Friday, September 28, 2012

Friday's Friends

I've been busy this week visiting the area rescues and making friends along the way.  I've got a cat friend from PetConnect Rescue, and two dogs, one from Operation Paws for Home and Ambassador Pit Bulls.

I met with my friend "The Cat Lady" earlier this week from PetConnect Rescue, and of course, she has a cat to share with us.  So, I tell you that, to tell you this, she gave me the info. about this week's cat friend.... just wanted you to know so if my buddies hear about it- they won't think I've lost my mind or something.
"Sabrina"

Meet Sabrina, is a friendly, petite and gorgeous girl. She's got extremely soft black fur with a white undercoat that makes her coat appear to be a smoky color - this is extremely unique! Also, she has a smidge of white on the tip of her tail that is really cool.

Sabrina enjoys being petted, is an excellent companion, very sweet and affectionate. She loves to be with people, following her foster family around the house and sleeping with them at night. Also, she loves to play! She will run after her wand toy for as long as you are willing to play with her, and she'll still beg for more.

Sabrina is healthy, spayed, tests negative for leukemia and FIV, and she always uses her litter box. If you would like to meet Sabrina, please complete the online application and we will contact you, Online Application.

My next stop was at Operation Paws for Home where I met Santana.

"Santana"
Meet Santana! Santana is a two year old pure bred Blue Tick Coonhound. A handsome dog, indeed!

Santana weighs around 30lbs but is underweight. He'd be awesome living with an active family home due to his hound spunk, however, he does have his calm side in the evening. 

"Santana"
Santana gets along with dogs of any size, and enjoys learning new things 

with them. He spends his spare time 
chewing on natural bones and cow hooves! What a typical hound? 

He is a lover, and will give plenty of kisses along with cuddling on your lap. He is adorable with all his spots. He is house and crate trained, up to date on shots, and neutered! 

Can you give these awesome hound ears a forever home? Santana is fostered in Hanover, PA! For informatiion on adoption, Operation Paws For Home.

My final visit this week was at the Ambassador Pit Bulls. I was greeted by a wonderful lady named Susie and met some great dogs!

 This week, I would like for you to meet Delores.
"Delores"

Delores is a sweet senior pit bull mix who would really like a nice, soft bed and a loving family that would appreciate a polite, mature little dog like her! 

"Delores"
Delores is very people oriented, well-behaved, and friendly! She is good with people (loves children) and good with other dogs. She came in to the shelter as a stray but it is clear that she was well cared for by her former family. She is at her happiest and most content when snoozing at your feet or beside you in your favorite recliner. 

She will be at our adoption event at the Felix & Oscar store in Springfield (6671 Backlick Road, Springfield) from 11a until 3p on Saturday, September 29th. Please come out at meet her! She'd love to see you!   If you would like information on adoption, please visit, Ambassador Pit Bulls.

My human will be photographing for Ambassador Pit Bulls this weekend at their Springfield, VA, event.  If you see him, be sure to say "hi!".

Thank you to PetConnect Rescue, Operation Paws for Home and Ambassador Pit Bull Rescue for allowing me to visit and supplying information on dogs and cats looking for their "Forever Homes"



Thursday, September 27, 2012

Dog Adoption Events This Weekend

I've got friends, dogs and cats, that will be at local businesses this weekend looking to meet humans and find their "Forever Homes."

If you are looking for a dog, please check out these locations:


DateEventSpecifics
09/30/2012 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM ET
Dog Adoption Event at Unleashed in Olney
Admission: Free 
3134 Olney Sandy Spring Road
Olney, MD 20832




PetConnect Rescue and the Combined Federal Campaign


The rescue group who took the time to invest in my life and brought me from North Carolina to Maryland where I found my humans and a “Forever Home” is participating in the 2012 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). I requested information to share with you from one of the volunteers.

"Me at My Forever Home"
There are 6-8 million dogs and cats entering shelters in the US every year with half of them being euthanize due to unavailable adopters. Every single day, PetConnect Rescue of Potomac MD, saves abandoned dogs and cats when hope has run out and carefully places them in safe and loving homes. (I was one of those dogs!!

The non-profit, primarily volunteer organization has been chosen to be an approved charity for the 2012 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) as a member of the Animal Welfare Fund. If you are federally employed in the National Capital Area, please consider designating PetConnect Rescue as your charity of choice by listing CFC# 84410 and pledge your support. Please share this with your friends and colleagues! PetConnect Rescue’s CFC code is #84410. Or, you can donate at www.petconnectrescue.org. (tell them Noah sent you!
"Looking for My Forever Home"
Tax deductible donations from the Combined Federal Campaign are a critical resource for PetConnect Rescue. The work they do relies on this funding as every dollar donated allows them to save more animals and provide medical attention often desperately need. These animals depend on our compassion and giving. (Like I did!

