Too Short a Leash: RIP Talbot

Some things require a short leash--men come to mind. Dogs do not. This weekend I lost a good friend of five years standing. He was in the palm of a friend's hand when I first met him, his face still black and his fangs bared at all of five weeks old. They named him Daytona; I called him Talbot for the werewolf he resembled.

Talbot died Saturday at the age of barely five years--much too soon for a Yorkie. He had visited with me as usual on Thursday night, putting his head on my chair and sighing until I picked him up. Saturday was a hectic day and the unneutered Talbot was in a playful mood, so playful that his mother put him on the front porch away from the unspayed miniature Yorkie inside.

He died there on the porch, or more correctly hanging from his leash over the edge of the elevated decking. His mother found him three hours later when she remembered to check on him. He was cold and stiff. They all cried, and so did I.

No dog deserves to die that way. Please neuter your pets...and please give them a long leash. Their lives depend on it.

Maisie's Corner/Crockett Update

The Connection now has Maisie's Corner up and running. If you have a pet or stray to place for adoption, please e-mail us pics and info. Many thanks.

traderconnections@yahoo.com
baylockerbie@hotmail.com

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The bulldog rescue organization in Tennessee has so far been unable to find a foster home for Crockett. If you would like to adopt this large, but loving, pit bull, please contact us.

Thanks to all who love animals!

Maisie's Page at The Connection

The Connection will soon launch Maisie's Page, where you may list your foundling furbabies free of charge. Be sure to have a photo ready to upload.



For those who asked about Crockett, the pit bull dog found abandoned in Leighton, we have good news. Crockett will be going to live at a bull dog sanctuary in the very near future. We'll be keeping you updated.

If any would like to give to Maisie's Fund for Injured Animals, please contact Trader at:

traderconnections@yahoo.com

Federal Employees: Donate to Shoals PAWS

Please take time to read this article from The Connection:

Donate to Shoals PAWS

Together, we can conquer pet overpopulation in the Shoals.

A Missive from Maisie

When last we left our faithful heroine Maisie, she was still recuperating in Dr. Cobb's Colbert County Clinic. She has sent word on her condition via the good doctor:

I would like to update everyone on Maisie the wonder beagle. The pin is out of her leg and we recently spayed her. She is doing well, she still has trouble with her leg but I believe that will get better. The important thing is that she is alive and well and, as the old saying goes, full of piss and vinegar. Trader came by to see her not long ago and was thrilled. She is an inspiration to everyone she meets. To all of you who donated let me say thanks on behalf of Maisie and the staff here at Colbert Animal Clinic. All the donations were used exclusively for Maisie. I read a great quote the other day that fits occasions like this,"The fact that you can only do a little is no excuse for doing nothing". The combined efforts of all of you produced great results. Once again, thank you and if you're in the area Maisie does receive visitors.

Joe D. Cobb DVM

Colbert Animal Clinic

As you can see, it's been a very long road for her. We hope to help others with Maisie's Fund for injured animals, and we'll have more on this later.

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If any of our readers know of poisonings or other animal abuse in the Cherokee area, please contact us at:

theconnection807@att.net

Sampson Has Been Shot...He Needs Our Help

Reposted from O. B.'s Corner:

Hi, my name is Sampson. I live out in the county and sometimes I like to roam to see the neighborhood. I like to visit with my friends around our little community. I am a rescue dog also. I came to my owner with a broken jaw a couple of years ago and she was nice enough to have me fixed up and let me stay.

This past weekend while exploring, someone shot me. Four times with a 22 caliber rifle. I don't know why they did this. Maybe they thought I was a coyote. But the vet said I was shot and I needed surgery. I've been staying with the vet until I am able to eat something. Cat food is kinda bland. I really don't know how they eat that stuff. But right now my regular food isn't all that inviting either.

So I am asking for your help today. To offset some of my owners expenses on my surgery. If you can help, you can send a check or go by the Center Star Veterinary Clinic at 8123 Hwy 72 Killen AL 35645 (256) 757.5323 Be sure to tell them it is for me and put "For Sampson" on the check.

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Remember that we have Maisie's Fund at Dr. Cobb's in Colbert County. If you find an injured animal and can make it to the Colbert Veterinary Clinic, we have a permanent fund set up there. Any and all donations are appreciated.

We will have big news about Maisie's adoption in about two weeks. She will finally be going to her forever home, and we will bring you pictures of this wonderful new family, finally complete.

Beauregard Needs a Home

Beauregard, shown here in classic mug shot form, needs a new home. This beautiful kitten is five to six months old and has black and brown tabby markings. Beau's medium length coat is easy to care for, while still producing regal ear tufts.

He has not had any veterinary care as yet, coming from a large underprivileged litter. Despite his humble birth, he has a majestic motor and never met a lap he didn't like.

If you have room in your home and your heart for Beauregard, please call 256.335.7285 and leave a message.