"Animal Planet"

(Picture Left: My dog, Tina. A "herding" type dog, Tina is forever representative of her natural instincts. Training can modify, but it does not eliminate or overide a dog's natural instincts. -- A lesson learned last night on Animal Planet's "From Underdog to Wonderdog."

Last night, I spent some time catching up to some of the newer shows on Animal Planet.

Impressive was, "PitBull Boss," which follows, "Shorty," a self-described Pitbull lover who does rescue on the side of running a talent agency for little people.

Shorty is an ex-con who got on the wrong side of the law as a teenager growing up on the mean streets of South Central, Los Angeles.

But, apparently while doing time in jail, Shorty developed a respect and love for feral cats, as well as sympathy for Pitbull dogs (who are so much a part of the landscape of the inner cities.)

Shorty has two rescued Pitbulls of his own. He appears to be a very bright and driven guy.

On last night's show, Shorty rescues a "stray" Pitbull from the Watts section of LA and then spends several days trying to find the Pitbull's owner. Since Shorty apparently grew up in Watts, he seems to know the neighborhood folks.

Eventually, the Pitbull's owner comes looking for Shorty, accusing the diminutive, but feisty man of "stealing" his dog.

Shorty learns that the blue Pitbull is being used for "breeding." While being compelled by law to return the dog to the original owner, Shorty attempts to educate the owner against breeding Pitbulls by bringing the man to the Animal Control pound in LA.

The Animal Control shelter in Los Angeles appears very much like the one in New York City.

It is almost entirely filled with Pitbulls.

Most of the dogs of course die, just as they do in New York, Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago and all the large and diverse cities throughout the US.

Tears welled up in Shorty's eyes as he looked at the endless cages with sad-eyed Pitbulls in them, one after the other. But, it wasn't clear that tears welled up in the Blue Pitbull's owner or that he even "got" the necessity to neuter -- or, at least, not breed his dogs.

But, I think the attempt at education was a very noble endeavor on Shorty's part and more importantly, a vitally NECESSARY one.

Until every backyard breeder of Pitbulls is forced somehow to come to a reckoning of what his (or her) actions are truly doing in terms of animals, killing in shelters and society at large (it is, after all, the taxpayers who ultimately pay for all this carnage) then any talk of any major city in the USA going "no kill" is pure and utter bullshit.

That only every backyard Pitbull breeder could be forced to watch the long line of Pitbulls being killed in shelters each day with the phrase, "You are either part of the solution or part of the problem" being said to them. -- That is my dream. That, and possible laws mandating the neuter of this breed of dog until such time Pitbulls were not overpopulating our shelters forcing endless and unjustifiable "euthanasia" on a daily basis.

Another show on Animal Planet last night airing an early episode for the new season was, "From Underdog to Wonderdog."

Those familiar with this journal will remember I have been very critical of this (second season) show in the past.

Too much unrealistic, "happy ending fluff."

But, last night's show, sadly did not have a happy ending.

The highly active "Shetland Sheepdog" rescued from a shelter (I put in quotes because I personally believe the dog was far more Border Collie mix than Sheltie) was a challenge in terms of the training and other resources that had to be put into "Chases'" eventual rehabilitation and placement.

But, knowing the dog's strong "herding" instincts, it was questionable placing this dog in a situation where the possibility that he might run off and come to some untimely end was in fact, more probability than possibility. This, despite the dedication and hours of hard work put into the training of Chase, as well as the search to find caring and loving adopters.

Reality is, that training only goes so far. I personally don't believe that all the training in the world is enough to totally overcome a dog's natural and basic instincts -- that, which a particular breed or type of dog was bred to do. (Training can modify, but it does not eliminate natural instinct.)

As one who has owned a "herding" type dog for 13years, ("Tina") I am only too aware of my Corgi mix's propensity to chase anything that moves in open space. On three separate occasions I almost lost Tina in Central Park when foolishly allowing her off leash. Tina is a wonderful and well trained dog in every other respect but this one. (She cannot be allowed to run off leash in open space.)

Tina runs to me the second I call her while in the home. But, outside the home, my "herding" dog reverts back to her natural instincts and looks for squirrels, ducks or anything else that she can "herd." Tina is gone in a flash and doesn't look back.

Likewise, I suspect that despite the dedicated "training," Chase was a dog that ran off the second he saw something moving and didn't look back or respond to calls.