Help PetConnect Rescue meet its mission and goals in caring for animals through your donations. Donors can pledge their support during the campaign season which runs through December 15th.

If you have questions about PetConnect Rescue, please contact them at www.petconnectrescue.org. Questions specifically about the Combined Federal Campaign, visit, http://www.opm.gov/cfc/index.asp.

By designating CFC# 84410, you support PetConnect’s mission. Thank you!

"Meet Ollie"

Friday, September 21, 2012

Friday's Friend- Two Friends: PetConnect Rescue and Ambassador Pit Bulls Rescue

I heard from my friend the Cat Lady of PetConnect Rescue this past week.  Apparently, she has been really busy messing with all those cats she cares about. It's been awhile so I was a bit concerned.  She's a cool lady and it's great to hear from her again.   She gave me information on a cat looking for a home.

We have a new group to join us this week, Ambassador Pit Bulls Rescue.  My human met them at a photo shoot a few weeks ago in Manassas, VA.  Ambassador Pit Bull Rescue is a breed specific organization dedicated to ending discrimination through education and the responsible rehoming of neglected, surrendered or otherwise homeless Pit Bull type dogs in the DC Metropolitan Area. Welcome to "Friday's Friend" guys!!

Meet Loki from PetConnect Rescue:

Loki
Loki and his green-eyed brother, Clinton, were turned in to a local shelter together. Like all-black cats, all-white cats are not terribly popular to adopters, so PetConnect wanted to save them.

Loki has gone through a lot and has stayed optimistic the whole time. He's happy in his foster home and loves relaxing in the sun of the window or on a lap with his brother. Yes, they figure out a way to fit together! Loki is a very sweet boy who loves to play with his brother, but games that involve a human are always more interesting. Gentle and purry, Loki is looking forward to meeting you and becoming your perfect new addition. He is an Olympic-level litterbox percher and always scores gold. Loki's up-to-date on vaccines, negative for FIV/FeLV, and neutered. If you would like to meet Loki, please complete the online application and we will contact you.

I've had buddies over the years that were Pit Bulls so it's exciting for me to meet a group that helps them out.  My new friends from Ambassador Pit Bulls Rescue and I, would like you to meet  Minka.  

"Minka"
(Used by Permission)

Minka is an approximately 3 years old neutered male with a spectacularly loving personality -- he LOVES to snuggle! (see the photo below)  He is house trained, crate trained, and even knows some tricks! 

 Minka is good with other dogs and would benefit from joining a household where he would not be the only dog. Won't you please consider adding Minka to YOUR family? 

If you would like more information about my buddy Minka, please check out, Adoption information and application and someone will contact you. 

"Happiness is a Buddy"
Thank you to PetConnect Rescue, Ambassador Pit Bull Rescue and Dirty Paw Photography (supplied the photo for Minka) for emailing me information for this week's Friday's Friend. 


Thursday, September 20, 2012

Spoiling Your Pooch on His Birthday


If your beloved pooch is approaching his birthday, chances are you will want to spoil him rotten! After all, you keep him healthy throughout the other 364 days of the year, so why not let him enjoy himself on his big day? However, it can be tricky to know what to buy for your dog, aside from his favourite treats. Here are some ideas to inspire you...

A new bed
There's nothing like jumping into a comfy, soft bed each night. Sleep is so important; something that is no different for animals, who need the time to recuperate and let their muscles rest. You wouldn't necessarily go years and years without replacing your bed, so why should your furry friend be any different? For some extra special, check out the range of Muddy Paws dog beds, which are high quality and suitable for all kinds of dogs.

Toys
Your pal probably loves nothing more than running around the nearest park with you; chewing their toys and playing with sticks. Their favourite toys are probably those that are battered beyond belief, so there's no point trying to replace those, but what you can do is buy a few new treasures to add to their toy box! It can be anything from a simple ball (if you kick it around for them, they'll go crazy!) or a sturdy tug-of-war rope. Here's a top tip - if you're all worn out by the end of the day, a new chew toy will keep them occupied.

Edible greetings cards
Yes, you heard right - greetings cards that dogs can eat! These are sold all over the internet these days and can make a welcome change from the rigmarole of bones, pigs ears etc. It's something really special (and tasty!) for their birthday, which they likely won't have had before. These come in a range of designs and are usually made from rawhide, making them great for keeping pooch's teeth clean too.

