Mountain Views News          Saturday, September 17, 2016

11

JUST FOR BEST FRIENDS

Mountain Views-News Saturday, September 17, 2016 


Happy Tails

by Chris Leclerc

SECRET JOB OF A DOG

A simple smile. It’s been described by some as a 
universal language unto itself. It’s a contagious gesture 
that can break the ice between two people who’d likely 
otherwise not interact. It can bring joy to an otherwise 
hopeless soul and healing to an otherwise broken 
heart. But for some people, a smile is anything but 
simple. Indeed, for some it seems to come as one of 
the toughest tasks they’ll be forced to perform on any 
given day. In comes the dog.

 Unassuming, trusting and unconditionally loving, 
the dog is predictably and consistently capable of 
making a human’s day. I see it happen all the time. Most 
often when I’m out and about in town with my canine 
companions. I’m somewhat of a gregarious character, 
and I believe that to be a good thing. But I think that at 
times my friendly manner is misinterpreted as a sign of 
desperateness or weakness. I’m actually not desperate 
nor am I weak, I don‘t think. I’m just a person who 
likes to spread a little happiness as I go through my 
daily walk of life.

 Fortunately for me and many others, when I come 
across people who can’t find their way to engage 
in something as simple as a friendly grin or glance 
exchange, my four-legged friends are ready and willing 
to help melt away the meanness and make it happen.

 There’s just something about a dog that allows folks 
to relax and open up, even if only enough to reciprocate 
with a smile. It’s a gift given to them by their Creator, 
I believe. They may not know they possess such a gift, 
but one thing is for sure; they put that gift to use every 
chance they get. It’s like a secret job of a dog to bring 
smiles to the faces of the people who need it most. It’s 
in their nature.

 This all came to mind as I was strolling the 
boulevard with one of my more outgoing furry friends, 
“Bogie” last week. As is my habit, I was talking to him 
as we walked. I asked how his morning had been and 
if the kitties had kept him good company. You know, 
just the basic chit chat one might have with a dog. I’m 
pretty sure he had no idea what I was saying, but he 
was courteous enough to look my way occasionally 
and nod his head as if to agree with every word I said.

 As we approached the curve in the sidewalk at 
Kersting Court, I noticed a few people seated at the 
tables scattered in front of Starbucks. Generally, the 
folks we meet there are cordial and seem to enjoy 
saying hello to Bogie. Even people we’ve never met 
before, often like to say hi to him. Probably because 
he’s so gorgeous and approachable.

 I never assume people want to meet or pet the dogs 
I walk, although folks often do show 
interest in meeting and greeting 
Bogie, and when they do I always stop 
long enough for him to receive those 
loving pats on the head and words of 
admiration before we continue on 
our way.

 This particular day was different. 
To me, it felt as though there was 
a sort of coldness in the air. I don’t 
mean the temperature of the air was 
cold. I’m talking about the kind of 
chill one might feel when they are 
very much alone in a room full of 
people. This is no strange feeling to 
me. I’ve experienced it numerous times in my life. Hey, 
I get it. Not everyone in the world is friendly with their 
fellow man and I’ve learned to accept that fact.

 But what really stuck out in my mind while we were 
passing through the small crowd of the sitters and 
coffee-drinkers on the sidewalk that day, was the way 
most peoples’ expressions visibly changed as soon as 
they got a glimpse of my big, beautiful buddy, Bogie.

 Most interestingly, there was one particular 
person whose facial transition was nothing less than 
mechanical. It was almost like he was trying his 
hardest not to smile. Like he’d set out that morning 
to stay stoic and stern; absolutely determined that 
nothing, not even a kind canine, would cause the crack 
of a smile to cross his bitter face.

 But then something amazing happened. It was 
almost like magic. When Bogie approached and got 
close enough to look that pious, prude person in the 
eye, it was like all the effort he’d put into staying stiff as 
a stick fell away and the faint sign of a smile began to 
emerge where his fretful frown had been. It was then 
that suddenly I felt the chill in the air give way to a 
warm, easy breeze.

 Now I’ve been told I have a knack for the dramatic, 
and I suppose that‘s probably true. But I am very careful 
about what I say when it comes to things Spiritual, and 
I can honestly say that I know in my heart God was 
alive and well and working within the act of that dog 
that day. I believe it’s part of His plan. He uses dogs to 
perform the most challenging jobs. Bogie was simply 
going about the business bestowed upon him by his 
Maker, and that ole grump simply could not keep up 
his facial facade. He smiled whether he wanted to or 
not!

