Laurel Hunt Books

One of the stars of our local pet therapy organization, Paws with a Purpose, is a joyful Airedale named Pubb, who walks the hospital halls spreading smiles, comfort, and love to everyone he meets. Pubb and his “mom” Marti often visit pediatric cancer patients, as well as children who are about to undergo a forensic interview in situations of suspected child abuse. No matter why the child is at the hospital, Pubb’s furry medicine gives them the courage to face the often scary future. Pubb is estimated to be nearly 13 years old, and he recently passed his re-certification test as a Delta Society therapy dog, which is required every two years. On that occasion, Marti wrote the following heartwarming letter  to the family who rescued Pubb. It’s a testament not only to Pubb, but to how a simple act of compassion continues to touch many lives.

April 18, 2010

Dear Bishop,

You may remember that in 2003 you picked up an Airedale in a lot of trouble on the side of the road and named him Pubb. He was on three legs, weighed 30-some lbs, had little hair, battle scars, plenty of heartworms and every other possible parasite. You and your family nursed him through the most critical phase of recovery and then Airedale Rescue transported him to his foster family.

Let me say up front that this isn’t one of those sad letters written upon the death of a dog—he is absolutely fine and still acts like a puppy. Getting a little stiffer in his advancing years, but still would rather hike with me than breathe. Wrestles and plays endlessly with the three other Airedales in the house, and was the first to befriend the now-seven month old puppy Punch. His signature is a bulldozer-like move through one’s legs and he has been known to pick small people (I being one of them) off their feet. And when people hear how old he is (we guess about 13 now—estimates of his age when you rescued him were 5 to 7), they are in absolute disbelief.

Anyway, this is by way of a love letter from Pubb, and it’s by way of letting you know the ripples of good things your good deed created. For my own part, I don’t think there has been a day since he arrived that Pubb (also called Bubbie—Pubb morphed into an affectionate Pubba-Bubba and thus he answers to Pubby, Pubb, Bubbie, Bupps, Bubb, Pubbster, Boobert and the rattle of a food bowl) has not made me laugh aloud, and the value of a dog that can do that is inestimable. Read the rest of this entry »

During Be Kind to Animals week, the American Humane Organization honors children and teens who are making a difference for shelter animals. Congratulations to Asheville’s own Janis Brehler, a 10 year old who volunteers several days per week at the Asheville Humane Society, socializing the pets and helping the shelter staff with a variety of tasks. Janis is a runner-up in this national contest!  Read about Janis and the other winners here. What an inspiring group of young people making a difference for shelter animals!

I became a fan of Dr. Nick Trout, a veterinary surgeon at Angell Animal Medical Center near Boston, when I read his first book, Tell Me Where it Hurts. His new book, Love is the Best Medicine – What Two Dogs Taught One Veterinarian About Hope, Humility, and Everyday Miracles (Broadway Books, 2010) is one of the best dog books I have read in a long time. Dr. Trout juxtaposes the stories of two dogs, an elderly Cocker Spaniel named Helen, and a young Min-Pin named Cleo, who became his patients under unusual circumstances. Without giving the story away, suffice it to say that these two cases and their unexpected outcomes  provide a riveting account of the human-animal bond and the spiritual dimension of healing. This book is about what it means to love a dog, and the lengths we will go to save them as well as how we come to terms with their loss. Dr. Trout is as skilled a writer as he is a surgeon,  writing with humor, honesty, and compassion. The result is much more than a book of animal hospital anecdotes; it explores a deeper dimension of medical miracles, and it is a book that stays with you long after you put it down.

Molly continues to improve every day even though her incision is still not healing. She was sedated yesterday to evaluate the problem and it was determined that a bleeding mammary vein was the cause. That vein has now been ligated, and we are hoping that Molly’s body will respond positively and heal in that particular area. She has come so far, and while this seems like a minor concern, she still needs our continued support and prayers. We are hoping that our next update on Molly’s recovery will be the best yet!

Molly, the rescue springer spaniel who suffered life-threatening complications from spay surgery, is out of the hospital and into her new foster home!

The official statement from her new foster family: “Molly is all settled in and doing awesome! We love her!“

Applause to all who have followed Molly’s saga and helped to make this chapter a hopeful one.

