Chieftain and Ceilidh came from a wonderful organization - Doberman Rescue in Fillmore, California. They also rescue “little paws” – smaller breed dogs. Their website is www.dobierescue.org. This non-profit organization was founded by Ardis Braun in 1987 and has rehoused over 9,000 dogs since that time. Ardis and her team of volunteers do an awesome job.
In fact Susan has since formed her own rescue facility, Doberman Pinscher SOS, especially for Special Needs and elderly Dobes. Her website is www.dobiesos.com.
If you would like me to help you locate the nearest rescue facility to you, please email me at joann@glasgowgirl.com and title your email “Dog Rescue Question” and I’ll be happy to assist.

A Puppy’s Promise

I’m sorry I wet on the rug and chewed your slippers up,
But what do you expect from me, I’m just a little pup.
If you take the time to train me then the things that I could do
Would make you very proud that I belong to you!

Ten Commandments For A Responsible Pet Owner

My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful.
Give me time to understand what you want of me.
Place your trust in me – it’s crucial for my well being.
Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I HAVE ONLY YOU!
Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand the words, I understand your voice.
Be aware that however you treat me, I’ll never forget it.
Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I chose not to bite you.
Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I’ve been in the sun too long, or my heart may be old and getting weak.
Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old.
Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say “I can’t bear to watch” or “Let it happen in my absence”. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember I love you.

I’d like to ask any of you who are considering buying a dog to please think about adopting one instead. The sad fact is that most breeds have a rescue society set up and these are filled with expensive dogs who, through no fault of their own, need a loving forever home. Of course, it’s not just the recognized breeds that this applies to and the regular city pounds are also filled with sweet, mixed breed dogs needing a family to love them. As you can see. I'm a Dobermann Mom but owning a dog of ANY size is a HUGE commitment but if you’re willing and able to take that on, you will be rewarded every day by your new pet. Please remember that training your dog is an essential part of being a pet owner. It's time well spent that will be enjoyed by both of you as you work together to strengthen the bond between you.

A Special Message From Joann :
A DOG IS FOR LIFE. NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS.

Also pictured are Ruadh, (my Wee Princess who came from a family no longer able to keep her), Ailsa Craig (a sweet and gentle Dobe/Rottie girl who had been abandoned), Sodger (who was dumped off as a toty wee puppy outside a rescue in Florida) and Taggart (who I pulled from an abusive situation). As you will notice, Taggart hasn't got even a faint trace of Dobie in him but he's happy to be the odd man out in our family! Abbey Craig joined us due to her family being misinformed by the HOA they had bought into and not being able to take their beloved dog with them. They come visit her in her new home regularly and Abbey now has two families to love her! Even if you are unable to adopt a dog due to your personal circumstances, please consider making a (tax-deductible) donation to Doberman Pinscher Rescue and Little Paws, Fillmore, CA, Doberman Pinscher SOS, Tehachapi, CA or any animal shelter or rescue organization of your choice. Thank you on behalf of our canine friends.

They ask so little and give so much!

A Lesson In Humility

If you can start the day without caffeine, if you can get going without pep pills,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you, when through no fault of yours, something goes wrong,
If you can ignore a friend’s limited education and never correct him,
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,
If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can say honestly that deep in your heart you have no prejudices,
Then my friend, you are almost as good as your dog.

Beach Photos of Chieftain & Ceilidh Courtesy of Rupert Thorpe

The Creation

When God had made the earth and sky, the flowers and trees
He then made all the animals, the fish, the birds and bees.
And when at last He’d finished not one was quite the same.
He said “I’ll walk this world of mine and give each one a name”.
And so He traveled far and wide and everywhere He went, a little creature followed Him until its strength was spent.
When all were named upon the earth and in the sky and sea, the little creature said
“Dear Lord, there’s not one left for me”.
Kindly the Father said to him “I’ve left you to the end. I’ve turned my own name back to front and called you dog, my friend”.

Dog Rescue

A Dog’s Plea

Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than this loving heart of mine.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for although I might lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when the sound of your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.

Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Keep my dish filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life.

And, my friend, when I am very old and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, don’t make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun. Please see to it that my life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.

Abbey Craig visits a local Senior Center

Ailsa Craig digging for gold!

The Family Dog

The family’s dog was bought for a guard, chained to a post in a chilly back yard.
Housed in a shed that was airless and dark, and every few weeks had a run in the park.
When boredom set in with no fun and no work, one day it broke loose and went quietly berserk.
Pa just couldn’t fathom why it went wild as it flattened his wife and then bit his child.
The police were called in to sort out the mess and the whole sorry story was revealed by the press.
The Rescue Society was really annoyed, so the dog was rehomed and the owners destroyed.