As much as we all love that commercial with the darling irresistible puppy popping out of the box on Christmas morning, the reality is that a puppy for Christmas is just bad timing. The holidays stretch our already overloaded schedules to the max, many people travel, and the holidays are well, just stressful. Please wait until a more appropriate time AND when you do pick that “time”, please consider a rescue dog first. They are not “second hand” or “damaged”, they have been let down by humans, and they are so grateful – they KNOW you saved them. I believe that with all my heart. And they will reward you with more loyalty and love than you could imagine.
After I read the information in Brad Marlow’s post on facebook, I had to request his permission to use the information for a blog post. And then I waded through the comments and my thoughts did a complete 180 in reference to how I would use or respond to the information. His post on facebook created quite a fire storm of passionate responses.
Brad Marlow is with Bradley Marlow. July 17 at 6:36 PM
Why rescue hounds, especially Coonhounds? That’s a often asked and legitimate question for those not in the know. For those not familiar, Coonhounds are one of America’s oldest breeds. Yet, they have the stigma of just being a working dog, not privileged enough to deserve a safe, loving home. For example, in some areas of the South, Coonhounds replace the Pit Bull as the most euthanized dog in shelters. In South Carolina, Coonhounds are exempt from animal welfare laws. They can be kept without regard to the animal’s safety and well being.
Across the South, Coonhounds are seen as a tool used for hunting. For many when that tool can no longer perform, it’s shot, starved to death, dumped in the woods to fend for itself until the coyotes get them, and for the lucky ones that do make it to the shelters, it’s a crap shoot if they’ll even make it to the adoption floor. Coonhounds are truly the under dogs of rescue.
My Beaux, an 80lb, Tri Color American English Coonhound, was dumped in the Cherokee National Forrest in the middle of a cold TN Winter. It took AC almost two weeks to catch him. That could have easily been the end of the story but fortunately for me, the shelter manager saw much more than a failed hunter.
After 6 months in the shelter and a couple of failed adoptions, Beaux was posted with a plea for someone to rescue or adopt. The story doesn’t end there but let’s just save that for another time. Beaux doesn’t work anymore, he’s too busy lounging in the sun, sleeping in my bed, and being my best friend.
Coonhounds aren’t for the faint of heart or shallow of character and a sense of humor is a definite must. However, if you’re patient enough, you’ll be rewarded with unconditional love.
Beautifully stated !! And I cannot praise coonhounds enough !! There are some passionate people out there that say a coonhound is being “mistreated” if made to stay in a house!! UHHHH I have photographic proof that is NOT true!!
Dixie with her snuggly
The leonard curlie Q
Mom, you were awake already right ?????
UHHHH, Don’t know about anyone else but I am NOT seeing any signs of mistreatment here !!!
Long Ears! Kid & Dog Friendly! Athletic! Musical Voice! Unique! An American Original!
Top 10 Reasons Why Coonhounds Are the Best Dogs Ever!
My Handsome Riley B
(1) Touchstone traits of a hound make them great pets. They are sweet, sensitive companions similar to many of the other popular hunting breeds like retrievers and pointers. Coonhounds are guaranteed to make you laugh with their silly personalities and sense of humor.
Uhh that hole in the yard? Have no idea !! But look how cute I am !!
(2) They are an American original. Born, bred and developed in the USA!
(3) Most are not aggressive seekers of attention so a gentle hand on their backs or a stroke to their soft ears quickly leads to melting contentment.
(4) Grooming doesn’t get much easier! A quick swipe over their short, slick coats, nail trim and ear clean will put the polish to a hound.
(5) Most hounds over two years old have a great on/off switch. Full of energy and ready to rock when a job is at hand, then content to laze on the porch or dog bed for hours when it’s quiet time.
(6) Coonhounds rarely “borrow trouble”. While they are far from innocent if an opportunity presents itself, they won’t invent or create problems.
(7) Bred and selected to be workers, they have few congenital issues or problems that show up in dogs bred for a particular “look”.
(8) Kid-friendly and dog-friendly! Many hounds were bred to hunt in packs, so they have great social skills for the dog park or in your home.
HEY !!! You come here often ????
(9) Soulful brown eyes to drown in and long silky ears to adore.
(10) Stripes and speckles, spots and solids, reds, blues, tan, black, white, colors galore! But you won’t want a “coonie” if…
You tell em Phoenix !!
(1) You can’t think outside the box. It takes a kind hand and creative approach to train a coonhound.
