Two Cool Dog Stories (Dog Lovers Alert!!)

A man wrote a letter to a small hotel in a Midwest town, which he planned to visit on his vacation. He wrote, "I would very much like to bring my dog with me. He is well groomed and very well behaved. Would you be willing to permit me to keep him in my room with me at night?"

An immediate reply came from the hotel owner, who said, "I've been operating this hotel for many years. In all that time, I've never had a dog steal towels, bedclothes, silverware or pictures off the walls. I've never had to evict a dog in the middle of the night for being drunk and disorderly. And I've never had a dog run out on a hotel bill. Yes, indeed, your dog is welcome at my hotel, and if your dog will vouch for you, you're welcome to stay here, too!"

In 1858, a man named John Gray was buried in old Greyfriars Churchyard. His grave levelled by the hand of time, and unmarked by any stone, became scarcely discernible; but, although no human interest seemed to attach to it. The sacred spot was not wholly disregarded and forgotten. For fourteen years the dead man's faithful dog kept constant watch and guard over the grave until his own death in 1872. James Brown, the old curator of the burial ground, remembers Gray's funeral, and the dog, a Skye terrier called "Bobby", was, he says, one of the most conspicuous of the mourners. The grave was closed in as usual, and next morning "Bobby", was found, lying on the newly-made mound.

This was an innovation which old James could not permit, for there was an order at the gate stating in the most intelligible characters that dogs were not admitted. "Bobby" was accordingly driven out; but next morning he was there again, and for the second time was discharged. The third morning was cold and wet, and when the old man saw the faithful animal, in spite of all chastisement, still lying shivering on the grave, he took pity on him, and gave him some food. This recognition of his devotion gave "Bobby" the right to make the churchyard his home; and from that time until his own death he never spent a night away from his master's tomb.

Often in bad weather attempts were made to keep him within doors, but by dismal howls he succeeded in making it known that this interference was not agreeable to him, and he was always allowed to have his way. At almost any time during the day he could be seen in or about the churchyard, and no matter how rough the night, nothing could induce him to forsake that hallowed spot, whose identity he so faithfully preserved.

That, however, concludes the story of the life of Greyfriars' Bobby, a life which was later commemorated by the erection of the statue and fountain by Baroness Burdett Coutts. The figure which was unveiled, without any ceremony, on November 15, 1873.

So would you advise against milk?

I'm afraid so. Cats can digest milk, but dogs can't. I can't remember the exact problems caused by dairy, but I can look it up, if you'd like? I think I will, just to appease my own curiosity. Will post it in a few. But I'm afraid I would advise against letting your dog having the cereal milk. I'm sure he won't understand when she stops giving it to him, but perhaps you could provide a substitute for a while, then slowly wean him off that as well, to teach him not to expect anything after your wife finishes her cereal?

Well -- I found the answer. This is what I found using Copernic:

Milk is not healthy for adult dogs as they are lactose intolerant. They can't absorb this milk protein and consequently suffer diarrhea. Give your dog plenty of water and only small amounts of milk.

A dog can develop a sweet tooth too. Play it safe by never giving your dog sweets and chocolates. They promote tooth decay and gum disease. Remember that dogs don't get to brush their teeth. Chocolates are especially toxic to dogs as they contain theobromine. When a dog eats a large enough quantity of theobromine, toxicity signs appear. The dog will then vomit, pant, suffer diarrhea, muscle tremors, restlessness and incontinence. Medical attention is necessary to save its life.

There's more, but this is what I found on milk and milk products. Ice cream is richer than milk, of course, and is definitely not recommended. (Especially since it also contains sugar.) I remember that much from a variety of other sources.

Sometimes it may take a while for the build-up to occur in the digestive system, so you may not see the ill effects right away. I wouldn't chance it, myself. I give my Piper and Wilson probiotics every now and then, to counter any ill effects they may have to any milk by-products they might have digested. (Off the occasional pizza crust that might have cheese on it, or when one of the little buggers swipes people food from the counter! Bassets are ntorious counter cruisers, and Piper is an active little sneak! *G*)

Check Doctors Foster and Smith for the probiotics and other supplements. Bassets tend to need more Omega oils than other dogs, so I use Foster and Smith's Omega supplement on their food, which makes their coats super shiny! I also use their toothpaste, which is an exercise in patience that is unmatched! *VBG*

Hope this helps!!

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