Tesla's Love

2011-12-29T12:22:00.001-08:00

Almost famous!

2011-12-21T11:59:00.000-08:00

This dog food bin was purchased in East Haven, Conn. It clearly was meant to be! (And the girls cooperated!)

Bounty offered to wolf hunters, story says

2011-12-21T11:57:00.000-08:00

In a story published at www.nhregister.com, the Associated Press reports that a member of the National Wolf Watchers Coalition opposes a group's offer of a $100 bounty to Montana wolf hunters.

Read more here.

2011-10-29T15:13:00.001-07:00

Watch for that moose

2011-10-14T16:50:00.000-07:00

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Wildlife Division in a statement today advised motorists that a moose was sighted in the Waterbury area near Route 8 and Interstate 84.

The moose was seen around 9 a.m., the agency said in a statement.

DEEP said it advises motorists to “slow down and drive defensively should a moose be spotted on or near the roadway,” the statement said.

“If motorists see this moose or any moose near a major highway, they should report it to the DEEP Environmental Conservation Police...and to local authorities,”the statement said.

DEEP police can be reached at 860-424-3333.

“September through October is the peak of the breeding season for Connecticut’s small but expanding moose population, which means an increase in moose movements and a greater potential for moose to cross roads,” the statement said.

“Moose, with their darker color and much taller stance, are particularly difficult to see at night and, once struck, are more likely to collapse through the vehicle windshield,” the statement said.

Harper

2011-10-14T16:47:00.001-07:00

Fwd: Citi Pond at Bryant Park: 2nd Annual Family Day with Christmas Feet!

2011-10-11T06:41:00.001-07:00

For Event Partnership Opportunities and Benefits call or email
Kathryn Morrissey at 917-226-8267 or kathrynmorrissey@aol.com

test

2011-09-15T14:29:00.001-07:00

A Story of Puppy and People Love

2011-08-25T20:39:00.000-07:00

Owners reject dog in labor: Animal Control, Carolina Poodle Rescue respond to save dog, puppies

By Karen Petit

This is the story of a mother’s love and resilience and her determination to survive.

It’s also the story of a group of people who acted quickly when the pregnant mother needed help and moved heaven and earth to save her and her children.

Tracy woke up early Monday morning in labor. For a person, no problem! Follow what you learned in birthing classes, call the doctor, and go to the hospital at the appropriate time.

It wasn’t quite so easy for Tracy. She ended up in labor and gave birth in several different locations!

A chocolate Labrador Retriever, Tracy was kicked out of her home when she went into labor. The people with whom she lived decided that a mama dog and a passel of puppies was more trouble then she was worth on a Monday, so they called Animal Control in Union, South Carolina, to come and take her away.

Animal Control officers responded quickly and went to get Tracy. They also made an important call – one to a nearby animal sanctuary called Dreamweaver Farm, home of Carolina Poodle Rescue (CPR).

Tracy was no poodle. She had no fancy clip, no pedigree – only a new mother’s love and heart. Heather Sealy, head of animal control in Union County, has a big heart, too. Even though she was on vacation, she interrupted her own time off to make calls on Tracy’s behalf. She knew that even though Tracy wasn’t a poodle, the no-kill sanctuary at Dreamweaver Farm wouldn’t turn Tracy away.

And they didn’t.

CPR director Donna Ezell was on the way to the Animal Shelter to pick up a small dog when Heather’s phone call came in: Was there room at Dreamweaver Farm for … well, more than just one more.

Heather relayed how Tracy had given birth to Puppy 1 as the Animal Control personnel were taking her out of their truck. The puppy fell to the ground, but survived. By the time Donna reached the Union shelter, Tracy had given birth to Puppy 2 and Puppy 3.

Donna rushed to get Tracy to Dreamweaver Farms where staff members already were preparing a room for her. Donna held her breath the 14 miles back, hoping that Tracy would wait to deliver any other puppies until she was in a secure location. Within seconds of getting to her room and bed, Puppy 4 was born. Over the course of the day, Tracy had a total of 11 puppies – 10 of them survived. Seven are brown like their mother – three daughters and four sons. Three are black – one daughter and two sons – who may be more like their father.

At each step along the way, Tracy was sweet and accommodating, perhaps realizing that people cared about her and her plight and were doing their best to care for her.

Tracy’s story has brought buckets of tears to those following her on the Facebook page of Carolina Poodle Rescue.

Tracy’s babies, unharmed by their rough ride into the world, are doing fine. Over the next weeks, they’ll live in a happy cocoon of sleeping, eating and growing. The CPR staff will adjust their schedules as they do every time a “tail” of need comes their way. Tracy is contentedly watching over them and seems happy to be in an air-conditioned room with lots to eat to help her make enough milk to feed her brood.

But then people and puppies will face a daunting challenge -- the challenge of finding homes for the babies and a home for their mother.

West Haven Animal Shelter Gets Grant to Vaccinate Dogs for Influenza

2011-05-13T10:15:00.000-07:00

The West Haven Animal Shelter now has help in protecting dogs against canine influenza virus, a highly contagious disease that spreads easily from dog to dog, especially those in close proximity. The shelter received a grant for the vaccines as part of a Petfinder.com Foundation program to build community immunity against this respiratory infection. The foundation partnered with Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, a global animal health company and makers of the NOBIVAC(r) Canine Flu H3N8 vaccine, to fund the grant.

Because CIV is relatively new, most dogs have not built up immunity to the disease. Dogs can get the disease by being exposed to those that have it, as well as playing with toys or drinking from bowls used by other dogs. People can also unwittingly spread the germ if they come in contact with infected dogs.

"Shelters and rescue organizations are often the first places that new diseases already in the community become evident. Dogs come in from the community and are released back into it, and often move to and from states with confirmed cases," said Liz Neuschatz, director of the Petfinder.com Foundation. "Canine flu can be a real problem for shelters, where one sick dog can cause an outbreak through an entire facility. We are pleased to be part of this effort to help protect the community by providing canine flu vaccine to West Haven Animal Shelter."

Dog flu is a growing problem throughout the U.S. It has been confirmed in 35 states so far, but tracking the disease is hard because it is so difficult to diagnose. Dogs are contagious before they show any symptoms. By the time the dog starts coughing, it's too late. Virtually all dogs exposed to the virus will become infected, and some will get more serious infections, such as pneumonia, which can be fatal. Dogs that go to doggie daycare, boarding facilities, groomers and shows and are vaccinated for canine cough (Bordetella) are also at risk for canine flu. Information about canine flu is available at http://www.doginfluenza.com/.

The grant for Building Community Immunity seeks to protect all at-risk dogs in the community, including those in close proximity with other dogs, as is the case with shelters and rescue facilities. It also provides greater assurance to adopting families that their new pets will be healthier and much less likely to be sick or get more serious, and sometimes fatal, infections. The grant further links Petfinder.com member shelter and rescue grant recipients with local veterinarians to protect all adoptable dogs in their care. The program promotes veterinary visits for wellness exams and, when appropriate, the second dose administration of Nobivac Canine Flu vaccine.

About Petfinder.com Foundation
The Petfinder.com Foundation was created in 2003 to respond to needs of its Petfinder member shelters and rescue groups and to assist them in ensuring that no pet is euthanized for lack of a home. The vaccine grant will help keep dogs healthy and adoptable.

About Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, based in Boxmeer, the Netherlands, is focused on the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of animal health products. The company offers customers one of the broadest, most innovative animal health portfolios, spanning products to support performance and to prevent, treat and control disease in all major farm and companion animal species. Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health; subsidiaries of Merck & Co. Inc., Whitehouse Station NJ, USA. For more information, visit http://www.intervet.com/.

Editor's note: All information in this poast was provided.

DEP Press Release - Be Bear Aware

2011-04-26T06:22:00.001-07:00

The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reminds residents to take steps to reduce contact and conflicts with bears. These steps are becoming increasingly important as bears emerge from winter hibernation looking for food and because the state's bear population is growing. This growing and expanding population is estimated at between 300 to 500 bears, increasing the need for people to know how to prevent problems. In 2010, the DEP received over 3,000 bear sighting reports from 115 of Connecticut's 169 towns. This spring, the DEP has already received several reports of bears coming into populated areas and interacting with humans and animals. When bears emerge from their winter dens, natural foods are scarce and, as a result, bears are often attracted to human-provided foods found near homes. On rare occasions they may attack livestock.

"As Connecticut's bear population continues to grow, residents of our state should familiarize themselves with steps they can take to avoid contact with this species," said Susan Frechette, Deputy Commissioner of the DEP. "Most unwanted contacts occur when bears are attracted close to homes by food – such as bird feed, refuse and residue on grills – that is made available to them. This can lead to more serious problems, including habituated bears that have lost their fear of humans. The best method to prevent problems with bears is to avoid feeding them by taking down bird feeders in the spring, keep garbage cans in a shed or a garage or tightly secured and keep outdoor cooking equipment clean."

The two most common food attractants are bird feeders and poorly-stored household garbage. Birdfeeders should be taken down and put away during spring, summer, and fall. Household garbage should be stored in closed garages or sheds. In cases where this can't be done, ammonia should be added to the garbage bags and cans to discourage pilfering by bears and other animals. Other items that can attract bears include pet and livestock foods, grease and drippings on barbecue grills, sweet or fatty food scraps in compost piles, and fruit on or dropped from trees.

Although uncommon, bears will attack and kill livestock, such as sheep, goats, pigs, and fowl. They also can destroy unprotected beehives. One of the best precautions for these problems is well-maintained electric fencing. Other recommendations for livestock growers include moving animals into sheds at night, keeping feed contained, keeping animals as distant from forested areas as possible, and using guard dogs.

The DEP encourages residents to take the following simple steps to avoid problems with black bears:

1. Never intentionally feed bears.

2. Take down, clean, and put away birdfeeders by late March. Store the feeders until late fall. Clean up spilled seed below feeder stations.

3. Store garbage in secure, airtight containers inside a garage or storage area. Double bagging and the use of ammonia will reduce odors that attract bears. Periodically clean garbage cans with ammonia to reduce residual odor. Garbage for pickup should be put outside the morning of collection and not the night before.

4. Avoid leaving pet food or dishes outdoors at night.

5. Keep barbecue grills clean. Store grills inside a garage or shed.

6. Avoid placing meat scraps or sweet foods in compost piles.

7. Protect beehives, livestock, and berry bushes from bears with electric fencing.

8. Keep dogs on a leash outdoors. A roaming dog might be perceived as a threat to a bear or its cubs.

If you encounter a bear while hiking, make your presence known by yelling or making other loud noises. Usually, a bear will move from an area once it detects humans. If a bear does not retreat, slowly leave the area and find an alternate hiking route. While camping, be aware that most human foods are also attractive to bears. Keep a clean campsite, and make sure food and garbage are secure (for example, keep food in a cooler stored in the trunk of a car).

Prevention and tolerance are the basis for learning to live with bears in Connecticut. It is important to remember that although black bears regularly travel near houses, they are rarely aggressive toward humans and can usually be frightened away by making loud noises, throwing sticks, or spraying with a garden hose. However, it is not uncommon for bears that have found food, such as birdseed from feeders, to ignore such disturbances. In the rare instance when a bear appears to be aggressive toward people, residents should contact the DEP Wildlife Division Sessions Woods office at 860-675-8130 (Mon.-Fri. from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM) or the DEP's 24-hour dispatch line (860-424-3333) during weekends and non-business hours.

Bear sightings reported by the public provide valuable information to assist the DEP Wildlife Division in monitoring the black bear population. Anyone who observes a black bear in Connecticut is encouraged to report the sighting on the DEP's Web site (www.ct.gov/dep) or call the Wildlife Division's Sessions Woods office. Some bears have been ear-tagged for research. Information on the presence or absence of tags, including tag color, letters and numbering is particularly valuable. To obtain informational fact sheets about bears, visit the DEP's Web site or call the Sessions Woods office.

Get a view to Prince William and his bride, and have tea at the Fairfield Public Library

2011-04-18T17:28:00.001-07:00

Celebrate the marriage of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales, K.G. with Miss Catherine Middleton, Commoner at the Fairfield Public Library from noon to 2 p.m. April 29.

The celebration will take place in the Rotary Room of the Main Library, 1080 Old Post Road.

Historian Dr. Mona Garcia will speak at noon.

Highlights from the ceremony will be shown on the Library's 120" Hi-Definition projection system complete with surround sound and Blu-ray player. Tea will be served at 1 p.m. Afternoon attire: hats and gloves are highly recommended. There will be some prizes awarded to the best dressed attendees especially those whose hats are stand-outs.

Garcia taught European history at the college level and is on staff as a Reference Librarian in the Fairfield Public Library system. She has presented papers at academic conferences in the United States and Great Britain, and has publications in her field of English history, one of which has been included in the Royal Historical Society Bibliography.

A reply is requested to: Fairfield Public Library website www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org or call 203-256-3160.

Registration is necessary. Follow the Fairfield Public Library for more exciting programs on Twitter: www.twitter.com/fairfieldpublib and Facebook: www.facebook.com/fairfieldlibrary.

Immune Therapy Can Control Fertility in Mammals

2011-04-11T17:52:00.000-07:00

Editor's note: All information posted here is from an unedited press release. It is posted here as a public service only.
NEW YORK (March 31, 2011) -- Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have shown that it is possible to immunize mammals to control fertility. They say their technique could possibly be used on other mammals -- including humans -- because fertility hormones and their receptors are species-non-specific and are similar in both females and males. For pets, the technique could be an alternative to castration and adverse effects of hormone administration.

In the Feb. 24 online issue of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Journal, the researchers say their newly synthesized novel chimeric genes produce bi-functional recombinant proteins that are antigenic. The antibodies can tamp down production of progesterone in females and testosterone in males. The most immediate use of this technique might be to control fertility in dogs and cats or other mammals in need of population control, says the study's lead investigator, Dr. Brij B. Saxena, the Harold and Percy Uris Professor of Reproductive Biology at Weill Cornell Medical College.

After extensive preclinical testing for the efficacy, safety and reversibility in animals, the immune therapy might be possible in humans as a treatment for androgen excess syndromes as well as an immunological method to control fertility, adds Dr. Saxena.

The new chimeric gene was engineered by Dr. Saxena and his Weill Cornell colleagues, Dr. Meirong Hao and Dr. Premila Rathnam, and then inserted into insect cells to produce recombinant bi-functional protein. Immunity against fertility can be provided by the production of a bi-functional antibody by active or passive immunization using the recombinant protein.

This new gene contains DNA sequences from two natural genes that are integral to fertility in mammals. One portion is the extracellular domain (ECD) of the ligand (hormone) binding region of the human lutropin/human chorionic gonadotropin receptor (ECD-hLH-R), which is present in the ovaries and testes. The other component is the unique C-terminal peptide of the human chorionic gonadotropin β-subunit (hCG β-CTP).

Key to development of this new chimeric gene and recombinant protein is the researchers' finding that the hLH-R and hCG-β-CTP recombinant proteins are antigenic -- meaning that they can produce an immune response in the body, and produce bifunctional antibodies with dual effect. The antibodies are able to block the hormone binding to the receptor and thus suppress the signal to produce ovarian hormones, specifically progesterone. The second component of the antibody specific to hCG β-CTP would neutralize the hCG-like material produced by the fertilized egg prior to or at the time of implantation. This would lead to lack of stimulation to promote progesterone production by the corpus luteum, resulting in the lack of proliferation of endometrial growth that is vital for the implantation of the fertilized egg -- thus preventing pregnancy.

The scientists are now working on methods to upscale the production of recombinant chimeric protein to be tested as antigens in dogs and cats.

The study was funded by Concept-II, New York, NY.

Dogs, Dogs and More Dogs

2011-04-11T17:46:00.001-07:00

The Fidelco Open House from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 16 includes tours of the Fidelco campus, a West Hartford police K-9 demonstration and interactive sessions on how Fidelco guide dogs are trained and utilized by clients.

The event is free and takes place rain or shine at Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc. 103 Old Iron Ore Road, Bloomfield, Conn.

"Fidelco is New England's only guide dog school and is in the forefront in serving the community of the blind by breeding, training and placing German shepherd guide dogs that help bring our clients greater freedom and independence," according to a statement. The "Open House is a chance for the public to meet us and learn more about our Mission and operations."

For more information and directions to Fidelco, visit http://www.fidelco.org/

Experienced Pit Lover Needed

2010-08-17T17:25:00.000-07:00

The Woodbridge Animal Shelter in Woodbridge, Conn. has a a pit bull named "Sweetie" that needs a home.

Facing euthanization, animal lovers have convinced the shelter to hold on to her one more week to see "if someone could be her hero and give her a chance," according to a statement.

Sweetie appears to be about 1 year old, is very much still a pup, very smart, and will be easy to train, the statement said.

The dog may have been bred at least once, will need to be spayed, and needs training and socializing. She was picked up as a stray, quite possibly shortly after being dumped, the statement said.

Sweetie "seems to have very little or no socialization with other animals and received no apparent training, although she was very well taken care of and is responsive to positive reinforcement," the statement said.

As with most dogs, the shelter environment is not doing her any good. She is not trusted to be around other animals because she has not yet been fully tested. If you can save this pretty baby girl, please contact the Woodbridge Animal Shelter (203) 389-5991.

Feel like fostering?

2010-08-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc. is accepting applications for its Foster Family Program.

This which is the first step in training guide dogs for people with visual disabilities, the agency said in a statement.

Interested persons must fill out an application available at http://www.fidelco.org/ or by regular mail. Fidelco’s address is 103 Old Iron Ore Road, Bloomfield, Conn., 06002.

Applications also can be requested by e-mail at fosters@fidelco.org and by phone at 860-243-4047.

Upon receipt of the application, requestors will be contacted.

Applicants and their pups must attend Saturday training sessions at Fidelco’s Bloomfield facility to teach their pups basic obedience skills and to socialize the dogs, the statement said.

Fosters keep their pups until it is time to return their dogs to Fidelco for formal guide dog training.

"Fosters are an integral part of our training effort,” Sue Holt Brown, director of the Fidelco Foster Family Program said in the statement. “We’re always on the lookout for additional families that may qualify to raise a Fidelco pup in their homes.”

The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Bloomfield, breeds, trains and places its own, unique type of German shepherd guide dogs with people who have visual disabilities, the statement said. It pioneered In-community Placement in the United States; a process that allows guide dog users to be trained in the communities where they live and work, the statement said.

Now in its 50th year, "Fidelco relies solely on the gifts and the generosity of individuals, foundations, corporations and civic organizations that partner with us to “Share the Vision,” the statement said.

“Jewel,” a Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Puppy is shown in the photo.

Harper has fun

2010-07-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

Harper Lee, a Bernese Mountain dog, checks out her favorite play place, at a cottage on Beach Pond in Connecticut. She likes to go in the water, but has not quite decided yet whether she really likes to swim! There are always plenty of dog friends to play with here.

Fidelco grant will help give guide dogs to military veterans

2010-07-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc. has announced that it has received a grant of $90,000 from Newman’s Own Foundation "in support of its mission to provide the highest quality German Shepherd Guide Dogs to U.S. military veterans."

Newman’s Own Foundation has since 1997 granted more than $250,000 to Fidelco, the organization said in a statement.

Fidelco most recently placed Guide Dog “Legend,” with Tech Sgt. Matthew Slaydon, USAF (ret.), the statement said.

"Slaydon was injured in Kirkuk, Iraq when a roadside bomb exploded as he attempted to disarm it. He suffered the loss of his sight, his left arm and traumatic brain injury," the statement said. "Fidelco’s staff and trainers worked with Slaydon so that he could use his prosthetic arm with his new guide dog. He then completed his In-community Placement with the help of a Fidelco placement specialist in his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona."

“Thanks to the ongoing support of Newman’s Own Foundation, we will be able to support Sgt. Slaydon and other blinded American military heroes like him,” Eliot D. Russman, CEO and executive director of the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc., said in the statement. “Their generosity gives us the capability to expand our outreach and client development efforts, and to provide Fidelco German Shepherd Guide Dogs to more injured military veterans than ever. Freedom and independence are certainly not free of costs and Newman's Own Foundation has clearly demonstrated this fact with its most recent financial support.”

Bob Forrester, president of Newman’s Own Foundation noted, also in the statement, that Fidelco is "committed to providing guide dogs to our brave military veterans who have lost their sight.”

“We are proud to support their efforts to improve the lives of America’s servicemen who have given so much for their country,” he said.

To carry on Paul Newman's philanthropic legacy, Newman’s Own Foundation donates net royalties and profits after taxes from the sale of Newman’s Own products to charity. To date, Paul Newman and Newman’s Own Foundation have given over $295 million to thousands of charities around the world, the statement said.

Fidelco, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Bloomfield, Conn., breeds, trains and places its own, unique type of German Shepherd Guide Dogs with people who have visual disabilities, the statement said.

