Cleveland Baar

2007-05-08T15:37:00.000-05:00

On Monday May 7th Baar traveled on to what comes next. The rash that I wrote about in January of 2007 turned out to be autoimmune - the horrible and dreadful disease that affects many Akitas. We tried everything - from what Western medicine had to offer all the way to holistic medicine.

I did not write about our battle here for a variety of reasons. Maybe someday I will but I doubt it. What I can tell you is that our baby Baar faced this illness with the same ferocious zest of life that he faced each day. He was not alone in his final moments.

Baar was loved by so many. From strangers that would smile at his happy expression as he hung his head out of our car window to those members of his extended animal and human family that loved him best. As a foster brother he was unbelievably kind and he welcomed many animals desparate for safety into his home. He took very good care of Joe and I.

The grief I feel at the loss of my baby Baar is overwhelming. I have nothing cute or clever to offer.

Thank you for sharing in his life.

Take care

2007-03-14T07:39:00.000-05:00

Hello! It is I, Baar! Baar has a new friend! Him's friend is Jeter, a tiny yorkie. Him weights 3 pounds - even smaller then the kitties!

Baar's people told him that Jeter has not had a happy life. Him had to live in a tiny carrier for years with no one to love and cuddle him. Him did not even get enough food! When Jeter went to the dr, they said that all of him's teeth have to come out because they are rotting in him's mouth. Jeter also never got to have him's big boy surgery even though him is 6!

Yesterday Jeter went to Pretty Coat Junction and got a haircut. Him's fur was very matted and smelled yucky. Baar did not have to go - him was happy (Baar does not like having baths).

Then Baar got to go to the dog park. Jeter stayed in the little dog area most of the night. Baar likes Jeter but him is not very intersting. Him is to small to play and him moves slow - not fast like kitties.

Baar met him's new friend Bruno last night too. Bruno is Beth's new doggy - him is an Italian Greyhound. Him seemed a little nervous so Baar did not play too much with him but him said hello. Bruno made some friends with other little dogs.

Jeter is learning not to potty inside. Baar is so smart - him already knows that!

2007-02-26T14:11:00.000-05:00

Hello, it is I, Baar.

Baar has very sad news. Him's friend Corkey has gone to what comes next. Baar knows that him is ok and that Baar will see him again, but Baar will miss him. Corkey would run so fast and Baar would run too! Baar is very sad for the people. They do not seem to understand all the way that Corkey is not just gone.

Baar heard many stories about Corkey this weekend. Joe said that when Corkey first came to live with him he was very small and had a very big head. Him used to run into walls because it was hard for him to turn! Him also loved to eat little plastic boxes that people buy things with. Him even ate pepper spray and did not even get a tummy ache!

Corkey loved to play fetch and would play as long as the people would throw. Baar does nto understand fetch... why do the people throw it if they want it back? Corkey liked it though and him had lots of fun. Baar thinks that Corkey was very smart.

For a while Corkey also loved going to soccer. Him used to push around the ball and almost all the kids and parents at Lakewood soccer thought Corkey was the best.

Corkey loved him's family very much. Baar could tell. Him's favorite people were so important to him that him would bark to protect them whenever someone came to the house. Even though Corkey wasn't the biggest dog, him had the biggest heart. Him even had kitties that were him's friends! Baar can not seem to make that happen for him. Corkey learned how to cuddle more because him's mommy wanted to cuddle with him more. Him was so good that him did not even need to have a leash. Him would stay close to him's people and come back when they called.

Corkey spent him's last day here with so many people that loved him. His pack all came to visit him before it was time to go. Emily, Joe, Beth and Tony all went with Corkey to help him begin him's journey. Him has been in lots of people's thoughts and has had candles lit to light the way.

Baar hopes that all of him's friends will keep Corkey and his pack in their hearts.

2007-02-15T09:27:00.000-05:00

Hello! It is I, Baar.

Baar has not been writing as much lately because him has been sick. Baar is feeling better now. Dr. Thompson has been workind hard to help Baar. Baar appreciates his friends at the Family Pet Clinic. When Baar is all the way better, him will write about it more.

Yesterday there was lots of snow. Baar likes the snow when him can walk on it and play without getting too wet. Baar does not like getting wet. Him thinks too much snow. Baar couldn't even go into the way back yard to potty which made him cry.

Here is a picture of Baar's backyard. Joe did lot of shoveling and Emily's dad brought over a machine that made a loud noise and spit the snow out. Baar did not understand that...

Nooo Baar did not help Joe shovel. Baar stayed inside with Emily. Her needed Baar. Him had a nice rawhide on him's blue blankie and played with new blue doggie.

Joe made Baar a special trail so him could move around the backyard more. Joe takes such good care of Baar.

Most of the furniture in the yard got covered with the snow. Here is a picture.

Emily likes the snow and Joe was happy that him had a snow day until him started shoveling. Then Joe was not so happy. Do not worry, Baar made Joe feel better by relaxing with him when he was ready to watch some TV.

Baar had him's very own piece of pizza for Valentines Day. Baar likes Valentines Day!

