Thursday, June 24, 2010

Pawsadena Star News

There's a lot going on in dog news today.

photo by Skye Moorhead

Remember Skye Moorhead, my photographer friend? She found Jersey, this young, female pit bull mix, abandoned in one of the studios in her complex. Jersey is, according to Skye, "sweeter than both my dogs put together...she happily let me clean her ears and give her a bath...cooperative and a snuggy bug... Mellow, social and smart, she is a joy to have around."

Skye says "in another life" she'd keep Jersey in a heartbeat, but she's already got two dogs and one of them's not tolerating the pup.

You always have a chance to adopt a dog from the Pasadena Humane Society, or Boxer Rescue, or a shelter in your area (and you should!). Today, you can adopt a dog from Skye. Email Skyez@earthlink.net.

Update: 6/25: Jersey's been spayed now, which makes her even more attractive!

Update 6/26: Jersey found a home! Skye says: "...perfect match on both sides. I saw them off this morning with a light heart."

I wanted Jersey, but I'm reminded that our Boz is getting old. He has four (yes) strategically-placed beds which can be moved according to his needs. He eats regular, healthy meals. He has full health coverage (our checkbook), play dates, daily walks, love, kisses and constant assurance that he's a good boy.

Boz achieved royalty late in life. Before he came to us he lived for more than a year in a cage in a shelter, and before that he got by somehow on the streets. Before that, we don't know. Boz is an alpha dog in only one place: our (his) home.

All we do for Boz is nothing compared to what he does for us. Pets can decrease your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, for one thing. And after seven years, Boz still manages to bring delight into our lives every day. Dogs are extremely entertaining. We don't even have TV anymore.

Which is the long way of saying, if you're thinking of adopting a dog, contact Skye and go visit Jersey. She just might be the right pet for you.

In other dog news, here's a new blog to love: it's called My Life With Tommy. Susan Campisi's straightforward, delicious writing about her adventures with her rescued pit bull, Tommy, is just plain addictive. I haven't missed a post.

35 comments:

Shell Sherree said...

Jersey has 'sweetheart' beaming from her in all directions! I hope she already has a new loving home by the time I get up tomorrow morning, Petrea. That's an all-time gorgeous photo of Boz, too. And no dust bunnies. Impressive!

Sarah said...

ohh, an impressive shot from a dog!
Lately I've became a dog psychologist since I should pay my attension to our all four dogs :P

Boom Nisanart said...

They look adorable !!!!

Sahildeki Ev said...

I hope Jersey will get a home very soon as comfy as Boz's...Very cute..

Pat said...

Awww...Jersey is cute and probably has the temperament pit bulls used to have (in the days of Our Gang...) Bibi is definitely jealous of any dog that I take in (actually only one, and that's where I learned my lesson; she snubbed me for days....) Boz's photo is super, with those paws tucked under his chin....

Petrea Burchard said...

Shell, I hope she has a new home by then, too! (And thanks for noticing about the dust bunnies. I don't know if everyone would notice, but I would.)

Sarah, yes, you have so many dogs! I haven't forgotten to send you something and I have most of it ready except one last thing. Sorry it's taking so long!

Hello and welcome, Boom Nisanart! Speaking of adorable, the photo on your blog today is charming.

Hi Turquoise Diaries/Aysegul, my hope for Jersey is the same as yours. Or if she's lucky she'll find a home like Hera's and get to go to the beach more often!

Same here, Bibi (Pat). Boz's little heart breaks when another dog stays here. His insecurity shows, and since he's old we're afraid to chance it.

I'm aware pit bulls have a bad reputation. That's because they're smart, loyal, trainable dogs and dogs reflect what their owners teach them. I've never met a pit bull that wasn't a cuddly bucket of love.

Bellis said...

Love the title today! And those are two really good dog photos. I've found that rescued animals are forever grateful, extra well-behaved and loving. There's a new pet shop on Lake at California full of stressed-out and possibly overbred young dogs that cost many hundreds of dollars. How many of them will end up in the shelter down the road?

Susan C said...

Jersey is one adorable, photogenic pup. Leave it to Skye to make her subjects look even better than they do in real life.

I'm glad that you and Susan and Skye are spreading the word that not all pit bulls are bad seeds. Fingers crossed that Jersey will find a home as wonderful as Boz's.

TheChieftess said...

Miss Daisy shared her home with two other dogs at different times...she tolerated it because she knew they needed a temporary home...emphasis on the word temporary!!! She was quite happy when each of them left us and returned to their respective homes. She's quite sure there's not enough room in the hall doorways for more dogs than her...

Petrea Burchard said...

I don't want to disparage the purebred dogs themselves, Bellis, so much as the system that creates them. All dogs are good dogs and all dogs need love. But mixed breeds have fewer health problems and generally live longer. (And though Jersey will have maintenance costs just like any dog, she doesn't come with a purchase price!)

Susan C, I'll bet Skye will say she makes her subjects look their best! No camera tricks, Jersey is just as cute as her picture. Sweet Susan, I imagine it's too soon for you to adopt a new dog just yet, and a young dog would be too much of a handful.

