Dog Talk® Dog of the Month
Every month I celebrate I a listener to Dog Talk®.
So many wonderful folks call in to the show and write to me about their pooches and I want to honor one of them every month. In addition to the fame, glory and bragging rights, the winner will get a DOG TALK® baseball cap with the logo embroidered, and the dog will get a big tin of Wagatha's biscuits and a bottle of Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet oil capsules. Happy day!
October 2009: DogTalk® Dogs of the Month: Lori's Pooches
This is a really cool montage Lori made, with her Weimeraner Xanthus in the middle (who died of bloat) and her current pack like a necklace around him. Isn't this creative?!
LORI’S PACK OF POOCHES ARE OCTOBER’S DOGS OF THE MONTH
Lori is the Shelter Manager of the Caring Hands Humane Society in Newton, Kansas. She has opened her home and heart to so many deserving dogs from her shelter – and just added a gorgeous baby girl (her very own human one!) to the pack. Their story, in her words:
Shortly after I began working at Caring Hands Humane Society, I began fostering dogs for them. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I wasn’t good at giving them up! Ty was far from my 1st foster dog, but we fell in love with him instantly and decided to adopt him. He was a chaotic and extremely hyper 8-month-old Lab/Rott mix. He trained easily and where as he is still a bit excitable at times, he is well on his way to becoming a certified therapy dog. Ty is a big baby that loves to swim and water retrieve, go for car rides and stare out the windows.
Pixie is another foster dog of ours that we couldn’t part with. We are a family that likes the big dogs, but when this little girl came into Caring Hands, she was terribly over weight and horribly petrified. She bonded to me instantly so I decided to help her lose half her body weight and help her become healthier. Well, long story short, even though she was adopted out, she came back because she had chosen me as her person. She has yet to detach herself from my hip!
Last summer, we began fostering an older overweight black lab named Missy. Her chances of being adopted were very slim, even with her great personality. I couldn’t see anything bad happen to her, so home with me she came. It came time for me to have to bring her back and when I couldn’t do it, home with me is where she got to stay! We adopted her immediately. She is a good girl that is very protective and loving all in one.
Beretta is a Boxer that I adopted for my husband from Caring Hands Humane Society. She gets to go to work every day with Daddy and loves to lie around and sleep all day. If she isn’t sleeping, she is playing tug of war with Ty or eating! This girl LOVES to eat!! She is also obsessed with licking any human who will let her lick on them! It’s cute…but YUCK!
All my fur-babies came from the Caring Hands Humane Society because I believe in saving the lives of those who need it the most.
September 2009: Dog Talk® Dog of the Month: Gracie
Gracie (and Laurel) richly deserve being September’s DOG TALK® Dog of the Month. Read Gracie's Story. (PDF, 10KB)
Here’s the darling letter I received from Laurel – how could I NOT make her beloved pooch Dog of the Month – and send a big bottle of Nordic Naturals omega-3 fish oil capsules, a DOG TALK limited edition baseball cap, goodies from Halo and Platinum Performance and Dr. Harvey’s?!
My name is Laurel and I have been listening to your Dog Talk® radio show as a podcast over the last several months. I purchased The Dog Bible and am finding it to be a great reference piece as is your show. Would you be able to send me a book plate with my sweet Gracie's name on it (I've attached a picture of Gracie for you. She is the love of our lives!)
We adopted Gracie when she was four years old from our local rescue organization, Furry Friends Rescue in Fremont, CA. She had been surrendered (abandoned) by her family at a humane society due to "hardship". We had a history that she had been raised with children and with cats. While at the humane society she was so depressed she would not eat or leave her cage. The staff really liked her so they called Furry Friends who found her a foster family and got her out of doggie prison and ultimately on her way to her new life with us.
We live in an area where there is a high concentration of kids of all ages and not many of the kids live with any type of animal due to busy schedules, cultural biases etc. Gracie has become the dog ambassador of the neighborhood and over the past five years she has befriended numerous children as well as their parents and has taught everyone what a wonderful gift loving a dog can bring into one's life. Children come to our door and ask if Gracie can come out and play. Gracie has introduced me to not only the kids but also their parents and families. She breaks down all cultural differences / barriers (our neighborhood is multi-ethnic - Asian, northern and eastern European as well as American) and reminds us all that we have more commonalities than differences.
