Dogs
LIFE IN ONTARIO...THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE IT!
17/09/07 23:41
LIFE IN ONTARIO...THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE IT!
By Steve Barker
I'm one of the lucky ones (I guess).
I've already decided that my dogs could be identified as "pit bulls" by Animal Control officers in Ontario, I've been on television, on radio, in the newspapers, and out at public events with them.
I've licensed them with my city as "pit bull terriers" (their words, not mine). In hindsight, I may have been better off licensing them as mutts, but I wasn't thinking about a BAN ON MY DOGS when I licensed them!
I'm less likely than some to be able to argue what my dogs are or aren't, simply because I've fought so hard and so publicly for them.
Unlike the poor lady in this story at Wag the Dog.
Make sure you read the whole story there to understand just how scary this is.
She has a one-and-a-half-year-old Jack Russell terrier mix and a four-month-old hound mix, but according to Animal Control, she has PIT BULLS!!!
She now has to hire a lawyer and go to court to fight provincial charges against her (with the potential of up to $10,000 in fines and up to six months in jail)
The dogs have never threatened anyone, have never bitten anyone, and have been loved and played with by all of the apartment complex children.
This, my friends, is what the McGuinty Ontario Liberals have done to your average dog owner.
Vote for someone else on October 10.
By Steve Barker
I'm one of the lucky ones (I guess).
I've already decided that my dogs could be identified as "pit bulls" by Animal Control officers in Ontario, I've been on television, on radio, in the newspapers, and out at public events with them.
I've licensed them with my city as "pit bull terriers" (their words, not mine). In hindsight, I may have been better off licensing them as mutts, but I wasn't thinking about a BAN ON MY DOGS when I licensed them!
I'm less likely than some to be able to argue what my dogs are or aren't, simply because I've fought so hard and so publicly for them.
Unlike the poor lady in this story at Wag the Dog.
Make sure you read the whole story there to understand just how scary this is.
She has a one-and-a-half-year-old Jack Russell terrier mix and a four-month-old hound mix, but according to Animal Control, she has PIT BULLS!!!
She now has to hire a lawyer and go to court to fight provincial charges against her (with the potential of up to $10,000 in fines and up to six months in jail)
The dogs have never threatened anyone, have never bitten anyone, and have been loved and played with by all of the apartment complex children.
This, my friends, is what the McGuinty Ontario Liberals have done to your average dog owner.
Vote for someone else on October 10.
Mythical chupacabra found in Texas?
03/09/07 11:34
From the Associated Press
September 1, 2007
CUERO, Texas — Phylis Canion lived in Africa for four years. She has been a hunter all her life and has the mounted heads of a zebra and other exotic animals in her house to prove it.
But the roadkill she found last month outside her ranch was a new one even for her, worth hiding in a freezer: Canion believes she may have the head of the mythical, bloodsucking chupacabra.
"It is one ugly creature," Canion said, holding the head of the mammal with big ears, large fanged teeth and grayish-blue, mostly hairless skin.
Canion and some neighbors discovered the 40-pound bodies of three of the animals over four days in July outside her ranch in Cuero, 80 miles southeast of San Antonio. Canion said she saved one of the heads so she could get to the bottom of its ancestry through DNA testing and then mount it for posterity.
She suspects that a chupacabra may have killed as many as 26 of her chickens over the last couple of years.
"I've seen a lot of nasty stuff. I've never seen anything like this," she said.
What tipped Canion to the possibility that this might be the vampire-like beast is that the chickens weren't eaten or carried off; all the blood was drained from them, she said.
Chupacabra, which means "goat sucker" in Spanish, is said to have originated in Latin America. "I think it could have wolf in it," Canion said. "It has to be a cross between two or three different things."
What folks are calling a chupacabra is probably a strange breed of dog, said veterinarian Travis Schaar of the Main Street Animal Hospital in nearby Victoria.
"I'm not going to tell you that's not a chupacabra. I just think in my opinion a chupacabra is a dog," said Schaar, who has seen Canion's find.
The three dead animals could have all been part of a mutated litter of dogs, or they may be a new kind of mutt, he said. Schaar said this particular canine may have a preference for blood, letting its prey bleed out and licking it up.
Chupacabra or not, the discovery has spawned an international craze. Canion is selling $5 T-shirts that read: "2007, The Summer of the Chupacabra, Cuero, Texas," all over the world.