Editor's note: The information in this post was provided wholly by Fidelco

Dogs everywhere are crying

2010-06-20T17:39:00.000-07:00

She knew how much a dog can give

Roberta C. Kaman, president and co-founder of The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc. has diedm the organization said in a statement.
“We are saddened by Robbie’s passing,” Eliot D. Russman, Fidelco’s CEO an executive director said in the statement. “We will miss her presiding presence in our midst, the vision she brought to our organization and the passion with which she served our clients.”
Dogs and dog training were always in Kaman’s life, the statement said.
Kaman recently said in “Trust the Dog,” the new book about Fidelco, “I’ve never been without a dog,” the statement said,
"From the dogs on her grandfather’s farm, to the dogs her father trained for hunting, to the thousands of dogs she bred for Fidelco, canines were an important part of her life," the statement said.
Kaman was "bitten by the training bug early on when she attended a dog training class" in Manchester, Conn, the statement said.
"She proved to be a natural trainer and the town asked her to stay on and help with the classes," the statement said.
As she said, “Apparently I had an ear for the music.”
Over the years, Kaman and her friends raised and showed several breeds, including standard poodles, the statement said and she spent time mentoring with Dr. Allen Leventhal at his veterinarian practice in Bolton, Conn., the statement said.
She got her first German shepherd in 1958, "sowing the seeds for what would become a lifelong fascination with this extraordinary breed of dog," the statement said.
"In 1960, Kaman joined a local German shepherd club in New Haven and met Charlie Kaman, her future husband and founder of Kaman Aerospace. Together, they helped form the Fidelco Breeders Cooperative, the beginnings of what is now the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation," the statement said.
The cooperative bred German shepherds for 20 years and donated them to guide dog schools and law enforcement.
From 1980, their home-based hobby grew dramatically to become an internationally accredited guide dog foundation that has placed more than 1,300 guide dogs with blind and visually disabled clients throughout the U.S. and Canada, the statement said.
Kaman was instrumental in developing the Fidelco “breed within a breed;” a German shepherd with the temperament, work ethic and stamina suited to guiding people who are blind, the statement said.
Fidelco "also pioneered its “In-community Placement” program in the U.S. Using this process, the Fidelco client is trained with the guide dog in their home area, allowing them to be more productive quickly," the statement said.
Kaman received numerous awards, including the prestigious Migel Medal Award from the American Foundation for the Blind and was honored as a Melvin Jones Fellow, the Lions Club’s highest level of recognition.
“When I get a positive phone call from a person with a Fidelco guide dog, I am always grateful,” Kaman is quoted as saying in the statment. “I realize that we’ve managed to help someone in a very personal and important way.”
The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Bloomfield, breeds, trains and places a unique type of German shepherd guide dogs with people who have visual disabilities.
Now in its 50th year of service, Fidelco relies solely on the gifts and the generosity of individuals, foundations, corporations and civic organizations that partner with us to “Share the Vision.”

In the photo: Roberta C. “Robbie” Kaman, president and co-founder of the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc.

Editor's note: The information in this post was provided wholly by Jack Hayward, It is only lightly edited here.

Connecticut DEP says: Leave fawns alone

2010-06-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

It is natural for fawns to be left alone for extended periods, the agency said.

The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection has issued a request asking residents to be aware that white-tailed deer are giving birth to fawns around the state and the babies should be left alone.
"With the advent of warm weather, more people are participating in outdoor activities, increasing the chances that someone will come across a tiny fawn. The fawn may appear to have been deserted, but that is usually not the case. The DEP Wildlife Division has been receiving an increasing number of phone calls from people concerned about finding fawns that appear to be orphaned or abandoned," the agency said in a statement.
"It is critical for people to leave deer fawns alone, as the animal’s instinctive behavior in its first weeks of life is to remain motionless and let danger pass. The fawn may appear helpless or abandoned, but it is behaving normally in response to a perceived threat. As newborns, the fawns have almost no body odor and their reddish brown coat with white spots makes them almost invisible to predators. Fawns often lie motionless on the ground surrounded by low vegetation and remain perfectly still even when approached by another animal. It is important to realize that young fawns likely do not need your help, and the doe is probably feeding nearby," the statemeent said.
"It is highly unlikely that a fawn found alone has been abandoned," Rick Jacobson, Director of the DEP Wildlife Division said in the statement. "It is best not to touch the fawn and to leave it where it was found for at least 24 hours to determine whether the adult is still returning for feedings. While waiting for the doe to return, it is important that both people and dogs stay away from the fawn. A truly orphaned fawn will show signs of distress by walking around aimlessly and calling out for several hours."
The agency noted that when "a doe gives birth to one or two fawns and nurses them, she leads them into a secluded habitat. Twin fawns may even be separated from each other. The doe then leaves them alone for extended periods of time. She returns to nurse them about three to four times a day, with feeding time lasting approximately 15 minutes. This pattern will continue for up to 3 weeks until the fawns are strong enough to accompany the doe or flee from danger"
"Although it may be natural to want to assist young fawns, caring for them does more harm than good," Jacobson said, also in the statement. "Raising fawns for successful return to the wild requires considerable knowledge of deer biology, feeding formulas, countless hours of care, and outdoor caging. Improper care results in underweight and undernourished animals or animals that are not able to return to the wild because they have become too accustomed to being around people. Removing fawn deer from the wild, raising them, and keeping them in captivity is illegal."
If a fawn has "truly been orphaned, it is best that the animal be placed in the care of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator with the skills, training, and state authorization to care for fawns. A fawn suspected of being orphaned should be left where it was found, and its location should be reported to a wildlife rehabilitator qualified to care for fawns," the statement said.
A list of wildlife rehabilitators and their contact information can be obtained on the DEP Web site at www.ct.gov/dep/wildlife, or by calling the DEP Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011, weekdays or the DEP Emergency Dispatch Center at 860-424-3333 (after hours or on weekends).

Editor's note: The information contained in this post was released by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection.

Memorial Day Parade

2010-06-01T16:59:00.001-07:00

Get your pets vaccinated!

2010-06-01T14:54:00.000-07:00

WEST HAVEN, Conn. — Wags and Whiskers, TLC has scheduled two upcoming rabies clinic, from 1 to 3 p.m. June 12 at Angel Animal Hospital 333 Elm St. and from 10 a.m. to noon June 13 at the Minor Park Fire Station 318 Fairfax St.
Rabies vaccines are $10. Dogs must be on leashes and cats in carriers, The clinics are open to all pet owners.
For more information, call Jim Vitelli at 203-937-3642 or e-mail pounddogs@yahoo.com

Pet Food Bank needs help

2010-06-01T14:37:00.000-07:00

MILFORD — The Pet Food Bank at the Milford Animal Shelter is very low on cat and dog food. Wet and dry cat and dog food, (especially cat), along with treats and toys, will be accepted from 9 am to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Milford Animal Control, 664 E. Broadway. The shelter is in Silver Sands State Park, with an entrance on Meadowside Road in Milford, Conn.
For further information, call 203-783-3279.

Stay Calm, But They're calling it "Feline Frenzy"

2010-06-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

The Connecticut Humane Society is taking part in celebrating National Adopt-A-Cat Month of June with events June 4, 5 and 6.
Dubbed, "Feline Frenzy," the events offer all cats older than 3 for free to a good home, the society said in a statement.
The adults cats are "cute, loving and playful. They’re well trained and will provide many years of companionship," the statement said.
In part, it is essential for people to consider adopting an older cat because "animal shelters and rescue groups everywhere are filled to the brim with felines, especially kittens, seeking their forever homes," during the summer, and more kittens mean the older animals stay in shelters a lot longer, the statement said.
The promotion is taking place in all of the agency’s locations, in Newington, Waterford, Westport and the New London PetSmart. The cats will come with the standard adoptions benefit package that is always available, the statement said and potential adopters should look for the "I Have Purrsonality" signs on their cages when they visit a adoption center, the statement said.
The adoptions benefit package includes: free 30-day policy of ShelterCare pet health insurance and free microchip by 24PetWatch; consultation with staff to help select the most suitable feline for your lifestyle; FIV/FeLV testing, flea treatment and deworming treatment; spay/neuter; appropriate vaccinations according to the age of the pet, including rabies; identification tags and rabies tag if applicable; carrier and stretch collar; starter supply of Hill’s Science Diet food and pet care information; and medical evaluation and treatment for problems that were diagnosed during the exam, the statement said.

Kessy learns how to read

2010-05-23T18:53:00.000-07:00

It may not have been the flyers this cat read, but she sure read the love put into it

By Pamela McLoughlin

A beautiful thing happened this week when my daughter Kathleen's beloved cat Kessy returned after a week AWOL.
Kessy, a sweet, gentle, affectionate purring machine who can easily withstand sudden tail pullings by toddlers, had never been out for more than a night
The skeptics among us thought she had fallen prey to a coyote, been hit by a car or catnapped because she's so nice.
But Kathleen kept believing and on Friday after school she created flyers with Kessy's picture, then went around the neighborhood with her best friend Jackie to distribute them.
I picked them up at dusk by the community center after distribution and as we pulled into the driveway Kathleen opened the door and jumped out of the moving car, as Jackie and I looked at each other, perplexed.
Kathleen had spotted fur in the deep grass, ran up to the cat and it turned out to be a black and white cat - not Kessy - who likes to hang out by our door.
But just as Kathleen saw it wasn't Kessy, she heard a meow from behind that she recognized and all Jackie and I could see was Kathleen's elated expression (car had just stopped moving) - something usually reserved for favorite band or boyfriend.
She picked up Kessy who was atypically skittish and smelled, we decided later, like dog, cigarettes and gasoline.
The first thing I said to Jackie was "Kessy must have seen the flyer!"
Jackie chuckled and said that when they were distributing the flyers, Kathleen had said, "Maybe Kessy will see the flyer."
Anyway, I keep going over the scenarios in my head and am wondering if anyone who knows anything about cat behavior or catnapping behavior can tell me: Was it just a coincidence that she came home minutes after the last flyer was distributed?
Did someone holding her captive see the flyer and let her go?
Was she just out on an extended romp with the other cat (Kathleen says they're friends!)?
Was it the prayer Kathleen's sister, Debbie, said two hours before Kessy came home? Or did Kessy indeed see the flyer?

The neccessities for bears

2010-05-05T16:19:00.000-07:00

Help Save the Moon Bears

There is a new book just out in stores that is attempting to help save moon bears.
The book, "Moon Bear," by Brenda Z. Guiberson and illustrated by Calecott Medalist, Ed Young, is about about Asiatic black bears, known as moon bears because of the crescent moon-shaped blaze across their chests.
The publisher said in a statement that in "addition to delighting young readers, the book has another purpose: to help save moon bears from a life of captivity and cruelty."
"Thousands of moon bears tragically spend their lives in tiny cages on bear “farms” where cruel methods are used to extract their commercially viable bile."
The book has been produced in partnership with Animals Asia, an organization dedicated to ending cruelty and rescue thousands of moon bears on these “farms,” the statement said.
Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group (Mackids) has "become 'Team Moonbear' in an effort to raise “Moon Bear Bucks” to save a bear. To see more of what Mackids is doing and to find out more about Animals Asia, visit www.mackids.com/TeamMoonBear and http://www.animalsasia.org/

Trying to save the wild mustang

2010-05-01T17:03:00.000-07:00

Photgrapher captures spirit of the American mustang

SOUTHPORT - The photographs of imperiled wild mustangs taken by photographer Esther-Grace Simson will be shown throughout May in an exhibit in the Perkin Gallery at Pequot Library, 720 Pequot Ave.

Wild mustangs are descendants of horses Spanish Conquistadors brought to North America and living emblems of the old West, event organizers said. By the end of the 19th century, two to three million mustangs roamed the Western plains.
Starting in the early 20th century and up to the present day, the horses have been sold for pet food, glue, pony skins and shot for sport.

In 1971 a law was passed to protect mustangs on public lands. But due to pressure from cattle ranching interest groups as well as the oil, natural gas and mining industries, mustangs are again being rounded up in a violent manner, such as helicopter roundups, and herded into federal holding facilities while they await an uncertain future in an inhumane way, event organizers said in a statement.

About 24,000 of the horses are in captivity.

On a recent trip, Simson traveled with her daughter Danielle to the foothills of California’s mountains near Santa Barbara in search of the horses.

Some rescued mustangs reside on 300 acres at the Return To Freedom sanctuary. The mother-daughter team set up various base camps as they followed the grazing bands of mustangs from one spot to another, the statement said.
Simson remembers setting up base camp, and waiting quietly until the horses sent their scouts to appraise and inspect them, the statement said.
They were ultimately welcomed warmly, andeventually nudged by a young stallion, indicating that they were accepted by the various bands of mustangs. The "mission to record the proud nobility of these wild and beautiful animals and to promote an awareness of their sad plight was accomplished," the statement said.

Simson is a member of the Royal Photographic Society and the Equine Photographers Network. Her work has appeared in numerous publications. She is the designated photographer of RJ Masterbug, star of the Disney film Hidalgo, the statement said. Her photographs of RJ have appreared on the covers of Horsemen’s Yankee Pedlar and Saddle Up magazines. She has exhibited nationally and internationally.

The opening reception will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. May 8.
This exhibit is one in a series of shows of amateur and professional photographers curated by Enid Munroe. For more information, call the library at 203-259-0346.

Editor's note: the information in this post was provided by the Pequot Library, It is lightly edited here.

What's the buzz?

2010-04-16T20:11:00.000-07:00

Bees and Bats Seize the Day

The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History in New Haven will "celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and the 200th anniversary of the birth of L. L. Langstroth, the 'Father of American Beekeeping'" from 2 to 6 p.m. April 22.
The program finale features a live big brown bat, organizers said.
The event is free and open to the public.
In addition to honey, domesticated honeybees provide critical pollination services for many food crops worldwide, Peabody officials said.
Their "decline in the United States and Europe due to colony collapse disorder is yet another reminder that we need to care for the environment around us," the officials said.
Museum visitors will "see live bees and caterpillars, learn about beekeeping and pollination, and plant seeds to take home, nurture and transplant into their own backyard," officials said.
Local organizations will offer simple and effective actions people can take to protect the earth.

Of special interest to children is the Waggle Dance at 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Other children’s activities include games and crafts as well as storytelling at 2 and 3p.m.

The program finale at 5 p.m. features Gerri Griswold and a live big brown bat from the White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield. Grisowld's presentation, “Bat Chat: Getting to Know Our Most Misunderstood Allies,” explores bat biology, ecology, sonar, and the cultural highs and lows of these extraordinary creatures.

The Museum is located at 170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, Conn.
It is open from 10 to 5 Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Unless otherwise noted, admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors 65+, $5 children 3-18. Children younger than 3 enter at no charge.
Everyone is admitted free on Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m. from September through June.
The museum is closed January 1, Easter, July 4, Thanksgiving, December 24 and 25.

Editor's note: This information was provided by the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. Tesla's Love give a very special kiss to Gerri Griswold, a St. Francis of modern times.

Talk to the Animals

2010-04-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

And maybe they will talk back

April is Prevention of Animal Abuse Month and the Greater New Haven Cat Project will present “Let’s Ask the Animals,” a event in which participants can learn to explore how humans are like pigs, chickens, cows and sheep, organizers said.
The event, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. April 19, will be held at the New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St., and a film produced by The Association for the Study of Animal Behavior will be shown.
The program is suggested for children ages 7-10 and their parents, organizers said.
This film shows “how animals use their senses, learn from experience, and need companionship and exercise, just like humans,” organizers said in a statement.
The interactive program is “designed to promote appreciation and respect for animals by learning and talking about what we have in common with them. It’s a wonderful way for parents to share their appreciation of animals with their growing children,” the statement said.
Each child receives a rubber bracelet and a coloring book, organizers said.

This video shows a sheep named "Brenna" and her new lamb, born this spring in Bethany, Conn.

More information is available at www.asktheanimals.eventbrite.com or by calling 203-946-8835.

Does God make the baddest ones the cutest?

2010-04-06T17:35:00.000-07:00

By McKenzie Morrell

After the sudden death of my childhood dog, Brandy, my father made it pretty clear that a new pet would not be in our family’s future.
My mother, sister and I begged and pleaded. We even put together a PowerPoint presentation in hopes of convincing my father that a puppy was just what we needed, not to replace our beloved companion but to honor her.
After a few months he finally caved and we were on a search for a new family addition.
We ended up rescuing a puppy from a shelter in Little Rock, Arkansas… random right?
I thought so.
Our new pup got to take a plane ride right into New York, where we eagerly awaited his arrival. When we went to the pick up section at the airport an employee who told us that our puppy was a few minutes away greeted us. A small cat-sized carrier moved towards us on the conveyor belt… all of us looked at each other stating that that couldn’t be our dog. Keep in mind the dog we rescued was a golden retriever, lab mix. There was no way he would fit in that carrier… even as a puppy.
Needless to say, it was our bundle of joy; the 6-pound-pooch was adorably snuggled in the cat-sized cage. He was so tiny, we definitely didn’t expect him to be so small but were extremely excited to finally meet the little nugget.
Khody is our puppy’s name, weird spelling right?
You can thank my sister and I for that.
We wanted to get creative, and I think we succeeded. For the first few months he was very shy and quiet. He’d nestle right into your body and stay there for hours.
Well, his mellow personality couldn’t last forever right?
As he got older, he became more playful but still very quiet, I honestly don’t think he barked once for the first seven months of his life!
Now when he wants to get our attention, he nibbles at our feet, or paws at our arms.
Oh, and did I mention he cries like Chewbacca?
Yep, that sound comes out of his puppy dog mouth and we nearly pee ourselves whenever he does it.
Khody’s a little pain in the butt, he does the craziest things and sometimes isn’t the most well behaved dog on the Earth.
But we love him.
My mom’s right when she says that God makes the bad ones the cutest!
Our new family member has his moments, whether it’s chewing the carpet, or biting our feet whenever we try to leave the house but well all agree that he definitely was worth it. Sometimes my dad says we’ll send him back to Arkansas if he doesn’t get his act together… but he’s lying, he loves that dog as if he were his own child.
I’m pretty sure Brandy would have liked Khody. She never got the chance to have a pet companion but Khody definitely would have been her first pick… at least that’s what I think.
Our household will continue to experience Chewbacca like noises from our adorable pooch…
The funny thing is I’ve definitely convinced everyone around me that puppies from Little Rock, Arkansas are without a doubt masked Star Wars characters.
Ha.

Editor's note: McKenzie Morrell is a journalism student at Southern Connecticut State University.

Give Hope a Chance

2010-03-19T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hope has come a very long way.

But the once stray dog, rescued just before she was to be killed in North Carolina, has further to go.

And she needs help.

Rescued by Lisa Dickal and Will Teplen just before Christmas, Hope was brought to Connecticut and it turned out the then-emaciated stray was expecting, Dickal said
.
Hope had 14 pups but only seven survived, Dickal said.
The rescue team has since found homes for six pups, but one, dubbed Asia, shown in photo, still needs a loving family and so does Hope, Dickal said. Asia is now about 9 weeks old.

To help the process of finding a forever home, Hope and Asia will both be at New Haven Animal Shelter's Easter Bunny Portrait Fundraiser Event from 10:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 20 at TwoSmilingDogs located in The Playground Doggie Daycare 2 Toelles Road, Wallingford, Conn.

Dickal said among the disappointments in Hope's story was that what wwas to be a home was found for her, but the family then decided she was not the right match for them.
Dickal said that some "manners" Hope learned while she was a stray are still being worked out, including that she does have a sweet tooth for doughnuts she likes to snatch. But Hope is doing well with housebreaking, Dickal said. Hope is "extremely loving to people," and gets along with dogs and cats, she said.

"We are really desperately looking for a family that will give Hope patience, love and understanding," Dickal said. "We believe if someone could look past her flaws, and work with her to be a better dog, that they would have a wonderful lifelong companion."
The best circumstance for Hope would be a home that has a big fenced backyard and people to play with who would help her to become "the best dog we know she can be," Dickal said.
Hope is about 2 and is brindled Plott Hound mix; she is fully vaccinated and healthy, Dickal said. Plott Hounds are typically a rare breed to have; as they are the North Carolina state dog, she said.

For more information Dickal and Teplen, shown in photos with Hope, can be reached at dontshop.adoptapet@gmail.com

Editor's note: The information in this post was provided by Lisa Dickal

A very Unique dog

2010-03-12T13:46:00.000-08:00

A Fidelco dog has done it again.

"Unique" the German shepherd led his legally blind owner out of a raging fire last July and last week was given the Animal Rescue Hero’s award by the American Red Cross Connecticut Chapter at their annual breakfast ceremony.

The fire occurred in Manchester, Conn. when violent thunderstorms swept through the state and a lightening bolt struck Bill Poldony’s home. The result, according to Battalion Chief Dan Huppe of the Manchester Fire Department, was a 30-foot ball of flame and a destroyed home.

But as the lights in Poldony’s home went out at 10 p.m. and fire began to consume the structure, Unique led him from the back of his home to the foyer where he was met by Huppe and the Fire Department.

According to Huppe, had two 500-gallon propane tanks erupted, “It could have been a different situation. In my long career as a fighter, I have never witnessed an animal response like this.”
Diane Auger, CEO, American Red Cross Connecticut Chapter, also praised the guide dog’s response.

“Unique’s quick reaction in the face of disaster seems to be a common, yet extraordinary trait among all our heroes who we honored today. We are so very pleased to recognize Unique for putting her owner’s safety first without regard for her own well-being," she said.
Eliot D. Russman, CEO and executive director of the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc. said, the agency does "not specifically train our guide dogs for rescue work.