The dog's placement on a horse ranch with miles of open space, (while perhaps seeming on the surface like a good adoption for an active dog) was one that when first seeing it, gave me chilling pause.

I just got a "bad feeling" when learning Chase was going to a home with lots of open acreage.

Moreover, I don't believe the adopters were properly instructed and cautioned on how protective and careful they would have to be with a dog like Chase. The tendency to revert back to herding instincts would be with the dog for life, regardless of attempts to "train" or rope that in.

Unfortunately, Chase's life on the horse farm was but a few months. At the end of the show we were sadly informed that Chase was killed by a car.

This had to be very hard for the small group of young, dedicated people who put so much time into the care and rehabilitation of Chase (especially, the trainer), but there is a lesson to be learned:

That is, (as I have been saying for years) that responsible Adoption is a far more complicated and challenging process than what we have been led to believe.

We in rescue and placement have to be careful about making false promises that all problems are solved by "training" or thinking that responsible adoption is only a matter of finding nice people.

We have to find people capable of truly learning about and KNOWING their dog and taking the appropriate measures to address their dog's strengths and yes, perceived "weaknesses," as well.

Every dog I have ever had, I have been able to allow off leash (including, Chance, my Pomeranian.)

But, Tina is the lone exception.

Although Tina gets plenty of exercise daily (one to two mile walks), even at 14-years of age, she will still bolt on leash to chase a squirrel up a tree.

I don't love Tina any less for her instincts or perceived, possible "weakness," but rather respect her uniqueness.

Chase's story on last night's "Underdog to Wonderdog" was a sad and realistic reminder of just how complex and challenging animal placement really is.

I commend the show (and the network) at least for its honesty. -- PCA

*******

A Pigeon and A Twig

Today, I noticed a pigeon grabbing and flying away with a piece of twig.

She was presumably preparing to build a nest someplace.

It was a tiny moment of sunshine, hope and renewal during otherwise troubled times.

Spring is apparently not so far away and with it, the promise of new life and new hope.

At least the birds seem to feel that way.....

The past few days have of course, been tragic.

The devastating and destructive earthquake in Haiti is hard to imagine except that the air waves are now filled with pictures and videos of it. -- Small glimpses into incalculable human and animal suffering and death.

I thank God that no catastrophic tragedies have occurred in New York City since 9-11, but also question why such horrors have to happen at all?

Earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, floods, war, terror attacks. These are the things that grab headlines due to the magnitudes of their destruction.

Then there are the tragedies of everyday "normal" life. -- the ones that don't grab headlines. Disease, poverty, job loss, death, divorce, break-ups, crimes, family strife, slaughterhouses and animal shelter "euth lists."

One could easily become depressed thinking about all these things.

But, then there are those little rays of sunshine and hope that likewise present themselves each day.

Moments that are, in the course of everyday hard stressers and otherwise "bad news" are all too easy to miss:

The wag of a tail when your dog enthusiastically greets you upon coming home.

The smile in the voice of friend.

Some small achievement in a work endeavor.

Or, the sight of a pigeon flying off with a piece of twig in her beak.

I might have been the only one to notice that small "non-event" today.

And if that be the case, I am the luckiest person on the planet. -- PCA

*******

Stars Perfectly Aligned

(Picture Left: "Bujoe" -- a very lucky dog, indeed.)

I guess it is somewhat a miracle that in these days (since the New Year) of greatly diminished dog adoption inquiries we actually succeeded yesterday in the adoption of one of our recently rescued dogs.

"Bujoe" is a somewhat large (72 lbs), older mixed breed dog who, despite a glowing profile from previous owners, landed on the Euthanasia list of the pound shortly before Christmas.

The shelters were of course packed and the Kennel Cough ("Illness") that inevitably hits almost every dog that comes into the pounds provided the nail in Bujoe's would-be coffin.

But, in one of the very rare instances of a Craig's List posting actually meeting with success, Bujoe represented that fortunate and rare occurrence.

Three young women roommates offered to foster Bujoe.

Normally, I am reluctant to send either foster dogs or dogs for adoption to a triple roommate situation. There are simply so many things that can (and usually do) go wrong in this kind of placement despite the noble intentions of the person who actually does the calling and offering: One roommate turns out to be "allergic." Or, another freaks out the first time the dog pees on the floor, barks or sheds fur on the furniture.