Molly, the Springer spaniel with a rare blood clotting problem, is doing better! It appears that her new treatment is working and if she continues to improve, she will be able to return to her dedicated and caring foster parents soon. Please continue to send healing thoughts her way.

Although I’m not in the market for another dog just yet, I frequently check out the available dogs on the English Springer Rescue site. I greatly admire the folks who provide foster care, and I love the stories they write about each dog, so that the prospective adopter can find the perfect match. Recently, a beautiful black and white springer named Molly caught my eye, as she resembles my Emily. After a few weeks getting acclimated in her foster home, Molly was spayed. Shortly thereafter, her foster parents noticed bleeding around the incision. What followed is completely harrowing, but shows the power of a caring group of volunteers and veterinary staff, working hard to save Molly. Read the rest of this entry »

Where's my Easter basket?

After a winter of nearly continuous snow since before Christmas, this spring is particularly welcome! Sunshine, daffodils, and warm weather promise a perfect Easter Sunday. May it be filled with  spiritual renewal and thankfulness for the love and blessings that pets bring into our lives.

I have a friend who is struggling with the loss of her beloved dog. She wants to adopt another dog, but she is afraid that it’s too soon, that she is being disloyal or dishonoring to the dog she lost.  A veterinarian I know said once, “I encourage my clients to adopt again as soon as possible. The love has to go somewhere.” How true! The following  reflection echos the same sentiment. It is by Kent C. Greenough, from the wonderful book Animal Blessings: Prayers and Poems Celebrating Our Pets, edited by June Cotner (reprinted by permission). Read the rest of this entry »

Just the other day I filled in my Census form and mailed it back. I noticed they did not ask about dogs in the household – I guess the folks in Washington don’t get it that dogs are family, too. But, to be sure those important family members are counted, the folks at Mars, makers of Pedigree, have created an online census for mutts. Note that it is only counting mixed breeds; not sure of the logic behind that but maybe they will do a separate count of purebreds? It’s a quick and easy survey, and it will be interesting to see the results! Dogs Rule, as they say!

Here is a heartwarming story from the most recent edition of the Springer Rescue newsletter about a down on his luck Springer spaniel. Found wandering the streets with a rusty chain collar hanging from his neck, the dirty and hungry spaniel was picked up by Animal Control. Although the dog’s owner was contacted several times, he was not claimed. He was assigned to a pen in the back of the shelter because “nobody would want him.” Fortunately, Animal Control called Springer Rescue, and a caring volunteer “sprung” him. She recognized a “diamond in the rough” in this little guy, who she named Prancer. He was smart, playful and had a strong drive to retrieve toys, so she thought he might be suitable for Search and Rescue work. Then she learned of a police department looking for a new narcotics-sniffing dog. Prancer easily passed the screening test, showing an aptitude for scent detection, and is now a working member of the police force in Dekalb County, Georgia. He is now known as “Officer Rusty.” I love these stories of “throwaway dogs” who are making a difference, because someone gave them a second chance!

Not long ago I was asked by a hospice social worker to arrange for a client’s beloved poodle to be groomed. Unfortunately before I could make arrangements to pick up Cindy and have her groomed, the client had to be hospitalized, where he passed away. Fortunately, Cindy was adopted by a family member. However, I know many pets are not as fortunate when their human passes away, and they end up in a shelter. I recently discovered an organization in Colorado, Safe Place for Pets, whose mission is to find forever homes for pets of terminally ill people. According to their web site, they “strive to provide peace to those leaving this world by assuring that a beloved pet will continue to be safe, treasured, and loved. To some it is what matters most.” The web site has a downloadable form on which you can record your wishes for your pet’s future as part of your estate planning. The web site also has wonderful pets for adoption! I’m sure this type of organization is needed in every community. Thanks to the wonderful folks at Safe Place who place these beloved pets in new homes.

As I look outside on the latest snowfall, I enjoy dreaming of spring and outdoor fun. The walk-a-thon season is almost upon us! Here is a cause that is dear to my heart, as I have lost four beloved dogs to cancer. The Morris Animal Foundation, which sponsors research in many areas of animal health including cancer, is planning K9 Cancer Walks to raise research money. This year, you can participate virtually! What Is a K9 Cancer Walk? Read the rest of this entry »

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. Read the rest of this entry »

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!