Friday, June 28, 2013

Friday's Friend - Operation Paws for Homes

Are you looking for a really cool, great, fantastic, sweet, wonderful, gentle, and most perfect dog to be your companion to go places with? To share those special moments with?  To enjoy a sunrise or sunset...  with?  

Well, WOOF!!! I'm taken! And, I love my humans!! RUFF!! But, my friend at Operation Paws for Homes brought a friend by for me to introduce to you!  Meet my friend Carley!

"Meet Carley"
Credit: Operation Paws For Homes
Michael Garth Photography
"WOOF!!  PLEASED to MEET you!  I’m a lab mix and my name is Carley. I love humans, I'm sweet, affectionate and love to give kisses to whoever will give me attention!

I get along with other dogs when I'm given a slow introduction- it took me about a day, but my foster brother and I wrestle all over the house now. Also, I live with a cat but I don't any attention to her- she sits on her cat tree and watches me and the other dog play. 

"Carley and Foster Brother"
Credit: Operation Paws for Homes
I’m still kinda learning my name and basic commands.  I learned "sit" pretty quick in my foster home and I'm happy to learn and please humans! I like children, am pretty good with them, am just a pup myself.  

I'm housebroken and crate trained! But, when I need to go potty outside, I sit quietly by the door and wait for someone to let me out. I sleep quietly through the night in my crate without any problems. 

My foster mom has given me toys and I don't even destroy or chew them up.  I try really hard not to touch what's not mine!  

I’m a really good girl, I just need someone to take me home and love me. I’ll make a lively and loving addition to any home!!

Want to learn more about me or maybe adopt me, check it out here.

Credit: Operation Paws for Homes

Thank you to Operation Paws for Homes and Michael Garth Photography for supplying information and photos for Friday's Friend. 


Friday's Friend - Lab Rescue of the L.R.C.P., Inc.

WOW!! I've got a beautiful girl from Lab Rescue of the L.R.C.P., Inc. for you to meet today-  

Meet Wendy..... a young 8-year old spayed black female, an easy-going companion. 

"Wendy"
Credit: Lab Rescue of the L.R.C.P., Inc.
Wendy is up to date on her shots and is heartworm negative. She's good with other large dogs, but not cats or small dogs! She is approved for kids aged 10 and up. 

Weighing 76 lbs., Wendy, a friendly girl, has a high prey drive and desire to chase small furry or feathered things. 

Wendy is pretty and she very affectionate and is always giving the look that says "Do you want to pet me….please!!" She will nuzzle up eager for some attention!

She's happy to head out on a walk and fairly easy on leash. She loves to meet people and is excited to great them with a big wag and a little jump for joy! 

She likes hanging out in the yard and she will find a soft spot to rest in the shade. In the house, she stays close as she takes great joy in your company. She has good house manners and will find herself a spot on the dog bed rather than the sofa. Wendy is a sweetie who will make a wonderful companion.

If you would like more information on Wendy, please visit, Lab Rescue of the L.R.C.P., Inc, Adoption.

Thank you to Lab Rescue of the L.R.C.P., Inc. for Friday's Friend.

Friday's Friend - PetConnect Rescue

Hey Noah- it's my turn to introduce a friend- especially since this is a cat! I'm Max, Noah's cousin, from his human's aunt- I won't go there -but I would like for you to meet a friend introduced to me by Cat Lady from PetConnect Rescue.

Now, I ask you, how can you resist this face!!?

"Howard"
Credit: PetConnect Rescue

Howard is known as "Mr. Personality" by his former shelter worker friends as he loves to be at the center of it all!

"Howard"
Credit: PetConnect Rescue
As soon as you touch him, Howard purrs and loves the attention you can give him. Howard thinks he is a dog as he likes to shadow his human and purr and purr.  A "cuddler extraordinare," he is looking for his loving forever family. Nothing makes Howard happier than sitting on your lap and lovingly gazing into your eyes while he purrs.

Howard is guaranteed to make sure his humans have his constant love and attention. Though he is best friends with Leonard, Howard plays with all his foster brothers.

Howard is healthy, up-to-date medically and tested negative for FIV and leukemia.

For more information, please click here and fill out our online application. Our friends at PetConnect Rescue will contact you.

