Jango bein' Jango

Jango destroying new toy from Eileen on Vimeo.

I finally have a quiet Sunday, and bored enough to post this random raw video that is bit too dark. Sorry!

A little background on the video: Jango's Auntie Charisse always delivers a shiny new toy when she visits. Last night she got two! However, the second "Christmas-like" toy was pretty weak, resulting in the above destruction.

The Obamas will rescue the new First Dog soon...

...and Barney is grumpy about that.



Looks to me like he's a little grumpy about his pending move! Many thanks to @engnr_chik for this video.

But seriously, I'm thrilled to hear that the Obamas plan to adopt their first dog. Upon further reading it's not quite clear if they will adopt from a shelter, but i'm crossing my fingers. Of course rescue dogs are near and dear to my heart since adopting Jango over 4 years ago!

I tend to be preachy about the millions of dogs in shelters that need a homes, but it's just a fact that cannot be ignored. Pet overpopulation is a serious problem. Just glance at the "Pets" section on craigslist and you'll see plenty of URGENT listings from shelters.

Please think about your lifestyle before adopting a dog. Think realistically about the time you have to devote to a four-legged family member. Do your research and don't get a puppy just because they are cute. Puppies take a lot of hard work to raise and need you to be their leader. Lots of dogs in shelters that are 1-3 yrs old will not only lead long healthy lives, but are housebroken!

Please consider shelter animals before you go to a breeder. Please.

E

PS - I think the puppy cam is cute, but I'll be less enthused if these dogs come from a breeder.

PPS - If you only want to go the pure-breed route, then read @engnr_chik's comments below. She makes good points on what to consider.

PPPS - this afternoon Barack Obama addressed the puppy issue at his first press conference post-election. How timely was this post?

Posted by email from bigepaz is eileen (posterous)

Bark for Barack

Jango approves!

You can print here: obamadogsunite.com

Posted by email from bigepaz is eileen (posterous)

Dos Mil y Siete Anos - a short review

It's a new year, but before I really dive into 2008, I feel I must pause to review a few personal highlights:

• Tom & I are home remodeling-challenged. Does that even make sense? Seriously, If I get a room remodeled in my house I will accomplish what seems like the impossible. But before I knock us down, he CAN change light fixtures and I do well with a paint brush. Crown molding and tile? Well, that's another story.


• Bathroom remodel vs. Maui Time Share - Time Share won


• Cafe con Leche is a morning ritual - thanks Barcelona!


• The fall season = another weird Jango malady and a vet bill that stings (but she's worth it)


• The A's are rebuilding till they get their new stadium - and I'm not a happy fan


• Juno was my favorite movie of 2007


• I love video editing

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Now playing: Sara Bareilles - Love Song
via FoxyTunes

A Dog's World

I have a big habit of perusing the Craigslist Pets section. I tell myself, "Ooh, maybe Jango's brother or sister is out there somewhere, waiting to be adopted". The trouble is, we're in no position to adopt another dog.

So why do I constantly visit the page?

Truth is, I am sucked in by all the hardship stories of people who can't keep their pet due to the following things: moving (which is why Jango was dumped in the shelter before we adopted her), having a baby, not enough room, didn't know how big of a responsibility owning a pet would be, financial hardship, etc.

Then there are the posting of dogs on death row. Shelter Volunteers are doing as much as they can to spread the word about very adoptable dogs that have somehow ended up in a crowded shelter. They sometimes post sad pictures of puppies (and kitties) who will lose their life due to pet overpopulation, unless a rescue agency or adopter gives them a home.

Then there are those who post arguments and "debate" (for lack of a better word).

Each day I visit this section of craigslist, I hope to see a post about a dog's successful adoption (which sometimes happens). Why do I care? I just do.

Bottom line, I frequently visit the Craiglist Pets page because I can't believe people can be so cruel, but I should know better. I can just pick up the paper and find all sorts of crappy events happening all over the world.

I can't save all the homeless animals, but I'm gonna think of ways I can help them.

E