The Forever Dog: Memoirs of 'what was then, what is now and what remains the same'

This is the first of several memoirs about the special dogs that have touched and continue to change my life. Although all of the dogs in my life are special, the dogs in these memoirs, have something in common. These dogs have a commonality, something in each of them that continues to be reborn, a sameness of spirit that makes them different from the rest.


“Addie”

Addie with John, (1981)

She hip hopped into our lives when she was 5 months old. I recall the day my friend telephoned me.
“Dr. Nasmith has a 5 month old female Golden that needs a home.”
We were young with no children, but we did already have one Golden, Moses, who was from a litter that our friend’s father had bred. Why didn’t I find it odd that this vet was deciding to find a home for her? At the time, I was focused on how wonderful it would be for Moses to have the companionship of another dog. We soon realized that Moses really did not care about running and playing with another dog. I guess he did enjoy having another dog around but he was a people dog, and he lived to chase a tennis ball or a Frisbee. When he was not playing with us, he would keep his nose to the ground and spend hours roaming his fenced yard, marking his territory. None of that changed with Addie’s arrival.

Before Addie, I had never crated a dog. Crating seemed to be something that breeders did, and was not necessary for a family dog. But it was a necessity with Addie. Each day, I would return home from teaching, and find something else destroyed. Moses would greet me at the door, and Addie would be running the other way. It was as if he understood he had nothing to feel guilty about. Addie, on the other hand, would be heading in the opposite direction.
The day I arrived home to find the Philodendron plant uprooted from its pot, dirt strewn across every inch of the kitchen floor was the last straw. Many plants are poisonous to dogs and the oils from the leaves had turned her tongue completely black. Still, I was determined to find a solution that did not involve crating her, so I gated her in what I thought to be a safe part of the basement. She ate the fiberglass insulation.
When I think back to the mistakes I made with Addie, I realize how much I have learned about dog behavior and how much I continue to learn. I feel very guilty about how we handled many of the situations with Addie. I thought she was a ‘bad’ dog. But I now know there are no ‘bad’ dogs, just ‘bad’ owners and I guess, not realizing it at the time, I was one of them. Just when I think that I know everything, I find that there is so much more I do not know. I cannot imagine not using crates to keep a dog safe now.
She was only 7 when she developed an inoperable tumor in her chest. Her stomach appeared strangely bloated and when I brought her to the vet, he didn’t say much, but I could tell by the look on his face, the news was not good.
“I think you should bring her to Angel Memorial. I don't have the equipment here to make a diagnosis."

It was an emotional ride down to Boston, just Addie and I in the car. But the ride back was even worse. I have these vivid memories of finding my way to Angel Memorial, walking through the door and the receptionist immediately making me my own personal charge card. That’s when the dollar signs pop into your head and you know people come here with their pets for serious treatments. I left with a hefty bill, and a dog that had a few months to live.
For all that she had put us through; she had always been a happy, sweet girl and the injustice of her bad luck, made me feel even guiltier. Those last couple of months, it was hard to watch her stoically lay near our bed, thumping her tail, letting me know that she trusted whatever I asked of her. Each night, I would lay listening as her breathing became more labored and she gasped for air. The tumor was literally choking her to death.
Why is it that our pets cannot simply slip quietly away, in the middle of the night? I have always struggled with when I must make that decision to end a pet’s life. That final day, I don’t remember well, but what I will never forget is passing her leash to the vet and walking away. I just turned and walked away. It was not that I didn’t care. I just couldn’t handle making that one last decision. I should have stayed, I should have been there for her at the end, but I turned and walked away.

Birthday Pups

It's hard to believe that it was 3 years ago, today, that my 7 sweet Meadow pups came into this world. When I think back to that day, I realize just how lucky I was that all the puppies arrived by that emergency C-section safe and sound and that Meadow walked out one hour after the surgery, shredded uterus removed, alive and well and ready to go tackle the job of raising those babies. Each one has blessed the lives of their wonderful owners. For me, I can't imagine our lives without Caroline and Glory. Each sister, unique and special. Our pack of 7, is never without a dull moment.

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Wellness With a Woof

How Four Paws, Fur and a Lick Can Keep You Healthy By Cheryl Mousseau

I cannot imagine my life without dogs.

I was born into a family with dogs. There was never a time when we didn’t have at least two dogs. My friends had dogs, my grandparents had dogs, my aunts and uncles had dogs, my cousins had dogs. We were ‘doggie people’.
Now there are 7 Labradors in my family. We eat and breathe hair and there is never a lack of Lab licks across hands and faces as they share happy and sad times with us. They are my constant companions and my dearest friends. I am more their ‘mom’ than their owner, and I would do for them whatever I would for a human member of my family. For some, that might sound extreme. Some might say, ‘they’re just dogs’. But I would argue, that in their short lives, they add more value to my life than many people I know. They are patient, loyal, and good listeners, never asking for or wanting more than my love for them.
It might surprise some that there are many health benefits to having a dog. They are great companions. They can actually boost your immune system and help to reduce stress in your life. Growing up with a dog can even prevent allergies.

According to Second Chance for Animals, “Pet owners have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels and in general, this puts them at a reduced risk for heart disease.”

