Dalmatian Rescue sponsors events throughout the year to raise funds, promote Dalmatians, and encourage adoptions. Select a link to get more information on an upcoming event.
  

Monday, January 19, 2009

One of our volunteers, Rhonda Champion, operates the website Spirit of Deaf Dogs Colorado which has recently earned the Drs. Foster and Smith 2008 Paws Up Recognition Honor. The Paws Up program recognizes websites and blogs for their effort in helping pet owners take better
care of their pets. The program relies on votes from the nominated site's visitors and then the top sites, based on total vote count, are personally reviewed by Drs. Foster and Smith to ensure that the site fits the intent and scope of the recognition program.

Dalmatian Rescue of Colorado recommends Spirit of Deaf Dogs Colorado as a great source for information, resources and an all around great site for anyone wishing to learn more about living with and/or training deaf dogs.

We applaud Rhonda's efforts and dedication to the wonderful deaf dogs and congratulate her on being nominated for and winning the Paws Up recognition honor. Way to go!!

Why Humans Live Longer Than Dogs

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa,and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there were no miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.

Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply, Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.