2007-01-17T17:05:00.000-05:00

Hello! It is I, Baar. Baar has been feeling itchy lately so Emily and Joe took him to the vet. Baar did not want to get on the flat thing with numbers that would tell how much Baar weights. Emily and Joe tried to get Baar to go there with treats but him said noooo, not Baar! Him is soo smart.

Baar was very good for him's check up and Dr. Thompson of http://www.thefamilypetclinic.com/ said him would find out why Baar is feeling itchy.

Emily and Joe decided that Baar needs health insurance. Emily said it won't cover him's rash because that already happened, but it will be there just in case him gets sick or hurt at the park. Baar does not think him will get sick or hurt though. Baar is very healthy and smart!

January 17, 2007
Emily XXXX
RE: Pet's Name BAAR
Policy No: XXXXXX

Dear Emily XXXX:

Thank you for applying for a XXX for BAAR. We are pleased to inform you that the review of your application has been completed. The policy packet will be sent once payment has been received and accepted. Please refer to your policy regarding the effective date of your pet's coverage and other important information about your rights, duties and coverage limitations.The application has been reviewed and approved.

The following medical condition(s) fall within the EXCLUSIONS section of your policy.2305 otitis externa and *1322 atopic dermatitis*

Condition that will be permanently excluded from coverageYou may request a review of a temporary exclusion only when a claim for any condition is submitted. Be sure to write "exclusion review" on your claim form and submit along with the medical records that include the doctor's notes and detailed exams with the results of all tests performed during the past year. Note: for any exclusion to be eligible for review, the condition must be deemed cured and not likely to require additional monitoring or treatment.

2007-01-11T11:28:00.000-05:00

Hello! It is I, Baar.

Baar is happy to tell him's blog friends that Ralph found a family of him's own.

Ralph went home with a person a couple of weeks ago but it did not end up working out. She gave Ralph a new bed to take with him. Ralph was happy to make a new friend even though it did not work out. Plus him loves him's new bed. Here is a picture of him chewing a bone on it.

You would like to see a picture of Baar with a bone too? Ok, here him is. Baar loves him's blue blanket.

Emily posted information on Ralph on www.petfinder.com. If you are looking for a new friend and have already called Emily Baar thinks you should check out petfinder.

A number of people called wanting to give Ralph a new home. One family in particular stood out and Ralph went to meet them at a dog park. Do not worry, Emily, Joe and Baar went with him.

Ralph really liked the people and they liked him. They decided that they wanted to have Ralph be in their family. Baar, Emily and Joe all went to take Ralph to him's new home. Here is a picture of Ralph relaxing on him's beds in the car on the way to him's new families house. Baar and Ralph were both tired from playing. Yessss that is Baar's tail in the picture too!

It was sad to say goodbye to Ralph. Him cried a lot when Emily and Joe left but our friend Karen from www.dogownerconnection.com was there to help Ralph get used to him's new home.

Emily was very sad that Ralph was so upset. Her cried on the way home but do not worry, Baar and Joe made her feel better. Baar misses having a friend to wrestle with whenever him wants but him is happy that pink bunnie, pink doggie and him's other stuffed animal friends got to come back downstairs. Plus no one sneaks Baar's bone anymore!

Emily and Joe told Baar that they heard from Ralph's new family and that him is happy and they love him very much. Being a foster family is hard when it is time to say goodbye but Baar hopes that him's blog friends will volunteer anyway because it is so important. If Ralph hadn't have had him's foster families to help him recover from bad things that happened, him would not have been able to move in with the family he was meant to be with. Noooo Baar does not think Ralph would have had much of a chance without him's foster families.

So, do not be afraid and sign up to be a foster family for a rescue by where you live. The happy is more then the sad and we animals never forget those that help us.

2007-01-08T13:40:00.000-05:00

Hello! It is I, Baar. Ralph and Baar went for a visit to what the people call Stichcomb in the Cleveland Metroparks. It is a park up on a high hill. There was lots of rain so we could see the river flodded all the way to the bike trails down in the valley. Baar and Ralph got to sniff around at everything and go for a long walk with Emily and Joe. It was fun.

Here is a picture of Baar and Joe at the monument. Wait, is that a squirrel?

Since Baar was not looking Emily tried to take the picture again. This time Joe thought he saw something on the ground. Joe and Baar are just alike!

Look how fast Baar and Joe run!

That is enough running. Now Baar is tired. It is Ralph's turn.

Ralph does not have trouble focusing usually. Him is very on task. Since Ralph when up for adoption Baar does not have to blurr out him's picture anymore.

Ralph and Joe went for a run to.

After Ralph and Joe were done running Ralph relaxed for a few minutes and we had some water. Then we got to go on another walk with Mikki and Brutus at Edgewater! Baar does not have pictures - Emily said it would be too hard with so many dogs. We saw geese and waves and Brutus splashed around in the water. Emily's dad got to wear his hat and Ralph did not bark at all! Him is learning.

2007-01-03T16:18:00.000-05:00

Some pictures from Christmas

2007-01-03T15:48:00.000-05:00

Hello! It is I, Baar. Baar had a lot of fun for what the people call Christmas. Here is a picture of the tree Emily decorated with the presents. Baar got Joe and sweater (ok it was from Ralph too). Joe liked it. Enid and Ezra got Joe a laser level light. Joe played with that a lot.

