The Adventures Of Jagger....a Rescue Dog

Adventure…..Love is in the air.

The Adventures of Jagger .....a Rescue Dog — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 22:21:45 +0000

I have to admit it I am a stubbly little hopeless romantic. I always get all sappy when Valentine’s Day rolls around. I loved to be loved and I love to see others being loved. My favorite signs of love and affection come in the form of wet kisses, belly rubs and cheese slices. Each one of these gets my tail waggin quick and in a hurry. But this year is especially touching because I have been lucky enough to have been loved so much in the last year by so many people. That is why I have decided that this year I will pay it forward and spread the word so that everybody knows how they can “SHARE THE LOVE” with my friends at the shelter. In my travels I hear alot of reasons why people cannot adopt a dog or cat at this time in their life. I understand that it is a big commitment and that it is not something that someone should rush into. That is why I am going to share with you something that I came across that shows that no matter where we are at in our life and our current situation there is something that we can all do to help. How do I love thee….let me count the ways.
ADOPT …..If you can’t adopt
FOSTER…..If you can’t foster
SPONSOR…..If you can’t sponsor
VOLUNTEER…..If you can’t volunteer
DONATE…..If you can’t donate EDUCATE
Adopting would be ideal. It would give a dog or cat the family that they need and deserve. But if you are not in a position to adopt at this time maybe you could foster a dog or cat on the weekends or just for a short amount of time until they find that forever home. Sometimes there are dogs that have a hard time living in the shelter environment and would need a temporary home for a short period of time. If you are one of those people that knows that if you take them in you are going to get attached you could always sponsor an animal and help take care of the dog or cats medical and daily expenses until their perfect family comes along. If you are not in a financial position to help an animal at this time maybe you could give a couple hours a week to clean a kennel or brush a dog or take somebody for a much needed walk to get them out for a while and show them some love. If you physically cannot come in and spend time with the animals maybe you have some items that you can donate ….old towels, blankets or newspapers. And lastly if you cannot find anything to donate, you can help me by spreading the word of the joys and benefits of pet adoption and need to spay and neuter animals to cut down on the pet population.
I guess what I am trying to say is that we can all look at the gifts and blessings that the good Lord has given us and use those to pay if forward and help those that are less fortunate. Happy Valentine’s to each and every one you and get out and spread some love!
For now this is Jagger….signing off.
Ps…I sure am glad somebody rescued me.

Adventure…..Work In Progress.

The Adventures of Jagger .....a Rescue Dog — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 21:51:41 +0000

It grabs you and holds you down and makes your underarm pitties sweat. It keeps you from following your dreams and sometimes makes you put your tail smack dap between your little legs and turn and run the other direction. It keeps you from moving into unchartered territories where there might be wonderful things waiting for you. What is it you ask? Its fear and even after being with the Poehler Pack for nearly a year I still have my struggles with it. It rears its ugly head sometimes, when someone holds me too tight and I feel confined and restricted. There are still times when someone goes to pick me up and I roll over in submission. I also have a pretty powerful reverse on me when people come walking towards me fearing some sort of punishment is coming my way. I can back up across a whole room at a high rate of speed. I am finding out that those demons from my past are really hard to shake. It is difficult to just sit back and enjoy the life that I have been blessed with. I am just now getting to where I like to play with toys and feel like I can let my guard down and not worry about letting loose and having fun. You know what they say that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Well I am getting stronger every day. I have decided to pull up my little dachshund panties and stop cringing every time someone comes near me out of the fear of being hit or reprimanded. I have decided to relax and hope for the best because when somebody does come at you. Especially when it’s for no other reason than to scoop you up in their arms to hold you and tell you what a good boy you are, and smother your little face with kisses, it truly is the best feeling in the world. It is time to confront the demons from my past and move forward and trust in this new life that I have been given and the family that loves me. By moving into the unknown we are shown the possibilities that can be out there for us. I don’t know how many others are affected daily by their past and how they were treated growing up. But I can see that my siblings don’t have the same insecurities and fear that I do. They seem to sink into a nap a little deeper than I do. I seem to sleep with one eye open….just in case. I guess I am like a lot of others, a work in progress. I am happy with how far I have come and I look forward to the possibilities that are ahead for this little long dog. I am hoping that if you have things that you are fearful of or that are holding you back in your life, that you can muster up enough courage to fight through them. The belly rubs on the other side are so worth it.
For now this is Jagger….signing off.
Ps…I sure am glad somebody rescued me.

