Walk & Wag 2010

Mel shows off his Walk & Wag swag
Originally uploaded by reneetellezphotography

This will mark the 7th year that I've participated in the Walk & Wag, although it's only Mel's 5th year. We were able to raise $210, which is very good considering Michigan's economy.

Last year I raised money, but had to miss the actual walk due to my WCC graduation ceremony. I thought I'd have to miss it again this year because I had tickets to (wait for it)...

CATS.

Even though it was raining and a storm was predicted for the morning; I decided to get Mel ready, hop in the car, and hope for the best by the time we reached the park. For some reason, it seems to rain every year on this particular day, but always seems to clear up just in the nick of time; and this year was no different.

Because of those tickets, I had to get back home before Noon to change and arrive in Detroit by 2:00, so Mel and I set out to get there early. We only got there about 15 minutes before registration was set to start, but the Humane Society of Huron Valley's volunteers were set up and ready to go!

Not only did the weather clear up, Mel had a fantastic attitude. He was excited to be there, let a lady kneel down by him, smelled a few dogs, and made friend that he walked next to the entire way. She was a little, laid back, 11 year old Jack Russell named Lucy. He had such nice manners and I was very proud to be in public with him that day. We were having such a good time, that I hated having to leave. Then, after I actually saw CATS, I wished that I could have stayed at the Walk & Wag even more; but that's a whole other story for a different type of blog. :)

If you'd like to read more about the 2010 Walk & Wag, visit AnnArbor.com/pets. They have a great post with a slide show (which shows Mel's new friend, Lucy).

Sharing is rare

Sharing is rare
Originally uploaded by reneetellezphotography

Today was kind of a busy day and it didn't end when I got home. It was cold, rainy and just plain yucky out. Since a walk was not going to happen today, I decided to do a little work. Even though they would rather be playing, when Mommy's working they are my little angels. So bored, but so patient. They'll even share a pillow once in a while, which almost NEVER happens.

Even though they are naughty at times; they always know when it's important to be good. My sweet little fur-babies.

To a dog, every walk is a new adventure

Through the eyes of a dog..

Walk,
run,
hop
or gallup  –
it doesn't matter how you do it,
just as long as you do.

Every tree,
bush,
flower
or blade of grass contains a message.
It tells me who's been there and why.

Every fragment of poop
or drop of pee
tells me a story;
if you're sick or healthy,
male or female,
young or old.

It would only be rude if I didn't send a pee-mail back!
Of course I'll have to get mine just a little higher than yours.

When we see each other on the street;
I may bark,
growl,
jump,
pull,
sniff
and whine.
Don't be offended,
that's just my way.

Mel checks out his LOL Dogs book

Mel's in the LOL Dogs Book!

You can order the books from Amazon.com

Snowspeeder

Mel hates everything

I have the worst behaved dog on the planet.

That may an exaggeration, but I bet he's in the top group. I didn't make him this way, he was given to me like that.

For those of you who don't know, here's a little back story – Mel first arrived at my door around 8 p.m., about five years ago. The woman next door begged me to take him off her hands because she couldn't take it. I grabbed him out of her arms and he immediately decided I belonged to him, because he tried to mark his territory (i.e. pee on me).

This little sweetie had already lived in four homes before he even turned a year old...  no shots, not neutered, horrible care and major abuse. Needless to say, my heart melted and I took him in.

The first sign of trouble was when he caught fleas. He's allergic, like most dogs are, and broke out in a rash. Apparently, he would rather be itchy because when I tried to put cream on him, he tried to bite me.


I've tried everything: watching dog training shows, reading books, positive reinforcement, treats, behavior specialists and private lessons. I would have continued with regular classes, but was told by the instrutor that we would need an "in-home" trainer. Don't get me wrong, he is MUCH better than he was when I first got him.

With all that being said, little Mel can be the sweetest little guy ever. He loves to sit on your lap, is great in the car, loves his doggy bag... but, do something he doesn't approve of and you better be faster than he is!

As seen in the photo: This is the look right before the bite comes. 

Things Mel hates:
• Baths
• Grooming, especially the hair dryer and nail clippers
• Being moved from "his seat"
• People other than his "mom and dad"
• Anyone being too close to his "mommy"
• Other animals
• Loud noises or sudden movements
• Crawling on the floor
• Getting a check-up
• His sister's getting "his attention"
• Anything
• Everything
• You name it, Mel hates it


The truth is, that many of his "hates" come from fear. It took me about a month to convince him that belts weren't scary. It's actually very sad, but also a little frustrating. He's much better than he used to be and doesn't even have to get muzzled at the vet's office anymore.


Mel's a little stinker, but I love him.