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Post by michele5611 on Feb 5, 2010 11:05:09 GMT -5
Kudos Karl....I loved it!
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Post by sugar on Feb 5, 2010 11:25:09 GMT -5
Karl that was great!!
I especially loved the electric blender one (big bad dog, huh? Totally fearless, huh?)
Nico is a cutie!!
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Post by karlthepianist on Feb 5, 2010 16:33:58 GMT -5
thanks michele and sugar. yeah, nico is a cutie, i have to say so myself. and he's a great snuggler, although my word, he is the loudest snorer in the history of the planet. whenever i take a nap with him i am always amazed if i am able to get to sleep.
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Post by horsesaavy on Feb 19, 2010 3:59:49 GMT -5
Wow, reading these gave me chills in my spine and tears in my eyes. I hope I get the poetry bug again, but I did come across something that made me sob. Apology to all Breed Ban Enthusiasts: I'm sorry you are frightened by my dog and are trying to have her killed because she is a "Pit Bull". I'm sorry you lack the understanding of this breed's true history, gentleness, wonderful temperament, intelligence and behavioral conformation. I'm sorry you won't read the American Temperment Testing Society's stats regarding our breed's true temperament, putting it in the top four for temperament, scoring better (YES, BETTER!) than breeds like Golden Retrievers, and cocker spaniels. I'm sorry that you side with and protect animal abusers by marking the breed of dog, and not the irresponsibility of the owner. I'm sorry that by your logic I could steal a car, run some people over with it, and then let you blame the make of car for the accident, as I walk free. I'm sorry you cannot go into the shelters and see the hundreds of abandoned and abused pitbulls, dying only for the inane "crime" of being born the breed they are. I'm sorry you cannot see the look of disappointment in their eyes as someone walks by their kennel, and refuses to consider adopting them based on an ill-educated, ignorance based tv report they once saw... I'm sorry that justice, equality, tolerance, and common sense are all things you hold dear as a fellow citizen, and expect from others, but do not yourself offer them towards a pitbull or its caregiver. I'm sorry you cannot see the disappointed look on a puppy's face when the people petting it quickly recoil and walk away when you tell them the sweet pup they are petting is a Pit Bull. I'm sorry that you cannot see my breed working in some of the best Search and Rescue groups in the world, saving countless lives each year. I'm sorry you cannot see the many pitbulls registered as therapy dogs, putting smiles on Grandma's and Grandpa's faces. I am sorry you can't see a pitbull kiss a child, step carefully over a kitten, or play in a sunbeam. I'm sorry you cannot wake in the morning to the feeling of a warm pitbull cuddled next to you in bed, and know that you are their total world, and that they would do ANYTHING for you. But, now that I really think about it, I'm not at all sorry you don't own a pitbull--YOU DON'T DESERVE ONE. -------------------------------------------------------- I found it on a facebook group, 'Ban the Deed not the Breed', on the discussion board. A woman named Haley Justmann posted it, not sure if you wrote it herself or not. Here is the link to the facebook thread www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5376174657#!/topic.php?uid=5376174657&topic=3203 (edited once, I used the wrong link)
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Post by jdbjd123 on Jul 31, 2010 16:54:04 GMT -5
JT stands for: Jefferson Township, Just Temporary, Just Trouble, and, finally ... Just Terrific! (The Story of JT: From Underdog to Wonder-dog)
JT stands for Jefferson Township, the beautiful sub-division where he was found in a tangle; dangling from a tree. My friends took the plain black puppy home and called him JT ... the impersonal name would remind them not to get attached to the foster dog. Anxious, mangey and untrained, JT was lucky to be with people who knew how to give him the care he needed. But he had no idea how to get along with their dogs -- two strong, colorful canine characters aptly named Shorty and Little Bear.
Shorty is a terrier mix with sawed-off Corgi legs and a Napolean complex. He's lap-dog cute, but strong-willed, independent and probably the smartest dog I ever met. At nearly twenty, he's certainly the oldest. He's everybody's darling and he really knows how to act ... you'll never catch Shorty doing anything naughty! Little Bear -- who looks a bit like a large wolf -- is a great, gentle Malamute mix. She's been known to correct other dogs when their behavior offends, but she doesn't throw her weight around very often. When she does, Little Bear always has the last word! (Like EFHutton, when Little Bear speaks, ... e-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y listens!) Before JT arrived, Shorty and Little Bear had been inseparable for years, and they made a great team ... the brains, and the braun. The three reluctant packmates were just getting aquainted when we first met. (Their humans were called out-of-town and wanted me to mind the household for a few weeks.)