Yesss there were presents for Baar too. Him got a tasty bone in him's stocking from Santa. Him also got a huge basket of rawhide treats from him's friends in Mentor on the Lake and Streetsburro (Thank You GiaMaria Family!). Baar does not want to share with Ralph. It was for Baar...

Emily also showed Baar something called a Nativity set. Baar did not think it was very interesting although it smelled kind of good. Emily said that when she was little she used to play with this same Nativity set every year and that it was one of her favorite things. Baar does not understand. It is not to chew on or chase and it can not pet Baar. Baar does not know why Emily likes it so much.

Baar had to stay home with Ralph on Christmas Eve. Baar did not like that. Him wanted to go with Emily and Joe. It was not fair. But Baar and Ralph did get to play at the dog park first so Baar was tired. Next year Baar is going to go with them...

2006-12-20T16:27:00.000-05:00

Baar has been so busy hanging out with his foster friend Ralph, visiting dog parks, playing with Mikki and enjoying the season that he regretfully hasn't had time to write lately.

Joe and I are excited to be spending our first Christmas with him. Ok, so it's mostly me that's excited about it being his first Christmas - Joe's just plain happy to have him around.

Enid and Ezra are doing well and Enid continues to plot Baar's demise. She is thinking about posting some of her ideas after the new year. Right now she is focused on coming downstairs and attempting to chew as much ribbon as possible since it torments me to no end. Not because of the ribbon but because of how dangerous it is. For the last few years I've used only yarn on gifts but thought I could get away with some ribbon since she's upstairs most of the time. No such luck!

Ezra is being his usual wonderful stuff. He enjoys relaxing in bed and having as many "Ezra snacks" as he can get. He also loves playing with this feather toy and is particularly fond of stalking it when it creeps across the floor.

All of the animals are interested in their stockings. I put a rawhide for Baar in his but he discovered it and it was so cute watching him try to get it out that I ended up giving it to him. I'm sure Santa will bring him something else though.

The holidays are coming very quickly this year. We've been so busy with Ralph that I haven't had much time to do some of the fun holiday stuff like baking, watching holiday shows, visiting friends and just relaxing. Joe and I are trying to figure out how to manage the Christmas Eve and day without having Ralph alone and created a lot of the time.

Thanks for reading and if we aren't able to write again until after Christmas, please accept all of our wishes for a magical eve and a joy filled day.

2006-12-13T14:24:00.000-05:00

We've been very busy getting ready for the holidays and taking care of all of the animals.

Ralph is doing pretty good but the two of them are quite a bit of work. Ralph is crated during the day since the boys tend to play rough and get irritated with each other at times. Unfortunately he's had some diarrhea the last few days so we've had to do lots of cleaning when we get home from work.

The other day when we got home, Ralph was crying in his create (you could hear it from outside the house) and Baar was not at the door when I got to it. Of course I panicked and when I opened the door I was hit by the smell of Ralph's accident. Baar was standing next to a crying Ralph howling. I'm really not sure what thats all about.

Sometimes when we foster I feel sad for baby Baar. I think he enjoys having other animals around but we've had to put up all of his stuffed animals (yes even the pink bunnies) because they argue over them way to much for it to be safe. I also worry that he doesn't get as much attention when we foster. However I know that he's a happy dog and is enjoying life. I think he'd want us to help other animals whenever we can.

We took Mikki, Brutus, Baar and Ralph to see Santa at the Cuyahoga County Kennel (www.doglicense.com). Santa is still available for photo's on select days of the week so if you haven't been, I highly recommend it. The price is fair and proceeds benefit the animals they serve.

We have a number of pictures and in most of them Baar is looking forward (he's such a good boy) but I personally love this one. It's like he's excited about Santa. Maybe he was telling him what he'd like this year!

Of course miss Mikkie was gorgeous. She was determined to drink out of the bucket containing ice and soda cans for the people. Brutus was very well behaved and my sister got some great photo's with her, Dick Goddard, the Elf and Santa all together. I don't have digital copies of those but I do have one of Mikki's.

We weren't sure how Ralph would do and were prepared to take him outside if Santa was a bit much for him (Ralph is not fond of hats). However he was amazing. Joe stayed with him for the photo just to make sure he didn't get to scared. He looks a bit serious in the picture. We were so proud of him! I may post his photo later - I need to edit it.

2006-12-06T11:05:00.000-05:00

Hello! It is I, Baar. Emily and Joe brought home another foster dog to play with Baar. Ralph is a big dog like Baar. Him is a American Bull Mastiff Mix. Here is a picture of him chewing on one of Baar's bones on Baar's bed. Yes... Baar is very nice to him's foster friends. Ok, it is true that sometimes Baar gets annoyed when other dogs have him's things. Emily and Joe took all the toys away and gave us each one bone of the same size and shape to play with. Baar understands why foster doggies want hims thinks (Baar has lots of nice things afterall). But since Baar is so nice and well share, why can Baar not unshare when him wants to stop?

Baar and Ralph have lots of fun wrestling. Here are some pictures of us roughousing in the living room. Yes, Emily loves it when Ralph and Baar play in the living room! We also ran around the garage 17 times the other night (Joe counted). It was fun but at the end we got irritated with each other (it was him's fault not Baar's).

