of Greenwich, won the Biggest Lap Dog with her mix, Farley.
Tom Corcoran, of Greenwich, with his Irish Wolf Hound, Greta, at the Biggest Lap Dog contest.
Stacy Book, of Darien, holds Puck, a boxer, 5, in the Biggest Lap Dog contest.
Volunteer Joy Nicik, of Greenwich, gives adoptable Charlie Shih Tzu, 2, a kiss.
Samantha Reiss, of Bedford, New York, holds Peyton, 3, in the Biggest Lap Dog competition.
A painted dog, "Everyone's Best Friend," painted by Suzan Waldinger.
Dan Hurwitz, of Rye Brook, New York, gives Mike, his yellow Labrador retriever.
The next benefit of Adopt-A-Dog is the 34rd annual Howl & Prowl, sponsored by Pet Pantry on October 30th. This popular costume parade will gather at 1:00 p.m. on Greenwich Commons (park) 290 Greenwich Ave., and the parade will step off at 1:30. The parade will be followed by a costume contest. There will be prizes and refreshments. For more information click ADOPTADOG.
PAWS, Animal Welfare Society of Norwalk, CT., is having a benefit, July 28th ( THIS WEDNESDAY!) Drinks and appetizers at BUtterfield 8, at 112 Bedford Street, Stamford, CT. The restaurant telephone number is 203-504-8123. The party is from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm, and tickets are $40 each, $15 of which will benefit PAWS. Sounds like fun, and it will help the animals. For more information click on PAWS.
Later in September is Adopt-A-Dogs’ benefit, the Puttin’ on the Dog show. The dates are Saturday, September 25, rain date September 26, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. It will be held at the Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, Greenwich, CT. This event is a lot of fun. I have covered it many times. They have contests (biggest lap dog, well dressed dog, and others), food, lots of booths of dogs related things, a silent auction, and you can meet many of the dogs and cats who are up for adoption. Here are some pictures of other years of Puttin’ on the Dog:
In Adopt-A-Dog's Puttin' on the Dog show, a contest for the biggest lap dog, Adam Cooper holds Chilli.
Elizabeth Brown holds Stella dressed as Britney Spiers, in the contest of the best dressed dog.
Chery Guinta and Skyy, at Puttin' on the Dog show, having a quiet moment together.
For more information for this wonderful event, click Adopt-A-Dog
Kristen Alousia, Adopt-A-Dog kennel manager holds one of the beagles rescued from Aniclin testing facility.
What a wonderful liberation! On the fourth of July weekend, 120 beagles were rescued from a pharmaceutical testing facility, Aniclin Preclinical Service, in New Jersey, which had gone into bankruptcy. Even better news is that Adopt-A-Dog has taken 10 of the beagles.
Kristen tends the beagles.
Kristen Alousia, Adopt-A-Dog’s kennel manager said that the plant went bankrupt in April, locking up the dogs, leaving them to die. Fortunately, she said, the caretakers from the plant scaled the fence and kept the dogs alive. Finally, she said, a judge ruled that the dogs would be handed over to animal rescuers. Best Friends Society, in Kanab, Utah, Pets Alive Animals Sanctuary, of Middle town, N.Y. and Elmsford, N.Y, and W.A.R. Win Animal Rescue worked together to get the dogs out of the plant. When Allyson Halm, Adopt-A-Dog’s president, got the request for help from Best Friends, she immediately agreed to take 10 of the beagles.
Kirsten gets a wag.
Allyson Halm says "Aren't they wonderful?"
“It started with Best Friends,” said Halm. “We had recently helped Best Friends with some puppy mill dogs in the mid-West and that went pretty smoothly. I think that because we were close to New Jersey that we were one of the first groups they called to assist with the beagles.”
The dogs were bred in the facility. “Everything is new to them,” Kristen said. “They’ve never been outside; they’ve never seen another dog, or touched grass. We are trying toys on them, but most of the dogs don’t seem to know what to do with them.” Kristen was delighted when one beagle tried out a ball.
The first ball.
