Isis is a red-tailed hawk who lives at the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores, Florida.  She was brought there some twenty years ago when she sustained a serious injury, becoming a permanent resident of the Sanctuary when it was determined that her vision was acutely impaired and so, would affect her ability to hunt.  She has also been one of my dearest friends and greatest teachers for the last 12 years.

Photo Right- Isis

I first began my relationship with Isis as an employee at the Sanctuary.  Part of my duties as an outdoor aviculturist was the care and maintenance of the raptors used as educational birds.  Isis was supposed to be one of the birds that went to facilities outside of the Sanctuary like schools and Rotary Clubs, but her feisty, fiery nature did not lend itself to this type of activity.  She simply refused to be handled by certain people and, as a strong female hawk in her prime, she was respected and even feared by some of the employees.   

At 32, I was also a strong female in my prime and my arrogant, reckless nature was not necessarily one that would be tolerated by Isis.  I began to handle her with an experienced employee as a guide, first learning to hold her on the protective glove that I had to wear and getting her in and out of her enclosure.  This was no easy task since Isis was (and still is) very protective of her space.  She was also much more difficult with female handlers than males and, for some reason, particularly with me.  Sometimes she sat calmly, letting me catch hold of the jesses attached to her ankles before stepping lithely onto the glove.  Other times, she would scream at me as soon as I approached her cage and fly to down to the furthest corner, charging me with talons raised if I dared to come near.  I never knew what to expect.  I persisted, and my reward was the opportunity to walk into the wind along the beach with Isis held high over my head, her wings outstretched to simulate soaring.

Photo Above & Left- Isis
 

Well, now we were comrades, and I relaxed my diligence.  While cleaning her cage, I got careless and did not watch where she was in regard to my position and she gleefully hurled herself onto my head, footing over and over to lacerate my scalp.  When I casually adjusted one of her jesses while she was on the glove during a walk, recklessly believing I could do as I liked with her now that we were “comfortable together”, she loosed one foot and grabbed my hand with her talons and I had to walk back to the Sanctuary from about ½ a mile down a hot beach with my hand throbbing and dripping blood.  Another occasion saw her grabbing my bicep, I don’t even remember how, and puncturing the soft underside of my arm so deeply that it was weeks before I could lift my arm over my head and the eggplant-colored bruise left by the injury lasted for more than a month. 

Photo Above and Right- Isis- all wet!

But her beauty and might were more than I could resist.  Still I persisted.  And I learned to approach with care, respect and tolerance.  I learned to ask her permission before I handled her and talk to her every step of the way.  In the years previous to our relationship, any maintenance of her jesses, feet and nails was done by grabbing her, holding her down on a table and doing the deed.  I spent countless hours carefully touching her feet so that she would learn to trust my hand.  Eventually, I was able to clip her nails, examine her feet and change her jesses while she sat on the glove.  It was not always a peaceful process, but no one had to grab her from behind and we could see that she was calming down. 

I learned to meditate and found Isis there.  She came to me in dreams and I found the hawk in my nature.  Every step of my journey brought us closer together and I planned my day around the time that I would spend with Isis.  She started watching me and revolved her head to see where I was going when I walked past her cage.  She screed-d at me in welcome when I arrived in the morning and, finally, after several years, allowed me to scratch her belly.  I came to realize that she looked forward to seeing me, too!           

Five years or so ago, my life began changing in every possible way and my head was spinning:  my marriage broke up, my brother died from an AIDS-related illness, my family was in an uproar from the changes we were facing, I was entering a new turbulent relationship, I was changing jobs, facing health issues and moving from a beloved house into an apartment by myself.  I found solace with Isis as often as possible.  I sat with her one day in the middle of this craziness and talked to her, telling her all that was going on, the tears rolling down my cheeks.  I looked up to see her regarding me steadily.  She leaned forward, closer and closer.  Was she going to bite me?  Had I upset her with my tears?  When we were nearly nose to beak she stopped and gazed directly into my eyes.  Then she POURED HERSELF into me.  That is the only way that I can explain it.  It took my breath away.  There was nothing in the world but us at that moment – Isis and myself and the sound of the Gulf.  She gave me the power of the hawk; the momentum to move forward and let my life take its course.  The strength to surrender to my situation, just as she had done so many years before, but to never, never lose my hawk nature.  I have her feathers, a tail and primary wing feather, tattooed on my back so that I will never forget.

Photo above and left- Isis and Cathy

Isis is now somewhere around 25 years old; an incredible age for a hawk.  She has faced her own trials and tribulations in the years past. She overcame a bout with the West Nile virus several years ago but we came very close to losing her. In that frightening time, I truly realized the changes that she had helped to precipitate in my life. Since then, her eyesight has gotten a little worse and her head a bit tiltier each year, but her strength and beauty never wane.  She is awe-inspiring.

I no longer work full-time at the Seabird Sanctuary, but I still volunteer on a regular basis. I also try to make extra time to go and just visit with my friend with no distractions. Both she and I have calmed considerably; two old girlfriends who have learned lessons from life and each other. I sat with her this past Sunday and we greeted visitors to the Sanctuary and told them her story. 

