Dan's Papers -December 19, 2008 - Pet Agree - Helping the Neediest, and Getting Rewards in Spades

In the spirit of giving for the holiday season, I want to share something with you. As a person well immersed and established in the "dog community," it thrills me that so many of you are familiar with my wonderful Murphdogs® and Kahuna Poodles. But, my canine family goes even further than that. I also have a group of special needs dogs. These are animals that were slated to be euthanized or not survive past a few weeks of life, due to physical, as well as emotional, challenges, neglect and a plethora of other, unfortunate circumstances. These precious ones count on me the most to go the extra mile and provide only the best duty of care possible.

So, welcome to my world: a world of tiny, little Murphdogs®, galumphing standard polka-dotted poodles and everything in between. They are perfect to me, no matter what, always loved and giving love in return. In our home, they have no worries or fears. No one is ever sad, hungry, thirsty, cold or alone. I tell you this because I know that I'm no rare breed. There are so many of you out there just like me who will never let a stray remain as such. To all my Hamptons' friends who try so hard to save the world one dog and one cat at a time, who open your hearts and your homes and provide safety, love and food, I thank you.

I also want to give recognition to some of the celebrities and people in the spotlight that have helped to raise awareness, make a difference and contribute to the wellbeing of our extended canine and feline families, especially the ones who still hope to become part of someone's loving home.

Allow me to tell you about one of my special dogs who suffered from itching, rashes, thinning of hair and low body weight. If that wasn't bad enough, he actually ate the hair off other dogs while they were sleeping! How strange is that? I then discovered that the only time I could quell this peculiar behavioral pattern was during the pet food recall, when I began to cook for him myself. Now, in a world given to time sparing, fortunately, for both of us, pet food regulations are more stringent and I have learned a lot about what goes into dog food, his hair eating days are a thing of the past. Best of all, his overall good health continues. I look for foods that have 100% USA ingredients. The first ingredient must be chicken, salmon or whatever meat protein you choose. I buy only food that hasplenty of vegetables and fruit, and no corn, wheat, gluten, by-products, rendered meats, fillers, antibiotics, steroids, chemical additives, preservatives, colors or dyes. Don't hesitate to call the manufacturer if you're in doubt.

But this is only one of many special dogs I have the pleasure of caring for; and his particular case is not nearly as severe or challenging as the others. I know there are so many people who have stories to tell, yet nowhere to find help, suggestions, or similar stories that can give relief where there seems to be none.

The spirit of giving must continue throughout the year and every year thereafter. With this in mind, Harley's Angels Inc. and Murphdog® & Company are in the process of constructing an interactive website to help families with "special needs" dogs. There, we will publish valuable information. It will be a self-help, network group where we welcome advice, warnings, time saving tips, as well as, happy and not so happy experiences.

To all of you and yours, canine, feline and human persuasion alike, I wish you a joy filled season, warm cozy, happy feelings, continued good health and prosperity for the New Year.