Luna almost a year later

It will be one year on January 1st that Luna entered our lives as a terrified and shaking little dog who did not know how to eat out of a dish. What a difference time, love and good food makes! Of course, it helps that Luna lives with Bubba, who is the most patient and kind dog imaginable.

Rescuing a dog like Luna is a blessing as I was able to watch her grow and blossom. Whereas Luna used to cower when people came to the door, she now runs to greet people and waves her little black paws in the air in a ritualistic dance of the poodle spirits.

Luna did not know how to walk on a leash. She walks like a champion both on and off leash.

Luna is still fussy about her dishes and has one dish, known as THE dish in which her meals are served. One day THE dish got broken and it was hastily glued lest Luna starve!

Luna loves to be groomed and has decided that she too can groom..her people. She tries to comb my hair when I sit with her. Vidal Sassoon has nothing to fear from Luna!

We have learned that Luna is a hoarder. (I know there are TV shows about this). Luna will take a treat but not eat it and run with it...to her 'stash'. She has a few of them. It is food in case of nuclear disaster. Bubba used to raid her stash to show her how silly it is. Luna will also stash her toys there. Luna has not yet internalized that she has no need to stash, that there will always be plenty to eat here. Bubba has never known deprivation, and has no concept of a stash.

We have learned that Luna is a talker. She is my second female dog and like Sophie, Luna has a range of vocalizations and sounds. She does not just bark..she will actually talk. So far, we have deciphered that a high pitch ammm awmmmn mmmm means I am thrilled to see you. A lower pitched, sound that drops at the end of her 'sentence' like hmmm hmmmm mmmm means "let me out please" if you ignore or do not hear her request, she will repeat it never loudly but with more emphasis, the pitch rises. Bubba has a baritone growl grrrrrrr. His grrrr can mean "Get off my chair" or "I want more food or a treat...now". It is really quite interesting to note that their vocalizations are very specific...and by no means random. Where is the Star Trek universal translator when you need it?

Luna is also quite the dancer. When she returns from a walk and has extra energy she will dash madly in the livingroom and spin at a very high speed. All the while, she sings it sounds like a growl and to the untrained ear could sound aggressive but this is her ritual dance. She is dancing to her gods..dancing for joy. After a few minutes, she stops whirling and she goes on the couch for a sleep.

Many people believe dogs are purely creatures of instinct but I have seen a little creature that was surviving(just barely) and terrified of everything...develop a personality and cultivate interests and a soul. She sings, she speaks and rejoices in life with her dancing. Initially, Luna would have been incapable of doing any of these things as her basic need for security, food and shelter was not met. She has now self actualized in the sense that she has a personality that is independent of her basic needs and distinct from me or Bubba.

Bubba has been amazing with Luna. He has NEVER growled at her despite the fact that she will steal treats from him as he is eating them. He has never been impatient with her, and a week after she arrived, Bubba (who at the time was in pain from a cancerous tumour), walked over to her, tapped her and invited her to play with him. Quite an effort for him. Bubba shares his plate and even his bed. He allows Luna to take his favourite spots and not once has he crushed her spirit or growled or barked at her. Bubba has been instrumental in her healing. Unfortunately, there is only one Bubba!

Bubba has shown that when dealing with dogs that have PTSD as Luna certainly had, the key element is gentleness and acceptance. Come share my blanket...share my food. Bubba never pushed her.

Following Bubba's lead, we have encouraged Luna and allowed her to grow and become the little black creature that she is today, full of joy, energy and love.

Imagine the perfect dog

When Luna came to me, she could not walk far, was shaky on a leash, did not know how to eat out of a dish, was terrified and had mange and ear infections. The rescue agency was worried about her because she was so timid.

Imagine a dog who snuggles with you, walks like a champion, has perfect recall, has a glossy coat and shiny teeth. imagine a dog who plays with you AND puts away her toys. Imagine a dog who is perfectly socialized with people and other dogs...and for a bonus snuggles into you until you go to sleep..when she goes back to her own bed.

Imagine a dog who is so gentle when taking treats or food that you can barely even feel her lips.

