The Sweetest Cherry

The show Dogtown (one of Turbo's favorites, airing on the National Geographic Channel) premiered this season with the two-hour episode "Saving the Michael Vick Dogs." The program was equal parts heart-wrenching and heart-warming. Dogtown is not only a show but also a part of the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the nation, the Best Friends Animal Society Sanctuary. Located on 3000 sprawling acres of beautiful scenic canyon country in Kanab, Utah it's a haven not just for dogs, but also cats, horses, pigs, birds and many other cuddly creatures in need.

Cherry , the adorable pit bull pictured here is one of dogs featured in the show. He was one of 22 pit bulls seized from the wretched dogfighting training camp owned by Michael Vick last year and sent to be rehabilitated at Dogtown. Cherry had been so traumatized by his past experiences and fearful of people that he couldn't even walk on a leash when he first arrived at the refuge. He just flattened to the ground and his caretakers would have to carry him. When Cherry finally started walking, it was in a very low-crouching, skulking manner. It was heartbreaking to watch this beautiful creature who was virtually paralyzed as a result of the actions of those who should have been his biggest defenders, rather than his biggest detractors. But the folks at Dogtown have worked lovingly and diligently with him, and Turbo is happy to report that Cherry has progressed tremendously in the year since he was rescued. He not only jumps in excitement when he sees his trainers, he's also having play dates with another dog at the shelter. It is their hope that eventually he will be adoptable and they're working towards that end. You need only look at that sweet face and into those lovingly soulful eyes to know that they will achieve this goal.

Cherry is just one of the success stories that came out of a horrible situation. The staff at Best Friends, Dogtown are truly angels to these and many other beautiful pooches. Their organization is supported entirely through donations, so Turbo asks that if you can spare anything to help them keep up their noble work then please do. To donate click on this "link." Turbo thanks you.

SUPER Tuesday - Get out and VOTE!

Tomorrow, Tuesday February 5th is a big day in the country for the presidential race. Twenty-four states will be holding primaries/caucuses with the majority of delegates at stake for both parties. Turbo urges all registered voters in these states to get out and let your 'voice' be heard. It's a right that he doesn't take lightly (since he doesn't have it) and feels it's every citizen's obligation to exercise that right. Whether you're voting for Hillary Clinton, Obama or .... one of the others (?) be sure that you get out there and vote. Turbo wants a change and a better leader for us though and is encouraging everyone he can get a hold of to vote for change. He's had enough of the current president, his administration and all that it stands for. But whatever your views, please get out and vote. It is your right. It is your duty. And, Turbo will bite you in the ass if you don't!

THE GIANTS WIN SUPERBOWL XLII!

Turbo has a huge grin on his face because his team, the New York Giants won Superbowl XLII tonight! What a great game! He was on the edge of his seat the whole game (well .... except for the lame half-time "show"). Turbo's a big fan and knew they would pull out the win despite all the naysayers. So much for the Pats' 19-0* season. GO GIANTS!!!!

Turbo & Lucy

Bad Turbo!

Please take a look at the photos accompanying this post. They are of young Turbo and his "work." For the most part he's a great dog and complaints aren't warranted. However, every now and then when left to his own devices he's just not the best behaved pup around. The picture below is of a fabric sample that Turbo thought wasn't quite right and "re-imagined" it for his dads. The image above is of the bad dog with his handy work, complete with a guilty look on his face. Please note the chew toys (one nylabone & one rubber squeaker) in the midst of the textile carnage. How ironic. He's just not fond of being left alone and he let's his dad's know this in his own, not so unique nor unsubtle way. This sample from Donghia is just one victim in a long line of Turbo's frustrations. Others include his dog bed, a sofa cushion, newspapers, magazines, you name it. It's puzzling why he would feel so "abandoned" when left alone for a few hours here and there when he has company most of the time as he lives in a home/office. And when Turbo is left alone he gets extra-special handling in the form of a couple of great dog treats and soothing music. One can only hope it's an age thing that will disappear in the near future. Until then, his dads are thankful that at least he's selective in what he chooses to destroy and, knock on wood, doesn't go for anything of real value. But no matter what, his dads will love him mo' than their luggage.

WOOF! - Get me off of this diet!

Woof, woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof. Woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof! Woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof woof. Woof WOOF!
Oops .... looks like Turbo started this one on his own and some translation is needed. You see, he's had enough of the diet he's been put on. And apparently he just can't take it anymore. Similar to many people needing a change of bad eating habits, Turbo had to turn over a new leaf before the new year as he'd packed on a few too many extra pounds. He's not alone as 25 - 40 percent of dogs in this country are deemed overweight or obese. It's worse for the overweight or obese human population as they number more than 60 percent. YIKES! So, not unlike Valerie Bertinelli and Kirstie Alley before her he sought the help of professionals, but not Jenny Craig. No, his diet has been courtesy of Wellness dog foods' Weight Management Super 5 Mix. He's lost the weight, is maintaining the loss and is ready to get back to "normal food" as he calls it. Unfortunately he can't quite understand that he needs to be more active again before the diet can change. He is ruled by his stomach though, as most dogs (and humans) are. Turbo's given treats throughout the day so hopefully they will help to ease his misery. A new toy won't hurt either so it's a trip to the pet store tomorrow! He'll be so pleased .... we hope. Woof!

Loss

Poor Turbo is a little sad today. The news of actor Heath Ledger's passing has him feeling a little blue and missing his big sis and best friend, Lucy.

Since the day he came to his new home Lucy was his constant companion, mentor, playmate. They were inseparable despite the almost nine year age difference. Sadly, dear sweet Lucy was diagnosed with cancer early last year. She ultimately succumbed to the disease in October after putting up a valiant battle and by far surpassing the time the doctors had given her. The days leading up to Lucy's passing Turbo sensed that she wasn't doing so well (nor were her dads for that matter). He would just calmly lie next to her, close enough so that he could smell her, touch her and comfort her. The morning that she went, he once again laid next to her for as long as he could. His dads were distraught over the loss but were thankful that Turbo could be there to comfort them. He still misses Lucy a lot, but takes solace in the fact that she's in a better place where she's smiling, running, chasing tennis balls and climbing trees like she did before her illness. And the thought that he'll eventually see her again makes him feel a little better.

Turbo sends his condolences, thoughts and prayers to Heath's family. He hopes that at this time they are surrounded and comforted by loved ones and that in time they too will feel less sad. Time, and the support of family and friends, heals all wounds, even those of the heart.
Turbo would also like you to know there are organizations that are working towards curing canine cancer that need your support. Two in particular are the National Canine Cancer Foundation and the Morris Animal Foundation, Canine Cancer Campaign. Any help you can give them will help to fund research that can eradicate this disease that affects 1 in every 4 dogs. Please help.