Montana's Blog
This is Montana's chance to express herself, and a chance for you, her "fans" to ask her questions. If you have a questions for Montana, email her at
montanaCED@humanesocietyofnwia.com
June 4, 2009
Rita took me on a l-o-n-g drive yesterday. We went all the way to Remsen, where Rita used to live. We met some very nice people at the library and at the care center. It was a fun day, but, boy, was I ever tired when we got home! (I think Rita was tired, too.) Today, I got a really nice email from the library lady! Here's what it said:
"We are so happy you were able to come home with Rita and meet her friends and family from Remsen. You both were awesome guests and we have had so many compliments from your program. We understand your nursing home visit was equally special! You now have a whole new group of Remsen friends! Thank you for taking good care of Rita for us!
Your Remsen Public Library Friends"
May 12, 2009
I got an email from my new friend, Brandy today. She asked me about something called "dog licenses". I don't know anything about that, so I told her not to worry. I hope I wasn't wrong to tell her that......
March 10, 2009
I got my first email today! Kim B. from Milford asked this question: "Montana, what does the C.E.D. after your name stand for?" Well, Kim, I'm sure you are not the only one wondering about that. C.E.D. stands for "Chief Executive Dog". Which is what I am!
March 7, 2009
To start off, I think I will post some of my past newsletter articles. Then, those of you who haven't met me yet will get a little insight as to what kind of dog I am and the job I do here at the HSNWIA. - Montana, CED.
November 15, 2008
I miss Willow. She was my friend. It’s up to us, the ones who are left behind, to celebrate the lives of the ones who have gone. I like knowing that she will be there to rub noses with me when it comes time for us to meet again.
Willow really left her mark. She put it in the heart of everyone she touched. She was a great therapy cat! When I go with the PAWS van, I keep hearing people ask, “Where’s Willow?” Judy and Vern choke up a bit and then say that Willow crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. It’s true. Willow isn’t sick anymore and there are meadows and hills for her and all her special friends to run and play together.
Inside, we all know we have to die sometime. Not that anyone wants to rush it - I know I don’t! But Willow was really failing, she just stayed good natured about it - fooling even the staff, but she didn’t fool me. I knew how really brave she was being. Yup, I’ll sure miss her, but that is what memories are for. And some day we’ll meet up again and rub noses like we used to. It’s always hard to say good-bye, and if you ever need help, you can call here because one of the staff is trained to do pet bereavement counseling. Till next time - Montana, CED.
April 15, 2008 Cats, cats, cats, can’t live with‘em, can’t live without‘em. I knew it was bound to happen -that sooner or later one was gonna show up here that had “the gift” and she did and her name is Willow.
By now you know they already gave her front page! Can you believe that? Well, it’s ok because, I really like her and it’s neat that she goes with me and some of the others from here to the care facilities to visit all the kind folks who don’t have pets of their own. And Willow gave me a great idea for my column this time.
She suggested that I write about the short humans, so here goes.
First of all, short humans love dogs and they love to share. You like people food. So help them out! Share an ice cream cone: they take a lick, you take a lick, works with lollipops too. When they eat, they often sit in a very high chair with lots of room underneath for - you! Take your place and quietly reap the rewards that are bound to fall your way.
Short humans seem to forget easily - like the tasty treat in their hand. If you are careful, you can take that piece of food - very gently - and often they won’t even notice until it’s too late - then they usually giggle!
Partnerships - short people are picky eaters - you aren’t. Train them early to pass stuff they don’t want under the table where you’ll be waiting. A well-timed collision can help them to spill things and you will actually be praised for your cleaning-up help.
Lastly, don’t forget the little faces that are just your height and a veritable smorgasbord! Fingers are good, too. Lick often. Enjoy!
'Til next time - Montana, CED.
November 15, 2007
My buddy, Chip, finally got a home. His is a sad, sad story, but luckily has a happy ending. Ever hear of a puppy mill? That’s a terrible place where dogs are made to breed and make puppies that later get sold by people who just care about making money. The mom hardly gets one litter raised up, and she’s pregnant again. The dad doesn’t even get to see his pups. He just lives in a small kennel or cage waiting to breed again.
Poor Chip. Four years old and no couch to lay on or family to watch TV with at night. Nope, just year after year waiting and wondering, "Is this all there is?" Then one day Chip and his whole family came to our shelter. The puppies adopted quickly because they were really cute. Not as cute as me, though. Then the Mom adopted because she had been handled a lot and was friendly.
But no one wanted Chip. He was scared and hid in the back of his kennel. He didn’t get what people were about at all. The staff said Chip wasn’t socialized. But they fixed that by helping him learn that people aren’t really all that bad. They let Chip follow me around the shelter all day and we be came “buds!” Then one day he suddenly became a real dog and next thing you know, he got himself a real home! I wish everyone who bought puppies could see their moms and dads first. 'Til next time - Montana, CED