Those with peanut allergies know what a problem it is to avoid the food. It seems to be everywhere. In the case of Riley Mers, like many other people, peanuts are potentially life threatening. Now she has added protection. She has a peanut scenting dog:
It seems that the decision of what kind of dog is selected as the Obama family pet has come down to a choice between two. It is either a Labradoodle or a Portuguese Water Dog:
For a multitude of reasons, a dog owner may come to the conclusion that it is a mismatch between the family and the dog. In these troubling economic times, the expense of having a dog may be prohibitive. People try to resolve this problem in numerous way - and some are disastrous.
In my opinion, the one of worse names for a dog is “Noelle”. It is a wonderful name but it causes so much confusion for the dog. Most people go through a period of puppy training when the word “no” is used frequently. The dog learns that “no” means that you are not happy and that something is not right.
There is just too much similarity between the name “Noelle” and “no”. It introduces more problems into the training process than necessary. And you do not want the dog to be afraid of its own name. If you insist on using the name “Noelle”, then pick another word to stop the dog behaviour. Everyone in the family then must agree to use that other word, in place of “no”.
You want the puppy training process as easy as possible for your dog. So, if at all possible, avoid confusing the dog with its own name.
Catherine
The dog called 911 when there was an emergency:
“Clark said police are dispatched whenever 911 is called, but that Stalnaker’s address was flagged in Scottsdale’s system with a notification that a trained assistance dog could call 911 when the owner was incapacitated.
Clark said Stalnaker adopted Buddy at the age of 8 weeks from Michigan-based Paws with a Cause, which trains assistance dogs, and trained him to get the phone if he began to have seizure symptoms. Buddy, now 18 months old, is able press programmed buttons until a 911 operator is on the line, Clark said.”
link: Rover, call me an ambulance — dog calls 911
The amazing part of this story, for me, is the recognition that help was necessary. That calls for judgement. The dog was able to discriminate that what was happening was an emergency and then take suitable action. Is it because a seizure produces a scent? Is it a sight picture that is unusual? Is it the sound of someone in distress? What was it that set this German shepherd to use the phone?
What is obvious is that Buddy is a very smart dog.
Catherine
It’s something that most people do not like to think about and lawyers often fail to mention it. If some tragedy should befall you, what are the provisions for the dog or other family pets?
Depending upon your country’s estate and trust legislation, the care of your pet could be far from what you had intended. Some areas consider pets as “property”. The result could be that the pet is sold or given away. If those options are not readily available, the pet could find itself in an animal shelter.
Ask your lawyer what provisions can be made for your pet, whether it is this pet or some pet that may be part of your household in the future. Keep in mind that, during a time of family crisis, the household pet may not be a priority. Nevertheless, you can change that with some care to your personal documents and a clear statement of what care you had in mind.
Catherine Forsythe
Legends of feral children are stories of survival. There are stories of children being found and raised by wolves and tigers, for example. In Argentina, a dog has brought a touch of reality to the folk tales:
“An eight-year-old dog has touched the hearts of Argentines by saving the life of an abandoned baby, placing him safely alongside her own new puppies.
The country’s media are calling him “the miracle baby”.”
link: Argentine dog saves abandoned baby
It is a remarkable news story - and perhaps a reminder that about that basic covenant that dogs made with humans so many centuries ago. Dogs decided to trust humans and to help.
Catherine
Sometimes, human behaviour is so very disappointing. - A couple was rushing a choking dog to a veterinary clinic. The police stopped them. Officer Stephens’ interaction with the motorist included the following:
“…When he finally pulled over, Gonzalez pleaded with Stephens to let them get to the clinic.
The patrol car’s dashboard camera showed Stephens telling Gonzalez: “It’s just a dog. You can buy another one. Relax.”"
link: Choking dog officer receives death threats
The dog died. The police could have turned on their sirens and escorted these people to an emergency service. Instead, the priority was to issue a ticket. That couldn’t wait.
Catherine Forsythe