"However, their owner loyalty, focus on the job at hand, and intelligence comes to the surface when trouble arises. We are proud of Unique and most grateful that Bill survived the destruction of his home," she said.
The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Bloomfield Connecticut, breeds, trains and places a unique type of German shepherd guide dogs with people who have visual disabilities.

Editor's note: All of the information in this post was provided by Fidelco. It is only lightly edited here.

Saying goodbye to Rigby

2010-03-09T15:22:00.000-08:00

By Ralph Villers

It happened far too fast.

Rigby had to be put down this Saturday morning. The details are not as important as what he meant to the whole family. Today, there is such an air of sadness around us, that's me, Patti and brother Linus - and the others who have been informed, Allegra, Cameron and Gooma (aka: Patti's mom).
As a cat should, he could sleep without provocation. Even on an old TV with an old B&W movie.
Patti has written about this most eloquently.
A winsome and cute fellow with his moo-cow markings, he loved to be skritched on and around his head incessantly. Too bad we humans had schedules so the all day sessions could not happen. No offense, he would just take a nap. He loved water, too! I had considered that perhaps he studied water to such a degree that perhaps he was trying to receive a PhD in hydrodynamics, or something. He also loved to get his water from the faucet.
A being who loved unconditionally, he was a fun fellow, the word winsome cannot be overstated. He had that happy-go-lucky air about him, always.

What a loss.

I am concerned about his brother, Linus, who is looking around for his brother now.
Who doesn't love Beanies??
Patti took Rigby to the vet, and but as I was home with Linus, and as the day moved along, he knows now is that he is missing - and wishes he were back, as do we...
A furry friend, three and one-half years is far too soon to be gone.

A loss that is immeasurable now.
Goodbye pal. We all will miss you :>(

A fish tale

2010-03-04T16:12:00.000-08:00

It looks like Mo the fish is not going to get her own story.
But that does not mean Tesla's Love does not want to share her story. We know she's an African cichlid and she lives in New Haven, Conn. with a person who loves her very much.
And to show that loves comes with fins as well as wings and fur, here's a video of Mo.

Aqua's Story

2010-02-24T16:52:00.000-08:00

By Lisa "Elle" Merrai

We are a family of six living a charmed modern city life. A confluence of external and internal events have propelled us to reconsider a lifetime of assumptions and make some really big changes. Join us as we explore the new frontiers of conscious living.

“I think God gave pets shorter life-spans so we would learn to not take life for granted.” I said. I heard my voice speak these words as my mind and heart sank deeper. A familiar depth, but one I have not seen for more than twenty years.

My daughter paused and then said, “you should write a story about that.”

Mmmmmm. Maybe.

Aqua died today. A horse tripped over him. The horse my daughter rode. It was a perfectly timed collision of random events that resulted in a freak accident. No obvious signs of harm and yet he teetered and fell. On the way to the Vet his heart stopped. His spirit left his body in my children's arms. What can I possibly do to protect them from this moment? It is fraught with impossible questions. I wish it had been me there. Watching his soul drift away, knowing it was no one's fault. Why couldn't he have died in my arms?

Aqua was a gentle soul; our patient teacher, leaving indelible lessons in our hearts. His joyful energy and enthusiasm for the simple pleasures of a scratch behind the ear, a game of fetch or a swim in the water. He was aptly named for our family loves the water of the Bay and the Columbia. He was our water baby, our buddy, our boy.

If I ever felt lonely, he was there. If I ever felt scared, I would simply say “who’s there?” and his giant bark would scare away the shadows. Now it is we who must learn to chase away the shadows of our grief.

Aqua is buried on our land, but this is not our "forever" land. It seems like a cruel irony that he would die before we reach the land he in part inspired me to seek out. How can I go forward without him?

 I know that Aqua wanted us to make this journey back to nature. I learned from our daily walks to watch the skies and listen to the music on the wind. He showed me that there is much more to know about the world than what is contained in books or other people’s experiences. Life is in the seemingly mundane. The simplicity of a roll in the grass, the gift of a sunbeam cascading in the perfect spot and the joy of games and laughter with those you love most in the world.

Unconditional love. Aqua never complained with each demotion as a new member of our pack was born. He accepted his place and loved each one with patience and devotion. He seemed to understand that the baby who poked him mercilessly would soon become the agile child who could throw his ball or over indulge him with treats. He seemed to genuinely love each of us in his own way as we each loved him in our own way, too.

Aqua was, in many real ways, our first child. He kept us awake all hours of the night as a baby. Tested our patience as a young pup and asserted his unique personality in the household. We made so many mistakes and he forgave them all.

Though he had been ailing for a couple of years, Aqua always perked up once we arrived in the NW for summer. I reassured him through all the moving and upheaval the past few months that it would all be worthwhile. He would soon be "home." I think he understood.

He was loved. And he loved us in ways we miss terribly. There was more than one heart that broke today. We will find a way to go on, with his spirit nudging us towards a richer life.

Aqua Vit 1997-2009 For more on this charming family: http://on-purpose.blogspot.com

Aqua Vit 1997-2009 from Elle Onpurpose on Vimeo.

Editor's note: This story is posted with immense gratitude to Lisa and Aqua.

Inuk lost his fight

2010-02-20T14:28:00.000-08:00

MYSTIC – We are sad to report today that Inuk, a Beluga whale who made Mystic Aquarium his home, has died.
In a statement released today, Mystic Aquarium, a division of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., said that Inuk, a 28-year-old male beluga whale that had been experiencing kidney failure for the past three weeks, unexpectedly died overnight. For the past two weeks, Inuk had been in stable condition, aquarium officials said in a statement.
“Despite the extraordinary efforts of aquarium staff, regular volunteers and additional volunteers from five different states, Inuk was unable to overcome the effects of extended kidney failure,” Dr. Tracy Romano, senior vice president of research and zoological operations at Sea Research, said in a statement. “He will be missed by all. Inuk provided both staff and visitors with years of pleasure and educational inspiration. He was an iconic animal who captured the spirit of oceanic conservation and understanding.”

Aquarium veterinarians and researchers brought Inuk’s body to the University of Connecticut today, where they, along with staff from the Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, will perform a necropsy to determine the cause of his kidney failure, the statement said. The results of the necropsy will be available – at the earliest – in two weeks.

Inuk became ill on Jan. 29, when he began showing a lack of interest in food, the statement said. A blood test revealed a possible acute infection, further complicated by kidney failure. Since then, Mystic Aquarium’s animal care team had been working around the clock, giving Inuk supplemental fluids in an effort to clear his kidneys, aquarium officials said.

Mystic Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and is considered a leader among AZA-accredited institutions for its expertise in beluga and marine mammal care.

About Sea Research Foundation, Inc.
Mystic Aquarium, Institute for Exploration and Immersion Learning are divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a private, non-profit 501(c)3organization. The mission of Sea Research is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration.

Editor's note: this information and photograph was wholly provided by Mystic Aquarium in a statement to the press. It is in its original form, lightly edited, as it appears on Tesla's Love.

When the going gets tough, dogs are there to help

2010-02-18T15:58:00.000-08:00

MIDDLETOWN - When people needed help after the explosion at the Kleen Energy plant on Feb. 7, Joe Gore, of Bolton, Conn., and his pal, Zappa, were there.

Zappa, a Fidelco German shepherd, shown here with Gore, "worked through the night at the site of the deadly" explosion, seeking to find survivors, Fidelco said in a statement.

The power plant explosion killed five people and injured about two dozen others.

Gore and Zappa, a Fidelco “career change dog,” have been doing search and rescue work for the last 2 1/2 years as members of Connecticut Task Force 1. which finds, extricates and provides immediate medical treatment to victims who are lost or trapped within collapsed structures, the statement said.

Gore also is a long-time supporter of Fidelco and has raised eight “foster pups,” including his current foster “Zinc,” the statement said.

“Talking with Joe and seeing Zappa as they came from the devastation of the Middletown power plant reminds us all how lucky we are to have teams like them available when disaster strikes,” Eliot D. Russman, CEO and executive director of the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc., siad in the statement. “The fact that Zappa’s breeding and work ethic makes him valuable in search and rescue is even more gratifying.”

Fidelco, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Bloomfield, Conn., breeds, trains and places its own, unique type of German shepherd guide dogs with people who have visual disabilities, the statement said.

It "pioneered In-community Placement in the United States; a process that allows guide dog users to be trained in the communities where they live and work," it said.

Fidelco relies solely on the gifts and the generosity of individuals, foundations, corporations and civic organizations to help it “Share the Vision.”

Editor's note: the information contained in this post was provided by Fidelco. Tesla's Love would like to offer special thanks to Jack Hayward of Fidelco, for permission to share this story and the work he does to get the word out.

It's never pretty when dogs get political

2010-02-16T16:13:00.000-08:00

Tesla's Love hereby promises that it will never be political.

That said, Tesla's Love has a lot of friends in a lot of places, and sometimes those friends wear their hearts - and ideas on their heads.

In this case, quite literally on their heads.

So, after we received an e-mail from our friend Melanie that said, and we quote, "There's a site on Facebook called 'Can This Poodle Wearing a Tin Foil Hat Get More Fans Than Glenn Beck.' Of course I became a fan, and the whole household expressed their solidarity. Note: Beck wrote a book about his religious conversion "An Unlikely Mormon." He also talks about using a shovel to beat people that he disagrees with," we had to explore further.

Just what did the statement "the whole household expressed their solidarity" mean? At Melanie's house, everything is adventure and pets rule the roost. The results of their solidarity are shown here.

Editor's note: the images here are solely an expression of the animals' opinions and Tesla's Love does not take a stand on Glenn Beck. Or on rabbits wearing hats.

Bogey was the man

2010-02-11T16:55:00.000-08:00

This big guy with a big heart gave a lifetime of love

By Bridget Albert

I remember the first time I saw Bogart; it was love at first sight.

His beautiful high black face mask and deep golden color were spectacular. His feet were absolutely huge and his puppy breath was intoxicating. But I wasn’t sure he was the right great Dane for me. Driving down the road leaving the kennel I turned to my friend Mary and said something like "I want him." She looked at me and said "I know. Call the kennel."

And the rest was history.

Bogey soon after became the most wonderful companion one could ever ask for.
He immediately took over the futon in the den calling it home. That mattress has been replaced several times during his tenure on it.
He always kept me on track with feeding times, getting up and marching into the kitchen reminding us it was dinnertime.
And when he realized it was time to go for a ‘car ride’ he would squeal with delight. In his younger days he would leap into the air.
And he had his best girls. When Pat would stop by, Bogey would forget about everyone else in the room and lay at her feet. Of course that was only after she showered him with love. Lorraine was the same way. They would go out into his playpen (a 20 x 20 6-foot high fenced enclosure with pea size gravel) and have ‘personal time."
I was never allowed to know what those conversations were about.
When Bogey was about 5 years old we took a vacation and he went to the kennel. As soon as we returned and brought him home he had to go back for a few more days because of a family emergency. When I brought him home again I had to go right back to work. Something inside me urged me to check on him at lunchtime.
Thankfully I did.
Bogey had bloated due to the stress he had been under. Bloat is a very serious lethal canine condition.
Following a week of surgery, cardiac consultations and medical melee I was faced with the difficult decision. They said there was nothing else they could do for him, implying his time had come. I just couldn’t give up on him. There was a look in his eye that told me he was counting on me.
I brought him home and syringed food into him all weekend. Friends came by, looked at him and just shook their heads at me not wanting to say those terrible words.
That following Monday I was on my veterinarian's front steps when she opened.
Dr. Kim, who had been on vacation during this ordeal, kept him all day. When I picked him up he was able to walk out to me and he took a biscuit from her. A true breakthrough. We all cried with relief and happiness.
He was finally on the mend.
The next several years were challenging with Bogey. He had to have a very specific diet, If he ate too much it would come back up. If he did not eat enough other problems would develop.
There weren’t many vacations those years. His care was too all consuming.
And then we found the most extraordinary boarding kennel, Larkin’s Run in Durham. Bogey thrived there and they showered him with love, catering to his many special needs. They gave us peace of mind.
Last Thanksgiving we had a very special vacation in Provincetown thanks to property owners who allowed Boo to stay with us.
Bogey loved having a beach and ocean water right outside his door. He absolutely loved going up to the fence and saying hello to all the people strolling the beach. Lesley too loved the property because she was able to visit with the dogs strolling. It was truly a wonderful weekend.
This past November Bogey took another turn for the worse. He was having significant problems with his rear. Losing his balance. He was also in severe pain.
With the assistance of Dr. Kim we sought out acupuncture treatments for him and found a truly compassionate veterinarian in Dr. Greg in Northford. He gave Bogey considerable relief to the point he was able to get off pain medication.
Bogey spent Christmas at Larkin’s Run one last time.
In January Bogey went down hill quickly. Unable to move and in severe pain we had to make the most difficult decision one can possibly make.
Bogey crossed the Rainbow Bridge to be with his buds Prudence, Lady Jane and Sophie.

This story first appeared in the Milford-Orange Bulletin. Tesla's Love reprints it here with gratitude to its author.

Help animals have a haven

2010-02-08T10:42:00.000-08:00

By Pam Landry

I am honored once again to be hosting this year’s wine tasting for The Animal Haven in North Haven.

It will take place at Aunt Chilada’s, 3931 Whitney Ave. in Hamden, from 6-9 p.m. on March 10.

Last year’s event drew a great crowd and several thousand dollars were raised for Animal Haven’s Emergency Medical Fund.

We basically “took over” Aunt Chilada’s with the bulk of the silent auction items set up downstairs and the party upstairs.

Animal Haven is still looking for auction items from local businesses and the items can be goods and/or services. All proceeds go to Animal Haven.

Last year, people were very eager to bid on items.

I get to act as host for the silent auction, which is a lot of fun; the items up for bid were great and I always find that “animal people” are the most fun people to be around.

There also will be a fifty-fifty raffle, where the winner gets half of the money collected on the raffle.

Some of the auction items include tickets and passes for things such as Red Sox and Rock Cats games, Lime Rock, Long Wharf Theatre, and the Block Island Ferry. Also CD’s and DVD’s and all kinds of customized baskets.

It’s a great night, lots of fun and good feelings and all to benefit the critters at Animal Haven. I am looking very much forward to it.

For more on Animal Haven, visit: http://www.theanimalhaven.com/

Savannah brings smiles

2010-02-05T08:58:00.000-08:00

She's also got Esther Williams style

By Ann Nyberg

So this is my dog Savannah Jane.

She has a million nicknames, Nanna, Schmookington, Bun, whatever, none of these names makes any sense, they're just all terms of endearment.

She's a 7-year old yellow, make that white, lab.

The joy this dog, or "hog" as we also like to call her has brought to my family is unbelievable. Of course I know all dog lovers feel that way, but truly, our lives revolve around Savannah.
The great thing about labs is that they just want to be around people all the time.

She has been great company to my three daughters and to my husband, she really is his little buddy.

In the evenings, while I'm at work, Savannah and Mark have their routine. In the winter when Mark goes out for wood for the fireplace, Savannah has to follow with a stuffed-animal in her mouth.

At 75 plus pounds she enjoys sitting on Mark's lap.

Do you have this visual in your mind?

If there is outdoor grilling going on, each time the there is a "check" on how things are coming along out there, Savannah has to accompany Mark. It's a riot.
We have a pond in our back yard that Savannah uses as her pool. When she is in it treading water, she becomes Esther Williams Hog (of course a reference to the Hollywood actress who dove and swam her way into stardom).

Family and friends get such a kick out of this scene.

The rocks around the "pool" are designed to allow easy in-out access for the Hog. We would not want her to be stressed in anyway.
At any rate, life with a dog is so much better and so much richer than life without one.
Savannah, you are one lucky gal!

Editor's note: Tesla's Love has it on good authority that Savannah Jane also is rumored to know how to shut doors behind her. We would not be surprised if this turns out to be true.

True puppy love

2010-02-04T18:42:00.000-08:00

The Jewish Home and Chapel Haven show the difference pets can make.

The Jewish Home says "a wet nose and a wagging tail" is sometimes the way to help provide the "highest quality services to its frail and elderly residents while meeting their individual social, emotional and spiritual needs."

Ahh!

What's not to love about that?

The home has a dog in residence, a black Labrador retriever named Hakay, who is affectionately also dubbed Joe.

The agency says "The move to a nursing home is difficult at best, but for those residents who must leave behind a beloved pet, it is devastating. Many withdraw and become reclusive. Some even stop communicating. Through pet therapy, residents are able to experience the joy and unconditional affection that an animal visit provides."

That hits right home for us at Tesla's Love!

In a statement, the agency said the pet therapy can include "a simple visit to a patient to provide company, or a more structured program to provide stimulation and muscle-coordination retraining to a stroke victim, or independent living assistant to the physically handicapped."

And, "The mere presence of a dog may motivate a response in the non-communicative patient. It can stimulate the recall of memories and help sequence events in patients with head injuries or chronic degenerative diseases of the brain such as Alzheimer’s disease, and teach appropriate behavior patterns in those with emotional disabilities (Goldman, 1990)."

The agency also teams up with Chapel Haven, a residential program "committed to providing a lifelong network of individualized support services for adults with cognitive and social disabilities, enabling them to live independent and productive lives," it said in a statement.

The participants have challenges such as Asperger’s syndrome and autism.

A partnership was formed between Chapel Haven and the Jewish Home to foster a symbiotic relationship that benefits both the young people and the elders. Eighteen years later it still flourishes, the statement said.

Chapel Haven volunteers visit with residents and help with activities programs, transportation and assist in creating materials for crafts projects and displays by cutting, sorting and organizing supplies.

The motto of Chapel Haven, Every person is to be treated with respect and dignity, meshed well with the philosophy at the Jewish Home, Where Caring and Tradition Meet, the statement said.

An added program is evolving that bring more pet visits to residents on the nursing units. Cailean Oerkvitz, shown in top photo kneeling, is a graduate of the Chapel Haven program and has a special affinity for animals. He spent time at the local animal shelter where he was trained as a pet therapy facilitator.

Now he is able to make weekly pet visits to residents who express an interest or who have a history of enjoying animals.

“You cannot minimize the impact of these encounter for the residents,” Sharon Louchen, director of Therapeutic Recreation, who coordinates the Pet Therapy programs, said in the statement.

“Non –verbal and withdrawn residents demonstrate visible responses to animals.”

For more information, visit http://www.chapelhaven.org/

He's not quite a baby beluga

2010-02-02T20:49:00.000-08:00

But Inuk is quite beloved by staff and vistors alike at Mystic Aquarium

MYSTIC – Mystic Aquarium, a division of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., reports with "great sadness" that Inuk, a male beluga whale, is experiencing kidney failure.

Animal care staff are working around the clock to monitor and care for Inuk, the facility said in a prepared statement.

The beluga showed a lack of interest in food and a blood test revealed a possible acute infection, further complicated by kidney failure, the statement said.

Since then, Mystic Aquarium’s animal care team has been giving Inuk supplemental fluids in an effort to clear his kidneys, it said.

Dr. Allison Tuttle, staff veterinarian at Mystic Aquarium, with support from Dr. Lawrence Dunn, veterinarian emeritus, has been leading the team monitoring and treating Inuk’s condition, the statement said.
“We have been in frequent contact with other facilities that house belugas, as well as leading experts in nephrology, to share information and provide the best treatment possible,” said Dr. Tracy Romano, senior vice president of research and zoological operations at Sea Research. “We are remaining hopeful that we will be able to restore him back to health.”

Inuk, 28, came to Mystic on an extended breeding loan in 1999 from the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, Wash, the statement said.

Typically, the life span for belugas under human care ranges from 25 to 40 years, the statement said.

This information was provided by Mystic Aquarium. The beluga shown is not Inuk, as he is under the weather.

Must love dogs

2010-01-10T17:58:00.000-08:00

Well, it's not secret that we here at Tesla's Love really love dogs - we love all pets really - but are quite upfront about the dog, um, connection.

That said, you've got to see these dogs, brought to you by Gary Choronzy, from his most amazing and truly great photography, mostly in and around Branford, Conn. An example is shared above of the very handsome Butch.

Enjoy: here

A Recipe for Holiday Disaster!

2009-12-22T15:57:00.000-08:00

A Standard Poodle named Louise. Three large layers of a birthday cake to celebrate an 85th birthday. An author’s book signing. Car keys. The holidays. Disaster.

It should have been another December day.

I was going only 75 miles to my hometown to celebrate my father’s 85th birthday and sign books.

The car was packed with clothes, books, and props. My beautiful poodle Louise was sitting elegantly on the back seat. I had just picked up a confection masterpiece at The Mitchell House and Gardens, the business where I direct weddings. The splendid creation was to be part of a holiday celebration where my sister and I would honor our father, a World War II veteran.

One layer of vanilla cake spread smooth with gleaming white frosting. A second layer of chocolate cake also topped with the same frosting – frosting so calorie laden that the Surgeon General should require it to have a warning label, but so delicious! And one last vanilla layer with almond flavoring, topped with a magnificent bow made from red fondant icing. It was the icing on the icing!

Oh! But lest I forget one lovely detail: Each layer was circled with red velvet ribbon that perfectly matched the fondant bow. I hugged the lady who had baked the cake – Patsy, whom I call our “Cake Goddess.”

