Bentley Meets The Farley Foundation

By now most of you know all about my beloved Bentley. Bentley is a 10 year old German Shepherd/Chocolate Lab/Collie mix. He came to live with me on September 13th, 2006, upon being rescued from a farm, where he was abandoned 18hours a day and left to run around on a field in all types of weather. Alas his life-long fear of thunder and lightening.

From the moment Bentley first walked into my life, he as been the son I never had. I have always been a lover of animals and have pets around me all the time, and of course I absolutely adore each of my pets. Taking nothing away from my two current cats Zoe and Diva, but the bond that Bentley and I share is something really quite special. Perhaps it is because Cats can be so dismissive and dogs are pack animals and therefore make it their business to be in your business at all times. lol  Perhaps it is also because we spend the most time together - going for walks and such. Whereas the cats stay at home and mostly just stare at me as I sleep. In either case, there is most definitely something special about my boy.

As most of you know by now, I live my life with Fibromyalgia. An illness, which causes great amounts of body-wide pain, as it attacks the Central Nervous System. Affecting (among other things) my equilibrium. I cannot tell you how many times I have broken my toes just crossing the living room!

So, this how Bentley came to be in my life. Because FMS has messed with my legs so badly, that now the majority of my outings are done via taxi, when I am puttering around my neighborhood, I thought that the help of a dog for balance would be of tremendous help to me.

I didn't think that I needed an actual dog guide - but a dog who could help me stay balanced. At least physically! lol

I have to say that I really got lucky when Bentley came into my life. Not only was he a strong dog, who was able to counter balance my tipsy-topsy legs, but he had a fabulous personality. Fun loving, trusting, playful, and yes, even a bit feisty. I heard once that you don't get the dog you want - you get the dog you need. And I believe this to be the absolute truth. Many people will say that I rescued Bentley - but the truth of the matter is that Bentley rescued me!

Just seeing his smiling face (and yes he does smile!) warms my heart and brings pure joy to my life.  I am thankful every single day that I found him.

Despite his life prior to coming to his forever home with me, his health was not too bad over the years. We've been lucky!

Age can creep up on the best of us and about a year ago we discovered that Bentley was no longer able to produce tears. So he has been on an ointment, which induces tear production from the ducts and has worked fabulously. He will be on this treatment for the rest of his life. Additionally, because of age and his breed(s), his hips are starting to go. Doggy arthritis essentially. So, he is now on 'chews' to ease any discomfort in his hips. Again, this treatment will continue for the remainder of his life. And God willing, that will be for several years yet!

From the moment Bentley came to me, I have made it a priority to insure he receives regular medical care. Annual shots, and treatment of anything else that may come up. And why not? With everything he brings to my life, and asking for so little in return - a supply of food and water and some cuddles. (And in his case, lots of toys! Bentley does love his toys!)

As you may be aware, veterinary care can be very expensive, which can be very challenging to my finances, which are limited due to my medical disabilities. Thankfully, thus far I've been able to cover all of Bentley's care, needs, necessities and extras.

Unfortunately, a situation has come up. Bentley's teeth. Two of them actually. A molar, which is infected, and a fang, which has a break in it. Just really further deterioration due to old age. The problem is that this time treatment would not be just a simple $160/month as it is with his eyes and hips. This would require surgery!

Pre-operative Blood work. IV. Anesthesia. Extractions. Cleaning. Nerve Blockers. Pain Meds. Antibiotics. Post-op Follow-up. All for a grand total of $989.00!!

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is NO WAY I can cough up a thousand dollars.  Yet, not having the surgery and allowing Bentley to suffer for even one second is NOT an option! He is okay for now, the infected tooth is being treated with antibiotics (at $80 a bottle) but if the tooth should abscess, that is where there real problems begin. In short, this procedure is necessary. It has to happen. And I have no way of paying for it!

Can we say  S-T-R-E-S-S-F-U-L???

My mind has been racing, Could I borrow the money? Could I make payment arrangements? There just did not seem to be a way out of this. Yet, Bentley is basically sitting there with a time bomb in his mouth and at any moment it could blow!