Gracie weighs 105 lbs so you would think she would be somewhat intimidating just by her size (Bernese Mountain dog, Aussie or Border Collie combo), but she is always smiling and such a love that everyone is just drawn to her.
So that is Gracie's story and why I am requesting a book plate with her name on it.
Thank you for all you do. I love your show.
August 2009: Dog Talk® Dog of the Month: Bullitt
From DAWN: Bullitt is a male neutered whippet. He is an ex show dog. He does have his championship. He has retired to life of being a companion to myself, my husband and my two sons ages 11 and 9. We try to keep him busy; he has his Rally novice title, his AKC Good Citizens ship and is a Senior Courser, in Lure Coursing.
Before I got Bullitt his breeder in Charlotte NC asked lots of questions and came to inspect my home. After I got Bullitt, she asked me to sign a contract that if for some reason I could not keep Bullitt, I had to send him back to her. She checks in with me regularly and has been a great source of advice.
I have been listening to your show from the very beginning. I listen by podcast but at times will call in to speak to you live. I started listening just about 2 years ago because I had gotten Bullitt from a responsible breeder but it had been many, many years since I had owned a dog. I was looking for good information and thank God I stumbled upon your show. Then I bought your book. I find your show probably the best show on dogs, in terms of breadth and depth of information, that is airing today. I have listened to A LOT of podcasts in my search for more information to properly care for my dog, and I can say sincerely that yours is the best. Keep up the good work.
Bullitt and I just received your goodie-bag. Thank you so much. He really seems to like the Spots Stew kibble. I can't wait to have him start the Nordic Naturals and Platinum Performance The freeze dried treat (Le Dogue Bites) from Dr. Harvey’s seems nice. And I already have Pets Best Insurance. I signed up after I heard you talk about them almost year ago. Bullitt and I thank you very much. Thank you again for this great honor!
July 2009: Dog Talk® Dog of the Month: Oscar
Oscar, the black German Shepherd: Oscar has been through a lot — as his loving people outline below — but his new friendship with Maggie the friendly donkey has been a sweet respite from his problems. I salute the dedication of Thomas and Judith to give Oscar a great life while dealing with daunting medical problems throughout his life, during which he has kept up a great brave face and is an inspiration to all of us. Read about their friendship here - and then look at the longer piece written by Judith about all they have been through.
Oscar spent the first 7 years of his life under the watchful eye and tender care of our female Shepherd, Emme. She loved him at first sight and never stopped till the day she had to leave us for the Rainbow Bridge. Soon after she left us, Oscar got bloat, then a bladder infection, then erlichia, then he tore a ligament and had surgery, then came home with a urinary infection, then he developed a staph infection, then more surgery... Well, you get the picture. He's been through a lot, and because he's been so sick for so long, he hasn't had the vigor or ability to play in parks with other dogs, so he's been kind of lonely. Recently, I began to drive him to a farm up the street where there are several donkeys. He's developed a crush on one of them, the female named Maggie. When we stop the car, he knows that she is nearby and begins to bark loudly. Suddenly there is a rustle in the far pasture and two big beautiful ears pop into view. It's Maggie! Oscar walks to the other end of the near field and waits while she walks the fence to the opening to the field and slowly comes to him. She chews on a carrot or apple that I've brought while Oscar sits and watches her. Sometimes he will put his head through the wire fence and nibble on her leg while she grazes, like he used to with Emme. He has even put his open mouth on her, and she never flinches or moves. There is a lovely trust that has developed between them as they explore each other's energy. Often one of them will begin to lope along the fence and the other will trot along in unison. They seem very excited by the activity and when they reach the end, they lope back. It's really fun to watch them in their friendship and I am sending you pictures so you can see them too!
Judith L.
Read the full story. (PDF, 125KB)
June 2009: Dog Talk® Dog of the Month: Marquis
Marquis – Dog Of The Month for June - 13 years old & shining with health
Marquis on the beach at Flathead Lake in the N.W. corner of Montana. Flathead Lake is the largest body of fresh water West of the Mississippi. Marquis and her sisters (pictured in the background) get to go down there in the Spring, which is the only time they have the beach. Other times of the year they find fields to run in and go hiking on trails in the mountains where they live in. (Doesn't it such a dog paradise make you want to call a realtor in those mountains?!).
