Savannah Pet Features

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He had just saved her from a fire in her house, rescuing her by carrying her out of the house into her front yard, while he continued to fight the fire. She is pregnant.
When he finally got done putting the fire out, he sat down to catch his breath and rest. A photographer from the Charlotte , North Carolina newspaper, "The Observer," noticed her in the distance looking at the fireman.
He saw her walking straight toward the fireman and wondered what she was going to do.
As he raised his camera, she came up to the tired man who had saved her life and the lives of her babies and kissed him just as the photographer snapped this photograph.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had great fun at Savannah's Fifth Annual Doggie Carnival.
Come see my Photo Album

 

 

 

It's "just a dog"

 

 

 

From: “Musings by Richard Biby”, Contributing Editor , Broken Arrow, OK

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise." "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. "Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man." So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile, because they "just don't understand."


Life Lessons I Learned from my Cat

by Teresa Proudlove

Even if you are not a cat person, bear with me, this story goes far beyond cat mania. Our little tabby cat was frightened and highly-sensitive from the day we rescued her from the SPCA, two and a half years ago. No doubt being jailed there for four months messed her mind. As we came to learn "Shylo's" nature we renamed her "Shybaby."

Practice Patience, Breathing and Being

Extreme patience was the first virtue Shybaby taught us. We would have to be still, with arm out stretched, finger pointing toward her, and wait for her to rub by our finger numerous times before she would deem to move in closer. Closer contact would have to be her move, not ours. If we rushed this timely greeting she fled. (Often this time consuming ritual was far too much for our teenage boy!)

Yet, if we, and particularly myself (as I must admit that little cat really came to dote on me) were too impatient or too busy to spend time with her, Shybaby became even more skiddish and frightened. Intuitively she knew when I was lost in my hyper, anxious "I have so much to do and so little time" state, as then, Shybaby fled from my energy. Seeing this I would stop, sit down, and practice breathing and being - my "kitty meditation." As I calmed down, kitty calmed down.

Couldn't we all benefit from a little more "kitty meditation" in life? Noticing when we are anxiously driving ourselves and then practicing patience with ourselves, and breathing and being?

Precious Present Moment

This sweet little soul also taught me the preciousness of each moment. As usual, she leaped upon my bed this morning - with her uncanny knowing the moment I had opened my eyes - to give me her love greetings. I relish her affection even more so today and with a heavy heart knowing she is to die tomorrow. My little girl cat is in the advanced stages of liver cancer, no longer eating, and there is naught else we can do other than love her.

So, this moment with her is so very special because I know it will never be repeated. Soon she will be gone forever from our lives. With bitter-sweet revelation I understand this to be the truth of each single, present moment. We only have each moment now, this once, to fully experience and enjoy it, and then it is gone forever. I am chilled by how carelessly we forget this - rushing onto the next thing, consumed with past and future thoughts - missing the only moment we have!

Keep Things in Perspective

Also, I have my cat to thank for helping me keep things in perspective. Yes, there is a deep hurt in my heart knowing cancer rages in her body and soon she will be gone yet, I am deeply grateful it is not one of us. Our lives have already been scarred by painful losses caused by cancer.

Yet, we are now deeply grateful as my father-in-law seems to have won his recent round with cancer. With much relief, we are no longer visiting him in the cancer ward. I am losing my sweet, little cat but my loved ones are here.

Do Your Best to Keep Loving, No Matter What

Little Shybaby has barely eaten in over two weeks. Although a small cat, she used to have a roundness about her that is lacking now. Although we know we can no longer selfishly delay her death - wanting one more day of her sweetness - it is so hard to let her go. I am amazed at how this little animal - despite illness and lack of nourishment - seeks to be near me and to heal me with her loving purr even now. This too is Shybaby's legacy on leading a happy life: Do your best to keep loving, no matter what.

So let us all remember the teachings of the wise little Zen master, Shybaby:

SCMPD Canine Bruno Honored By Humane Society

Two men who were “caught in the act” of burglarizing an En-mark station on Wilmington Island during the early morning hours of February 5 are still behind bars, thanks to the help of a determined SCMPD canine named Bruno and handler Sgt. Greg Ernst.

The capture has earned Bruno and his handler the distinction of being formally recognized by the Savannah-Chatham Humane Society. The two received accolades during the organization’s annual meeting .

On February 5 shortly after 1:00 a.m., Sergeant Ernst along with his trusted canine companion, were part of a task force providing surveillance of businesses in response to a recent rash of commercial burglaries. Two men were observed cutting the power to the En-mark station when the task force moved in.

