72,000 Ladybugs released inside the Mall of America!

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Outrage in Arkansas: 8 Puppies Are Dumped Inside Plasticware

Seven of the Dachshunds were taken in by Rocky Ridge Refuge, while another has been adopted.

Ever notice how plasticware reproduces quietly in your cupboards so that your kitchen is practically bursting with unmatched lids and containers and then, one day, when you really need it, it has suddenly vanished into the universe? It's your fault. You distributed it over time to the houses of your friends as you departed from their potlucks saying over your shoulder, "Oh, just return the plasticware when you've finished the casserole."

We hope the folks who dumped a pile of puppies in a big plastic container behind a church in Arkansas never get their storage vessel back and that their cupboards will be forever cursed with ill-fitting lids because really, who does that?

First of all, spay and neuter your dogs, for puppies' sake! Second, don't leave the resulting offspring in a sealed plastic death trap! If you have to get rid of them, fine, but there are shelters for that.

Fortunately, the eight Dachshund puppies were taken in by the church they were dumped at and handed over to Rocky Ridge Refuge, a rescue organization in Arkansas that provides sanctuary for all manner of animals. One of the puppies was adopted by someone at the church, and the remaining seven are  in the care of Rocky Ridge, which aims to find the puppies good homes.

In the meantime, Rocky Ridge's resident dog mama, Butterbean, is helping take care of the pups.

Photos via the Rocky Ridge Facebook page

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Paw-Inspiring Pads: Inside Berkeley’s Dachshund House

Berkeley resident Eni Green is a lover of all things kitsch and a self-proclaimed “Doxieholic.” As an avid collector and an art aficionado, her focus is primarily on Dachshund-related sculptures, figurines, paintings, signs, and knickknacks. She believes that when it comes to Dachshunds, you can never have just one, because there is something highly addictive about them. Through her public tributes to her favorite breed, Eni is proud to show the world just what a Dachshund fiend she is.

I discovered Eni’s home a few years back when my dog Miles and I decided to take a new and extended route on our daily walk. I clearly remember the day I first saw what I named the Dachshund House, and I’ve been completely enchanted by it ever since. For me, it’s a symbol of what I have come to not only love, but truly value and appreciate about the city of Berkeley. Here, freedom of expression knows no bounds.

Eni has clearly embraced the ethos of this quirky and creative city. According to her, “If it makes you happy, it really can’t be that bad.” In other words, if you’re obsessed with Dachshunds, why not surround yourself with, well, thousands of them?

Recently, I had the privilege of spending a wonderful afternoon chatting with Eni about her passion for Dachshunds, the art she commissions and collects, and the story behind the urban renewal art sculptures that adorn the front of her home.

Walking through the Dachshund archway leading to the front door, I couldn’t wait to finally see the interior of the home I’ve admired for years. I had a strong feeling it would be something special. I was not disappointed. And I realized immediately that we had so much more to talk about than the extraordinary art in her front yard.

Dogster: Clearly you have a passion for Dachshunds. When did your love affair with this breed begin?

Eni: I’ve had Dachshunds most of my life. That was the first dog I was allowed to have that supposedly wasn’t allergenic. I used to let the water run when I would sneeze so my mother wouldn’t know I was sick. By the time she realized it, it was too late to return the dog. I’ve had Dachshunds ever since. It’s like an addiction: Doxieholics can never just have one! I know every breed has people who love them. I just love Dachshunds.

Dogster: I’ve been dying to know for years: How did the sculptures in the front of your house come about? Who built these and what was the inspiration?

Eni: One of the Dachshunds that I really loved passed away. He and I just had a really wonderful connection. After he died, someone sent me a picture of some of the work of the artist that did the sculptures in front of my house. I wrote to him online and asked him if he would make a tribute to my dog. I went up to Sebastopol where he lives. His name is Patrick Amiot.

I gave him a picture of Maximillian (my dog), and a few months later, he came down with this dog. The collection just kept growing after that.

Dogster: I’ve noticed that you have a large Dachshund head peering up from behind your fence. What is that and where did it come from?

Eni: That’s from the Doggie Diner. There were 32 diners in the Bay Area called the Doggie Diner that used to have these on top of them. Years ago, I went to the Museum of Modern Mythology and they had one there on display. I thought, “My god, it’s everything I love!” It’s a Dachshund, and it’s kitsch, and it’s an advertisement. And I’m enchanted by all of them.

I never thought I’d have one but one day, many years later, I was looking in the paper under garage sales and it said, “Doggie Diner head for sale.” So I bought it. I didn’t even have a place I was living, so I stored it at my friend’s house until I got a place I could bring it. I really love him. Some people think he’s a little bit scary-looking but to me, I think he’s darling.

Dogster: Your home is covered in incredible dog-related art, not to mention the Dachshund that’s painted on your staircase! You are quite the art collector. Where do you find all of these great pieces, and how did the staircase come about?

Eni: I guess I would consider myself an art collector, but certainly not in the same way that other people would consider themselves art collectors. I majored in Spanish in college and my Spanish professor was an artist. I bought one of his paintings and it’s been downhill ever since.

I like to purchase art at garage sales and small shops in Berkeley. I’ve also commissioned some portraits of my dogs over the years from dog portrait artists Jane Oriel and Fran Frank.

On one occasion while I was working in the hospital, I saw a wonderful artist sketching in his notebook. I asked him if he would paint a portrait of my dogs and he did a beautiful painting of my dachshunds based on a photo my roommate took. It turns out he was actually a well-known painter named Paul Ferney.