(2) You aren’t prepared to take care of their needs for a warm resting spot in cold, northern climes. That smooth, short coat won’t offer much protection when snow and bitter winds come rolling in.
(3) You aren’t ready to ensure that your confinement is adequate. While some hounds will laze on the porch all day and obey your commands on an off-leash hike, many will run through invisible fences if there’s game to chase or show off their skills as excellent fence climbers and jumpers.
(4) Your neighbors like to hear a pin drop. Coonhounds were bred to announce the finding of game in a loud, musical voice ranging from a soft “woo woo woo” to a loud, blaring operatic aria. Hound song can be one of the most beautiful sounds you’ll ever enjoy in life, but it can lead to neighborhood discord unless you’re prepared to teach your hound when and where its appropriate to sing.
(5) Coonhounds are large, athletic dogs that need to go to charm school and need a place and time to stretch their legs. They won’t laze happily at your side without a bit of training and without a chance to exercise. This information shared from the Coonhound Companions web site – a great resource for all things coonhound!
I am beginning the holiday weekend by going to the peaceful protest rally in Taylor Co/Campbellsville Ky. See below == no other words necessary !!!
PEACEFUL protest/picket at Phillips Agri to express our utter anger of the Phillips’ puppy mill and the fact that all 82 charges were dropped against Bobby Phillips also, to express our anger that he and his wife will be receiving 25 of the dogs back into their possession and into the HELL that they were rescued from!!
It is STILL way hot here, and summer does not seem to be leaving any way soon, which means the INSECTS will be hanging around too !! Thought it might be a good idea to post this heartworm info chart.
Used with permission from American Heartworm Society #hounddoghealthy
In an ongoing effort to “rail against the powers that be” and get coonhounds placed higher on the AKC breed popularity list – where they SHOULD BE!! here is some info about Black and tans — – I rescued a black and tan many years ago – his name was Baker and I found out about him through Jayne Schlegel with American Black and Tan – he was an awesome dog – generous, kind, loyal, steadfast and super catcher of possums in my barn !! GO Baker !! I dearly loved him.
From the AKC Breed popularity page
Temperament: Easy-Going, Bright, Brave AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 128 of 194 (what????) Height: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female) Weight: 65-110 pounds Life Expectancy: 10-12 years Group: Hound Group
About the Black and Tan Coonhound Black and Tans have an amazingly sensitive nose, long, velvety ears, and a sweet disposition. The coal-black coat features rich tan accents, including the distinctive “pumpkin seeds” above keenly expressive eyes. These are big, strong hounds: A good-size male can stand 27 inches at the shoulder and cover ground with effortless, eager strides. B&Ts are sociable hounds. A lonely B&T will serenade the neighborhood with loud, mournful “music.” B&Ts can keep pace with the most active family, but they also can hog the sofa for hours on end. Hounds will be hounds: A passing squirrel can arouse B&T prey drive in no time flat, so a strong leash and sturdy fence are must-haves. B&Ts might be too much hound for the lifestyle of every owner.
Beautiful B and T Kaiser
My caveat — But they are amazing and well worth the effort. My mission is to educate, but also be realistic — Coonhounds are NOT for everyone. (just like any other breed of dog) Please be diligent, do your homework, be realistic about what you want in a dog, and what you can handle. Do you have small children? ARE you willing to educate them on how to “be around” a dog safely?? Do you travel? Is your family very active? Are you gone from home a lot due to work or any other reason??
Keep all this in mind – do your homework – be realistic about your expectations and be ready to FALL IN LOVE
As I waded through my facebook posts today, I came across this post. I have seen this before but today it just kind of resonated with me more than usual. I love coonhounds, so of course get a lot of appeals and posts that involve rescue dogs. Seems that it is just raining hounds and as I looked at hound after hound after hound, some in foster situations, some urgent and running out of time at kill shelters, some injured, some weak with hunger, and on and on. Just when I was ready to put my phone away for the day so not to see one more sad post, I saw this “Just A Dog” post and I want to share it with you. Love your hounds every day- because there is NO SUCH THING as “Just A Dog”.
Quite the adventure with Riley B yesterday. I decided to try some new experiences. Sooo he came with me to the salon to watch me get a hair cut. It was not a busy time so thought it would be ok. Riley was a star !! He waited patiently right by the chair or looked out the window, and only went to visit another area when provoked ! I mean what dog can resist “OHHHH what a cute dog! OH sweetie come over here ! OH look how cute he is!” I mean REALLY ??