"If everyone has a fun time with it, we'll keep doing it," she said. "It's good for Cuero."
Keiley's prediction:
After seeing this article, and many more about this strange find in Texas, I predict that these "mythical creatures" found by the woman in the article are actually a dog breed known as the Xoloitzcuintli: the ancient breed known commonly as the Mexican Hairless. They are available in 2 sizes: under 14 inches (the common one) and the Standard size over 14 inches (the "rare" one). The Standard Xolo weighs about 40 lbs. It is mainly hairless, with a grey/blue skin. Just like the article described. The Mexican people hold this dog in high regard, and they are hard to find. They are historically known for their high body heat, which has been used for centuries in mexican medicine. It is said that placing one of these puppies on the skin alleviates rheumatism and arthritis, and many other diseases. I was supposed to visit a medicine man with these dogs last time I was in Mexico, but got robbed on my way there so had to turn back.
That is my prediction: The woman found 3 dead Standard Xolos. Hardly vampire dogs...probably just 3 lost ones that died for whatever reason (roadkill, heatstroke, whatever). Anyway, the resulting DNA tests should be interesting....
September 1, 2007
CUERO, Texas — Phylis Canion lived in Africa for four years. She has been a hunter all her life and has the mounted heads of a zebra and other exotic animals in her house to prove it.
But the roadkill she found last month outside her ranch was a new one even for her, worth hiding in a freezer: Canion believes she may have the head of the mythical, bloodsucking chupacabra.
"It is one ugly creature," Canion said, holding the head of the mammal with big ears, large fanged teeth and grayish-blue, mostly hairless skin.
Canion and some neighbors discovered the 40-pound bodies of three of the animals over four days in July outside her ranch in Cuero, 80 miles southeast of San Antonio. Canion said she saved one of the heads so she could get to the bottom of its ancestry through DNA testing and then mount it for posterity.
She suspects that a chupacabra may have killed as many as 26 of her chickens over the last couple of years.
"I've seen a lot of nasty stuff. I've never seen anything like this," she said.
What tipped Canion to the possibility that this might be the vampire-like beast is that the chickens weren't eaten or carried off; all the blood was drained from them, she said.
Chupacabra, which means "goat sucker" in Spanish, is said to have originated in Latin America. "I think it could have wolf in it," Canion said. "It has to be a cross between two or three different things."
What folks are calling a chupacabra is probably a strange breed of dog, said veterinarian Travis Schaar of the Main Street Animal Hospital in nearby Victoria.
"I'm not going to tell you that's not a chupacabra. I just think in my opinion a chupacabra is a dog," said Schaar, who has seen Canion's find.
The three dead animals could have all been part of a mutated litter of dogs, or they may be a new kind of mutt, he said. Schaar said this particular canine may have a preference for blood, letting its prey bleed out and licking it up.
Chupacabra or not, the discovery has spawned an international craze. Canion is selling $5 T-shirts that read: "2007, The Summer of the Chupacabra, Cuero, Texas," all over the world.
"If everyone has a fun time with it, we'll keep doing it," she said. "It's good for Cuero."
Keiley's prediction:
After seeing this article, and many more about this strange find in Texas, I predict that these "mythical creatures" found by the woman in the article are actually a dog breed known as the Xoloitzcuintli: the ancient breed known commonly as the Mexican Hairless. They are available in 2 sizes: under 14 inches (the common one) and the Standard size over 14 inches (the "rare" one). The Standard Xolo weighs about 40 lbs. It is mainly hairless, with a grey/blue skin. Just like the article described. The Mexican people hold this dog in high regard, and they are hard to find. They are historically known for their high body heat, which has been used for centuries in mexican medicine. It is said that placing one of these puppies on the skin alleviates rheumatism and arthritis, and many other diseases. I was supposed to visit a medicine man with these dogs last time I was in Mexico, but got robbed on my way there so had to turn back.
That is my prediction: The woman found 3 dead Standard Xolos. Hardly vampire dogs...probably just 3 lost ones that died for whatever reason (roadkill, heatstroke, whatever). Anyway, the resulting DNA tests should be interesting....
Kyoto
02/09/07 10:37
Kyoto is now just over 3 weeks old, and has more than
doubled in size since last week!
