Our newest blog returns, and we get the inside scoop on the beloved creatures who live with library staff. In this latest reveal, learn the secrets and latest news on the crew who live with Stephanie. When she is not spending time with her family and pets, Stephanie works in Adult Services. Her oldest pet, Bobo, shares his heartbreaking tale of friendship, loss, and the challenge of playing second fiddle to newer pets who get all the family’s attention.
I arrived at my new home on October 6, 2008. I was the cutest red miniature poodle. The children in my new family adored me instantly and decided to name me Bobo. Not what I would have chosen that name (maybe Rocko or Brutus), but hey they were kids…right? Truth be told I was the cutest thing they had ever seen in person. I mean look at me!
Well I had almost three good months with my new family when one day the brought home this one:
She was an Italian Mastiff (Cane Corso). They named her Mocha. All of a sudden I was second fiddle to this beautiful sweet girl.
I tried to stay number one, but no matter what I did, I just couldn’t be the one anymore. So, if you can’t beat them, join them. I hung around Mocha all the time. We almost became friends.
We were a few months old, and Mocha was about seventy pounds. I was full grown at twelve pounds. That would have been fine with me, but now everyone I met thought I was a girl and she was a boy. On top of that, since Mocha liked to destroy any new toys or beds we got, especially my little toys, I never got to have my own bed. She also did not like it when I returned home from the groomer. She would act like she didn’t even know me!
Mocha and I spent ten years together when she unexpectedly got cancer. She remained medicated and happy for quite awhile; then she passed away. We were all very upset and to this day my family still talks about their big sweet girl.
That might be the end of my story – but no. After some time, my family surprised me with a cat! Now I had never met a cat in person and quite frankly never wanted to. Oh, the ooohs and ahhhs over this thing! I mean look at her….ugh!
They decided to name her Ruby. I will say that she did try to befriend me. But I was not having it!
Again, I was playing second fiddle to a newcomer! As much as they tried to make us friends, I made it clear to my family that I was not happy with this one….
It’s been a few years now and I can say that my toleration level has gotten a bit higher for the orange fur ball. I will never understand what they see in her!
Now, that my entire family is home ALL THE TIME NOW, Ruby and are spending a lot more time together wishing these people would resume their regular schedule. She still loves me, even though the feeling is not entirely mutual. I guess were all in this together!
Honestly, my family is a little crazy but I guess I will hang around for the rest of this ride, as long as there are no more surprises!
Too late! After making peace with all that life has thrown at me I get another zinger…
Pepper!
Inspired by Bobo’s Tale:
Our Dogs, Ourselves: The Story of a Singular Bond by Alexandra Horowitz
We keep dogs and are kept by them. We love dogs and (we assume) we are loved by them. We buy them sweaters, toys, shoes; we are concerned with their social lives, their food, and their health. The story of humans and dogs is thousands of years old but is far from understood. In Our Dogs, Ourselves, Alexandra Horowitz explores all aspects of this unique and complex interspecies pairing.
As Horowitz considers the current culture of dogdom, she reveals the odd, surprising, and contradictory ways we live with dogs. We celebrate their individuality but breed them for sameness. Despite our deep emotional relationships with dogs, legally they are property to be bought, sold, abandoned, or euthanized as we wish. Even the way we speak to our dogs is at once perplexing and delightful.
In thirteen thoughtful and charming chapters, Our Dogs, Ourselves affirms our profound affection for this most charismatic of animals—and opens our eyes to the companions at our sides as never before.
Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
When 11-year-old Marty Preston finds a young beagle up in the hills behind his home near Friendly, West Virginia, he is convinced that the poor pup is in trouble. Certain that the dog is being abused by his owner, Judd Travers, Marty names him “Shiloh” and immediately feels that he will do anything to save the dog from further harm.
When the dog runs away from Judd to Marty’s house, Marty is faced with a number of ethical dilemmas: Should he tell his parents? Should he return the dog to the abusive Judd? Should he steal food to feed the mistreated pup? Marty finds that there is a fine line between telling the truth and lying by omission. He struggles to stand on the principles he knows are right, even if they go against the law.
As Marty’s half-truths begin to pile up, however, the villainous Judd comes closer and closer to finding Shiloh, who Marty has hidden in the woods. Then when Marty discovers that Judd is poaching, he blackmails him and makes a deal to work for Judd to pay for the dog, but this is not what he tells his parents. In the end, readers will rejoice when Marty and Shiloh are allowed to be together.
The Trainable Cat: A Practical Guide to Making Life Happier for You and Your Cat by John Bradshaw and Sarah Ellis
The idea of training rarely crosses cat owners’ minds, and we often assume that cats can’t and don’t need to be trained. But in The Trainable Cat, bestselling anthrozoologist John Bradshaw and cat expert Sarah Ellis show that not only can cats be trained, but they absolutely must be in order to strengthen the bond between pet and owner, reduce their anxiety, and maximize their happiness.
The O'Fallon Public Library News 