Enter the wonderful staff at the vet's office. (Sherbourne Animal Hospital)  Specifically a woman named Darlene. An angel actually. She took the time to understand the situation and knowing how I have been on top of Bentley's medical needs to this point and the importance of having this surgery, she offered to put in an application to the Farley Foundation on our behalf.

The Farley Foundation is a charitable organization, which was established in 2001 by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA).  Their primary goal is to recognize and honor the human-animal bond and offers assistance to seniors and disabled individuals who run in to financial difficulty with unforeseen, necessary veterinary treatment. (As opposed to regular/routine, or optional care such as vaccinations or grooming, etc.)

I was warned that although there was a good chance we would be accepted. There were no guarantees We could be denied. Or there could be a partial acceptance of the amount.

I understood the information I was given and quite honestly, I was just thankful that the application was even being submitted on our behalf. Regardless of the outcome.

1:13PM this afternoon my phone rang. It was Darlene.

"Tell me you love me." she said.
"I love you." I said.
"They (Farley Foundation) accepted you for the full amount. Bentley can have his surgery." She said.

And time stopped. It was all I could do not to cry right there on the phone!

Bentley's surgery has been booked and will be done on July 8th. (Pre-op blood work to be done July 4th.)

What a tremendous relief! My Bentley can have the surgery!! He will be okay!! I cannot express how grateful I am. How thankful I am. How blessed I feel. And how much I am looking forward to paying this blessing forward at the earliest opportunity!

To the Farley Foundation. I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. For all that you do for animals (and their humans) all over Ontario. And especially for what you are doing for Bentley and I. There are just not enough words to express my immense gratitude!

And to Darlene. I will never forget what you've done and how you've gone out of your way to help us!

♥♥♥

-Laura and Bentley

A Dog's Last Will & Testament

Purina Animal Hall Of Fame - 2014 Inductees

Each year The Purina Animal Hall Of Fame honors animals who have risked their lives to save the life of their human family members. This year Purina has inducted 5 animals into their Animal Hall of Fame and I would love for you to take some time to watch the heartfelt stories; of Rocky, Jake & Kyra, Meskie and Quanto, the five brave animals who were inducted this year!

I also encourage you to take a moment and read about the brave inductees of years past by visiting the Purina Hall of Fame website directly.


Purina Animal Hall Of Fame Past Inductees

The Stray Dog Prayer

This touched me deeply...

Thursday VIDEO Spotlight - The Best Of BBC Take A Walk On The Wild Side

..... Because sometimes you just need a good chuckle! Enjoy!

Thursday VIDEO Spotlight - The Secret Life Of Dogs

If you love dogs as much as I do then you simply must watch this amazing documentary about the inner workings of our furry friends! Truly remarkable. I learned so much by watching this video, including that my Bentley is right-pawed with counter-clockwise fur pattern. Find out what that means by checking out this video!

Why Animals Should Not Be Given As Presents

The Christmas season is upon us and as we think of giving expressions of our love via gifts under the tree, we can be tempted to consider a brand new puppy or kitten for little Susie or Grandma as a gift.

The sentiment is sweet - for sure. And the bright eyes and happy smiles as that puppy or kitten is given can be extremely tempting! After all - who can resist the face of a sweet puppy or kitten? But sadly, giving an animal as a gift is a huge no-no. Often times we do not think things all the way through. (Remember the drum set you bough little Billy last year? You thought that was a good idea too!) We think about how cute these little critters are - in the moment. We neglect to consider the work involved. Especially with a puppy.

Animals are living creatures and are extremely time consuming. Not to mention costly. There is monthly food, treats, Vet visits, shots, and God forbid the animal should become unwell. You can then be sure to triple your expenses to make that pet healthy once again.  Of course in the case of kittens - you are talking about the regular changing of the litter tray. Not a fun job - and not one that many people want to do.  Puppies on the other hand require going outside at least three times a day. During the hottest day in the year, in the rain, blizzards, blistering cold.  Suddenly you are like the mailman - rain, sleet, sunshine - whatever the weather is, your little four-legged friend needs to go outside. And lets be clear - dogs are not goldfish, they not only need to be taken outside to take care of 'business', but they also need to walk. Dogs are explorers, they thrive on going for walks, they need to see new things, mark their territory, investigate the tree they've never seen before. Meet new people, meet other dogs. Remember, they are pack animals and need exposure to other doggies.

