Had a good week – mom gave me a GIANT bone from Auntie Karin and it’s YUMMY!

The downside of life recently has been the fleas! Yes, I’m on some garlic tablets from the pet store which help, but the dry, hot weather is a perfect environment for those little buggers – horrible for us!

Encourage your folks to use natural means of prevention (garlic pills, natural bug repellents, tansy plants around the yard, borax on the carpets, etc.) and comb you through with a flea comb every day!

Check with your vet if these methods don’t work – but make sure your folks ask lots of questions so they can make an informed choice. If it kills the bugs, it has the potential to be harmful to us over time…

Now on to another an important matter – The Brody Project. This organization links an animal/handler team with a child or adult in need, providing Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)!

Research has proven that we pets help people relax (who can refuse a wagging tail and happy yip yap?) and AAT offers improvement in human physical abilities, social skills, psychological well being and cognitive function.

If you and your owner are ‘chilled’ and willing to take the class/pass the test, you can join their efforts!

For those of us a bit too shy around new people, or a bit too ‘peppy’ for this line of activity, consider supporting the work of those who are suited for this line of activity!

Remember, no matter your ‘style’ – you bring joy, love and happiness to some human… in the end, that’s a doggone great way to celebrate a day!

So, I thought I’d share a few of my own, both for those of us who are ‘pets’ and some suggestions for our people:

• Be the best me I can be (good for both pets and people!)! Let’s deal with reality right here, right now. I’m not a pure breed who will win for my confirmation; nor am I a purse pup; and it’s highly doubtful I am ever going to pull a sled through the Arctic. Sure, I may pass for an Irish Wolfhound (shrunken, but there is a similarity), I’m just me. So, I have to just be the best ME I can be (neurosis and all, thank you very much!).
• Do whatever you’re doing fully – live in the moment, BE. However you say it – I hope my mom and other humans take this tip from dogs and incorporate it into their lives. When relaxing, let it all go; when playing, do it with gusto; when eating, relish every flavor (so, you humans may not want to roll on your food, but I find that is makes it all the more enjoyable sometimes)!
• Start each day anew! As much as I love the stability of patterns of behavior (walk, stretch with mom, food, potty, work, walk, food, hangout and snuggle, etc.), I also don’t hold too much over from the past. Sure, some important lessons get carried over (the sound of the dog food opening – GOOD; the toe nail clippers coming out – YIKES!), but for the most part it’s back to living in each moment.
• Oh yeah, ask for what you want/need! No one can know your needs all the time. Sometimes the barking dog gets the treat, toy or walk!
• Nap when tired, eat when hungry, drink when thirsty, play when frisky! (preferably not at 3 a.m. when mom is sleeping… but you get the drift). Friends, it’s your job as the ‘pet’ to remind your folks to BE … slowing down to snuggle or have a cookie break (oh, I love those dried liver treats… sniff sniff…) and play once in awhile.
• Don’t believe Andrew Zimmern… just because it looks good doesn’t mean you should eat it – pups should avoid avocado (some are GREAT for us, some are toxic), grapes/raisins, poinsettia, chocolate, artificial sweetners … and spoiled food is never a good idea. Oh yeah, don’t bite at the bumble bees either – OUCH! Balance is key for the rest of the stuff.
• Sometimes you’ve just got to chew something up/out! Channel those building ‘hard’ energies and go for a run, bark, growl, play tug of war, shred something – get physical. Does amazing things for relieving frustrations, anger and excess energy. Exercise  - good for the body, mind and soul!
• Wag more, bark less. Try to find the good in a situation. Reserve growls for those who REALLY deserve a good GRRR. And, if and when needed, remember you can always pee on their shoes!
• Trust your pet – sometimes we pups are more perceptive than you humans.

Okay, that’s it for now. I’m sure I’ll come up with some more as we move through a whole new decade. But, for now – we’ll end with one of the most important of all… DON’T SHOP – ADOPT!!!

Peace & Blessings to you all!

Wednesday, December 2 is National Mutt Day… a day to honor guys (and gals) just like me – the Heinz 57s of the world. We ‘rare mixed breeds’, or ‘one of a kinds’.