Good karma prevails....she responds to me and my voice above all others', and this is only the second time we've met! It's meant to be...the Universe has given me a gift.
And she is stunningly beautiful for a pup her age!! She's going to win all the trophies in future..it's a given. But more than that, she'll be my companion for the next decade plus!
I'm in Love!
Good karma prevails....she responds to me and my voice above all others', and this is only the second time we've met! It's meant to be...the Universe has given me a gift.
And she is stunningly beautiful for a pup her age!! She's going to win all the trophies in future..it's a given. But more than that, she'll be my companion for the next decade plus!
I'm in Love!
INTRODUCING KYOTO!
25/08/07 10:27
Well, it's official! I met my new pup for the first time today. She's just over 2 weeks of age. Boy! Is she built like a brick or what??? She has attitude too! She's the first one on the boobie, and the most active, and the busiest and bossiest! Loves bellyrubs already!
She'll be coming home in about 5 weeks time. Keep logging in, because there will be new pictures every week! You are cordially invited to watch her grow along with me!
Keiley
Whether you prefer Dogs or Cats, or both, compassion for animals speaks volumes about yourself!
25/08/07 10:24
I've been helping out a friend at his retail store in
Toronto for a little while. There are two resident
cats, Bali and Rama. These brothers came to live
there through me, and they have worked out remarkably
well!! We got them when they still almost fit in the
palm of your hand! They are about 18 months old now.
The clients love them, and they are so happy and
healthy! In fact, their presence helps
to generate sales from time to time!
Recently, the store has been looking to hire new staff, and there have been a couple of interviewees who have had adverse reactions to Bali and Rama, and NOT for allergy reasons!
One potential interviewee couldn't understand why anyone would buy something that a cat had sat on, or touched. She found the whole idea of animals revolting, to say the least. Hmmm....
Another was terrified of cats in general. She was paranoid that they would come into her space, or come close to touching her.
Of course, neither were hired. Part of the interview process is to assess what the potential employee feels about animals. Because not only are there cats, there are birds and fish as well in the location. Every employee is expected to help keep the animals healthy and happy, from physical hygiene to emotional care. It's part of the job, and it's not negotiable. The animals are a part of the team, and help to set the ambience of the store.
Whether you are a cat person who doesn't like dogs, or a dog person who doesn't like cats, or whether you like both, no matter what, you share a common bond! This is not a story about cats vs dogs. If you find pleasure in the companionship of any animal, if you are willing to care for that animal even if it doesn't live with you, if you appreciate the qualities of an animal when it is in your personal space.....then you are a compassionate human being.
The point of this story is:
Those who like animals tend to be more understanding and caring about the people they meet. They are more likely to engage a stranger in conversation when they have an animal story to break the ice between them. People tend to become more comfortable with each other if an animal is nearby, when they both share a liking for animals. It's a scientific fact: people who live with, and like animals are more healthy of body and mind (unless that person is a crazy cat-collector lady...but that's an obsessive-compulsive behaviour that really has nothing to do with a love of animals...more on that subject in future).
So to go back to the store that these cats, birds and fish live in. No, it's not a pet store. It's actually a furniture store. Check it out: www.kudafurniture.com
It's a people-friendly, pet-friendly oasis of exotic furniture from south-east Asia. It's like walking into paradise. And while you're there, be sure to call out for Bali and Rama....they'll come a'running!
--
Keiley
Raising K-9 Inc
http://www.raisingk9.com
info@raisingk9.com
Recently, the store has been looking to hire new staff, and there have been a couple of interviewees who have had adverse reactions to Bali and Rama, and NOT for allergy reasons!
One potential interviewee couldn't understand why anyone would buy something that a cat had sat on, or touched. She found the whole idea of animals revolting, to say the least. Hmmm....
Another was terrified of cats in general. She was paranoid that they would come into her space, or come close to touching her.
Of course, neither were hired. Part of the interview process is to assess what the potential employee feels about animals. Because not only are there cats, there are birds and fish as well in the location. Every employee is expected to help keep the animals healthy and happy, from physical hygiene to emotional care. It's part of the job, and it's not negotiable. The animals are a part of the team, and help to set the ambience of the store.