But, even more than the inevitable "conflicts" that almost always arise in multiple roommate situations (where it is primarily one person who wants the dog and the others initially and merely "go along to get along,") there is also the fact that roommate situations tend not to be stable over time.

But, in this case, all three roommates were dog lovers and fully on board for the fostering. Moreover, the young women all seemed to realize that under the circumstances, "fostering" was the more responsible way to go as opposed to an adoption which requires an ideally permanent commitment (and situation) to the animal.

I was, in fact, very lucky with this particular foster placement. The dog, Bujoe turned out to be everything his former owners said he was (housebroken, great with people, kids, other dogs and presumably, cats.) The young women turned out to be everything they claimed to be -- and more.

Both, humans and dog were balanced and in harmony with life and with each other.

It made for a very successful foster situation.

But, ultimately temporary "fostering" is not the ideal when it comes to our long range goals for animals.

It is that elusive and hard to find, (forever) adoptive home.

Last week, a very pleasant and intelligent young woman called offering foster, (with intent to adopt) for a dog. Nellie is married and lives on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and she and her husband now felt they were in a good part of their lives to help and ideally adopt a dog.

Perhaps due to the very unfortunate experience with another recent dog foster ("Lisa") I felt much more cautious (or even fearful) about sending a dog directly from the shelter into any new foster home. -- If the foster did not work out, I had no more boarding spaces left to put another dog.

I told Nellie that I could offer "no guarantees" with any dog coming directly from the shelter or how that animal might be able to immediately "adjust" to the noise, stresses and crowds in Manhattan.

But, we did already have one dog for adoption already living in a Manhattan apartment and apparently doing very well. That dog was Bujoe.

A few days ago, Nellie and her husband made an appointment to meet Bujoe in the foster home and yesterday morning, Nellie called, very enthusiastic, to adopt Bujoe. We met yesterday to take care of the paper work.

It is very good news for us and obviously for the dog, Bujoe. It represents one of our first actual adoptions of the New Year.

But, as of this moment, it is not clear whether the three young women who fostered and took such good care of Bujoe until he was adopted, will immediately take in and foster another dog.

As said, roommate situations tend to be generally tricky and unstable. -- Everyone has to be on board and in the same place at the same time. That is hard to pull off as stars aligning perfectly in the heavens.

But, sometimes it actually does occur.

And, at least for one needy dog, the stars all perfectly aligned at the right time -- a time that actually saved Bujoe's life.

He is a very lucky dog indeed. -- PCA

*******

Lending Nature a Hand

(The wonders of nature: Ducks finding those small areas of water that still remain in otherwise frozen lakes, rivers and ponds.)

This morning, when I awoke it was 16 degrees outside.

That is cold, even for me.

Still, there is the desire to make it to the park later today -- if for nothing else, then to throw some bread out for the birds.

I greatly marvel at, but also worry with regards to our park animals' survival during the coldest days of winter.

During the summer, the thousands of people in the parks, as well as the many food vendors virtually assure that squirrels, raccoons or birds never go hungry.

But, in the winter, it is a different story.

Presuming that the animals need extra layers of fat to help them survive in winter, food thus becomes more critical than in the summer.

For water fowl like ducks and geese, frozen-over ponds and lakes limit their food resources even more.

They are, however, amazingly adept at finding those few small pools of remaining waters.

It makes one truly feel awe at the resilience of nature.

Yesterday, while at the park with my dogs, I tossed some bread to some of the ducks still remaining in the unfrozen parts of the Reservoir. The desperation with the way the ducks dove for the food, made me feel regretful that I did not have more.

But, of course no one person can help feed all the ducks or other animals in the park anyway.

It is hoped that other people are moved by the plight of our park animals in winter. A particularly brutal winter might mean fewer squirrels, raccoons and birds to delight in over the spring and summer.

For both my dogs and me, that would be truly sad.

My dog, Tina especially lives for seeking out squirrels, raccoons and ducks to "herd."

Tina would never hurt another animal of course. But, yes, she likes to keep them on their wings and toes. -- Even if it means jumping into cold waters to do it! (I don't allow Tina to do this in winter.)

But, even the ducks are not afraid of Tina anymore.

These days the birds have more important things to worry over.

