Monday, June 24, 2019

Paw Five Break

Dear readers and passersby,

I once again need to take a breather. 

I recently launched an online business and all of my focus is on promotion and getting customers.

I will keep posting to Bedtime Tails, but sadly not as often. 

I love Bedtime Tails so much and will not let you - my readers and passersby - down.  I ask only that you bear with me.

Paw Five always,
Lauren

Monday, June 17, 2019

Bedtime Tails Special - Top 5 Favorite Reads

Dear readers and passersby,

In this Bedtime Tails special, I thought I would offer my top 5 favorite puppy love tales.

As always,
Paw five!







Monday, June 10, 2019

Saluki - A History



Every Friday, the sixth-grade class at Clark Middle School got to choose their history lesson for the day.

On one special Friday, the Clark Middle School History teacher - Ms. Jones - brought her newly adopted Saluki dog to class.  At the time, the class was learning about Ancient History and the Saluki breed offers an extensive background.  The students were eager to learn more about Ms. Jones's dog and so chose her Saluki dog as the Friday history lesson.

Saluki - A History

The Saluki's pure-bred origins began in the Fertile Crescent - the Middle Eastern region comprised of modern-day Iraq, Israel, Palestinian Territories, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, the southeastern edge of Turkey, and the western edge of Iran - as far back as 6,000 to 7,000 B.C.E.  Images of the Saluki are etched into pottery, wall carvings, book illustrations, and tombs as well as mention in poetry.  Saluki-like dogs can also be traced to the Ming Dynasty in China via the Silk Road trading route from ancient Iran to China.

The King of Bahrain was known for traveling the Arab world with his Saluki pack on hunting trips during the 1930s.  The Saluki as a pure-bred dog is registered with the Kennel Club of Bahrain.

Saluki prominence in Europe dates to the 1920s - specifically Germnay, the Netherlands, and Sweden.  After World War I, Salukis became increasingly popular in the West.  In 1923, the breed was registered in the UK Kennel Club.  In 1929, the breed was registered with the American Kennel Club.  In 1927, the Saluki Club of America was founded.

"The Saluki is independent and requires gentle and patient training.  The Saluki is not one for fetching activity.  As a natural hunting dog by sight rather than by scent, the Saluki is known for chasing moving objects such as cats, birds, and other animals...even bugs!  The Guinness Book of Records lists the Saluki as the fastest dog at over 42 miles per hour..."

On that note, the bell rang.

The History class was the last for the students on this Friday and they thoroughly enjoyed their lesson...and of course their teacher's pet.

Monday, June 3, 2019

Chow Annie



She was a beautiful dog - Chow Chow/German Shepherd mix.  She had the temperament of her age at only one year old - playful and loving.  The shelter named her Annie.  A sweet name for a sweet pup.  Paige fell in love at first sight and they goofed around while her mom filled out the adoption forms.

Annie was the first dog Paige ever owned.  She was not entirely sure how to care for a dog beyond food and water.  She knew about daily walks - but how often?  She knew about playtime - but indoors or outdoors?  Paige and her mom had basic necessities ready for Annie and the shelter kindly offered a leash and toys as part of the adoption process.  So now what?


Over the next couple of days, Annie got used to her new home and Paige got used to her new pet.  They went on afternoon walks for exercise and potty breaks.  They played in the park across the street from Paige's home.  They even met a neighbor with his dog.  Paige was so happy to have Annie in her life.  Annie was happy to have a forever home, except...


Annie could sense that Paige was a new dog owner.  How?  Paige could not understand why Annie would not go for her daily walk and potty break in rainy weather.  Annie did not like rain at all and became frustrated when Paige became frustrated.  When they spent time at home, the atmosphere felt lonely while Annie played with her favorite indoor toy and Paige sadly could not help but wonder if she was meant for Annie.


On one warm, sunny Saturday afternoon, Paige shared her concerns with her mom who - knowing her daughter as well as she did - agreed.  Paige's mom called the shelter Annie was brought home from to let them know her forever home was not meant to be.  They were sorry but understood.

Paige was too emotional to go with her mom to bring Annie back to the shelter.  Before they left, Annie leaned into Paige's body to calm her.  In Annie's own way, she let Paige know she understood and would remember her always.

"She will be okay, sweetheart," said Paige's mom as bravely as possible.  

"I know," Paige said as she petted Annie one last time.

And they left.

Chow Annie