Monday, December 29, 2014

Year-End Giving Benefit Dogs and Cats

Used by permission, GraphicStock

WOOF! Are you looking for a way to make that year end donation? Barkingly pawsome!

My human and I support several pawtacular dog and cat rescues, shelters and charities throughout the year by photography and writing.  My human photographs while I do most of the writing- it's better coming from a dog- a rescued dog who rescued his humans and live very happily ever after!  WOOF!!!!

Did you know that running a rescue, shelter or charity is an expensive undertaking while the investment is often farther reaching than saving the dog or
cat. In many cases, the humans lives who adopt the dogs or cats are touched in many unexplainable ways. Not to mention how happy the dog or cat are to have their own humans and home.

One way is companionship and love.  My humans were beginning a long journey of caring for their parents. Little did they know, or me either, that I would become an important part of the family during times of loss, grieving, exercising and family fun.

Many humans will say that adopting a dog or cat through a rescue is expensive- it's really not if you consider what's involved- behind the scenes before you ever see the guy you want to adopt.  There are travel expenses to a safe place, there are food and water expenses, there are grooming expenses, there are housing expenses, there are veterinarian expenses -though we are very thankful for reduced rates and sometimes even free treatments.

The rescues we work with have all volunteer staff.  No one gets paid for the work they do.  My human donates his time to photograph, I donate mine to blog.  We work together to help the dogs and cats get adopted.

One group we photograph for, as needed, does an extremely pawsome job helping our military service men and women find dogs that assist them in life- not service dogs or therapy dogs- though many of us are therapy for our humans- but the love of the dogs help the servicemen and women adjust to life, keep them company, you name it.  It's a wonderful organization, Pets for Patriots.

Woofly, not everyone can adopt.  There are many reasons that some humans can't adopt right now.  If that's you, there are many other ways to support.  You can donate financially, any amount will help and you can do it in honor or memory of a pet or a human.  You can volunteer your time and you can donate much needed resources such as blankets, towels, and rags.  Or, check out the "needed items" lists on a rescues/charities website and go from there.

And, you can donate your time.  As a volunteer who does this on a regular basis, you can help many dogs and cats while on their way to their "Forever Homes."  Contact one of the rescues I have included about volunteering- I'm sure they will be happy to have you.  Or, visit this link which will direct you to a place to volunteer.

I am a rescued dog.  I am thankful a lady from PetConnect Rescue saw me and brought me to Maryland via small plane with Pilots N Paws.  I am thankful for the foster who took me in her home, kept me, fed me, allowed me to stay until my human found me.

My humans and I are thankful for the donations of many who made this possible.  Barkingly, I am not the only dog or cat who can share this story.

Here is a list of rescues and charities we support and would like to suggest for year-end donations!  BARK!  Or, even all year donations!!! WOOF!!!  I've listed them in alphabetical order- no special barks or meows.

Bark! Donations need to be made by December 31, 2014, to be included in the current year's (2014) tax deductions.  Postmarked by December 31, 2014 if you are mailing a donation. WOOF!


  
 









Thank you for supporting dogs and cats and your fellow humans.  RUFF!!!!!!




Thursday, December 25, 2014

Merry Christmas

Our Hope was Born in Winter

What are you hoping for this Christmas? Joy, peace, love, a miracle?

There was a time when God’s people hoped and waited for a miracle. The miracle of a savior, a king, a deliverer.

What they got was a star in the night sky, a chorus of angels and a tiny baby.

A baby born to a teenage girl, not a queen; born in a stable, not a palace; and surrounded by animals instead of servants.

Think about it, at God’s command, and at just the right and perfect moment in time, God gave the world the greatest miracle of all, His Son, Jesus, the Hope of the World, the Everlasting Promise, the Messiah.

The King isn’t coming, He’s here, the Hope of the World is waiting for you, the arms of Jesus are outstretched to draw you into the warmth of His loving embrace.

For Christmas this year, count your blessings, follow your star, and believe, because miracles do happen.

"Used by Permission, Christian Clipart"

Written for me by my human's sister: (C) Kim Kirby, 2014

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Twas The Barks Before Christmas-

Its Christmas Eve and all through the house the only creature stirring is me.
 I am wandering about the house- looking for my humans.  
Am sure they went to the Christmas Eve service at church.

Dad's sister came by to say,
"let's go hear what Pastor Billy has to say 
on this wonderful Christmas Eve-"
"Used by Permission, GraphicStock"
The house isn't decorated much this year- 
we have a Charlie Brown Christmas tree, 
a few nutcrackers- that's it.