Allyson said that beagles were used to test fentanyl patches. The patches were placed on them, then blood was drawn to see how much of the drug was absorbed. “We didn’t see any problems with their health, the dogs are happy, ” she said. “They all have wonderful temperaments, ” added Allyson, “Some are a bit more timid, others are more outgoing. On the whole, they are a very sweet group of dogs.”
Irresistible.
Quincy
“This is Quincy,” said Kristen. “We decided to try something patriotic for the Fourth of July. This one was named after the president Quincy Adams.” The crew at Adopt-A-Dog gave the dogs American names: Eleanor (Roosevelt), Liberty Bell, Quincy, Betsy (Ross), Inde (for Independence), Gover (Cleveland), Clara (Clara Barton) Louisa (Louisa May Alcott), Georgia (George Washington) and Star. There must have been quite a celebration at the shelter that day!
“This is the ultimate rescue, ” Allyson said. “This is when you really feel that you’ve done something that is for the greater cause. These 120 dogs were confined all their lives, and we were able to help on the spot. That was very rewarding.”
Finding a new home, making a new life.
Kirsten Alousia and Allyson Halm with 3 of the of the beagles.
Adopt-A-Dog is starting to accept applications, see their web site. (see above)
This video below was made by Pets Alive. It is terrific.
One of five eight-week-old Mexican Gray wolf pups gets a quick check-up at the Endangered Wolf Center, Thursday, July 1, 2010 in Eureka, Mo. The pups will eventually be re-introduced into the wild in the southwest United States. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
Here is a uplifting story about wolf puppies from the Associated Press:
JIM SALTER,Associated Press Writer
ST. LOUIS (AP) — They looked just like five well-behaved puppies, barely squirming, when a veterinarian gave them their eight-week inoculations. In reality, experts believe the tiny animals offer hope for a nearly extinct breed of wolf.
The Mexican gray wolf pups — four light gray males and one female — had a coming-out party of sorts Thursday. Members of the media were given a first glimpse of the pups born May 2 at the Endangered Wolf Center in suburban St. Louis.
Volunteer vet Randy Junge, director of animal health at the St. Louis Zoo, vaccinated the pups and injected tracking microchips under their skin. The pups took it in stride with hardly a yelp or a fidget.
“They’re all very healthy,” Junge said. “No surprises.”
One of five eight-week-old Mexican Gray wolf pups is held by a keeper to be weighed before getting a check-up at the Endangered Wolf Center, Thursday, July 1, 2010 in Eureka, Mo. The pups will eventually be re-introduced into the wild in the southwest United States. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
That’s good news for advocates of the Mexican gray, a wolf species indigenous to an area that includes Mexico, Arizona and New Mexico. The expansion of the American West has not been kind to the once thriving breed known by some as “El Lobos.
Officials at the Endangered Wolf Center say the Mexican grays were hunted, trapped and poisoned for more than a century by ranchers and others. It was designated an endangered species in 1976, and was considered extinct in the wild until reintroduction into Arizona and New Mexico in 1998.
Today, 42 Mexican grays live outside of captivity. That’s why advocates are so excited about the new pups, who will be introduced into the wild when they are old enough, in 18 months to three years.
“It may surprise some that five newly born wolf pups can make such a dramatic impact on the recovery of a threatened ecosystem in the western United States,” said Mac Sebald, executive director of the center. “But when you start with essentially zero in the wild, these five lives make an immeasurable difference.”
Dr. Randy Junge, Director of Animal Health at the St. Louis Zoo, checks the teeth of one of five eight-week-old Mexican Gray wolf pups recently born at the Endangered Wolf Center, Thursday, July 1, 2010 in Eureka, Mo. The pups will eventually be re-introduced into the wild in the southwest United States. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
The pups were born to two residents of the center, Perkins and Abby. Thursday marked the first time the pups were separated from their parents, curator Jackie Fallon said. The pups seemed OK with the separation — and the intrusion of people and cameras — but Perkins and Abby seemed nervous, howling occasionally.
The center, situated on 63 isolated acres in southwest St. Louis County, plays a pivotal role in efforts to replenish the Mexican gray wolf population. Officials say 162 Mexican grays have been born there. Officials say at least one alpha member of every existing pack in the wild can trace its ancestry to the center.