Photo left- Isis  

We sit together, listening to the sound of the Gulf and enjoying the sun.  I sing to her and scratch her chest. She squeaks gently and pushes against my hand.  And we share our hearts.

About Red-Tailed Hawks  

These beautiful birds are North America's most common hawks. They are found all over the continent, in Central America, and in the West Indies. The first of these hawks to be scientifically studied was found in Jamaica.

Red-tailed hawks are known for their brick-colored tails, but there are 14 subspecies of various colorations, and not all of them have this characteristic.

These birds of prey are also known as buzzard hawks and red hawks. By any name, they are keen-eyed and efficient hunters. Red-tails prefer open areas, such as fields or deserts, with high perching places nearby from which they can watch for prey. But these birds are adaptable and also dwell in mountains and tropical rain forests. Hawks have even embraced human habitats. They often perch on telephone poles and take advantage of the open spaces along the roadside to spot and seize mice, ground squirrels, rabbits, reptiles, or other prey.

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Did you know that there are over 180 breeds of dogs from A-Z?   We will attempt to familiarize you with some of the most unusual breeds in the upcoming months.

Jack Russell Terrier
(Russell Terrier)

After seeing my first view of a Jack Russell puppy I could not believe how cute this breed is!  Meet Moses below.  He came running up to me during a recent walk and I fell in love with this little guy! 

The Jack Russell Terrier was developed in 19th century England by a clergyman named Jack Russell. This feisty little terrier was used to hunt small game, particularly fox, by digging the quarry out of its den. Breeders have emphasized its working ability, so the standard is very broad, encompassing a wide range of accepted body types. On English hunts, the Jack Russell Terriers were supposed to be long-legged enough to keep up with the hounds. The energetic and playful Jack Russell makes a good family companion. Some of the Jack Russell's talents include: hunting, tracking, agility, and performing tricks.

Temperament- the Jack Russell Terrier is a perky, merry, devoted, and loving dog; spirited and obedient, yet absolutely fearless. Careful and amusing, he enjoys games and playing with toys.  This breed is friendly and generally kind to children as long as they do not tease or strike the dog. They are intelligent, yet willful and determined.  They can be slightly difficult to train and need a firm, experienced trainer.  The Jack Russell can be aggressive with other dogs if not well trained and socialized. Some have killed or been killed in dog fights.  Early socialization can help substantially moderate this trait.  They have strong hunting instincts (stronger than your average terrier) and should not be trusted with other small animals. They like to chase and explore. Be careful not to let them off the lead unless they are very well-trained.  Jack Russell's like to bark and dig. They tend to get restless and destructive if not kept fruitfully occupied and well exercised.  Jack Russell's

Photo- right- Moses and Simon- courtesy of Di Fields.

climb, which means they can climb over a fence, they also jump. A Jack that stands 12 inches high can easily jump five feet. JRTs are not the breed for an inexperienced dog owner. This is a BIG dog in a little dog's body.  The owner needs to be as strong-willed as they are, or this little guy will take over.  With the right owner this little dog can really excel, but is not recommended for those who have not had prior experience with terriers. The Jack Russell Terrier must present a lively, active and alert appearance. It should impress with its fearless and happy disposition. It should be remembered that the Jack Russell is a working terrier and should retain these instincts. Nervousness, cowardice or over-aggressiveness should be discouraged and it should always appear confident.

The Jack Russell Terrier will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are very active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. If the Jack is kept in an apartment, the dog should have a person home with it during the day unless the dog is crate trained. Even then, the owner better expect to get some exercise or be pestered to death for belly rubs and tug of war games when he/she gets home.

Grooming- All coat types are easy to groom. Comb and brush regularly with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. To show, owners must strip the coat. Like the rough coat, the broken coated Jack needs to be stripped out also.

Let me share my first hand experience regarding a breed that is close to my heart- the Maltese.  Reported by:  Jean Harper

Maltese Breed- Wildly Affectionate

Overview

A Maltese is a small breed of white dog belonging to the toy group. The Maltese does not shed and is covered from head to foot with a mantle of long, silky, white hair. An ancient breed long associated with the island of Malta, it has retained its distinct appearance for millennia. They are very lovable and often get along well with other dogs. Tear stains make red circles around their eyes, though, so their coat should be carefully taken care of.

The Maltese is spirited, lively and playful. Known to be gentle loving, trusting and devoted to its master and highly intelligent. The Maltese is good at learning tricks- if sufficiently rewarded. They are bold and quick to sound the alarm in case of suspicious noises. It is a classical companion dog; graceful and lovable. They do well with other animals. Maltese love to play outdoors but have a penchant for jumping in puddles. A bath must follow! These dogs can be snappish with inconsiderate children and may be difficult to housebreak. Sometimes they are picky eaters. Include small biscuits and dry dog food in this breed's regular diet to help the teeth stay strong and healthy. Do not over-pamper or overprotect these little dogs, for some become unstable, and some may become jealous of visitors.

Click Here to meet Tobi and see how intelligent this breed is!

