Dogs are animals of integrity. We have much to learn from them.
Category: Dogs
More dog photos courtesy of Unsplash.
Photo by Vincent van Zalinge
Photo by gotdaflow
Photo by Kieran White
Photo by Kinshuk Bose
Photo by Ja San Miguel
Photo by Taylor Kopel
Photo by Clarke Sanders
Apologies for the re-posting of some of these photos.
They are so precious!
We went to a Humanists garden party on Tuesday afternoon and two other attendees had brought their dogs with them. The dogs were so friendly and gentle, as well as being highly sociable, that the conversation frequently was about dogs.
In a similar vein, on The Dodo yesterday was this:
Dande
Rescue Vizsla mix, 3.5 years old.“Dande was rescued from Waco,Texas, after a hurricane and flooding. She probably got separated from her humans. She was very skittish and afraid of everything when I first rescued her. She has come a long way. She is the most affectionate dog of the four that I have owned. I love her so much!” — her person
In a world which seems so strange at present, thank goodness we have our dogs.
Back to Unsplash.
Photo by Anthony Duran
Photo by Mia Anderson
Photo by Ayelt van Veen
Photo by Samantha Fortney
Photo by Joe Caione
Photo by Celine Sayuri Tagami
Photo by Anna Dudkova
The theme of today’s pictures is dogs playing.
There you are for this Easter Sunday and apologies if there are any duplications.
Just a reminder how special they are.
That was before I met Jean. We met in December 2007 in San Carlos, Mexico. Jean’s husband had died in 2005.
(Believe it or not Jean and I were both born in London some 26 miles apart; albeit I was born a tad before Jean.)
Now the next photo is at our home in Merlin, showing Pharaoh standing in Bummer Creek just above the old dam wall.
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Jean caressing Brandy
Dogs are so precious, and I am extraordinarily fortunate to have met Jean in 2007, when she had over twenty dogs.
Back to Unsplash!
Photo by Kevin Solbrig on Unsplash
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Photo by Dylan Shaw on Unsplash
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Photo by Anantha Krishnan on Unsplash
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Photo by Sofia Shultz on Unsplash
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Photo by Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash
(And this one is a splitting image of Pharaoh!)
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Photo by Victor Chartin on Unsplash
More next week!
A story about a dog that was first thought to be dead.
Dear reader,
We had so much going on Wednesday afternoon that I was tempted to give this post a miss. But then I changed my mind considering how beautiful the story is.
ooOOoo
‘Dead’ Dog Abandoned In Amazon Box Turns Out To Be A Total Lovebug
By Maeve Dunigan, Published on the 7th March.
Earlier this year, on a sunny day in Pennsylvania, a woman stepped out onto her porch and found a horrifying package. Lying in an open cardboard box was a fluffy white dog — and he wasn’t moving.
Alarmed, the woman quickly called her daughter, who works for Speranza Animal Rescue.
“[M]y mom called me in a panic because she found a ‘dead’ dog dropped on her porch in an Amazon box,” the rescue wrote in a Facebook post about the event. “Turns out this boy wasn’t dead, he was just unconscious.”
When rescuers arrived, they were heartbroken to realize the pup was barely a year old. His pupils were cloudy, and he suffered from seizures. Rescuers moved the sick dog, later named G.I. Joe, into veterinary care, where he began receiving necessary treatment.
Within days, G.I. Joe’s gentle spirit began returning. He moved in with Karen Spangler, an experienced foster mom, and made friends with his new dog siblings. Though she immediately loved G.I. Joe, Spangler initially insisted that the situation would only be temporary.
“I didn’t want another permanent dog to add to my family,” Spangler told The Dodo. “I told multiple family and friends I would not become a foster fail.”
But as the weeks went on, Spangler realized G.I. Joe, or “Joey,” as she calls him, was too special to let go. The curious, quiet rescue pup had already bonded with her grandchildren and with her other two dogs. Spangler adored G.I. Joe, and she wanted him to feel safe and secure.
“I could not put him through another change,” Spangler said. “That was it. I became a foster fail.”
These days, Spangler can’t imagine her life without G.I. Joe. Her new pup has already proven to be a great influence on her other dogs, encouraging them to play and exercise. Spangler looks forward to G.I. Joe’s continued training and hopes to walk him on neighborhood country roads soon.
“They always say things happen for a reason, and this is so true,” Spangler said. “My family needed Joey. Never in a million years did I think he would turn out to be so sweet and smart. [I]m looking forward to seeing where he takes us.”
ooOOoo
Karen Spangler is a very kind soul and clearly loves dogs. Congratulations to her and to the Speranza Animal Rescue. Finally, many thanks to Maeve Dunigan for writing the story.
Continuing on the theme
With ongoing many thanks to Penny.
Nothing to add to this wisdom from the mouths of dogs!
Penny Martin delivers another great post!
At first sight, the above title goes without saying. But then one quickly realises that not everyone, by far, has the circumstances that are ideal for dogs.
Thus, it is an important guest post from Penny.
ooOOoo
Explore the world of Learning from Dogs, where the integrity and lessons from our canine friends are celebrated.
Canine Contentment: Effortless Ways to Please Your Pooch
Enhancing your dog’s quality of life goes beyond just fulfilling their basic needs. It’s about creating a fulfilling environment that nurtures both their physical and mental well-being, ensuring they lead a happy and healthy life. By adopting a few straightforward strategies, you can make a significant impact on your furry companion’s daily life. In today’s post on the Learning From Dogs blog, we delve into practices that promise to elevate your dog’s overall happiness and strengthen the bond you share.