Marquis and friends resting after their run in the lap of luxury on the deck in their beds.
BACKGROUND: Marquis ~ Marq for short (the whole litter was named after gems) – is one of the three Allereise kennel Whippets I am privileged to have. Their temperaments are so balanced and I have no doubt that her conformation is what has kept her going so strong these past 13 years. Amazingly athletic and so elegant — the first time, many years ago, when I turned her loose in a big field for a run my jaw dropped open she was so fast; I finally closed my mouth about three minutes later. Whippets are capable of 40 MPH and she may have been reaching it. Marq has taught Nia her two year old baby sister whippet all of her moves. It's the cutest thing. She also plays with and loves her 6 year old whippet sister Juno. Her sisters have great respect for her. Who wouldn't with such a role model!? Marq loves to lay on the outdoor cushions under the gazebo or roll around on the dead dried worms in the grass (that's a real favorite) after we go on long walks/runs on the huge sandy beach or fields. Marq has always been very loyal to me. She will go out exploring and then come back to walk by me for a while. I can't express enough how my heart feels about this wonderful being we call Marquis. Thanks Tracie for giving me an opportunity to write down how I feel about her. :)
I also want to tell you that Marq and Juno have been on Platinum Performance Plus for two years now. Juno had a strange blood issue that was never diagnosed. It leveled out after putting her on this great supplement. I feel it boosts Marq with energy and strength.
One other thing is we use Honest Kitchen's Preference too. I think all of these things benefit my dog's greatly thanks to you!
P.S. Marquis says a special hello to you Tracie. She continues to do verrrrry well at 13 years of age. You may remember I had a growth removed due to your show and the official oncologist of the show (Alice Villalobos) whom you have as a guest. The growth was inconclusive in status so I said remove it! So I (mom) do not worry anymore.
Thank You for all you do Tracie.
May 2009: Dog Talk® Dog of the Month: Scarlett
Scarlett's Mom Joan let us know all about her:
My girl, Scarlett is a beagle rescued from a kill shelter in North Carolina 30 days before her execution date. We first fostered her, then decided a month in to adopt her. She has been difficult to house train. I've read all the tips in THE DOG BIBLE. Her main problem is her attention span. She forgets what she's outside for. We are getting there now that my husband has stepped in to help.
I appreciate the tips on feeding her better food. I began with spaghetti and meat sauce which scar loves: her appetite has been appeased. She is sleeping better. My husband wants me to cook special for him now, too. Ha ha ha!
Thank you for your great show. I am a fan and weekly listener. I am also a volunteer for RSVP Inc. (Responsible Solutions for Valued Pets). We are a riverhead-based rescue group. I will be asking you for an autographed copy of the "bible" for our fundraiser in the fall -- The Autumn Howl IV at Martha Clara Vineyard.
God bless you for all the education you spread. The world is a much better place for the animals and humans with the knowledge, ideas and stories you bring us.
-Joan
April 2009: Dog Talk® Dog of the Month: Smokey
Congratulations To Smokey, April Dog Talk® Dog Of The Month
Bob in Atlanta has been such a great dedicated listener – calling and emailing, a great Dad to his adopted gal Smokey (the boss of the house, as he calls her) - a wonderful advocate for the ideas i promote on the show (convincing friends to get their cats of Kitty Crack, learning how to use the E-collar as an invisible leash - generously contributing to Golden Max's cancer treatments, and then a wonderful friend to his cat-loving pal Kimellen, who was viciously attacked while jogging and Bob asked me to give her whatever I would have sent him as a thank-you for helping Max. I sent him my favorite little book about cats for Kimellen, BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE, a bottle of Nordic Naturals Omega-3 pet oil for Smokey, a DOG TALK® baseball cap for Bob, a couple of CD's of DOG TALK® to share with friends and some Pets Best insurance discount cards for friends, too. Upon learning of Smokey’s honor, Bob wrote:
By the way, I have continued to use the E-collar with Smokey, only on walks in the park. We live next to a large park as you know, and even though there is a leash law, being retired I go there early in the morning when the park is empty and with the E collar I have the confidence to recall her while she runs around off leash. If anyone approaches, I can quickly recall her and leash her up. She is not a very active dog, but when I turn her loose in the park, she loves to sniff and explore and then excitedly run full speed up to me to catch up as I walk along letting her explore. We do this in some very large fields surrounded by woods, so there is plenty for her to sniff and explore including occasional deer and rabbits, as well as many squirrels. This is her favorite part of the day, and without the E collar. I wouldn't do this, since even though distracted, the E collar will eventually get her attention. A friend of mine has a Beagle that was E collar trained by Sit Means Sit, and sometimes her dog and Smokey will explore off-leash together as we walk though the 1.3 mile trail in the park, surrounded by woods. They really enjoy it and are good friends.
