Tag: dog

  • Storytime: Little Orphan Annie Ledbetter, the Laughing Dog

    Storytime: Little Orphan Annie Ledbetter, the Laughing Dog

    This is not Annie, but it looks like her. I will try to find a picture of her and share it soon.

    Three friends reminisce about rescuing a dog off a highway on their pilgrimage to Lead Belly’s grave.

    With Ted Lindsay, Katy Hobgood Ray, & David Ray

    It was hot. VERY hot. Dave, Ted and I finally remembered this fact about the day that we rescued Annie Ledbetter off the side of a country highway, because we recalled that the little pads of her paws were burned off by the heat of the asphalt.

    Little Orphan Annie Ledbetter, the Laughing Dog, was a medium sized solid black mutt who had been abandoned on the Blanchard Latex Road in rural Caddo Parish in northwest Louisiana.

    We know she was abandoned because she was running back and forth along the road cut through the rolling piney woods, sticking close to shoulder, waiting and barking, and terrified. We passed her in our truck on our way to visit Lead Belly’s grave, and agreed that were she still there on our way back, we would try to rescue her.

    The headstone for Annie Ledbetter in Shiloh Baptist Church. The woman must have been  loved in her lifetime. And so was the dog who came generations after her.

    We spent some time in the grave yard at Shiloh Baptist Church, looking at the old headstones, including Lead Belly’s grave (a place we all visit several times a year) and noticing all the Ledbetter descendants in that yard. Ted was captivated by a head stone that had the name ‘Annie Ledbetter’ etched upon it. He loved that name.

    We piled back into Dave’s white pickup truck and headed back to Ted’s house in Mooringsport. There was nothing save pine forest, or the occasional dilapidated shack or mobile home every half mile or so.

    We all kept our eye out for the little black dog. As we rounded a gentle bend, we saw her.

    She was there. Sitting on the side of the road. Waiting. For what? For who?

    Dave pulled his truck over and he and Ted and I scrambled out of the car to approach the little black dog.

    She was panicked and terrified, and bared her teeth at us. Yet she wouldn’t run away. You could see she was desperately in need of comfort. She would chase after us a few feet when we would retreat.

    We didn’t give up. We had nothing more pressing on this sunny day than to save this life. We didn’t chase her. We gave her time and space and hung out in the back of the pickup truck and waited for her to get comfortable. The wind blew gently through the tree tops. Cars were few and far between.

    Dave finally got the bright idea to coax her with water. He went to his truck, pulled out a big frisbee and poured in cool liquid from his water bottle. He put it on the ground outside the truck and sat just inside with the door open.

    Ted and I watched from behind the truck as she warily approached the water. She sniffed, and then desperately started drinking. We gingerly approached, and soothingly talked to her. She didn’t run….. She cowered, and then she gave in. She gave herself over to what fate would bring. Ted put his hands gently on her, and next thing you know, he had scooped her up and put her into the back of the truck. We climbed in to sit with her while Dave drove the truck back to Ted’s house.

    She was a lapdog for the rest of the night. Hugs and snuggles and food and water and campfire light and music. A frisky, wiggly, joyful dog emerged from the fearful creature, just like that.

    Little Orphan Annie Ledbetter was full of joy, happy to be alive, happy to be loved.

    She lived out the rest of her happy life with Ted there in those woods.

     

     

  • Storytime: The Adventures Of The Swamp Kids – A Dog Named Cat By Leif Pedersen

    Storytime: The Adventures Of The Swamp Kids – A Dog Named Cat By Leif Pedersen

    A Dog Named Cat
    A Dog Named Cat by Leif Pedersen

    There is something special about a Catahoula Leopard Dog! What a strange and magical breed…It’s the state dog of Louisiana. And it’s celebrated in the cute children’s book by Leif Pedersen. Leif narrates the fun-filled adventure in A Dog Named Cat, the fourth book in The Adventures of The Swamp Kids series, for Confetti Park.

    The Swamp Kids travel to a nearby animal shelter in hopes of finding a new pet they can adopt and bring home. They find a Louisiana Catahoula Cur puppy and learn all about him. (This podcast features “Sunbonnet Sue” performed by the Hackberry Ramblers.) Listen!