Diversify Playtime
Traditional fetch is a classic game, but expanding your play sessions to include interactive toys, agility courses, and the teaching of new tricks can significantly stimulate your dog’s mind and body. These activities are not just fun; they challenge your dog, keeping them mentally sharp and physically fit. An engaged dog is a happy dog, and by incorporating variety into your playtime, you ensure their days are filled with anticipation and excitement.
Upgrade Their Living Space
A nurturing environment for your dog goes beyond daily walks and playtime; it extends into the realm of maintaining a safe and secure home. Leveraging a home maintenance and repair app can be a game-changer for pet owners, offering an efficient way of covering repair and maintenance. These digital tools simplify the process of arranging service appointments. Furthermore, they connect homeowners with skilled professionals, ready to provide estimates for any necessary work, keeping the living space both comfortable and safe for your furry friend.
Plan for Daily Exercise
Tailoring daily exercise to match your dog’s breed and energy level is crucial for their overall well-being. Incorporating at least 30 minutes of brisk walking or running into their routine plays a pivotal role in maintaining physical fitness and mental alertness. This practice acts as a fundamental pillar of health, warding off boredom and potential behavioral problems, thereby securing a state of contentment and optimal health for your pet. Moreover, this commitment to regular physical activity reinforces your bond with your dog, highlighting the shared experiences that enrich your relationship.
Socialize Regularly
Socialization introduces your dog to new experiences and fellow canines, crucial for their emotional development. Visits to dog parks, pet-friendly stores, or arranging doggy playdates offer your dog a chance to develop social skills and enjoy a variety of experiences. Such outings enrich your dog’s life, offering new sights, sounds, and smells to explore, keeping their days interesting and fulfilling.
Consistent Training Sessions
Consistent training sessions are crucial for both teaching your dog new skills and enhancing the bond between you and your pet. By employing positive reinforcement methods, you not only make learning enjoyable for your dog but also significantly strengthen your relationship. Keeping the training sessions regular and brief ensures your dog’s mental stimulation is high and reaffirms their status as a cherished family member. The technique of positive reinforcement turns each training encounter into an anticipated and joyous occasion, underscoring the pleasure found in the learning process.
Mealtime Enrichment
Transforming mealtime into a game satisfies your dog’s natural foraging instincts. Puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, or hiding treats around the house can turn a routine meal into an exciting adventure. This not only enriches their daily routine but also provides mental stimulation, keeping their minds sharp and engaged.
Provide a Cozy Retreat
Ensuring your dog has a comfortable resting area is essential for their sense of security and well-being. Spending time each day on calm interactions, such as petting or grooming, reinforces their feeling of love and security. A dedicated space for rest and the assurance of your love helps them feel safe and cherished, fostering a deep sense of well-being.
Adopting these strategies not only improves your dog’s physical and mental health but also enhances the bond you share, making each moment together richer and more meaningful. Each practice, from diversifying playtime to ensuring a comfortable living space, plays a vital role in your dog’s overall happiness. By investing time and love into your dog’s well-being, you ensure they lead a fulfilling life, full of joy and love. Embrace these strategies and witness the transformation in your dog’s life, knowing you’re providing the best care and affection possible.
ooOOoo
I am very grateful to Penny for sending these posts to me.
Long may it continue!
And another cartoon!
Val sent me this one and I promised to publish it!
It is gorgeous and makes me smile every time I look at it.
Thank you, Val
What some people get up to!
I know (alright assume) that everyone who reads this blog is a dog lover. Indeed, millions more to add to that count who do not read the blog.
So I just do not understand how this dog came to be abandoned. As reported recently in The Dodo.
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Published on the 15th February, 2024
Alone on a cracked patch of cement, a white dog named Buckley stared up the street from where he was left tied to a pole in Santa Monica, California. For days, the gentle dog waited for someone to notice him, hoping they might take him somewhere safe.
One day, a local rescuer passing by noticed Buckley’s big brown eyes. She couldn’t believe the 6-month-old husky puppy was alone without food or water. She knew she had to help.
Soon, Buckley was off the streets, safe in the expert hands of Love Leo Rescue.
Meeting the pup for the first time, rescuers felt moved by Buckley’s warmth and resilience.
“Buckley is an exceptional dog,” Love Leo Rescue director Sasha Abelson told The Dodo. “He is well balanced and loving and didn’t let his previous experiences change his lovely personality.”
The wayward pup eventually moved in with a foster family. Lately, he’s enjoyed spending lots of time outside with his new friends.
“Buckley is a typical, happy-go-lucky husky,” Leo said. “He loves playing with his dog friends and learning new skills. He loves going for hikes and also cuddling near his humans. He is just a perfect family dog.”
For now, Buckley is still searching for his forever home, hoping his family finds him soon.
“Buckley would love to go into a home that is active and preferably a home with another playful, balanced dog,” Leo said. “We think a dog brother or sister would be wonderful for him.”
With any luck, Buckley won’t be waiting very much longer.
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Now it is just possible that a person who reads this story will want to adopt Buckley. If that is the case then visit the Love Leo Rescue website for more details.
Fingers very tightly crossed that Buckley finds his home soon!
Learning from Dogs 