Pawsitive PartnersAlex kicks up his grass stained feet and rolls on his back. Glory races away with yet another stick and Bounty drops the tennis ball at my feet. Constant companions to laugh with, play with, and yes, to talk with. The human/animal bond is very strong. In a study on this topic, Alan Beck, director for Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University, says that 97% of people said they talk to their pets. Then he added, “The other 3 percent lied.”
Dogs keep you active. Whether you are walking, jogging or just throwing the ball, there are benefits to your heart and circulatory system. Staying active helps to boost your immune system.
Laughing and playing with pets helps produce endorphins (the feel good hormone). Petting your dog helps you to relax. What a great stress buster! When you walk through the door, after a hard day at work, they are there to greet you with a woof and a wag. They are someone to look forward to coming home to. When you feel down or depressed, they boost your spirits.
Another added benefit to having a dog is for protection. Having a dog in your house makes you feel safe. Dogs often protect their owners from dangers such as burning buildings and strangers.
My dogs alert me when someone is at the door, in the yard or even walking on the street in the distance. Who needs an alarm system with 7 dogs!BENEFITS FOR YOUNG




Encouraging Responsibility
Nurturing Self Esteem
Growing up with pets certainly made a difference in my life. Owning my own dog at an early age taught me life lessons about responsibility and care giving. The sense of accomplishment and pride I felt training and showing my Sheltie, Holly, encouraged me to be more outgoing in social situations. There is plenty of evidence that proves a child’s development is enhanced by owning a pet. It fosters cognitive development, empathy and self esteem.
Gail F. Melson, PhD, professor of developmental studies at Purdue University in Indiana has researched the impact that pets have on children. She found that kids over age 3, spent approximately 10.3 minutes caring for pets in a 24 hr. period as opposed to 2.4 minutes taking care of younger siblings. This is especially good for boys, she says, since babysitting and playing house is often seen as a ‘girl’ thing.
Pet ownership teaches life lessons. Pets become a part of our family, helping families build strong bonds. Children feel a sense of comfort when they are sad or angry or even afraid because they can turn to their pets. Dogs are non-judgmental and for this reason are often used in schools as Reading therapy dogs, “pals with paws”. When children read to the dog, this fosters learning in a relaxed setting where the child does not feel so anxious about their performance.


Benefits for Kids
Dennis Ownby, pediatrician and head of the allergy and immunology department of the Medical College of Georgia, in Augusta conducted a study on children’s allergies and pets. Surprisingly, having multiple pets actually decreases a child’s risk of developing common allergies, such as pet and dust mite allergens, and even outdoor allergens like ragweed and grass. In his research, he studied 474 babies from birth to age 7 and found that the children who were exposed to two or more dogs or cats were half as likely to develop these allergies. Other studies even indicate that early exposure may even reduce the risk of developing asthma. According to Dr. Ownby, he theorizes that when children play with dogs, the dog usually licks them. Those loving licks transfer bacteria from the dog’s mouth. The exposure to these bacteria may change the way the child’s immune system reacts to other allergens. My own family must be proof of Dr. Ownby’s theories since my parents grew up with dogs from a very early age, then so did my sisters and I, and my own sons also were born into a household with dogs. None of us have ever had any allergies to pets, dust mites, ragweed or grass.

Benefits for the Elderly


After my father died, Trisha supported her emotionally and kept her going. She never left her side. My mother often told me that she didn’t know what she would do if she didn’t have Trish. Her conversations would revolve around her day with Trish. They would walk to visit neighbors, go to the dump and the bank and the store together. She would always tell me how “Trish looked forward to the outings.” I believe it was more the other way around. Trish gave my mother a purpose for living. She felt as though Trish needed her but it was more that she needed Trish.
Lynette Hart, PhD, associate professor at the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine states, “Studies have shown that Alzheimer’s patients have fewer anxious outbursts if there is an animal at home.” Pets can give the elderly a sense of security, especially those who are widowers and live alone. It can ease the loneliness they feel and give them a sense of purpose and a feeling of usefulness. For those who are able, walking a dog or just caring for them provides exercise and companionship. Midland Life Insurance Company of Columbus Ohio considers those over 75 who have pets to have a healthier lifestyle.




Ties that Bind
Probably the most important benefits to having dogs are the strong family bonds that they create. When I interviewed students in my class who had dogs if they considered them a part of their family; there was no hesitation in the answer I received. “Of course!”
Dogs are often times the focus of family activities. They take the dog for a walk in the park. Dogs are great companions when hiking, or heading to the lake or beach for a swim. More and more places accept dogs when you travel, in hotels, or in vacation rentals. Families share in the responsibilities of feeding, brushing and playing with their dog. They offer great opportunities for families to slow down the hectic pace of our everyday lives.
It is no wonder that my family of dogs has increased to 7. Of course, that is not the answer for everyone. And certainly having more than one or two dogs does not increase your ability to lead a healthy life, although I would like to think so. Our lives become so full of more things. Pieces that are disposable or replaceable. If only for this very reason, dogs can add so much to our lives.
"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." Unknown

The Easter Labs

Happy St. Pawtricks Day

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