Ralph has to borrow Baar's crate while the people are not home. Emily said it is because if we have one of our arguments there will be no one to tell us to stop. She is worried that there will be an accident. Baar does not mind Ralph using him's crate, but it is Baar's crate. Ralph kept trying to take Baar's bone the other night so Baar went in the crate with it. Baar is so smart!

Now it is time for Baar to take a nap. Yes, taking care of a foster doggie is very hard work!

2006-12-04T11:00:00.000-05:00

Hello! It is I, Baar.

Baar was enjoying a quite day at home a couple of weeks ago when a giant noisy intruder got into Baar's house!

Joe said this intruder is called Nelson. Him made this growling noise and kept getting bigger and bigger in Baar's dining room! Baar barked and backed up. Baar did not like it. Joe tried to get Baar to come see Nelson by offering him treats but Baar said no. After a few minutes Baar did not feel like going to visit Joe either since him was trying to tick Baar into getting close to Nelson.

Emily made Nelson be quiet and get small again. Baar still did not go in the dining room. No... him did not trust the big noisy Nelson. Emily convinced Baar that it was ok and him eventually got him's favorite snacks from on top of Nelson (while he was small and quiet). Baar likes playing with Joe, but when him is scared him likes Emily to make him feel better.

Baar knows you would like to see a picture of this terrible intruder. Emily relegated him to the front porch as pictured on the left. Do not let the angels next to him or him's jolly hat or candy cane trick you into thinking Nelson is not dangerous. Baar suggests caution if you decide to approach him.

2006-11-24T11:23:00.000-05:00

It was a quiet but enjoyable holiday. After the dog park, Joe headed down to Mahoning county to have dinner with his family. Baar and I when to my parents house for dinner and enjoyed a wonderful meal with my mom, my dad, my sister Danielle, Brutus and Mikkie and their five cats.

When we arrived, Baar and Mikkie spent some time wrestling. It is so much fun to watch them have such a great time playing together. I'm always so thankful that they get along so well and have such an amazing time when they are together. After playing for a bit, they headed over to visit with Danielle and Brutus for a few minutes.

Danielle also got to visit with one of her cats, Monster. Macey (who is also staying with my parents) stayed upstairs to avoid Baar. As you may have read in previous blog enteries, Baar is not a favorite amoung cats.

Danielle has been quite ill (hence the reason all her pets are living with my parents) and it was wonderful to have her home and in good spirits for the holiday.

Two of my parents cats - Eva and Morris refused to be intimidated by Baar. Eva backs down for no one and spent most of Thanksgiving relaxing on the arm of the couch (as shown here in a picture of her, my dad, and Danielle). Eva is primarily my dad's cat and spends as much time with him as she can.

Morris on the other hand is all about my mom. He spent some time relaxing on top of the wardrobe and stretching out above the china cabinet to tease Baar. I personally think that he didn't want to leave the downstairs for fear of missing out on Turkey. Morris is quite dedicated to getting table scraps.

The table was beatuiful. My mom purchased some Party Light candles and candle holders from someone at work and they were absolutely lovely. Party Light stuff is so expensive but I have to admit that it is really high quality. If you have the money, it's totally worth it.

After working spending all day in the kitchen, my mom was finally able to relax when we sat down to dinner. She is pictured on the right with my sister. In case you are wondering, we were eating in a heated house. Quite unlike me, my mom and sister are ALWAYS cold. My mom is sporting a lovely newfoundland cap instead of her usual ear muffs.

The meal consisted of a delicious fresh turkey, homemade gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing (prepared inside the turkey - yum!) and a bag of frozen vegetables I brought instead of greenbean casserole (don't you judge me!) we scarfed down some pumpkin pie. Then my dad and sister relaxed in front of the TV. I swear this picture isn't staged - they really were sitting in the exact same position on the couch.

Baar and I took off and headed to my best friend Beth's house with Hercules, a kitten that showed up at the Under the Wing shelter in time for Thanksgiving. The photo on the right is of Hercules and Colleen, a co-worker of mine. Hercules spent the evening playing in Allie's room with her. I'm thrilled to report that Hercules was able to find a wonderful perment home with Beth's dad!

It was a lot of fun visiting with Beth and her family on Thanskgiving. Unlike my tiny family, the house was filled with several generations of people. Everyone was hanging out having fun, watching tv, talking, playing video games and of course eating too much food. Beth prepared an amazing meal with some help from Ruthie, her husbands oldest daughter.

Baar had an adventure of his own at Beth's house that he'll probably write about in his next blog entry so I'm going to keep it under wraps for now.

2006-11-24T10:57:00.000-05:00

Hello! It is I, Baar! Baar had a lot of fun on Thanksgiving.

First Baar went to the Lakewood dog park with Emily and Joe. Then Emily's dad and sister came with Mikkie and Brutus. Baar was so happy to see Brutus.

It was so much fun. Baar got to play with Mikkie. It was so much fun! We ran and wrestled. Mikkie got lots of pets from some kids at the dog park. Mikkie is so popular.

