Oscar

Oscar is kind of a funny name and it fit you. Other than a Dachshund, I had never seen a two-foot long dog with such short legs. You were built completely differently from any breed. Shaggy, with fur hanging over your eyes and a curly tail, I couldn't help but smile when I saw you. The adoption center said you were a Lhasa Apsa mix with a Bichon Friese. You weren't fully grown but we were familiar with both breeds and figured you wouldn't grow much. I should have paid more attention to your huge paws.

The Humane Society said that you had been returned by two former owners. Both had loved you. One had returned you because of your behavior. The second because they didn't want a custody battle for you in their divorce case. We fell in love with you at first sight because you looked so much like Heather, our Cockapoo for more than twelve years.

Our warm feelings cooled a bit when you chewed through a twenty- five dollar leash on the way home. We bought you another one and you did the same thing. The third lasted for five years even though it was chewed half-way through. The animal-control officer used it when she led you away for the last time.

I've never had a pet that I loved and hated as much as you, though now it seems it was mostly love. You chewed up a two-hundred dollar postcard someone had bought from eBay and I wanted to kill you. You barked when you were outside and made the neighbors mad. And you had an aggressive streak that came out when we tried to take a sock away from you. You even would go so far as to bite. That's what got you in trouble. That and your protective streak.

On the other hand your hangdog Eeyore personality would come out, too. And even though you weighed thirty-five pounds you were convinced you were a lap-dog and insisted on sitting in our laps when we read or watched TV. Like Heather, you even had to perch in my lap when I was driving. Not very safe, but endearing. There was no privacy when we went into the bathroom, you always went in with us or pushed the door open. That wasn't so great in winter when the rest of the house was cold. Even so, we enjoyed your company. But why on earth did you like to lick my bathwater? You were funny looking. Your ears were almost long enough that I could tie them together over your head. But you were glamorous, too. Your long eyelashes would have made Betty Davis jealous. Best of all, you never lacked for affection. I don't know how many times I woke up winter mornings cuddling against you.

I suppose that your protective streak had to lead to the final blow. The backyard gate never closed right and we had to tie it to keep Bearette, our daughter's dog, from pushing it open. We didn't always get it right and you sometimes escaped. Once too often, I'm afraid. You got out and a woman who was jogging came too close to the house. You bit her and that sealed your fate. Fortunately I was with the woman in the hospital when the Animal Control Officer came to the house to take you away.

I'll always remember our walks and how much your heeling had improved. I still get a smile when I remember when I told you to find Bearette, the dog, and you came back with the rubber cow we had just given you. There are so many other memories, painful now. I just want you to know how much I miss and love you. Thank you for the interesting years you spent with us. And have fun playing with Heather in Doggie Heaven.

John Anderson is a retired stamp and collectible dealer. He is also an unabashed animal lover and sentimentalist. His novel, The Cellini Masterpiece, is published under the pen name of Raymond John. Yes, there's an animal in it. A stray cat that the hero adopts. If you would like to read the first chapter of the book, or if you have a question or comment for John, please log on to http://www.cmasterpiece.com

Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare
In The News:

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents
Internet browsers are useful, but they can be dangerous. Clicking on malicious links can direct you to dangerous websites that steal information or infect your device.
Apple's latest iOS update introduces advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, which may be capturing and analyzing sensitive information.
Breach site confirmed 56,904,909 Hot Topic users' data leaked online. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says the company's silence makes matters even worse.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how an innovative Easy-Way kit turns standard strollers electric, simplifying navigation for parents.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about T-Mobile being hacked in broad cyberattack on global phone and internet companies.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how to add, customize and manage widgets for quick access to apps and info from your iPhone home screen.
Wrong Google searches can not only compromise your device and personal data. They can also bring law enforcement to your doorstep. Hackers are targeting Google searches.
China's Shanghai Kepler Robotics has developed a new humanoid robot that can carry up to 35 pounds per hand for commercial applications across various industries
Checking your hearing has gotten easier with the new hearing test feature in AirPods Pro 2. You can take reliable hearing tests using your iPhone or iPad.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how a VPN — virtual private network — works and how running it can slow down the operation of your device.
The WalkON Suit F1, an exoskeleton developed to help people with disabilities, can actually walk over to a person in a wheelchair, solving a major problem.
ClickFix, a new scam targeting computer users, is on the rise in the U.S. The scam prompts its targets to click on a link to fix a problem.
Skydweller is the world's largest unmanned solar-powered aircraft that can stay airborne for weeks, and even months, without refueling.
The U.S. government said it is investigating after People's Republic of China hackers targeted commercial telecommunications service providers in the U.S.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated ways to lure unsuspecting victims, and some are impersonating an email help desk or support team.
You can unsend or edit your iMessages with the latest iOS updates. Kurt the CyberGuy explains how you can save yourself some potential embarrassment.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says there’s been a rise in cybercriminal services using hacked police and government emails to send subpoenas and data requests to U.S. companies.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how Axiom Space and luxury designer Prada are collaborating on NASA's Artemis III spacesuit design.
Voice assistants may cause confusion across devices. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers some solutions to fix it.
Shameless scammers trick veterans into giving personal info or cash. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson explores five common scams.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson helps you honor our heroes with these powerful podcasts, audiobooks and documentaries this Veterans Day.

5 Ways to Pamper Your Parrot

We are all busy these days and I know it's... Read More

Fat Dogs - How To Get Overweight Dogs to Diet and Slim Down Without Whining

Obesity in dogs is a growing problem, which can cause... Read More

How To Keep Your Cat Healthy - Cat Feeding Explained

Cats have a reputation for being finicky eaters, but that... Read More

Clicker Training For Dogs: Positive Reinforcement Training

There is nothing more adorable than a new puppy. Large... Read More

Saving Ginger From Being Put To Sleep ? Part 1

A family, including three dogs and a cat live happily... Read More

Tips For Toys

Toys are fun both for our dogs and us. Lucky... Read More

Training Your Dog to Sit

Training your dog to "sit" is probably the first thing... Read More

West Highland White Terriers ? Westies- A Wonderful Breed Apart

"Westies" or West Highland White Terriers are furry coated dogs,... Read More

Does The World Need More Cats?

Aren't they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing... Read More

Buyer Beware: Purebred Dog Myths

Every month I am approached by dog owners of my... Read More

Grapes, Nuts, and Your Dogs Health -- Foods that Fido should Avoid

"Magoo was a big, playful Labrador retriever who often got... Read More

Orthopedic Dog Beds

Many people consider their dog to be part of their... Read More

Dog Jewelry: A Celebration of Mans Best Friend

"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil... Read More

Westie Merchandise that Benefits your Dog

There are many places to find Westie merchandise, but before... Read More

Humming Birds Make Wonderful Pets

Humming birds are wonderful birds that are smart, playful, and... Read More

How To Stop Your Horse From Rearing And What To Do If He Does It Unexpectedly

There is a dangerous problem that horse owners should be... Read More

What Type Of Food Should You Really Feed Your Cat?

What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More

Hamsters Make Cute and Adorable Pets

Hamsters are soft, furry and small. They make wonderful pets... Read More

The Importance Of A Proper Correction

There are headstrong dogs that know too well that a... Read More

Canine Diabetes - Does Your Dog Have it?

Canine Diabetes: A Serious Dog Disease That is Completely ManageableCanine... Read More

Tips on Hamster Breeding

Hamster breeding can sometimes be confusing for a hamster owner.... Read More

Goldfish Tips - Choosing The Right One

Tips to getting the right GoldfishGoldfish are a temperate breed... Read More

Why Does My Dog Have Bad Breath?

"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths... Read More

Puppy Basics: Potty-Training, Reprimanding, and Rewards...

Potty Training Your Puppy:Make sure you feed your dog at... Read More

Thats No Paris Hilton! An Overview of Dog Obedience Training Videos

Mention the word "video" and different people would come up... Read More

Antigo wedding limo ..