For Mom and Dad have had a rough year and are a bit tired.

While they are gone, I look through the house with care.

Don't want to ruin any surprise they may have for me here-
I know they have Christmas decorations stored somewhere-
Probably in the dark basement-
I will sneak down and see what I can find-

Barking loud to scare off the spiders
when all of a sudden,
There rose such a clatter,
I looked to see what was the matter-

Credit: Flickr Creative Commons,
Kevin Dooley
Over in the corner, 
shiny lights and bulbs,
balloons and candy canes, 
and Christmas decorations galore.
I will take these up and out-
to see what I can do to make my human's shout.

A Christmas Tree, ornaments, 
white lights, colored lights,
All surely to delight,
As I pull them up and out of the basement.

I call my barkingly pawsome friends,
Lulu, Chase, Coal and Junior,
and my meowingly pawsome cat cousins:
Max, Zoey, Fancy, Buddy, Cassie, and Shelley
to help me make the Christmas special.

We must rush, for we have not much time.
We hustle, we bustle, we paw, we purr,
We bark, we scratch, 
No need for human tools
in this pawsome bunch!

The cats cousins have strung
the chimney and the house with care-
garland, stockings, candles,
Poinsettias, red and white,
and Christmas lights galore, 
a Nativity centers the space. 

Coal and Chase have run the yard,
Lulu and Junior pulling on the lights
all the trees and bushes done,
with nothing left untouched.

The cat cousins crawl across the 
top of the house while my dog
buddies hand the lights to cover
every nook and cranny of the house
with beautiful Christmas lights-

Credit: Flickr Creative Commons,
Jim, the Photographer
A Nativity dawns the front yard. 
We all stop in sudden silence and quiet,
not a purr is said nor is a whine or bark,
we humble ourselves around the cradle,
of the Baby Jesus,
we bow to honor Him who was born and the reason
we celebrate this Christmas season.

I hear their car coming... sounds like they are laughing,
must have had a great evening,
spending it at church,
with Dad's sister and many friends,

We scamper and run to the house 
and to the family room we go.
Cousins and all.
To hide ourselves and pretend,
we've been asleep and 
don't know at all,
the Christmas decorations on the front yard.

They drive right past the house!!!
Arf??  Meow??
They turn around and come back
only to drive by again,
BARK!! MEOW!!
We try to let them know. 

They come back and are surprised,
to see the house all aglow,
with Christmas cheer!!
Dad, his Sister and Mom,
All surprised at our decorating gift to them!

Credit: Flickr Creative Commons,
Karol Franks
We wish you
the Merriest Christmas!
from all of us at
"from The Dog's Paw!"

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Noah's Houndisms


Christmas and Your Pets

Love Came Down at Christmastime in the form of the baby Jesus. He came to bring Joy, Peace, and Love and to save us from our sins.

Joy to the World = therapy dogs in hospitals/nursing homes

Peace on Earth = the peace we feel while petting our cats or dogs

Love = the unconditional love our pets have for us

May your homes and hearts be filled with Joy, Peace and Love during this Christmas season.

Written for me by my human's sister: (C) Kim Kirby, 2014

Friday, December 19, 2014

Friday's Friend: Dog Adoption, Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P, Inc.


WOOF!!  BARK!!  WOOF!!!! Great to see my friend "Lab Lady" bringing her buddy, Maisy, in to visit me and be introduced to you.  She is a 52 lb., 1 year old, Yellow Labrador Retriever who is looking for her "Forever Home."  Beautiful young girl, isn't she!  BARK!!!!

"Maisy"
Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.
Though Maisy enjoyed time with me, she really needs to find a home in the country.  She's used to living where its quieter, less city and traffic noises!  She tried apartment living and it didn't agree with her!  If its learned that she can adapt to a city enviornment, Lab Rescue will update their webpage about her!

Maisy is the perfect house dog.  She is house trained and will stay in her crate without any trouble. She is quite the cuddler too, curling up with her head in your lap while you stroke her soft head and muzzle. She loves having her ears stroked!  WOOF!!!!!
"Maisy"
Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.

She likes toys, loves tennis balls, going for long walks, pouncing and bouncing, and running around the backyard, even through the mud, having all the fun that she can.   Sounds like my kind of girl! WOOF!!!!

Maisy has been well loved by her previous owner and it shows. She may take a bit to trust but once she trusts it's full trust. Her family will have to go slowly with her and introduce her to new things one at a time. When meeting humans outside, she wants to keep the distance and move on quickly. She is 90% puppy and about 10% "WHAT'S THAT?" kind of fearful- but the key is to take it in stride rather than be too sympathetic to her fears.

