I think, therefore, I am a dog...OR...I think therefore I am a dog
Yes, I write. That is something I have done since I was a pup. A very young human at my first home taught me. I still don't know why, but I was given away and I am very proud to say, I was quickly adopted by my current family. It was very sneaky of my human that she turned my email to my buddy Max into a book. Well, she added pictures, so it made it quite fun, Ok, I'm prejudice, what did you think I would say? :-)
My main concerns are dog safety and health, and of course trying to tell humans (if they would ever listen) what and what not to do... on anything. Really, I am not a know it all, far from it, but a great friend of mine IS! Sammy the Bassett can solve a problem faster than I can eat a bowl of kibble.
So if you have a question, Sammy and I will put our heads together and try to give it a go. Otherwise, you might end up collared with some unsolicited advice. (BOL!)
My main concerns are dog safety and health, and of course trying to tell humans (if they would ever listen) what and what not to do... on anything. Really, I am not a know it all, far from it, but a great friend of mine IS! Sammy the Bassett can solve a problem faster than I can eat a bowl of kibble.
So if you have a question, Sammy and I will put our heads together and try to give it a go. Otherwise, you might end up collared with some unsolicited advice. (BOL!)
E-mails From Shilo
The story of a dog's quest to figure out most everything!
There is more to being a dog than looking cute, chasing squirrels or figuring out how to get along with the resident cat - as the "mom" of Shilo, a rescued Golden Retriever, discovers when she uncovers a mysterious folder in her computer filled with nearly two years' worth of e-mails - from Shilo to Max, her sister's dog.
We see this world through his eyes and interpreted through his canine sensibilities. Shilo's underlying worry is that perhaps, like his first family, his new family may not want him anymore, that they too could suddenly disappear one day. This emotional experience gives his world a sympathetic perspective and forces him to deal with some very tough issues of his own. It is his surprising discussions with his friend, sage and mentor, a Basset Hound named Sammy that gives Shilo's stories a mysterious twist. Sammy reveals the lore and history of the wolf and the wisdom they passed along throughout the ages to the dog world. As a student philosopher, Shilo endeavors to comprehend life as he lives it with his family and friends and ventures to resolve the true meaning of who he is. As an explorer, he is curious yet mystified by his experiences: human behavior, emotions, music, snow, death, Christmas trees, TV and always...cats. "E-mails from Shilo" starts as a story about an amiable, curious, and very confused dog - and ends up an inspiring adventure for humans of all ages. It is a tale of self-discovery, responsibility, companionship, humor, friendship and love. This lovely book is filled with more than 50 illustrations.
We see this world through his eyes and interpreted through his canine sensibilities. Shilo's underlying worry is that perhaps, like his first family, his new family may not want him anymore, that they too could suddenly disappear one day. This emotional experience gives his world a sympathetic perspective and forces him to deal with some very tough issues of his own. It is his surprising discussions with his friend, sage and mentor, a Basset Hound named Sammy that gives Shilo's stories a mysterious twist. Sammy reveals the lore and history of the wolf and the wisdom they passed along throughout the ages to the dog world. As a student philosopher, Shilo endeavors to comprehend life as he lives it with his family and friends and ventures to resolve the true meaning of who he is. As an explorer, he is curious yet mystified by his experiences: human behavior, emotions, music, snow, death, Christmas trees, TV and always...cats. "E-mails from Shilo" starts as a story about an amiable, curious, and very confused dog - and ends up an inspiring adventure for humans of all ages. It is a tale of self-discovery, responsibility, companionship, humor, friendship and love. This lovely book is filled with more than 50 illustrations.
E-mails From Shilo
Amazon Price: $14.94 (as of 07/11/2009) 
Yummy food I can't eat...what's up with that?
No-No's for the doggie's diet
Dear Shilo,
I really love my humans, but I get so frustrated with them sometimes. All I get is dog food and dog biscuits. However, sometimes these most scrumptious smells go wafting through my eating room. It makes me go insane. I get so hungry for, you know, something DIFFERENT! Why can't I eat what they eat?