Bob’s excellent use of the E collar to give a dog otherwise unattainable freedom has also given Smokey the gift of being able to be a natural inquisitive dog, fulfilling some deep natural needs while remaining safe and connected to him. Bravo Bob and Smokey!
March 2009: Dog Talk® Dogs of the Month:
Romeo & Tiger
New York City boys-about-town Romeo and Tiger are March's Dog Talk® Dogs of the Month
The transformative power of dogs! These two darling poodles are proof that an animal-avoider can become a self-proclaimed dog nut! A high-powered businesswoman, Diana makes time to listen to every DOG TALK® and take the advice she likes from it. Plus she jumped right in when Pam - Max's Mom - had the harsh medical bills for Max's cancer amputation, making a really generous contribution to help out (with more to come). Her boys deserve kudos for all the love and happiness they spread inside their apartment, outside on the streets of New York, and in their Mom's heart.
Hi Tracie,
Attached is a pic of Tiger (left) and Romeo (right). They're on their way for a much-needed grooming. They're both super good boys and love people more than people love themselves.
When we take our 7 am walks, they greet the locals on their way to work. Walking quickly, holding their Starbucks and Wall Street Journals, they see Romeo and Tiger and cannot resist their greetings. Wall Street can wait, the coffee will still be hot, so they gladly take on the boyz' kisses and handshakes. In this cold city, they really seem to warm everyone up.
I never had a dog before I got Romeo. In fact, the thought of having "an animal" in my apartment grossed me out. Then came Romeo. Romeo came into my life from a world-class toy poodle breeder named Pat . She likes to be referred to as Gramma Pat. After a while, I had to have another, so Gramma Pat sent me Tiger, Romeo's 1/2 brother. These guys are best friends and can't be apart without getting down in the dumps.
These boyz have opened up my world and view of all animals, in general. I stop and greet every dog that I come across; it is such a a great feeling. Here I am at 39 year old business woman talking to dogs on the streets in a low deep voice, "Hey buddeeee" or "hi there you're such a good boy" "or you're a pretty girrrrrl."
So I've become an animal nut...and I'm proud of it :)
That's my story. Sorry it was so long.
Best, Diana
February 2009: Dog Talk® Dog of the Month: Max
(In Memoriam: June 2009)
I have chosen dogs and cats of the month for a variety of reasons, but never has there been a dog and his people so richly deserving of this small but heartfelt recognition as Max, a beloved 10-year-old Golden, who went from being suddenly diagnosed with bone cancer to being a successful amputee in the course of a week. Max’s Mom Pam (as she signs her letters) began what was to become a long and intimate email exchange between us about Max’s situation. I admire this lady and her equally devoted daughter Julie so much – almost as much as I salute their ever-cheerful and life-affirming Golden Max, who has come through this with shining colors.
In order for you to appreciate the depth of this experience for Pam, Julie and Max, I have included our entire correspondence. Just click here to follow the email trail. Here (below picture) is the short version of Max’s story:
We adopted Max at the age of 9 months from Long Island Golden Retriever Rescue. He had been kept tied to a tree in the backyard of his prior owners who did not want him anymore because he had "gotten too big." The following Mother's Day my husband brought home our second Golden, Buddy, who was about to be surrendered to the pound by a co-worker because he was "too energetic." Our third Golden, Sally Ann, was a breeder for the Guide Dog Foundation, recently retired after donating 4 litters. We puppy raised one of Sally's daughters, Maizy, a Golden/Lab mix, and she did not pass as a Guide Dog and now lives with us - which makes our Golden family a total of four.
