The famous humorist Josh Billings summed up man's relationship with his dog when he said "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself."

Two years ago, my parents adopted a stunning black and gray Australian cattle dog from the Howard County Animal Shelter, located just over the Ellicott City border in Columbia. "Billabong" ended up in the County's shelter after his previous owner was called to active duty overseas. The kind folks at the animal shelter housed him for almost three months while he waited to be adopted.

At 50 pounds, Billabong was a big boy compared to the little fluffy dogs my parents have owned in the past. I once asked my mom what attracted her to Billabong and she replied, "I just had a connection with him the moment I saw him."

Although Billabong was 9 years old, he was still young at heart. He loved to play catch with balls, ride the waves in the ocean and his favorite game, tug-of-war. True to the nature of a cattle herder, he took his duty to protect his house and family seriously. He was a gentile giant with one exception -- the UPS truck. Apparently, brown didn't do much for Billabong.

"Don't worry about opening the door, I'll just leave the package on the door step," the delivery men would say.

He transitioned easily into his new life. In the protective atmosphere of a loving new family, he regained his confidence and zest for life. He loved to go for rides in the car and proved to be a great exercise partner with my parents during their long walks around the lake. He was truly good company to a couple who are now empty nesters.

This oversized teddy bear never complained. He was a living testament on how not to sweat the small stuff. I guess getting a second lease on life can do that to you. When he wanted to go out for a walk or was hungry he never barked, just a sweet nudge on a hand or leg with a quiet appeal from his big brown eyes. It was hard to say no.

Sadly, Billabong passed away two weeks ago at the age of 11. His body just wore out from trauma he experienced early in his life. It was devastating news.

Although my parents only had him for two short years, he brought great joy and happiness to all those who knew him.

I write this to bring to light the many wonderful animals that need a good home at the County's shelter. If you are considering a pet, please know that as this story goes to print there are 15 dogs/puppies, 30 cats and kittens, five rabbits, two guinea pigs and a parakeet all waiting at the shelter for a new family. The animals are either strays or owner surrenders.

Recently, shelters around the country have had an increase in owner surrenders due to the tough economy. If you don't have the time and energy to train a puppy, there are plenty of mature animals -- former family pets -- that are trained and ready to be part of a home again.

The adoption process is easy. You are required to visit and meet with the animals at the shelter. Then you submit an application identifying the animal of your choice. If approved, an adoption interview is scheduled and the animal goes through the required medical work including neutering, vaccinations and micro-chipping. The adopter pays a nominal fee for medical work and animal licensing.

If you would like to help the shelter but are unable to adopt a pet, the shelter is always in need of cash donations or supplies such as towels, canned or dry pet foods, dog and cat toys and treats, small animal food and treats, cleaning supplies (bleach, dish soap and laundry detergent) and general office material.

Also, the shelter accepts newspapers, aluminum cans, ink cartridges and cell phones that net them needed funds through recycling fundraising programs.

The Animal Advocates of Howard County, also in Ellicott City, works with the county's shelter to aid in promoting animal adoptions. They have a fantastic Web site (www.animal-advocates.org) that is a treasure trove of information including pictures and information about pets in need of adoption.

Check out the Web site's "Kids who Care" section. You will find terrific stories and pictures of local kids who single-handedly or through their school or group affiliations helped donate to the shelter.

The County's animal shelter is at 8576 Davis Road (off Route 108) in Columbia and its phone number is 410-313-2780. The Animal Advocates of Howard County can be reached at 410-880-2488

Do you remember your first bike? Alex Obriecht does...and he remembers the dozens he has owned since. He is the owner of the Race Pace Bicycle store, in the Normandy Shopping Center on Route 40, in Ellicott City. His store was recently named one of the top 100 retailers in the country by Bicycle Retailer magazine.

Obriecht and his staff are passionate cyclists and racers. "We just love riding bicycles" he said. Most of the staff prefer to cycle to and from work and their vacations center around biking.

The store's Web site (www.racepacebicycles.com) contains blogs and pictures from the cool and exotic cycling trips the employees take each year.

Two years ago, seven Race Pace employees and owner Obriecht completed a cycling tour through Portugal, Spain, Gibraltar and Morocco. The main tour lasted six weeks, while several employees continued on through the rest of western Europe.

This year, Obriecht and his wife plan to bike 1,200 miles from Seattle to northern California. In fact, his entire family is avid bikers. Four years ago, he rode cross country with one of his children. And he proudly told me that two of his children, aged 23 and 27, have never owned a car. They use bikes. And although his 25-year-old daughter shares a car with her husband, she prefers to bike when possible.

Obriecht opened his first bike shop in 1978, just months after graduating from college. Fast forward 31 years and Obriecht now owns four Race Pace locations -- Ellicott City, Columbia, Owings Mills and Westminster -- in addition to Bella Bikes the first women's only cycling store in the country, adjacent to the Ellicott City store.

The Race Pace stores pride themselves on having experienced cyclist as employees. No need to guess who builds and fixes the store's bikes. The employees are also fantastic in helping people find the right fit for bicycles and helmets for both beginning and experienced riders -- including kids.

If you have a bike question after hours you can visit their Web site and click on some very helpful features such as "Ask the mechanic", "Do it yourself center" and "How to Buy a Bike," My favorite section is called "How to patch a tube" that includes pictures and easy to follow instructions.

Thanks Race Pace for providing our county with the vehicle to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

user comments (0)