It is difficult to deny the 'puppy eyes' of your little son or daughter when they swear up and down that they will take little fluffy for a walk. That they will clean up after your new family member. They will change the litter box. Let's be clear. In the majority of cases - that will last about a week. Then the work will be re-delegated to you!

Please be aware that this is a lifetime commitment. Most dog breeds will live 12-15 years. Cats can live up to 20+ years. Rabbits will live about 8 years. When you bring an animal in to your home - in to your family, that choice needs to be considered extremely carefully - and with the understanding that the animal will be with you for the duration of it's life. Would you give away one of your children if you lost your job, or if one of them became ill? Of course not. So shipping fluffy off when times get rough should not become an option either.

Remember that animal is depending on you!

Do you have the time? Will you make the time? Will you be quick to anger when Fido is still in training and digs up your rose bushes? Or has an accident on your area rug while still being potty trained? How about that new pair of shoes that will inevitably become a favorite chew toy for your new friend?

These are all things that need to be considered.

Let's be clear. What you will get from your pet far outweighs what work is required.  My point is that if you choose to adopt an animal and have the time to devote to the needs of that animal. Then please do so!  I have always had pets in my life and although I do not always enjoy having to go outside three times a day with Bentley - especially when it is freezing out, I would not change my decision to bring him into my home.

What I am saying is that unless you are fully educated and making an informed decision - do not adopt a pet as a present for someone else.  Aunt Betty may not have the time to train and care properly for a new little friend. Kids most certainly will not follow through on their promises to do so. And let us remember that puppies grow. Please also consider the size of the breed you buy. Gifting Granny with a Husky puppy who will grow up to outweigh her - is probably not the best plan.

Be sure to research the breed before considering an animal to bring into your home. Be aware of how large they will grow. Be aware of whether the breed is one that requires lots of exercise - or is it a lap-breed.

Bottom line here is that IF you are not prepared to do the work. Then please do not gift an animal. The fact of the matter here is that 90% of animals who are gifted during Christmas (Or Birthdays) will end up in a shelter (many of which are kill shelters)

Please consider your choice very carefully and if you do not have the finances, the time, the love, the room in your life that an animal requires - dog, cat, rabbit - then please consider a goldfish or a chia pet.

Some People Should NOT Have Pets

I am beyond upset. I just got off of the phone from a virtual merry-go-round of pass-the-buck. There is a woman who owns a dog, and should in my opinion never be allowed to own pets. Her poor pooch is left outside - regardless of the weather - sweltering summer temperatures, pouring rain, freezing temps - the dog is outside.

Reports have been made on this woman in the past, and yes, she still has her dog.  Why?  I have NO idea!!

So, this evening in Toronto, the temperature is -3c with a windchill of -12c. Winds are gusting at 42km/h from the North - it is bitterly cold and this poor dog is left outside - for hours. Are the owners home? Who knows.

Now, if you know me at all, you know that I am just devastated by this. Unable to take it anymore, I call the local Humane Society - who has a recording for emergency situations directing you to call 911.  Bypassing this, I call the OSPCA - who have a similar after hours recording.  I call Toronto Animal Services - who actually pick up the phone and take down a report, then inform me that they cannot go rescue this poor dog - that they really can only respond by request of the police. Otherwise all they can do is enforce bylaw infractions.

So I call 911.  The operator tells me that they do not deal with animals - only humans, and connects me with the non-emergency dept.  I speak with them and guess what? Yes, they connect me back to 911.  :-|

I get the same dude on the phone and he repeats that he cannot help me and reconnects me to the non-emergency people, who promptly connect me to 311. This is the all-purpose call center for Toronto.  They, of course have no idea why I am calling them and tell me that it is a matter for the police.

*Face Palm*

I call the police back - AGAIN.  I am this time connected to the communications dept and at this point a report is taken and (allegedly) officers will be dispatched. At which point if they determine the dog is in distress they will call Animal Services. LOL

O-M-G

Are you freaking kidding me????

Please join me in praying for the safety and life of the poor dog who is freezing to death outside while his owners are God only knows where,, and the rescue people are too busy passing the buck to get off of their asses to do anything!!