Brutus spent him's time hanging out with Danielle. Her has been sick so Brutus was very happy to get to see her. Him did not play with the other dogs at all. Brutus found a tug toy and carried it to Mikkie's dadums and Emily. But Brutus would not let them have it. Brutus let Danielle play with him and the tug.

Then Brutus found a ball and took it by Danielle and stayed with it. Him loves collecting balls at the dog park.

Brutus got Danielle to give him tummy rubs at the dog park to. Baar is too busy for tummy rubs when him is at the park.

2006-11-19T22:18:00.000-05:00

Hello! It is I, Baar. Baar's friend Orchid went home to be with her family. Baar had so much fun with Orchid while she was visiting. Here are some pictures of Baar and Orchid wrestling. Noooo, Orchid was not afraid of Baar. She even took some of Baar's bones and growled at him!

Orchid and Baar had lots of fun together. We had fun at the dog park and playing at home. Olive kept Baar up late and woke him up very early in the morning. Her has lots of energy! Even more then Baar!

Orchid wore a coat like people because her got chilly outside. Baar and Mikkie do not get chilly! Emily loved her coat. She even talked about getting Baar one but do not worry, Joe said no way.

Mikkie was afraid that Baar would be sad this time since him and Orchid had so much fun playing together. To make him feel better, she came over the day Orchid went home to play with Baar. Yess Baar and Mikkie spent the whole day together while Joe and Emily were at work! We even moved the couches around. Mikkie is a good friend.

It was a little sad for Baar when Orchid went home but Baar is very happy her got to see her mommy again. Orchid told Baar that she had fun with all her foster families but that her was ready to go back home.

Baar has to admit that it is nice that him gets ALL the attention again. It is good to be the only dog. Plus Baar does not have to watch him's bones so carefully. Sometimes Baar had to sleep with them right by him to keep Orchid from taking them! Just like in the picture on the left.

2006-11-16T16:45:00.000-05:00

Hello! It is Baar's best Rotweiller friend Roxanne's Birthday! Baar loves Birthday's. Him hears that you get extra tasties and even new bones!

Happy Birthday Roxanne!

2006-11-16T16:20:00.000-05:00

Hello! It is I, Baar. Baar wanted to tell all of him's friends that him's friend Bogey got sick. Baar was very worried when him was sick. Bogey is always very nice to Baar. Him is a good dog.

Do not worry, Bogey is feel much better now. Bogey had something called "old man vestibular disease". Yes, Bogey is little old. Melanie sent an email with the symptoms in case anyone else's doggey gets it because it was very scary.

Here is what Melanie said:

Bogey scared me to death. I thought he had a stroke. He was unable to walk and kept falling over and was unresponsive. He would lean to one side and just fall right over. He would go into the splits like his legs were giving out. His eyes (well, eye) would space out and would not register that I was there. So I took him to the vet and he has something called "old man vestibular disease". It is similar to a cross between a mini stroke and vertigo in humans. It comes on very quickly and causes dogs to be dizzy, just like vertigo. The good news is that he should make a full recovery. I just thought I would pass this along, in case it ever happens to your dog. I guess it is common but they don't know the cause.

Baar thinks that Bogey should get lots of extra treats for at least 2 weeks!

2006-11-09T09:46:00.000-05:00

Hello! It is I, Baar.

Baar has been having a great time with him's foster doggy. Baar will call her Orchid to protect her identity. Baar has also blurred out her pictures. Baar is so good at confidentiality!

Orchid is a pug. Here is a picture of her playing with Glitter at the dog park. Glitter is a Shiba Inu. Emily thinks she is very cute. Baar thinks she is not that interesting as she can not wrestle with him. Yessss that is Baar in the background. See how big him is?

Orchid liked playing with little dogs the best but she is not afraid of big dogs. In fact, she steals Baar's favorite bone and growls at him. It is not very nice. Emily and Joe say that Baar must be patient as it is hard to be a foster doggy. Baar is not so sure. In this picture she is playing with Gracie.

Orchid also drinks out of Baar's bowl instead of hers. Even though she has to stand up and stretch. Emily makes her stop and go to her bowl. She also like Baar's food better but Baar is not allowed to eat her food (Baar has a sensitive tummy). Melanie came to visit last night. Baar wishes she would come out with all him's doggy friends and meet him at the dog park. It has been a long time since Baar has seen him's basset friends or Cody. Baar also would not mind hanging with Roxeanne.

Baar had fun at the dog park too. There was a puppy there called a Great Pyrenees. Here is a picture of her and Baar. Emily thinks she is very cute also. Baar is getting a little tired of Emily thinking all these other dogs are so cute.

Here is Baar getting a drink of water. Baar hopes the people will remember to bring water when the city shuts off the fountain. They already shut it off at Tremont :-( It is very easy to get thirsty at the dog park.

2006-11-07T11:33:00.000-05:00

Hello! It is I, Baar.

Baar got to go to Edgewater park with Mikki, Brutus, their dadums, Emily and Joe. Baar had a good time. Baar thinks it is fun to walk by the lake with him's friends. As long as no water comes to hit Baar. No... Baar does not like to get wet.

Here is a picture of Mikki and Baar with Joe. Look, Mikki could not focus on getting her picture taken because of how handsome Baar is!