Little Bear was first to welcome me to their home; she checked me out carefully, and stayed close. All three were friendly, engaging and well-behaved. It was a match made in heaven and we were all fast friends. I left thinking that Little Bear was acting as the lead-dog while JT waited in the wings. On my way back to the car, I saw Shorty by a trash-can with a chicken carcass. As I approached him, he slowly moved away and began inspecting an imaginary woodpile like he was Hans Blix at a plutonium plant. I walked up and asked Shorty if he'd eaten any chicken bones, expecting a shrug or downward glance. Instead, I got a long, defiant glare ... and a message: 'You may be a human, but you're not the boss of me! What a combo', I thought. The gentle she-wolf seemed reasonable enough, but the little general here was all attitude ... and young JT still a bundle of scattered energy.
As JT recovered physically, he had regular outbursts of barking, jumping and chasing. Worse, he had never learned to play well with others, and Shorty and Little Bear would teach him their rules: He was at the very bottom of the pecking order (even the cat would smack him around), and last in line for the good stuff, like food and treats. One night I gave them each a pig ear. Little Bear quickly stashed hers, then swaggered up to JT and snatched his away. I tried to return the special treat to its rightful owner, but JT closed his mouth tight and turned his head away. When I finally got him to take it, he promptly went to Little Bear's bowl and left it there. Another time, Shorty tried the same trick, but JT refused to hand over his treat. So Shorty grabbed one of JT's hind legs, then Little Bear took the other and they pulled them apart like a wishbone. JT was left tap-dancing on his forepaws; simpering, JT dropped the pig ear to the floor below.
When the dogs were together, they were all at their worst, especially the boys. By himself, JT was a piece of cake ...eager to please, he soon mastered basic obedience commands. Also, we were really bonding and I wanted to see this little underdog land on his feet. I knew better than to meddle within the pack, but I tried to reason with JT. When we were alone, I'd patiently whisper "You're such a good boy; I'm so proud of you. Just keep up the good work and soon, you'll be the top dog and they won't pick on you anymore. Then forgive them for the way they're treating you now. You can do it, boy."
We all knew Shorty liked to amuse himself by picking fights with JT, but we acted liked human referees. A year later, JT was still being crated daily for bullying the adorable little senior. Desperate for peace, I decided to SPY on the pack as they raced and rumbled one night. Peeking through a cracked door, I couldn't believe my own eyes when I saw the two older dogs hotly pursuing JT! Shorty was right on JT's tail when he saw me watching. By the time I had stepped into the hallway, Shorty had positioned himself in front of JT, so I saw the same familiar scene: the unruly adolescent JT harassing poor little Shorty. But this time they were BUSTED and we all knew it!! I had no idea what to do next, but I was supposed to be in charge and three dogs watched with baited breath for my response.
"Come back here!" I ordered, and all 3 followed me from the front foyer to the back room, where the crate was. "Now sit down!" Three tails hit the floor much too quickly to give me time to think. "Now, I want you to lie down and think about what you've done and stay that way until you cool out or I'll put you in the box!" They understood the run-on command and JT lay near my feet; the other two faced him from across the room. I stepped back to look at Little Bear and Shorty and easily read their faces. Then I spoke to the two senior dogs: "Yooouuuu twooo, the two of you (pointing at them now) ... you're in it together, aren't you?" I took their slumping frames as a confession of their conspiracy against JT. I turned to JT and mumbled an apology for all the times we'd both been duped; and he took the rap, alone in the crate.
The truth was out and when the dust settled, we all saw things ... and each other, more clearly. JT seemed gratified with his long overdue moral victory. He exhaled, relaxed, and melted with relief into the carpet even as he grew a bit larger, seemed a little bit taller. After I released them, Shorty retreated to a favorite corner. JT cooly went and lay down directly in front of Shorty, glaring indignantly. JT just stared and stared at Shorty; then he stared some more. 'Um, this is new', I thought, watching very carefully. The eyelock went on forever and, now curious, I went closer. JT lay so straight and still that each short black hair was flat against his body ... except for one tuft sticking straight out of his hindquarter. I plucked it from his coat and a tiny chunk of his hide came with it, but neither dog blinked. Now concerned, I stroked JT and asked him to come with me to watch some TV. I soon fell asleep, hopeful that things would be going better for JT from now on.