About the Author: Joseph Smith has a degree in Zoology, as well as having owned and taken care of many animals and pets in his career. To find out more about buying bedsfor dog, visit http://www.muddypaws.co.uk/


Sunday, September 16, 2012

Quips, Quotes, Thoughts and Other Notable Sayings

"The White Clematis"



"Therefore ,
if anyone is in Christ,
he is a new creation;
the old has gone,
the new has come!"
- 2 Corinthians 5:17

Friday, September 14, 2012

Friday's Friend

I love writing this post each week- I have so much fun reading the email I receive  from different rescue groups about the dogs and cats needing "Forever Homes."  However, I have a sadness too.  Seeing these guys and girls looking for a home isn't easy- makes me wish I could bring them all to my house.

This week, I have a full house!!  Two dogs and a cat (yes, a cat- gotta keep my mom happy!!) from two different rescue groups.

"Rex"
Meet Rex, the Wonder Dog.  He's from PetConnect Rescue, Potomac, Maryland. An incredibly handsome and friendly 2 yr old Shepherd/Collie mix, was turned in to a shelter just hours before the shelter was to "clean house" by gassing all the dogs!!! Thanks to a group of dedicated animal lovers, Rex was saved and sent to PetConnect.

Rex loves people, to sit by your side and lean into you and to go for a walk with you!  Rex is neutered, microchipped, heartworm negative and up-to-date on vaccinations. If you would like to know more about Rex, please complete an online application and then email Mike.

Alright GUYS!!! STAY!! STAY!! Here comes our cat friend from PetConnect Rescue, Potomac, Maryland too.  I'll let her introduce herself while I keep my dog friends busy!!


"Clooney"
Enchanted to meet you! My name is Clooney. The actor was named after me because of my dashing good looks!!!!

I love to be the center of attention, always playing and looking for adventure which this investigative nature often puts me in some comical positions, but it's all in good fun!!  And, I'm not always rough and tumble. I have my softer, sensitive side!  I love to sleep soundly by you throughout the evening. Being held is a great comfort for me, and I have a soothing purr.

I am super soft and (bonus) I have 6 toes (polydactyl) on my two front feet! I get along with cats, dogs, and older children. I always use my litterbox and I'm heathy, neutered, up-to-date on vaccines, and FIV/FeLV negative. If you would like to meet me, please complete the online application and we will contact you.   PetConnect Rescue Application.

Oh my- she's quite pretty!  Oops!  Er, uh, bark!! ruff??  Well, she is!  Our next guest is from Operation Paws For Homes.

"Princess"
Meet Princess from Annapolis, Maryland!  Now, do you see why I....er.... never mind..

Princess, despite what her name tells you, hasn't had the charmed life of a Princess at all. She was found or confiscated somewhere in South Carolina, VERY pregnant and taken to a high-kill shelter. Soon after, she had 9 babies. After three months, she was rescued by Operation Paws for Homes (OPH) with the promise of finding her a warm, safe and loving home- something she's likely never had!!

Princess came to OPH with two of her puppies, both of which were adopted. Princess was spayed just before she arrived, and separated from her puppies. She was frightened and unsure of other female dogs at first but with guidance and supervision in her foster home, learned to fit into the pack.

Princess wants nothing more than a human to love her, give her belly rubs, scratch her behind her ears, snuggle on the couch and take her on long walks. Although Princess does well with the two dogs in her foster home, she would do best as an only dog, or with experienced owners who can help her get to know the other dogs in the house.

Princess is a 5 year old, pit bull/lab (maybe) cattle dog mix. She weighs just under 50lbs, and she's completely housebroken, crate trained and has a beautiful, short, low-maintenance, low-shedding red coat. Give her a chance and she'll steal your heart! (like she did mine.... oops.. sorry!)

Fostered near Annapolis, MD!  To learn apply for adopting Princess, please check out this website, Operation Paws for Homes Application Process.

Thank you to PetConnect Rescue and Operation Paws For Homes for supplying information and images for today's Friday's Friend.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Thank you First Responders!!

I wasn't alive when the events of Sept. 11, 2001 unfolded, but my humans were.  They don't talk about it very much but to say it was a scary and one of the saddest day they can remember.

My humans have always been respectful of the police, firefighters, rescue workers who dedicate their time to assisting the public in need.  Some are paid while others are volunteer.  September 11, 2001, brought out the best in everyone as they worked together to assist thousands of injured in the World Trade Center.

