Milo and Rascal Hammond

Paducah Parenting Magazine Publisher and cancer survivor Karen Hammond will soon tie the knot with longtime love Britt Allgood. He enters the Hammond household with two other fellas: Milo the Llasa-Kim and Rascal the mostly Corgi!

Karen Hammond! Tell us about your pets!
I have Milo, he’s an 11-year-old Lhasa-Kimo (Alaskan Eskimo crossed with a Lhasa Apso), and Rascal, a 2-year-old (mostly) Corgi.

What’s coolest thing about them?
They are two of our best friends and the biggest “hams” we know. They love to play tug-o-war with each other and a rope toy. They let us dress them up at Halloween to hand out candy.

How did you get them?
Milo was the last puppy of the litter and nobody wanted him as he was the “runt.” Rascal was a rescued dog from the Mayfield Shelter. We found him outside Petsmart through the adopt-a-puppy program.

What do you love best about them?
They’re very socialable and friendly with both people and other dogs. Milo loves to snuggle on the couch and go for long walks. (Is he a dog or a date?) Rascal is a ridiculous baby — he loves to play with toys and has a big basket of them. He sleeps on his back with all four stubby little legs flopping.


How have they changed your life?
Milo was always someone for me to come home to before I met Britt. He is just a fun dog to be with and a great pet.

I always wanted a second dog and decided that if I came through my cancer surgery and didn’t need chemotherapy, I would rescue a dog. I had looked for the “right” dog for ages, but just two weeks after my surgery, I found Rascal. It was just meant to be!

Nobody realized it, but when we adopted him, Rascal had a fever of 102 and was very sick. He had been at the shelter over a month and was just so happy to have a home. He was a good reason to get my health back so I could train him and exercise with him.

What do they think of Britt?
My dogs love Britt and sometimes they are completely disloyal and lounge all over him! He’s definitely their dad!

What’s your best pet advice?
Please spay and neuter your pets. There are so many unwanted animals. And please visit your shelter when you are looking for a new pet.

Train your dog! Simple obedience training and socialization make for a good pet. It’s for their own safety and your sanity if they can “sit,” “stay” and “release” an object on command.

Dogs mostly bark at people and things they fear. If they have self confidence and you have confidence in their behavior, everyone will have a much better time.

Also, pets need exercise. A good walk can cure many irritating dog habits. And you’ll feel better, too.

---