A Thousand Splendid Dogs

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

~Gandhi

"I care not for a man's religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it." ~Abraham Lincoln

"The question is not, "can they reason?" nor "can they talk?" but rather, "Can they suffer?" ~Jeremy Bentham

In my second grade classroom, we have a morning routine called the Animal of the Day. I have a deck of 'Animal Cards' and, each day, I pick a child to pick our animal. We discuss the animal and then children guess what he 'means'. In native american culture, as well as many other nature based practices, animals have strong symbolism. For example, the wolf is the Pathfinder and Teacher, the dove stands for peace and inspiration; the dog, not surprisingly, stands for Loyalty and Friendship.

Every day, animals are a part of my students' learning.  If I am not teaching them about animals, they are exposed to our classroom 'pets' (fish tank, snakes, gecko, insects...). I have also brought my dogs, which gave the children incredible joy (dogs are now banned from the school at all times based on (probably) one teacher's complaint, but that is another post...it's interesting how much children love dogs (and how much they would benefit having them around the classroom all day...personally, I think many behavior problems would vanish) and how so many adults have lost this one connection to nature). 

By teaching these kids about animals and how to care for animals, it is my hope that they will grow up and, not only care for animals, but their fellow humans. Compassion is universal.

It is my opinion that if a people (a nation, a tribe, a community...) do not treat animals with compassion, they are not going to treat humans compassionately. No matter what you might think, we are no better than animals. We DO have a greater responsibility, though, and that is to care for the animals and our planet. Isn't it a fact that man has ignored his role as nature's caretaker? Why is our planet in its current, sorry state?

I'm going to repeat myself: no other animal has aligned himself with man, for man's greater good, than the Dog. The Horse is a close second in his role helping man advance; but the horse did not choose to help us. He was forced. Unlike the dog who, according to many studies, did choose us over his wild brothers. I believe where dogs are revered and treated compassionately, humans are as well. Where dogs are not treated well, you find people divided and, in my opinion, women treated badly with less rights than men. In the cultures where dogs are seen as dirty, sadly, so are women. Every people has its problems. Certainly, the United States does. But it is also a nation where I, as a woman, have freedoms. I can have my dogs and share them with others...and my opportunities to do so are equal to that of a man. We are all one and the same in this life. We owe it to our fellow humans, and ourselves, to treat all of our planet's creatures with compassion and reverence. 

St. Francis said it best:

"If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men."  and, dare I say, women.

Hair of the Dog

Unlike Roman, Tikka hardly sheds. She has fine, medium to long hair that I trim as it tends to get really muddy on rainy days and full of foxtails in the summer. Since today was a lazy, rainy Sunday, I spent the morning giving Tikka a haircut. The pic above shows only 1/4 of the hair I took off of her and it really doesn't look like she had a haircut. Me, on the other hand, had to have 3-4 inches chopped off a few weeks ago due to heavy damage (my own fault...stress was causing me to actually pull and break the hair...not a good habit but better than drugs or cigarettes, huh?). So, after straightening my hair and brushing Tikka out, we were ready for our photo shoot. Now we're ready for a nap before we brave the rain storm...

Somerville German Shepherd

While retrievers seemed to be the breed that dominate the dog parks in the Boston area, we did see 4 or 5 GSDs. Interesting that they were all long haired German shepherds, a variety I rarely encounter in San Francisco.

Boston Dog Fancy

My friend, Caroline has recently found herself in a whole new world. Little did she realize, when she and her husband adopted a puppy last fall, that they would be joining a cultish club. This new world exists parallel to our everyday world, but largely goes unnoticed unless you are in the know. This is the World of Dog. Now, Caroline and Cedric's days revolve around their dog's activities. Walks to the dog park, outings to acres of off leash space, visits to dog and cat boutiques, vet visits to get spayed and microchipped, the considerations of dog food, and days spent at doggie day care (for Lottie, not Caroline)...In short, they have entered my world. As first time dog owners, they were pleasantly surprised at how friendly and fulfilling this world is. Now, they can't imagine life without Lottie. Now, everything I've talked about over the years...comments I've made Caroline might have simply nodded and 'mmm hmmm' to...she now shares, "Oh, now I know exactly what you meant!"