Thank you to PetConnect Rescue for Friday's Friend.

Friday's Friend - PetConnect Rescue

I met up with my friend Ms. Cathy from PetConnect Rescue who had a friend for me to meet and introduce to you. Great catching up with her-

Please meet my new friend, Abel, a cool, adorable, 4 month old Great Dane/Pointer mix pup.  Great picture, huh?  

"Abel"
Credit: PetConnect Rescue

Abel, a gentle giant, is great with other dogs and adores kids! He enjoys romping in the yard with his canine foster brother and tries very hard to play fetch- though his foster brother tends to get to the ball faster.

Abel is working hard on his manners and house training skills. Since he LOVES treats and is very eager to please, this makes a combination that should make training easy!

He is looking for a Forever Home where he'll have an adopter that can be home a good part of the day so he can continue his training and socialization.

Abel is up-to-date on vaccines and preventatives and will need to be neutered when he is old enough.

Interested in meeting Abel, please complete the non-binding application at PetConnect Rescue and they will be in touch.

Thank you to PetConnect Rescue for Friday's Friend. 

Friday's Friend - Washington Humane Society

Happy Friday- RUFF!!!!! Here is it almost July!  Do you have your vacations planned?  Or, are you still looking around thinking about places you can go?  How about a friend to take with you?  Maybe you can do a "staycation" where you see some of the local attractions and take a buddy with you. Like to jog, maybe a nice summer evening one with a companion by your side? My friend at the Washington Humane Society brought a buddy to my attention who may just be perfect for you and your summer adventures.

Meet Joanne.......
"Joanne"
Credit: Washington Humane Society

Joanne, is a two-year-old American Staffordshire terrier mix was brought to WHS as a stray.  She may play "hard to get" at first, but this flirty and wiggly friend can be won over with a nice scratch on the back.

Looking for a friend to spend summer time and beyond with? Come met Joanne. she can’t wait to meet you today at the WHS Georgia Avenue Adoption Center 7319 Georgia Avenue, NW/ 202-723-5730, Washington, DC, or visit the Washington Humane Society.

 

Attention Veterans:
Washington Humane Society is a Pets for Patriots adoption partner offering veterans in our program a 50% adoption fee discount! Pets for Patriots and Washington Humane Society.

Thank you to the Washington Humane Society for today's Friday's Friend. 



Saturday, June 22, 2013

Summer, Dogs and Heatstroke!

Summer is here!! WOOOFFFF!!!! My human is extremely happy as he loves the hot weather!  Also, he knows that the hot weather and humidity can be very dangerous for me so he plans our day around the weather so we can have fun yet not be in the hottest part of the day. When we go for walks, if it is a really warm, my human carries a water bottle for me- sometimes we share it, but's mostly to keep me from getting too thirsty.  And, we always go as early in the morning, like 6 a.m., as possible. 

Please take note of this image and share it with your friends who have pets- learn about Heatstroke NOW, before it's too late.  Thank you to PetFinder for supplying this image. 

  

Friday, June 21, 2013

Friday's Friend- Operation Paws for Homes

Happy Friday!! I met a new friend this week from Operation Paws for Homes who introduced me to a dog named Strudel who he'd like me to bark about to you!

"Strudel"
Credit: Operation Paws
for Homes
Please meet Strudel who is a 1 ½ year old hound mix!  We hounds are really cool, by the way!

Strudel has lived a life of ups and downs so far – with the downs outnumbering the ups! She was discovered by a housecleaning crew in an abandoned home with her newborn puppies. This was a bit of good fortune for her as the housekeepers rushed to action to find this sweet family a place to go. A kind soul in South Carolina took in the mother and puppies while Operation Paws for Homes worked to secure a foster home! Finally, things were looking up!

Unfortunately, a mysterious affliction affected Strudel’s litter.  She, her South Carolina foster, and her OPH foster, could only watch helplessly as one by one they faded away. Strudel was alone – a mama with nothing to mother.

Operation Paws for Homes is determined that those difficult days will mark the close of Strudel’s final sad chapter!  The happiest days are ahead of her with a forever home of her own – one with treats, toys, family, and all the snuggling a young gal like herself could hope for!