As for the Dachshund on the staircase, it was something I always envisioned on that staircase and I felt it had to be there, so I commissioned an artist to come in and paint it. I love it.

Dogster: What has been the community response to your displayed Dachshund art? Have you found that it’s something your neighbors have embraced?

Eni: In the beginning, I was really afraid that someone was going to vandalize these sculptures. They were a tribute I had done for my wonderful dog who died, and I didn’t want anything to happen to them. But a lot of people really love them and it makes the children very happy. They think it’s so clever, because they look at the parts and they see that the tail is a windshield wiper and there are different parts from automobiles and the head is a mailbox. I think it’s good that it shows people you can make things from garbage.

Found art is possible. You don’t have to have a million dollars, and you can use your imagination. I think the neighborhood has embraced it. My friends always tell me that people stop and they come to take pictures.

I know that when I didn’t have a house and I used to walk around, I always gravitated toward the houses that had something special and something that wasn’t the norm. I think it has added charm to the neighborhood. I hope it has inspired the young people to do art. I hope that everyone enjoys it and that it makes them smile.

About the Author: Christine Martinez is the design-savvy writer behind the popular pet style site Miles to Style. She also pens Dogster’s Picks of the Week every Thursday right here on the For the Love of Dog Blog.

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Surviving a car accident with my dogs inside

My dogs, Chipper and Cleo, love to ride in the back of my Saturn SUV for long road trips and even for short errands. I created a “canine condo” in the back that includes a floor-to-ceiling metal gate to keep them from accessing the middle seats or worse – trying to grab my steering wheel. It comes with a pet first-aid kit, extra leashes, battery-operated fans, comfortable bedding and more canine amenities.

With them in the back, I am free from doggy distractions and able to focus on driving. Earlier this week, we were the third and final vehicle in line waiting for the light to change from red to green. I looked into my rear view mirror and spotted a white Toyota Tundra 4-by-4 truck barreling our way. Bam! This giant white truck collided into the rear of my SUV, propelling it forward. Fortunately, there was enough of a gap that I did not hit the vehicle in front of me.

My first thought: my dogs. As I opened my door, I fell onto the pavement, picked myself up and hurried to the passenger side to open the door leading into the middle row of seats. “Chipper! Cleo! Are you okay?” I cried out.

As I opened the door, I saw my two dogs shaking violently, cowering and lip licking. I then went to the back hatch that was miraculously able to open despite the more than $3,500 in damage done to the vehicle.

Chipper and Cleo know the “stay” command – which they heeded as I quickly put their leashes on them and assessed them. They were clearly scared, but uninjured. Whew. The gate kept them from propelling forward in my car and possibly, through the windshield.

I was not so lucky. A three-hour trip at urgent care revealed I had whiplash, soft tissue damage to my neck and shoulders, a swollen left shin – not to mention a rattled state of mind.

The driver of the truck and I were able to limp our vehicles a block away into the Oceanside High School parking lot to exchange information. As fate would have it, a police squad car was there. Naturally, the officer was a K-9 officer with his trained German shepherd, Ranger, in his squad car. Call it pet karma.

The driver of the truck readily took full responsibility and the reporting of the accident was handled in a civil manner. Chipper and Cleo were able to walk on leashes with no signs of injury for which I am grateful. Each sport collars with their names and my phone number embroidered on them – as well as microchips. My cell phone identifies three people on my “in case of emergency” list and all three know my pets, my veterinarian’s information and access to my house.

Accidents can happen to anyone at any time. But, I share this as a reminder of the importance of keeping our dogs as safe as possible when they ride with us in our vehicles. It saddens – and frustrates – me when I see little dogs riding on the laps of drivers with their heads and sometimes, front legs dangling out the car window. Or big dogs untethered in the back of truck beds. Or dogs racing back and forth in the middle seats with no harnesses or restraints.

Seriously, folks – show how much you really love your dogs – and cats and other traveling pets – by keeping them safe when you drive. Last year, I happily agreed to post a short safety video for the “Be Smart, Ride Safe” campaign being conducted by Bark Buckle Up and “Pet Safety Lady” Christina Selter.

She shares these facts:

A 60-pound pet becomes a 2,700 pound projectile, at just 35 miles per hour.Pet travel has increased 300 percent since 2005.Unrestrained pets delay emergency workers’ access to human occupants.Pets escaping post-accident pose many dangers, including catching the loose pet.Injured pets may bite first responders and rescue workers.Pets may escape through a window or open door and cause a second accident.Driver distraction is common when unrestrained pets are rambunctious.

Selter created the “Be Smart, Ride Safe” pledge, allowing pet-owners to commit to being safer with pets for the safety of the owner, the safety of pets and to protect first responders. I encourage you to get size-appropriate harnesses for pets who travel in the middle seats or inside pet carriers that can be held in place with seat belts and to never allow your pet to ride in the front passenger seat due to driver distraction and the airbag deployment injuries.

I hope you check out the Bark Buckle Up site for more helpful info, including how to obtain a pet safety kit you can keep in your vehicle’s glove box.

As I type this, I am wearing a neck brace and taking medication to relive the pain in my neck and back muscles. And, I am delivering prayers of gratitude that Chipper and Cleo escaped physical harm and are cuddled up next to me. Let’s be safe on the roads – for the sake of ourselves, others and our pets.

Photo credits: Arden Moore, www.fourleggedlife.com

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