That is what Luna, the puppy mill survivor from PawsRUs has become. How do you spell perfection? LUNA

Bubba the Tripawz. Pistorious take note

About three weeks ago, Bubba's right front leg was amputated. It became obvious to everyone that the soft tissue cancer was causing him agony. The vet was concerned due to his age 17 but his bloodtests were remarkable and so.

Three weeks later, Bubba has a faint scar, he walks the same distances he used to when he was well, his appetite has improved and he is a healthier, happier little soul.

Bubba hops at great speed and still insists on sniffing every tree and bush on our walks, much to Luna's chagrin!

Bubba is an example of perseverance. He makes people smile when they see him and they comment on his bravery and comportment. Bubba does not see himself as handicapped or challenged in any way. He is the Pistorious of dogs!

Bubbas fur is growing back nicely and he is anxious to get to a groomer to even his cut. At the moment, he is enduring barbering from me...not the best of options!

Luckily Bubba has very well developed rear leg muscles from all that walking and running I did with him. Couch potatos take note!

We love Bubba to death and if possible, even more now!

On Miracles

When you read about miracles, they are sometimes so unbelievable and dramatic that you imagine that they happen to other people, or are figments of imagination, luck and don't happen at all. Miracles are always larger than life but in my life I am living with a miracle. The miracle comes in the form of a little white dog who has given so much joy to others as a therapy dog and has healed so many broken hearts and brought light where there was none to his Alzheimers patients. I am speaking about Bubba.

Bubba is 17 years old and was diagnosed with a virulent soft tissue cancer in his right paw. It was clear he was agonizing and suffering and the tumour was partially removed. It came back with a vengeance and Bubba's suffering increased.

I came home from a bike trip to see his paw triple the size and the poor soul agonizing. He was refusing his meals and nothing gave him joy, he no longer wanted to go for walks.

My vet recommended ending his life but also advised that if the leg was amputated it would be a cure..but he is 17. Younger dogs can recover very well, but I was warned this is a very major surgery. When I agreed to the surgery I don't think they expected very much. As I left him at the vets office, Bubba looked back at me and I left in tears thinking I may not see my little friend alive again. I was torn with guilt and remorse..why had I not seen it sooner? Did I make the right decision?

To be fair, I thought the tumour would not progress with such speed but once it regrew and burst when he was at the groomers I knew I had no choice.

Two weeks ago Bubba was amputated. He runs, eats prodigiously, is happy and no longer refuses his walks. The vet is amazed and so am I,

Yesterday Bubba returned to the St. Paul market and spoke with his favourite vendors all of whom were pleased to see him as they knew of his surgery. I don't think anyone expected him to do so well. Bubba wears a shirt while his hair is growing to conceal his scar. Cyril seems to think that once I put a little golf shirt on Bubba, he felt better as his dignity was restored.

Today Bubba attended his friend Ludmilla's 92nd birthday party. He had white chocolate, cookies, lots of water and then blissfully slept while we sipped dubonet and toasted Ludmilla. Bubba had often visited Ludmilla but for the past year had more bad days than good.

I called this blog a miracle story and yes, I do think this is a miracle. Bubba defied all odds and all norms. We prayed for Bubba and I believe God listened to the wishes of our little furry friend. Bubba hops with great speed and enjoys the grass and truly wants to do marathons but I stop him. He sports a shirt or a soft sweater and is surrounded by love and prayer. Do miracles happen? I think they do.

Life as an amputee

On Thursday August 30th I had my leg removed. My right front leg. It had a soft tissue tumour that kept regrowing and making me sick. I knew the cure was removal.

It is very tiring to hop around on one leg. I am recovering at home, being spoiled and my mother has cancelled her major bike excursions. Not sure about the day trips though. I still enjoy my food and my car rides and life has not changed much except that I have three legs.

In a way, there is not a lot of difference because my paw was causing me so much problem that I am better off without it. I have learned how to balance, do stairs but no jumping at least not yet. I am told I need bed rest for 10 days and today was the first day I have taken that advice and am, in fact resting.

I think I will use my disability to raise awareness for canine cancer and perhaps do some fundraising, A walk for Tripawz (thats what they call us).

Bubba is sick

I have cancer, soft tissue cancer that will mean I will lose my right front paw or leg. I am worried about limping a lot and losing my energy. Oddly despite being 17 years old, my blood work shows that I am 5. I am a good candidate for surgery but I worry.