Max started limping on January 9th. The Vet thought he may have fallen on the ice and sprained his leg so we treated with medication and kept his activity low. By the following weekend he was hardly using the leg, leaning a lot, and mostly just lying around. X-rays on January l7th showed the cancer. Further tests at Animal Medical Center in NYC revealed that the cancer was isolated to his leg and, therefore, he would be a good candidate for amputation, even at the ripe old age of 10. The surgery was performed on January 21st, and today he is alive and walks on three legs. If you would have told me a week ago that things would be so good today, I would never have believed it. I sleep on the floor beside my boy and smell his fur and listen to him breathe and love him even more for his strength and for teaching me that nothing is impossible. There is no doubt in my mind that he will swim and chase tennis balls at the beach this summer.
Thank you for making My Golden Max your Dog of the Month. It is a beautiful honor that we will cherish always. And thank you also for your very informative radio show. I have learned so much from you and your interesting guests. I hope someday, after Max completes chemotherapy, that I can call the show and share our experience with your listeners. Maybe we can make it a little easier for another pet owner faced with the diagnosis of canine cancer.
Sincerely,
Max's Mom, Pam L.
Read Tracie & Pam's full corresponce here.- PDF Updated FEB 5, 2009)
WRAPPED IN KINDNESS'S KATE HELPING MAX THE GOLDEN
Kate's wonderful personal effort to help offset vet bills is going to benefit our own Golden Boy Max. Here is the link to her website, where you can buy any of the Wrapped in Kindness items and the proceeds go directly to Max's Mom Pam - read more about Max below.
Here is link to page on site for buying Wrapped In Kindness gifts with proceeds going to Max: http://0163c0f.netsolstores.com/maxsmaydayfund.aspx
MAX SURGERY UPDATE
Julie just showed me everything written here. I am sorry I did not write sooner. But Max did not go into surgery until almost 3:00 (after leaving him at AMC at 8:20 a.m.) and the surgeon did not call me until almost 6:00. I have been on the phone with friends and family and other doctors from AMC - but I HAVE THE MOST AMAZING NEWS!! MAX IS ALIVE!!
Read the rest of Pam's letter. (11KB, PDF)
Max update (FEB 17, 2009):
Dear Tracie:
My daughter and I were sitting on the couch listening to your show today (with Max by our side, of course) and we both started to cry when we heard what you said about Max. Your support and that of your listeners is so unbelievably wonderful and unexpected and our gratitude is more than you know. I received the VPI check today - they paid $3,000 on a $5,000 claim. And I haven't submitted the chemo bill or any of the future labs and tests. What you have done for us is most appreciated, but I'm sure you know by now that I would incur any amount of debt to see my Max the way he is today.
He was a bit lethargic 4 days after chemo, but no vomiting or diarrhea so we are very thankful. It was tough seeing him just laying around after he's become so active, but the Doctor said it's normal and he will have "off" days. When he loses his balance, my heart sinks, but he gets right back up and keeps going. It definitely affects me more than it affects him.
I did not get your listener's name. I was too emotional during the show to hear anything clearly. I do want to thank her.
Next Saturday Max has his second chemo at 10:30 a.m., so Julie and I will be in the City. I won't be able to listen, but I know you always send me the show and I thank you for that.
Tracie - I hope you don't mind me saying this - at the end of your show you said Happy Valentine's Day to all your four-legged friends. Maybe now that you have gotten to know Max you can include three-legged friends as well. This certainly is a wonderful Valentine's Day for us. Hope you are having a great day, too.
Sincerely,
Max's Mom, Pam
MAX UPDATE - FEB 21, 2009 (PDF)
UDPATE: FEB 24, 2009
More Love Flowing To/From Max
I got this from Diana, who made a really generous contribution to Max’s Mom Pam, to help with his pot-amputation cancer treatment.
