Oscar

Oscar is kind of a funny name and it fit you. Other than a Dachshund, I had never seen a two-foot long dog with such short legs. You were built completely differently from any breed. Shaggy, with fur hanging over your eyes and a curly tail, I couldn't help but smile when I saw you. The adoption center said you were a Lhasa Apsa mix with a Bichon Friese. You weren't fully grown but we were familiar with both breeds and figured you wouldn't grow much. I should have paid more attention to your huge paws.

The Humane Society said that you had been returned by two former owners. Both had loved you. One had returned you because of your behavior. The second because they didn't want a custody battle for you in their divorce case. We fell in love with you at first sight because you looked so much like Heather, our Cockapoo for more than twelve years.

Our warm feelings cooled a bit when you chewed through a twenty- five dollar leash on the way home. We bought you another one and you did the same thing. The third lasted for five years even though it was chewed half-way through. The animal-control officer used it when she led you away for the last time.

I've never had a pet that I loved and hated as much as you, though now it seems it was mostly love. You chewed up a two-hundred dollar postcard someone had bought from eBay and I wanted to kill you. You barked when you were outside and made the neighbors mad. And you had an aggressive streak that came out when we tried to take a sock away from you. You even would go so far as to bite. That's what got you in trouble. That and your protective streak.

On the other hand your hangdog Eeyore personality would come out, too. And even though you weighed thirty-five pounds you were convinced you were a lap-dog and insisted on sitting in our laps when we read or watched TV. Like Heather, you even had to perch in my lap when I was driving. Not very safe, but endearing. There was no privacy when we went into the bathroom, you always went in with us or pushed the door open. That wasn't so great in winter when the rest of the house was cold. Even so, we enjoyed your company. But why on earth did you like to lick my bathwater? You were funny looking. Your ears were almost long enough that I could tie them together over your head. But you were glamorous, too. Your long eyelashes would have made Betty Davis jealous. Best of all, you never lacked for affection. I don't know how many times I woke up winter mornings cuddling against you.

I suppose that your protective streak had to lead to the final blow. The backyard gate never closed right and we had to tie it to keep Bearette, our daughter's dog, from pushing it open. We didn't always get it right and you sometimes escaped. Once too often, I'm afraid. You got out and a woman who was jogging came too close to the house. You bit her and that sealed your fate. Fortunately I was with the woman in the hospital when the Animal Control Officer came to the house to take you away.

I'll always remember our walks and how much your heeling had improved. I still get a smile when I remember when I told you to find Bearette, the dog, and you came back with the rubber cow we had just given you. There are so many other memories, painful now. I just want you to know how much I miss and love you. Thank you for the interesting years you spent with us. And have fun playing with Heather in Doggie Heaven.

John Anderson is a retired stamp and collectible dealer. He is also an unabashed animal lover and sentimentalist. His novel, The Cellini Masterpiece, is published under the pen name of Raymond John. Yes, there's an animal in it. A stray cat that the hero adopts. If you would like to read the first chapter of the book, or if you have a question or comment for John, please log on to http://www.cmasterpiece.com

---

Canine Mastitis

Canine mastitis is a breast infection in brood bitches, usually... Read More

Benny Comes Back!

This has been one of the most rewarding adventures I... Read More

The Power of Dogs

Well first of all I was always a cat owner,... Read More

Is YOUR Child Ready for a Dog?

Are you considering buying a dog for your child or... Read More

Decorating for The Cat Owner - How to Protect Your Possessions

The first thing a cat owner should know about home... Read More

Sugar Gliders, Pocket Pets

Many people are searching for different means to have pets.... Read More

The Geriatric (Older) Dog

Dogs mature and age at much different rates, usually according... Read More

Raw Feed? Are You Joking?

Let's think about this for a minute: God did not... Read More

Dog Training Basics

All positive commands should be spoken sharply and distinctly during... Read More

Training Your Dog?Is It Worth The Effort Or Is It Just A Waste Of Time?

Many people feel that taking the time to train their... Read More

West Highland Terrier Rescue Dog - What To Expect When You Bring It Home

Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland... Read More

Westies Puppies - How to Prepare for Your Westie Puppy

Just like when you bring home a new baby, you... Read More

Facts You Need To Know About Adopting A Dog

Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea... Read More

Those Amazing Dog Noses -- Fun Facts About A Chilly Little Organ

If you thought dog noses were just a source of... Read More

Puppy Love - Wonderful Companions

Everybody loves puppies. Who can resist those cute little faces... Read More

Saving Ginger From Being Put To Sleep ? Part 2

The Story Continues... Following the first of many visits to... Read More

The Benefits of Large Birdcages

We've all heard the phrase, "Free as a bird." In... Read More

Protect Your Pets From The Pound

Pets are people, too. At least, that's the way they... Read More

Take that Junk out of your Trunk

Your local grocery store is chock full of food and... Read More

Puppy Vaccines Assure Wagging Tails and Wet Noses

When you get a new puppy it is imperative that... Read More

Dog doors ? dog and owner reprieve

Buying dog doors onlineIf you need to buy a dog... Read More

Westie Pups - Tips for Success in Housetraining

Perhaps the best way to train your westie pups not... Read More

Do You Have a Dog Day Care Business Plan?

If you are considering opening a dog day care, then... Read More

Cleft Palate In Dogs

Sometimes puppies are born that can't suckle properly, and it's... Read More

Feeding Bettas

Knowing how to feed your betta is fundamental, because doing... Read More

A Cat Tale

My son and I have a cat. Her name is... Read More

What Rabbit Noises Mean

a) GrowlingIf your rabbit growls or grunts at you, she... Read More

Puppies, Kittens, Rabbits, Hamsters, Fish Tanks, Exotic Pets and Bird Houses!

Pet's, any kind of pet can be a welcome addition... Read More

Is There Taurine In Your Dogs Food?

Taurine, a water-soluble amino acid, has recently become the topic... Read More

Stop! Dont Give Your Cat That Chocolate!

"Where's the harm? My cat seems to enjoy chocolate and... Read More

Must-Have Know-How On Your Dogs Meal-Times

One of the best parts of the day for any... Read More

10 Questions Im Most Asked about Dogs in Heat

1. What is heat?Heat is more properly called the estrous... Read More

Six Dog Training Tips to Modify Negative Behavior

Almost every dog owner will have to use some sort... Read More