After leaving the wedding business, I realized that I needed gasoline. My mind racing ahead to all of the day’s events – sign books, take cake to hall where party was being held, leave Louise with Daddy, dash to mall for makeup, return home, change clothes … and on and on.

I got out of the car in the freezing cold on a day when even the Sunny South was soggy and awful. Just as I started to pump gasoline, I realized that I had left my handbag and keys in the car.

I turned around to open the car door. Louise, who panics when she can’t see me, had moved herself to the driver’s seat. She was standing on the handle of the door. As I reached to open the door, I realized: IT WAS LOCKED! Louise’s paw was pressed firmly on the electric lock, and I was out in the cold – literally and figuratively.

I went to each of the doors and the back of my SUV, hoping against hope, that one of them might be open. No such luck!

With only minutes to spare, I did what anyone would do – dash inside to call AAA and beg them to send someone ASAP. Immediately, the customer service representative asked, “Are you somewhere that you are safe?”

“Yes,” I replied, nervous about those three cake layers in the car with a dog that has a penchant for treats and has been on a diet because of eating too many “snackees.”

After a couple of minutes, the cheerful woman informed me that my AAA membership had expired in October. This was the same membership that my father told me that he had renewed for me, as he does every year, for my birthday. There was no point in arguing that detail, however, because all of that cake AND Louise were in the car. It was a dangerous combination!Fortunately, my credit card was in my pocket, and I re-upped my membership for $69, all the while begging the customer service representative to send the locksmith as quickly as possible.

I returned to the car to see Louise, whose beautiful face was pressed against the driver’s window. She kept pawing at the window. I stood there talking to her and trying to get her to move her paw back to the door lock.

In a few minutes, the convenience store attendant said that someone was on the phone for me. It was AAA cheerfully informing me that a locksmith was on the way. But then came the questions: What color is your car? We noticed that Dr. Petit did not renew his membership, either. Would you like to re-instate his membership for him? I was frantic. Minutes were passing. And Louise was still in the car with the cake!

“Dr. Petit is on his own,” I said in reference to my father, who shouldn’t be driving at all. “And as much as I would love to talk to you, I’ve got to get back to my car. My dog is panicked that she’s locked inside! Please tell the locksmith to hurry!”

I slammed down the phone and ran back to the car, continued talking to Louise, and became convinced with each passing minute that I was going to have frostbite and die before I could get in the car, much less get the cake – still in its glorious frosted state -- to the party!

One hour later, the locksmith arrived. He unlocked the car in no time. Louise was bouncing on the seat with joy that she could be reunited with her Mom, and I breathed a sigh of relief until ….I noticed the red “Door Ajar” light shining brightly on my dashboard. What could be wrong now? It dawned on me – maybe the back gate of the SUV wasn’t totally shut. I pulled off the four-lane road into the large parking lot of a florist. I parked the car, jumped out with keys in hand and hurried to the back of the car. But Louise, panicked that she was being left again, jumped across the back seat and into the back of the SUV where the cake layers lay. As I opened the back gate, I saw Louise coming over the seat.

The three layers of cake that had mercifully survived Louise’s large appetite now were prey to her long legs and large paws. I wanted to cry. Louise was heading out the back of the SUV – she would not be shut up in the car again without me. As I grabbed her leash, she pulled her head out of her collar and began running joyfully through the parking lot of the florist – only a few yards from a heavily traveled four-lane highway.

At this point, the cake was the least of my concerns. I tried not to show my panic as Louise dashed back and forth across the parking lot in exuberant glee. I kept saying, “Come on, Louise, let’s get a snackee. Let’s get a snackee.” The word signaling treats was music to Louise’s ears, and finally she came running toward me. I put my arms around her and quickly put her green and rhinestone Christmas collar around her neck.

At this point, people in the florist had begun running to the parking lot, as concerned as I was about the poodle that was loose and in danger!

“Bless her heart,” one lady said. “She didn’t want to get a shot.”

I stared blankly at her: What was she talking about? I looked up. Next door, a Pet-Med van was set up to give dogs their shots! The poor woman thought that Louise had escaped from the veterinarian’s needle! I had neither the time nor the desire to tell her otherwise.

If only it had been so simple, I wanted to say.

I waved goodbye to everyone standing in the parking lot and put Louise in the car. My knees and legs felt like Jello that had been left out on a holiday buffet way too long. I had no energy, no oomph! What brief vision I had of the cake as I was trying to grab Louise from leaving the back of the car told me that the damage wasn’t irreparable. I called my sister frantically. I told her about the disaster.

“Go buy some vanilla icing at the grocery store, and we’ll fix the cake when I get to Greenwood.”

Fortunately, Louise and I got to Greenwood without further incident. I changed clothes in the bathroom of the bookstore, put out my props and hoped to sell books. It wasn’t one of my better book signings. But I didn’t care! Louise was safe, I was warm, and the cake would be OK.

Later, my sister and I were able to repair the cake, even though a small area of the chocolate layer had fallen off. I simply treated the cake icing like glue and slapped the cake together again, turning the ugly area to the back. When it came time to serve the cake, I cut off the section that had fallen victim to Louise’s paw and smiled happily. My father was surprised and thrilled.

Guests kept asking, “Who made that wonderful cake?” I left the party with cake icing adorning my clothes. But who cares? It’s simply one more holiday adventure and another saga in my life with Louise!

Merry Christmas, Karen and Lady Louise

P.S. The photo was taken at the book signing, just a couple of hours after Louise locked me out of the car. Through it all, she was absolutely gorgeous and unremorseful, as any diva would be!

AARF gives animals something to bark about

2009-12-08T10:20:00.000-08:00

And there is bound to be a happy meow or two too.

Amity Animal Rescue Fund, Inc. is working to bring holiday cheer to residents of Bethany, Orange and Woodbridge, Conn. who need help to feed their four-legged companion animals
AARF is aa non profit 501c3 volunteer organization, and is working on the project with the human service agencies in the Amity area.
Residents interested in obtaining additional information on holiday care packages should contact their town’s human services agency. All calls will be kept confidential.
For more information, call :Orange: 203-891-4788; Woodbridge: 203-389-3429 Bethany: 203-393-2100 Ext. 124.

AARF also is introducing a spay/neuter program for Bethany, Orange and Woodbridge cats starting Jan. 1.
AARF has partnered with several local veterinarians to offer a dramatically reduced rate of $65 per cat, which also includes a rabies inoculation. The program is for domestic and feral cats.
For information call 203-389-1996 or e-mail Amityarf@yahoo.com.

Is your dog smarter than an average 2-year-old?

2009-11-02T09:55:00.000-08:00

She just might be

Think you know a lot about dogs? If you are reading Tesla's Love, you probably do. But it appears there is a whole lot people might not know about our faithful canine companions and the jury is still out on just how smart man's best friend really is, from a truly scientific point of view. We know we get incredible intuition along with doses of incredible love and affection, but dogs around the world also are learning to help people who suffer from myriad conditions, including anxiety, epilepsy and depression.

A story in Sunday's New York Times says, "over the last several years a growing body of evidence, culled from small scientific studies of dogs’ abilities to do things like detect cancer or seizures, solve complex problems (complex for a dog, anyway), and learn language suggests that they may know more than we thought they did."

Surprised? We're not.

Read the full story here.

Is your pet a fraidy cat?

2009-10-22T15:44:00.000-07:00

Haunted House Fundraiser for the Animals

Wags & Whiskers Animal Welfare group will have its annual halloween haunted house from dusk to 10 p.m. Oct. 31 at 242 First Ave. in West Haven, Conn.
All proceeds will benefit homeless animals.
For more information, check out the Web site at www.terroronfirstave.com or e-mail info@terroronfirstave.com.
Volunteers, hardware supplies and candy donations are being accepted.

The story of Adam and Eve's pets

2009-10-21T15:02:00.000-07:00

Adam and Eve said, 'Lord, when we were in the garden, you walked with us every day. Now we do not see you any more. We are lonesome here, and it is difficult for us to remember how much you love us.'
And God said, "I will create a companion for you that will be with you and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will love me even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourselves.'
And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam and Eve.
And it was a good animal.
And God was pleased.
And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and Eve and he wagged his tail.
And Adam said, 'Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and I cannot think of a name for this new animal.'
And God said, 'I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him DOG.'

And Dog lived with Adam and Eve and was a companion to them and loved them.
And they were comforted
And God was pleased.
And Dog was content and wagged his tail.
After a while, it came to pass that an angel came to the Lord and said, 'Lord, Adam and Eve have become filled with pride. They strut and preen like peacocks and they believe they are worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught them that they are loved, but perhaps too well.'
And God said, I will create for them a companion who will be with them and who will see them as they are. The companion will remind them of their limitations, so they will know that they are not always worthy of adoration.'
And God created CAT to be a companion to Adam and Eve.

And Cat would not obey them. And when Adam and Eve gazed into Cat's eyes, they were reminded that they were not the supreme beings.
And Adam and Eve learned humility.
And they were greatly improved.
And God was pleased
And Dog was happy...

And Cat didn't give a hoot one way or the other...

Editor's note: This little parable was sent by Bridget. As there is no indication where it came from, Tesla's Love is borrowing it, with a nod to the author, wherever the author might be. The photo of the doghouse, taken in Winchester, Conn., is courtesy of dear friend Daithi Houlihan Borges. It once was a house to a very precious dog.

Your chance to help

2009-10-06T13:42:00.000-07:00

The Wags & Whiskers Animal Welfare Group will hold a benefit night from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 15 at T.G.I. Friday's, 348 Boston Post Raod, Orange. Twenty percent of the evening proceeds (excluding alcohol, tax, and gratuity) will be donated to Wags & Whiskers Animal Welfare.
To help the cause, a benefit night flier must be presented. To obtain the flier or for more information, call Jim at 937-3642 or e-mail pounddogs@yahoo.com

Is your pet ready for its closeup?

2009-09-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

You have a pet and you know it's the cutest of its kind. But pets are way more than just a pretty face and a new pet-themed film festival aims to prove it - possibly with your help.

Soul Friends, Inc, a statewide nonprofit psychotherapy and educational organization that helps at risk children with interactive activities, including therapy animals, will premiere its first pet-themed film festival from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 21 at Showcase Cinemas in North Haven. The charity is asking for submissions of short films that demonstrate how animals help people feel better.

“We regularly experience the healing power of animals in our daily work with children and adolescents,” Kate Nicoll, , executive director of Soul Friends, Inc., said in a statement. “By hosting this mainstream inaugural film festival, we hope to show the entire state of Connecticut what our clients have already learned…life is more enriching interacting with animals.”

To officially enter the Petflix Film Festival, pet lovers and aspiring filmmakers are encouraged to submit a video that is less than five 5 long, or within the 5-10 minute category.

An independent panel of judges will score the film shorts based on originality, cinematography, message and overall theme, the statement said. The top three entries from each category will then be screened as part of the two-hour film festival. Participants may submit more than one entry, the statement said.

“Besides seeing some of Connecticut’s new shining stars on the big screen, attendees will also learn about local animal rescue groups, animal sanctuaries and other non-profit organizations that promote and preserve the healing benefits of the animal-human bond,” Nicoll said in the statement.

The entry fees for a Petflix film short submission is $15. Tickets to the event are $5 in advance and $8 the day of the show. Visit http://www.soul-friends.org/ to register and for more information.

Soul Friends, Inc. has since 2003 "served more than 3,000 children impacted by grief, trauma, loss and/or social emotional challenges by integrating nature and animals in individual or group psychotherapy," the statement said. Services include interactive animal assisted psychotherapy, dog training for special needs children, equine assisted psychotherapy and crisis response therapy dogs, it said.

The Best Bad Dog

2009-09-01T15:46:00.000-07:00

By Melanie Stengel

Harlie was not a good dog, but then I doubt that was ever one of her aspirations.
A rat terrier of more than dubious pedigree, she was born in the barn of a dog warden in Sommers, Conn. Harlie's mother was one of about 70 dogs rescued from a breeder/hoarder.
After my son and I looked at a dozen or so equally adorable puppies, I asked the dog warden "Which one has the most personality?"
She pointed without hesitation, "That little brown and white one."
So began a 12-year relationship that often caused me to lament my use of the word "most" over "best."
I could spend hours cataloging reasons to exclude Harlie from the Good Dog Club, but here are a few lowlights:
Harlie was a thief. Pocketbooks, jackets hung on doorknobs (making the pockets accessible), anything on a low lying table, were all fair game.
I once reached into my jacket to pay for an order at Dunkin' Donuts and found that I had no cash. A wad of bills later turned up under the bed.
Harlie was destructive. Shoes, furniture, underwear, writing implements, and rubber bands, were all part of the Harlie buffet. I once made the mistake of leaving my purse on the coffee table (see thief) and came downstairs to find a small dog wearing a lovely coral lipstick smile, smearing a chewed up tube of mascara all over the beige sofa. I grabbed the cushion covers and raced to the basement washing machine.
When I came back, one foam rubber cushion had already been shredded.
Harlie was disobedient. Despite the training that comes with the installation of an invisible fence, Harlie learned that if she ran fast enough she could break out of the yard without getting zapped. For some reason she could not apply this principal to getting back in. In her last year of life, too old and sick to make a getaway, Harlie would carry her ball to the driveway, drop it, and watch it roll past the invisible fence line. She would then bark until I brought it back. Reverse fetch - a perfect metaphor for our relationship. (The spring after her death, a single sprig of Queen Anne's Lace grew where Harlie's ball crossed the invisible fence line. It has not bloomed anywhere in the yard since.)
Harlie jumped out of a moving car and passed me on the street (she rolled down the electric window), stole a co- worker's bag lunch, and generally behaved in a way that led my friends to (somewhat) affectionately refer to her as "The Dog from Hell."
If it seems that I'm maligning a creature who was never able to speak for herself, let me assure you that I'm forever grateful that I got to share my life with this 16 lb. "Terrierist."
What Harlie lacked in goodness she more than made up for with what I can only inadequately call a zest for life.
Because of her inbreeding, Harlie suffered from myriad health problems. She took daily medication for Addison's disease. She had major dental problems that required her to wear a plastic cone on her head for four months. In a typical Harlie move, the day that the cone was removed, she chomped on a rock in the back yard, breaking her healing jaw. Said jaw was wired shut, the cone reinstalled, and I had to feed her through a stomach tube for the next three months.
Yet, through all of this, she attempted to hunt squirrels.
Finally, Harlie developed a truly horrible condition know as protein losing enteropathy. After local vets were unable to determine the cause, she was transferred to an intensive care facility in Norwalk. When I went to visit I found her lying shaved, shaking, with IV and feeding tubes. Maybe I should have let her go then, but she rose, and with what little strength she had, walked to the open cage door and stood with her forehead pressed to mine. For another week she endured more testing as well as blood and albumen transfusions. Finally, with no conclusions or hope, I brought her home to die. That night we lay together on the family room couch. Sometimes I would doze and wake to check her breathing. At 6 a.m. surprised to find her still sleeping peacefully, I slipped away to the kitchen to make myself some coffee. I heard a thud and turned, expecting the worst. There was Harlie, standing in the doorway looking for breakfast. For reasons no one could figure out, Harlie recovered much of her strength and lived for another nine months. I was going through a very low point in my life, and maybe she felt that she needed to see me through.
Ironically, the night that I returned, feeling renewed, from a retreat in the mountains of North Carolina, Harlie suffered a relapse. The vet offered to keep her for the night, but his office was cold and a storm was coming. Harlie hated both cold and storms, so I brought her home. We sacked out together on the family room couch for the last time.
I've heard the saying that all dogs go to heaven. If there is a heaven, I hope it's true. Heaven needs a dog like Harlie. I picture a heaven full of "good dogs" (think golden retrievers) being about as boring as the human equivalent of folks sitting around on clouds playing harps. When I was a child, my grandmother told me that a flash of lightning was a brief glance into Heaven. Now I like to think it's Harlie dashing through the invisible fence.

Prison pups

2009-08-12T11:58:00.000-07:00

In a doggone to jail tale, NPR is reporting that there is a prison program that teams inmates with pups, to teach the four-legged students skills such a bomb sniffing and how to be service dogs. Nearly 500 dogs have been trained in the program, the story says.
While prison is not a pleasant place, it's doubtful the pups find it anything but a place where they get a lot of attention, love and a good education.

Read the full story here

Cats rule

2009-07-13T14:59:00.000-07:00

At least when it comes to their people

While Tesla's Love tends to be a little canine centered, there is no intent to give any other pet short shrift. Especially not cats.
Everyone knows better.
And now, thanks to results of a study published in the July 14 issue of the journal Current Biology, and our friend Pam Landry, who posted a story about this study on Facebook, we know for sure cats rule.
The study, according to the story Pam posted, taken from Yahoo News, found that household cats exert control "with a certain type of urgent-sounding, high-pitched meow, according to the findings of the study.
"This meow is actually a purr mixed with a high-pitched cry. While people usually think of cat purring as a sign of happiness, some cats make this purr-cry sound when they want to be fed. The study showed that humans find these mixed calls annoying and difficult to ignore," the story said.
Sound familiar?
"Previous research has shown similarities between cat cries and human infant cries," the story goes on to say.
A lot of this purring results in the cats getting fed - can we blame them? And some veterinarians point out that cats living together without people rarely make sounds to each other, leading to the conclusion that cats might vocalize just to get us to do their bidding. And we do.
That's a good gig if you can get it - and might just beat having to constantly wag your tail.

Thanks Pam!

Wildlife can be a threat to pets

2009-07-13T07:23:00.000-07:00

Losing a pet is always heartbreaking and for one Woodbridge family that pain is compounded by the fact that their dog, Teddy, might have been snatched by a coyote. The adorable 6-pound Yorkshire Terrier has been missing since July 6 and the Leibowitz family saw a coyote near their house that night. The local animal control officer says coyotes, fishers, bobcats and raccoons also are in the area and can pose a threat to pets, so he can't be sure what occurred.

Read the full story in the New Haven Register: he re

It's a petapalooza

2009-07-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

Pet Rescue: 400 dogs, cats up for adoption starting today in North Haven, Connecticut

Connecticut chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is trying to cut down on the 9.6 million animals the American Humane Association says go unadopted in shelters are euthanized in the United States each year.

Read the full story in the New Haven Register here

A Twain Tale of tails

2009-06-11T08:53:00.000-07:00

A Dog's Tale
By Mark Twain

Chapter I

My father was a St. Bernard, my mother was a collie, but I am a Presbyterian. This is what my mother told me, I do not know these nice distinctions myself. To me they are only fine large words meaning nothing. My mother had a fondness for such; she liked to say them, and see other dogs look surprised and envious, as wondering how she got so much education. But, indeed, it was not real education; it was only show: she got the words by listening in the dining-room and drawing-room when there was company, and by going with the children to Sunday-school and listening there; and whenever she heard a large word she said it over to herself many times, and so was able to keep it until there was a dogmatic gathering in the neighborhood, then she would get it off, and surprise and distress them all, from pocket-pup to mastiff, which rewarded her for all her trouble. If there was a stranger he was nearly sure to be suspicious, and when he got his breath again he would ask her what it meant. And she always told him. He was never expecting this but thought he would catch her; so when she told him, he was the one that looked ashamed, whereas he had thought it was going to be she. The others were always waiting for this, and glad of it and proud of her, for they knew what was going to happen, because they had had experience. When she told the meaning of a big word they were all so taken up with admiration that it never occurred to any dog to doubt if it was the right one; and that was natural, because, for one thing, she answered up so promptly that it seemed like a dictionary speaking, and for another thing, where could they find out whether it was right or not? for she was the only cultivated dog there was. By and by, when I was older, she brought home the word Unintellectual, one time, and worked it pretty hard all the week at different gatherings, making much unhappiness and despondency; and it was at this time that I noticed that during that week she was asked for the meaning at eight different assemblages, and flashed out a fresh definition every time, which showed me that she had more presence of mind than culture, though I said nothing, of course. She had one word which she always kept on hand, and ready, like a life-preserver, a kind of emergency word to strap on when she was likely to get washed overboard in a sudden way--that was the word Synonymous. When she happened to fetch out a long word which had had its day weeks before and its prepared meanings gone to her dump-pile, if there was a stranger there of course it knocked him groggy for a couple of minutes, then he would come to, and by that time she would be away down wind on another tack, and not expecting anything; so when he'd hail and ask her to cash in, I (the only dog on the inside of her game) could see her canvas flicker a moment --but only just a moment--then it would belly out taut and full, and she would say, as calm as a summer's day, "It's synonymous with supererogation," or some godless long reptile of a word like that, and go placidly about and skim away on the next tack, perfectly comfortable, you know, and leave that stranger looking profane and embarrassed, and the initiated slatting the floor with their tails in unison and their faces transfigured with a holy joy.
And it was the same with phrases. She would drag home a whole phrase, if it had a grand sound, and play it six nights and two matinees, and explain it a new way every time--which she had to, for all she cared for was the phrase; she wasn't interested in what it meant, and knew those dogs hadn't wit enough to catch her, anyway. Yes, she was a daisy! She got so she wasn't afraid of anything, she had such confidence in the ignorance of those creatures. She even brought anecdotes that she had heard the family and the dinner-guests laugh and shout over; and as a rule she got the nub of one chestnut hitched onto another chestnut, where, of course, it didn't fit and hadn't any point; and when she delivered the nub she fell over and rolled on the floor and laughed and barked in the most insane way, while I could see that she was wondering to herself why it didn't seem as funny as it did when she first heard it. But no harm was done; the others rolled and barked too, privately ashamed of themselves for not seeing the point, and never suspecting that the fault was not with them and there wasn't any to see.
You can see by these things that she was of a rather vain and frivolous character; still, she had virtues, and enough to make up, I think. She had a kind heart and gentle ways, and never harbored resentments for injuries done her, but put them easily out of her mind and forgot them; and she taught her children her kindly way, and from her we learned also to be brave and prompt in time of danger, and not to run away, but face the peril that threatened friend or stranger, and help him the best we could without stopping to think what the cost might be to us. And she taught us not by words only, but by example, and that is the best way and the surest and the most lasting. Why, the brave things she did, the splendid things! she was just a soldier; and so modest about it--well, you couldn't help admiring her, and you couldn't help imitating her; not even a King Charles spaniel could remain entirely despicable in her society. So, as you see, there was more to her than her education.