Hi Tracie- I just received something that made my day - maybe year. A thank you card from Pat LaCorre (Max's mom). She said my gift literally went straight to Max's heart (echocardiogram). Funny. She said it helped Max but it is MY heart that feels great. Your listeners rock.
So I wrote Diana back:
You make me feel really glad I made your pups dogs of the month for March.
You're special - and yes, my listeners do rock - you're one of them.
And further thanks to Bob in Atlanta and Lizza in Washington State for reaching out a hand to Max's Mom Pam. —Tracie
Every little bit helps - and it's the emotional support that means the most.
HELPING MAX:
Anybody kind enough to reach out to Max's Mom Pam with assistance for his medical bills will get a CD of a special DOG TALK show with my heart felt thanks.
Help from Listeners for Golden Max
Max's Mom, Pam, wrote:
I received the check for $25 yesterday from your listener in California. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am SO happy that you made Diana's dogs MARCH'S DOGS OF THE MONTH. She is obviously a devoted pet owner and a wonderful person. Her check went immediately to pay down my Care Credit bill to free up some more credit. To say it was an amazing gift is putting it way too mildly!
Max went for his second chemo treatment last night. He broke my heart when he tried to hide under my chair when the doctor came out to get him. He has already associated that place with being stuck with needles, poked and prodded. They continue to be warm and wonderful with him and to us, but now he knows what's coming. I shudder when I think that we have 7 more treatments. But I have to remember that this is just one day every other week and that, for the most part, the rest of the time he is playful, active and ALIVE! He acts so normal that sometimes I forget that he is being treated for cancer. But then he hides under my chair and the reality of what he is going through sets in. I don't doubt my decision for one instant, but this cancer stuff is really, really hard. I have been lying with him all morning trying to explain the whole chemotherapy thing to him. He looks at me with such love. What we get from our animals is so powerful, it goes through your skin into your veins.
Max and I will be listening tomorrow. Will you be announcing Diana's dogs? I hope she calls in so I can hear her voice.
I am going to ask Jackson Galaxy to donate his Spirit Essence called "Healthy Helper – To provide energetic support for the immune system, for animals recovering from illness, injury or surgery."—Tracie
APRIL 2, 2009 MAX UPDATE:
Dear Tracie:
I received the check today. I will make sure that each person gets a personal thank you.
Thank you so much for your mention of Max at the end of Saturday's show. It is so thoughtful of you to say the names of each person who has donated toward Max's recovery. I know how difficult it is for anyone to donate to anything in these horrible economic times. The fact that they find it in their hearts to do so for Max brings tears to my eyes.
I am just sick over the meager reimbursement I am receiving from VPI. According to their "benefit schedule", I have already reached maximum reimbursement for many of the services that Max will continue to need. It will be thousands more and to think that it will not be covered is very disheartening. I wish I had taken a closer look at the other pet insurance companies when I signed Max up ten years ago. But I'm not sure that VPI had a lot of competition back then.
At your advice, I have now signed my other three Goldens up with Pets Best and have received the additional discount because of your show so I thank you for that. Hopefully, we will not be faced with such a gut-wrenching diagnosis as cancer for any of them but at least if we do it will be nice to know that the bills will be paid at 80%, and not according to an archaic benefit schedule.
Out of curiosity I searched on the internet to see what pet owners thought about various pet insurance companies. VPI was almost at the bottom with regard to customer satisfaction and PETS BEST was close to the top. I also went to the VPI website and really reviewed the coverage (which is something I should have done a long time ago). I came across the section where you would go if you wanted to cancel your insurance. It gave you a choice of several reasons why you would want to cancel - death of a pet, financial hardship, gave pet away - and ONE OF THE REASONS YOU COULD PICK WAS THE BENEFIT SCHEDULE!! Doesn't that tell you that they KNOW their benefit schedule stinks? I just thought that was VERY interesting.
Well, we're off to the City on Saturday for chemo treatment #4. So far, so good with regard to side effects, but the chemo medicine will change for the 5th treatment and they said sometimes pets have a difficult time coping with the change. We will go from the City to my Mom's (Max's grandma) in New Jersey. She has not seen Max since the surgery. She is a little nervous about seeing him with only three legs but she LOVES Max and is looking forward to our visit. I know she will pamper him all weekend!!