And, if you are reading this and have to ask, "What is this Dog World? What is she talking about?" Well, you obviously need to get yourself a dog...
Here is the dog park in Somerville, MA. I was recently visiting this north Boston suburb. This was a cold and icy day, but the dogs didn't mind and the people were so nice.

Lottie, AKA, "The Best Dog in the World" (Obviously, she is the best dog in HER world...sorry Caroline, had to steal that line...cuz everyone knows Roman and Tikka are the best dogs in the world, LOL). Here is Lottie after the dog park and wanting to take a nap...I can't believe it, LOL, ON THE BED (never thought dog hair would find it's way to Caroline's immaculate home furnishings...btw, they are still immaculate...how does she do it?)

OK, the Middlesex Fells or Sheepfold, puts Ft. Funston to shame. It is 2500 wooded acres of open, off leash space with trails, ponds, etc. I would move here just to go to this 'dog park' every day. Still, Ft. Funston does have the beach and Pacific Ocean sunsets...yes, at least we have that...

A Massachusetts professional dogwalker. I didn't get a chance to talk to her, but I couldn't help wondering what happens when it is storming out and the snow is thick?
Lottie has the best temperament around other dogs. She's not a butt like Roman or an old bitch like Tikka. She's all about love and play and the squeaky toy. Her mom is a boxer and her dad was MIA. I think ridgeback or pittie or both. Either way, she is gorgeous.
Look at that face! Lottie's...not mine (not liking the short hair, ugh...but that's another story). See that smile on Caroline's face? It's the Power of Dog!

Stump Stumps the Dog Fancy

Stump, a ten year old Sussex Spaniel won the coveted title, Best in Show, at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog show. Proof that youth is not always the sole possessor of beauty.

Shipping off to Boston

Dogma is shipping off to Boston to check out Beantown dogs. I'll be back next week to share my findings. In the meantime, have a great Valentine's Day. Tell your dog you love him.

Sniffing, Dumping, and Humping

"Decorative medallions depicting dogs sniffing, dumping and humping each other have recently been added to the base of one of a pair of sculptures commissioned by the city on either end of the pedestrian and bike bridge over Interstate 80....

"I am showing dogs doing what dogs do at the dog park," said Scott Donahue, the Emeryville artist who was paid $196,000 from Berkeley's public arts program to create the sculptures."

$196,000 to show dogs sniffing, dumping and humping? Shizer...I would have done it for HALF that price! I'm seriously in the wrong business...

Fido: Friend or Food?

A few years ago, I was talking about my dogs to my students (I was teaching a 5th grade class at the time). I am fortunate to teach at a school that has students from many different countries. Many are direct immigrants or 1st generation Chinese. All are wonderful and engaging, but this particular day brought a harsh realization to light. One Chinese student asked what kind of dog Roman was. "German shepherd," I replied. "They eat dogs in China, you know," This student shared with dismay. " They really like German shepherds."


There has been a lot of publicity recently on the eating of dogs and cats, and the use of their fur, in China. Many of us in America and other countries, where dogs and cats are considered family members, are appalled at this practice. I try to be culturally open minded, but this is one area that hits too close to home. Not only do I personally take issue with eating dogs and cats, but the way they are kept and killed is deplorable, not to mention inhumane.

My first question is, Why? While I knew the eating of dogs and cats was going on, I assumed it was a centuries old custom embedded deeply in tradition. I did some research on the practice and found out that in ancient China, dog meat was eaten as part of a ritual sacrifice among some tribes. In the early 18th century, eating dog was banned. Under Mao, dog meat was considered famine food. In the 1980's, increased wealth led to the promotion of dog meat by traders. Today, there is an increase of eating dog/cat among urban professionals along with a decrease among those who now keep dogs and cats as family pets.