Chapter II

When I was well grown, at last, I was sold and taken away, and I never saw her again. She was broken-hearted, and so was I, and we cried; but she comforted me as well as she could, and said we were sent into this world for a wise and good purpose, and must do our duties without repining, take our life as we might find it, live it for the best good of others, and never mind about the results; they were not our affair. She said men who did like this would have a noble and beautiful reward by and by in another world, and although we animals would not go there, to do well and right without reward would give to our brief lives a worthiness and dignity which in itself would be a reward. She had gathered these things from time to time when she had gone to the Sunday-school with the children, and had laid them up in her memory more carefully than she had done with those other words and phrases; and she had studied them deeply, for her good and ours. One may see by this that she had a wise and thoughtful head, for all there was so much lightness and vanity in it.
So we said our farewells, and looked our last upon each other through our tears; and the last thing she said--keeping it for the last to make me remember it the better, I think--was, "In memory of me, when there is a time of danger to another do not think of yourself, think of your mother, and do as she would do."
Do you think I could forget that? No.

Chapter III

It was such a charming home!--my new one; a fine great house, with pictures, and delicate decorations, and rich furniture, and no gloom anywhere, but all the wilderness of dainty colors lit up with flooding sunshine; and the spacious grounds around it, and the great garden--oh, greensward, and noble trees, and flowers, no end! And I was the same as a member of the family; and they loved me, and petted me, and did not give me a new name, but called me by my old one that was dear to me because my mother had given it me --Aileen Mavoureen. She got it out of a song; and the Grays knew that song, and said it was a beautiful name.
Mrs. Gray was thirty, and so sweet and so lovely, you cannot imagine it; and Sadie was ten, and just like her mother, just a darling slender little copy of her, with auburn tails down her back, and short frocks; and the baby was a year old, and plump and dimpled, and fond of me, and never could get enough of hauling on my tail, and hugging me, and laughing out its innocent happiness; and Mr. Gray was thirty-eight, and tall and slender and handsome, a little bald in front, alert, quick in his movements, business-like, prompt, decided, unsentimental, and with that kind of trim-chiseled face that just seems to glint and sparkle with frosty intellectuality! He was a renowned scientist. I do not know what the word means, but my mother would know how to use it and get effects. She would know how to depress a rat-terrier with it and make a lap-dog look sorry he came. But that is not the best one; the best one was Laboratory. My mother could organize a Trust on that one that would skin the tax-collars off the whole herd. The laboratory was not a book, or a picture, or a place to wash your hands in, as the college president's dog said--no, that is the lavatory; the laboratory is quite different, and is filled with jars, and bottles, and electrics, and wires, and strange machines; and every week other scientists came there and sat in the place, and used the machines, and discussed, and made what they called experiments and discoveries; and often I came, too, and stood around and listened, and tried to learn, for the sake of my mother, and in loving memory of her, although it was a pain to me, as realizing what she was losing out of her life and I gaining nothing at all; for try as I might, I was never able to make anything out of it at all.
Other times I lay on the floor in the mistress's work-room and slept, she gently using me for a foot-stool, knowing it pleased me, for it was a caress; other times I spent an hour in the nursery, and got well tousled and made happy; other times I watched by the crib there, when the baby was asleep and the nurse out for a few minutes on the baby's affairs; other times I romped and raced through the grounds and the garden with Sadie till we were tired out, then slumbered on the grass in the shade of a tree while she read her book; other times I went visiting among the neighbor dogs --for there were some most pleasant ones not far away, and one very handsome and courteous and graceful one, a curly-haired Irish setter by the name of Robin Adair, who was a Presbyterian like me, and belonged to the Scotch minister.
The servants in our house were all kind to me and were fond of me, and so, as you see, mine was a pleasant life. There could not be a happier dog that I was, nor a gratefuler one. I will say this for myself, for it is only the truth: I tried in all ways to do well and right, and honor my mother's memory and her teachings, and earn the happiness that had come to me, as best I could.
By and by came my little puppy, and then my cup was full, my happiness was perfect. It was the dearest little waddling thing, and so smooth and soft and velvety, and had such cunning little awkward paws, and such affectionate eyes, and such a sweet and innocent face; and it made me so proud to see how the children and their mother adored it, and fondled it, and exclaimed over every little wonderful thing it did. It did seem to me that life was just too lovely to--
Then came the winter. One day I was standing a watch in the nursery. That is to say, I was asleep on the bed. The baby was asleep in the crib, which was alongside the bed, on the side next the fireplace. It was the kind of crib that has a lofty tent over it made of gauzy stuff that you can see through. The nurse was out, and we two sleepers were alone. A spark from the wood-fire was shot out, and it lit on the slope of the tent. I suppose a quiet interval followed, then a scream from the baby awoke me, and there was that tent flaming up toward the ceiling! Before I could think, I sprang to the floor in my fright, and in a second was half-way to the door; but in the next half-second my mother's farewell was sounding in my ears, and I was back on the bed again., I reached my head through the flames and dragged the baby out by the waist-band, and tugged it along, and we fell to the floor together in a cloud of smoke; I snatched a new hold, and dragged the screaming little creature along and out at the door and around the bend of the hall, and was still tugging away, all excited and happy and proud, when the master's voice shouted:
"Begone you cursed beast!" and I jumped to save myself; but he was furiously quick, and chased me up, striking furiously at me with his cane, I dodging this way and that, in terror, and at last a strong blow fell upon my left foreleg, which made me shriek and fall, for the moment, helpless; the cane went up for another blow, but never descended, for the nurse's voice rang wildly out, "The nursery's on fire!" and the master rushed away in that direction, and my other bones were saved.
The pain was cruel, but, no matter, I must not lose any time; he might come back at any moment; so I limped on three legs to the other end of the hall, where there was a dark little stairway leading up into a garret where old boxes and such things were kept, as I had heard say, and where people seldom went. I managed to climb up there, then I searched my way through the dark among the piles of things, and hid in the secretest place I could find. It was foolish to be afraid there, yet still I was; so afraid that I held in and hardly even whimpered, though it would have been such a comfort to whimper, because that eases the pain, you know. But I could lick my leg, and that did some good.
For half an hour there was a commotion downstairs, and shoutings, and rushing footsteps, and then there was quiet again. Quiet for some minutes, and that was grateful to my spirit, for then my fears began to go down; and fears are worse than pains--oh, much worse. Then came a sound that froze me. They were calling me--calling me by name--hunting for me!
It was muffled by distance, but that could not take the terror out of it, and it was the most dreadful sound to me that I had ever heard. It went all about, everywhere, down there: along the halls, through all the rooms, in both stories, and in the basement and the cellar; then outside, and farther and farther away--then back, and all about the house again, and I thought it would never, never stop. But at last it did, hours and hours after the vague twilight of the garret had long ago been blotted out by black darkness.
Then in that blessed stillness my terrors fell little by little away, and I was at peace and slept. It was a good rest I had, but I woke before the twilight had come again. I was feeling fairly comfortable, and I could think out a plan now. I made a very good one; which was, to creep down, all the way down the back stairs, and hide behind the cellar door, and slip out and escape when the iceman came at dawn, while he was inside filling the refrigerator; then I would hide all day, and start on my journey when night came; my journey to--well, anywhere where they would not know me and betray me to the master. I was feeling almost cheerful now; then suddenly I thought: Why, what would life be without my puppy!
That was despair. There was no plan for me; I saw that; I must say where I was; stay, and wait, and take what might come --it was not my affair; that was what life is--my mother had said it. Then--well, then the calling began again! All my sorrows came back. I said to myself, the master will never forgive. I did not know what I had done to make him so bitter and so unforgiving, yet I judged it was something a dog could not understand, but which was clear to a man and dreadful.
They called and called--days and nights, it seemed to me. So long that the hunger and thirst near drove me mad, and I recognized that I was getting very weak. When you are this way you sleep a great deal, and I did. Once I woke in an awful fright --it seemed to me that the calling was right there in the garret! And so it was: it was Sadie's voice, and she was crying; my name was falling from her lips all broken, poor thing, and I could not believe my ears for the joy of it when I heard her say:
"Come back to us--oh, come back to us, and forgive--it is all so sad without our--"
I broke in with SUCH a grateful little yelp, and the next moment Sadie was plunging and stumbling through the darkness and the lumber and shouting for the family to hear, "She's found, she's found!"
The days that followed--well, they were wonderful. The mother and Sadie and the servants--why, they just seemed to worship me. They couldn't seem to make me a bed that was fine enough; and as for food, they couldn't be satisfied with anything but game and delicacies that were out of season; and every day the friends and neighbors flocked in to hear about my heroism--that was the name they called it by, and it means agriculture. I remember my mother pulling it on a kennel once, and explaining it in that way, but didn't say what agriculture was, except that it was synonymous with intramural incandescence; and a dozen times a day Mrs. Gray and Sadie would tell the tale to new-comers, and say I risked my life to say the baby's, and both of us had burns to prove it, and then the company would pass me around and pet me and exclaim about me, and you could see the pride in the eyes of Sadie and her mother; and when the people wanted to know what made me limp, they looked ashamed and changed the subject, and sometimes when people hunted them this way and that way with questions about it, it looked to me as if they were going to cry.
And this was not all the glory; no, the master's friends came, a whole twenty of the most distinguished people, and had me in the laboratory, and discussed me as if I was a kind of discovery; and some of them said it was wonderful in a dumb beast, the finest exhibition of instinct they could call to mind; but the master said, with vehemence, "It's far above instinct; it's REASON, and many a man, privileged to be saved and go with you and me to a better world by right of its possession, has less of it that this poor silly quadruped that's foreordained to perish"; and then he laughed, and said: "Why, look at me--I'm a sarcasm! bless you, with all my grand intelligence, the only think I inferred was that the dog had gone mad and was destroying the child, whereas but for the beast's intelligence--it's REASON, I tell you!--the child would have perished!"
They disputed and disputed, and _I_ was the very center of subject of it all, and I wished my mother could know that this grand honor had come to me; it would have made her proud.
Then they discussed optics, as they called it, and whether a certain injury to the brain would produce blindness or not, but they could not agree about it, and said they must test it by experiment by and by; and next they discussed plants, and that interested me, because in the summer Sadie and I had planted seeds--I helped her dig the holes, you know--and after days and days a little shrub or a flower came up there, and it was a wonder how that could happen; but it did, and I wished I could talk--I would have told those people about it and shown then how much I knew, and been all alive with the subject; but I didn't care for the optics; it was dull, and when they came back to it again it bored me, and I went to sleep.
Pretty soon it was spring, and sunny and pleasant and lovely, and the sweet mother and the children patted me and the puppy good-by, and went away on a journey and a visit to their kin, and the master wasn't any company for us, but we played together and had good times, and the servants were kind and friendly, so we got along quite happily and counted the days and waited for the family.
And one day those men came again, and said, now for the test, and they took the puppy to the laboratory, and I limped three-leggedly along, too, feeling proud, for any attention shown to the puppy was a pleasure to me, of course. They discussed and experimented, and then suddenly the puppy shrieked, and they set him on the floor, and he went staggering around, with his head all bloody, and the master clapped his hands and shouted:
"There, I've won--confess it! He's a blind as a bat!"
And they all said:
"It's so--you've proved your theory, and suffering humanity owes you a great debt from henceforth," and they crowded around him, and wrung his hand cordially and thankfully, and praised him.
But I hardly saw or heard these things, for I ran at once to my little darling, and snuggled close to it where it lay, and licked the blood, and it put its head against mine, whimpering softly, and I knew in my heart it was a comfort to it in its pain and trouble to feel its mother's touch, though it could not see me. Then it dropped down, presently, and its little velvet nose rested upon the floor, and it was still, and did not move any more.
Soon the master stopped discussing a moment, and rang in the footman, and said, "Bury it in the far corner of the garden," and then went on with the discussion, and I trotted after the footman, very happy and grateful, for I knew the puppy was out of its pain now, because it was asleep. We went far down the garden to the farthest end, where the children and the nurse and the puppy and I used to play in the summer in the shade of a great elm, and there the footman dug a hole, and I saw he was going to plant the puppy, and I was glad, because it would grow and come up a fine handsome dog, like Robin Adair, and be a beautiful surprise for the family when they came home; so I tried to help him dig, but my lame leg was no good, being stiff, you know, and you have to have two, or it is no use. When the footman had finished and covered little Robin up, he patted my head, and there were tears in his eyes, and he said: "Poor little doggie, you saved HIS child!"
I have watched two whole weeks, and he doesn't come up! This last week a fright has been stealing upon me. I think there is something terrible about this. I do not know what it is, but the fear makes me sick, and I cannot eat, though the servants bring me the best of food; and they pet me so, and even come in the night, and cry, and say, "Poor doggie--do give it up and come home; DON'T break our hearts!" and all this terrifies me the more, and makes me sure something has happened. And I am so weak; since yesterday I cannot stand on my feet anymore. And within this hour the servants, looking toward the sun where it was sinking out of sight and the night chill coming on, said things I could not understand, but they carried something cold to my heart.
"Those poor creatures! They do not suspect. They will come home in the morning, and eagerly ask for the little doggie that did the brave deed, and who of us will be strong enough to say the truth to them: 'The humble little friend is gone where go the beasts that perish.'"

Editor's note: This was sent by a good friend to Tesla's Love, John Jesus Crisis Burroughs. It is a story in the public domain and he thought us T-Lovers would enjoy it. Thanks John! http://crisisblog.crisischronicles.com/

Darwin on dogs

2009-06-02T10:36:00.001-07:00

Lassie like you've never seen her

We all know people created dogs. What Tesla's Love wants to know is: what role did dogs play in the evolution of humans? That's for another story.

Meanwhile, according to a statement from a place we all know and love, the domestication of dogs "played a strong role in shaping Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution."
And now and canine domestication is featured prominently in Darwin: 150 Years of Evolutionary Thinking on view at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Ave., New Haven, Conn., through Labor Day.
A statement by the museum says, "Darwin believed that our knowledge of “variation under domestication” offered strong clues to test his ideas about evolution. Since it was commonly known that the dog was descended from wild ancestors, Darwin connected what was known about how traits emerged and were passed on with what breeders did to refine the characteristics that produced such an astonishing range of breeds."
Further, "As Darwin noted, breeders “can largely influence the character of a breed by selecting, in each successive generation, individual differences so slight as to be inappreciable except by an educated eye. This unconscious process of selection has been the great agency in the formation of the most distinct and useful breeds."
According to the statement, Among dogs whose skeletons are featured in the exhibition is the Siberian husky “Togo,” a famous sled dog who led a team more than 260 miles to bring much needed serum to the residents of Nome, Alaska, during the 1925 diphtheria outbreak. Others are the Saint Bernard “Pythagoras Junior o’ Berncrest;” “Lassie of Dothayn,” a champion Scottish deerhound; “Papillon,” a toy spaniel; and the dachshund “Racker von Luitspoldheim.”

The exhibit features two films produced for the exhibition: "Darwin’s Revolution Comes to America" and "Darwin’s Legacy Today." The latter demonstrates great strides in evolutionary research and how its occurrence is much more rapid than Darwin ever imagined, the m useum said. “Whereas Darwin believed evolution was a gradual process, we now know that it can occur very rapidly, in fact in lock step with the environment,” David Skelly, exhibition curator and professor of ecology in the Yale School of Forestry, said in the museum's statement.

P.S. There also are two live specimens of the cane toad are on view in the exhibition. Anyone who has ever watched Steve Irwin knows the havoc the little hoppers wreaked on Australia. Also featured is the specimen, Hesperornis regalis, largely "responsible for Darwin’s recognition of Othniel C. Marsh, Yale paleontologist, professor and nephew of Peabody Museum founder George Peabody, for unearthing “most important evidence” in support if evolution. The specimen, a late Cretaceous “toothed bird” discovered by Marsh in Kansas, was one of the “intermediate forms” Darwin sought to link extinct lineages with those that developed into modern species," the museum statement says.

The exhibition is on view10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $5-7 with children under 3 free. The Museum is closed July 4 but open Labor Day.

NOTE: The first photo is two of the champion dogs whose skeletons are featured in the Darwin exhibition: Lassie of Dothayn and Racker von Luitspoldheim. The second is of the toothed bird discovered by O.C. Marsh that was one of the “intermediate forms” Darwin sought to link extinct lineages with those that developed into modern species. Photos by the Peabody's own Public Relations & Marketing Manager Melanie Brigockas.

Truly important news

2009-05-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Jim Vitelli, pet owners across Greater New Haven will be able to obtain low-cost rabies vaccines.

A low cost rabies clinic, sponsored by Wags and Whiskers, TLC, will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday May 30, at Pet Supplies Plus, 471 Boston Post Road, Orange, Conn.
The cost is $10 per vaccine and pet owners should bring previous a rabies certificate to receive a 3-year booster. Cats must be in carriers and dogs must be on leashes. For more information, please e-mail or call Jim Vitelli at pounddogs@yahoo.com or (203)937-3642.

Take your dog for a walk!

2009-05-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

You will be in good company and help a great cause

The 2009 Walk for Fidelco fundraising event will be held from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16 at the Manchester Community College, Great Path, Manchester. More than 2,000 people and hundreds of dogs walked last year in support of the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation and this year, an Honor/Memorial trail, complete with rose bushes, will pay tribute to special people and four-legged friends, organizers said.

The event is free and open to the public.

Fidelco is New England’s only guide dog school and has 53 Connecticut clients; 20 of whom live in the greater Hartford area. It also has clients in 33 other states and four provinces in Canada.

Schedule of events:
8:30a.m.: Opening Ceremony-Fidelco staff; clients and guide dogs; and The First Governor’s Foot Guard kick off the 2009 Walk for Fidelco.

10:15 a.m.: Foster families and training staff will demonstration the skills Fidelco dogs learn from puppy-hood to becoming guide dogs.

11:00 a.m.: Closing ceremony-Fidelco says “thank you” for taking a few extra steps to help men and women who are blind make great strides along the road to independence with Fidelco guide dogs at their sides.

For more information, visit http://www.walkforfidelco.org/

A purr-fect way to honor the memory of an animal lover

2009-05-05T11:08:00.000-07:00

In a tribute to The Purr Project‘s guardian angel, the group has created an academic scholarship honoring Suzan D’Antonio.
D’Antonio, shown, a veterinary technician and animal lover, died in March 2008. On her behalf, her family and friends donated almost $4,000 to the Purr Project.
Through the donations, The Purr Project was put on a totally different trajectory in a year that saw rapidly declining budgets, and service cuts, according to a statement.
To honor D’Antonio’s memory and carry on her work of caring for animals, The Purr Project, Inc. will grant a yearly $1,000 academic scholarship to eligible college students and incoming freshmen enrolled in a veterinary technology or pre-vet program. Named the Suzan D’Antonio Full Bucket Scholarship, after the New York Times bestselling book "How Full is Your Bucket?," the scholarship will be awarded to those who have demonstrated the notion of filling buckets and therefore giving back to animals who have no voice, the statement said.
The $1,000 scholarship is meant to "support the supporter" by being available for books, supplies, meal plans, and certain fees that many other scholarships do not cover.
Complete eligibility requirements are still being formulated but will be based on: a history of giving back to animals (filling buckets), need, and GPA, among other factors. Special consideration may be given to students who attend institutions regionally, but students nationwide are encouraged to apply.
The annual award will be granted for the first time in the summer 2009 for the 2009-10 school year. Applications will be available through most college and high school counselors’ office by May 11, online at purrproject.org/D’Antonio as of May 4, or by calling The Purr Project, Inc. at (203) 865-0878. The deadline for submitting applications for consideration is August 3, 2009.
The program will be administered by The Purr Project Foundation, a volunteer group that will also include members of the D’Antonio family. Donations to the foundation can be made with a credit card or Paypal through the Purr Project, Inc web site at www.purrproject.org, or sending a check or money order to The Purr Project Foundation. 843 State St. New Haven, Conn., 06511.
As with The Purr Project rescue group, The Purr Project Foundation is staffed by an all volunteer force therefore more than 90 percent of each donation goes directly to helping students.

A Broadened Search for Beloved Pooch

2009-04-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

Sadie has been missing since March 12.