Adventure…..When life gives you lemons.

The Adventures of Jagger .....a Rescue Dog — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 14:23:55 +0000

One of the most exciting events around this household is when the hu-mom comes home with bags filled of goodies from the grocery store. We just know there is going to be something in there purchased special just for us. Well this little ritual came to a screeching halt earlier this week when she arrived home with bags filled with nothing but lemons, maple syrup and Cheyenne pepper. She proceeded to explain to us that the contents were for a cleanse that she was going to start the following morning to eliminate her body of toxins. Well, first off my tail was not wagging because I don’t like any of those ingredients. Then she proceeded to tell us that for the next 10 days this would be all she is having. My long ears perked up on this one. That means no sharing of food with her. It was going to be a long 10 days for this little doggie. The good news was that we had the rest of the day to celebrate with all her favorites prior to starting the 10 days of doom. We had burgers and fries, cookies, poptarts and a late night snack of salty goodness. The prep for the cleanse was a good time shared by all. Off to bed we all went with full bellies and hopes that this whole cleanse talk had been nothing but a sick joke. The next morning we all woke at the normal time of 4:30 a.m. and headed off to the kitchen to stir up the crazy concoction. First the lemon got squeezed and added to a glass of water…..the hu-mom is looking very determined and set on going through with this. No bacon this morning. Next the maple syrup in added and last but not least the Cheyenne pepper. She gives it a stir and takes the first big gulp and ….GAG!!! She shakes her head in disbelief ….stirs the miracle juice once more and another gulp, same result…GAG!! Hallelujah the cleanse is over! I must say this might be a record. She usually at least lasts a day or two on these diets. She moves to the coffee pot and we are back in business. Coffee brewing and on to the fridge for the regular breakfast of turkey bacon and eggs. If it all goes as planned we will have a little cheese on top of them eggs. I guess I don’t get what the big problem with toxins would be anyway. We four-leggers eat some pretty unusual things and we do just fine. Just eat a little green grass and wa la you are back and good to go. This is not the first time she has messed with our eating ritual. We have done the clean eating, counting points, counting calories and that is just off the top of my furry little head. This little dogs all time favorite would have to be the Atkins diet. We ate nothing but bacon, bologna and cheese for 6 weeks. It was pure heaven around here. I say when life gives you lemons….use it as a garnish and go the no carb route.
For now this is Jagger….signing off.
Ps…I sure am glad somebody rescued me.

Adventure…..Curly Top.

The Adventures of Jagger .....a Rescue Dog — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 23:12:07 +0000

I don’t know if any of you folks are lucky enough to have any grand-humans in your life, but if you do you know what I am talking about when I say “they are the best things ever”. We have one that shows up around here a couple days a week and she arrives ready for bear and prepared to go all day long. Me and rest of my pack are really pretty set in our ways and don’t care too much for a change in the routine. Routine is definitely not a word that I would use to describe our days when this little lady shows up. I just know there will be a slim chance of a nap unless she happens to slow down in the afternoon and passes out by mistake. About the time you get all snuggled in and ready to dose off she is up and going again. I mean it is action packed with singing, dancing, tumbling, snacks, baby dolls, horses and more snacks. Now you know why I am not really that upset about missing the naps because not only does she want to snack all day but when she does she misses her mouth a lot. That is why we short-leggers have learned to stay close ….there is going to be snack casualties. Oh but this is not the only reason to stay close to this curly headed motor mouth. She will be playing, watching TV or messing with some sort of electronic device and all of a sudden she will break free and grab one of us around the neck and squeeze while proclaiming her undying love and telling us how beautiful we are. The great thing is you know she really, really means it because she says it through little lips that are squished tight and she is gritting her teeth. I have always wondered how they packed so much love and sweetness in us little long dogs, but we don’t have anything on this little darling. Me, Elvis, Ruby and Duncan are normally at the top of the food chain in this house until this little package shows up. Once the quick moving cutie is in the door we just know our beloved lap is going to be occupied and our hu-mom will be at her beckon call all day long. It is fast moving and ever changing. Routine …what routine??? The good news is when curly top leaves for the day we know that our hu-mom is down for the count and we all get to reap the benefits of a good nap and a warm blankie until the next time the princess loving power pack shows again and the fun starts all over. If you don’t have your own little grand-human I highly recommend you trying to find access to one. The hugs are great and so are the snacks.
For now this is Jagger….signing off.
Ps…I sure am glad somebody rescued me.