I worry that I will lose my balance. I would not mind having a wooden leg to help my balance. I am healthy but this horrible tumour keeps coming back. Cancer really must be beaten!

Bubba the fall of a titan

To the outside observer, I look like a dog. I have a tail, four legs and I bark but my soul is that of a King. I was a therapy dog..and made people talk...I could sense their needs and my calm demeanour and soulful eyes calmed many a furtive spirit.

I adopted my mother Karine and love her dearly. In fact, she went away on a bike trip and I appeared to her in a dream telling her I was not well and in trouble.

I am in trouble. I have cancer on my paw and it is virulent and aggressive. When she came home, it had exploded to the point where it was pushing against all my wrist joints I was in agony. It has been scraped clean and I am on antibiotics but it will come back.

I have the heart of a lion and the soul of a King...I see where others do not see and feel what they cannot feel...and yet I am afraid that my days of treading the soft grass in my backyard are drawing to a close.

My mother has cancelled an overnight bike ride for a charity because she knows I need her. Just to be close and just to be near her is what I need..to be surrounded by love.

To the outside observer, with an untrained eye, I look like a dog but I am Bubba.

LUNA in June

Hi...well I came to Wingate on January 1st, a pretty terrified little dog. Now it is mid June and let me tell you...

I dance with joy, I spin, I jump...I play with my toys. I love walks and homemade food and I sleep on the bed with Bubba, Karine and Cyril.

I have developed a very sunny and exuberant personality...and man can I bark! I can bark with the best of them!

In the morning after breakfast and apples, I get some toast and then a walk. I love walks...and I have become an expert off leash walker as well as an expert in running. I can keep pace with my mother, slow or medium..when I really run though, really she cant keep up with me.

My health problems are finally over. I had ear infections, an eye problem and mange..but that is all in the past. I have a regular groomer, favourite foods, loads of toys and LOVE to cuddle.

I am a very snuggly little dog!

Luna

Christmas Choral Music

Christmas Choral Music

Hi Folks,
I have discovered soundcloud...wow. This is a beautiful collection of music. I know we are dogs, but still we love this stuff and hope you do as well!

Bubba and Luna

Luna march 11th

Here I am, I have come SUCH a long way. Every morning I dash madly to my toy box and play with my toys..I have a lot of them...I shake them...toss them. If I am bored, I will steal socks..that always gets a reaction. After a great hot breakfast, I have a short nap then it is off on a walk. After my walk another nap and then school. I have learned a lot and am REALLY good at recall when I am off leash.

Here are a list of my favourite things...I know Christmas is a long time away but...

1) Hot meals of potato and fish and various vegetables of the day
2) Treats all kinds, but especially duck
3) Hard rubber balls
4) soft plush toys that I can shake
5) Chew toys
6) Jackets..I love my warm winter parka..I have spring wear as well and I look great in yellow

My personality was shy but I am anything but shy. I am bouncy, bubbly and have a lot of confidence.My demodex is FINALLY getting under control and the infection in my feet is a thing of the past. My ears are healed and my teeth are gleaming white and very sharp! I may be small but....

At night, when I am called to bed, I run to bed and jump in my bed. I am then covered up in my own little blanket..my bed has some plush high sides and I go to sleep.

I walk beautifully beside Karine...like I am a show dog. Life is good


Luna

Luna 2 months later

It has been two months since I arrived at 854 Wingate Drive. I have a trunkload of toys, an uber warm red parka, wool sweater, casual coat, boots, my own dishes  and I love to play with my toys. I pick up my toys, shake them and carry them around. I also love playing outside on and off leash!  I love to dash in the snow and meet other dogs and people...I wake up Karine in the morning and find life a joy. I have changed so much!

The only problem I have is demodex, which is a mite. You all have it, but I was run down so it took over my feet. I am being treated for that, My ears are nicely cleared and my teeth are now gleaming. I guess I could not expect to come out of that sewer unscathed!

I have learned, sit, come, stay, come close and up. For some reason, I just don't do down! I think I will try the say hello command or maybe the wave command, not too sure. I have the basics, I am not stressed.