Despite the loss of her puppies, Strudel has turned into a really great dog. She’s shown to be a great companion to humans of all ages, and has a great way with other dogs.

 She’s housebroken, and used to being crated during the day (although she prefers not to be crated at night, thank you!) but her favorite place of all to be is in her peoples’ laps. She’d make a great companion for almost any home, and she’s got so much love to give! Please help us turn Strudel’s story into a joyful one, and apply to adopt her today at Operation Paws for Homes!

"Strudel"
Credit: Operation Paws
for Homes
Thank you to Operation Paws for Homes for Friday's Friend. 

Friday's Friend- Lab Rescue of the L.R.C.P.

Have I got a beautiful young lady for you to meet from Lab-Rescue of the L.R.C.P.!!  She is simply gorgeous.. uh, er, sorry- back on track -  but she is pretty!! 

"Lady"
Credit:  Lab-Rescue of the L.R.C.P.
Meet Lady, a 7 month old black spayed, 53lb., female who is up to date on her shots and is heartworm negative!

Lady is a bubbly "young lady" who is great with other dogs and is approved for children ages 10 and up!  She is friendly and very much a puppy! She loves to play and chase a ball- if you toss it a few feet, she will pounce on it and then run around showing off her prize. She'll let her foster take it from her when she says "give" and will happily play the game some more!! To her, everything is a toy (the chuck it, my gardening gloves, an empty flower pot...) so you have to pay some attention to her making sure she doesn't have something inappropriate, but she will easily give you it back! She loves to run outside in the yard and still has that goofy "I'm a puppy and I don't know where all my feet go yet" gallop, so she's fun to watch too. 

You can give her antlers, hooves, and bones which keeps her from chewing on things she shouldn't. She's got a strong desire to please, and LOVES to snuggle and be near her human. She'll plop herself unceremoniously on your lap and cover you with kisses whenever she feels like it.

Though quite smart and curious, as with all young labs, Lady will strongly benefit from formal obedience training. 

If you would like information about Lady, please contact the Lab-Rescue of the L.R.C.P.

"Lady"
Credit:  Lab-Rescue of the L.R.C.P.
Thank you to the Lab Rescue of the L.R.C.P. for today's Friday's Friend.




Friday's Friend - Washington Humane Society

Do you like baseball?  Do you like cats?  Are you looking for a companion who might fit along with you favorite "likes?"  And, who know, he might actually cuddle and watch the game with you?

My friends from the Washington Humane Society introduced me to a friend I'd like to share with you-

"Baisly"
Credit: Washington Humane Society
Please meet a cool cat- Baisly-

Though not very good at baseball, I am named after the after the great American baseball player Jeff Baisley, but I'm GREAT at cuddling! 

A pretty mellow cat describing himself as affectionate but not needy! He likes being pet and sitting in your lap -but young children sometimes scare me. If your kids are polite and gentle with me, I think we would get along fine!

Baisly found himself lodging at the Humane Society after he got lost sight seeing so I would prefer to be an indoor kitty! 

If you'd like to visit with me, please contact my foster at gaurac@gmail.com or visit Washington Humane Society.  

Thank you to the Washington Humane Society for Friday's Friend. 

Friday's Friend - PetConnect Rescue

Happy first day of Summer!!!!  My human is ecstatic- he loves the heat, the sunshine, the yard work- everything that comes along with summer. 

One of my friends at PetConnect Rescue introduced me this week to someone you to meet - Buckles!

"Buckles"
Credit: PetConnect Rescue
A Wire Haired Dachshund mix, weighs 19 pounds, gentle 2 year old, Buckles is an adorable, sweet dog and, apparently, quite the charmer, being friendly to everyone and extremely well behaved! 

He is housebroken, loves sitting in your lap, and giving gentle kisses on your face. At home, he likes to be a buddy, like I do to my human, by being close and following you around the house a bit. He would do best in a home where he is not left alone for long stretches of time. 

Buckles gets along with other dogs, is neutered, microchipped, heartworm negative, and up-to-date on vaccines and preventatives.

For more information, please visit PetConnect Rescue and complete our non-binding, online application, then Mike or Bev will contact you.

Thank you PetConnect Rescue for supplying Friday's Friend. 

