My Dog Hates Everybody

I don't get it.  Look at this face:

How could THAT hate anyone, right?!  I have no idea!  When he was a puppy I took him everywhere.  He traveled to friend's homes, to the pet store, around town... wherever I was allowed to bring his adorable face, that looked more like this at that time.

But now, he hates people.  Well it's not like he wants to bite people, but he prefers "strangers" not to touch him.  Look at him from a distance- ok.  Try to touch him- no way!  He doesn't discriminate against gender, ethnicities or body types.  He just hates everyone.

Once he's warmed up to you and gets to know you however, then you may be asking me to remove him from the room because he's all up in your grill.  And thinking about it logically, it kind of makes sense.  He wants to get to know people before he lets them touch him.  Isn't this the case for (most- non-slutty) humans too?  Like if some chick just walked up to me and said "oh hey there Shannon, your mom suggested I say hi" and then touched me or hugged me, I may be a bit put off.  Actually I know I'd be weirded out.  I'm not a super touchy-feely gal to begin with.  But get someone I don't know touching me, and I'm just not ok with that.

But the expectations for dogs are different. It's kind of like kids.  Parents always tell their kids, "don't talk to strangers" and "don't go with strangers", yet they briefly introduce them to people like their day care supervisors, distant relatives or friends of theirs and then expect the children to "play nice" and sometimes accept a hug from them.  This must mess with their minds.  And after considering it for some time, this is pretty much what I'm asking my adorable and lovely dog to do.

So, no more Hudson.  I will ensure you are properly introduced and have time to adjust to the people I bring into your life before asking you to let them touch you.  You readers may think I'm crazy for addressing part of this post to my dog, because most animals can't read.  But I want you all to know, my dog is advanced for his age. :)

World Stray Animals Day

This post was scheduled to appear on April 4th (real World Stray Animals Day) but my account chose NOT to post.  So I'm posting it today!

Today is World Stray Animals Day!

There are millions of animals worldwide struggling to survive.  Pleading humans not to euthanize animals in need happens throughout many organizations all over, but today, April 4th (also my old family dog's birthday), is a day to recognize the needs of the stray animals.

I have only just been introduced to this day this year, via my dog-training hero, Cesar Milan.  Have I mentioned that I love that man and the training methods he uses?!  He's amazing!  I get his newsletter in my email often, and this one was of particular interest to me.  Animals bring so much joy (and work) to our lives, why not go help out a stray or homeless animal?

Many people think stray animals only consist of dogs and cats- but there are many larger and smaller animals that need help and homes too.  I encourage everyone to check out their local shelter or rescue organization for information on animals that need homes, volunteer opportunities and donation requests.  Have an extra leash your dog has grown out of or doesn't match her collar anymore?  Donate it.  Can you afford an extra bag of cat food while shopping?  Donate it.  Have a day off with nothing to do?  Donate it.  

Tauri, Tess & Gemini- breeder & only pet store pups

Let me admit that I have not always been an advocate for rescuing animals.  Not to say I discouraged people from doing it, I just had specific wants from an animal.  I'm pretty particular as to what I want, when I want it and how I'll make it happen.  I'm stubborn (Brandon will attest to this) and I acquired all but one of the 15+ dogs that I've owned/fostered/trained/bred throughout my life from breeders.  The other was an adorably cute and impossible to ignore pet store puppy. Both Hudson and Sarah are purebred, though Hudson was registered with the CKC and Sarah wasn't they are both great dogs.  I'm not knocking responsible and ethical breeders either.  They are great, and I have gotten many fantastic dogs from breeders.  But, more recently, I am seeing the advantage of rescuing a dog.  And many breeds have specific rescue groups meant directly for that breed.  I'm almost certain our next puppy will come from a human society or rescue group.

Visit http://www.strayanimalsday.org/#! for more information.

Toronto Humane Society

Today I Learned...

My dog has an addiction to socks and dish towels.

Tonight Jai came back from a few days escape from the apartment.  Of course, Hudson went crazy.  My dog is in love with Jaisun.  I fear in a match between he and I, he would win the favourite contest.  (But I don't tell him, nor acknowledge that) Anyhow, Hudson was waiting patiently outside Jai's bedroom door for him to exit the room, which eventually he did.  At which time Hudson resumed his love fest.  (Barf.)  While Jai was in the bathroom- Hudson got so excited he ran into my bedroom, grabbed my balled up pair of work socks, ran back out into the living room, dropped said socks on his bed in the corner then dropped his large-ass self in front of me.  Looking up at me with guilty eyes, Hudson knew he had done wrong.  Again.

Of course, he got in trouble and whimpered to himself, hoping when Jai exited the washroom he would surely join him in the pity party.  What Hudson didn't expect, was that he was still in trouble.  Thus meaning, would not be allowed to get up and love up Jai like normal.  This prompted Jai to ask why- so I explained.  And this is when I realized, actually was educated, that my dog has an addiction.  An addiction to stealing (and sometimes consuming) socks.  Jai seems to think it's a cry for help, the dropping of the socks and then immediate surrender of himself.  He knows he's doing wrong, and openly admits it.  So why, Hudson, why do you take socks?  And why eat them?

Hudson has become so well known for his sock thievery, his food dish is customized with his name and a pair of socks, and his hand made ornament I made for Christmas, also has Hudson adorning a sock between his paws.

I'm thinking of starting a support group.  If you know of anyone with a similar sock "issue", let me know and we can enroll them in the 9 step recovery program.  Only, 3 easy payments of $19.95!!

Photo credit: Tim Bannister

Pet Names... No not the dogs.

Within the first couple weeks of knowing Brandon he had christened me as "ShanMan". Naturally, when I first heard this I was a bit surprised as I was (and still am not) a man! Why was this very handsome guy, whom I was fairly certain fancied me too, referring to me as "ShanMan"... Emphasis on the man?!

I came to the quick realization that Brandon often dubbed people with pet names. Mine happened to become ShanMan... Because it rhymed. Hey, I'm all for rhyming statements. I've mentioned before I do enjoy "awesome possum" as well as, "fancy dancy" among others. But man? Why not... "ShanFan" as in you are a fan of mine? I feel like that's a much more appropriate pet name.
I've grown to love this pet name now, but I still notice the looks friends and family give me when they hear me respond to it.

A newer name that has developed in the last few months is "Kermin". This name developed from our favourite Muppets character, Pepe. With his spanish accent, his pronunciation of Kermit turns into "Kermin". We love Pepe... And he has a line in "Muppets from Space" where he says, "hey Kermin... When are you going to fix the oven, ok?" in fact, enjoy this clip of Pepe's best moments.

All this to say, Brandon also refers to me as Kermin- usually when he wants something. So I also know when I hear, "hey Kermin...?" the next thing will be "can you get me some water, ok?"

Pet names- cute with sentimental stories attached to them.

Why My Side of the Bed is Better

I'm just going to make a list, to keep it simple for you all.

• there's no doors on my side for anyone to enter the room and kill me
• the bathroom is closest to my side
• it's got my "groove" which fits me beautifully (almost like a cocoon) 
• my plentiful toiletries and beauty products are on my side
• it's not as cold as Brandon's side because there are no exterior doors
• the dogs sleep on my side (because it's best)
• there's no laundry laying on the floor
• I sleep there- what more reason do you need?!

I'm free of the ghost grabbing zone too!