Beauty is in the eye of the adopter

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/04/2011 (5656 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If travel points were awarded to canines, Dita and Beyonce could fly for free anywhere. These little pups belong to former Olympic figure skater Burt Lancon and Colleen Munro, finalist for Manitoba Woman Entrepreneur of the Year. The story of these dogs are just as interesting as that of their adopted family.

Like many modern moms and dads, Lancon and Munro are busy. Munro runs Hugh Munro Construction. Lancon is a high-level skating instructor. His job frequently takes him to Los Angeles. When they travel, so does their daughter and dogs. These sweet pups have no qualms about flying. Lancon notes that they love their carriers and enjoy the trip. “Grab their bags and they get excited,” he says.

For these dogs, flying to Los Angeles means they’re going home. Beyonce, a Boston terrier-Doberman cross, was “one of five puppies found in an abandoned house,” says Lancon. Of her litter mates, only two others survived, Pink and Fergie.

As supporters of pet adoption, Lancon and Munro chose Beyonce. She would occasionally socialize at a California dog daycare called Barkingham Palace, where they heard about Dita.

The Los Angeles pound has ties with Barkingham Palace. It informed the operators that they had a small dog that had lost an eye. No one knew how this injury could have occurred although the suspicion was that the pup had been abused.

Because of excess breeding, there is a glut of small dogs in California. The shelters and pounds can’t keep up. Many dogs are euthanized. Lancon didn’t think this special-needs dog would have a great chance at survival. He and Munro had to adopt her.

Dita couldn’t have found a better home. Not only is she adored by her human family, but she and Beyonce “are like sisters,” says Lancon.

He smiles when he reports the family’s 11/2 kilograms of fun has “adapted really well.” Having one eye doesn’t affect her lifestyle. She can sit and beg for what seems like hours and loves to cuddle under the blanket with her face covered. Lancon says she “has taken begging to a new art form.” With that sweet face, who could say no?

Beyonce has her talents, too. Like any terrier-cross worth her salt, “she’s a ratter,” he says.

Munro and Lancon dispel a few accepted notions about dog care. They’ve shown that busy families can find a way to keep their pets happy, healthy and active. And Dita’s situation reveals that all dogs, even those with special needs, can thrive in a family home.

The morning I met with Lancon, Winnipeg had endured another surprise spring snowfall. He must be the only Winnipegger who appreciates the white stuff in April. Even his pups agree with the rest of us. They don’t like the snow and cold. Who could blame these canine dual citizens? Lancon and Munro constructed them a covered winter dog run. They laid down artificial turf and kitty litter over their patio and covered it with plastic. The space remained warm and dry.

Lancon is no fan of backyard breeders. He also feels that “the puppy mill situation is horrible.” It’s why his family adopted.

Many Californians agree. A debate wages over banning puppy sales at pet stores. The hope is that such a prohibition would reduce the number of pets destined for shelters and pounds. It may also put bad breeders out of business. Many inbreed their dogs, increasing the likelihood of offspring possessing inherited diseases.

It is assumed small dogs are rare in shelters. This couple disproves that assumption. Many pups are available at shelters and rescues. And reputable breeders demand their dogs are returned to them for re-adoption if owners are unable to care for them. Beyonce was found on Pet Finders.

Munro and Lancon are ardent supporters of the Winnipeg Humane Society. I had met their daughter, Steele, at a WHS event. You could tell that she adores her pets. When asked about what makes Dita special, Steele Lancon cracks, “She’s a really good winker.”

This was not only a sweet sentiment, but in a way it’s a learning opportunity for us all. She doesn’t see her dog as a one-eyed dog. Instead, Dita’s just the family pet.

The Lancon/Munro family proves that appearances and pet lineage mean little to pet owners. The relationship is what makes every dog special to its family.

char.adam@mts.net

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