Brandy and Val

Winter is now in full swing. With shorter days, Brandy and Val continue to work hard at staying on top of their games of chasing the winter blues (some called seasonal affective disorder, SAD) away. To do this, they constantly keep to their schedule of rising in the morning, often while it is still dark, and get mom and dad up and ready for work. After a big bowl of kibble in the morning and a ½ hour brisk walk outside to make sure the “hood” is safe, they assist in bringing in the morning newspaper. Once mom has had her morning coffee, it is time for morning playtime!

Getting regular exercise is an important way to beat the winter blues and SAD! This has been shown by numerous researchers and published in peer review journals. Regular exercise has been shown to raise endorphins and serotonin levels – both of these naturally produced chemicals improve mood and are thought to produce the “runner’s high” which is talked about by distance runners. Since Brandy and Val are always in a good mood, their parents think their endorphin levels must be in good shape.

Well, spring has arrived and Brandy and Val couldn’t be happier. Val, never a fan of cold weather, has taken his down coat to the cleaners for washing and storage. Both of the pups still have their raincoats ready for the spring showers which are sure to be here over the next few weeks.

Now that the snow has melted, they have also gone out to survey their beloved pool. The cover is still on but they know swimming season is not too far away. Both are great swimmers and love to take a dip during the summer.

Spring also means a number of hibernating creatures – squirrels and chipmunks – are again out in force. Brandy, a fan of squirrels, and Val, partial to chipmunks, are already scouting out plans for the usual “meet and greet” which regularly occurs in the spring and summer while they are out patrolling the yard. Even though they are considered middle aged, the kids still have enough get up and go to catch the little critters when motivated.

Spring also means shedding of the heavier winter fur which keeps them warm on their winter walks. Helping them get rid of it is usually an activity which is sure to bring out the “furminator” comb which dad has become adept at.

Good bye for now

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They are SO happy now

After being told as a kid that I could not have a dog, I finally took the plunge a few years ago and went off to the internet in search of one. I did not know much about the different breeds and wanted to find one which would fit our lifestyle. After many long hours looking, it seemed a lab was right for us. Luckily, my local dog shelter, Fortunate Lab Rescue., was only 10 minutes from our house. After looking at many deserving animals, I figured I needed one with “training wheels” – I had no idea how to housebreak a dog, although my wife, Ilene did since she grew up with them.

I became friendly with the founder of the rescue and after explaining my situation, she found the perfect pup for me – Brandy. She was 11 months old and had already been in multiple homes and was cast out each time for reasons which were not her fault – children making promises to their parents about taking the time to care for their dog and not keeping it and then a divorce in the family, a young couple who decided that after having a newborn the dog had to go, etc. Luckily, Brandy was housebroken and trained. When I picked her up from her prior home she could not wait to get out of there as she was being confined to a cage with another dog and there was not much room for them to move around.

She has been a great addition to our family and truly, a great dog. She is the dog when one thinks of “man’s best friend”.

Holding my new girlfriend, Brandy

Since Brandy was such a pleasure to have, I did not have to think more than a couple of minutes when I was contacted by the rescue that Brandy came from about taking in another dog.  Ilene really resisted since we traveled a lot and when it gets really cold in Chicago, which is most of the time, Ilene wouldn’t walk them.  Anyway, Fortunate Pooches had taken 30 dogs from the ones which were made homeless by Hurricane Katrina. When we first saw Valenti he was pathetic. He was just a bag of bones and one of them, his wrist, was broken. He had heartworm, recent abdominal surgery and his fur was falling out due to mange. He nose was sunburned from wandering the streets. I did not think he would live but he had such a look in his eyes that said he was the one for us.

I love my dad

He could not really stand much and ate his food at mealtime like it would be his last. Eventually, he gained about 30 pounds and now is one solid guy! He is about as sweet as they come and he is my constant shadow following me where ever I go. He is well mannered as can be and rarely, if ever, barks. He is friend to all and including some of the more picky dogs in the neighborhood.

Considering I had no idea what I was doing when I had my first dog, taking the second could have been a disaster, especially considering my work schedule. Luckily, their mom is around for them. She is the “great entertainer” and has managed to get both of them as certified therapy dogs. They just love to “go to work”, mainly with disabled kids. I am sure all the treats the kids stuff into them doesn’t hurt either.

So if you are thinking of getting a dog, do your homework. Why not check out your local shelter – there are a lot of great dogs who would love to be your friend for life. I know I get more from them than they get from me.