By Marissa Yaremich
The Longman's heartfelt search for their missing Doberman, Sadie, recently brimmed beyond Connecticut’s and New York’s borders and into the Keystone State.
Hoping local Pennsylvanian animal lovers might unlock the mystery of their beloved dog’s whereabouts, the determined owners mailed letters to local veterinarian clinics out of fear the friendly pooch was “taken some distance away.”
The Longmans believe Sadie’s friendly and non aggressive personality might have helped her possible captor or captors lure the 18 month-old pup from their 30-acre property on March 12.
“We have done everything we can think of to get her back,” wrote owners, Stuart and Gayla Longman, of Ridgefield, Conn. “Please post this (flier) where your staff and visitors can see it and call us …if you find her. We will immediately make arrangement to pick her up and pay the reward.”
Sadie’s safe return reaps a $10,000 reward that inspired many exclamatory remarks from pet owners who read the letter posted on the Lost & Found board at veterinarian hospital, Hamilton Animal Care, in Wescosville, Pa., located near the central New Jersey border.
“How sad,” said one longtime cat owner.
“I hope they find her,” said another woman as she browsed the board.
“Now that’s love,” said an amazed receptionist upon reading the letter.
The Longmans assured recipients in their letter that the reward will be paid to any veterinarian’s office, shelter or individual who locates Sadie, who has distinct physical features.
Unlike most Dobermans, the family never docked the brown and tan canine’s ears or tail, opting instead to leave her ears floppy and tail long. The Longmans also described Sadie as a thinly built, energetic dog who bears an identification microchip implanted between her shoulder blades.
As of this week, Stuart Longman said via a brief phone call that the family had no new developments to share with the public to facilitate the search.
“We’ve only had one sighting in Connecticut,” said the owner, sounding dejected.

He perked up, however, upon learning the family’s letter and hopeful plea received attention outside their home state.
“Thank you,” he said.
Anyone who has information on Sadie, is asked to please contact Stuart of Gayla Longman at (203) 438-9006 or (203) 238-1105.

A letter to Bo

2009-04-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Bo:

We are so glad you have a new home. Of course, you are adorable and we think you will make Malia and Sasha very happy. You will be their companion, the furry ball of love that makes them laugh and the companion to whom we hope the girls can turn when life in the limelight gets a little tough.
That's a big job for such a young pup, but we are betting you are up to it. The Web site for the Portugese Water Dog Club of America says you are, "an animal of spirited disposition, self-willed, brave, and very resistant to fatigue. A dog of exceptional intelligence and a loyal companion, it obeys its master with facility and apparent pleasure. It is obedient with those who look after it or with those for whom it works."
Wow. Since you also will love to swim, maybe you will get a dip in the White House pool. We hope so and if we lived there, you most definitely would.
One thing we don't want you to worry about is any bad publicity you might get. Sure, you're not from a shelter, but that does not mean you should not hold your head up high. Purebred dogs need love too. It might make headlines if you have an accident in the house but, hey, accidents happen and you're still a pup.
The one thing we hope you will remember, amid all the fuss about being First Dog, however, is that your biggest job is to be a family dog, not a star.
That means padding in to check on the girls at bedtime and then heading down to the Oval Office to check on the dad if he is working late. He has a lot on his mind and your soft presence at his feet could be just the thing when the literal weight of the world is on his shoulders.
Malia and Sasha's mom also is pretty busy these days and we recommend you don't dig in her new garden.
We also recommend you be ready to greet the girls when they come home from school - nothing says 'we missed you' more than a cold nose and kiss just after you get off the bus.
But once you get the lay of the land, we think all these things will come naturally to you. You're a kid now, but you will grow up fast. You'll stay cute and smart, but we think you will know exactly what to do: Surround the Obamas with love.

Editor's note: For more on whether Bo might or might not know he is First Dog, check out the story: here

Doggone it, that pet is cute

2009-03-27T06:54:00.000-07:00

By William Kaempffer
New Haven Register Staff
NEW HAVEN — Think your dog, cat or goldfish is pin-up material?
If so, now’s your chance to see if Fido or Felicia has what it takes to appear in the East Rock neighborhood’s upcoming pet calendar, which will raise money to help the community fund the training of the Police Department’s two new narcotics sniffing dogs.
The contest is sponsored by the SoHu — that’s stands for South of Humphrey Street — Block Watch Association and is the brainchild of Lisa Siedlarz, the block watch president and Pearl Street resident.
"I made calendars of my own dogs," explained Siedlarz, noting that she would dress them in seasonal and holiday outfits. She said she thought a community calendar might be a good way to raise money for the police dogs, which has become a pet project for the group.
A February fundraiser at Christopher Martin’s restaurant on State Street raised $1,800. The Police Department this month received a $5,000 grant from Milk-Bone for the dogs.
Organizers Saturday will hold a "pet social and photo shoot" from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cassidy’s Pampered Paws, 832 State St. People can bring their pets to socialize with each other and Nia and Orvis, the narcotics dogs. For $10, pet owners can get a picture taken of their pet to be entered in the calendar contest. People also can submit their own pet photos to lisa@sohunewhaven.org.
Then, sometime next month, there will be a three-day public judging — where people can cast their picks for $1 a vote.
Since it was created in 2007, SoHu has been one of the more active block watches in the city. Last summer, in a neighborhood beautification project, the group planted 44 trees on Pearl, Pleasant and Clark streets. Pearl Street resident Kevin Howe, who grew up in the neighborhood and now donates his well-appointed four-bay garage for meetings, credited that with galvanizing the area.
"One aspect of the tree planting is got people to come out and meet people," said Howe, who first suggested the canine fundraiser as a "way to help East Rock and help New Haven."
The group currently has 204 members on its e-mail list. About 40 turn out for a typical block watch meeting.
As for Siedlarz, she plans to enter her own two dogs, Bucca and Kali, in the contest, but vowed not to use her influence to sway the vote. "I think they can very much win on their own merit," she said.

Editor's note: This story is reprinted here with the permission of the New Haven Register, which can be found at www.nhregister.com

Family offers reward for return of dog

2009-03-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

The readers of Tesla's Love know the meaning of true love. Here's an example of folks who really love their pet. Read it here

Tesla's love goes on

2009-01-20T14:21:00.000-08:00

By Elliott Storm

Hi. My name is Tesla, and you know something.....God made me for my innocence, as he made the angels to serve him...And for me to offer you my unconditional love, and supreme friendship.
What's more, I just wanted to thank you for loving me, and that is from my heart. Being that special part of your family gave me much pride. much happiness and loving you back was so. so easy.
When I left my birth mommy sometime ago, it made me sad, I cried, I was so scared, and when you picked me up and kissed me that first time I trembled. And oh how I remember you were their to dry my little doggy tears, thank you so very very much.
That first night I didn't know what I would do, where I was! Who are these little ones talking to me! Oh mommy, I was so frightened. And I know when I cried you felt my wounds, my spirit, and you did all you could do to make me comfortable.
When I whimpered I was calling you, telling you "I know you now .....You're my mommy and I love you so very very much."
Gosh it was fun to grow, to be one of your very own, to run, to leap, to play, and when my brother and my sisters played with me, I played back, I was home, our home, and when I was hungry you game me my nourishment.
Mommy I wanted to give you more, and when you looked into my eyes you knew I did.
When I was sick you cared for me, and when you were tired and sick, I was the to comfort you.
Mommy you taught me love, and I taught you mine.
I am gone. I'm in heaven. And when you look at my pictures, know my heart and my spirit is still with you. I love you mommy.

Editor's note: This beautiful piece, written by a Milford resident who knows a lot about loss and healing, recounts what beloved Tesla might have been thinking in her beautiful canine head. It also is clearly a message to Helen and Kiley about their loss and the love that always will be with them. To learn more about Elliott Storm, visit http://www.thesescarsaresacred.com/home.html

Shelter care

2009-01-15T15:43:00.000-08:00

The Connecticut Humane Society hopes to garner votes in a nationwide contest that, if it were to win, would bring in $10,000 towards the expansion of its Waterford shelter.
The America’s favorite animal shelter contest is sponsored by Care2.com.
The project includes a complete renovation of the Waterford shelter and infrastructure, additional sanctuary cottages for the Companion Animal Sanctuary, establishment of a second Fox Memorial Clinic, a quarantine facility, pet cemetery, and a nature trail, society officials said in a release.
The Connecticut Humane Society "continues to be dedicated to a mission that has remained unchanged since it’s founding; to promote the kindness and humanity toward people, animals and the environment" the statement said. The progressive improvements its makes to the organization as well as the creation of vanguard programs such as the Companion Animal Sanctuary and the Fox Memorial Clinic, are all designed to serve the neediest members of the population, pets that have no other place to go, the statement said.
Go to www.cthumane.org/vote, to vote for CT Humane’s Waterford shelter. The contest deadline is Jan. 31.

No pause in caring for those with paws

2009-01-15T07:56:00.000-08:00

By Patricia Villers

ANSONIA — During last month’s busy holiday schedule, Ansonia High School’s Student Ambassadors made sure no one forgot the needs of dogs in the city’s shelter.
The approximately 20-member group raised $135 in its first Paws for a Cause campaign to benefit the Ansonia Animal Shelter. The students also collected dog food and many blankets and fleece throws.
Student Ambassador President Penny Efthymiou, 17, said Thursday she was pleased with the drive’s success.
"I’m surprised how much money we collected," she said.
She said Angela Khan, 17, came up with the idea.
Khan said her family has three dogs. "I want to continue this next year," she said.
Any items that the shelter cannot use will be donated to the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, she said.
Efthymiou designed a dog paw on green paper that Student Ambassadors sold for $1 each to fellow students, as well as family and school staff. The donors wrote their names on the paws and students used them to create a paper Christmas tree on a wall in the school lobby.
Ansonia Animal Control Officer Jeanne Roslonowski picked up the donations Thursday accompanied by Dixie, whom she described as "the calmest one" of the five canines at the shelter.
"This is great," she said. "It’s because of things like this that keep our dogs (alive). They are in danger of being euthanized. We need donations to keep going."
Principal Susan McKernan expressed pride in the hard-working Student Ambassadors.
"While they are a small group, the Student Ambassadors do a wonderful job," she said. "Their efforts on behalf of Ansonia Animal Control showed their caring and consideration."
She also said she was proud of the students who organized the school’s food drive and collected hats, scarves, gloves and more to decorate a Christmas tree in the lobby. The items were divided between Birmingham Group Health Services, Inc. and the Howard F. Tinney Community Center, both in Ansonia.
The Student Ambassadors have other community projects on tap. Efthymiou said they plan to participate in the Bowl-To-Benefit The Umbrella, a program of Birmingham Group Health Services Inc. that assists domestic violence victims. The daylong event starts at 8:30 a.m. March 7 at AMF Lanes in Milford.
Patricia Villers can be reached at pvillers@nhregister.com.

Editor's note: This story, which originally appeared in the New Haven Register, is reprinted here with permission. The photo is by the Register's Arnold Gold. Both also can be seen at www.nhregister.com

Another greyhound goes missing, this time in Newtown

2009-01-11T06:49:00.000-08:00

Sighting a boost to greyhound search crews

By Nancy K. Crevier

Newtown Bee

Elwood, a 6-year-old black and white greyhound, has been missing from a Turkey Roost Road home since December 23.

Searchers have placed a live trap near the area of the only sighting this past weekend in hopes that the thin-coated dog can be captured and returned safely to his family. The hunt for Elwood, the black and white greyhound goes on. Local volunteers and searchers from the Greyhound Rescue andRehabilitation (GRR) organization out of Cross River, N.Y., We AdoptGreyhounds, and the Connecticut Greyhound Adopt organization have been seeking the dog, owned by Greg and Kara Pansa.

Greyhounds, unlike most other dogs, have only a single layer coat and extremely low body fat, making them more susceptible to cold weather than other canines. Elwood was not wearing a protective coat when he disappeared from his yard, and family and search members can only hope that the dog has found shelter. Four sightings over the weekend have raised hopes that the greyhound may still be in the immediate vicinity of his home, although three of those sightings were discredited, said local GRR member and volunteer Dawn Adams.

"One sighting in the Toddy Hill Road area could definitely be legitimate, though," said Ms Adams. "Any sighting is very helpful. "This week, the search has turned down the level of involvement,though.

"We are asking people to stay out of the woods and not call for the dog at this time," Ms Adams said, Monday, January 5.

"At this point, he has been missing for nearly two weeks and wherever he is, he is in survival mode, and scared."

The search groups are focused on keeping the greyhound in the area,and because the dog has probably become too frightened to respond even to its owners, a live trap similar to the Havahart trap, has been setout in hopes of luring the dog into it. "We are hoping to set up two more traps this week, too," said Ms Adams.

The trap is checked every couple of hours and baited with food, as well as items with the owners' scents and Elwood's own bedding. "We can only hope to capture Elwood now," Ms Adams explained.

Area residents are asked to keep their eyes open for any sight of the 80-pound, deer-like black and white dog. He was last seen wearing a blue collar, and has identifying tattoos in each ear.

"Do not call his name, and do not approach him, if you see this dog,"urged Ms Adams. "He is scared, and will run. Retreat quietly and call either 914-763-2221 or 914-403-0872."

Any information about the greyhound is greatly appreciated, she said.

Editor's note: this story was provided by Eliza Hallabeck. It is a reprint from the Newtown Bee, where Eliza is a reporter. Tesla's Love will print any story about missing pets. Send them to teslaslove@gmail.com

The search goes on for Finnley

2009-01-08T08:12:00.000-08:00

Distraught owner ‘amazed’ by public response to lost dog

By Bridget Albert
When Milford resident Kellie Roper brought her pet greyhound to Companion Animal Hospital of Milford on Dec. 29, she never expected she would be going home alone.
Roper adopted Finnley Nov. 1 from ReGap CT, a rescue group, and brought the dog to the animal hospital for dental work.
"When I first called to make an appointment for Finnley I asked if they knew how to handle a greyhound. They said ‘yes’ they did," Roper said. "Apparently they don’t."
She has not seen Finnley since that day.
Despite some sightings of Finnley in the Walnut Beach area, a widespread search and newspaper advertisements the animal hospital placed, the animal has not turned up.
"People I have never met have come from 1½ hours away, scrambling through brush and forest helping me look for my dog," Roper said.
"People in Milford have amazed me calling with wishes and prayers. It’s nice to know there is still such generosity left in the world," she said.
Roper said Finnley is black, with a gray muzzle, weighs 54 pounds and wears a pink/purple collar with yellow bones on it and might be dragging a leash. Roper also said the greyhound has a REGAP of CT tag, and that the dog is shy but extremely friendly and loves the sound of children.
Roper said she was told by hospital owner Dr. Kenneth Preli that veterinarian Dr. Dave Champaigne took Finnley outside after the Dec. 29 dental work.
"He said she became tangled in her leash and when (Champaigne) went to untangle her he dropped the leash and she bolted," Roper said.
Hospital administrator Rona Preli said when Champaigne went to pick up the leash Finnley "was probably disoriented."
"I was told he chased her into the K-Mart lot and jumped in a stranger’s car to try and follow her. He borrowed a cell phone and called the office and they evacuated the office and went looking for her," Roper said.
Rona Preli said eight of the office staff of 10 people immediately left to look for the greyhound and searched until 8 p.m. that night and for the next four days. Since then, she said, staff have continued to canvass the area, putting up fliers and talking to people.
Roper said the greyhound community, as well as the Milford community, have been extremely helpful, finding time to help her repeatedly canvass the beach area and put up fliers everywhere. Rona Preli said the hospital contacted area police and fire departments and animal control officials.
Roper said Milford Animal Control, which has increased patrols in the vicinity Finnley has been seen, has been "truly amazing."
Roper said before the dog was lost, Finnley had changed her life.
"She has made me take a step back from work stress and Ironman training. She has made me relax. She has been a wonderful stress reliever," Roper said.
Anyone with information on Finnley can reach Roper at (203) 506-4790.

Editor's note: This is a reprint of a story originally printed in the New Haven Register. It is printed here with permission of the Register.

One Cool Cat

2009-01-01T09:19:00.000-08:00

On this cold New Year's Day with new snow all around us, Tesla's Love offers this story to warm your heart. Happy 2009.

By Mark Brackenbury

Bo was an outgoing, amiable sort, always there with a friendly head butt.
But he had his quirks.
He loved eating chicken and cold cuts on the counter in the kitchen, drinking from the faucet on the bathroom sink, sunbathing, and claiming the softest chair in whatever room his family was in. If he could have told the difference between a weekday and the weekend, he would have made a fine alarm clock: he woke us at 5:30 every morning, almost to the minute.
Bo was a polite little man, chirping what seemed like a thank you whenever we opened the door to let him inside. And despite claws that looked rather menacing when he opened his paws and stretched, he never once scratched anyone. Not that he didn’t use the claws to his advantage. When we weren’t paying sufficient attention to him, he would reach out and give a little tap on our face or arm, extending just enough claw to make his presence felt in no uncertain terms. He was death on sweaters.
In his younger days he loved walks with our golden retriever, Brandy. He scooted along behind us, his feet working furiously to keep up and his black tail straight in the air. In later years, after Brandy was gone, Bo would make the long walk down the driveway with me to get the paper, dawdling behind out near the road but then racing back to the front steps to wait on me. He also enjoyed racing up and down the hallway, sounding like a herd of horses, before stopping himself by sliding on the carpet runner.
He was less enthused about eating on the floor, drinking from a bowl, being cooped up inside and being alone. But the two things he hated most, cold weather and riding in cars, sometimes forced him to compromise. Particularly in his old age, Bo was something of a weather wimp, poking his nose into the outside air and quickly turning and scampering inside if he felt the slightest chill. Riding in cars was a major trauma - for Bo and us - because he always got sick within a few minutes.
Maybe his fear of travel had to do with how he came to us, which always remained a mystery. In the fall of 1990, Bo arrived along with a new refrigerator. As I opened the door for the deliverymen, there was Bo yelling at me from a big rock across the front yard. He seemed well groomed, friendly and unafraid, so he must have had a home somewhere. But despite our advertising and calls to the delivery company, no one ever came forward, and Bo was ours. The vet guessed Bo was about 7 months old.
He almost didn't make it much further.
The next spring, one of our teen girls was home alone after school and decided to do some laundry. As she opened the dryer for a moment to check on some clothes that weren't quite ready, the phone rang. She slammed the door, turned the dryer back on, and ran to answer the call. When she returned to check on the clothes 15 minutes or so later, Bo staggered out, dazed and bleeding from the mouth.
The vet said the prognosis was grim, that the key would be whether he could eat, which seemed a longshot given that his mouth was burned. This was on Good Friday. Saturday, we were losing hope because the vet said he showed no interest in food. Well, a quick trip to the supermarket for some sliced turkey changed everything.
By Sunday - Easter - Bo was back home.
We are not particularly religious, but wow, what irony. Other than a little droop on one side of his mouth, Bo was none the worse for wear. But he never – ever – hopped in the dryer again.
Bo lived to be 18, dying essentially of old age this spring. Of course, he had slowed down a bit in his later years. His attempts to jump onto the counter started coming up a bit short (he seemed embarrassed), and occasional hair loss because of a skin condition made him look a bit rickety at times.
But in other ways he never changed. He still woke us up at 5:30 each day, ate his sliced turkey or roast beef, and followed us from room to room. And he still stood at the top of the stairs yelling at us as we came home at the end of the day, annoyed that we were gone so long but happy to see us.
A cool cat, as always.

A heck of a haiku

2008-12-29T13:24:00.000-08:00

The following haikus are by Tristram DeRoma of Shelton

They prove animals not only inspire love, they also inspire poetry.

Dog
Dog is God reversed,
I think, scooping up your mess--
a cruel joke indeed.

Dog
Little fuzzy dog
licks my face and snuffs my hair.
Sunday afternoon.

My cat
Patiently my cat
waits for the sunbeam's return--
ears cocked, tail twitching…..

Where did that cat go.
One more black shoe than normal
gives his game away.

Yellow eyes appear
in the jumble of black shoes.
Time for your bath, cat.

Leaves
Rustling fall leaves
remind me that you’re still gone--
and I am still here.

Bailey is a girl's best friend

2008-12-24T20:10:00.000-08:00

This story, published in honor of Christmas Day and the love we all share, is by a dear friend to Tesla's Love. Merry Christmas everyone.

By Brittany Galla

I was 15 when Bailey ran into my life.

I had just buried my beloved Siberian Husky, Niki, and I was in no mood for a new dog. Niki was 12, sweet and calm, and we had seen her passing coming. Her last days were bittersweet. I remember crying to my dad, telling him that I could never love another dog the way I did with Niki.
Exactly a month later, my sister came home with a picture of a Chow/Lab mix named Bailey...who needed a home, fast. If he couldn't find one, he'd be off to the pound and then who knows what. I was cautious and not into it, but my dad agreed to keeping him for a night or two until he found a real home.
And then Bailey ran in. Literally ran into my home, my room, my heart. He was a ball full of crazy energy, life and happiness. My heart was still reeling from losing Niki, but because Bailey was such a different dog, I didn't feel like it was a replacement for Niki's beloved spot. I gave Bailey a chance for one night, and by the next morning, had told my parents that I wanted to keep Bailey and we were his new home, and I was his owner.
Dogs are known for their loyalty, and Bailey is the epitome of the term. Since the first minute we met, he followed me EVERYWHERE, refusing to leave my side. He slept at the foot of my bed, raced downstairs to reach the bottom before me and was always one step ahead of me. And he was protective, that's for sure. My mom loves to tell the story about how during the first few weeks when we got him, she would go into my room and try to wake me up for school and he'd growl protectively over me, refusing to let my own mother try to wake me!
Eight years later, he's still just as energetic, loving and loyal. It may sound silly, but I feel like I have a very special bond with Bai, even though he may just be a dog. He's my best friend and my loyal companion.
My dad always reminds me of how crazy/bad-dog-Bailey was saved by us, but I know it's much deeper than that. In every way possible, Bailey saved me and showed me the importance of love, all over again.

