“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.” — Gilda Radner
My past couple of dogs have been rescue dogs. One thing that has always struck me is how grateful they are – they know you are responsible for making sure they are still around, and you have pledged to take care of them. You can see it in their eyes. It is palpable in their loyalty.
To be honest, my dog Morton and I learned to love each other. My ex and I adopted Morton near the beginning of our relationship, the idea being that he was my ex’s dog since I already had my dog, Dexter. Looking back, I realize I was probably reason that I felt a distance between me and Morton. I loved Dexter and thought he was superior to any dog, so I didn’t allow myself to get close to Morton.
Time marched on, as it tends to do, and three years after adopting Morton, the ex left me (thus becoming the ex) – he broke the news in a note, I kid you not. In our subsequent who-gets-what conversations, Morton became the topic. “I was wondering if you would keep him for a while, or maybe for good.” I said I would keep him for good, because it would be nice to have some of my family still in tact.
Being single again was not the only change life had in store for me at that time, my beloved Dexter started aging rapidly. He often couldn’t wait to be let outside to do his business, an ongoing skin irritation became out of control, and eventually he was too feeble to balance himself when defecating. This was when I fell in love with Morton.
Dexter being in the household first automatically made him the alphadog. Initially, Dexter had the stamina to win any kind of disagreement that might arise. Clearly, in his decline, Morton could have taken control of the house at any point, but he didn’t. Morton treated Dexter with respect, and Dexter remained the alphadog until the day my friend Amy Jo (who rescued Dexter and convinced me to take him) and I took him to the vet’s office for his final visit.
Today, Morton has two adoring dads, and the feeling appears to be mutual. We know one thing for sure, that grateful look in his eye has never faded.
I took this opportunity to tell you a little bit about Morton because all of my Ripples this week have to do with pets. Happy Rippling, my little do-gooders!
The Good Fairey
Obey Awareness Adopt-a-Pet
Brendan and I recently saw the quirky documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop about the street art movement which centered around elusive artist Banksy. Shepard Fairey – who you will undoubtedly know for his iconic HOPE poster created for the Obama campaign, was interviewed and discussed in the film. It turns out that, in addition to 
being a talented artist who can communicate viscerally with simple images, Shepard is smoking hot. I was inspired to do some research on him and learned of his Obey Clothing line and the Obey Awareness project.
Don’t Breed or Buy
Adopt-a-Pet
Shepard’s t-shirt supporting Adpot-a-Pet prompted me to check out their website. This nifty site matches you up with the pet of your dreams. Enter specifics about the animal you’re looking for, and the distance you’re willing to travel to pick up the animal. Maybe you’re looking for a specific breed of dog, or maybe you’re in search of a bunny. The site also helps you find local adoption resources and provides you with the opportunity to help.
Hoxie’s Doxies
Chip-in: Elsie’s Surgery
Dogs are not the only recurring theme in this posting, so are smoking hot people. That my friend Lanie Hoxie is sexy is undeniable to anyone who has ever seen her perform or enjoyed the pleasure of her company. Over a year ago, Lanie left O-Town for the glamour of Los Angeles, and she is sorely missed. Through the magic of social networking, I’ve kept tabs on her and that’s how I learned of her plight and the resourceful way she is taking care of it.
As you’ll read by clicking the link, one of Lanie’s dogs recently had an expensive surgery. Through this site, you can learn of this situation and lend a helping hand, if you’re able.