Monday, June 17, 2013

Dog Breeds- The German Shepherd

I'm looking to share with you information about breeds of dogs- some humans tend to like a certain breed for one reason or another while others like mixes or mutts.   Either way, a great dog is a great dog!


Looking for a German Shepherd Dog or Puppy?

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Happy Father's Day

"Dad and me"
(C) TGR Pottery Photography
Used by Permission
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!!


May you have a wonderful day with your father!  Take him for a walk on his favorite trail, share one of your favorite treats with him or a bowl of your favorite food.  Be sure to take him in the backyard for a rousing game of fetch or cuddle the day away!

However you celebrate the day, may it be happy, fun, and full of memories to last a lifetime.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Friday's Friend - Washington Humane Society

We survived the storms yesterday- it was predicted to be a bad weather day so we did our preparations that I wrote about and my human got his cameras ready- just in case.  Thankfully, what weather we had wasn't as bad as originally thought it would be. Happy Friday!

My friends from the Washington Humane Society introduced me to a buddy who is look for a Forever Home.  Please meet Joy!

"Joy"
Credit: Washington Humane Society
Are you looking for a bundle of Joy? This wonderful 11-month-old terrier mix lady had a rough start to life, but with love and care, she’s a happy, healthy and ready dog to bring Joy to the world!!

Joy loves playing, learning new tricks, and is looking for a forever home that will continue her training and confidence–building.   

Interested?  Joy would love to show off for you today at the New York Avenue Adoption Center (1201 New York Avenue, NE / 202-727-5494) or visit, Washington Humane Society.









Washington Humane Society is a Pets for Patriots adoption partner offering veterans in our program a 50% adoption fee discount! Pets for Patriots and Washington Humane Society.

Thank you to the Washington Humane Society for today's Friday's Friend. 

Friday's Friend - PetConnect Rescue

An interesting and exciting week weather-wise and other things-wise for me, hope you've had a great week!  Got to catch up with my friend "Cat Lady" from PetConnect Rescue who introduced me to an interesting and exciting-looking cat (please keep from my dog-buddy's) which is a great way to end my week. 

Please meet Ash!


"Ash"
Credit: PetConnect Rescue

I've never seen a cat like Ash! She's a gorgeous medium hair orange tabby born in the spring of 2012 and rescued with her five kittens. 

Ash, a terrific mom who took wonderful care of her kittens, is now looking for her own "Forever Home!" 

A very social girl who is happiest when spending time with her humans, Ash loves being petted, cuddled and enjoys hanging out wherever her humans are!  She will find that perfect spot to happily nestle. 

Ash is healthy, current on vaccinations and has excellent litter box manners. To meet sweet Ash, please complete our online application and we will contact you.



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

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Emergency Preparedness - Hurricanes 2

If you happen to be out after a hurricane, or any storm actually, and come across a lost dog or cat, here are some tips to follow.  These suggestions can be used with cats as well. Be extremely careful when dealing with an animal you do not know.  If your instincts are telling you to back off, then do so and contact the local animal control or whichever authorities in your area can assist you.   Thank you to PetFinder for the infographic. 

 

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Quips, Quotes, Thoughts and Other Notable Sayings

"Playful Dogs"

"No matter how little money 
and how few possessions you own,
having a dog makes you rich."

- Louis Sabin

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Emergency Preparedness- Hurricanes

After all the tornadoes this season, and please keep the human and animal victims in your prayers, paw with you information for Hurricane Season which started June 1.   The humans at PetFinder, a great place to find a buddy, sent this to me to share.  Though this is labeled for cats, you can apply the same ideas to dogs! RUFF!!!!


Friday, June 7, 2013

Friday's Friend - Operation Paws for Homes

Hey! This is really cool- my first time to introduce you to a Chihuahua!  Though I've met a one before because my human's friend's daughter (sounds like human's gossiping doesnt' it?) has one!  Anyway, my friends at Operation Paws for Homes introduced me to him this week!

Please meet Roddy!

"Roddy"
Credit: Operation Paws For Homes

Roddy, at two years old, would make the perfect lap dog! Most of the time, he's quiet and calm.  He appears to do well around other dogs who are as laid back and interested in curling up on the couch as him.  He enjoys curling up with another dog his own size or close to it, but if he feels one of the bigger dogs is getting too close, he doesn't hesitate to give them a "big dog" growl. 