It didn't happen overnight, but the little underdog really grew up after that. His got sharper, calmer, more confident and more obedient. He hadn't been officially sworn in, but he was the alpha dog-elect and the pack was finally stabilizing. Then, as Shorty struggled to survive a severe infection, Little Bear decided it was time to switch alliances. One night, she went to sleep at JT's side and has remained close to him ever since. Shorty's recovery was impressive, and the boys still rough-house a bit, but Little Bear takes a more impartial role in keeping the peace. Wisely, JT still respects her preferences, but he enjoys the classic privileges of status. He gets the most attention, goes where he chooses and does everything first ... and its never an issue.
JT does not strut, posture or gloat, though he sometimes competes with Little Bear to be the first to obey a command ... especially if a treat is involved. Otherwise, he's still simple, straight-forward and sweet. Little Bear usually sleeps with JT and she gets anxious if they're separated. Sometimes the boys still act, well ... like male dogs, but those loud, nasty scuffles are largely a thing of the past. Shorty is enjoying life far beyond any dog's expected age and Little Bear is thriving well into her tenth year despite her severe hip displasia. Both seniors labor to take the stairs using a slow, deliberate 'hop-step'. But each also wags often, easily and enthusiastically. And I think JT deserves much of the credit for making the environment less stressful to the older dogs. He's come a long way and now, more than ever, I think JT is Just Terrific!
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Post by michele5611 on Aug 16, 2010 16:11:33 GMT -5
Thanks for posting this Judy sorry I missed it before!
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Post by suziriot on Aug 16, 2010 19:43:17 GMT -5
Very sweet story!
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Post by RealPitBull on Sept 14, 2010 8:56:25 GMT -5
Pit Bull Poem
You made me what I am today, courage at its best. You wanted me to know no fear, a cut above the rest. Not only did I master that, I've thrown in loyalty, too. Look past my eyes into my soul, you know I'd die for you. I'll watch your kids, I'll watch your house. Your praise will be my crown, ask what you will-I'll do my best. I'll even be your clown. But some of you don't like me, I'm sure I don't know why. The only thing I'm guilty of is courage, love, and try. But still they want to see me go, they want my breed to end. Will I see you sitting idly by? You, whom I call a friend? You made me what I am today, you never saw me waiver. I've done my best to keep you safe. Won't you please return the favor. ~ American Pit Bull Terrier ~ -Author Unknown
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damontis
Member
Samson and Delilah
Posts: 38
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Post by damontis on Sept 25, 2010 8:26:59 GMT -5
This is a poem I wrote the night after I had to let my "Meatball" go. He was a 5yr old APBT rescue that I had worked with for a year to find him a home. When he was diagnosed with Chronic Renal Failure I refused to let him die there (in a shelter). He deserved a soft pillow and a place to call home. So he came with me. We had alot of fun adventures during the 13 months I had him. I will miss him forever!!
Meatball – “My Handsome” “My Angel”
My dear angel Meatball, while here you made so many friends They all truly cared, and loved you ‘till the end
I had to let you go my friend, although it made me cry You were at the point of missing that special twinkle in your eye
I know you’ll be okay now, you won’t be lonely where you go Over the bridge they’re waiting, friends that you know
There’s Dak and Millie and Sammy too, oh the list of names is long They’ll welcome you and show you around, you’ll be family – you’ll belong
You’ll play and romp and lay in the sun, all throughout the day With no cares or worries and trouble free, in peace at night you’ll lay
I hope to see you in my dreams, with that great big alligator smile From over the rainbow bridge you’ll run, we’ll walk and play awhile
I’m honored to have shared your life, you taught me so many things I hope you find it peaceful there, and take flight with your new wings
Meatball – your soul is so sweet, gentle and loving. You will be missed forever!!
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Post by suziriot on Sept 25, 2010 19:36:19 GMT -5
Damontis, what a sweet tribute!
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damontis
Member
Samson and Delilah
Posts: 38
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Post by damontis on Sept 25, 2010 20:52:38 GMT -5
Suziriot - Thank you.
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Post by malia1770 on Dec 16, 2010 22:46:28 GMT -5
Karl, your essay was GREAT! I read it over and over and bookmarked it. Nico is adorable! Fantastic pictures, btw.
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