Chieftess, we had a similar experience when Sprocket stayed with us. Over the course of several visits Sprocket hid behind the nightstand in the bedroom (he's a Great Dane/Lab/Pit Bull mix) and Boz curled up in his bed, facing the wall. They finally had a bloody fight in the mud room; I managed to get them into the back yard and separate them. They both have scars and they're still friends, but Sprocket doesn't stay here anymore.

Anonymous said...

Priceless. (You didn't mention how you follow Boz with a cushion in case he should want to sit down where a cushion does not currently exist.)

Petrea Burchard said...

I was leaving that one open for you, Hiker.

Kim said...

What a love! I feel certain your post about this sweet pup will have something to do with her finding a loving, appreciative home. Truly a gorgeous dog! In many states pit bulls/pit bull mixes must be micro chipped. . . I wonder if anyone has scanned this beauty yet to see if there is a chip. I'm sure whoever socialized her so well must be missing her to pieces. Thanks for the Pawsadena Star News!
-Kim

John Sandel said...

"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man."

--- The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson and the Comedy of Those Extraordinary Twins (S.L. Clemens, 1894)

Petrea Burchard said...

A good quote, J.

Kim, I hope you're right and I've helped Jersey find a home. On the subject of microchips, Boz has one, and I think all dogs should have them for their safety.

Unfortunately, Skye already knows who abandoned this sweet pooch; it's clear that person doesn't miss her.

Susan Campisi said...

Petrea, what an honor to be mentioned in your blog! I was thoroughly enjoying your doggie post and then blushed with gratitude when I read that last paragraph. Thank you... You're too kind.

Love the pictures of Jersey and Boz. And love that you're spreading the word about rescue dogs.

Cafe Observer said...

Food & Dogs - keep up these hot topics!

Susan Campisi said...

Here's an interesting and timely article about pit bulls and breed-specific legislation:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/pets/2010-06-24-vetviews25_ST_N.htm

Boz looks so serene in that picture. Wonderful humans raise loving happy dogs. Makes the world a better place.

-K- said...

My blood pressure returned to normal just reading about Boz.

I guess I have to reluctantly admit that dogs are more entertaining than cats altho Luna (a recent addition) and Webster before her, were certainly big believers in letting nature take its course.

Steve Scauzillo said...

Great shot, Skye. You should get that book going!

John Sandel said...

-K- breaks me up.

TheChieftess said...

I'm afraid I beg to differ with you -K-...Miss Daisy's day of entertaining are waning, while Miss Sadie, our 4 year old calico clown is just beginning!!! She keeps us quite amused. I think it's our dogs loyalty that make their antics so special, while cats allow you to enjoy them!!!

wv: skiessis...I plan on skiesses-ing a lot this winter!!!

TheChieftess said...

Is it just me, or is blogger signing me out quicker and quicker...I always click on the keep me signed in, but it seems to be signing me out regularly...

Petrea Burchard said...

Susan, you're welcome. I've really been enjoying your posts about life with Tommy. And thanks for the article. You can train any dog to be vicious (witness the chihuahua corridor on our next block) and you can train any dog to be sweet. Humans are responsible.

Thanks, Cafe. More food tomorrow!

Funny, Kevin. Boz will be pleased to hear it. Luna and Webster are cats, no?

I'd love to see a photo book by Skye. When I was at her studio she showed me a series of shots of a guy and his dog--brilliant. She does great portraits but the pet shots are her passion.

That hasn't happened to me much, Chieftess, as long as I keep the browser open. What I'm having trouble with these days is gmail. Slow as dial-up.

Tash said...

Hi Boz! Nice to see him from his snooze-level.
Jersey is a real good looker, isn't she?

Margaret said...

How did this play out? Anyone claim that cutie? I would, but I think we have as much going on as we can handle right now.

Petrea Burchard said...

I'm waiting to hear. I hope Skye is so swamped with Jersey meet-ups that she can't get back to me.

Petrea Burchard said...

Update: Jersey's been spayed now, which makes her even more attractive! Ooh, baby.

Petrea Burchard said...

Update: Jersey found a home! Skye says: "...perfect match on both sides. I saw them off this morning with a light heart."

BonnieS said...

Glad I checked this post today and found out Jersey has a new home. Petrea, you're so right: pets enrich our lives in countless ways, and adoption is the best way to find your new friend. My Echo came from German Shepherd Rescue 8 years ago, and I couldn't ask for a better companion.

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks, Bonnie. You make another interesting point that some people don't realize: you can get almost any kind of dog, even a purebred puppy, through a rescue shelter. My friend recently rescued a purebred Aussie puppy. The internet is a great way to start looking.

Unknown said...

Too many animals do not get a second chance at a good life. I hope Jersey has found his forever home.

Today is our third one with Millie, a seven-pound Poodle-mix. Her old story was not a happy one. She is now getting very comfortable with living the good life!

Petrea Burchard said...

Only your third day, Scribegal? You're still in the exciting new phase! Welcome home, Millie.

Lori Lynn said...

So happy to hear about Jersey. What a cutie-pie.

I have a sweatshirt that reads "Proud Owner of a Rescued Boston." I am.
And I share your sentiments about our pooches. Boz is king!
LL

Petrea Burchard said...

Boz is king in our house, that's for sure, Lori Lynn. Dogs should rule in our hearts, even if they don't run the household.