Today I had lentils and chicken hearts for dinner, man that was good! The horrible people who had me in a cage are going before a judge on March 13th, I know my mother will be there protesting and I will add an arf arf...to the cause! Paws R Us was an evil evil place.

I still wear my bark medallion but I no longer see myself as a puppy mill dog. I am not shy anymore, I have stolen slippers, gloves, hats,,pens, keys, treats..pencils and even an envelope. I take them and dash with them, my favourite are a pair of blue polartec slippers! At night, I am wrapped in a blanket and sleep.

Today I went to a dog park. Bubba had to leave early because his wrist was bothering him but I went back, ran up hills, dashed in the snow, met other dogs and ran full speed..and I mean full speed. Lots of fun..some dogs at the end started to bark and we decided to go home. I slept and slept as I was wrapped up on the couch in a soft cozy grey blanket.

Not sure what tomorrow will bring,

Luna Progress note

Hello fans, Luna here. It has been almost two months in my forever home. I am not the same dog, I run everywhere, I am perfect off leash and on leash. I wag my little tail, have a great appetite and love to play. In short, I have pretty well fully recovered emotionally from that hell hole of a place I came from.

Physically, I have demodex mites on my feet. It sounds scarier than it is, but it will affect my nail beds and so I am being treated for that. My other problems like my ear infection and teeth problems have all been resolved. You know, puppy mills, I have said this before, have to be outlawed period. How can anyone look after 600 dogs? We are not things, we are living breathing creatures of Gods who need to play, to run and to be loved.

I have learned a few tricks already...and was taught how to kiss. Yeppers, I am really liking my new life. I worry about Bubba, it seems as I wax, he wanes. I wish I could do more for him because he has been so kind and welcoming for me. He is a very special soul.

On the play front, I have a lot of toys and steal items to make new toys...when I am brushed, my brush is game, I walk off with pencils, gloves, socks...and a toothbrush. They are always retreived because I put my booty in the middle of the livingroom floor. Maybe that is not so smart. I have heard pirates used to bury their treasure...in truth I tried digging today to bury the grooming brush...but I think pirates never buried stuff in the livingroom.

Luna February 24th 2012

Bubba is getting older

Hello folks. You know winter is not easy for me. I have tendonitis and it is hard for me to walk. Today I went to a dog park and with the snow and ice, I just cut it short. SO not like me. I am going to go back on my pain medications to see if they help again. What a drag! Aging sucks!

Luna February 12th 2012

Well folks it has been about a month and a half. I have developed my personality...I am a morning dog. I wake up and want to play. After supper I get a burst of mad energy and I steal socks and shake them.

Originally, I was not able to walk very far without getting tired, but that has changed. I am a ball of energy. I love my red polar parka and boots and walk out bravely with a smile on my face and tail wagging.

I have read my earlier stories and it is hard for me to believe I am the same dog. I will try and get a photo of me taken in my red coat. It used to be big and now is  little tighter..I know clothes shrink!!!

Luna

Bubba replies

So much has been written about Luna that I feel it is only fair that I tell the truth about rescue dogs from my point of view.

Don't get me wrong, I love Luna and I know she came from a horrible situation. I have heard they were caged and not fed or even spoken to. That being said, Luna has within one month taken over!

Luna is an expansionist. She arrived and quickly took a small part of the couch. I was okay with that, after all I have a couch and  a loveseat but you can't give a female dog an inch. Just like Sophie she started to spread out...her toys are everywhere and there is not a place for me to sit. No matter, I have the leather recliner but still!

Luna also steals my treats. I thought Sophie was the only one. She will bring my treats to the sofa. Then I steal them and hide them...sort of our game of hide and seek.

You know a man likes his space and his comforts and for me my bed is my castle. Can you imagine how I felt when she tried to share the same bed with me? No way...she has her own. Next thing you know she will want my blanket and heaven forbid my leather chair!

All we dogs need is a place to hang our leash and jackets where we are loved and respected and can call home. Luna feels that and is already starting to take over. Next thing you know, she will start to redecorate...now there I draw a line in the sand with my paw...no way.

There are still things that I can proudly call my own. I own the rights, the exclusive right to the back of the couch. Yes I sit and lie there and wait for the mailman, or someone to bark at. I can get a good volume up and scare them so they drop their letters and flee in terror at my roar. That is my job...and there is no way I am going to let Miss Luna ruin that for me!