 Throughout the remainder of our walk, I couldn’t 
help noticing people’s expression as they passed by 
us and looked down at Bogie. One guy was intensely 
focused on his cell phone at first, until he got a glimpse 
of Bogie’s big brown eyes through his peripheral 
vision. Immediately, his attention was drawn away 
from whatever virtual media had had him engrossed, 
and he turned his focus toward an amazing animal 
with the power to change the course of his life, starting 
with one moment on one day.

 I give you the remarkable, adorable, loveable dog 
whose secret job is to make us…well, simply smile. 
You’ve got to love it. By the way Katherine Moeller, I 
know you are one proud dog-mom. Your Bogie is quite 
a treasure and I truly appreciate you sharing him with 
me!


AMAZING AUSTIN MEOWERS! 

Austin is not only very, very handsome and fluffy, but he is also 
super, super sweet! Definitely your “purr-fect” kitty! He lives for 
loving! Austin would be happy just lounging around, being petted, 
and just being around you. Age about 2 or 3. See his cute video and 
more pictures on our website.

Lifeline for Pets is a small no-kill rescue, and we know our cats well. 
We show some cats most Sunday afternoons at Petsmart, 3347 E. 
Foothill 
Blvd. in 
Pasadena, 
12:30-3:30. 

Adoption fee is $100, which includes spay, 
microchip, & vaccine. Our cats are negative 
FELV/FIV unless otherwise indicated. 

See adoption info & application on our 
website, www.lifelineforpets.org. Or call 626-
676-9505. Sorry, we are not accepting cats at 
this time.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lifelineforpets.
pasadena. Email: info@lifelineforpets.org 

Good news: Peaches has been adopted!

LOOKING FOR A BEST FRIEND?


Fava Bean is one of the most affectionate girls 
in Meow Manor and will come forward to greet 
visitors. Once petting starts, she will melt and ask 
for more attention. She came in as a kitten with 
4 siblings, and they were all named as a type of 
“Bean”. She has grown up to be a gracious and 
beautiful 2 year old young lady. Fava Bean loves 
hanging out in boxes, especially when they are 
girly pink or lined with pink edged blankets. She 
knows how to make herself comfortable. Her play 
style is attack and capture anything that moves. 
She will chase the laser dot, flying feathers, and 
anything marinated in catnip! She gets along 
well with her roommates so will do well in an 
multi-cat household, or will be content as an only 
companion. 

 Fava Bean is waiting for her forever family to 
come in to adopt her and give her a new name for 
a new life. Her adoption fee is $99, which includes 
spay surgery, a microchip, first vaccinations 
and a free wellness check-up at a participating 
veterinarian. Feel free to call us at (626) 286-
1159 for more information on Fava Bean. She 
currently resides at the San Gabriel Valley 
Humane Society located at 851 E. Grand Avenue 
in San Gabriel which is located off San Gabriel 
Blvd, north of Mission and south of Las Tunas 
Drive. To arrange a ‘Meet and Greet’ with Fava 
Bean, please stop by any time from 10:30am to 
4:30pm Tuesday through Sunday.Website:www.
sgvhumane.org. 

 Go to smile.amazon.com and find the San 
Gabriel Valley Humane Society and every time 
you buy something 0.5% will be donated to the 
shelter! It’s easy to do and helps the shelter with 
every purchase you make! Let your friends know 
about this simple way to make a difference!


PET OF THE WEEK: JOY: ANIMAL ID #A4990307


Joy (A4990307) is a super-sweet 2-year-old 
white female Chihuahua mix who came to 
the Baldwin Park Animal Care Center on 
September 6th because her family moved 
and didn’t take her with them. Weighing 8 
lbs, Joy is a born lap dog -- she absolutely 
loves people. She is calm yet playful, but her 
favorite thing is being held and petted. She 
walks OK on leash but would much rather be 
carried in your arms. She is curious and perky, 
and would be a great choice for a family with 
kids old enough to be gentle with a tiny dog, 
or for anyone who wants a highly portable, 
beautifully socialized pup. Joy will be a great 
companion for an awesome adopter. Meet Joy 
today! To watch a video of Joy, please visit the 
following link: https://youtu.be/ErOvQf1_ToQ 
If you are interested in Joy, please contact her 
volunteer UHA adoption coordinator, Viri, at 
626-318-2038 or vfloera@gmail.com. To learn 
more about United Hope for Animals’ efforts in 
reducing homeless populations at shelters, please 
visit our website: www.unitedhope4animals.org

 
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Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com