Archive for February, 2010

A Pet Cemetery for People, too

Friday, February 26th, 2010

For those of us who would like to be buried with our beloved pets, there is a trend in that direction. A recent article from CNN.com:

Pets and people buried together

By Rose Hamada, CNN

February 24, 2010 11:57 a.m. EST

London, England (CNN) — Like many people, widow Penny Lally plans to be buried alongside her family. But in her case, that includes a menagerie of family pets.

Her husband, John, who died of cancer three years ago at the age of 64, is already buried with their horse Super Sam, Blot the cat, Muppet the dog, and even Brian the bird.

“I often tell people that John has a canary singing in his ear, a cat purring at his feet, a dog at his side and a horse to ride on when he likes,” Lally said. “I know some people might find this strange, but I loved my pets and wanted them all to be close to me and my husband and to each other.”

Lally, 66, runs a pet crematorium and woodland burial place in Penwith, Cornwall, in southwestern England. She has buried more than 30 owners alongside their animals and has over 100 more plots reserved for pets and their owners, she said. (more…)

Backstage at Westminster Dog Show

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

I have just returned from my first visit to Westminster. What an incredible experience to be up close to 2,500 beautiful dogs! I stayed in the hotel across the street from Madison Square Garden, which began to fill up with dogs on Friday. The hotel has a “pet concierge” during the show, and had an area set up in the lower level for potty breaks. The “boys” side of the potty area had fire hydrants. The potty area also had dog treadmills set up, which seemed to be very popular. There were also vendors selling jewelry, pretty collars and coats, and other dog goodies. I picked up so many dog food samples I had to mail them back! During the best of breed judging they had six rings going simultaneously. I watched from ringside for awhile, and then found a seat in the stands. Many dogs had their own cheering section, who would whoop and holler when the judge looked at their favorite. Although I am not into dog showing, it was inspiring to see the best of the best strut their stuff. Having shown horses earlier in my life, I know the work that goes into those few moments in the spotlight. Congratulations to Sadie, the sassy Scottie who took Best in Show!

Lost dog – Love found!

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

A recent story from the Asheville Citizen-Times, by Carole Currie –

We all like to think that things happen for a reason. Sometimes we can put the stories together and sometimes we can’t. This is one of those stories.

When Jeanne Keesler Nanney lived in North Asheville, her friends saw her out daily, walking and jogging with her 80-pound yellow Lab, Nick. She was so devoted to that dog that when he got cancer and had to have his leg amputated and could no longer go upstairs in the house to sleep, she slept downstairs so, Jeanne says, “He would know how much he meant to me.”

Nick died in 2006, and Jeanne did not get another dog – because she rejected the idea of a “replacement dog” and because her life took a whole new turn. (more…)

“My Name is Max”

Thursday, February 4th, 2010
Max arrives at the shelter

Max arrives at the shelter

Here is a heartwarming story!

Matted Max: 
Stranded Victim of Neglect Gets Second Chance

Asheville, NC –  Against all odds, an adorable little Shih Tzu has a new chance at life thanks to  the staff and volunteers of Asheville Humane Society.  Max, a year-old male Shih Tzu, was brought to Asheville Humane Society by a compassionate motorist who found him in a crate on the side of the road with a cardboard sign that read “My Name Is Max.” Inside the crate was a mass of matted fur. Fearful the dog was dying, his rescuer immediately drove Max to the Asheville Humane Society shelter located at 72 Lee’s Creek Road where staffers were saddened and appalled by his horrible condition. (more…)