My Dad tells me the story how he remembers sitting at his desk working when his boss came into the room saying "planes had hit the World Trade Center!!"  Over a small TV, they watched the news, then Dad called Mom to see if she heard.  She had.

Then, all of a sudden, a "boom" was heard.  Not loud, almost like someone had dropped one of those boxes full of copier paper on the floor.   But, that wasn't it. A plane had hit the Pentagon.  Mom and Dad talked a few minutes on the phone about Mom coming to Dad's office since they carpool.

Waiting anxiously at his desk, Dad talked to my Grandpa a few minutes while waiting for Mom to get to Springfield.  Though you aren't "supposed" to pray in school, Dad remembers bowing his head at his desk and praying to see Mom again and for all the others involved in these terrible attacks.

Dad and Mom caught up with each other at the local metro subway station and headed home.  They followed the news of the events on TV for awhile.

Today, on the 11th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, I want to say "Thank You" to ALL of the rescue personnel which groups number way too many for me to list and not worry about missing someone and the dogs who worked tirelessly to find the people -everyone who gave their best to help those innocent people who were hurt that tragic day.  I give you the four-paw salute!!!!


Monday, September 10, 2012

Dognapping Is On The Rise

When first saw this headline, "Dog-napping in on the Rise," in the ASPCA news, I thought, "So?  Every dog and plenty of humans love to take naps!  My humans come home from church and it's nap time!"

Then I read further and understood it's not taking a nap, it someone stealing dogs from their owners!  OH MY GOODNESS!!!!  The stealing of dogs has risen 32% according to the American Kennel Club. Now, why would anyone want to do that??!!

"Sam"
Most thefts come from humans leaving their dogs in cars or tied up outside stores while they shop, but some are actually stolen from their yard, particularly the front yard and during home invasions.

First, I've got to give some advice to humans.  Please take precautions to avoid being part of this heartbreaking crime. The ASPCA recommends:
  • If you're going to take your dog with you when running errands, visit pet-friendly shops or leave your dog at home. 
  • When going to dog parks or any other area where your buddy can roam off-leash, where he could become target for criminals, keep a very close eye on him.  Stolen dogs are sold or sometimes held for ransom.
  • Never leave your buddy unattended in the front yard.  My humans fuss at me the second I get out of their view- now, I know why they are so picky.
  • Keep an eye on your dog in the backyard too.  Yes, it should be safe, but you never know.  I'd be barking like crazy if someone came around to bother me- so pay attention to any barking.
  • Many animal groups recommend you consider Microchipping your pet.  Before you do this, do your research about the product, it's health issues and then proceed as you want.  It is a resource for assisting you to help find your dog if it gets "dognapped" or even if it wanders off on its own.
I hope that you nor your dog ever has to go through this and be victim of a dog-napping..... please be cautious and alert.  

If you've got any items we should consider and you'd like to share about this topic, please feel free to comment below.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Quips, Quotes, Thoughts and Other Notable Sayings

My humans cabinet full of stuff has become full to explore.  Here's something I would like to share.

"A Pink Gerber Daisy"



"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, 
and He shall sustain thee:  
he shall never suffer the righteous
to be moved."  
- Psalm 55:22

Friday, September 7, 2012

Friday's Friend

Once again, and thankfully quick, "HAPPY FRIDAY!!!"  My human is spending a good part of the day with me today, so it will be an extra exciting day.  Before I head out the door with him, I want to introduce you to my friend, Tahoe.

"Tahoe"
I am excited to introduce you to him, he's a one-year old Labrador Retriever mix.  He came from a rural high-kill shelter.  

A true outdoorsman, he loves to run and chase a ball, his favorite pastime.  He gets along great with other dogs.  And, after a good game of chase, he loves to cool off in his own private kiddie pool!!

Tahoe is 65lbs and still needs to gain a few pounds -going to be a good large size!! He would be best suited with an active family with older children and/or a good-sized fenced yard.  Room for him to run and play!!

Here's more cool stuff about Tahoe,  he is housebroken, microchipped, up-to-date on vaccinations and responds well to the commands 'sit' and 'come.' If you would like to know more about Tahoe, please complete an online application at PetConnect Rescue, and then email Mike.

Have a great Friday and a fantastic weekend.

Thank you to PetConnect Rescue for supplying image and information for Friday's Friend. 

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Cat Care Tip


My friend, Kurt Schmitt over at the Cat Lovers Only website, sent me some cat tips that I can share with you.  He's a great guy, but needs to add a dog to his life, in my opinion.  (Ruff!)