GOT MUTTS? You should!

Tragically, mutts make up the greatest numbers of dogs euthanized in animal shelters annually. I know this for fact, having been in one of those scary shelters where pups come in, but rarely are seen going out! That’s where volunteers from Brooke’s Legacy rescued me so I could find my forever home with mom!

I digress… back to National Mutt Day – to commemorate this amazing day, and help reduce pet overpopulation, the Collier Spay/Neuter Clinic (Naples, FL), is offering $5 off their already discounted fees for mixed-breeds like me (I’m already ‘fixed’, thank you very much – it keeps me healthier and they give you some meds so you don’t feel a thing. I bounced back quite nicely afterward, much to mom’s surprise).

The cost for neutering will be $60 and spaying will be $70. The clinic is located at 2544 Northbrooke Plaza Drive, at Immokalee Road and I-75.  For details, call 239.514.7647.

So, if you’re not fixed – let your folks know to take you on December 2! Really, it reduces your risk of so many health issues that it’s just plain silly not to do it!

Oh, I almost forgot to mention that the Howl-A-Day Jubilee is taking place tomorrow, Saturday, November 21, from noon to 5 p.m., at Veteran’s Park on Immokalee Road in Naples.

Sponsored by Domestic Animal Services, the event features a lot of fun activities for you and your people: games, costume contests, pet-friendly vendors, other dogs and their people!

Your folks can even do some holiday shopping… humm… I seem to recall biscuits, toys, nice holiday collars and leashes, LOTS of dogs and treats, biscuits and treats… okay – Focus Duncan… oh yeah, I was going to say that some dogs available for adoption are usually sniffing around trying to find their perfect people/forever families.

So, be sure to stop out and don’t forget to visit our friends from The Humane Society Naples and For Footed Friends – I’m sure they’ll have booths, too!

See ya around the big backyard,

Duncan!

It was a doggone good week.

I got to snuggle in bed with mom – the weather has FINALLY dropped below a sweltering 98 degrees here in Naples (FL – somewhere ‘south’ that is way too hot too much of the time); I enjoyed the sun coming up earlier (although mom seems annoyed we’re getting up around 7 a.m. on the weekends)… and I’ve found my forever home.

That’s it – what is making me so happy and content this week – I HAVE FOUND MY FOREVER HOME.

Mom kisses me everyday and tells me she loves me. She gets me good, healthy dog food, those amazing cranberry treats to clean my teeth, even a buffalo bone (yes, buffalo) despite her being a vegetarian and not eating buffalos.

She takes care of me when I get sick, forgives me when I chew her magazines and books (hey, they take up WAY too much of her time… time she could spend with me), plays with me and brags about me to all her friends (she worked on a scrapbook for me last night – it’s not dinner scraps so don’t get too excited, but it means a lot in human life).

So, three years into this relationship and I think I’ll keep her.

She’s a bit whacky, but has a great heart. She’d do anything to help me (okay, she will NOT buy me a steak, despite the fact that Lisa’s dogs told me they’re great)… but I know I can trust her…she’s loved me and proven her love to me.

What she can’t do, she finds someone who can. She provides stability and assurance that I will always have shelter, safety, food, love.

If you have a home, GREAT – enjoy it! Relish it and all the blessings surrounding you each day.

If you are one of the millions of pets worldwide waiting for your forever home – don’t give up! GREAT, AMAZING people do exist and they are looking for someone just like you, or you, or even you! YES – YOU!

If you are a people looking for your pet, go to Petfinder.com and you can search by zip code/town, breed, size, age, etc.

If you live in the Naples, FL, area – visit Brooke’s Legacy Animal Rescue next weekend, November 14, at Petco on Naples Blvd. between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to see if your next pet is there!

And, don’t forget the big Howl-A-Day Jubilee at Veterans Community Park, Naples, from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 21st.

As I sit curled on the sofa dictating my thoughts to mom (boy she can type fast) I know this – someone threw this dog a great bone!

People – go get a pet, dog-on-it!