Maisy is good With children ages 10 and older, she has no known experience with Cats. She would do best in a home with another dog who would enjoy playing or at least entice her to do so!

Interested in learning more about dog adoption and meeting Maisy?  Please contact the Lab Rescue for more details.


Friday's Friend: Cat Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

"Used by permission, GraphicStock"
WOOF!! My friend "Cat Lady" from PetConnect Rescue came by this week to visit and teach me a new word or at least a new name!! Tchoukou!!  I thought she sneezed!! So I blessed her- I guess I need to get some class!  WOOF.

Please meet this cool cat "Cat Lady" brought with her named Tchoukou!

Tchoukou (pronounced chu-ku) is a slim and gorgeous grey-tipped female Siamese. The name Tchoukou is from the Sahel of Africa – it is well known traditional creamy cheese made by women at home.

"Tchoukou"
Credit: PetConnect Rescue 
A sweet and very loving cat.  She has a lovely coat and markings with beautiful blue eyes which are very expressive.

Tchoukou is a little over one year old and has a calm and soothing personality with gentle and soft meows. She would do best in a quiet household, perhaps one with an older animal and her human(s), for whom she would be a loyal companion. Tchoukou does allow children to pet her.

Now that her kittens are ready for their own home – so is she!

While she doesn't require a lot of personal attention, she's always available for your rubbing her head or scratching her back.

Tchoukou is healthy, up-to-date on vaccinations and has perfect litter box manners.

Interesting in meeting this cool cat and learning about cat adoption?  Contact PetConnect Rescue.  Complete the online application and an Adoption Coordinator will contact you.  



Friday's Friend: Dog Adoption, Operation Paws for Homes

"Used by permission, GraphicStock"
WOOF!!!!!  HAPPY FRIDAY!!!! Only a few more days until Christmas-  Hoping you got your celebration almost, if not completely, done!!

My friends at Operation Paws for Homes have been very busy this season, as in every season, taking care of many great dogs.

This week, they've got an adult, medium, 1 1/2 year old, female, Australian Shepherd - Collie mix named Rosy for you to meet.

"Rosy"
Credit: Operation Paws for Homes

A soft, cuddly, fun, soft, and delicately fluffy, Rosy is looking for a loving and active home! She is a gentle girl who is the definition of a companion!

Rosy loves humans!  As you meet her, she'll rub up against your leg gently as she look looks into your eye for a little pet.

Rosy would do best with a family or individual with an active lifestyle that includes hiking, running, or agility training. She's an incredibly smart girl and will benefit with having a lot of challenging activity in her life! BARK!!! Socialization would be a good thing for her too!

A smart girl, she quickly learns new tricks like jumping through a hula hoop or completing an obstacle course. She's an active girl who loves walks, runs, playing in the water, whether its in a river, a kiddie swimming pool, or her water bowl, and chasing squirrels out of your yard. Two of her favorite things are chasing the laser pointer and chewing on rawhide.

She is gentle with the children in her home but needs to learn that other children are just as sweet!

Rosy is good with some dogs and largely ignores cats. She really prefers humans!

Please see a short video of me - Rosy on YouTube!

Rosy is currently fostered in Alexandria, VA. She is spayed, up to date on shots, and ready for a forever home!

If you would like to meet Rosy, please complete an online application at Operation Paws for Homes Adoption Application.

Would you like to know more about dog adoption, please visit Operation Paws for Homes Dog Adoption.


Friday's Friend: Cat Adoption, Washington Humane Society


WOOF!! I've got a friend from the Washington Humane Society who would like you to meet him.  Barkingly pawsome is he wants to introduce himself!!

"Quinn"
Credit: Washington Humane Society
"Meow, nice humans! My name is Quinn.  I am about the friendliest, sweetest kitty you will ever meet.

Sadly, my owner moved far away and they could not take me along, so I am looking for a new place to hang my hat. PURRRRR!!!!

I am very affectionate, loving, and fun to be around. I like to cuddle and have a chat with my human. 

I have lived with other cats before, and would probably be great with kids because I am so easy-going. 

I've been available for adoption for several months, and I can't understand why I keep getting overlooked – I am an all-around great cat! 

I am being fostered at Pet Valu in Silver Spring, so come on down to the store and meet me. I guarantee that with my charming personality, you won't be able resist bringing me home!"

Quinn is a five-year-old, nine lbs., domestic shorthair tuxedo cat.

Would you like to learn more about cat adoption and meet Quinn?  You can by visiting Pet Valu, 11229 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20904,
(301) 754-3690 or visit Washington Humane Society.


