Shug overNite...

I just got word that Shug will be coming to visit on Saturday night!  It is most certainly going to be a full house, but I am sure she will be excited to reunite with her old buddies.  I just hope we don't get any rain this weekend, 16 muddy paws would be a nightmare!

Three Dog Night...

As I mentioned in a previous post, there is a new addition to the pack at Casa de Kimbrough which makes the dog to human ratio 3:1.  I have named him Artie, not for any particular reason, but it seems fitting for his little body and big personality. 

      Monday afternoon I had to run out and take care of a few errands, one of which was a quick stop at a nearby gas station.  As I pulled off I-45, on to the feeder and into the Exxon parking lot, I immediately noticed this little guy dodging vehicles in the parking lot.  Now, keep in mind that not only is this Exxon on the feeder to the freeway, but it is also bordered on all sides by major thoroughfares.  I  grew increasingly concerned for the dog's safety.  I entered the store to find an attendent chatting with a distributor near the counter.  

       "Load that dog up in your truck before he gets hit by a car, " the clerk exclaimed to the man. He responded rapidly with a shake of the head and a rolling of his eyes.  As I waited in line, I mentioned to the pair that I would be happy to try and get him in my car, and that I had rescued several animals in the past.  I think I threw in that last part so they wouldn't think I was crazy, but in retrospect, the only crazy thing was that while the dog was in danger the two were just chatting away and watching this dog like a rat in a maze.  

        I walked to my car and called the dog.  He was timid but seemed to be comforted by my voice.  I proceeded with caution as the little ones tend to be biters.  I stroked his back and used a soothing voice as not to appear threatening.  He warmed up to me just long enough for me to scoop him up and place him in the front seat.  I went back inside let them know that the dog was safe and left my contact information in case anyone showed up looking for the dog.

       Artie is neutered, he has beautiful teeth, and a nice shiny coat.  If I had to guess I would say he weighs somewhere between 12-15 pounds.  He seems to have been well taken care of and he is a happy little guy.  I am keeping him for now, but he would make a great companion.  Monday I plan to swing him by the vet to see if he might have a microchip.

If you have any information on this dog, or if you are interested in providing a forever home, be sure to message me.

The question is not, "Can they reason?" nor,

"Can they talk?" but rather, "Can they suffer?"

                                                -Jeremy Bentham

Spoonful of Shug...

So I have for you now, the story of Sugar, or 'Shug' as we like to call her. 

It was memorial day weekend and I was working in the yard.  Both the front and back fence gates were open so that I could move from the front yard to the back with ease.  All of the sudden, and much to my surprise, a mid-sized, brown dog darted into my back yard with excitement like that of a miner who just struck gold.  I greeted her cautiously and gave her a quick little rub down to let her now that I was not a threat, and it was clear at that point that neither was she.  I continued with my yard work as she made herself at home sniffing around the yard at the scents left by my other dogs which were inside at the time.

       Now, I had seen this dog on a few occasions prior.  She and another dog of equal size, color, and breed, had found themselves numerous times gallivanting in my front yard.  I was certain they belonged to the people that lived three houses down from me.  I found it odd that she was alone this time and thought that perhaps she had gotten out of the fence.  I walked down to the house with her behind me like a four-legged shadow.  Upon arrival, I noticed that a significant amount of mail was piled near the front door step.  The curtains were no longer in place and it became clear that the once occupied house was now empty.  A aluminum pan , like that in which you would cook a Thanksgiving turkey was placed under a tree in the front yard and it seemed someone had filled it with water.  
        Come to find out from another neighbor that the residents of that home had moved and left their dogs behind.  I fear that the other dog, who I believed to be Shug's brother had been stolen.  He too, was a chocolate Lab and he had not yet been neutered.
       Upon receiving this news I decided that Shug, named for her sweetness and excitable nature, would stay with me until I could find a home for her.  She was a wonderful dog and I very much enjoyed having her as part of the family.  

       Six months had passed and I had not been able to find a home for her.  One Sunday afternoon I had a few friends over to the house, one of which had never been there before.  His connection with Shug was immediate.  A few weeks after their initial meeting Shug had a forever home.  I was sad to see her go as I cannot describe with words how gentle and loving she was, but I am excited that she can now bring joy to someone else's life as she did to mine, even if it was only for a short while.  Also, with the exit of Shug to her new home, I was left susceptible to new arrivals.  As of Monday, I am now home to a new little guy who's 'tail' will be shared in an upcoming entry.  Stay tuned...
      

The 411 on 311...

So here is a little tip if you are unfortunate enough to encounter a dead animal on the freeway or any other city street...

For those of us in the great nation of Texas, 311 is helpful in removal of these animals as long as they are not located on private property.  However, if the animals are located on an exit ramp or feeder road, this removal is the responsibility of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).  To report an issue in your local area, they can be reached toll free at (800) 558-9368.

Unfortunately, in the last few days, I have had to report two large dogs that had been hit (apparently by numerous vehicles) on the highway.

You gotta start somewhere....

I never thought I would be the blogging type, yet I find myself here, eager to share insider details of my life with you.  Well, parts of it, but mainly just the parts that involve my pups, their antics, as well as the stories of many dogs that I have rescued over the years. Now, if you are thinking that this blog is going to be all fun and games, you are in store for a reality check.  While many of my rescues stories are accompanied by heart-warming 'tails', there are also some that come with grim de'tails'.  It is here where you will get an idea of my 'Leash on Life' and experience compassion and inhumanity through the eyes of my four legged friends.