The Many Faces Of Jagger

The Adventures of Jagger .....a Rescue Dog — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:12:30 +0000

Adventure…..Regrets…I’ve Had A Few.

The Adventures of Jagger .....a Rescue Dog — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:09:47 +0000

As I sat and reflected back on the year of 2012 I must admit I do have a few regrets. I think now of all of my afternoons spent on the couch under the blanket sleeping. I should have gotten up and moved these little legs a bit more. I should have gone out and enjoyed the early morning walks, the smells of dawn and the sounds of the birds. It seems this little body always has an excuse…too wet in the Spring, too hot in the summer, too windy in the fall and too cold in the winter. The sad thing is when I do get my chubby short- self off the couch, then go out, regardless of the weather conditions, I really do enjoy the walk. Turns out I am really glad I went, when it’s all said and done. Note to self …get up and move more in 2013.
I regret snarfing down all those pieces of bologna and cheese without so much as tasting them. I know now that I should slow down and savor every bite and enjoy every little bit of delciousness that is in every tiny morsel. The problem there is I have to make sure that my siblings don’t get my share. Note to self….”slow down and enjoy your food” and try to get the others to join in.
I also regret when given a new toy, within minutes of getting that toy, I have torn it open and thrown the white fluffy guts all over the living room. I know that I should take my time in its destruction and enjoy the lovely sound of the “squeak”…”squeak”…”squeak”. However in the moment, all my little brain can think about is… “its demise” . Note to self:…at least wait until the toy is soggy and yucky before ripping its head off.
My biggest regret of 2012 is the increasing number of animals that are dropped off at local shelters or abused and abandoned. I was one of the lucky ones, but there are so many that need and deserve a loving home where they can live out their life with a wonderful family. I am determined to…..continue the quest of bringing awareness to the joys and benefits of pet adoption.
2012 will always be special to me because it was the year that I was adopted. I was brought into a loving home where I am part of a family. I dont have to live in fear ever again. I am accepted for how I am…all my little quirks and all. My family has learned that when they go to pick me up I am going to roll over in fear. And that’s just because someone hurt me in my previous home. They know that I am very needy and have times when I want to be held really really close as well as loved on. They have accepted the fact that it might take years for the scars from my previous life to disappear but they don’t care….I am home!
One of the highlights of 2012 has been sharing some of my adventures with all of you. We have covered some interesting topics from the joys of ice cream and the B&K to the issues of bullying and making sure that the children of our community know what to do in an emergency. We have gone to the ballpark and the Olympics and attacked our bucket list. We have taken the time to reflect on the importance of friends and family. It has been a blessing to this little chubster and I cannot wait to see where 2013 will take us.
For now this is Jagger….signing off.
Ps…I sure am glad somebody rescued me.