OK Mom, Looks good! Let’s GO !
And then ? On to the fabulous Bluegrass Barkery. What an awesome store. Riley and I cannot say enough good things about it. Always super clean, staff is so helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. We love it! The biggest problem is deciding on which treats to purchase there are SO many choices. Riley B is still an “Acana” man — They are his favorite.
Happy dogs found here !!
LOOK OUT!! It’s a cookie takeover!!
Snoofer activated and on high alert !! SOOOOOO many choices!
Be sure to visit Bluegrass Barkery — two locations in Lexington — or www.bluegrassbarkery.com
Or as Riley B says “HOUND HEAVEN” sniff tested, coonhound approved !
Whew – long hot day =- one of my former students called and alerted me to a “Fido Fest” happening on the other side of town. Riley B and I packed it up and headed on over there. Got to say I was a little apprehensive not knowing how many dogs would be there and what the lay out would be . Riley B was WAAAYY excited when he spied the other dogs. Immediate thought ?? What have I done ??? HOWEVER, I have to say I was very pleased with him. Yes he got excited and yes he wanted to greet ALL the other dogs and YES he was distracted at times, but for the most part he listened to me and did not get crazy obnoxious. I am placing this trip in the success column ! Woot Woot !!
Look both ways !
Waiting to cross !
Come on in ! NO one has “peed in the pool”
FOCUSED!!!
Where is the dog treat store ?
Hey !!!!! Who are you ?
A reminder to me that if I never try different challenges with him I will never know how he will react.
This is a huge post but contains such important and helpful information!!!
I recently saw a post on the #lifewithmyrescued coonhound page that just screamed “SHARE ON THE BLOG ” !!! This is invaluable information from the Montgomery County Lost Pets page in Maryland and shared by Meghan Connolly. EVERYONE needs this information for finding a lost dog, but coonies are notorious for following that nose into “a galaxy far far away”. So here goes !
Put something with your scent outside, like unwashed shirts and socks. If possible hang socks on a tree branch or somewhere the wind can carry your scent. Leave water and a can of fishy cat food or tuna or smelly dog food /treats.
File a lost report with animal control and microchip company if chipped
Post to Pawboost.com www.pawboost.com (you do not have to pay for this, they will post to Facebook and send alerts for free), NextDoor.com, helping lost pets.com/PET, Petharbor.com, Craigslist lost and found and pet sections, other lost and found pet groups/Facebook, neighborhood/community groups, yard sale sites for your area, etc. As time allows check these places for “found” posts as well as Pet for Sale ads or recruit someone to check for you. Consider using Find Toto robocalls at findtoto.com. Other sites include lostmydoggie.com, or your local chapter of the ASPCA.
Put up fliers in at least a 2-3 mile radius. Make sure the type is large enough to read from the road. Place plastic page protectors with the opening at the bottom sealed with clear tape to protect from rain. Secure with tacks/staples and clear packing tape if using color fliers or florescent tape if black and white. Remember not everyone uses Facebook!! Make sure to give the flier to your mail carrier.
Mount a large, clear full body photo on bright poster board and handwrite LOST ! REWARD! and your phone number in large print that is visible from a car. Place at intersections. You can cover with cellophane to protect from rain. Home Depot and Lowes sell blank signs with stands and you can mount bright poster board to these, or use old election signs. Make a two sided sign by taping two large posters back to back at the top and sides, slip over the sign, then secure with tape at the bottom. If possible put a 2 sided sign in your front yard.
Consider using a pet tracker, such as Dogs Finding Dogs, Finding Dogs, or Pure Gold. Bag up items with your dog’s scent (blanket, bed, brush, toys) to preserve scent for the tracking dog.
Check shelters in person every other day if possible. This is imperative. Do not dismiss dogs posted based on the photo alone ( or collar etc). Shelters DO make mistakes on intake and photos can be VERY deceiving. Shelter staff is many times over stretched and underfunded so mistakes happen. (not finding fault – just stating a fact) Finders sometimes change collars or put a collar on a found dog not already wearing one.
If practical walk your neighborhoodd, speak to your neighbors and hand out fliers.
Note position of hounds in relation to human. Commonly referred to as scent deafness or “on a mission”.
#hounddogknowledge
The company that has the microchip for my precious Riley B is 24PetWatch. They were super helpful and friendly each time I talked with them while going through the registration process. www.24petwatch.com
Mom, you were awake already right ?????
HEY !!! You come here often ????
