Month: January 2010

by

Golden Angel … the best behaved student

I simply love this video. Golden Retriever Angel is a therapy dog who works at Academy at the Farm, a charter school designed to meet the needs of all students in an inclusive environment.

My favorite part is seeing Angel sitting on the floor during an activity, among an entire class of youngsters. She also is so wonderful when the teacher is playing a math game at the front of the room. And, tunnel time is too funny. Sweet Angel just seems like any other student in the room …. albeit, somewhat furrier, with 4 legs, and a tail.

Learn more about therapy dogs and groups at our foundation site.

Advertisement
by

Horizon: The Secret Life of the Dog

We have an extraordinary relationship with dogs – closer than with any other animal on the planet. But what makes the bond between us so special? Research into dogs is gaining momentum and scientists are investigating them like never before. From the latest fossil evidence, to the sequencing of the canine genome, to cognitive experiments, dogs are fast turning into the new chimps as a window into understanding ourselves.

Where does this relationship come from? In Siberia, a unique breeding experiment reveals the astonishing secret of how dogs evolved from wolves. Swedish scientists demonstrate how the human-dog bond is controlled by a powerful hormone also responsible for bonding mothers to their babies.

Why are dogs so good at reading our emotions? Horizon meets Betsy, the world’s most intelligent dog and compares her incredible abilities to those of children. Man’s best friend has recently gone one step further – helping us identify genes responsible for causing human diseases.

This program was broadcast on the BBC the first week of 2010, but is unavailable for USA viewing. However, it was broken down into 6 segments and placed on youtube. So enjoy this wonderful piece from Dan Child and Andrew Cohen.

by

Sunbear Squad Watch Tip of the Week: Jan 31st

The Sunbear Squad has resolved to make a difference for neglected and abused companion animals. They are transforming animal lovers into animal welfare defenders — with knowledge, tools, and inspiration.

URGENT Watch Tip: Watch for stray Christmas puppies and kittens that have been dumped along highways or roadside rests and in mall parking lots—and even in dumpsters. Be a Good Samaritan for animals.

Be Sunbear Squad Informed
►5 Simple Things
►Bill of Rights for Pets
►Risk Factor List
►Learn about Abuse
►Action Guidelines
Be Sunbear Squad Active
►Neighborhood Watch
►YouNet FAQ
►Start a Squad
►Free Materials
Be Sunbear Squad Prepared
►Wallet Card
►Roadside Rescue Kit
►Disaster Plans
►Reciprocal Fostering
►SCRAPS Breathing		 Be Sunbear Squad Inspired
►Roadkilled Blessings
►Be a Good Samaritan
►Inspirational Sayings
►Avoid Dog Slang
►Humane Awards

From Anna Nirva, Sunbear Squad Founder

How do you “get rid of” that puppy or kitten someone gave you for Christmas?

Lots of people are considering that question these days. Imagine their thoughts. Nobody asked if they wanted a new pet but they got one anyway. Those cute puppies and kittens tear up the house and they make messes everywhere. People just don’t have time for this crap. Plus they are getting bigger! Pet food costs too much. They didn’t ask for it, but they are stuck with the problem of how to get rid of it. It’s tricky; there are laws if you get caught. Well, after dark no one sees you, so that problem is going to go away once and for all!

You would never do that, and you wouldn’t give an animal as a surprise gift either. But thousands of people throw away animals every night all across America. They even throw them into dumpsters. Just ask the trash haulers—and the knowing animal rescuers who “dumpster-dive” regularly to save those lives.

Please keep your eyes and ears focused on finding those unfortunate dogs and cats, many of them just babies. As you drive past parks and waysides, look for them. Under bridges, look for them. Look for them hiding under hedges and cars in parking lots, and if you happen to walk pass a dumpster, stop to listen for whining and scratching. Always be alert. You might be the only one who sees or hears.

by

Skiing with Golden Retriever Pup Lupin – Updated

Below are the mountains of Hokkaido, NISSHO-PEAK (1445m). Gorgeous, smiling, 10-month-old Golden Retriever Lupin is just so sweet as he tries to keep up with his dad on skis. And, I love his snow outfit.

___________________________

If you didn’t quite get enough fun from the video above, here’s another with Golden dude Lupin at 9 months of age experiencing his First Powder. It was filmed in the Kimobetsu mountain (1062m).

by

I am so embarrassed . . .

Recently, I became involved with helping Dr. V, a wonderful veterinarian who put together the Hounds for Haiti Benefit Auction. As a nonprofit, I can sell on ebay without having to pay fees, with 100% of the proceeds then able to go the Red Cross. The auction has 45 items with several one-of-a-kind wonders.

Virtually all of the items have received bids …… EXCEPT FOR MINE. I donated primarily Golden items, of course, and unfortunately, they were more pricey. Two of my items are rare Golden collector’s finds that are actually not available for sale except through the auction.

Few Golden Retriever lovers are unfamiliar with this Sueellen Ross painting, or with the same image playing out in their homes as their beloved Golden sleeps.

We’ve had a Limited Edition 3-dimensional mug with this same painting for several years, although they are rare and hard to find these days. We actually have a few but they are not for sale. A few folks, at my foundation store, can get the mug with an art print purchase.

Or, they can try to buy it outright at the Hounds for Haiti Benefit Auction. This Golden Retriever Mug is simple huge, literally and figuratively.  It is an 18-ounce 3-dimensional Coffee or Soup Mug. The image is raised off of the mug so you can actually feel the special sleeping soul on it! It is actually much Larger than a regular coffee mug, measuring 4 5/8 inches tall and 4 1/4 inches across the rim. And, it is microwave safe and dishwasher safe.