Adventure….. Show A Little Kindness

The Adventures of Jagger .....a Rescue Dog — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:08:55 +0000

Adventure….. Show A Little Kindness
Anybody that has had a dog knows that we can pick up on the emotions of our two-legged owners. I can sense when they are happy and that makes me happy too! I can also sense when they are sad or upset and this week I have felt a cloud of sadness fall over our household ever sense the terrible tragedy in Connecticut. I don’t have answers for whey someone would set out to hurt innocent people especially children, but I am pretty sure that someone or possibly several people must have hurt the shooter at some time in his life. I have overheard that he was shy and backward and was probably judged for being different. This is where each and every one of us can make a difference in this world and possibly put an end to this travesty that seems to occur over and over again.
Each one of us can choose to accept others for how they are and embrace their differences. Being judged does not just pertain to you humans. Take for instance my friends the pitt bulls, some have done inexcusable things, but people choose to hate the breed because of the few that do wrong. We need to not judge a dog on its breed, size or color. The same goes for humans. We must learn to look past the tattoos on someone’s arm and see the loving father underneath those tattoos. Let us not judge because of gray hair and wrinkles and instead see the wonderful stories and wisdom cover. When looking at someone in a wheel chair or that has some other disability look beyond and see the person inside that still loves to talk of fun and adventure. We need to understand that the homeless man on the park bench at one time had a job, a family and a wonderful home. Start looking at children that are different from the norm and show them love and kindness instead of making them feel like outsiders in the world of which they live. Each one of us regardless of our skin color on the outside has a heart that can show others the love and kindness that we want to receive from others.
If we show kindness to others that are different for whatever the reason, maybe just maybe they will pay it forward and this world will be filled with love and compassion instead of hatred and anger. All I am saying is next time you pass a stranger at the mall, on the River Walk or in line at the store just smile and give a kind word….it may be the only one they get that day and for no money at all and very little effort you might just make a change in this world. I myself am ready to step up to the plate to share all the kisses and tail waggin I can muster up to do my part. Feel free to join me!!!
For now this is Jagger….signing off.
Ps…I sure am glad somebody rescued me.

Adventure…..Bring On A Blizzard!

The Adventures of Jagger .....a Rescue Dog — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:06:12 +0000

For those of you that are familiar with my daily routine you know that it does not fluctuate much. Bed..kitchen…couch….kitchen….couch….bed….you get the jest. Well this is my first holiday season in the Poehler household. And I must say they are really messing with this “perfectly” perfected routine, that I have become accustomed to. You must know first that when the two-leggers are home we get free rein of everywhere and everything. We can bark at the mailman, via the perfectly exacuted placement of the two doggie doors. We can go out and do our business as need be. Then return to the pillow soft couch that is always home to a couple of warm and fuzzy blankets. However, when the two-leggers leave for any reason we are confined to the kitchen and use of the doggie doors….THATS IT! No couch, just a few blankets haphazardly thrown on a DOGGIE bed in the corner of the kitchen. Yes, I said DOGGIE bed. “We Four Legger’s DO NOT SLEEP IN DOGGIE BEDS” I think you understand a little more as to why we prefer one of them to be home at all times. Well for those of you that know the man of the house, you know he is about to wear out our driveway with his comings and goings. I recently heard talk of redoing the driveway because of the wear and tear from his need to be constantly “out and about”. Now the lady of the house on the other hand would love nothing more than to be put on house arrest and never leave. I mean really why would she need to ….she has me and the others low riders to keep her company. This is where this story takes a terrible turn. I don’t know what it is about the holiday season but it has really put a glitch in our giddy up. These people are getting all dressed up and leaving us at night and not returning until past bedtime!!! They are bringing in lots of bags and packages and there is nothing in any of them for us!!!! They are cooking all kinds of goodies and treats and telling us that dogs can’t have sugar. What is going on here???? I know the rest of you might not be all in on my solution to this ever growing problem, but I think we need a BLIZZARD. I am talking about one that shuts this chaos down once and for all. I NEED MY ROUTINE….I don’t like change and I don’t like the doggie bed in the kitchen. A good 36 inches of snow should get us thru the holidays and think of the money and calories that would be saved in the process. I say they clear the roads about two days before Christmas, which would give people enough time to get the fixings for Christmas dinner, and a FEW little goodies to open up. Think about it….. we could all get back to the real meaning of the holidays which is family and friends and celebrating the birthday of Jesus. You never thought you would be wishing for a blizzard …did ya????
For now this is Jagger….signing off.
Ps…I sure am glad somebody rescued me.

