Giving Dogs a Wonderful Life

If you are a dog lover you will appreciate the stories of these 3 dogs. The white dog belongs to my daughter Simone and her partner David. He is a Great Pyrenees. The Great Pyrenees is a very old breed, and has been used for hundreds of years by shepherds, including those of the Basque people, who inhabit parts of the region in and around the Pyrenees Mountains of southern France and northern Spain. One of the first descriptions of the breed dates from 1407. In nature, the Great Pyrenees is confident, gentle, and affectionate. While territorial and protective of their flock or family when necessary, their general demeanor is one of quiet composure, both patient and tolerant. They are strong willed, independent and somewhat reserved, yet attentive, fearless and loyal to their family both human and animal.

Unfortunately, Simone's dog didn't have such a wonderful start in life. He was rescued by the Richmond Animal Protection Society from a family who left him in a cage in their garage and almost starved him to death. He was turned in by a kind neighbour and the family then released him. God bless the neighbour. Simone and David adopted him 3 weeks ago. His name was Meatball and Simone and David changed it to Kermode (great white bear). He is 1 1/2 years old - born in December 2010. He has gone from a dingy garage to living in a penthouse in Gastown, Vancouver. Kermode rides an elevator and has a HUGE patio deck to lounge on everyday. We lovingly refer to him as the "penthouse dog". He goes for long walks and plays at the park with other canine friends. He is gaining weight and wags his tail all day. Kermode loves balls, kongs, and dirty socks. Welcome to the family Kermode!

The next dog belongs to my daughter Jamie and her partner Donald. He is an English Mastiff. The English Mastiff was founded in Britain. A very old breed, it was depicted in Egyptian monuments as early as 3000 BC. The breed fought alongside the British soldiers in 55 BC. Caesar brought a pack of Mastiffs to Rome where the dogs were put on display as an arena gladiator and forced to be in fights with human gladiators, lions, bull baiting, bear baiting and in dog to dog combat. They later became popular with the peasants in England where it was used as a bodyguard, protector of wolves and other dangerous predators and as a companion dog. In the eighteenth century the Mastiff was described: "As a lion is to a cat, so is a mastiff compared to a dog. "It is believed that a Mastiff came to America on the Mayflower. Later more were imported. Like most breeds by the end of World War ll the breed was almost extinct in England. Dogs were imported from the USA and Canada and are once again well established in England. Some of the Mastiff's talents include: watchdog, guarding, police work, military work, search & rescue, and weight pulling.

Jamie's dog is named Thor. He is two years old and was born in November. He was bought in Saskatchewan when he was 8 weeks old. He loves to cuddle, sleep and sleep and sleep and suntan. He loves his daycare and once he gets over his fear of dogs and people he loves them - or as Jamie says "puts you on his list" and loves you forever. He loves to eat bright colored socks!! And is a mommy's boy. He has a wonderful life living in Alberta in the country. We lovingly refer to him as the "country dog".

The last dog belongs to my daughter Melody and her husband Scott. He is part German Shepard and part Husky. The German Shepherd Dog is a breed of large-sized dog that originated in Germany. The German Shepherd is a relatively new breed of dog, with its origin dating to 1899. As part of the Herding Group, the German Shepherd is a working dog developed originally for herding and guarding sheep. Because of its strength, intelligence and abilities in obedience training it is often employed in police and military roles around the world. Due to its loyal and protective nature, the German Shepherd is one of the most registered of breeds.

The Siberian Husky (Russian: Сибирский хаски, Sibirskiy haski, "Siberian husky") is a medium-size, wolf-like, dense-coat working dog breed that originated in eastern Siberia. The breed belongs to the Spitz genetic family. It is recognisable by its thickly furred double coat, sickle tail, erect triangular ears, and distinctive markings. The other part of his breed is Husky which are an active, energetic, and resilient breed whose ancestors came from the extremely cold and harsh environment of the Siberian Arctic. Siberian Huskies were bred by the Chukchi of Northeastern Asia to pull heavy loads long distances through difficult conditions. The dogs were imported into Alaska during the Nome Gold Rush and later spread into the United States and Canada. They were initially sent to Alaska and Canada as sled dogs but rapidly acquired the status of family pets and show dogs.

Unfortunately- Melody's dog Wiser didn't have a happy beginning to his life. He was found as a stray near the reservation at Fort McKay. He was taken to the SPCA in Fort McMurray and is believed to be about 2 years of age. Melody and Scott rescued him May 22 and gave him the birth date of August 4. Wiser (his name when they got him) loves people but is learning to trust dogs. They think he had to fight other dogs for food when he was a stray. He has a wonderful life in Fort McMurray and enjoys a soft bed, huge yard and long walks with his family. He loves his toys and kongs and spending time with his new family. He is gentle and healthy and happy.

These are the lucky dogs. I encourage everyone thinking of getting a dog as a companion to consider rescuing a dog from the SPCA or humane societies. They have so much love to give and deserve a happy life. I am proud of my daughters for their loving hearts and how well they treat their furry kids.