A pit bull, a bassinet, and a happy ending

Pit bull are still the quintessential American family dog, despite the bad rap they get because of the criminals that abuse them.  Thor is the latest example of the incredi-dog.  Thor's family home was on fire and his people would not wake up--he tried barking and prodding them, but they were fast asleep.  In the meantime, Thor knew that their family's new baby human needed to get out of the house fast.  He sprung into action, and returned to the parents to bark at them again, only this time "He had my infant, my 3-month-old little girl, bassinet and all, grabbed by the ruffles and drug to the front door, ready to go," according to father Kemper Hunter.  He continued, "He's a hero, he saved our lives."

The family had just moved into their new home a week earlier, and lost everything in the fire.  It could have been worse if it wasn't for Thor, Hunter added--"Thank God for him, because if it wasn't for him, everything else is replaceable, but if it wasn't for him I think we'd still be laying in that bed if my dog hadn't been as heroic as he was."

This happy family is lucky they all survived and are still together.  Can you believe they would have to give up their family hero if they wanted to move to Denver or any other jurisdiction that has senseless breed bans?  Maggie Marton over at OhMyDogBlog.com is working hard to change that with the #endBSL campaign.  Visit her site to find out how you can help! Check out my previous post about the campaign here.

[Photo of Thor courtesy of WSBT-TV]

Dog, meet baby

Having a baby is time for big changes.  If you already have a furkid in your life and are soon brining home a human, it is important to think through the impact on everyone.  Think about it from a dog's perspective--suddenly there is a ton of new furniture, toys that are off limits, lots of visitors in the house, a new sleep schedule, not to mention the new squirmy, noisy, smelly creature you are carrying everywhere!

Maggie Marton from EcoSalon has some great suggestions in her recent column Bow Wow and Baby.  Marton suggest some important things to do before the baby comes home to get your dog ready: set out some baby toys, run the mechanical swing, and maybe even play a tape with some baby sounds.  The key is to desensitize your pup to as many new things as you can using positive reinforcement.  When the human baby does come home from the hospital, the first introduction might be a little overwhelming to your dog.  Marton has some tips for making sure that goes smoothly too.

Human babies can take up a lot of time and energy, but it is important to not forget that your dog still has needs too.  Make sure you find time to still give him proper exercise and steal away some play time with your old buddy too.  Marton has some good ideas for finding time and making it all positive.  Planning and patience will keep the whole pack happy.