Basically, they want everyone in the US to know that there are domestic violence centers that allow pets so that all victims of intimate partner violence, including the pets (we, along with the kids, become pawns in the abusers games of power and control) can find safe haven from abuse!

What a great concept since so many victims are afraid to leave their pets behind – they know the abusers’ threats are REAL and need to be taken very seriously.

With all the recent domestic violence murders in Florida and around the nation, it’s easy to see how scary leaving an abuser can be… especially if you don’t want to leave behind your snuggly source of unconditional love (that’s us – the pets!).

Well, PAWS and related programs mean you don’t have to – which is great!

A research study in 2007 revealed that up to 48% of women delayed leaving their abusers or remained in their homes because they feared for their pets’ safety.

Now listen – don’t stay… go! BUT, before you leave, you need to safety plan with experts.

It’s never as simple as walking out the door and you need to be prepared and have a plan to keep you, your kids and pets safe… so call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.7233. They can link you up to your nearest domestic violence center… it’s free, confidential and may save your life!

Also, check out American Humane’s website at www.americanhumane.org for a listing of domestic abuse centers with an on-site kennel, as well as The Humane Society of the United State’s site – www.hsus.org – which has a similar list along with a wealth of information on how family violence is directly related to animal cruelty.

Finally, if you live in the Naples, FL, area – stop by The Humane Society Naples’ (www.collierhumanesoc.org) Strut Your Mutt event on Saturday, October 24, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Germain BMW, North Naples.

The event, held in conjunction with The Shelter for Abused Women & Children (www.naplesshelter.org), features Halloween Costume Contests complete with prizes, gift bags for all entrants, local vendors and information about The Shelter’s Protect Your Pet program.

The contest entry fee is $10 per category and prizes will be awarded…Ohh… I hope they have treats! They HAVE TO HAVE treats, right?

Last year’s event was pup-riffic! Did I mention there is sure to be doggie treats available!?! And lots of cute, amazing four-footed furry ‘people’ (I may even make a grand appearance!)

So, come on out and strut your stuff to help two local organizations working to end abuse in our community!

Remember, if you witness abuse or neglect of a child, teen, adult, senior or animal, call the authorities (911). If you or someone you love is in an abusive relationship, call The Shelter’s confidential 24-hour hotline at 239.775.1110, or the National DV Hotline at 1.800.799.7233.

Have a doggone great weekend!

Sir Duncan

While the family and community continue to mourn – I try to put my paws around this domestic violence homicide and figure out what we, pets and people, can do to help victims of domestic violence.

Grueline Dieu Damas and her family suffered at the hands of the abuser and she let him back in her life. People don’t understand this… but they don’t want to look deeper. We all want to think there’s an easy way out of everything and everyone should take it.

Reality is that the most dangerous time in an abusive relationship is when a victim plans to leave or leaves… that’s when the murders happen. It’s the ultimate form of power and control – if I can’t have her, no one can.

Is this the case with Grueline and her children…I don’t know.

I just know that if you’ve been beaten down emotionally as well as physically, the reality of raising a family on your own can be scary… starting over can seem too much.

I know that the reports said her abuser was in batterer intervention classes, DCF was doing regular visits and all appeared fine.

Still, this weekend the community watched as 6 individuals from one family were laid to rest after anything but a peaceful life.

I guess my point is this – before we judge the victim, we need to look at ourselves and see how we impact family violence. Do we speak out against it? Call 911 when we hear people arguing, or see someone being neglected or abused (including pets!)? Or, do we turn the other way saying “someone else will call”?

Do we listen to friends we know who are victims, or do we get tired of hearing their story repeatedly and say “well, if she really wanted to leave, she’d go”?

Do we even try to understand how hard it would be to leave the abuser? Not only physically, but emotionally and even financially? Do we consider it might be safer for her to stay?

Do we teach our children that hitting is okay, either in our words or actions? Or do we provide them alternatives – such as sharing how they are feeling, exercise or even screaming into/punching a pillow?

Do we explain that violence on TV is not real – in the real world people don’t ‘live-on’ in another episode or new series?