Starving in Cincinnatti
Dear Starving,
Oh, I know just what you are howling about! I sometimes think they cook up those things just to make me crazy, sirloin steak, turkey, chicken... oh boy, its enough to make me want to go out with the coyotes that live around here, you know, go wild? But here is the problem. We can't always eat the same things that humans eat, and I have to guess, since they have never joined me in a bowl of kibble that they can't eat what we eat. They do, however, share the very occasional table scrap, minus bones, grissel, or fat.
I got this list from those great folks at the ASPCA, you know, those guys who love us so much and look after our best interests. Here is a list of NO-NO'S FOR PETS! Consume not, or you will be very, very sorry. These are very poisonous. If you make a mistake, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately!
1. Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine
2. Alcohol
3. Avocado
4. Macadamia Nuts
5. Grapes & Raisins
6. Yeast Dough
7. Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones
8. Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
9. Onions, Garlic, Chives
10. Milk
Hope this helps big guy. But notice, cooked steak, turkey, and chicken (boneless of course) are not on their list, so a little "hinting" (humans call it begging, please, so beneath our dignity to beg) just might be appropriate.
Say, why not get your humans to make a donation to those ASPCA guys... just go to ASPCA.org. 'Tis the season, after all!
Your buddy,
Shilo
I really love my humans, but I get so frustrated with them sometimes. All I get is dog food and dog biscuits. However, sometimes these most scrumptious smells go wafting through my eating room. It makes me go insane. I get so hungry for, you know, something DIFFERENT! Why can't I eat what they eat?
Starving in Cincinnatti
Dear Starving,
Oh, I know just what you are howling about! I sometimes think they cook up those things just to make me crazy, sirloin steak, turkey, chicken... oh boy, its enough to make me want to go out with the coyotes that live around here, you know, go wild? But here is the problem. We can't always eat the same things that humans eat, and I have to guess, since they have never joined me in a bowl of kibble that they can't eat what we eat. They do, however, share the very occasional table scrap, minus bones, grissel, or fat.
I got this list from those great folks at the ASPCA, you know, those guys who love us so much and look after our best interests. Here is a list of NO-NO'S FOR PETS! Consume not, or you will be very, very sorry. These are very poisonous. If you make a mistake, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately!
1. Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine
2. Alcohol
3. Avocado
4. Macadamia Nuts
5. Grapes & Raisins
6. Yeast Dough
7. Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones
8. Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
9. Onions, Garlic, Chives
10. Milk
Hope this helps big guy. But notice, cooked steak, turkey, and chicken (boneless of course) are not on their list, so a little "hinting" (humans call it begging, please, so beneath our dignity to beg) just might be appropriate.
Say, why not get your humans to make a donation to those ASPCA guys... just go to ASPCA.org. 'Tis the season, after all!
Your buddy,
Shilo
All things DOG!
Need a book on your beloved doggie?
Here is a quick way to snag a book from Amazon in a hurry. Either click on one of these recommendations, or search for what you would like.
I was raised on a farm, why is that bad?
Dear Shilo,
I was raised on a farm, but now I hear that is a bad thing, to be a puppy on a farm. I love my farm, the horses, the cows, the goats not to mention all the great chickens to chase (never catch them though, heck to pay if that happens.) So what's the deal?
Puppytized in Iowa
Dear Puppy,
I too was confused by your letter, so Sammy explained that it is not the animal and growing plants type of farms that are bad, it is "Puppy-Farms" that are bad, very bad indeed. You see some bad humans think it is OK to make girl dogs have lots and lots of puppies... to (hold on to your leash for this one) sell them! So they have lots and lots of puppies, the puppies are not taken well cared of, the girl dogs get worn out having all those puppies, and with people buying these puppies, the poor dogs in the rescues and the shelters aren't being adopted. So just remember, Farms-Good, Puppy-Farms-BAD!
Your buddy,
Shilo
(I'd post up a photo of one of those puppy-farms, but too sad, can't take it)
I was raised on a farm, but now I hear that is a bad thing, to be a puppy on a farm. I love my farm, the horses, the cows, the goats not to mention all the great chickens to chase (never catch them though, heck to pay if that happens.) So what's the deal?