Like where their next meal is coming from......PCA

*******

A Month (or Two) No Pets Would Die

(Picture Left: "Bear" -- Former owners too busy to return a phone call.)

One imagines the image of walking a dog when the temperature outside is 20 degrees with single-digit wind chills is not appealing to most people.

Personally speaking, I rather like it,,,, well, except for those single-digit wind chills.

Dog adoptions have been tough over these first couple of weeks in deep, dark and bitter January. But, that is to be expected; particularly during cold weather spells.

That only we could say that there is an equal "slow down" in the numbers of animals being dropped off at shelters.

While the number of kittens arriving at city pounds does slow in winter (due to lack of births and survival of outside kittens in winter), dog and adult cat abandonments remains about the same as most of the year.

The other day, I received a call from the New Hope Coordinator from the Staten Island Animal Care and Control center.

Some family had just dropped off a 7-year-old, Chow mix dog with the excuse, "The dog is too much work."

I asked Joanne, "What does that exactly mean? Assuming the people had the dog 7 years, what suddenly became 'too much work'? Does the dog have some obvious medical or behavioral issue?"

"Not that we can tell," Joanne answered. "Bear seems like a very mellow and sweet dog. Medical did not detect anything wrong with him."

"Can you call the former owners and get more information?" I asked. "Has the dog ever been around cats? Is he OK with other dogs and kids? Its really hard for us to place dogs when we have no history or other important information on them, other than the dog is housebroken."

Joanne understood the point and promised to call and try to get more information from Bear's former owners.

"By the way," I asked. "Why isn't Bear in Adoptions?"

"Oh, because we have no free cages in Adoptions. We are totally packed," Joanne answered.

In other words, they would probably have to euthanize a dog in Adoptions to make room for Bear. -- So much for New York City "being on the road to no kill."

"I understand," I replied.

Earlier today, Joanne called back to inform me that although leaving a fairly urgent message for Bear's former owners two days ago, she had yet to hear back.

"I don't understand it," Joanne said wistfully. "I left a message saying that Bear's only chance to get out of the shelter alive was to go to a rescue. But, the rescue had questions. I asked politely for them to call back, but they haven't...." Her voice trailed off.

"That is surprising," I said. "Usually the people are only too happy to tell you everything about the dog if they think the information will save the animal's life. These people must be real winners. -- It shows how much they cared about their dog."

There is, of course another possibility:

The dog's former owners don't regularly check cell phone messages -- Something I've experienced over the years with others since the cell phone revolution. It also explains why neither I nor Judge Judy are fans of cell phones. You could not, in fact, pay me to have one.

Since Bear was never neutered, it ironically buys us a little time with the dog.

"I can put him on the list for neutering on Monday," Joanne said. "Do you think you could find a foster or adopter for Bear by then?"

"Go ahead and put him in for neutering." I said. "We will post him and try to come up with someone decent to foster or adopt. If nothing comes up, I can temporarily put Bear in boarding, but quite frankly, we are over budget and over extended now with dogs in boarding. Let's hope we can find a real home."

Joanne sent a picture of Bear and my colleague, Firouzeh immediately posted him to Craig's List.

Since then, we have fortunately had one offer to foster Bear: A young, professional married couple living on Manhattan's Upper East side.

The people sound very nice and I get a good feeling about them.

The bad news is they called inquiring to adopt a dog that we have long had in boarding: Coco.

Presuming the people do foster and potentially later adopt, Bear, it would not be the first time I forfeited a possible adoption of one of our dogs in boarding in order to save another dog facing immediate death at the shelter.

It forces one to self-question:

We are always bemoaning the dogs in long time boarding. But, do we not in fact, create the situation when overlooking these dogs to save another in more immediate peril?

Its an important question that too often draws a "yes" answer.

Or, perhaps the real problem is that of the ever present and constant animal drop-offs at the shelters.

If I had but one wish it would be that there might be some period of time -- Let's say at least a month or two when NO animals would be dumped off at shelters to die.

Perhaps that would finally give us the time to concentrate on, catch up to and finally adopt out those dogs (or cats) who have languised in boarding or even foster homes too long.

Unfortunately, that is nothing but a wish and a dream -- not likely to see any kind of reality any time soon. --- PCA


********

A Place of Belonging

(Picture Left: Leo when at Animal Control [with shelter volunteer] -- Just another Pitbull landing on Euth list almost as soon as he arrived.)