Thank you, my dear Bailey, for being everything I need at the exact moment I need it. I love you.

Editor's note: Brittany Galla, a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University, is now an editor with a prominent national magazine.

Puntja was a wonderful pet

2008-12-23T08:55:00.000-08:00

Finally, a fish love story! They are finned, not furry, but this story proves that people adore their fish as much as any other pet.

Read the story here: newyorktimes

My beloved cat

2008-12-18T09:47:00.000-08:00

By Sharon Corey

Back in 1992 my boys found a gray kitten under a bush, apparently the mamma cat was no where to be found.
This kitten was only a few days old, so I decided to take care of the kitten until it was old enough to give away. I had no intention of keeping the kitten and even refused to name him.
My boys kept bugging me to give him a name, so I started calling him Mr. Kitty and the name stuck, and we ended up keeping him.
He was the best cat ever, he was a very affectionate and loving cat.
Mr. Kitty expected to be fed first thing in the morning when I got up and if I didn't feed him right away, he would bite me in the back of the calf. He would sleep under the covers with me with his head on the pillow.
One day he started to go to the bathroom on the floor instead of the litter box, which was not like him at all so I took him to the vet and found out that he had kidney disease but I wasn't ready to let him go so I brought him home only to return to the vet two days later because when I saw just how much pain he was in I knew that the best thing for him was to end his suffering.
It was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make.
He rubbed his face against mine for the last time and looked at me with such love in his eyes right before he took his last breath, I stayed with him and held him in my arms for the longest time wondering if indeed I did make the right decision.
I cried like a baby because I had lost such a precious part of me. Mr. Kitty will always remain in my heart, I keep a picture of him on my nightstand to this day.
He was a part of the family for 12 wonderful years.

West Haven Animal Shelter

The right time

2008-12-09T10:48:00.000-08:00

Author Sandi Kahn Shelton recently lost her beloved dog, Jordie. She wrote about it here:

sandishelton.com

I rescued a human today

2008-12-08T14:48:00.000-08:00

By Janine Allen

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels.
I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.
Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved.
At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.

Editor's Note: This was contributed by Bridget Albert. Janine Allen, a trainer with RescueMeDog in California and Wyoming, has granted permission to share her essay.

Getting by with a little help from a friend

2008-12-05T20:24:00.000-08:00

It really is a lot of help from many friends

As it is nearly an official month since this blog was created, it seems as though it is the right time to say the first official 'thank you.'
The thank you goes out to all who have contributed to date to Tesla's Love and to all those who will do so in the future. The assistance that those contributions of beautiful stories has given is immeasurable.
Kiley and I also must thank all those who sent cards and letters as we mourn the loss of Tesla, and while Kiley never saw them, I must also note that the flowers from the dog lovers at Yale-New Haven Hospital really brightened up the office. We also received in the mail a note from Kiley's aunts saying a donation in Tesla's memory had been given to the Humane Society. Tesla would have liked that, as she loved other animals. Kiley's Aunt Gayle also sent a book, which is very touching. My siblings and parents have been a lifeline too.
This blog has been visited by people in 22 nations around the world - according to Google Analytics - and I think that shows the power of the love people everywhere have for pets and all animals. Many people also have joined the Tesla's Love page on Blogger's Network on Facebook and our stories there are consistently voted as popular - a couple of times as most popular.
So, thank you again readers and writers and please keep those stories coming.

Mystery photo

2008-12-03T20:18:00.000-08:00

Anyone want to guess who this is?

Be an angel

2008-12-03T06:36:00.000-08:00

Homeless Pets and Animal Shelters Get Support from Angel Tree Program

Family pets are the latest victim of the economic downturn. As the economy worsens and more families struggle to make ends meet, Connecticut animal shelters are seeing a huge inflow of pets being given up for adoption.
“Shelters and rescue groups are overwhelmed with the large number of dogs and cats released by people who just can’t afford to care for them,” said Jeremy Moran of Best Friends Pet Care, Bethany. “The shelters simply don’t have enough food or supplies for all these newly homeless pets.”
To help address the shortage, Best Friends is collecting donation of food and supplies through its “Angel Tree” program at all four Connecticut locations. Beneficiaries include Connecticut Humane Society of Newington and Westport, Animal Haven of New Haven, Meriden Humane Society, Pet Protectors of Fairfield, Hotwater Rescue, Double Dog Rescue, Stamford Animal Shelter and PAWS of Norwalk.
Throughout the holiday season, animal lovers can visit any Best Friends to select a card from the Angel Tree and donate the items listed for that homeless dog or cat. Since each shelter has specific needs, donors are asked to shop from the list on the pet’s card. Donations can also be made by phone. Best Friends is at 60 Harris Road, Avon, (860) 673-0555; at 227 Cheshire Road, Bethany, (203) 393-3126; 528 Main Ave., Norwalk (next to DMV), 203-849-1010; and at 1511 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill, (860) 721-8080.

“The holidays are always a difficult time for shelters,” adds Moran. “Donations usual dip during this season, but this year, with all the newly homeless pets, the shortage of food and supplies is becoming a crisis. We are inviting anyone who loves animals to help out by donating to the program.”
For more information, visit http://www.bestfriendspetcare.com/.

Editor's Note: As a service to animals everywhere, Tesla's Love will from time to time post notices of events and efforts to help pets and wildlife. This is one such notice. It is only lightly edited and otherwise is in the words of the contributor.

Help them help

2008-11-30T19:55:00.000-08:00

Wags & Whiskers TLC, an animal support group based in West Haven, will have its annual photos with Santa event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m Dec. 6 at Pet Supplies Plus 471 Boston Post Road, Orange, Conn.
The cost is $7 and canned cat food and refundable cans and bottles will be collected during the event.
The event is open to all pets of every shape and size and "of course children," organizers said. Cookies, cider and coffee will be served. All proceeds will benefit the Wags & Whiskers medical fund. For more information, please call Jim Vitelli at (203) 937-3642 or send an e-mail to: pounddogs@yahoo.com

Running with the big dogs

2008-11-29T18:57:00.000-08:00

By Barbara Douglas

Baron Bruno von Barker never passed on a challenge.

He climbed his way up from the bottom, by no means broke integrity, had excellent manners, loved absolutely, fought for what he believed in, had a faithful heart, struggled with illness and didn’t complain, and died bravely.

Can’t wait to see you again, baby.

Bruno - April 1998 - July 2007

Be thou comforted, little dog. Thou too in Resurrection shall have a little golden tail.

- Martin Luther

Editor's Note: Barbara Douglas, author of Satori in the Garden, at http://satoriinthegarden.blogspot.com, is a devoted animal lover, the depth of which only her true friends know.

AN AVERAGE DOG’S TALE

2008-11-28T14:59:00.000-08:00

But Kelly had no average tail

By Chip Bennett

This is a story of a very average dog.
Really, I mean it.
Kelly was average. She was not particularly big, but nor was she small. She was not exceedingly loyal, or intuitive, or watchful, or even fast or powerful. She was not an especially good swimmer, nor could she pull a sled, track a criminal, sniff out contraband, or guide the blind.
Kelly could, I suppose, flush out a rabbit, or perhaps a quail…if by flush out one means startle the poor creature, and then give wild chase.
No, Kelly was definitely not the brightest bulb in the dog world…if pressed, I could argue she was pretty, with her long, flowing, silky red hair that glistened in the sun, as she pranced through the meadows…but I won’t even give her that superlative, as I’ve seen many a mongrel, that looked equally good.
But wait, you say, was she a pure-bred? Surely with her family history…her pedigree, her provenance…she must be special. And indeed, Kelly did have good breeding, that is to say, she came from a long line of “special” dogs.
But so do half the dogs in the country, so that, unto itself, makes her, well, rather common. Yes, Kelly, the Irish Setter, if you must know…was average.
But that being said, her story is worth telling.
Now before the reader of this story gets indignant and wonders to themselves why any self-respecting dog lover would ever call their dog average…a sacrilege statement, a mortal sin…an exclamation worthy of excommunication from the Society of Friends of Four-legged Friends. Well, perhaps…perhaps it is…but listen a moment and I’ll tell you why my Kelly was average.
The story will start with a laugh, but if you are not careful, my reader, it will end with a cry. It begins on a lovely, sunny, glorious, lazy summer day in upstate New York. A day not much unlike the day before, but infinitely different from the day that would follow. The day began with a happy-go-lucky setter out with her master for a walk; a long stroll along the banks of Lake Chautauqua.
Kelly was doing her very favorite thing; absolute tops among a long list of her favorite things. She would sprint from one curious smell to the next, only taking the occasional break from her olfactory ecstasy, to chase a flock of ducks off the grass, and into the lake. A cacophony of squawking fowl and beating wings…though probably pure euphony to a canine. And these chases would end almost as suddenly as they began, because, although Kelly wasn’t clever, she was smart enough to know that she couldn’t catch a duck. Not even close. So she would quickly shake off the humiliation of the ducks that had now circled back , landed just off shore, seemingly mocking her for her effrontery.
Kelly didn’t care, she was lost in her fascinating smells again.
And it was after just such a episode, that I met another young dog walker. He was walking his Dachshund nearby, when the sound of the ducks got his attention, and he came over to introduce himself to me, and more to the point, introduce his charge to Kelly. Well, the two dogs seem to get along just fine , which isn’t surprising, as both setters and dachsies are the friendly type. So the four off us continued our walk along the lake, chatting about whatever 12-year-old or so boys chat about while walking their dogs. At some point along our walk, this kid whose dog was not allowed to walk off-leash, mentioned that it would be nice if he could let his dog run around with Kelly for awhile. I thought about this for a moment, and in a flash of inspiration I said to my new friend, “well, why don’t we tie them together, so they can walk each other?”
The boy, whose name I can’t remember, ( in fact, I don’t think we ever even introduced ourselves to each other), thought that my idea sounded brilliant. If not brilliant, at least doable. That is to say, he agreed to the idea.
And it does sound like a no-brainer….you have to admit. Let the dogs walk each other. What could go wrong? So we tied the dogs together with the leash he had been using to walk his dog, and let the dogs “loose” to their thing.
Well, all was fine for all of fifteen seconds.
All was fine until Kelly decided to do exactly her thing. In other words, she bolted after a rabbit. And I do mean bolted. Kelly, if nothing else, was pretty quick. So within a second or two she was bounding along after the rabbit at a good twenty miles an hour. And yes, you guessed it…the Dachshund was just along for the ride. Literally, no exaggeration, the dog was bouncing along, mostly on its back, behind Kelly.
Picture the cowboy that falls off his galloping horse, but gets his foot stuck in the stirrup.
It was something like that. I was mortified. And more than a little worried that the poor Dachshund was going to be injured. There was going to be a lot of “splaining” to do.
And oh, that poor, poor Dachshund.
Well, the Kilkenney sleigh ride was over in about 30 seconds, or so…who remembers exactly how long it lasted, or why Kelly decided to stop running.
Perhaps she eventually realized there was a yelping dog tagging along her heels, or perhaps she just got fatigued. But when the dust finally settled, and the dogs were detangled, the Dachshund simply popped up, shook himself off, was happy as a lark, and no worse for wear. Thank God. Those Dachshunds are one tough, tough breed. But one would expect no less from a breed that was bred for short legs, specifically to chase vicious badgers down their holes. Fearless, and hardy…short in stature, but tall in courage. Dachshunds are not average.
I scolded Kelly and took her home. I may have chuckled once or twice, on the way home, picturing the bouncing brown dog, but I remember I was also quite miffed at her for being so oblivious to the little dog’s welfare. And it was probably because I was cross with Kelly that I did not take her with me that afternoon when I went to my friend’s house to play some basketball. I can’t remember, after all these years, if I had left Kelly in the house…or perhaps Kelly was in the back yard playing with one of my sisters or brothers.
What I do remember, very, very well, is that it was unusual for me to do anything without taking Kelly with me. She was my best friend, and constant companion. Always by my side. She may have “officially” been a family dog, but in reality, she was my dog.
From the time she came home with us as a 7-week-old puppy, she was glued to my heels. And with the exception of school, of course, I took her every where I went.
So it was significant that she wasn’t with me that afternoon. But she eventually did follow me. Somehow she got out of the house, or slipped out of the backyard, saw me across the street, and dashed the few hundred yards in my direction. I remember it like it was yesterday, though it was more than 30 years ago. She never took her eyes off me as she spirited the remaining 50 yards.
She never thought once about checking for traffic on the road that separated our property from my friend’s basketball court. I felt an instant, rising panic as she approached the road. I knew, very well, that cars flew down this road. I knew that something bad was about to happen.
It was one of those moments that you see coming, but you are powerless to do anything about. Your life is changed in the blink of an eye.
And so it was. The car that hit Kelly didn’t even have time to hit the brakes. I heard no squeal of tires, I only heard the sickening thud of a dog against metal. My dog…my best friend. I’m sure I reached Kelly where she lay on the other side of the road within a matter of 5 or 6 seconds. She was still alive. I cradled her in my lap and tried to comfort her.
It was the worse few moments of my life. Kelly just looked at me with love in her eyes.
There was no panic in her gaze…there was no blame. There was just love. And as I stroked her, I told her she was the best dog in the world.
She gave me a final wag of her tail and died in my arms.
I learned a lot of life’s important lessons that day. I learned that life is not always fair. I learned that it can change in the blink of an eye.
But mostly, with regard to dogs, our most beloved friends and companions…I learned that there is no such thing as an average dog , when it comes the place that they hold in your heart.
Those who love dogs will know…there is more meaning in the wag of an average dog’s tail than in just about anything else one can think of.

Editor's note: Chip Bennett wrote for Tesla's Love from his Rhode Island home, where Cassie and Trixie are now the holders of that place in his heart.

These critters connected

2008-11-26T11:28:00.000-08:00

Cuddle up for this one:

Saturdays are always quite busy at "The Critter Connection," but a recent Saturday was much busier than usual.

This photo shows two females that recently arrived at The Critter Connection as part of the rescue of eleven guinea pigs from a roadside zoo in western New York State.

Cindy Kuester, president and head critter wrangler of the guinea pig rescue based in Durham, recently had her hands full, literally. There were cages to clean and guinea pigs to cuddle. Adopters arrived to pick up and bring home five pigs.
Meanwhile, Cindy's husband William drove to New York. His mission: to complete the rescue of 11 guinea pigs saved when a roadside zoo in western New York closed its doors and auctioned off its "inventory."
Cindy has been through similar rescues before, and she was prepared for anything. She alerted Pieper-Olson Veterinary Hospital in Middletown. Just in case, Cindy and the vets were ready to treat respiratory illness, hair loss resulting from mites, foot blisters from being kept on wire-bottomed cages, and pregnant females. This time, they were lucky. The guinea pigs were in very good shape, and only one of them needed to see a doctor. However, since pigs of both sexes had been kept together at the zoo in a single cage, the five females will be kept on pregnancy watch. Some of the males will be ready for adoption soon. In the meantime, Cindy and her foster families will make the newcomers welcome. The pigs will enjoy spacious cages with room to run, plenty of timothy hay, pellets, and fresh vegetables and fruits.
"Boy, do they eat," Cindy reports. "I've been spacing out their feedings so they don't overeat."
They will get regular lap time to help them become socialized for their eventual homes.
"A few are skittish but settle in quickly for a snuggle," says Cindy.
It will also give the rescuers a chance to observe their individual personalities for making the best matches, between guinea pigs and other guinea pigs, and between guinea pigs and humans.
The Critter Connection, Inc., is a non-profit group dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of abandoned and neglected guinea pigs. Since 2004 the rescue has placed more than 600 abandoned guinea pigs into new homes.
For more information, including how to help and how to adopt, visit http://www.ctguineapigrescue.org/, or write to The Critter Connection, Inc., P.O. Box 371, Durham, CT 06422.

Editor's note: This story was submitted by Ellen Falbowski, efalbowski@comcast.net

The story of Shelby grows

2008-11-25T14:17:00.000-08:00

By Jon Bennett

Now where were we? Oh, yes, like I was saying, Shelby and I liked to sleep on the couch. She would lay on my chest until I started tossing and turning, then she would move down to my feet.

After a while my feet would get uncomfortable so I would wiggle them to get her off, but she is stubborn, so it took awhile.

Then in the morning I would wake up and get ready for work, though she likes to sleep in. I would give her a bone and make sure she has water and would put her on her run give her a kiss and go to work.
Then came the new additions…..
I was out in the neighborhood and I met a wonderful, beautiful woman. Her name is Heather. We feel in love immediately, we soon moved in together along with, Zack, her son and her two daughters, Kasey and Dakota.

And I can’t forget to mention my new other four legged best friend, Cisco, a Chesapeake Bay Yellow Lab. He is a big boy, about 120 pounds.

We hit it off right away, but Shelby was jealous. It took time and now they are like boyfriend and girlfriend, always playing and loving each other.

Cisco really took to me and follows me around everywhere. He is so smart that he tries to play dumb, just so he can get away with things. He is always stealing the neighbor’s dog toys. We must have 18 tennis balls in the yard and I didn’t buy any of them. When I am mowing the lawn I pick them up and throw them back, but he always finds them.

He is a big goofy baby and I love him so much. He is a big part of our home.
I could write so much more, so maybe you’ll hear from me again!.

Enough love for seven siblings and mom and dad

2008-11-24T10:19:00.000-08:00

By Ralph Villers

Boris was the first pet the seven of us kids had.
My father brought him home one day in 1966, an unexpected furry puppy treat for the kids. My mom probably asked the obvious question: “Just who is going to take care of this dog?” Not to worry, she loved him too.
A Collie-Shepherd mix, he was so handsome in his predominant chestnut brown. And so friendly! When anyone came home, he would wag his tail furiously and offer you a gift – anything he could pick up at the spur of the moment as an offering. And he loved to ride in my father’s VW Microbus. You could not say the word, but had to spell C-A-R in any conversation within earshot. He also knew the term for animal doctor. You had to say V-E-T.
He could get lost easily, so in 1967, we had a 5-foot fence installed. Dad always mentioned that our free dog cost $750 (over $4,000 today per the CPI). But the fence was needed when we got a pool later. He got out one day, and my mother told Maggie (a later free dog) to “Go get Boris”. And about a half hour later, the two dogs returned. Cool.
Boris passed in 1980 of old age. A nice, furry friend. I don’t have many pictures, so I am using two that I could find, and you can see his good looks.
The first one in 1968, including myself, brother Chris and sister Vicki. The other around Christmas 1975 or 76. If he looks like he was smiling…no doubt he was!
The first Boris was when we were babies in Brigantine, NJ. A Chesapeake Retriever I was told, seen with my dad in 1954. When we moved to NYC, they gave him to people who had a farm, I think. A dog’s life, for sure!

Editor's Note: This post by Ralph Villers was originally posted on his blog Airhead 55.

Benjie Flunked the Course but Passed the Test

2008-11-22T14:32:00.000-08:00

By Manny Strumpf

Benjie is a six-year-old golden retriever.
He was born on New Year’s Day. His mother was a guide dog and his father was trained to be used by law enforcement to sniff out drugs. It was only natural, therefore, that their offspring would follow in their footsteps and he was enrolled in a training program for guide dogs in Dutchess County, NY.
Benjie flunked out.
He was afraid of loud noises. That certainly would not do for a canine whose responsibility would be a sightless human being 24 hours a day. The agency that trained him, therefore, put him up for adoption. Since a young couple from Poughkeepsie, NY had applied to adopt a flunkie, they were called and immediately fell in love with Benjie. They took him home for their young son.
Benjie quickly became a winner. He won over individuals who previously had a professed fear of animals. He won over his family’s friends and their son’s Little League team who, after each game, would play with him, let him run loose in the enclosed ball field until he was exhausted and then return to the loving hugs of his master and the rest of the team.
Benjie also won over everyone who met him. He would bring an old shoe to a stranger in order to coax him to play with him, and when it was time to do his thing, he never failed to find his leash, even in a dark room, so that he could fetch one of the members of the family to take him for a walk.
His favorite pastime? Playing with children and adults. When his new family was away at work or at school, he contented himself to lie on an old sofa and watch the TV that had been left on to amuse him, knowing that his family would be home soon to enjoy his company. His tail, always wagging, would be there to greet them.
Benjie is slowing down. He is happy now to walk rather than running loose on the ball field near the family home. He realizes that his master is about to leave for college and although he senses impending separation, he’s secure and he’s content. The late and great sports writer Grantland Rice must have had Benjie in mind when he wrote in one of his columns that: When the One Great Scorer comes to mark against your name, He marks not that you won or lost, but how you played the game.
No doubt Benjie would have been a wonderful guide dog. He lost the chance to help an individual find his or her own way. But he found a home, a loving family to adore him and play with him and tend to his needs. By any standards, this flunkie from guide dog school is a hero, a friend, and a loving companion to a fine family, to kids of all ages who enjoy playing with him, and to an extended family in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, who can’t wait for him to pay them a visit.
I know Benjie personally. He’s my grandson’s best friend.