Here's his tip:  "Cats hate change. Any changes in routine, household items, furniture or family members should be done slowly or with consideration for how it affects your cat. 

"A Cat's Look!"
Don't change cat foods quickly, as this can cause gastric upset. Add a small amount of the new food in a mixture with the old. Slowly increase the percentage of new food over several days."

Learn more about Cats and the work Kurt Schmitt does at his website, Cat Lovers Only.  As always, I thank him for contributing to a blog written by a dog.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

A Follow-Up to Cleaning the Mess!

There are many convenient ways to clean up after your dog these days.  I know as I've gone with my human numerous times to the local pet store and looked at ways which would work for him.

I noticed he could get this contraption where after your dog finishes, the human can take a rake and a shovel and scoop the poop with this and take it with him.  There are many types and styles of bags- one of them has a metal wire with cardboard attach around a plastic bag.  When Fido has completed his business, you scoop it up, push down and you have your product in the bag and sealed.  Also, there are little fire hydrant things you can put bags in and attached to the leash you use to walk Rover.  He creates a gift, you pull out a bag to wrap up in, and you have created an instant clean-up.   It's truly not hard to scoop up the poop and keep a sanitary environment.

My human uses bags he buys at the store which are long enough to cover this hand and arm since we take walks in the woods and this prevents him, or helps prevent, from getting into poison ivy at my choice of gifting site.

One other problem my human has discovered is disposal of bags when hiking.  Most of our hikes and walks are in the neighborhood so we just get rid of it at home.  However, those occasions when we go away to a local park and there is no place to trash these bags, my human has put a large plastic empty Folger's can in the car with a plastic bag from the grocery. He puts my bag in the plastic bag, then into the can.  Seals it.  It works well, unless you forget to take it out at home.  Trust me.  He did it!!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Clean Up the Mess! !

Once again, I need to post my parental warning here, today's topic is rated, PG14 GTA (Gross Topic Ahead).  If you are not age 14, you must go get your parent to read this with you.  I appreciate it.

I don't like to beat a topic to death or repeat myself so many times that I sound like an old record stuck in place (my human's analogy as I don't remember records-am too young) but after a few walks with my human this weekend, and with school starting soon, I want to remind you of an urgent topic: Scoop the Poop.

My human and I have walked throughout the neighborhood on sidewalks and trails this summer season.  I am absolutely pawed by the number of times I've had to be careful to avoid poop left on the sidewalks!  What's going on here?  Now, we dogs have 4 paws and our humans have 2 legs which makes it 6 times likely that we'll step on something and track it somewhere that it shouldn't go.  That's not good.

"School Bus Stopping to Pick Up Students"
Now on a more serious note, the young boy across the street is leaving the house today morning to catch the school bus or the little girl down the street is doing the same.  They hustle or run because they don't want to miss the school bus or they want to catch up with friends before the bus arrives.  Well, you can guess what happens.  The boy steps in it, stops to wipe his shoe off but heads on to the bus stop to see his friends- never mind the odor and unsanitary stuff on his shoe. The girl?  She does the same, but instead, turns around and goes back home.   If the parents haven't left for work, she can get a change of shoes or cleaned up. If they have, she is out of luck and heads on to the bus stop.  She stands there alone.  No one will come near her.  She stinks.  Or reeks of odor not common to man.  She cries.  Gets upset.  The boy, kind of depends on the boys nature- he may notice or not.

Both children track the stinky unsanitary mess on the school bus.  By the time,  the bus reaches the school, it smells "odorifically (my word) horrible"!  The driver who must use the vehicle all day, not only has to clean the mess but smell the stuff until it airs out-

All of this drama because you were too lazy to pick up after your dogs mess.   Though we dogs do quite a few things to help our humans, we can't pick up our poop because we don't have the thumbs to hold the bag properly.

Local pet shops sell bags to use, or even tools if you need, to aid you in cleaning up after your pet.  If you are not able to afford them, use the plastic bags you carried your groceries or items from the store in.  It doesn't matter what you use, just clean up after your dog- "Scoop the Poop."

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Quips, Quotes, Thoughts and Other Notable Sayings

Hello- Happy Sunday! Usually a day of rest and fun around my house.  I have to share this from my Dad's files today:

"Blooms by Walney's Pond"

"I tell you the truth, whoever hears My Word 
and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life 
and will not be condemned; he has crossed 
over from death to life.
- John 5:24 [NIV]