Last night David Lettermen presented, "The top ten ways you know you are already having a bad year."

I could have easily written that top ten topped off with the foster person who turned out to be a modern day version of "Sybil."

But, not to overly dramatize or bemoan the precipitous drop in dog adoption inquiries or the equally daunting rise in email "Alerts" on animals needing rescue or the bitterly cold weather that has suddenly gripped the North East since the New Year, one also needs to remind one's self of those positives that have occurred.

We have two dog adoptions since the New Year.

Both dogs were fostered in 2009 and have become the first dogs adopted in 2010 by their foster caregivers.

One of the dogs I feared might never get adopted:

"Leo" is a 4-year-old, Pitbull who due to the prejudices against his breed, I would normally not have rescued.

But, Leo had the good fortune to be dropped off to the AC&C in the spring of 2009 with a very sweet Chow Chow who we did rescue and quickly placed within a couple of week's time.

Usually, when we know an animal we rescue arrived at the shelter with another dog or cat, we try to rescue the companion pet, as well.

I later learned (from the person who brought the two dogs in) that Leo and "Fluffy" were not actually "companions" from the same home. Fluffy the Chow, had been abandoned by a neighbor who suddenly moved back to Puerto Rico. Leo, the Pitbull, had been a stray in the neighborhood who many people were afraid of and who some kids taunted.

Leo was not on any of the shelter "Alerts," nor was he a particular favorite with the shelter volunteers, one of whom told me point blank, "I would not pull that dog."

But, we pulled Leo anyway.

When I say, "we," I refer to myself and Firouzeh, a very dedicated volunteer and foster person and the woman, who in fact, adopted the second dog of the new year: Smokey.

Firouzeh felt a particular sympathy for Leo, but was not in position to foster or adopt as she and her fiance were already fostering one dog and had previously adopted another. Two dogs were the limit in the couple's small apartment.

After rescuing Leo from the shelter, we placed him into a Manhattan boarding facility. Firouzeh promised to go to the facility several times a week to walk Leo. I tried to fill in the other times.

I say, "tried" because the fact was, I could barely walk Leo.

Leo never apparently had any kind of leash training. And being a breed of power and muscle, I was no match for him. It required all my strength and determination to try and walk Leo even a few blocks.

But, the worst part was trying to put Leo back into his little room at the boarding facility.

On one occasion, I had so much difficulty trying to get the resistant dog back into the small enclosure, for a moment, I was afraid Leo would bite me.

Fortunately, despite Leo's unhappiness with the confinement, he never attempted to fight or attack. Still, I wondered, what if he ever did?

Firouzeh and I finally consulted a trainer who came by several times to the boarding facility to give us tips on walking Leo and putting him back in the room.

The tips helped greatly, but ultimately, it was Firouzeh who mostly walked and socialized Leo as I had other dogs at the facility to walk. Firouzeh, being a lot younger than I am was in better position to deal with Leo. I simply paid the bills.

After several months boarding in Manhattan, we finally decided it was better for Leo to go to a boarding and training situation in New Jersey. "Ed" is a dog lover and trainer who runs a very humane and reputable facility that is able to not only board dogs, but provide training as well.

It had become very hard on Firouzeh coming after work everyday to walk Leo when she had her own two dogs at home and a very demanding job.

In the end, it was better for Leo to go to a professional trainer.

Leo spent another several months in boarding in New Jersey and it seemed to me, that despite all the advertising and promotions, we might never find a home for Leo. It was something that worried me greatly -- as I worry when any of our dogs are in boarding a long time.

But, then one day Firouzeh called and announced that one of her colleagues at work was interested in fostering Leo!

Bruce is a young man living in Manhattan with a good job, active lifestyle and previous committed dog experience.

It was an opportunity that we could not pass up!

After providing Bruce with many tips, support and some supplies for taking in Leo, Firouzeh made the arrangements and she and her fiance picked up Leo in New Jersey and brought him to Bruce's home.

That was almost three months ago.

Last week we finally got the news that Bruce is supremely happy with Leo and has made the commitment to adopt.

As I write this, the adoption contract and fee are already in the mail.

Leo's adoption thus represents the first one of the New Year, but it was in fact, many months in coming.

It is, in fact, an adoption I thought might never occur at all.