    ….They’re called “catahoulas,”
    and raised up the bayou a bit.
    They’re really good herders,
    and faster than lightning.
    At home he will be a big hit!

    So now what to name their new furry friend? Lots of smiles come from this great book for animal lovers, not least the brightly colored illustrations of the swamp critters by artist Tim Banfell. Also included in the book is a Lagniappe Lesson written by WWL-TV and Radio personality Angela Hill, a dedicated animal lover respected for her journalistic talents and her unwavering commitment to animals. Angela offers kids tips on the care and responsibility involved with pet ownership.

    Want to hear more? Listen to The Missing Chord by Leif Pedersen, the very first Swamp Kids book in the series. The Swamp Kids have many adventures you can enjoy… Visit www.theswampkids.com for puzzles, plush toys, activity sheets of teachers, and more!

    The Catahoula Cur is an American dog breed named after Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, United States. Also known as the Catahoula Leopard Dog or Louisiana Catahoula, it became the state dog of Louisiana in 1979.
    The Catahoula Cur is an American dog breed named after Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, United States. Also known as the Catahoula Leopard Dog or Louisiana Catahoula, it became the state dog of Louisiana in 1979.
  • Storytime: Dixie the Old Dawg by Tommie Townsley

    Storytime: Dixie the Old Dawg by Tommie Townsley

    dixie-the-old-dogSouth Louisiana children’s author Tommie Townsley narrates the story of Dixie the Old Dawg for Confetti Park!

    Dixie The Ole Dawg is a true classic country “Cajun Tale” set in Southwest Louisiana. This inspiring tale is about a dog who was abandoned by her family during a hurricane. After the storm, she finds her way to Ms. Theriot’s house. It is there that the two of them build a trustworthy relationship. Dixie finds out what it feels like to be left alone with no one to care for her. However, she also realizes that sometimes you do have to go through a storm in order to find happiness! Both children and adults will enjoy this true story. It is full of love, friendship, trust, and affection. It you love dogs, you will love Dixie! Always remember, “Dogs are a man’s best friend!”

    You can order the book from Amazon or from Tommie’s own publishing house, Ally-Gator BookBites.

    Tommie, who lives in Lake Charles, is a great friend to Confetti Park and a leader in the children’s art and culture scene in Louisiana. She has inspired kids around the state with her charming Cajun animal tales. Learn more about Tommie in this interview with Confetti Park.

  • Storytime: Kiko & Kevin by Debbie Hardy LaGrange

    Storytime: Kiko & Kevin by Debbie Hardy LaGrange

    Kiki and Kevin, illustrated by Marguerite S. Hardy
    Kiko and Kevin, illustrated by Marguerite S. Hardy

    Debbie Hardy LaGrange of Arnaudville, La., narrates this original trilogy about the adventures of a Louisiana dog named Kiko.

    Told in playful rhyme, this is a story that delivers the tough message that life isn’t always a perfect picnic. But, with a little help from our friends, we can abide! The messengers are Kiko, a black lab, and her friend Kevin, a precocious eight-year-old who is obsessed with costume changes.

    Kiko in the Country
    Kiko in the City
    Kiko Gets Her Cake

    Debbie Hardy LaGrange is a native of Arnaudville, and says she writes for the pure joy of it! These stories are based on the real life adventures of her friend Kevin, an artist who lives in New Orleans today.

    Kiko sees a streetcar, illustrated by Marguerite S. Hardy
    Kiko sees a streetcar, illustrated by Marguerite S. Hardy
  • Storytime: Kyser the Singing Schnauzer by Tommie Townsley

    Storytime: Kyser the Singing Schnauzer by Tommie Townsley

    kyser-the-singing-schnauzerMeet Kyser, a dog who loves to sing! Author Tommie Townsley of Lake Charles, La., narrates this fun tale written in rhyme, inspired by her own dear pet. Apparently, the real-life Kyser really can sing!

    The picture book is available through Tommie’s company, Kid’s Kajun Tales and Ally-Gator Book Bites. Written for 3-6 year olds, it is written in rhyme and rhythm.

    Kyser says, “Sing along with me, and you will see, it is so much fun, and when you are done—YOU CAN READ!”