I also own the right to run at my owners and greet them with wet kisses and push my face into them. That is my domain. So far she gets that! Which is good...it is my dog house not hers.

Luna...puppy mill journey February 3rd 2012

It has been about a month since I came here. I can't believe how I have changed. I got my first bath yesterday and so I am fluffy.

Medically, I am on the mend, my ear infections and teeth problems are in the past. I am working on a type of mange on my feet because I was run down. I did not eat much..but now..well just try and stop me! I run to the kitchen and help prepare meals. I love my dinners and breakfasts!

Emotionally I used to stay in a small space and was afraid to leave the livingroom. I had a real fear of the kitchen...it is now a favourite place of mine. I explore the entire house! I take myself to bed and am really progressing. I have some toys, and a kong and my fearful days are over.

Walks...it took time but finally my mother understood that I love the heat. Yeppers, Bubba is a polar bear but not me...heat heat heat. So I have a polar coat...thick insulation. It is red with white fur trim and I look like Santa Paws but who cares, I am warm. I now wag my tail when I go for a walk. I still have to build up as I was not used to walking. That Bubba is so strong...I can't keep up with him but it will come. Just you wait Bubba!

I am getting very good marks in home school. I have learned come, sit,  and stay. I will learn these from a distance as well. I have also learned a jump command. I am told there is down and stop yet to come but I am so clever I will probably move to an advanced class and learn some tricks. Learning comes very easily to me, especially since Bubba helps

Professor Bubba

Bubba never was a believer in dog tricks. He knows sit, come, stay, give me five and navy seal. Sometimes he will reluctantly perform them with a very bored look...not any more.

We now have Luna a young little rescue who I am training. She knows come. When I train her, Professor Bubba barges in and shows how it is done to perfection. He does not wait...I am saying "stay" and the Professor will give his paw or start with a Navy Seal routine. It is as if he is saying "Luna, just don't bother, you will never achieve my level"

Bubba is a very welcoming, almost zen-like dog. He is accepting and loving. His competitive nature shows itself in walks and in training. Bubba has tendonitis and I never push him to walk in the cold with ice and sleet...HOWEVER, darned if he will be showed up by Luna. Even if he is in agony, he will run in the snow...prance and show the world that she may be 18 months old...and he 15 years old but by George he can still outrun, outpace, and out think her anyday!

I know they are dogs, but they behave SO much like siblings it is sometimes hard for me to remember that indeed they are dogs!

What I learned from my dogs

I am blessed with dogs. My first dog is Bubba and my second dog was Sophie who passed away after being with us for nearly four years. Sophie was a loving dear dog who taught me so much. She taught me that life is very short and that one must enjoy the moment. I will never forget taking her for a walk off leash at St; Pauls. There was a big open field, the sun was shining and you could see the river.There was a young woman who had settled for a picnic. She had spread a blanket out, had a drink and was holding a sandwich in her hand. At that time I had Sophie and Bubba with me off leash.

Sophie ran to the young woman and stole the sandwich..she ran to the end of the field like a football player with a touchdown and gave a victory smile before she devoured it. The poor woman was shocked..she had never been robbed before, at least not by a smiling orange coloured dog who could dance!

Sophie showed me the small things on our walks, she would find rings, and rabbits...she would dance with delight in the pet store...she would smile at the sun as it warmed her skin..she was thrilled in the dog park and ran in the snow despite getting snow stuck in her feet.

Bubba taught me and continues to teach me the value of patience and of service. Bubba used to visit Alzheimers patients and I have never seen a more gracious dog. He accepted Sophie and helped to heal her, we now have a new little rescued soul named Luna and once more Bubba accepts her, shows her things, never pushes her or dominates. Bubba knows he is loved and is willing to share his love with those who are less fortunate. Bubba shows me what life would be like if we were truly unselfish. What a life would be like if we really could open our hearts and our homes to those who need it. What a life without an agenda would look like. Bubba gives me a glimpse of heaven.