"Roddy"
Credit: Operation Paws For Homes
Roddy is the perfect dog for someone who wants a lap dog to cuddle and spoil! He loves to go with you wherever he can and is very content to be carried around and treated like a baby!

Roddy loves to be around people, and will follow you from room to room. He'd do best in a home where someone is home most of the day to keep him company. 

Roddy is up-to-date on his shots, and neutered. Roddy is available for adoption through Operation Paws for Homes. To view more photos and learn more about Roddy, visit Operations Paws For Homes, Adoption.

Thank you to Operation Paws for Homes for supplying Roddy's information. 


Friday's Friend - Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.

I've got a friend from the Lab Rescue of the L.R.C.P., Inc. that I would like you to meet- his story is a little sad- but I think you will enjoy meeting him. 

"Buster"
Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.
Buster is a mixed breed neutered male about 12 years old. BUT, don’t let his age fool you!! 

Buster is a heeler (Australian cattle dog) mix with lots of energy, like the 80-year-old grandfather, who regularly runs 10K races!  Sometimes he's a bit stiff after sleeping, but it doesn't slow him slow down. He is always ready to jump up and go wherever he can!!

Buster enjoys chasing balls and will play for as long as you're willing to throw the ball. Although he is partially deaf, his eye sight is good. He can still track and catch a tennis ball in the air!  Don’t tell Buster this, but the way he loves food, chasing balls and receiving attention, he believes he is a lab!!

He's up to date on his shots and is heartworm negative. He is approved for kids aged 10 and up. 

The sad part?  Buster was part of a pair that included a four year old lab named Dobby. Sadly, Dobby died in an accident.  Buster has adjusted well to the recent death of his long time lab brother and is still looking for his forever home. He needs to go to a home with another lab.

For more information on Buster, please visit, Lab-Rescue of the L.R.C.P., Inc., Adoption

"Buster"
Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.
Thank you to Lab Rescue of the L.R.C.P., Inc. for Buster's information. 


Friday's Friend - Washington Humane Society

Happy Friday!  My friend from the Washington Humane Society sent me information about a cat who is looking for a "Forever Home."

Please meet Tiger! 

"Tiger"
Credit: Washington Humane Society

Tiger seems like a cool cat!!  He may be less than a year old, but he is one little guy who’s got it all figured out! 

Tiger came to WHS on April 20, 2013. He's healed up from his injury, and he has learned that you just "can’t let the past get you down." 

Tiger is looking for a forever family to share more loving life lessons and to play tag, chasing games, with toys and snuggling in a warm lap. Email his foster mom Shephanie to meet Tiger today .

Friday's Friend - PetConnect Rescue

Who could possibly be afraid of a black cat or even a black dog, when you see a face like Godiva! My friend, "Cat Lady" from PetConnect Rescue brought her by and I was glad to see someone else who looks as good in black as I do!!

"Godiva"
Credit: PetConnect Rescue


Paws to introduce you to Godiva- maybe less than a year old, who is a lap cat and the ultimate snuggler! Cat Lady tells me she is just as sweet as the chocolate she’s named after after!! Godiva’s coat while appearing to be black, is actually a deep chocolate brown.

She's got the most relaxed and affectionate personality of any kitty that Cat Lady has seen in a long time and loves to be with people! Godiva, a gentle girl, would be an excellent companion for anyone looking to share their heart and home! 
A bundle of love looking for someone with an empty lap!

"Godiva"
Credit: PetConnect Rescue
Godiva is healthy, spayed and current on all her vaccinations.

For more information, please click here and complete the online application. PetConnect Rescue will contact you.

Thank you to PetConnect Rescue for supplying Godiva's information. 

Thursday, June 6, 2013

PetConnect Rescue and Do More 24!!

Noah- Pawthor,
"From the Dog's Paw"

(C) Allen Pearson 
You know, I have dedicated myself to being a dog. It started about 5 years ago on a cool fall morning in November 2007 in the hills of North Carolina. I love my job, my work, the profession allotted me in life. I am very good at it and have done my best to be my best since that chilly morning in November 2007.