I'm looking forward to your continuance of the Cesar Milan discussion. It would be amazing if he actually came on your show.
Again, thank you for everything you do and have done.
Sincerely,
Max's Mom, Pam
Our Golden Max Lost his valiant battle with Cancer.
Read the update. (PDF) or Read and comment on the blog entry.
UPDATE: MAY 3, 2009: Max the Golden's cancer has spread - looking for some prayers and a miracle: Read update on Tracie's blog.
When I asked listeners to help Pam however they could - even just moral support - I received a donation from a dedicated listener (and Dad of Smokey, the Dog Talk Dog of the Month for April). And here's what he wrote back, with a scan of Pam's thank you note. This came just as Pam was getting the new bad news about Max's liver:
Tracie - I also wanted to let you know that I received a wonderful thank you card from Max's Mom, some weeks ago. It was hand written, and took some time to write. To be honest, I was amazed that she would take the time to send out a card like that, since being on SS, I couldn't afford to send her more than a few dollars. I am enclosing a scan of the card so you can read it to. She must be a fantastic person. I hope she and Max are doing well.
Thank You Card from Max's "mom"
(click to view larger versionin new window)
* * *
One of my delightful listeners - whose divine little dog Romeo was the Dog Talk Holiday Dog (you can see Romeo here above Times Square in NYC) was so moved by the story of the 10-year-old Golden Max and his sudden cancer diagnosis, amputation and miraculous recovery, that she wanted to send a donation to Pam to help with those bills.
I want to do the same - and imagine some of you might want to, also.
Pam is a completely responsible pet owner - all 4 of her rescued Goldens have pet insurance. Sadly, it isn't Pets Best, the company I recommend, that covers 80% of 100% of ALL bills, even with cancer if you have full coverage. Pam's company VPI is going to pay pennies on the dollar at best - just as I have cautioned you all on the air - so she is deep in the hole. She would never dare to ask for help — and I only am taking the ball that Romeo's Mom Diana threw me and saying:
If Pam's story moved you and being part of the salvation of her Golden Boy Max would feel good to you, here's PayPal button (below) to send me the money which I will send her a check OR write me: tracie@thedogbible.com and I'll give you her address to send it yourself.
Our Golden Max Lost his valiant battle with Cancer.
Read the update. (PDF) or Read and comment on the blog entry.
MAX UPDATE: BEACH, MAY 28, 2009
It is completely and utterly amazing to see Max's MomPam and Sister Julie able to bounce back from the trauma of more cancer surgery and show their tenacity for the Good Life. Bravo!
From Update Letter: Here is Pam’s update on Max’s much-awaited trip to the beach – a mere matter of days after surgery for liver cancer, following his amputation for bone cancer. She wrote this to me and to Kate of Wrapped in Kindness, who is raising funds to help offset Pam’s medical bills.
Well, it has been the most extraordinary Memorial Day Weekend. We took Max and his golden siblings to the beach for Max's first swim since cancer entered our lives. Read the rest of the update letter. (13KB, PDF)
Click thumbnail images to see larger versions in new window.
MAX UPDATE: BAD BIOPSY RESULTS & KATE REACHES OUT
Max's osteo-sarcoma has metastasized from the bone to the liver. It is not confined — it is an aggressive tumor, in all parts of his liver, and it has gotten into his blood supply.
They felt and had hoped that this tumor would NOT be his osteosarcoma, and that we could have treated with chemo. But chemo with liver disease "doesn't usually work well."
Read the rest of the update & Kate's letter to Pam (12KB, PDF)
UPDATE MAY 15, 2009: Kate, who created Wrapped in Kindness to help pets with medical bills, has been setting up her table at a lot of canine events to raise funds for Pam's Golden Boy, Max. You can help her do that by going to www.WrappedinKindness.com and buying some of her nifty things to benefit Max. Here's what Kate wrote me recently:
Isn't it funny how bumps in the road - like my cancer diagnosis and treatment at first seem so all consuming and oppressive — an easy excuse to be crabby, insular and selfish — can actually become an even more compelling reason not to stop trying to make a difference for another? When I was first diagnosed some of my closest friends told me to back burner WIK — that it was time consuming and draining — that I didn't need it/need to worry about things like that for the time being. Boy were they wrong. WIK is the light at the end of the tunnel — a beacon of hope — a promise for a tomorrow, perhaps hundreds of tomorrows for another, albeit a stranger. WIK is about love, gifts of love and kindness given without strings or conditions. WiK is about healing — first and foremost the pet in need and their family — but in the end it heals so many others hearts and souls and is a testament to the fact that we all have the ability to change the world and help heal its ills, and our own.