Bruno, alerted by his handler to the presence of trouble by the fleeing burglars, quickly gave chase, cornering the first suspect who was taken into custody and tracking the other into the marsh. The second capture, however, proved more of a challenge for Bruno and demonstrates the tenacious spirit and determination of this hard charging dynamic duo; and the reason they were honored.

After entering the marsh, Bruno engaged the suspect, a six-time convicted burglar who was as determined to escape as Bruno was to apprehend him. It became a battle of wills as the convicted felon repeatedly struck Bruno in the head, submerging him completely several times into the 3-4 foot tidal creek. With an unrelenting bite in the midst of being drowned, Bruno’s will to apprehend prevailed. The suspect finally surrendered and had to be taken to a local hospital for treatment before going to jail.

The extraordinary feats and tenacity of these animals never cease to amaze their professional handlers, and especially the Bad Guys who are typically on the other end of their unrelenting bite. What many see as extraordinary, whether it’s searching in the darkness of a crawl space, combing through the brush of wooded terrain, or dog paddling through a tidal creek, getting their man and pleasing the handler is all in a day's work for the SCMPD canine.

The two men captured have been linked to a number of commercial burglaries in the Savannah, Chatham County area, and will likely have a number of years to reflect upon their actions and their encounter with a canine named Bruno.

The director of the humane society, Robert Lee said, “The organization wants to recognize not only the contributions made by Bruno and his handler, but also the invaluable service the overall unit provides to our community.”

 

 

 

Five Dog Bone Awards

 

 

 

Lucky Diamond, media star, a purebred rescued Maltese and one of America's most traveled pets, heads The Five Dog Bone Award commission for Animal Fair Magazine.

Most Pet-Friendly Product: The winner is Origins. In 1999, Origins introduced a line of pet care products. This year they are being honored for their Silky Coat Dog Shampoo. With scents of lavender and citronella, this gentle lather manages to silken all dog coat textures while providing moisture for the dry, scaly skin. Not to mention it's protection against fleas, which Lucky would agree are the most unpleasant "accessory" for any pet. Thanks to Origins, pets can rid their coats of unwanted intruders and beautify themselves all in one shampooing.

Most Pet-Friendly Hotel: The winner is St. Regis Los Angeles. The minute a pet's paw hits the plush carpet of the St. Regis hotel suites, they will run to the custom-made mahogany bed of soft pillows and cushions. Dogs feast on the finest food and hydrate themselves with the freshest Evian water. Dogs can lounge poolside with attendants, stroll around the gardens and stay as a guest with no extra charge to their human companions.

Most Pet-Friendly Resort: The winner is Las Ventanas al Paraiso. Located in Los Cabos, Mexico, the resort is a dream where a dog can travel to escape from it all. This window of paradise is nestled upon white sand dunes and crystal blue waters. Dogs can enjoy sunlit suppers of Rin Tin Tin (shredded braised beef and steamed rice) on their private patio or gaze through a personal telescope. The day's activities may include lounging on a private beach and napping in a private dog cabana where Doggie Delights are served (a selection of beef jerky, rawhides and doggy chews). And for those canines on a special diet, the full time chef can prepare made-to-order meals anytime of the day. Throughout their stay, dogs are pampered with stress-reducing neck massages, full body massages and, of course, top quality grooming.

Most Pet-Friendly Animal Shelter: The winner is the Humane Society of New York, which has a fantastic, friendly and caring staff. They provide emotional support for rescued pets by motivating them with rooftop runs and offer various physical activities. They spend quality time with the animals to promote healthy, trustful relationships with humans. Before any animal leaves the shelter, Bill Berloni, the Society's Director of Dog Training, will conduct a full evaluation of the pet and their relationship with the potential guardians to ensure that the pet receives the proper care and attention it needs to have a happy life with its new family.

Most Pet-Friendly Airline: The winner is FinnAir. When jet-setting for business and pleasure, dogs can rely on Finn Airline (airborne yacht if you will). Small pets that can be placed in a carrier have the luxury of traveling beside their owner, enjoying movies and views from above throughout the flight. Plus, as long as the pet abides by the rules and buckles up during take off and landing, he/she can enjoy the comfort of his/her companion's lap.

Most Pet Friendly Destination: The winner is St. Petersburg, Russia. In 2003, Lucky was greeted with a dog key to the city, where she was free to roam amongst her Russian canine companions. Lucky dined at the finest restaurant and was even invited to attend the Philharmonic.

 

 

 

Should we invite Lucky to Savannah to show her what real hospitality is like? Send me an e-mail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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