This week was kind of lonely without any company or any more birthday celebrations, and I’m glad I have the new dog to keep me company. I’ve had him just a little over a week, and he is settling in quite nicely.
The cats, on the other hand, are not being so nice, especially Sammy, who has gone after Dusty, growling with claws fully extended. I’m still keeping them separated, only letting the cats out for a few hours in the evening when Dusty is in his kennel.
I do hope they soon learn to get along, as I really don’t like keeping the cats locked in the bedroom all day long.
Dusty is about 6 years old. Very calm and quiet- I have yet to hear him bark – and so easy to walk on a leash. He is a yellow lab mix – maybe with Staffordshire Terrier – as he has a strong back end with a slightly bow-legged look.
A Staffordshire is often thought of as a Pit Bull, a dog that has a terrible reputation, so I thought I’d do a little research as to whether there is a difference. Not that I have anything against a Pit Bull, unless it is one that has been trained to fight. And then, I really hold nothing against the dog, only an owner who thinks the “sport” of dogfighting is perfectly okay.
This is one clarification I found online:
Pit Bull is a description for a type of dog, but American Pit Bull Terriers are a breed. Other breeds that rightfully fall under the term “Pit Bull” include the American Staffordshire Terrier, the American bulldog, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
I also found an article on Petfinder.com that addressed Myths and Facts about Pit Bulls that clarifies what is true and what is not. The article is very comprehensive in busting the myths that Pit Bulls are horrible dogs to be avoided at all costs. It also clarifies that a dog that has been poorly trained and/or abused is not a lost cause. Many of them can be socialized and become a good family pet.
MYTH: A Pit Bull that is aggressive toward other dogs will also be aggressive toward humans.
REALITY: Dog-aggression and people-aggression are two distinctive traits and should not be confused. Unless a Pit Bull has been poorly bred or purposefully trained to attack humans, they generally love people. They are, in fact, one of the most loving, loyal, friendly and dedicated companions you can have.
In terms of the dedication, I am seeing that trait already. Dusty follows me from room to room in the house, which I find slightly amusing when I’m just leaving my office for a minute or so to stretch and get a drink of water. He’ll come into the kitchen, settle in his favorite spot, only to have to get up and follow me back to the office, where he settles in another favorite spot under my desk at my feet.
The minute I rouse, whether to just take a quick break, or perhaps go for a walk, he is quickly up and ready.
Dusty will never replace Poppy, the dog I had for so many years who was possibly the best dog I’ve ever had – and I’ve had a lot – but he is filling an empty space in my life.
Here is another website with some good information about the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The 10 things you should know about the breed is compiled by Your Dog Adviser Staff.
Finally, If you’re considering adopting a dog from a shelter, which I strongly encourage, visit the helpful site, Your Dog Advisor to read 20 questions to ask when adopting. The site also has other resources for dog owners about dog health, breed information and much more.
FRIDAY FUN
Now for a couple of jokes thanks to The Laugh Factory
Two Irishmen are traveling to Australia. Before they leave home, one of their dads gives them both a bit of advice, “You watch them Aussie cab drivers. They’ll rob you blind. Don’t you go paying them what they ask. You haggle.”
At the Sydney airport, the Irishmen catch a cab to their hotel. When they reach their destination, the cabbie says, “That’ll be twenty dollars, lads.”
“Oh no you don’t! My dad warned me about you. You’ll only be getting fifteen dollars from me,” says one of the men.
“And you’ll only be getting fifteen from me too,” adds the other.
A woman was taking an afternoon nap. When she woke up, she told her husband, “I just dreamed that you gave me a pearl necklace. What do you think it means?”
“You’ll know tonight,” he said.
That evening, the man came home with a small package and gave it to his wife.
Delighted, she opened the package, expecting pearls, only to find a book entitled “The Meaning of Dreams.”
That’s all for me folks. Do share one of your favorite jokes. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Be safe. Be happy.