Ziggy's Story Continues

Morning soon came and Ziggy was eager to find his way back to his neighborhood. He started out with ambition and soon came upon familiar surroundings. Alas he was back to his "home" and he was so tired that he went into the dog house for a nap. Timmy the boy that lived in the house decided to outside to play in the yard that day as the weather was warming up. He noticed Ziggy in the doghouse. Timmy always wanted a dog but he didn't really know Ziggy so he ran excitedly into his house telling his mom of the dog that is in their yard. Timmy's mom Abigail went outside and looked at Ziggy from a distance. She noticed he did not have a collar. Abigail told Timmy that the dog is a stray and that it needs to be reported to the shelter. Timmy wanted to keep Ziggy even though he didn't really know him. Abigail told Timmy that the dog looks like a Pitbull and they are dangerous dogs. She warned Timmy to stay away from him. Timmy ran to his dad and he went over to Ziggy and petted him. Timmy's dad Brian took a liking to Ziggy and convinced his wife to allow the dog to stay in the yard at least and that they would provide food and water. Brian argued that if they call the shelter the dog will be put down due to BSL laws in that location. The mom agreed but she did not want the dog inside her home as she had a new baby and she still felt that Pitbulls couldn't be trusted. Weeks passed and everyday after school Timmy would look forward to coming home to play with Ziggy. They were best friends. Ziggy was happy too now that he had Timmy and his sadness about his former family was starting to fade. 

One day when Timmy was in school, Ziggy was out taking a walk in the neighborhood. Ziggy didn't know there was a BSL law. He didn't know that he was considered dangerous just because of his breed. He didn't know that some people were afraid of him. Mostly he didn't know if he was picked up by animal control he would be put down for no wrong doing except existing. That dreadful day the animal control was out and they saw Ziggy. They picked him up and treated him like a criminal. He was whisked off to jail. Once there the other dogs told Ziggy that he would be put down soon and they explained why. Ziggy couldn't believe it. He finally found happiness with Timmy and now for no valid reason except for ignorance and fear his life was in danger. Ziggy was so sad. That afternoon when Timmy got home from school he wandered where Ziggy was. He asked his mom but she didn't know. Timmy waited and the next day still no Ziggy. Timmy convinced his parents to look for him and they went to the shelter where they were told that Ziggy was a stray and since Pitbulls are banned that he would be put down. They were not even allowed to adopt him which they were at that point willing to do as Ziggy had grown on the family too. Timmy was heartbroken they told the family that Ziggy was on the list and he had five days left. They were not even allowed to visit him. 

Dogs around the world have upgraded their status. Dogs today wear a variety of apparel such as tee shirts, vests, hoodies, coats, costumes, bandannas, and a variety of other articles. Dogs also have social media accounts like Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest as well as well you know dog blogs. Dogs now have more choices for everything from dog bowls, dog beds, vitamins, toys, shampoos, specialty dog food, grain free dog food, all natural dog food, and a myriad of other choices including specialty treats. This is all in addition to the "standard" choices for food and treats that have been available for a very long time. Pet physiologists, state of the art medical treatments, pet photographers, pet resorts and spas, grooming salons, social meet up groups for dogs, dog beaches and dog parks are just a few things that were not available in the not too distant past. 

Today's modern dog surely lives a different life than that of its predecessors. Additionally, dogs are viewed with more clout than being just dogs they are given deference as to their feelings, their ability to feel, and for some almost on par with humans. Some dogs sleep in bed with their humans, under the covers. Some have special carriers much like those for human babies. And others still get "walked in baby strollers".

What is next? How about specialty dog drinks? I mean why should dogs drink plain old water anymore when they have seemingly evolved in every other area? How about designer dog clothes for the elite pet? Or maybe pet vacations where dogs can go for a few days or a week to "get away" from home life. I'm not sure what the next evolution will be in this arena but I do know that as far as we have come we have a long way to go. There is still prejudice and judgment against certain breeds, for example BSL. Another area we need to evolve in is to not see kill shelters as acceptable. There needs to be a shift in finding that as an acceptable solution. Discrimination against certain breeds being able to live in various types of housing issues lands a lot of innocent dogs to their deaths. Awareness, sharing and caring will take us one step closer in the right direction. Lets keep moving forward to help save the lives of innocent animals. 

"All dogs living in a world where they are treated fairly with love" - Buckie the Boxer

Santa, All I want for Christmas is that all dogs have a loving home!

A Holiday Wish!

I wish that all dogs all over the world have a loving home! No place too near of too far to be beyond the reach of this wish. All dogs to be viewed for loving sentient beings that they are. All dogs to be treated fairly and not judged on false information or based on their looks. 

It's almost Christmas and whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanza, Christmas or any other holiday or don't celebrate any at all, the holidays are all around us.  There are so many dogs that are not fortunate and don't have loving homes, family, and are alone in cold cages some on death row, for nothing that they have done. Some are there because of ignorant biases, being judged based on their looks or some other factor that is not accurate. My focus this new year to do more to help the cause. I'm sharing on Facebook, I reach out to people and connect  with people on behalf of the dogs in need, in danger. and in trouble. Donating to non kill shelters or rescues that pull dogs in bad situations from kill shelters. Offering products on line for sale and donating ten percent to the cause. I think adopting is wonderful and everyone should research the general specifics about a certain breed or mix if considering a particular dog. To interview the dog and to know if the dog is high energy, likes other dogs, kids and make sure that the dog is a match to your life. In my opinion, having a dog come into your life is a serious commitment. There is nothing like a dog in your life, it can be a wonderful experience and very rewarding. 

My dream would be to have a "hotel" for dogs that feels like home. For those dogs that don't have homes to provide long term (if needed) housing in an atmosphere that feels like home. To be able to provide everything they need including medical care. Please consider what each of us can do, even one small action can make a difference. Spread the love, joy, and hope. 

Rescue Love and Happy Holidays!