Luna is our newest dog. A small terrified little poodle who is gradually learning to love and to trust. She is not an extrovert like Sophie was and is very shy and she is teaching us the value of patience and is teaching me how to value the small things. Sometimes we thing life is not valuable unless we win prizes, or are number one or achieve what we consider greatness. Progress for Luna is measured by her being able to eat now in the kitchen. That is success. Luna is teaching me the meaning of progress and of success. Luna is also showing me how powerful love can be. I saw Sophie transformed and I am watching Luna blossom. Never underestimate the power of love.

Luna-Puppy mill journey January 28th!!

Hi fans!

My puppy mill days seem so far away...I now explore my entire home...and I eat in the kitchen. I am still learning how to indicate that I want to go out to pee but I swear my new family is deaf!

Here is what I have learned about walking in the winter. I prefer to walk with my boots. I will take my picture, I wear red rubber boots that match my sweater..I cut quite a figure. I find the snow and the ice hard to walk in but when it is plowed well I run. I can outrun Karine by a longshot!

I have discovered all of the beds in the home. I have two couches, a memory foam bed in Karine's office and my own bed in the bedroom.

Every morning, Karine and Bubba vanish into the basement where Karine goes on a bike trainer. I don't get it. I don't want to go into the basement, there are no beds there, the trainer is noisy...really I don't see the attraction.

What I love is being cuddled and my meals. When I first came I did not have much of an idea of what a dish was. I had to be hand fed, then fed on a sheet of paper...well LONG time ago. Now I eat in the kitchen in my own dishes...oh and I drink out of a little bowl to boot!

I did not go to school today, maybe a PD day who knows..but I know my classes will start soon enough. I think sit and stay are next. I know the "come" command pretty effectively. Funny is it not. We dogs have to learn YOUR language! I suppose its because you guys would never learn how we communicate.

I am learning more about communication by watching Bubba. Today he showed off ALL of his tricks, sit, come stay, give me five, down and Navy seal. Navy seal is hilarious its where he crawls on his belly frantically as if he is going under a wire. I can't see myself doing that..perhaps a more ladylike trick would suit me...pirouette perhaps?

I heard the harmonica today and a wooden flute played for me. There is something really nice about music performed for you.

Had a busy day today, good meals, walks, learning again. Time for sleep

Love

Luna

New Luna

This is me, on January 22nd. As you can see I am a lot more confident and have gained weight! I explore the ENTIRE house...well not the basement yet...spiders you know, take myself to bed...and I am really enjoying my new home.

I am also better physically. I had a yeast infection in my ear...don't ask me how that happened but I think I caught it from the puppy mill..that is gone. I also had severe problems with my feet...also cleared up. The miracle of modern medicine.

I eat out of dishes, drink out of a bowl and have learned the command COME. My reward for that is cheese...that is a great treat! I am told I have to learn sit, stay and stop. So far I enjoy homeschooling and I really like the textbooks..because they are made out of cheese.

In March I am hosting a fundraiser to help rescue organizations close those awful puppy mills. By March, I will have learned a lot of commands and will show off my new skills and home to all those who have been in my life...well not the puppy mill folks...I hope they rot in jail!!! There will be treats for humans like pastries and cheese and wine and I am told dog treats as well. If you are available let me know, the date is yet to be set!

Luna

Luna's Stash!

It has been about 3 weeks in my new forever home and I am gaining a lot of confidence! I can drink water out of a bowl...I can take myself to bed but I have discovered that....I am a hoarder! Don't say it out loud!

There is a part of the couch that holds my stash. I have two rawhide bones, a few toys and my real treasures which are pieces of clean laundry. So far, I have two socks, one black and one white and a pair of underwear. I did try to steal a blue T shirt but it was too big to drag from the laundry basket to my stash.

If the rawhide bone is moved I will retrieve it. It belongs in my stash. I feel great having my things around me and I take pride in knowing where my stuff is.

I was told that some humans do the same thing...and that is not so bad provided I can stop myself at underwear and socks!

Oh my neighbour Claudia thinks I am looking a LOT better than when I first came. I don't see it...but there you have it...now where is my stash!!!!

Luna January 22nd 2012

Luna January 18th 2012

It has been almost three weeks (well 17 days) in my new forever home. I now explore the house..I still don't like the kitchen...but apart from the kitchen, well I check it all out.