I don’t have all the answers, but I do know that in Naples, FL, The Shelter for Abused Women & Children (www.naplesshelter.org) is working to help end violence at home… that’s domestic violence, dating violence, elder abuse and related animal cruelty.

I do know that there are domestic violence centers across the country that now take pets so that all victims of family violence can find safety and hope (www.americanhumane.org, www.hsus.org)… no one need be left behind to become another pawn in the abuser’s arsenal of emotional, physical, sexual, financial and/or verbal abuse.

Today, realize that more than three women are murdered EACH DAY in the US by a current or former spouse/partner. Today, decide what you are going to do to stop the abuse and prevent it in future generations.

Today, honor Grueline Dieu Damas and her children by helping end family violence and related animal cruelty… because if you don’t, who will?

I may be barking at the wall, but I hope not… I like to think that sometimes when I get a good growl going, someone actually listens.

Two paws up for peace,

Sir Duncan McDougle

Do these abusers deserve another chance? Do they deserve to have multi-million dollar careers that place them in the public’s eye and lift them up as role models?

I ask the questions so YOU can think about these issues and decide where you stand on them…

Tragically, there are millions of victims (human and animal) each year not only in the US but across the world.

It’s not a question of IF it will happen to someone you know, but WHEN – in humans, one woman is battered by a spouse or partner every 15 seconds in the United States. Globally, that number is one in three!

I couldn’t find a stat (yet!) on those of us with fur.

If you witness – see, hear or question that someone or an animal is being abuse – CALL THE POLICE (911 – ok have your human folks call… those buttons are hard to tap correctly with paws). 

If you and your family aren’t sure, call the  National Domestic Violence Hotline for more information and assistance: 1.800.799.SAFE (7233); 1.800.787.3224 (TTY)Anonymous & Confidential Help 24/7

We all know someone who is a victim. If you are sitting with three of your friends right now anywhere in the US, chances are really good that one of you is a victim of abuse, or will be!

Personally, I’m kinda shocked when I hear kids and teens saying “Well, she deserved it…” about Rihianna. Or, adults say about Vick “they were only dogs.”

Let me be clear – abuse is NEVER, EVER okay. It is wrong and it is a crime (at least among humans… look for your state laws about animals; we’re often considered property and aren’t really protected).

I tend to be a peaceful fellow (sure I may act ferocious at times to compensate for my fear… but I’m a good and gentle guy at heart) – and peace, knowledge and action are the tools which can eliminate violence.

Abuse is not an anger management issue… abusers are very specific who they batter verbally, emotionally, financially, sexually and/or physically. They control their rage and release it only on certain individuals – their victims (pet or human).

It’s up to you, the world at large, to determine how you interpret the actions of individuals like Vick and Brown and all the other abusers out there.

For me and my kind, we give them two paws down. Violence is not the answer, abuse is never okay.

Today, go make a difference. Be a light to someone in need… lend someone a helping hand and you can be an advocate for peace in this harsh world.

Waggin my tail in hopes of a bright future free from violence,

Sir Duncan

I just wanted to let you all know that Michael Vick is going to be interviewed on CBS’ 60 MINUTES this coming Sunday – they didn’t place any restrictions on the interview (a sports reporter is doing the interview?).

So, as much as I don’t want to watch because I wish I could pee on his leg (I try not to be violent – just reduces me to his level), I might watch to see what he has to say and what the reporter says.

I want to hear how he excuses his behavior – what he thinks he can say to apologize to his pets, animals and people around the world that will make it okay for him to have fought, harmed and even killed my fellow brothers and sisters.

Make no mistake about this – someone who intentionally harms animals is highly likely to be abusive in other areas of his/her life.

There is so much information now becoming available on the link between animal cruelty and human violence - Google it for yourself and see… but you can start by visiting The Humane Society of the United State’s First Strike Campaign portion of their website (see links) and learn more about this correlation. (WOOF WOOF – domestic violence and even socio- or psycho- paths, etc. This scares me and makes me upset!)

