We Are Lennox

Surprise! A second post today. You know what they say, when inspiration hits...

Patch: "I am a Dalmatian mix. It is known that the white color of Dalmatians can lead to deafness or hearing issues. This can make a Dalmatian snappy due to being startled from not hearing you. Even I have grumbled on occasion, particularly at the vet when they did something I did not like. However, my mommie worked with me and always warns people of my limitations. I like going to the vet now and can be trusted as much as any dog can be. I would hate for all Dalmatians to be deemed dangerous across the board, taken from their families, and put to sleep before their time. I AM LENNOX!"

(Photo credit: Me.)

Mona:" I am a Long-Haired Chihuahua. I was a stray that my mommie caught and turned into the animal shelter, sure my former people would be looking for me (they weren't). I was scared to death at the shelter and when my mommie called to check on me the next day, the staff said I would be put down due to fear aggression. Because my mommie is an animal lover and truly wants to help pets, she asked the staff is she could adopt me since she turned me in. She felt an immediate responsibility for me (lucky me!) and they let her take me...LUCKY ME! (Funny, I would've been free if mommie would've never turned me in to the shelter, but she paid $100 to get me out. LOL mommie!) Mommie worked with me and knows my limitations, warning people when to back off (especially kids since I don't care for them), and I have turned out to be such a good little girl. Chihuahuas have a reputation for being nasty, but I would hate for all of us to be deemed unsuitable to live. I AM LENNOX!"

(Photo credit: Me.)

In Memory Of Lennox

I came to learn of Lennox through links on Twitter. Not sure exactly when I learned of him, but the circumstances surrounding this dog spoke to me, as does any case of injustice towards an animal. Read more about the specifics of Lennox at http://www.savelennox.co.uk/ *Note: The website is down until 7/22/12, so please check back if you are reading my blog before that date. If the site changes its url, I will come back and post it in a new post.
You can also read about the campaign to save Lennox here: http://savelennox.com/ That being said, the campaign to specifically save Lennox has ended because he was euthanized on 7/11/12. However, the memory of Lennox will never end. While it is tremendously sad and upsetting that he is gone, perhaps he will be the one who finally changes breed specific legislation. I work in animal care and I know you have to take dogs as individuals. If you don't, you are foolish, prone to getting hurt, and will be limited in your success in dog training. I learned this long ago and it is re-emphasized on a regular basis.
If there are any specifics you want to talk about concerning Lennox's story, please post a comment. There are already so many things on the internet that I don't want to re-hash too much. I simply want to pass on this lovely piece by Lennox's family.

(Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=447890705231210&set=pb.125005200853097.-2207520000.1351442846&type=3&theater)

Doggie trust

I experienced something Friday that I hadn't really experienced before: Angst about the temporary care of one of my babies from work. She was adopted to a home out of town (the adopter had adopted from us before) and a pet courier service was taking her (and two other dogs) on an eight hour drive to her new home. As I held her, a Miniature Dachshund, waiting to put her in the van, she clung to me. I suddenly felt a pang in the pit of my stomach at the thought of handing her over to this stranger who was going to take her away. I have to admit that for a brief moment, my mind imagined that this company was nothing but a big rouse and that they were taking the dogs to an unknown location. This pet courier service is reputable and the people are well-trained (and I was told we've used them before), but I wished I could ride along to ensure her safe delivery. I kissed her many times before placing her in the van and, in a few moments, they were gone. I thought about her all day and messaged the coordinator later that night, inquiring if they had arrived yet. Shortly thereafter, I got a message that they arrived safely and the three dogs had slept together most of the way. They were happy and healthy and home. Still, I anxiously await the adoption update with pics of everyone.
I hadn't been worried about her adoption; just the in between part of getting her there. She trusted me and I wanted to make her feel like everything would be alright. For that brief moment, though, I didn't know if everything was alright, even though my logical mind knew it was.
I am reminded of it all the time, but this event made it even more clear: We can never break the trust of an animal in our care. They depend on us for everything and it is our responsibility to provide it. No ifs, ands, or buts.