While dog meat is not a daily staple, eating dog has never been as prevalent as it is today. According to one site, there was unconfirmed estimates of 100 million dogs eaten a year. While that figure seems unrealistic, even if it was only 1 million or 1,000, my feelings on the issue would be the same.

It's not just the eating of dogs and cats that I find appalling, it's the inhumane way they are kept and killed. Many are boiled and skinned alive for their fur. All are kept in cramped cages, many without food or water. NO animal, should be kept like this...let alone two species that have been friend and helper of man for decades.

Many might counter, "Well, you eat cows and pigs who are revered animals in Indian and Jewish cultures..."

Yes, this is true. But I only eat cows that have been humanely, grass fed and humanely killed. I was a vegetarian for 6 years and did not do well health wise, but when I decided to eat meat again, I made sure the animals came from local, humane farms. The other point that should be noted, dogs and cats are carnivores...higher on the food chain and thus, more prone to passing on health issues to us if eaten. Cows get their nutrition from plants. Personally, I feel there is a difference. In nature, carnivores eat herbivores unless food is scarce...not as matter of course.

A quote from the article "An Olympic Disgrace" discusses this issue better than I:

"Of course, one can say that some of these dogs and cats are being killed primarily for food, as was my friend the collie, their fur sold as a byproduct of Chinese culinary tastes, and so what's all the fuss? Asians eat dogs and cats; Americans and Europeans eat cows; and each of us can point a finger at someone else's gastronomic cruelty: the prisonlike conditions in American factory farms, the Japanese whaling, the French force-feeding of ducks and geese to produce foie gras...What seems particularly dismaying, though, about China's treatment of domestic dogs and cats is that these mass killings are perpetrated against two species that share our hearth and home and with which humans have had a long, familial and affectionate relationship, albeit an ambivalent one...

Set against the great human persecutions that China supports, the loss of these 2 million dogs and cats may seem insignificant. Nonetheless, each one of them is a life, full of consciousness and joy, as anyone who has lived with a dog or cat knows. Many of them are pets, mourned by Chinese families. It's one more shadow cast by the Olympic flame."

What does it say about a country or a culture that has such disregard for animals...especially animals that have aided man for centuries (would we have progressed as well without the help of our dogs, horses and cats?)? I admit to a bias here. I simply do not understand people who do not like animals and find that treating them cruelly is o.k. I personally see it as a character flaw. When someone tells me they 'hate' dogs, I know our relationship will go no further. Think about it. Animal lovers seem to be more open and kind. Yes, some can take it to the extreme...but in general, you have a population of people who want good for all living creatures and see themselves as stewards of the earth. Animal cruelty is accompanied by human cruelty, and neither benefits the soul of humanity and the preservation of our planet.

We humans are no better than our animal cousins, though many think we are. This has led to a disconnection within human society and spirit. Animals need us now more than ever. We have been given intellect and with that, power. It's been too long that humans have used that power to destroy, rather than create and preserve. I choose to use my power helping animal rescue and educating children on animal welfare. Maybe you will find your power is best used helping the homeless, or battered women, or teenage mothers, or volunteering at a local animal shelter...etc. Either way, the question to ask is: What am I doing to help? Are my actions moving me towards something good? There are many causes out there that would benefit from a few hours of your time. The feeling of helping a being in need is the best reward.

Ghandi said it all, almost 100 years ago:

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

Tikka Mark

Exactly two years ago, Tikka made her mark on my family. I really wasn't consciously looking for another dog but when I came across her petfinder page...well...I had to make the call. Mr. Dogma was like, "Uh, uh...we don't need anymore dogs," I figured he just didn't realize he needed another dog and thought, "better to ask for forgiveness than permission." The first thing Tikka did when she arrived at her new home was give Mr. Dogma a big kiss. "I guess you are staying, " He said.