We have two mugs, one to use and one to sit in our office to hold pencils and pens and such. It is just that fabulous of a piece. We’re additionally filling it with with our Healing Hearts of Honey – 100% Organic Treats that are enjoyed by dogs and their human companions alike.

The auctions have 4 to 6 days left of bidding. Check it out here.

by

Your Daily GOLDEN Thought: January 19th

Did you know that if you THINK better, you will FEEL better? Learn more about this REBT life adjusting attitude by clicking here.

 

I cannot believe that the purpose of life is to be happy. I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be compassionate. It is, above all to matter, to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all. — Leo Rosten

 
by

Lord Of Dogtown: Buddy The Amazing Surfing Dog – Updated


According to Buddy’s webpage, this intense Jack Russell Terrier is a regular at the beaches between Ventura and Santa Barbara where folks are dog friendly and surfers readily accept Buddy in the line-up.Buddy has appeared in the book “The Dogs Guide to Surfing”, Sports Illustrated for Kids, Pet Star TV Show, the New York Times, the London Sun, the Santa Cruz Sentinel and two Sanctioned Surf Dog Demonstrations at Doheny Beach.

And, soon talented artist Fred Stone’s fabulous poster and teeshirt featuring Buddy will be available via the Hounds for Haiti auction to raise money for the Red Cross.

UPDATE: The Hounds for Haiti Auctions are now live. To see all the auctions, click here:

To see the auction for the Buddy items, click here.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

by

Your Daily GOLDEN Thought: January 18th

Did you know that if you THINK better, you will FEEL better? Learn more about this REBT life adjusting attitude by clicking here.

 

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, “I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along. You must do the thing you think you cannot do. — Eleanor Roosevelt

 
by

Sunbear Squad Watch Tip of the Week: Jan 17th

The Sunbear Squad has resolved to make a difference for neglected and abused companion animals. They are transforming animal lovers into animal welfare defenders — with knowledge, tools, and inspiration.

URGENT Watch Tip:Watch and listen for stray pets in student neighborhoods. When students move to new apartments, pets get lost, trapped, or abandoned. Also, if pets are of breeding age and are not spayed or neutered, they will escape confinement to seek mates. Be a Good Samaritan for animals.

Be Sunbear Squad Informed
►5 Simple Things
►Bill of Rights for Pets
►Risk Factor List
►Learn about Abuse
►Action Guidelines
Be Sunbear Squad Active
►Neighborhood Watch
►YouNet FAQ
►Start a Squad
►Free Materials
Be Sunbear Squad Prepared
►Wallet Card
►Roadside Rescue Kit
►Disaster Plans
►Reciprocal Fostering
►SCRAPS Breathing		 Be Sunbear Squad Inspired
►Roadkilled Blessings
►Be a Good Samaritan
►Inspirational Sayings
►Avoid Dog Slang
►Humane Awards

From Anna Nirva, Sunbear Squad Founder, regarding urgent situation in Haiti

Major animal charities worldwide have formed the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH). Donate to your favorite today and specify ARCH to help desperate companion animals, strays, and millions of goats, chickens, and other farm animals, which also helps the people who love and care for them. These organizations are working non-stop to plan and implement support of every kind as soon as possible, and some are on the ground on the island right now. Please join the effort by supporting it with your donation. No amount is too small.

Founders of ARCH (international organizations you may not have heard of but you can trust):
www.ifaw.org
www.wspa-international.org

Organizations with roots in the USA:
www.americanhumane.org
www.aspca.org
www.bestfriends.org
www.hsi.org (international arm of Humane Society of US)
www.kinshipcircle.org
www.uan.org (known as founder of EARS, Emergency Animal Rescue Services)

by

Sadly, I suspected this.


I’ve been watching the news online to see how things were going with the Stephen Huneck Gallery since Stephen’s tragic departure. I think many have been worried about whether the gallery, dog mountain, and the chapel would survive. And, I know many people just cannot understand how with his international notoriety there has not been an art benefactor to come in and provide aid.

I’ve also been worried about his wife Gwen and his employees, who saw this wonderful man as part of their family. Here is a Jan 14th update that I just discovered from Charlotte Albright on VPR News.

At the time of his death, Huneck was apparently despondent about having to lay off all his employees, and feared losing his land, home, and business in the wake of the economic downturn.His close friend and assistant, Will Eason, says a newsletter had gone out to 4,000 customers asking them to help keep the company afloat, but it brought no financial help.

Now, ironically, the orders are pouring in faster than employees, working now without pay, can fill them.

(Eason) “We’re so overwhelmed with orders right now, I mean that is excellent. If it’s one thing I knew Steve liked, it was to have orders coming in. He liked having his business do well. And if he could call down to the shop, he would ask if everybody’s working. ‘What are ya’ doing? Get to work.'”

(Albright) But Eason and three other employees are working through intense grief.

Eason says his burly, jocular, unorthodox boss automatically made memories for anyone who met him. Which may explain why Dog Mountain’s Facebook page is flooded with condolences from all over the world.

Even Huneck himself was surprised by the popularity of the Chapel, as he told VPR in a 2007 interview.

(Huneck) “And who would have thought that this place would be such a huge national and international draw? I was on the cover of Life Magazine and they said that Dog Mountain, where we are right now, was one of the six places in America that you had to visit before you died.”

(Albright) Now, ironically, it’s a place where people may pay their last respects to him.

But the future of his business and home is still uncertain. Staffers say there’s very little cash left, and they worry about his wife, Gwen, who is still in seclusion.