So yes, while there are many things to worry about or feel disappointment with this first week of the New Year, at least for one Pitbull whose only good fortune in 2009 was to be abandoned at the pound with another (unrelated) dog who went to rescue, 2010 is the year of finally finding his place of belonging -- his adoptive home.

What better way to start off the New Year than finding one's place of belonging? -- PCA

*********

Old Adventures in New Craziness

(Picture left: "Cindy" --Near victim of new year craziness -- or just poor screening?)

If the old year ended on a somewhat optimistic and hopeful note, the new one begins with adventures in assorted craziness.

For example, a few days ago I received a couple of calls from people interested in Tiki, a wonderful and loving Lhasa Apso we have for adoption.

Tiki was abandoned to the city pound by a family who indicated "cost" as the reason for giving up the dog. Tiki was dirty and matted and it is presumed the family could not afford the high costs of maintenance and grooming that are required with this type of dog.

Keeping in mind the reason for Tiki's prior abandonment, I have deemed it important to inform potential adopters (especially without prior experience with a high maintenance dog) of the grooming expenses inherit with dogs who have hair rather than fur.

One of the callers the other day was a man who had previously had a German Shepherd for many years. When telling the gentleman about the regular grooming Tiki would require, he sincerely thanked me for being "honest and informative" and said he would have to discuss these expenses with his wife. It wasn't clear that the older couple could afford monthly clipping and grooming expenses for a dog.

The second caller on Tiki that day was a woman who had previously owned a Jack Russel Terrier for 15 years. When informing the woman that Lasa Apso's are a high maintenance breed (unlike a JRT) that require regular clipping, she became insulted and hung up on me.

I thought afterwards how "crazy" it is that in saying the exact same thing to two different people, one sincerely thanks me and the other becomes angry and hangs up.

Its hard to know what to say to people these days. I just want to be sure that whoever ultimately adopts Tiki is aware of the care expenses that come with this breed of dog. If that is "insulting" to some people then so be it. It wasn't the right home for Tiki.

But, if it is sometimes stressful dealing with anonymous callers over a phone, that is nothing compared to the situation of sending an animal to a foster or adoptive home and later discovering that the emotional stability of the person is in question.

Just before Christmas I received a call from a single woman offering to foster a dog that was about to die in the city pound.

"Lisa" (not her real name) is a teacher in the public school system and already owns a 4-year-old, Border Collie mix that she adopted from a local shelter a few years ago.

I explained to Lisa that I could not guarantee either the health or the behavior of a dog pulled from the Euth list of the city shelter. However, she assured me that her dog was up to date on all shots and she had a friend who was a dog trainer and could help with any behavioral issues.

Lisa sounded like a pretty together individual and possessing both dog experience and a vet reference, I had no logical reason for saying "no" to her.

As matters were, I was, in fact, trying to find safe sanctuary for a dog I had just pulled off the Euth list the day before. All my fosters were full, as were boarding spots just before Christmas.

I told Lisa about "Cindy."

Cindy is a somewhat timid, though sweet and very young, Border Collie mix who ended up on the Euth list of Brooklyn Animal Control due to nervous behavior in the shelter. However, two different shelter staffers assured me that Cindy was in fact, a loving and gentle dog.

After meeting Cindy at the shelter, Lisa enthusiastically agreed to foster the 1-year-old, Collie mix dog.

But, since receiving Cindy on the 23rd of December, the going has not been easy with Lisa or apparently, the dog.

Lisa called me almost everyday to report different challenges with Cindy from Kennel Cough to dominance with her dog to separation anxiety.

I carefully listened to Lisa's concerns and tried to counsel and advise. Many of these things are to expected with new and insecure dogs out of the shelter system. I offered Lisa various tips to get through the problems.

But, after having Cindy about a week, Lisa called one evening to report that Cindy "attacked" her dog over food and treats. Her dog was then so "afraid" of Cindy that she was "cringing under the bed."

OK. This was not a good situation.

Since we just had one of our dogs adopted from boarding, I told Lisa that she could bring Cindy to one of the trainers who works with me. -- Chris, in Brooklyn.

The following day, Lisa showed up to Chris's home with both dogs in her car. That seemed a bit strange, since the whole reason for giving up Cindy was the dog's supposed "aggression" towards Lisa's other dog. Why, under those circumstances, would Lisa put both dogs in the car together? Would that not be potentially dangerous?