Here is a picture of Brutus with him's dadums. Brutus has his eyes closed because him is enjoying the sunshine. There is Mikki peaking in on the picture. Mikki is so clever! Brutus is wearing his St. Patricks day bandana because him looks so dapper in green.

Here is a picture of Brutus, Baar, and Mikki all walking together. Do not worry, Baar was first a lot of the time. Sometimes him likes to walk with Mikki instead of being first and she does not walk very fast. Brutus likes to pretend him is lead dog.

Emily took some pictures of the lake so Baar's friends in other places can see what it looks like. Baar is not very interested in the scenery. It is much better to smell things. Mikki stayed by Emily while she took the pictures. Emily told Baar that she loves the water and used to live in a place that look out at the lake.

2006-11-01T19:30:00.000-05:00

Hello! It is I, Baar. Baar had so much fun on Halloween! Him started the day by going to visit Mikki. Baar and Mikki played while Brutus visited with Emily and Emily's mom.

Then Baar, Mikki, and Brutus helped Emily and her dadums drop off some cookies for Emily's sister Danielle. Danielle hasn't been feeling well and is staying in a place to help her get better. When we got in the car, Brutus was naughty and grabbed a cupcake off of the tray that Emily's dadums was holding. Emily was upset because when he did that, some of the other goodies slid together and she said it didn't look as nice. Baar thought it still looked very tasty.

Then Baar helped Emily and Joe. It was very strange. Baar, Emily and Joe went to the porch and people came in strange outfits. There were princesses and army people and eyeore even came! Emily walked down to meet them and Baar stayed on the porch with Joe. At first Baar was concerned that something would happen to Emily but it did not. Baar was very good and got lots of peanut butter snacks. Him gave some to another dog that was out "trick or treating".

Here is a picture of Baar. Him is dressed up as Count Dogula. Baar loves him's cape.

Then Baar got to go back to Mikki's house. The people had dinner while Baar and Mikki played. Brutus stayed by the people. Mikki had a pretty Halloween bandanna on. Baar forgot to tell Emily to bring her camera. Baar also tried hard to play with one of the kitties that lives at Mikki's house. Her name is Eva. She does not run away from Baar but hits him with his claws. Do not worry, Baar will keep trying to play with her and eventually she will like Baar.

By the time Baar got home him was very very tired. Baar fell asleep on him's blue blankie with him's toys.

Baar has decided that Halloween is him's favorite special people day. Maybe next year him will get a black cat to play with him....

2006-10-30T02:15:00.000-05:00

Hello! It is I, Baar. Baar got to go to a Howl O Ween party this weekend! Yes, of course Baar brought him's friend Mikki. Joe, Emily, Melanie, and Mikki's dadums were all there. Mikki's momums was going to come but it was too cold and muddy. Yes, she was sad.

The howl o ween party was in a far away place called Medina. Baar will post the name and the wonderful vet that put it on later. Him doesn't have it ready but him wants to put him's pictures up. Baar knows him's friends will want to see them.

Baar dressed up as Darth Vader. Baar thinks him looks very nice in him's cape. Maybe Baar will wear just him's cape more often... Him did not like him's hat though. Yes, Baar does look very handsome! Baar's human friend Melanie was there and gave him lots of pets and told him how good him looked. Baar loves Melanie!

Mikki looked beautiful in her Princess Leia costume. Everyone loved Mikki. Baar would like to know why she was flirting with the police German Shepard though. Him did not even have a cape! Mikki's dadums said she likes a man in uniform. Baar has a uniform! Darth Vador's!!!!

Baar and Mikki entered the costume contest together. Yes, Baar and Mikki had a good time.

Baar and Mikki won a prize for most original costume! Here is our ribbon.

What? You want to see some pictures of the other animals in their costumes? Baar does not understand why but him will show you... Yes, Joe took the pictures. Baar was to busy.

Flower Power

Dogs In Space.... (This doggie got to ride in a wagon. Baar wants a wagon!)

Power Pug!

Retirement in Florida

Chilly Kitty

2006-10-30T01:31:00.000-05:00

A rainy and cold Friday night brought 2 abandoned animals to the parking lot of the agency I work for.

As I drove to pull out and start a nice long weekend (I'm on vacation until Thursday) I saw to wet and pathetic looking dogs standing by one of our feral colony houses.

The dogs were a male and female. Their relationship was nothing short of amazing. After winning some trust from the male with Baar's bone and by sitting in the rain petting him, I tried to approach the female. She was terrified. The male came between us and licked her face as if to say "hey, this lady is ok - don't worry". Every time a loud noise occurred or she seemed to feel to threatened he would run over and stand in front of her.

For her part she followed him everywhere. They had obviously been together for a while.

The male looked as healthy as a soaking wet dog living on his own cat. I can't even guess the mix. Curley tail, those amazing rott brown "eyebrows", on the small side of medium was guarded but friendly. He smelled AWFUL.

The female was a different story. She was terrified of me, soaking wet, under weight, and worst of all, injured. She is brown, short fur, medium (larger then the male). Too afraid to come under the canopy, she dug herself out a little bed in the mulch near her companion and curled up to nap, in the rain. The quality of the photo is so bad because I had to shoot into the rain with a flash.

