May 24 - Cheyenne

Cheyennigans (Cheyenne)
Epix Galadriel RN TT HIC CGC Reg Therapy Dog
March 31, 1999 - May 24, 2008

Cheyenne was our introduction to Belgian Sheepdogs. And what a perfect introduction. True to the AKC standard, Cheyenne reflected "the qualities of intelligence, courage, alertness and devotion to master."

Cheyenne loved agility. She was lightning fast. She was the first Belgian Sheepdog in the country to earn her title in AKC Rally. Cheyenne's inherent curiosity made her an incredible tracking dog. And her natural beauty showed in everything she did. She was the perfect therapy dog giving each resident whatever they needed and teaching other therapy dogs teams how to work together. As the perfect behavior companion, she helped dogs learn to interact with humans and dogs. And as the perfect demo dog, she inspired thousands of owners to keep working with their dog so that they, too, could experience a bond like no other.

Cheyennigans' name is a cross between Cheyenne and Shenanigans ... and with her Belgian antics, she reminded us of that each and every day. She was my constant companion and best friend. She will be missed more than words can say. I will always love "my best girl" ... my once in a lifetime "heart dog".

May 24 - Mary Had a Little Lamb Day

The nursery rhyme was first published as an original poem by Sarah Josepha Hale on May 24, 1830, and was inspired by an actual incident.

As a girl, Mary Sawyer (later Mrs. Mary Tyler) kept a pet lamb. One day on her way to school the lamb followed Mary. She did not know this at first. When she did notice, her brother, Nat, suggested that they take the lamb to school. Being a child, she thought it was a good idea. When they reached the school yard, the teacher had not arrived yet so Mary took the lamb to her seat and put it under her seat and covered it up with a blanket. The lamb laid down and was very quiet. Later on, when Mary was called to the front of class to recite something the lamb followed her. The teacher (Miss Polly Kimball) laughed and so did all the children, she then took the lamb outside until lunch time when she took the lamb home.

That day a young man was visiting the school by the name of John Roulstone. He was so inspired by the incident that the next day he rode up on horseback to the schoolhouse and handed Mary a piece of paper with the first 12 lines of the poem written on it.

May 3rd week - National Dog Bite Prevention Week

Man and woman's best friend bites more than 4.7 million people a year. Key experts believe that public education can help prevent these bites.

The full third week of May is National Dog Bite Prevention Week and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the United States Postal Service, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are each working to educate Americans about dog bite prevention.

Visit The Humane Society of the United States for more information on how to stay dog bite free.