I follow Karine into the study, and I love being carried to bed. I have a lovely soft bed...all my own. It is high sided with burgundy velvet. The outside is gold and burgundy tapestry. I feel like a Renaissance Queen! I have put soft blankets inside as well...so I can nuzzle inside. It takes me a few seconds before I fall asleep.

My feet are causing problems. I have little rubber boots now. They are red and it looks like I am wearing red balloons. They are not balloons, they are bona fide dog products called Pawz. My paw pads are dry and cracked and red. I am not sure what it is. 

I had  a yeast infection in my ears but I think that has cleared up. I think the medicine, good food with supplements and a warm comfortable home where I am cherished is making the difference.

I am not alone either. I live with a delightfully confident dog named Bubba. He does things I really don't understand but I am a fast learner.

Every day I go for a walk and am introduced to people and neighbours and other dogs. I have gone shopping a few times and that is a bizarre experience. Bubba loves shopping, and I was told that Sophie would be in heaven in the pet store. It is still scary for me though...I suppose that will take time.

I have come a LONG way from that hellhole in Shawville known as Paws R Us. I can now bark, run, play and have stolen (don't tell anyone) one of Bubba's shoes. Bubba does not wear them, so I figured I could add it to my toy collection. Every day my teeth are brushed and I am groomed, I have two meals a day and am told thousands of times that I am a good girl and I am loved.

Luna's Blog

Hi, it has been a while since I have written and during that time I have really made some strides and progress!

I can now bark...I have a lovely little voice..not quite soprano but lovely just the same! I also explore the living room and a lot of my house...I am still nervous but ...well I can eat off a plate! How's that for progress!!

Today I went to the bank, the spa, library and pet store. Bubba is a real shopper, I still don't get it. Karine bought me a different jacket today. I will never have what Bubba has, but hey I am still new here. Speaking of Bubba, he played with me yesterday, chased me, we chased toys and he made sure that I had fun. I love Bubba, he is comical!

I eat two meals a day and have discovered raw sweet potatoes. I watched Bubba first and they are very good. I am now outside the study door of Karine...I can now walk down the hall by myself.

Life is one discovery. I saw a squirrel today and wanted to chase it, but Karine explained that we don't chase animals...oh well.

Bye for now...when I gain more confidence there is talk that I will be sent to puppy school...whats that all about?

Luna January 11th 2012

It has been 10 days since I came to my new home. Yesterday I went shopping, and got a sweater that fits and a harness that is my size. NO MORE HAND ME DOWNS!!!

I played with my toys today after dinner. I threw a red rubber toy across the floor and went to find my mother who was in the study! There is so much to learn, so much to do! Life is wonderful!

Luna

Luna's Blog, January 6th 2012

It is official, I am adopted and in my new home. Today, my owner learned more about the Puppy mill where I came from. It is hard for me to write this, but I am sure that in writing it, it will help in my healing. At the moment, I am still traumatized.


I explore the house but I learned to keep quiet so I freeze a lot. I am not cold. I just cower into a small ball hoping nothing bad would happen. Paws R Us had over 600 of us in a barn. There was a sand floor. We all had to be quiet because if we were not we would be beaten. I saw some puppies get thrown across the barn and beaten...I had to look away. Their crime was they made noise, so I am very very quiet. I was never fed on a plate..it was just thrown into our cages. I learned not to be pushy or I would get nothing. When I was rescued, I had never seen the outdoors. I remember smelling the cool fresh air. I had never seen the outdoors but I knew it was 'safe', My first foster put he outside in her backyard and I just ran..I did and I hid. Outside good inside bad, that was my manta. Carissa caught me and then I had to be groomed. My fur was matted with dog feces, urine, straw. I had a bad ear infection (it is now being treated) and a broken tooth (also fixed). I was in pain but most of all I was scared. Carissa put a leash on me....that was terrible..I jumped and flopped like a carp in a pond. I now can walk with a leash...well it is a harness. I love my walks but it is cold so not for too long. My first real bed was a pillow on the floor of Carissa's bedroom.