Somehow, along the way of the first few years of like I became separated from my owner. I don’t completely understand what happened as I was doing the best I could do to be a great puppy but I ended up in a high kill shelter at around 2 years old. I kept hoping that my humans would come looking for me but it never happened. As the inevitable moment of meeting the Great One I love was possibly coming my way, a miracle happened and I was snatched by a kind lady who arranged for a helicopter ride to take me to PetConnect Rescue in Potomac, Maryland.

I was scared to death as I peaked out the window from the helicopter. Thank goodness the pilot had little bags as it happened before I knew it was going to. Oh, and a good stock of air fresheners- bless his heart.  

In Potomac, MD, I met up with the lady who snatched me up- giving me a chance to continue being a dog. She was really nice, gave me some food and water and treats as I slowly began to trust her- but then she took me to the vet where my body was used for a pin cushion- they kept telling me it was “good for me” and I thought “easy to say where you’re on that end of the needle.” I checked out pretty good with the vet. I had a few problems but they took care of those.

I was taken to a house where a kind lady feeds me, gives me fresh water, introduces me to her dogs, and I learn some basic obedience and commands.  She was my “foster mom” and I learned this isn't my permanent home but that would come along soon.

After several humans visiting me, walks and showing my handsome and talented self off to several humans- the day came that I met my humans and found my Forever Home. They love me and I them. I have been very good for them and their family- we've been through the loss of family members together and illnesses, we've gone on vacations and I've managed to get my male human healthier by making him exercise me, I got his blood pressure down.
I share my story today because I am hoping you will be able to donate today, Thursday, June 6, 2013, to help PetConnect Rescue raise funds so they can rescue other animals who might make life more exciting for more families, please visit the PetConnect Rescue Do More Page to make a donation.
"Hardee"
Credit: PetConnect Rescue 2013

I'd like to paw a bark about my rescue for you:  "PetConnect Rescue, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity founded in 2005, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina with a mission is to be a best-in-class animal rescue organization dedicated to helping cats and dogs in need.

Highly valued, compassionate and dedicated volunteers are commit to rescuing adoptable, at-risk cats and dogs from high-kill shelters and placing them in loving foster homes.  The animals are provided needed medical care, spaying or neutering and then thoughtfully placed with caring adopters.

PetConnect Rescues goal is to make the adoption process a kind, informed, effective and rewarding experience for the animals in our care, our volunteers and the adopter(s) providing loving forever homes. 

In order to achieve our goals, we treat everyone with respect, provide training, education and ongoing support, demonstrate courtesy and professionalism and are committed to the highest standard of excellence.

And, a note from the human founder:

 “PetConnect Rescue’s mission is to find permanent, safe and loving homes for defenseless dogs and cats.  We are committed to ensuring a kind, informative adoption process and to raising awareness for the cause of animal welfare. What started as a small, grass-roots effort surrounding a hurricane has turned into a thriving animal rescue organization. We are heartened to see our adoption numbers increase substantially each year, and we are in awe of the outpouring of volunteer support we have witnessed. Every time we pull a cat or dog into rescue, we take a leap of faith. Every time, it works out. With commitment and compassion, our goal is to expand our outreach programs while bringing ever more animals to safety.”

~Lizette Chanock, PetConnect Rescue’s Founder

To support PetConnect Rescue's effort today, visit  PetConnect Rescue Do More Page

"Cat Friends"
(C) Allen Pearson

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Make Your Own Pet Food

Taking care of a dog is a rewarding experience, but it certainly isn’t always cheap. However, more and more dog owners are recognising the benefits of making their own pet food, which as well as being inexpensive, can also help to improve your dog’s overall health!

That’s because unlike some shop-bought brands, home-made dog food contains no nasty additives or preservatives, leading to fewer upset stomachs, better skin and coat condition, and healthier ears and teeth.

In the long run, that could mean less visits to the vet with your four-legged friend, but when you consider that whipping up your own dog food will save you money each week, it’s certainly worth giving it a try.

With a little help from this handy graphic, you can create your own dog food in just two simple steps, and find out that it’s much easier (and less messy) than you thought!


Having always been a pet lover it was important for Stef to find ways to make owning a pet cheaper after she struggled with large amounts of debt; she now writes useful articles about all aspects of frugal living to help others avoid getting into debt.