Whether you are a cat person who doesn't like dogs, or a dog person who doesn't like cats, or whether you like both, no matter what, you share a common bond! This is not a story about cats vs dogs. If you find pleasure in the companionship of any animal, if you are willing to care for that animal even if it doesn't live with you, if you appreciate the qualities of an animal when it is in your personal space.....then you are a compassionate human being.
The point of this story is:
Those who like animals tend to be more understanding and caring about the people they meet. They are more likely to engage a stranger in conversation when they have an animal story to break the ice between them. People tend to become more comfortable with each other if an animal is nearby, when they both share a liking for animals. It's a scientific fact: people who live with, and like animals are more healthy of body and mind (unless that person is a crazy cat-collector lady...but that's an obsessive-compulsive behaviour that really has nothing to do with a love of animals...more on that subject in future).
So to go back to the store that these cats, birds and fish live in. No, it's not a pet store. It's actually a furniture store. Check it out: www.kudafurniture.com
It's a people-friendly, pet-friendly oasis of exotic furniture from south-east Asia. It's like walking into paradise. And while you're there, be sure to call out for Bali and Rama....they'll come a'running!
--
Keiley
Raising K-9 Inc
http://www.raisingk9.com
info@raisingk9.com
Houston....the Stork Has Landed!
07/08/07 00:19
I had Rottweilers for years. In my opinion, they are
the best dogs ever!! Loyal, faithful companions. My
last one passed away about 6 years ago now,
and I still miss her very much. Sometimes I find
myself calling her name when I call my other dogs in
from the yard (none of which are Rotties). After she
died, I couldn't bring myself to get another, mainly
because I didn't really like what I was seeing in the
breed. Time passed, and I ended up with some very
sweet little terrier-type dogs who are fun but loud!
Bark bark bark! I think they believe their names are
"SHUT" and "UP"! But I digress...
I'd been thinking about starting the search for another Rottie recently, since getting a pup does require forethought and research to find a good breeder, make contact, and then wait for a litter to be born with the right bloodlines that I like. I was figuring it may take a year or so. But what you put out to the universe often gets answered quickly! Lo and behold, a breeder friend of mine let me know about a litter that was about to be born, and it fit the bill perfectly! Not only that, but I also got to choose "pick bitch" (which means the nicest female pup in the litter). And so.....in the wee hours of the morning of August 7, 2007, little Kyoto made her way into the world, and apparently in a very unfeminine but typical Rottweiler fashion, clawed her way to one of mommy's teats and has been stuck to it ever since! That's my girl!! She was the first born too. In 7 weeks, there will be the little pitter patter of puppy feet around here! Wait...who am I kidding? There won't be any delicate pitter-pattering, there will be a sound akin to a herd of bulls running through the house! Sigh! Time to start puppy-proofing! And get used to the idea of being covered in bruises from a burly, black, clumsy, uncoordinated creature who's main joy in life is to try and make me go ass over tea-kettle! It will be so much fun raising a puppy again, and I say that tongue-in-cheek. Puppies can be real pains for the first 18 months, and they are a lot of hard work, but the reward of having a companion and protector for the next decade or so far outweighs the trouble!
I'd been thinking about starting the search for another Rottie recently, since getting a pup does require forethought and research to find a good breeder, make contact, and then wait for a litter to be born with the right bloodlines that I like. I was figuring it may take a year or so. But what you put out to the universe often gets answered quickly! Lo and behold, a breeder friend of mine let me know about a litter that was about to be born, and it fit the bill perfectly! Not only that, but I also got to choose "pick bitch" (which means the nicest female pup in the litter). And so.....in the wee hours of the morning of August 7, 2007, little Kyoto made her way into the world, and apparently in a very unfeminine but typical Rottweiler fashion, clawed her way to one of mommy's teats and has been stuck to it ever since! That's my girl!! She was the first born too. In 7 weeks, there will be the little pitter patter of puppy feet around here! Wait...who am I kidding? There won't be any delicate pitter-pattering, there will be a sound akin to a herd of bulls running through the house! Sigh! Time to start puppy-proofing! And get used to the idea of being covered in bruises from a burly, black, clumsy, uncoordinated creature who's main joy in life is to try and make me go ass over tea-kettle! It will be so much fun raising a puppy again, and I say that tongue-in-cheek. Puppies can be real pains for the first 18 months, and they are a lot of hard work, but the reward of having a companion and protector for the next decade or so far outweighs the trouble!