After two months, Carissa was going on a holiday and I was put in a strange red car. I had no idea where I was going, maybe the vet. In my new home, I 'hang' put on the couch, sleep on a memory foam bed, have lovely warm winter coats to wear (I know they are Bubba's but I have a feeling I will be going shopping soon), and homecooked meals. When I am outside now, I run to come back into the house. That is funny....I never wanted to be inside before!!! I am still recovering. While I can now eat off a plate and drink from a bowl and am housebroken....there are still problems. I am afraid to bark...so I whimper. I keep expected disaster to happen. I suppose I suffer from a lot of anxiety. I am home schooled, just a little. The assistant professor, Bubba is fabulous. He demonstrates the commands so well. I want to be just like him! As a victim of the infamous PawsRUs puppy mill, I have decided to dedicate my pen to making people aware of how horrible they are. My problem is, unfortunately I cannot speak except through writing. If you know of, or suspect a puppy mill or an animal that is being abused...please speak up. We can't..but you can. I am slowly getting better everyday by the way, I am safe but so many others are not. Luna

Luna's blog day two

Living most of my life in a cage has real problems. For one thing, I have noticed I am weak, I have read that at 18 months I should be in peak shape but I am not. I need rest and still cant jump on the sofa.

Yesterday my education was shopping, a long walk and a new treat peanut butter. That must have been invented for dogs.

Today I went to school. Well I tried to learn come. I think I am getting it...every time I got it...I got either roast chicken or fantastic peanut butter...which brings me to my second point about my former life.

I don't think I had a great diet. I had a tooth problem and I sure don't like hard food..don't get me wrong, I can manage a piece of buttered toast with homemade jam in small amounts but I prefer softer stuff.

My dinner last night was potatoes and roasted chicken. That was really wonderful and I know it is on the menu tonight because I had it for breakfast. I have learned if I look cute, I can get more treats and now get snacks for lunch.

Today I learned about 'coffee'. I know we dogs don't drink coffee but coffee means Karine has coffee and the dogs get treats. I watched Bubba and copied him..how easy was that! My reward...Spicy Paris toasts with butter from Normandy.

It is quite cold today so I am sure my walk will be shorter. I still need a walk to go potty outside and I enjoy my walks. Yesterday I was wearing one of Bubba's jackets. I caught a glimpse of his wardrobe. I was shocked! He has wool sweaters, jackets, raincoats even boots. Now to be fair, most of his colours I don't really like and they are a little big...so I think his clothes make me look fat, not that that is a bad thing because it is cold and I find the cold gets to me. I am not sure about boots though..I think that is pushing it TOO far.

I was told I had a poor appetite. I love my food here...have no problems eating it at all. I worry about Bubba stealing but really he is a true gentleman.

When I walk with Bubba we look like piano keys ebony and ivory. Someone should write a song about that..oh that reminds me about music.

I find Anglican psalms really relax me. I have no clue what they are singing about but there is something peaceful about it.

I sleep on a memory foam bed and am covered up. When I see people lying down, then I can rest and close my eyes. It is so quiet that I sleep quickly.

I am gaining strength and confidence daily...I still don't want to leave the carpeted area of the livingroom as I think that is my cage. I am taken to the kitchen for meals...would rather have my meals delivered to the living room but was told the take out service has gone out of business.

Welcome LUNA

My name is Luna, I am 18 months old I think. I was rescued from the puppy mill near shawville..and never drank water out of a dish or ate food from a plate. I lived in a cage and people threw food at me, and I ate snow or drank from rain water.

I am now in a new foster home with Karine. Tonight, my first night here, I had turkey and gravy and shortbread cookies. Karine had to hand feed me because I had no idea what to do with the plate but I will learn. I am in the livingroom..I have explored a little but it is a scary world out there. I let Karine groom me...first time I felt a brush.

Karine is telling me things like 'kissing me to death' or lots of love, I don't know what those words mean. When I was picked up it was to be grabbed and pushed. I dont know how to play, or how to be loved...yet. Karine uses that word a lot with me 'yet'. She calls me a caterpillar...never seen one and that soon I will bloom.

I am warm here and fed and live with another dog whose name is Bubba. Bubba has never met a dog like me...because I don't know how to play. I am not sure that Bubba will teach me but he is very sweet with me.

Karine is going to quickly expand my little world, I can feel it in my bones! I don't know what that means, I am only a very young dog who has never known love!

Thank you BARK for finding me and letting Karine take me!

Yours

Luna