Tikka had heartworm and had started treatment. Grateful Dogs Rescue was thrilled I wanted to adopt her, but I needed to keep her quiet for several months. She had also suffered from 'subdermal emphysema' which caused her face to blow up like a balloon! She has had several surgeries since the adoption...two for mammary tumors and one for a low grade cancer, in addition to being hospitalized for a type of liver toxocis which really scared me. Through it all, she remained her happy, loving self. Granted, she doesn't like big dogs much; well, she doesn't like dogs much...which is a bummer for Roman. But, at least she is not attacking him anymore. She has been the easiest dog I've ever had. Tikka took to training well (all except stay, she mastered in minutes), was perfectly housebroken from day 1 and can be left alone for long hours (not that I like to do that, but if I have to...) without making any noise or damage (and I would know, since my mom, who is retired, lives upstairs). Tikka is the perfect example of the joy of adopting an older dog, since she was 5 or 6 when we adopted her. She sees her job in life as a couch warmer, a bed warmer, a lap warmer and a depression lifter. Everyone...and I mean everyone...who meets her is immediately taken in by her charm. She is the most kissy dog I've ever had and particularly likes to give 'sneak attacks'.

Many have asked, "What is she?" DNA test resulted in a mix of shih tzu and yorkie with a splash of Bernese Mt. Dog and a whole lotta mutt. I say she is a cross between cute and adorable.

Tikka came with her name. We kept it because it just fit her and my favorite Indian dish is Chicken Tikka Masala. A 'tikka' is also a hindu blessing given as a mark on the forehead.

She has certainly been a blessing for us.



Tikka today...

Tikka in the spring of 2007 after her heartworm treatment...
Her first night in her new home...

Her first week in her new home...

Random

I finally had to get several inches cut off. My hair was just out of control and getting damaged. I'm not crazy about this length, but when my stylist straightened it, I loved the smooth, bouncy feel! Once the fog rolls in, it will curl up and be too short...Luckily, Tikka doesn't care how long or short my hair is.

The Many Looks of the German Shepherd Dog

After last week's dog show, I became more curious as to why there are so many different looks to the breed. The dogs I saw were all American line. I just felt the way they walked looked painful! It seems back in the 50's, the breed started to diverge in appearance. There are three distinct lines and many feel these should be considered different breeds. The different lines are the American show lines, German show lines and German/East European working lines. Of these three, I really only find the working lines appealing. The American show lines have the long, sloping back and extreme angulation in the hind quarters when stacked. The German show breeders have bred a 'roach back'. Apparently, the pelvis is tilted slightly forward giving more rear drive.

A picture of the original GSD shows a strong looking dog with a straight back.

Here's an American GSD from 1967 

...and from 2003.

Pictures of German show lines dating back to the 19th century...Look at the dog from 1946. There is no way the dog from 2007 can do a better job than the 1946 dog, simply based on structure. Here are more picture comparisons.

And what about temperament? A quality shepherd is loyal, of great stamina, courageous, confident, discerning and highly trainable. They should not be timid, nervous, gun-shy or vicious. A GSD, once bonded to his owner, will bond for life. It has been noted that many American line shepherds have less drive, tend towards nervousness. German show dogs tend to be more laid back. So, not only have we seen such a pronounced divergence in looks, but in temperament as well.

I can only assume that there are many in the fancy that like the looks of the American or German show lines. Most lay people that I've spoken with do not. It is my hope that responsible breeders will move towards (back?) what the founder of the breed originally worked so hard for.

Since Roman's heritage is a mystery, I am going to guess he is from mixed lines. He's of medium build but strong boned and muscled (only 68 pounds!). He has a level topline with minimal rear angulation...and he is fast and agile. He has a hard nerved temperament with high drive, but is also calm and loving to all people (and shows no aggression, even to small animals). He was the easiest dog I've ever trained but has some obsessions (due to his high drive) that must be channeled with work so they don't become behavior problems. Here is another interesting link on the GSD Breed types...including the "Panda shepherd"...which one does Roman look like?