And if you have not guessed by now .... I am furious!!

I should note that the dog pictured above is not the dog in question - but I needed a doggy pic for the purpose of this post.

I am begging you - for the love of God, if you own a dog/cat/gerbil - whatever - PLEASE do NOT leave your animal outside to freeze to death while you enjoy the comforts of a warm home!!!

Rainbow Bridge

Too beautiful not to share....

I know that I will have many waiting for me at Rainbow Bridge.

♥♥♥

Just A Dog

We Were Here

I came across this posting and it struck me so deeply that I just had to share it with you all...

---

WE WERE HERE


We were here long before you,
we creatures that walk on four legs.

We roamed the earth and lived in peace,
only taking what we needed.

We were here when you evolved
and started thinking better.

At first you two leggers were not so bad,
but then you started getting worse.

You killed for sport, you killed for fun,
you killed us to destroy others like you.

We were here you killed each other,
for land that we lived on or greed.

Things got worse, you took our land.
We lost our natural habitats.

Many of our kind were hunted to extinction
while those of us around deal with loss.

Loss of our homes, loss of our kind, and loss of our freedom.

We are here watching while you destroy our homes.

By L7phoenix

Zoe - Then and Now

When you nurture a life, whether or not it is that of a child or that of an animal, there comes a time when you sit back and look and say to yourself - Wow!  You cannot help but look back to when that life was first placed in your hands and how far they have come.  

The fact that I am an animal lover is no secret, and I have had animals in my home my entire life. From hamsters to hermit crabs, Guinna pigs, cats, rabbits, dogs, you name it!  

One of the newest members of the family is Zoe. Pictured above is when Zoe first came to my home. She was rescued from a dumpster with her kittens when she was only 7 months old. She was dirty and scared and yet so sweet.  Because of her breed - a Maine Coon - at 7 months old, she was already larger than my other cat (Diva) who was 3 years old at the time. Because of this, it was really hard to see that she was just a young thing herself. So young to have been thrown away like trash. So young to have already had kittens. 

When I look at Zoe, now 2 1/2 years old, and I look at the picture taken when she first arrived, it is clear what a tiny life she was. I remember not being able to keep the food bowl filled. I would no sooner fill the cat's food dish and she would inhale the food - to the point of making herself sick. Clearly she had spent so much time searching for food on the streets that she couldn't trust right away that nobody was going to take her food!

It broke my heart!

I look at her today and after living in her forever home now for nearly two years, she has become comfortable and confident in the fact that there is always food. There is always water. There is no need to inhale the entire bowl out of necessity and fear in not knowing where the next meal is coming from.  She knows there will be a next meal!  She knows fresh water is there waiting for her - whenever she wants it! Even with other animals in the home.

Zoe is still recouping from her trauma on the streets. She is still shy when people come over. She hides. She doesn't trust everyone - but I know that with time she will overcome that as well.

Growth takes time. For both; humans and animals. Learning to trust takes time. Trust that there will always be food. Trusting that even if someone hurt you in the past, there are people in the future who will treat you kindly.

I am so pleased with the progress Zoe has made in her time with me and I know she will continue to unfold as time moves forward. I believe that our animals are predetermined. We don't pick them - they are sent to us.  Sent because we have something they need, but also because they possess something we need.

There is no greater gift - to give - and to receive.

Purina Hall Of Fame

For the past 44 years, Purina has recognized extraordinary animals who have put their lives at risk for the love of their owners. Tonight, the local news here in Toronto, featured a story of the four beautiful animals who were inducted in to the Purina Hall Of Fame this year. After watching this touching video below, I would also encourage you to visit to the Purina Hall of Fame website and view the stories of animals who have been honored over the years. The direct link is posted below.

Click Here To View Archives From The Purina Hall Of Fame

Strange Facts About Cats

Just a LiL Bit

Those who know me, know that I recently had a second visit from one of the sweetest dogs in the world!

