|
Afghan
Hound Rescue
to the rescue In 2007, 45
Afghan
Hounds in deplorable condition were removed
from a ranch by animal service in Placer County, California.
Afghan
Hound Rescue of Southern
California
took over
the care of the dogs and today
all the dogs have been placed in permanent loving homes.
July 15, 2008A multiagency task force rescued
67 Afghan hounds Monday night from the home of a San Miguel County, New
Mexico woman.
Read
Story HereOnce again, Afghan Hound Rescue came to the rescue. |
The Afghan Hound King of Dogs |
 In the 90's and early 2000, Sheba was one of the most popular dogs on the Internet. Like the Little Tabby, Sheba was a Petaluma girl. Petaluma is a "little unfriendly" to animals . . .  |
| He was
called "the
dog of Noah's Ark" by tribesmen hunters of Afghanistan. Earlier beliefs and even today many believe the Afghan Hound is the most ancient of breeds. The actual age of the breed is disputed with each reading, each author and each generation, but most acknowledge the Afghan Hound history goes back to approximately 8,000 years. Long-haired greyhound dog types were pictured and described in Egypt of 4000 B.C. In his native land, Afghanistan, the Afghan Hound excelled as a hunter where he was used against a variety of wild game, such as the antelope, gazelle and snow leopard. No other breed of dog can claim such exotic beauty and elegance as the Afghan Hound of today. The American Kennel Club describe the Afghan Hound as an aristocrat. "His whole appearance is one of dignity and aloofness with no trace of plainness or coarseness. He has a straight front, proudly carried head, eyes gazing into the distance as if in memory of ages past. The striking characteristics of the breed-exotic, or "Eastern," expression, long silky topknot, peculiar coat pattern, very prominent hipbones, large feet, and the impression of a somewhat exaggerated bend in the stifle due to profuse trouserings-stand out clearly, giving the Afghan Hound the appearance of what he is, a king of dogs, that has held true to tradition throughout the ages". Descriptions of the Afghan Hound can be difficult unless you live with them, but DigitalDog web site makes an excellent description in plain language and few words: "The drama of the Afghan Hound would seem unlikely in a world of Labradors and Beagles, and then, you go to a show or a park and meet your first Afghan. Rather like the beautiful girl at school that everyone presumes is snobbish but is instead a bit gentle and shy, the Afghan reserves its happy abandon, total devotion and exuberance for those it knows best. This is not to say that the Afghan is a retiring competitor in Agility or Lure Coursing, indeed, the cloud of hair as they partly sail and partly fly at a full run defies honest description. The most heavily coated of the sighthounds, the Afghan is an ancient breed who's cousins still populate the desert areas striving to earn their keep in a changing world. Imported to the US in 1926, the Afghan quickly earned a place here, where its fanciers are quick to note that the dog is intelligent, perhaps too intelligent to be bribed for a bit of a treat and too aloof to work for someone who lacks sincerity and true enthusiasm for the task. To live and train an Afghan Hound requires respect for a strong minded individual who is happily a teammate but never a forced participant". (From Digital Dog) I was in Montréal in 1954 when I saw my first Afghan Hound and I thought, if I ever have a dog this is the dog I want. That wish was not realized until 1982, when I answered an ad for Afghan Hound puppies. I had not planned to adopt that very day, but as I sat on the floor watching the puppies clown around, this little red brindle came to me, sat on my lap, and did not leave my side until I left carrying her in my arms. Sheba clearly selected me as her guardian on that day. As it turned out, Sheba had a destiny to fill and an important mission in life. She became the most important messenger of peace in my life and educated so many people about kindness to animals. Sheba was one of the most popular dogs on the Internet for more than ten years until 2004, when her site was closed. I must warn you, the Afghan Hound is not the dog for everyone. They are extremely sensitive to stress and can get literally sick to their stomachs, with severe digestive problems when in stressful condition. They are peaceful animals, they have special needs and demand lots of attention and maintenance. But with the right person, Afghan Hounds are delightful and loving companions. I shared my life with at least one Afghan Hound since 1982, and today I can hardly imagine life without one. Nika, my last Afghan, is almost thirteen and I know she has to be the last due to changes in living condition and my age. As young puppies, they shared my home like members of my family. I brushed, bathed and cared for them until the day they died. I love this breed and I dread the approaching day when I have to say goodbye to Nika. Even in her old age, Nika is still a very proud Afghan; straightening her shoulders and raising her head high when she sees someone coming her way. Never a show dog, but the true spirit of the Afghan Hound. |