UPDATE: MAY 15, 2009:
MAX IS HANGING IN THERE WITH HIS USUAL GUSTO
From Pam: Yes, Kate is indeed eloquent. I wrote to her and told her I will read her kind words every day and appreciate her efforts to raise funds for Max through her Wrapped in Kindness charity.
How sweet of you to say you would lend Max and I your cabin if you had one.
I spent my Mother's Day weekend enjoying my time with my beautiful daughter and my Max and his siblings. Sunday was a most beautiful day and I took Max outside to breathe the fresh air. (Read the Full Update, PDF)
UDPATE: MAY 22, 2009:
Dear Tracie and Kate:
I am on the computer for the first time since last week. I pulled my back out and have been lying on the floor with Max all weekend. So, maybe the back thing happened for a reason. (Read the Full Update, PDF)
WRAPPED IN KINDNESS on CAT CHAT® -- MAY 6
Want more about Kate after hearing her on CAT CHAT® Wednesday May 6th?l Learn more about Kate's efforts at her website, www.wrappedinkindness.com. You can also see recognition she got in an article in People magazine in 2007. (Wrapped In Kindness is towards the end of the piece.)
http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20062904,00.html
January 2009: Dog Talk® Dogs of the Month: Deion & Baci
I recently got this charming email from Maureen in Chagrin Falls, Ohio:
Loved your last show! I'm currently studying to take the CPDT test and trying to rack up hours training at our local shelter (along with training my two pups) and every time I hear about something new on your show, like Reiki, I want to learn it! Pet Massage, Holistic therapy....I'm going to be busy for awhile! Thanks for all you do and Dieon and Baci (my pups) and I thank you too!
So I surprised her and chose her two beloved rescued pooches for 15 minutes (actually 30 days) of fame - because she loves The Dog Bible, she is really studying to become a certiifed dog trainer, she volunteers at a shelter and is generally a great dog enthusiast. Here's what she wrote back:
OH....MY....GOSH! I thank you, Baci thanks you, Deion thanks you!! And all the dogs at Rescue Village (where I volunteer) thank you for thanking me!! Believe me, as you probably know, I get more out of those pups than they ever get out of me! They are all angels made even better by a few hours each day spent by our 40+ Homeward Bound volunteer Dog Trainers at Rescue Village. I'm just so excited and will definitely tell all friends and family (my real life human children will be jealous!). Here is a photo of Baci and Deion - when I heard last month's Dog of the Month was a Dobe I jumped right on your website and Luigi is beautiful!!) Now it's our turn! I'll try to call in on the 3rd (how exciting) Thank you so much for all the valuable information that's helping me to be a better trainer and dog owner!
December 2008: Dog Talk® Dog of the Month: Luigi
Helen has been a steady listener to both CAT CHAT® and DOG TALK® and frequetnly gets in touch with comments, questions and amusing tidbits. She does Doberman Rescue (www.dobermannpinscher.org) and her main squeeze is Luigi, the very first Dog Talk® Dog of the Month. Here is her description of him:
Luigi is my 6-year-old Doberboy and is a product of the law of attraction. I visualized him, and just a few weeks later, an e-mail came through the Florida Dobermann Pinscher Rescue Ring, which I'm a part of, with a picture of him sitting in an empty apartment. Heart breaking! I raised my hand to take him, then called and spoke to his former owner, who had moved into no-dogs-allowed housing. Shortly after that, Luigi, at the verge of being all of one year old, walked into my life. He's deeper than a lot of people I know, and a heck of a lot more fun. Luigi has such a sense of humor he will even do a happy butt-in-the-air dance to get me to laugh. Luigi's the gift that keeps on giving, and as the saying goes, I could only wish to be as good a person as my Luigi thinks I am.