This is Lyric, a 13 year old Whippet who belongs to a friend of mine.  Lyric came to stay with me for five weeks recently, after being picked up by her owner from a home she was staying at for three months prior.  Sadly, the care she received there was criminal - there really is no other way to say it.  She was neglected and locked in a room with her canine sister .... allowed to be bullied by the home owner's dogs ... and by the time she came back to my home - she was just traumatized.  My heart was broken to see the condition she was in.  With notable emotional and psychological harm done to her, only to be outweighed by the physical and medical harm that was done.  Lyric was advanced in age and was living with cancer ... the person who was 'watching' her for three months, had allowed for the tumour to become infected and did not think it necessary to either notify Lyric's owner - or get her medical attention.

So, by the time she came back to my home - well ... she was in a horrible state.  I would touch her and she would just shake - uncontrollably. She was a completely different dog than she was during her visit last October.  It was nearly two weeks before she would stop shadowing my every move.  We immediately got her to a Vet and began medicating her in attempts to reverse the medical damage that was done.

For days and weeks, I nursed her - medically, emotionally, psychologically - she slept with me, sat next to me, we became twins!  And when I would clean her wounds, and administer her medications, I would talk to her as she looked up at me with her tiny doe-like face ... I would ask .. "Are you feeling better? A lil bit better? Just a lil bit?"  And so ... eventually 'lil bit' turned into my nickname for her.

My heart just broke seeing her in this situation. If I live to be a hundred years old - I will NEVER understand how people can be so cruel to animals!  To know Lyric, is really a blessing in my life. she was such a sweet and loving spirit.

We knew that things were not going well - she left my home nearly two weeks ago and had taken a quick turn for the worse.  Her advanced age, coupled with the cancer and the abuse she suffered, in the end was just too much for her.

I learned today that Lyric has left this place. She is now free from illness, free from pain, free from the evil doings that some people can inflict. My heart weeps as my eyes burn - even though she lived a long life and loved her daddy dearly - and he loved her immeasurably ... this should never have been how her final months were written.

I can still hear the echo of her little paws as she galloped around my living room. I can see her little face looking up at me when I glace at the place she sat.  I will forever cherish the time I got to spend with my sweet 'lil bit'.

Rest Peacefully Sweet Lyric

You were loved and will be forever missed.

:-(

How To Pat Your Pet

Haha!! My dog and cats would agree wholeheartedly with this!!

Save Your Pet With CPR

Vital information for every animal owner!  Please share with those you love so they can save those they love!!

Don't wait until something happens.  Get to know the anatomy of your Dog or Cat.  Check their pulse points before something happens so you know where they are when you need to find them!!

Support Animal Life

Those who know me, know how passionate I am about animals.  All animals. Both, domestic and wildlife.  I have always said that when I will the lottery, I would have as many animals on my property as the law would allow.  And although, like the masses, I am a sucker for the cute face of a kitten or puppy - we all know that they are the first to be rescued.  I would want to adopt the 3-legged dog, or the blind cat.  The animal who requires daily medications.  The high-maintenance animals that are often over-looked.

I have had pets my entire life.  Starting with hamsters and gerbils, and even hermit crabs!  Which, by the way, make amazing aquarium pets!   Once I moved out on my own - my home was always open to the pitter-patter of paws.  All adopted or rescued.  5 cats, a dog, and even a bunny.

Pets are not only as the law would suggest - property ... they are members of the family.  They are living, breathing creatures with a beating heart, feelings and intelligence.  Often times greater than that of most humans I have been in contact with.

So, when I saw this poster in the Namaste Cafe FB Group ... I simply HAD to share it with you, in great hopes that it would inspire you to make a move towards welcoming an animal into your family.

With that said, know that they are not goldfish.  Most animals require interaction ... certainly dogs, cats, rabbits, and the like.  So, know yourself.  IF you are a person who is rarely at home.  Or if you just do not have the time or patience to give an animal the love and attention they need.  DO NOT BRING ONE HOME. You are not doing it any favors.  Instead, donate to your local shelter.  Money, food, blankets, animal-safe toys ... and your time is always appreciated!  And more importantly, it is desperately needed!

10 Things Dogs Hate About Humans

This gave me a good giggle and you just know I had to share!

Pet Diary

(Click on image to enlarge.)

This came in somewhat regular circulation on FB today.  And I just had to share it here!! Each and every time I read this it makes me laugh.  I can almost hear my own dog and two cats as I read these words.