Puppytized in Iowa
Dear Puppy,
I too was confused by your letter, so Sammy explained that it is not the animal and growing plants type of farms that are bad, it is "Puppy-Farms" that are bad, very bad indeed. You see some bad humans think it is OK to make girl dogs have lots and lots of puppies... to (hold on to your leash for this one) sell them! So they have lots and lots of puppies, the puppies are not taken well cared of, the girl dogs get worn out having all those puppies, and with people buying these puppies, the poor dogs in the rescues and the shelters aren't being adopted. So just remember, Farms-Good, Puppy-Farms-BAD!
Your buddy,
Shilo
(I'd post up a photo of one of those puppy-farms, but too sad, can't take it)
Why can't I stick my head out the car window?
Dog in Cars
Dear Shilo,I am a 4 year-old cocker spaniel and one of my MOST favorite things to do is to take a ride in the car. It is so much fun. I stick my head out the window and the wind feels so great on my fur and my ears just go flap, flap, flap ( I have lots of ear real-estate.) So yesterday we all piled into the car, and can you believe it, I was strapped down like a calf during a rodeo. I am humiliated. It has taken all the fun out of the car ride. Why would my humans be so mean to me now?
Dog-tied in Arkansas
Dear Dog-tied,
Actually, I know the answer to this because I too was fur-ious when I couldn't do the ear wave anymore out the car window. My answer won't give you your freedom during the car ride, but it will make you love your humans even more.
I now have to ride in a crate. . .in the back of the car . . . AND I can't even see my humans. Growl. However, the way I understand it from Sammy is if your human had to stop quickly (like for a stupid cat running across the road!) a loose dog could become a flying mass of wild fur going through the front window (horrors!). Please note, humans are strapped in and don't poke their heads out of the window. So now they have to either get a jacket to put us in to connect to the seat or put us in a crate that is also secure. Safe dog is a happy dog. Hey, here is a picture of a vest they sell here in my neighborhood of california. However, I hear we should really ride in the back seat because if your human runs into something, this GIGANTIC balloon comes popping out of the dashboard and could knock a few teeth out. Ya know, I love my bones and I need all my teeth.
So give a big lick on the mouth to your human for caring so much about you. And give them a lick for me too. (Wait until after they eat dinner, it will taste better, trust me, I know.)
Your buddy,
Shilo
Hey here are a few sites that have harnesses, but also check at your local pet store:
S.A.S.H.A, Safe and Secure Harness Allicance
Ruff Rider Harnesses
Helpful Dog Information
Here are some interesting links to good articles on dog health, safety and some just for fun.
- Dangerous Pet Shampoos - Thoughts from the Bark Side
- Thoughts from the Bark Side
Bark, woof, yip or growl… ruminations of the human & canine kind Fri 20 Mar, 2009
Dangerous Pet Shampoos
Filed under: Dog Health, Dog Safety, Dogs
Tags: cats, dangerous pet products, Dogs, pet safety, pets, toxic pet shampoo Hi all, Susan here,
I was
Thoughts from the Bark Side
Bark, woof, yip or growl... ruminations of the human & canine kind
Shilo and friends will write about anything and everything from a canine-centric world.
Thoughts from the Bark Side
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awakeningwellness wrote...
I really enjoyed this lens and have added it to a collection of dog stories they I put together and dedicated to my golden retriever. (: *****
You can see it at www.squidoo.com/dogstories
Posted December 31, 2008
Lensmaster
New_Englander
Hey Shilo,
Interesting site-the seat belt thing is really good. Why would anyone let their dog loose in a car, you wouldn't let your kids loose?
Posted October 11, 2008
ShibaShake wrote...
What a fun way to present dog information! I love the pictures :)
Posted September 01, 2008
alslad wrote...
Welcome to the Gone to The Dogs Group.
Darren
www.squidoo.com/groups/gone-to-the-dogs
Posted August 25, 2008
by Shilo-GR
Shilo is a first time author with E-mails from Shilo. A ten year old Golden Retriever happily living in Southern California with his adopted Mom and D... (more)