History of Breed

As an aristocrat of the canine world, this ancient breed has been known by a variety of names throughout the centuries. Originally called the "Melitaie Dog" he has also been known as "Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta", the "Roman Ladies' Dog," the "Comforter Dog," the "Spaniel Gentle," the "Bichon," the "Shock Dog," the "Maltese Lion Dog" and the "Maltese Terrier." Sometime within the past century, he has come to simply be known as the "Maltese." The breed's history can be traced back many centuries. Some have placed its origin at two or three thousand years ago and "Darwin" placed the origin of the breed at 6000 BC.

The Maltese is thought to have been descended from a Spitz type dog found among the Swiss Lake dwellers and bred down to obtain its small size. Although there is also some evidence that the breed originated in Asia and is related to the Tibetan Terrier, the exact origin is unknown.  Maltese are generally associated with the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. The dogs probably made their way to Europe through the Middle East with the migration of nomadic tribes. Some writers believe these proto-Maltese were used for rodent control before the cuteness factor gained paramount importance. The Isle of Malta (or Melitae as it was then known) was a geographic center of early trade, and explorers undoubtedly found ancestors of the tiny, white dogs left there as barter for necessities and supplies. The dogs were favored by the wealthy and royalty alike and were bred over time to specifically be a companion animal. Some royals that purportedly owned Maltese were Mary Queen of Scots, Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria, Josephine Bonaparte and Marie Antoinette. Some famous people that has owned malteses are Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Halle Barry, Mia Farrow, Liberace, Lee Remmick and Heather Locklear In fact, the Maltese were so favored by the Roman emperors, they choose to breed them to be pure white - something they considered a 'sacred color'. Before then, there were other light colors that Maltese come in - still seen again at the puppy stage, normally.

Temperament

The Maltese can be a handful for owners unprepared to deal with their energy. Maltese are also notoriously difficult to housebreak and often need to be box or paper trained (via "Wee-Wee Pads"), rather than trained to "go out". Maltese should not be around aggression as they will relate to it and show aggression towards you.

For all their diminutive size, Maltese also seem, for the most part, to be without fear. In fact, many Maltese seem relatively indifferent to creatures/objects larger than themselves, which makes them very easy to socialize with other dogs, and even cats. They are extremely lively and playful, and even as a Maltese ages; his/her energy level and playful demeanor remain fairly constant and does not diminish much.

Although Maltese are very good with children, a Maltese puppy would not necessarily be a good choice for families with infants. The breed tends to believe that the infants are other puppies with whom to play, which can be disruptive. Once a Maltese is a bit older and more mature, it is fine around extremely small children and infants.

Maltese do not require much physical exercise, although they should be walked daily to reduce problem behavior. They enjoy running and are more inclined to play games of chase, rather than play with toys. Maltese can be snappy with littler children and should always be supervised when playing. Socializing at a young age will reduce this habit. They can be very demanding and, true to their nature as "lap dogs", love to cuddle and often seek this sort of attention. The Maltese is very active in the house, and, preferring enclosed spaces, does very well with small yards. For this reason the breed also does well with apartments and townhouses, and is a prized pet of urban dwellers, especially as they are not yappy. They are incredibly friendly dogs to people they know. With strangers they will make a high pitched bark but will quiet down if the person means no harm. They are not the kind of dog that needs constant affection; if you don't want to play they will gladly go on their own.

Care

Maltese have no undercoat, and have little to no shedding if cared for properly. Like their relatives Poodles and Bichon Frisé, they are considered to be largely hypoallergenic and many people who are allergic to dogs may not be allergic to the Maltese (See list of Hypoallergenic dog breeds). Daily cleaning is fully required as Maltese would then get tear-staining.

Regular grooming is required to prevent the coats of non-shedding dogs from matting. Many owners will keep their Maltese clipped in a "puppy cut," a 1 - 2" all over trim that makes the dog resemble a puppy. Some owners, especially those who show Maltese in the sport of conformation, prefer to wrap the long hair to keep it from matting and breaking off, and then to show the dog with the hair unwrapped combed out to its full length.

Dark staining in the hair around the eyes ("tear staining") can be a problem in this breed, and is mostly a function of how much the individual dog's eyes water and the size of the tear ducts. Tear stain can be readily removed if a fine-toothed metal comb, moistened with lukewarm water, is carefully drawn through the snout hair just below the eyes. This maintenance activity must be performed every two or three days, as a layer of sticky goo is quick to redevelop. If the face is kept dry and cleaned daily, the staining can be minimized. Many veterinarians recommend avoiding foods treated with food coloring and serving distilled water to reduce tear staining.

Health

The Maltese is generally a healthy breed with few inherent problems. The most significant issue for Maltese is their dental health. Maltese have notoriously bad teeth and it is not uncommon for animals to begin losing teeth at the age of 8 or 9.

The following website will allow you to search for Maltese and all other breeds:

Breeders.Net

Also, you would be surprised how many pure breed dogs are in need of adoptive homes, even Maltese:  Go to: Petfinder.Com and search for a pet to adopt!

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