A daily PAWS FOR THOUGHT

As on my Paws To Run Twitter page, I've decided to post a daily PAWS FOR THOUGHT , encompassing what are our responsibilities as dog "owners", or more appropriately as dog companions. Below, the photo speaks volumes.

Paws To Run : The 4 that started it

A clip of the four dogs that help spark the idea for my new venture : Paws To Run

These are very happy and lucky dogs indeed, they get 2 long walks a day with plenty of time to play!

Paws To Run, here we come a running!

I have just launched my new venture : Paws To Run, a high energy dog exercising service in Great Ashby, Stevenage, Hertfordshire.   Sparked by my love of dogs, the outdoors and running,  I thought it would be a good idea to combine all three.  My own two dogs are no longer able to run with me and I miss the companionship.  For lack of time and/or knowledge, some "owners" do not give their pets enough exercise.  This can lead to destructive behaviour stemming from boredom.

 As an anecdote,  I increasingly notice bouncy Labradoodles straining on their leashes with exhausted looking owners trailing behind! One wonders if they have been duly informed that this new "breed" combines two of the most highly intelligent and energetic breeds!   The Royal poodle is a force to be reckoned with;  do away with the ridiculous grooming and you have a 'sportsman' of a water dog and hunter associated with a keen intelligence.  The Labrador is considered the Rolls Royce of hunting dogs, with boundless energy and an eagerness to please and to play. My Labrador required 3 full hours a day of walking, playing and running, in order to curb his energy.  My antique furniture is grateful that I spent the amount of time necessary to eliminate the destructive behaviour that Labradors are famous for (I knew of a couple who had 2 chocolate labs that actually started destroying the cement walls in the garage!).  You get the picture...

For more information, click on the link below.


Paws To Run

Sweet "Cadence", this one's for you.

I have posted a few videos from Hope For Paws featuring Eldad Hagar's amazing rescues.  I have been moved by all.  The one below features Cadence, an abused American Pit Bull Terrier.  Despite all the horror (she was used as a bait dog), Cadence found it in herself to trust Eldad and those involved in her rescue and subsequent care.  The sweetness of that battered face, the expression in those eyes. We have much to learn from our four legged friends for they truly have soul.

This video has been shared many times and it is important to continue to raise awareness about American Pit Bull Terriers. Also, Cadence is looking for a permanent home. If I were not living in the UK with 2 rescue dogs already, I know I would adopt her in an instant.

Elegance and poise. A repost as two of this group are now gone...

Meet Barney Barnstormer, my labrador Ursen's ( also know as #ursenthepolarbearlab ) best friend. When not running across field at full speed, he can be quite composed! It is fascinating to watch how a close bond develops between two dogs and stays true for nearly 10 years.  When I tell Ursen that we will be walking with Barney, he eagerly goes marching up to Barney's door and greets him with a nuzzle on the nose. If we are to catch up with Barney in the fields, It requires all my strength to hold onto Ursen as he sniffs ground and air to follow Barney's scent.  Once out of the woods (literally), I set him free and he rushes as fast as his arthritic legs allow, to catch up with Barney, Honey ( sheltie) and my friend Mandy. Always the gentleman, Ursen will greet Mandy first before checking that Barney and Honey are doing well! Yes, we have wonderful moments the six of us, the sixth member of our pack being my fox terrier cross Ralph who at nearly 14 is the most nimble of them all, and true to terrier nature, has a mind of his own!

Barney and Ralph are now together in dog heaven. They died 3 months apart, taking a big chunk of our lives, but still strong in our hearts.