Adventure…..I Think We Need A Backup Plan!

The Adventures of Jagger .....a Rescue Dog — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:05:27 +0000

It was sunny and sixty degrees last week and that my friends is perfect walking weather. At least for us short haireds it is. We get a little hot from the pavement heat in the summer because our legs are so short and well you know what I think of the cold. It is hard to take a walk wrapped up in a blanket. For this very reason I have not seen very many November walks, so this one was especially good. We started out on a little different route than normal, it was just me my brother Dunky and mamma two-legger. It was a nice pace ….fast enough to get somewhere but slow enough to pick up the smells!!!
About twenty minutes into the walk we came around the corner at 2nd and Hill and noticed two small children coming towards us. They both had tears in their eyes and said they had gotten off the bus and when they got home the door was locked. The little girl said she was in kindergarten and the boy in first grade. We told them it would be alright and that we would stay with them until someone came home.
Now this is the part that bothers me …..what if it had been freezing cold out? These little two-leggers did not have a backup plan. Yes…they were talking to a stranger, but what other choice did they have? They even stated that if we wanted to drive them they might be able to tell us where their grandfather lives. I know that they have been told by parents, TV and school that this is not what they should be doing, but again what other choice did they have.
Did these parents plan on not being home? Probably not, but things happen unexpectedly and I just think a backup plan is needed. Maybe the parents could have a neighbor lady that is always home and would be willing to take the children in when an emergency comes up. Should these children have buddied up with us….NO. But maybe we tell them if they ever are lost or scared that they look for a certain type of person for help. A elderly grandmother or a mother with children. I am just saying that I don’t think these two little children had problem solving skills and needed to know that they had other options. I am afraid to say that these two children in Marion, Indiana WOULD have gotten in a car with a man and a puppy if he said he would drive them to their grandfather’s house. This is very sad and scary.
This story does have a happy ending….after momma two-legger took the little girls hand and assured them both that we would not leave then until their mom or dad got to their house, we walked them home sat on the porch and got to know them. We were very thankful that we took our walk and a different route so we could be there to help.
Please take a minute to think about what the children in your life would do if they were put in this situation. Make sure that they have options and a backup plan. For now this is Jagger….signing off.
Ps…I sure am glad somebody rescued me.

Adventure….40 Things That I Am Thankful For

The Adventures of Jagger .....a Rescue Dog — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:04:47 +0000

During this week of Thanksgiving I would like to share the top 40 things that this little doggie is thankful for. Maybe you should see how many you can come up with too.
1. Grass that is mowed ….important for short legs.
2. Blankets on the couch
3. Thermostat set at 71 degrees
4. Sun coming thru the patio door
5. Squirrels in the back yard
6. Bailey gritting her teeth when she loves on me
7. Being able to leap over the gate in the garage to freedom
8. Early morning treats
9. Living in a home instead of a cage outside
10. A loving family
11. Living with other short leggers
12. Take out food
13. Rides in the car
14. Trips to the park
15. When Papaw comes each Thursday with treats in his pocket
16. Afternoon naps with the family
17. Homemade dog treats
18. Laptime on the deck
19. Election is over
20. New squeak toys
21. Doggie Doors
22. Food bowls full at all times
23. Sleeping in a bed every night
24. Living in a community that supports the shelter where I came from
25. The Smith family that fostered me until I was adopted
26. Photo shoots
27. Staying close to Bailey when she is eating something
28. Leftovers
29. Getting groomed
30. Rolling in smelly stuff
31. Long walks thru the neighborhood
32. Barking at the mailman
33. The treats the Fedex man brings
34. Kisses on the head
35. Cheese
36. Trips to the B & K
37. Meeting new dogs
38. Visiting the shelter
39. Belly Rubs
40. News Herald spreading the good news
I am sure that I could have gone on forever with this list because I am one lucky dog. I hope your Thanksgiving is filled will family, fun and lots and lots of food. Oh, and remember to drop some scraps on the floors for the little guys.
For now this is Jagger….signing off. Ps…I sure am glad somebody rescued me.