I stopped the car and got out to give catching them a try. I called a friend and she of course asked the most obvious question - "what are you going to do once you catch them?". My answer was the usual "i have no idea...".

Joe and I are not well off by any stretch of the imagination (like many people we are living paycheck to paycheck for the most part) and rescue is expensive. But I knew Under the Wing had some money and even if they didn't the other members are generous souls always willing to give what they can to help animals in desperate need. Plus, I do know of a low cost vet. In situations like this I often mutter a prayer and hope that something, somehow will work out. Rescue and anxiety go hand in hand.

Pam, a friend at work, stopped her car and stood in the rain with me trying to win over the female's trust and cement a relationship with the male. She was there for at least 45 minutes.

Tom, the security guard and loyal Under the Wing member came out to give us some help.

Robin, another friend who is getting over a bad upper respiratory, also stood in the rain to try to help. She found some chicken to use in an attempt to lure them into one of the cars.

Anne, another friend and UTW supporter brought out peanut butter as another treat to lure them.

The down side was that when we brought out the cat food (no dog food on site) the male wouldn't let the female eat. My only assumption is that he's learned that he had to get his first. We separated the dishes and stayed on duty to try and keep him away from hers without scaring her. It was quite a challenge.

After chicken and several helpings of cat food and at least an hour of unsuccessful attempts at catching them I tried to leave. I got as far as the road and then turned around to come back in. I couldn't leave her out there hurt.

In desperation I called Laura, another Under the Wing member and dog rescue maven. Even though she was already at home she jumped back in the car to come help out. It's worth mentioning that she does not live particulary close to our place of employment.

Laura and I tried everything we could to catch them. We happen to work in a dangerous inner city neighborhood and we braved field areas with trees and people in the shadows. It was dark; we stood in the rain and kept trying. We worried as they crossed streets and tried desperately to make them understand that they would be safe with us.

Laura was so close to catching the female once. She let Laura come closer then she had anyone else. Unfortunately something went wrong and for the rest of the evening, she continued to allow us only as close as an arms length.

We were close on the male several times but each time but again something just went wrong.

We hoped that if we caught one, the other would come. We were determined not to separate them.

It became 8pm, time for the security guard to leave. We couldn't stay anymore as it had just gotten too dangerous. Laura and I threw out more food for them and headed home with heavy hearts.

I stopped back Saturday morning but couldn't find them. Hopefully they were someplace curled up together with full tummies sleeping. Laura's husband checked for them in the evening but only spotted some other stray dogs Laura is trying to help.

I'm off work, but Laura will look for them Monday.

The worst part, for me, is the knowledge that at one point these two lovely animals belonged to someone. She even had a collar on. They were left, for whatever reason, to fend for themselves, something a domesticated animal finds nearly impossible. I understand that desperate situations occur and at times people are unable to keep beloved pets. Even though I cringe at the thought of leaving an animal at a facility that will euthanize him or her, it's better then being dumped with a large potential for a painful death.

Alone, hungry, cold, injured, and afraid of humans, I hold little hope that they will make it much longer.

Winter is coming.

People suck.

2006-10-26T13:50:00.000-05:00

Hello! It is I, Baar. Baar and Mikki had a great time at the dog park last Saturday. Brutus came to and him had fun... but it was mostly visiting with the people and collection toys. Here are pictures of Brutus. Him is so happy at the park! But when the other doggies come to play with him, Brutus says no. But when people want to pet him... Brutus always has time for people!

Mikki and Baar met a tiny little pug puppy. See how the tiny pug puppy on the left?

Baar thinks that the puppy liked Baar and Mikki.

See the tiny puppy in play position below? You must look very closely. Mikki and Baar like the pug puppy.

The puperoni van was there (see previous post) so there were lots of dogs to play with. Baar was such a good boy. Emily and Joe were very impressed.

Here are some dogs playing chase. Where is Baar you ask? Baar is not sure. Baar can not believe him missed chase!

Here is a picture of Baar playing. Yes, Baar is such a good dog. Mikki is playing to. Baar is so happy when Mikki plays with him at the dog park. Sometimes she is busy with the humans or visiting little dogs. Sometimes Mikki is just relaxing.

Baar can not wait for him's next visit to the dog park! You should come visit. It will be fun.

2006-10-24T14:54:00.000-05:00

A shot of our spooking living room mantal and fireplace display.

2006-10-23T07:30:00.000-05:00

Hello! It is I, Baar! Baar went to the dog park on Saturday with Mikki and Brutus. Their dadums was in the hospital so Baar thought it would cheer them up. Do not worry, their dadums is back home now so them are very happy!

At the dog park some people came with free puperoni snacks for Baar! Baar loves puperoni but doesn't get to have it to often (hint hint). Then Emily and Joe made Baar get in a metal box and sit with Joe. Neither Joe or Baar wanted to do it. Emily had to ask Joe a lot of times because Joe though him wasn't ready for a photo. Baar thought it was strange but it made Emily very happy so Baar was happy.

Mikki got her picture taken to. Mikki is so pretty that some people (even one of the puperoni people) took pictures of her with their own camera!