Editor's note: Manny Strumpf of Milford is the author of several books, including "Murder at the Statue of Liberty."

Good advice

2008-11-22T14:25:00.000-08:00

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS.........

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old.. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone.
Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Editor's note: Provided by Bridget Albert, author unknown

A member of the family

2008-11-20T21:33:00.001-08:00

By Maureen Green

I have wanted a Bernese Mountain dog since the very first time that I saw one, and that was 10 years ago.
But the cost prevented me from getting one.
Since then, I have adopted adult dogs that need a home but they all came with their own unique set of issues that I could not solve despite hard work.

We had, for instance, a male black lab, Bear, and a female black lab, Bailey.
They were both good dogs and loving pets but things changed for Bear when our son, Jack, was born. The dog suddenly seemed anxious and a bit more excitable. Bailey on the other hand became nurturing toward the baby. On one occasion when we put Jack on the floor to be photographed with the dogs, Bear would have nothing to do with it and Bailey lay on her side and slithered over to Jack as if to nurse him! She remained affectionate toward Jack and allowed him to crawl on her and let him pull on her to lift himself up as a toddler.
But we had to find Bear a new home because he attacked Jack and bit him in the face. It was a shock because Jack was on the other side of the room from Bear and did not provoke the dog. I think that the dog was jealous because Bailey turned her attention from him to the baby. But soon after Bear left, Bailey became withdrawn and started to whine and howl. Jack also became afraid of her so we thought it best to find her another home too.
Last year, when our family was dealing with many hardships, I thought 'no better time than now' to get another puppy! I also was convinced that a Bernese Mountain dog would be the only breed to lift our spirits.

I searched and searched and was blessed the day I met a breeder from Boulder with a litter of pups she was offering at an affordable price.

That is when I got Kernan Von Bruno. Even his name has a story. It had to have meaning and it had to be Swiss like him. My brother Chip told me about a Swiss skier named Bruno Kernan who won the world championship in 1997 and he went on to tell me that Bruno Kernan’s cousin also named Bruno Kernan skied with Chip in Austria.

Hey, I skied there too, so it was decided we would not call him Bruno, but Kernan, and make it fancy smancy with Von Bruno!
He was so very perfect that I had to convince Helen to get one too. She agreed and we picked up Tesla and brought her home with us until we flew her to Helen in Connecticut.

It was great to be able to share stories of about our magnificent dogs. Each was perfect for our respective families.

We had more than a year of sharing until Tesla died.

I grieved with my sister and cried for Tesla but Helen explained to me what love for a dog is and told me how Tesla had truly benefited her family.
Kernan is now 18 months and full of love for every one. He is big and beautiful but he acts like he can still fit in my lap.

He has truly filled my ‘dog void’ and made himself a natural part of our whole family. The curmudgeon husband Todd even loves him! He is my full time training partner and encourages me to get out and run even on the coldest days. He is always willing to pull me up the hills too.

This year he has a real dog sledding harness and Jack is looking forward to having Kernan help him get up the hills as well!
Kernan loves us all but seems to heed to me best and Jack wanted a dog of his own so he recently got Karbon, a 12-week-old black Labrador.

Well Kernan has made it obvious to all of us that he is the one responsible for Karbon’s training.

Kernan blocks the pup’s access to the road and herds him back into the yard a safe distance from harm.

We have also heard Kernan remonstrating when the little pup attempts any behavior, that Kernan regards as unacceptable: thank goodness like doing his toileting business in the house! I have even seen Kernan put himself in the way of Ice, the cat, to protect the pup from Ice’s bullying.
I am not able to describe the love and loyalty that we have in our family since Kernan came into our lives. I can say though that this dog is the pet of all my dreams.

A $5 dog who was one in a million

2008-11-19T10:43:00.000-08:00

By Mia M. Malafronte

I was searching through my old photos yesterday, looking for some pictures I had taken of my daughter, Nina, a few years ago, when I pulled out a roll of film I hadn't seen in quite some time.

It contained pictures of my son, Luigi, when he was just 2.

As I looked over the images, smiling at how cute he was as a baby, I came across a photo I hadn't remembered taking. It was Luigi with our old family dog, Ripp.

I felt the lump in my throat as I let the memory of a pet I hadn't seen in almost five years carry me away.

It's amazing how much a person's life can change in just five years.

And this one photo was breaking my heart as I thought about the puppy I brought home for my new husband back in 1996.

We called Ripp the $5.00 dog.

I adopted him from the Shelton pound while out on assignment one day. He was only 3 months old and just the cutest thing I had ever seen.

They charged me a $5.00 adoption fee. Ripp was about the best dog you could ask for. He was happy, loyal, protective, didn't bark too much, and LOVED children.

As years passed, Ripp saw the good, the bad and the ugly in our marriage. He heard the fighting, he licked the tears from my eyes, and sat beside me during some very dark hours. When my husband and I decided to split, he took Ripp with him.

I was sad, but I knew how much that dog meant to him. After all, he was his, a gift from me. I knew he would take good care of him.

Then, one April day in 2004, while out with friends at a Yankee game, I got a call from my ex-husband. I let it go to voice mail, thinking I wasn't going to let him ruin my fun with the usual banter I was accustomed to hearing.

I decided to listen to the voice mail as we were leaving the game.

I was not prepared for the message I was about to hear. My ex was barely audible, and his voice cracked as he told me there had been a terrible accident.

While checking on his family's summer beach house with the kids and the dog, Ripp drank anti freeze from the winterized toilet bowl. No one saw him. No one stopped him. They didn't realize what had happened until a few hours later. It was fast and ugly. He had to be put down the next morning.

He was only 8 and I never had the chance to say goodbye.This picture brings a bit of sadness as I remember a happier place and what seemed like carefree times. but the joy that Ripp brought to those who loved him, makes me thankful we were even able to know him.

Mia M. Malafronte, who is a professional photographer, can be reached at: http://www.miamalafronte.com/

Maggie is smarter than you think

2008-11-19T07:33:00.000-08:00

This is a very cute column. The link was sent to me by Mark D'Antonio, who has promised a story for Tesla's Love, so stay tuned.

Maggie.com

From cow pony to polo pony

2008-11-18T11:01:00.000-08:00

By Joan Bennett, of Westbrook

Dogs no doubt are man's best friend but we must not forget the magnificent animal, the horse.

I'm sure over the centuries, to many men and women, the horse was just as important and loved as the dog. Bred and raised for work and for pleasure, this awesome animal fulfilled its roll until today, where in most countries the horse is used for sporting events or pleasure.

Yet, in my childhood and teen years I was very close to all manner of horses as my father owned a riding and polo stable on Long Island.

Since this was the livelihood for the family we were not to consider the many horses as pets.

But who could help but to fall in love with at least one of these equine creatures. My favorite pony was Indian Girl. She came from out west, where she had been trained as a cow pony.

My Dad bought her to use as a polo pony. He trained her, which was easy, as cow ponies made excellent polo ponies.

Indian Girl was a paint and she stood out on the polo field. She handled so well I used to love to be on her back when as kids my friends and sisters, Dorothy and Elaine, could play a game ourselves.

I hated to see her ridden by anyone else. But on Sundays at an official game if not my father on her back, whom I trusted, it was another player who might not have the love of horses so important for their welfare.

So as it was one Sunday afternoon during a fast-paced and dangerous game down went Indian Girl, as my sisters and I watched. Others would not let us on the field as the Girl was badly injured.

We screamed and cried from the sidelines.

A police officer was called and while I closed my eyes Indian Girl's life was taken with a loud shot.

Having witnessed the Girl's agony trying to stay standing, I knew that had to be the way, but the feeling of loss was enormous.

I will never be able to erase that day from my mind even though I went on to love other horses in my life.

Editor's note: Shown at right in the photo is Joan Scanlon Bennett's dad, Walter Scanlon, atop the Brown Bomber during a match at Bethpage polo grounds

Dear God from the Dog

2008-11-18T07:46:00.000-08:00

Sent in by a friend of Tesla's Love

Dear God: Is it on purpose our names are the same, only reversed?

Dear God: Why do humans smell the flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one another?

Dear God: When we get to heaven, can we sit on your couch? Or is it still the same old story?

Dear God: Why are there cars named after the jaguar, the cougar, the mustang, the colt, the stingray, and the rabbit, but not ONE named for a Dog? How often do you see a cougar riding around? We do love a nice ride! Would it be so hard to rename the 'Chrysler Eagle' the ' Chrysler Beagle' or the 'Dodge Ram' the 'Dodge Great Dane'?

Dear God: If a Dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad Dog?

Dear God: We Dogs can understand human verbal instructions, hand signals, whistles, horns, clickers, beepers, scent ID's, electromagnetic energy fields, and Frisbee flight paths. What do humans understand?

Dear God: More meatballs, less spaghetti, please.

Dear God: Are there mail carriers in Heaven? If there are, will I have to apologize?

Dear God: Let me give you a list of just some of the things I must remember to be a good Dog.

1. I will not eat the cats' food before they eat it or after they throw it up.
2. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc., just because I like the way they smell.
3. The Litter Box is not a cookie jar.
4. The sofa is not a 'face towel'.
5. The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff.
6. I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the toilet. 7. Sticking my nose into someone's crotch is an unacceptable way of saying 'hello'.
8. I don't need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm under the coffee table . 9. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur before entering the house - not after.
10. I will not come in from outside and immediately drag my butt.
11. I will not sit in the middle of the living room and lick my crotch.
12. The cat is not a 'squeaky toy' so when I play with him and he makes that noise, it's usually not a good thing.
P.S. Dear God: When I get to Heaven may I have my testicles back?

'Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened'

Author unknown

Dixie lives on in dreams and hearts

2008-11-17T07:21:00.000-08:00

By Amanda Pinto

A few months ago, when I doggie-sat for my parents in the house where I grew up, it was my responsibility to crawl out of bed at 7:30, open the slider, call the dogs, and let them outside for their morning pee.
“Abbie, Dixie!” I called, as I waited for the dogs to run toward the door.
It was only when I got back in bed that I realized I’d been calling a dog that has been dead for five years.
Dixie was a sandy-colored shepherd mix who I always thought looked sort of like a dingo. She was my aunt’s dog originally, but I still got to name her … sort of.
At 6, I was into fairy princesses, and when my cousins got a dog, I suggested she be named ‘Pixie.’ My aunt “misheard” my request, (or, as she told me later, thought Dixie was a name she’d be less embarrassed to holler after the puppy), and so Dixie was named. She felt like my dog. When her rambunctious-puppy-personality clashed with the much older dog she shared a house with, my aunt gave Dixie to us. And then we grew up together.
I remember chasing her around the yard and incorporating her into the games I’d play with my friends in the neighborhood. She could chew gum, we discovered by accident, and she could run—FAST. The knowledge that she’d bark at anything that came into our yard as we slept made me feel comforted and protected.
And she was an expert cuddler. I remember, as a teenager, after a bad night or before a hard day ahead, not wanting to wake my parents and crying into her back, arms wrapped around her body. She would stay with me as long as I needed her. I can’t remember what the tears were about but I remember who stopped them. And I remember her fur against my face. And the sound her chain collar made when she ran toward me.
Dixie wasn’t perfect. She was always skittish, couldn’t be trained to fetch a stick or a ball. Given the opportunity, she’d run away, leading us to chase her by car, as she zigzagged across roads, or galloped through the woods toward other dogs, in other neighborhoods. Or leading us to sit and wait. When this happened, I’d take a piece of her hard dog food and put it on my desk in my room. Holding it while I wished and prayed for her safe return.
When arthritis made her life unbearable, my mom made the difficult decision to put Dixie to sleep. I was in college. No one wanted to tell me, or knew how to. I remember how hard it was to take when they did.
Soon after Dixie’s death, my parents got a puppy; he’s a five-year-old dog now. Abbie, who was Dixie’s sidekick, her puppy tag-along, is 10. After I heard about Tesla’s death, I thought a lot about Dixie. I dreamt I walked into my parents’ house, and there she was in the living room where she always slept, frolicking toward me. In the dream, she left in a flash, and I was the only one who saw her.
I woke knowing that even though she’s gone, she will still come when I call her.
I hope those of you who loved Tesla find the same to be true.

Humphrey was the man

2008-11-16T20:46:00.001-08:00

By Ralph Villers

We lost Sir Humphrey today. It was sudden, and it was quick. Just like that, the furry member of our family was gone, at the young cat age of 9.

Humphrey looked very much like a Maine Coon, although at 12 pounds, he was considerably smaller than average for that breed. For a mutt, he sure was a pretty animal. You saw the gray right away, but in the natural light, a lot of brown showed as well.

He was well behaved. Of course, I referred to him as ‘Felinus Obnoxious', which is a term of endearment in my offbeat way. He could use any of his cat weapons to get what he wanted: First, he would rub his jowls against corners, then a cute chirp, then a fake purr, and then, as a last resort he would insist, an loud ME-OW! But this was no worse than a small child who was not able to open the refrigerator door requesting the same.

I had fun replacing the name ‘Humphrey’ in the lyrics of songs, which the other humans in the house found extremely strange. You might too, but Hump offered no opinion either way. One example is The Commodores Brick House:“Humphrey’s a Grayyy Cat He’s Mighty, Mighty,Just Letting it all Hang Out” I had more, but you get the idea.

I think that the idea that a cat is useless is wrong. Sure they lie around, but Hump really liked to have his belly rubbed. His fur underneath was luxuriously nubby and thick Maine Coon style. You know, an animal in the wild would never expose themselves in this way, but it is a trusting cat (or dog) that would allow a family member to skritch away. Actually, it was therapeutic for the human as well.

Finally, he liked to hang around the family, sitting on the hope chest in the dining room when we ate dinner. Not just for table food, but he liked to be with the family. He was a jealous cat in that he probably wouldn't tolerate another cat in the house to get the affections he felt were rightly his!

In the picture shown, he is relaxed and has the look that might have said, “I’m comfortable here on the bed, and very content. How’s your day?”

Editor's note: This story was originally posted on Ralph Viller's blog after his family lost the amazing Humphrey in 2007. Ralph's blog is at: http://airhead55-ralph.blogspot.com/

A little dog with a very big heart

2008-11-16T17:11:00.000-08:00

By Jon Bennett

I have been living with my dog Shelby for quite awhile. She is a mixed mutt - lab, terrier, and Pit Bull - I'm pretty sure. She is a little dog completely black with one tiny white spot in the middle of her chest.

She may be little but she is all muscle, very very strong. When I take her for walks she pulls so hard sniffing everything. If she sees another animal, especially a cat or squirrel, forget about it, she wants to rip my arm off. I am trying to break her of that, but it's her instincts.

She also loves to go for rides and stick her head out of the window, but you can't open it too far because if she sees a cat she will try to jump out, even if we are going down the road. She is very smart and I have taught her a lot of tricks. She can dance on her hind legs, sit, shake hands, lay down, speak, fetch and catch a Frisbee in the air. She also loves to play tug-of-war.

We lived by ourselves for a long time, so we spent a lot of time together. When I was at work she would stay on her run in the back yard. She has to stay there because she likes to run the neighborhood and I don't want her to get hit by a car. All my neighbors know her so when she gets loose they will put her back on her run for me. I built her the best dog house on the lake. It is insulated and vinyl sided. She also has a heated water dish so her water will not freeze in the winter.

Even though we live on a lake she is not too fond of the water. When we take a walk to the beach she will only go in up to her belly. When it was time for bed, she would sleep with me on the couch every night. That is, until we got some new additions to our family.

To be continued, watch for it.

Cisco's devotion is boundless

2008-11-15T18:19:00.000-08:00

By Heather, of Ashford, Conn.

My dog is so very special to me and he has been the constant in my life as he has always been by my side.
I am sure anyone who has loved a pet like we have knows the deep love shared between us and them ....unconditional love.
Jon and my dog Cisco have developed a strong bond. Cisco follows Jon all over the house and is by his side every moment. I am now chopped liver - LOL
At night when its time to go to bed we call the dogs up. If I happen to go up first, Cisco just looks at me but as soon as Jon gets up Cisco is right by his side following him up to bed.
The love we all share is amazing.
The part that touched my heart was the day Jon went to the hospital... Jon was laying on the floor in pain, Jon's head was rested on my lap and Cisco was on the floor right beside us he would not leave Jon's side with his head rested on Jon's chest frequently licking his face... I could tell he sensed his pain.
He is a devoted dog and he loves Jon just as much as I do. Of course I can not forget Miss Shelby she is our little lady we love her dearly, too.
She is a young one, still wild and free; Cisco a little wiser in his old age.

Editor's note: Heather writes here about her two dogs, Cisco and Shelby, and a recent illness of her significant other, Jon, who is now recovered.

Sing a song for Gremlin and Shaggy

2008-11-14T16:17:00.000-08:00

By Daithi Jane Houlihan Borges

The Hail to Gremlin and Shaggy Song (say aloud phonetically at a good clip)
It goes like a camp song that The Houlihan Family Singers sing. So say this aloud- it's fun.

"SHY-KNEE I-KNEE I-KNEE I-KNEE ish me quook me kwIum me kwIum (These
lines sung in unison)
SHY-KNEE I-KNEE I-KNEE I-KNEE ish me quook me kwIum me kwIum
Oh Nicodaymo Oh SHY-KNEE I-KNEE Oompah
Oh Nicodaymo Oh SHY-KNEE I-KNEE
Oompah Oompah Oompah Oompah (This line 1/2 the group carries the repeated low percussion Oompahs)
Killy Killy Killy Killy Wash Wash Wash Wash Key-ya Key-ya Cow-wha
(These lines the other 1/2 of group sings these)
Killy Killy Killy Killy Wash Wash Wash Wash Key-ya Key-ya Cow-wha
Oh hail to our Indian dogs -Oh hail to Gremlin and Shaggy."(This line
-Oompahs stop- whole group sings w/vigor in unison)

This song is passed down in our family through oral tradition. It is about two dogs I never even knew! I love that it is a family heritage song. I love the rhythm, the fake language, the camp feel, the German Oompahs, the regal-ish Nicodaymo Latin reference and the association of these dogs as close to nature, regal Indian dogs being hailed to all eternity. I am very sure we will teach this song to Shawn & Kate's little girl, along with a Norwegian bounce the baby on the knee song, Irish American favorite tunes and family fave camp songs. We will pass this family song on because these dogs were part of our family and therefore should be revered as part of our family history.

So that's our family dog song written either by my Grandpa or Dad preserved for posterity and shared in Tesla's Love.

Editor's Note: Daithi says she grew up singing a FAMILY DOG SONG about these two dogs she only knew from stories, photos and home movies. Her family song sung about these animals is really cute, she says. In Winchester. Conn., there is a field marker to Gremlin.

Puppy Love

2008-11-13T12:44:00.001-08:00

We at Tesla's Love do not know where this came from, but if you love puppies, prepare to be addicted. Enjoy!

http://cdn1.ustream.tv/swf/4/viewer.45.swf?cid=317016

Crickett liked being a queen

2008-11-11T16:42:00.000-08:00

By John Burroughs

Our beloved eighteen-year old cat Crickett passed away in August 2007. She's the black beauty on my lap in this picture taken in late 2004 (her Russian Blue partner is Ballou).

I wanted to write a long, interesting, and even humorous tribute to her. Maybe that will come in the future. But somehow, I don't think my emotions will allow it now.

So forgive me for just rambling a bit. Anyone who knows us knows that our pets are our family. It might sound funny to some people, but it's a fact. I am "Dad" to them, my wife is "Mom," my brother is their "Uncle Mike" and my mom is their "Grandma."

The way I talk to our pets (even try to reason with them) as though they're human beings is a source of great amusement to many who know me in person. Well, in addition to being the oldest of our pets, Crickett was the smartest and most "human." I daresay she's also been the most indispensable.

And only a week ago she seemed so spry.

Talk about a lesson in impermanence. Despite our best efforts and strongest wishes, she is gone. But then again, she's not really gone.

When it became obvious that she was going, I sat on the floor beside her and told her that no matter where she or we would eventually go, she would always dwell in our home and in our hearts. She is, and will forever be, the queen of our house.

Crickett liked being a queen. Other cats came and went and she treated them all with a royal disdain. She knew better than any of us that she was no ordinary cat. The full moon is shining through my window as I write this. Coincidence or not, it's interesting and appropriate that our extraordinary black cat waited till the evening of the full moon to leave this mortal existence.

I like to fantasize that she did so intentionally, so she could magically reincarnate into a beautiful Wiccan writer, the next Starhawk or something. Maybe we'll meet her twenty-some years from now at a bookstore - a stunningly beautiful young lady with long raven tresses and wearing a pentacle.

"Hello, my name's Crickett," she'd say from behind a stack of her books. "I'd be happy to sign that for you."

Ah, my dear Crickett. You've already left your signature with us, in places you neither see nor remember - places we can never forget.

John Burroughs is the author of http://crisisblog.crisischronicles.com/ and much more. His Web site is: www.crisischronicles.com. This was originally written by him and posted in 2007.