All told, more than 40 wolves of four different species are currently at the center, which was founded in 1971 by zoologist Marlin Perkins, a St. Louis native best known as the host of TV’s “Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom.” Perkins died in 1986. His daughter, Marguerite Perkins Garrick, is on the center’s board of directors.
An adult Mexican Gray wolf keeps watch at the Endangered Wolf Center, Thursday, July 1, 2010 in Eureka, Mo. Five Mexican Gray pups, recently born at the center, will eventually be re-introduced into the wild in the southwest United States. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
Greenwich Time had an article in the Health section by Seth Borenstein from the Associated Press on April 7, 2010 about laughter. We all know laughter is good for you, but the most interesting part of this article, for me, is that he says that even rats can laugh. I know my dog Sunshine smiles, but do those rats laugh?
Writes Borenstein, “Northwestern University biomedical engineering professor Jeffrey Burgdorf has found that laughter in rats produces an insulin-like growth factor chemical that acts and an antidepresant and anxiety-reducer.” Rats laugh?? Apparently they do. Borenstein also writes that another professor, Jaak Panksepp, a Bowling Green University psychologist, studies rats when they laugh. Here is the utube showing Panksepp and his laughing rats. This might even get you to laugh along.
Eileen McFadden, a volunteer from SPCA of Westchester, holds 2 puppies, Sam, left and Tanner, 8-weeks-old, at the Greenwich Water Club in Greenwich CT. They are among 50 puppies rescued from the South that will be up for adoption on Saturday, March 27, 2010.
The SCPA will bring 50 puppies that were rescued from the South, to find a new home. The adoption event will be at the Water Club of Greenwich, 49 River Road in Cos Cob, CT, on Saturday, March 27, 2010, at 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The puppies go quickly, so it is a good idea to get there a bit earlier than 10:00. Adoption fee is $325, which includes spay/neuter, pre-adopt vaccines and microchips. Walk-ins to adopt that day are welcome.
For more information, go to their website, or call 914-941-2896, ext. 22.
The puppies in the picture were really adorable! And spring is a good time to find your best friend.
I went to the Westminster Kennel Club dog show on Monday February 15 , 2010. I started my day in New York City at 7:15am, which I consider rather early. Only a day full of dogs would get me up at 4:45 in the morning. No that’s not morning. That’s dark.
But it was worth it. My mission was to cover the show for Greenwich Time,The Stamford Advocate, Danbury News Time, and the Connecticut Post. My reward: dogs everywhere!
Here are some of the pictures from the show.
Madison Square Garden welcomed the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Pam Lambie, had tears in her eyes, as the judge, Dr. Richard Meen picked her Rhodesian Ridgeback, Ikaika, Best in Breed at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Lambie, is co-owner and handler, with owners Tom and Barbara Peach, who live in Hawaii and Ian and Sonnet McKinnon, who live in Greenwich, CT
Pam Lambie, handler and part owner, gave Ikaika some love and support, as he goes through his paces.
Ikaika checked out Brick Sellers, the year-old-grandson of one of the owners, with a kiss.
The competition.
Pam Lambie ran with Ikaika.
Ikaika:The Best of his Breed.
Afrikka Evie, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, belonging to Dr. Christina Wistrom and Greenwich resident Sonnet KcKinnon did not advance, but what a wonderful face!
Hayley Hendrick, 13, a owner and handler, with her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Micah, waited their turn in the ring.
Donna Gilbert, from Stamford, CT, celebrated her Welsh Corgi, Reggie.
Tony Cirincione, from Danbury, CT received a kiss from his dog, The Gladiator (Marcus), a Wirehaired Dachshund, after their time in the ring.
Pomeranian U Wish U Were Mia, Mia for short, took a breather with his handler, Chris Lewis.
Pretty hair. An Australian Shepherd.
Maggie Fisher, from Niagara Falls, NY with Micah, her Chihuahua at the benching section.
A dog with his picture at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show.
Tiger, 4, an Irish Wolfhound, belonging to Alan MacLeod, from Prince Edward Island.
Scott Smith shows off his Scottish Terrier hat.
Arvind De Braganca, grooms a Polish Lowland Sheepdog named Emily.
For still more pictures from our Greenwich Time web site, click: DOGS.