Brutus got him's picture taken also. Brutus went first. Him is a brave dog (even though him is still grouchy). Brutus likes to go to the dog park but him does not play with the other dogs. Instead him visis the people and collects the balls.

Some people wanted to be nice to Baar and him's dog park friends and brought treats into the dog park. Baar loves treats but him hopes that people will remember that dogs get VERY excited about tasties and can forget that we are all friends. Baar hopes that people with treats for Baar and him's friends will wait and give them to him outside the dog park. Baar has more pictures of him's friends at the dog park. Him will post them later.

2006-10-17T08:57:00.000-05:00

Hello! It is I, Baar. Baar has noticed that the weather is getting chilly. Him is so glad that him now lives inside - Baar loves sleeping on him's new blue blankie and relaxing on the couch with a rawhide bone. Him is living a good life!

Baar took him's people to the Lakewood Dog Park the other day. Baar was going to Treamont most of the time but then a dog park human grabbed Baar and shook him. Him was mad at Baar because Baar like to wrestle chase his dog. Baar does not understand why. Baar does not hurt his dog and his dog comes over to play with Baar. Emily and Joe told Baar that some people don't understand how dogs play with each other. When that human grabbed Baar, him was not doing anything wrong - Baar was just running! In fact Emily and Joe were right there supervising. They were not happy that this person grabbed Baar. It is dangerous to dog that is not in your pack by his head. You risk getting bit on accident or hurting the animal.

Anyway, Baar is taking a break from there now - particularly the times when this human is usually around him. Him is glad to be back going to Lakewood as Baar has many dog and human friends there! Here is a picture of Baar playing with some of him's friends. Emily was not paying as close of attention to the doggies names as usual so Baar does not have them for him's blog. Baar is sorry!

Baar met a couple of bull dogs too. Baar likes bull dogs even though them did not play with Baar very much. Sadie ran so fast! Baar played chase with her a little. There was a tiny french bull dog puppy too. Here is a picture of one of them, Baar thinks him's name is Malcom. Him had a football collar!

Well, Baar must go. It is rainy and him has an appointment with the couch, a blankie and a nap!

2006-10-12T13:49:00.000-05:00

Hello! It is I, Baar. Baar received an invitation to go boating with Joe's family. Baar was very excited. Emily was worried that Baar could not swim. It is true that Baar does not like the water. Baar heard Emily and Joe talking about getting Baar a life jacket. Joe said "no... Baar does not need one. It's silly - dogs can swim. He will be fine". Emily disagreed and somehow Baar ended up going boating like this:

Baar did not mind though. Baar like him's life jacket. Baar's friends can get their own at http://www.westmarine.com/. The human there even let Baar some in and try on him's vest. Baar is so handsome!

Baar went boating with Joe's Dad John, Mom Judy, Niece, Great Nice Desire, and Great Nephew Herb. Baar posted pictures Joe's dad, mom, Herb and Desire below. Baar loves Joe's family. Them are Baar's friends. When we got there Joe and Joe's dad said Emily was silly for making Baar wear a life jacket.

Baar was afraid to get on the boat. It was Baar's first time and it got shaky. Joe picked Baar up and put him in. The boat started to move and then Baar got stung by a bee! Do not worry, Emily put a wet cloth on Baar's face. Him felt better soon.

Baar was a little nervous and liked to stay in the cabin. Well, except for when Baar saw flying things - him kept trying to bite them. They bit Baar!

Baar had fun on the boat once him saw it was OK. Baar liked to sit with Emily the best. Baar even sat on the seat with Emily! Baar got a little thirsty and Baar decided to take a drink of all the water so him tried to go off the site. Baar did not think him would get wet. Joe grabbed the handle on Baar's like jacket and kept him in the boat though. Joe said Baar had to stay in the boat.

Baar liked looking at the water with the wind in him's face with Emily. It was fun. Joe, Herb, Desire and Judy went on the front of the boat. Baar did not want to do that. It was too scary to walk around. Joe said it was fun up there so if Baar's blog friends ever go boating maybe they should try to ride in front to.

Baar had lots of fun on him's boat trip and home him gets to go again.

2006-10-10T09:13:00.000-05:00

Baar is so glad that you've decided to come visit him's new blog. To catch up Baar's new friends...

After tragedy struck Baar's life, a program called SAFE (Safety for Animals and Families in Emergencies) stepped up to help him. SAFE takes care of animals who's owners are the vicitims of domestic violence while they establish a safe place to live. Baar encourages all of him's readers to visit SAFE's website at http://safe.cuyahogacounty.us/ to learn more about what SAFE does, how they do it, and how you can help.

Baar wanted to draw attention to animals that needed the kind of help SAFE provided him with. Baar's foster family thought it would be interesting for people thinking about fostering to read an account of what it is like. So, Baar and him's foster family created a blog that can still be visited at http://www.barrysblog-asafedog.blogspot.com/. Baar cannot talk about the details because of something humans call confidentiality, but after several months of Baar was adopted by him's foster family.

Baar wanted to continue to do him's blog (as did some of him's guest bloggers) but him did not want people to think him was still in foster care so Baar is starting this new blog! Baar's readers will find information on him's life and the life of him's foster family and friends.

Baar hopes his friends, new and old, will like him's new blog and will keep coming back!