But, that was not the worst of the situation.

When Chris apparently reached for the wrong dog to take in, Lisa became agitated and according to Chris, called him a "jerk."

He in turn, called her a derogatory name and thus, the handoff did not occur.

I spent the next couple of hours trying to "mediate" between the two offended parties, each one calling the other, "crazy."

Lisa took Cindy back to her home.

Since Lisa was still in possession of Cindy, I realized I had to handle the young woman with kid gloves, giving her the benefit of the doubt -- or warnings from Chris.

Each day Lisa called and once again, I attempted to counsel her through the challenges.

Things seemed to be getting slowly better with the two dogs then getting along.

"Better" that is, until yesterday.

Yesterday, Lisa called to report that Cindy was "spotting blood" all over her apartment, not eating and vomiting up bile.

As this could represent anything from Urinary Tract Infection to a dog in heat, to Pyometra (Uterine infection), I called my vet and requested an emergency appointment.

Dr. G was kind enough to extend his hours to accommodate the emergency request.

I met Lisa with Cindy at my vet and at least for a while, things seemed to go smoothly. The dog was bright and alert and at first glance, appeared healthy. The young woman appeared put together and cooperative. We engaged in small talk with the few remaining people in the veterinary waiting room.

Dr. G did a very thorough exam. It seemed that Cindy was indeed, in heat, but the lack of appetite, slight temperature and vomiting could indicate a possible onset of Pyometra. He recommended leaving Cindy at the clinic a few days for observation and treatment.

Personally, I was very relieved with Dr. G's offer. The thought of Cindy possibly developing life threatening Pyometra (while in foster) in the wee hours of some morning with few places to send her was not comforting. Moreover, I was relieved to leave Cindy in the trusted hands of my vet as I was becoming increasingly uneasy about Lisa's stability in handling the dog or the situation.

At first, Lisa seemed fine with leaving Cindy with Dr. G.

But, then, while waiting in the reception area of the vet's office for the paper and other arrangements to be made, Lisa suddenly unraveled.

Without warning, the young woman began crying hysterically, yelling and appeared distrustful of everyone, including my vet and me.

"I LOVE this dog! I CARE about her! I took YOUR dog in when she was going to be euthanized! YOU haven't even thanked me!"

I tried telling Lisa I appreciated her efforts, but it was best that Cindy stay with the vet for observation and treatment.

But, the young woman was wasn't listening.

"YOUR person (Chris) called me a bitch! You say my vet's no good!" (I never said any such thing.) Where's the license for this vet?"

I pointed to a couple of dozen Christmas cards on Dr. G's door. "Do you think people would be sending greetings to a bad vet?" I asked. "I've been using Dr. G for ten years. He is one of the best vets in the city!"

"Christmas cards?" Lisa laughed. "I want to see this vet's license, otherwise I am calling 311 and demand that Animal Control pick up this dog! Where's the license?"

With all the commotion, Dr. G suddenly appeared with his license in hand. "Its the first time in ten years someone has asked to see this, but here....."

Dr. G gently tried to console Lisa and reassure her that we all cared about Cindy and would see to it that the dog got good care. "But, you have to be able to trust," he added, while gently leading the then very scared and stressed dog away.

But, Lisa continued to cry and yell. Trust apparently wasn't something she could easily feel towards others.

"I LOVE this dog! I saved her life. I just wanted the best for her!! How am I going to know what happens Cindy now?"

Once again, I tried to reassure Lisa, but she interrupted me.

"I have to leave now. My brother's leaving for Iraq tomorrow!"

Frustrated, I answered that I wasn't responsible for her brother leaving for Iraq.

Lisa became more agitated and finally stormed out of the vet's office. The last I saw of her, she was making calls on her cell phone presumably bad mouthing me and my vet.

It had been an ugly and for me, totally embarrassing day especially in terms of my vet being insulted and belittled. Dr. G had kindly gone out of his way to accommodate us and he didn't need this kind of scene. Nevertheless, I was greatly relieved that Dr. G now had Cindy and the dog was in our possession.

I wanted to apologize to the vet techs and Dr. G, but the office was then closed and I finally left.

Dr. G and his staff must be wondering now how I screen my fosters and adopters?

The question is, how does one "screen" for emotional and mental stability in others?

I was obviously fooled on this one. -- PCA

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