Nika passed away
May 26, 2006
|
 In memory of Megantic's Little Bear "Nika"  June 26, 1993 -- May 26, 2006 Always in my heart.  Click Here for: Nika, Remembered (Photographs) Meet my Survival Team |
|
||
| |
Nika joined Sheba, Canio, Evie and Mika at "My Pet
Cemetery " on Saturday July 29, 2006, 2:00
P.M. 430 Magnolia Avenue, Petaluma, CA 94952 Several friends joined the memorial to honor this very special dog. Donations in memory of Nika can be sent to: PAWS - Pets Are Wonderful Support 645 Harrison Street, Suite 100 San Francisco, CA 94107-1320 415-979-9550 Thanks to PAWS’ help, I was able to keep Nika with me until her last day. My most sincere thanks to Andrea Brooks and the staff at PAWS. Special thanks also to Kevin Underhill, Attorney, for Shook, Hardy & Bacon of San Francisco, for legal help during difficult times. And thank you to Robert Intner, Attorney of Petaluma. Marcelle Guy elle@ellevie.com |
|||
|
NIKA
REMEMBERED
By
Sue
The
trick to walking Nika was
running shoes. Five years ago walking around the lake at Lucchesi
involved chasing ducks and birds with her 6 feet in front of me running
while I struggled to keep up with her. With her graceful stride
and good looks, she attracted a lot of human attention. She
ALWAYS responded by prancing faster with her fur flying and her head up
knowing the beautiful effect she had. However, she always knew
when to stop to give ME a rest.
Several times we went to the hospital and rounded the back by the emergency ward. On one such occasion she so cheered a woman who had just dropped her husband off, the lady wasn't sure whether to go into the trauma of the emergency ward or over to pet the joy of Nika. What good will ambassador could top this? Although she did fear other dogs, that didn't stop her from taking a boyfriend in later life. Although a tenth her size, she got down to his level to play. Love comes at unexpected times in life. Marcelle has used my calling Nika the Audrey Hepburn of dogs which explains a lot about Nika. She was gentle, elegant, beloved, and special. When the camera came on, she rose to the occasion with an academy award performance. I walk a lot of dogs, but Nika was my SPECIAL girl. May we always learn from and remember this remarkable girl. |
|
Afghan Hound Rescue Sites |
Special Canine Sites Tribute to Max, Petaluma K-9 Officer Honoring our Nation's War Dogs and their Handlers |
Afghan Hound Sites |
| Afghan Hound Rescue of Southern California |
||
| Afghan Hound Club of America | The American
Kennel Club |
|
| Afghan Hound Rescue Central Ohio | One of the
nicest Afghan Hound Site I have seen is on YOU TUBE |
|
| Afghan
Hound Database And Breed Information Exchange Afghan Hound Rescue of New England, Inc. Afghan Hound Rescue Of California |
||
| Wine
Country Greyhound Adoption |
||
| Greyhound Adoption |
Other Sites by
Marcelle Guy
Elle
on the Web Emergency Preparedness Don't leave your pets behind All About Petaluma Petaluma Sandalwood Estates The story  Where
to . . . in Petaluma Petaluma Sandalwood Estates Mourning   Time for change in Petaluma
Politics  Running for Mayor of Petaluma:  Jeff
MaynePresident of Petaluma Downtown Association David Glass Present City Council Member Former Mayor Running for City Council: Teresa Barrett Present City Council Member Mike HarrisPresent City Council Member Karen Nau Former Council Member Running for County Supervisor: Pamela Torliatt Present Mayor of Petaluma David Rabbitt Present City Council Member |
Tribute to Max, Petaluma Police K-9 Officer  Petaluma Feral Cats My Rescued Kittens  A Little Tabby speaks for the feral cats of the world Trap Spay Neuter The Northern California Bulletin Board A voice for our companion animals Prayers
for Animals
Time for change on Petaluma
City Council
and
Time for change in Petaluma Politics |
 Peace on Earth 
 
|
City
of Petaluma:
|
If disaster strikes are you ready? Don't leave your pets behind! The following links will help you prepare. Emergency Preparedness City of Petaluma
Emergency Preparedness Programs:
City of Petaluma Flood & Emergency Preparation City of Petaluma Fire Department City of Petaluma Police Department |
|
| © All Rights Reserved |
| Credit The Ivy Graphics by:  |