Meanwhile – if you see a child,  teen, adult, elder or pet/animal being abused – REPORT IT!!! You could literally be saving a life.  And, yes, this includes fighting animals for sport or profit – dogs, chickens, etc.

If you do watch the Vick interview – let us know what you think…

This is a topic that needs to continue to be discussed – not only because of the abuse but the ramifications of having someone who has committed such crimes taking center stage in the sports’ spotlight… possibly even as a ‘role model’ for children worldwide.

Remember, we have the power to stop the violence by working together and watching out for each other.

In peace,

Sir Duncan

Humans need to understand we pick-up on your stress and we feel our own when life hands us changes.

Case in point – this past weekend my Aunt Jo fell, dislocating her ankle and causing three breaks. Since she and Simon (my cousin – he’s a dog, too) live alone in the Tampa area, mom was on the phone all day Saturday trying to determine how Jo and Simon were doing.

I think I’ve mentioned I’m not found of that new iPhone – it takes mom’s attention. Well, that contraption was working overtime Saturday and well into Sunday morning. All those beeps and rings drove me crazy… I thought about chewing it up into tiny little pieces! But, mom never let it out of her site and… oh, I digress.

Sunday, mom packed me up and took me to Grams’ house where I stayed with Elda while they drove to see Jo in a hospital (BLAH – too many smells that aren’t good). Lisa Kiefer (dog trainer, holistic healer and all around pet-friendly person) came and picked the two of us up and took us for some fun at her house. We stayed overnight… one night.

Of course, I had been to Lisa’s before and although I was a bit off-kilter from all the stress around me, I was okay. Elda, however, hasn’t ever really been away from family. She sang all night (that’s a polite way of saying she cried for our human family all night – literally).

Lisa does healing energy work and spent some time with me which helped me calm down, but poor Elda didn’t know what to do and Lisa did her best in the time we were there!

My point is that people need to be prepared for crisis situations when they have pets. Whether it’s a loved-one’s broken bones or a hurricane, you need to have some type of plan in place.

As I said, I can pick up on your stress a mile away (maybe 5 miles away, depending on the day) and I can even carry it with me as my own. That’s not a great thing.

Having been socialized pretty well over these past three years, I do still get nervous in not so familiar surroundings, but I didn’t get so scared as to cry all night like Elda did.

Maybe Grams should’ve let Elda stay in some different places when she was younger… now she’s 11 or 12 years old and can’t be away from home. I felt bad for her – even stayed in the same bed as her, but it really didn’t help (boy did I have a great nap when Lisa dropped me off at home!).

Mom had to go back to Tampa on Monday so Lisa ended picking me up again Monday afternoon and we spent til Thursday together. I missed mom somethin’ fierce, but I was okay and had lots of fun (IF I hold out long enough on the food, I always get something awesome like liver sausage!) with Lisa, her dogs and the dogs being boarded there.

I guess I’ll get to the point – being prepared sometimes means making sure we get familiar with staying at other places in case there is some type of emergency – whether it’s staying at a boarding house (camp time!), overnight at the vet’s office (for boarding or even to be treated) or with a cousin, friend or neighbor.

Simon was with Grams and Gramps – so he was good!

Or, if you live in stormy places like Florida, it means being prepared to evacuate out of town or into a pet-friendly hurricane shelter. That means having your medical records with you, any meds, a leash, water, food and a good  chew toy to keep you occupied (I tend to chew when nervous – it’s a tenacious terrier trait).

If I start to get too nervous – mom will sometimes give me Rescue Remedy for pets – no alcohol - which ‘takes the edge off’ my fear and anxiety. For those of us who really get freaked out, have your mom or dad speak to your holistic vet about stronger alternatives!

I think when moms and dads are prepared and can implement a plan of action, it reduces their stress levels which, in return, reduce ours.

So, as mom continues to plan out her trips north (I hope I get to go sometime, I LOVE riding in the car and seeing the trucks and trees, oh and I love that one bone at Jo’s house… sorry, I got off track again) I know she’ll continue to make sure I’m safe and all my needs are met – because she seems to always have some type of plan!

That’s doggone good news to me!

Sir Duncan