Saturday, December 13, 2014

GOTCHA DAY!!!


Add caption

Dear Noah,

Today is a very special day in our family!
5 Years ago today my wife and I met you at your fosters home
with PetConnect Rescue of Potomac, Maryland. 

Our previous dog passed away in mid November
and I had decided not to get another dog.
After all, dogs are alot of work 
and I was on my way to being 
the world's Greatest Nature Photographer
I just knew I'd be there in no time.

My wife and a friend knew I needed another dog.
After going through pages and pages of dog information,
I settled on meeting you but you were being interviewed
by another family. 
I was sad when told, the rescue would
call if the family changed their mind.

The family changed their mind
and we went to visit you!!

Though my wife was,
I wasn't too sure about adopting you. 
After all, there is quite a bit of work involved.
There's the walking,
the feeding,
the grooming,
the training,
the vet,
the meds,
playing fetch,
and having someone
to care for you when I travel
or work late,
There is no stopping with friends
somewhere after work.


5 Years later,
I've put my camera to better use,
I photograph for church,
dog and cat rescues,
and clients,
We've had many great walks,
You've comforted Meg and me
during many family losses,
we've explored gardening together,
you've gotten me to exercise more,
No way to ask for a better 
dog!

Work? Yes.
Worth it?  Yes, every penny, every minute.

Love,
Dad and Mom

HAPPY GOTCHA DAY!!



Friday, December 12, 2014

Friday's Friend: Dog Adoption, Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.

WOOF!!! Happy FRIDAY!!!  Yes, you are in the right place, the right page, the right everything-  Barkingly PAWSOME is my human's stash of graphics!  I found them, got into them and decided to use them- don't tell him though- ARF?

My friend "Lab Lady" brought a really cool, 2 year old, 65 pound, yellow neutered male Labrador/Golden for you to meet!  If you live in the country, Gordon might be the perfect dog for you!!

"Gordon"
Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc. 
Gordon comes from the country so he has limited exposure to city noises, traffic, and groups of people!  WOOF!!!  For now, his placement is limited to single family suburban or rural homes.  If this changes, Lab Rescue will update their information!

Gordon is a typical young Lab with a very friendly and exuberant personality!! He has lots of love to give!!

A very strong dog so an an easy walk harness will be good for him! WOOF!! 

Gordon has no cat or kid history so he's approved for kids ages 10 and up. 

Interested in meeting this great dog, Gordon, and learning about dog adoption?  Please visit, Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.



 

Friday's Friend: Dog Adoption, Operation Paws for Homes


WOOF!!!! Are you looking for a small dog?  One that would make the perfect lap dog??  My friends at Operation Paws for Homes have found

the barkingly pawsome dog for you, PUDGIE!!!!!!

"Pudgie"
Credit: Operation Paws for Homes
Pudgie is a 10lb, male, 2 year old chihuahua mix who is an easy going guy with a huge heart!! He enjoys loving on his humans with kisses and soaking in all the attention he can get!!

A day full of paying with toys, playing chase with his foster siblings or chewing on his bones and Pudgie is happy!!

One of his favorite morning past times is laying in the sun that comes in the window to sunbathe!

Pudige is the perfect catch for someone who is home more often to spend the days with him and enjoy the company of a canine companion!!

This dog is up to date on all vaccinations, microchipped, altered and fostered in Spring Grove, PA. The adoption fee for this dog is $325.

If you would like to meet Pudgie, please complete an online application at Operation Paws for Homes - Adopters.

Want to learn more information on dog adoption?  Visit Operation Paws for Homes - Adoption Guide/Information.





Friday's Friend: Dog Adoption, Wsahington Humane Society

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!! WOOF!!!  Hope you've got some great weekend plans- probably have to do some Christmas shopping.  Got my present yet? WOOF!!

I've had a great week meeting dogs and cats from across the Washington D.C. area.  Barkingly pawsome to meet a new friend from the Washington Humane Society this week.

Meet River!

"River"
Credit: Washington Humane Society

"Pet of the week? More like pet of the ALWAYS!" says Becca Stern
Adoptions Counselor of the Washington Humane Society.

A one-year-old, 47 lbs., American Staffordshire Terrier mix, River has a beautiful fawn coat, goofy ears, and a pawsome doggie smile!!

You know beauty isn't everything, River goes further with being a great hiking buddy, couch cuddler, intelligent, clever and inquisitive.

River loves to play with toys! Grab one for him and you'll witness a burst of joy unlike anything this world has ever seen.

A couple natural instinct of River is how he's mastered the classic “head tilt” when something grabs his attention!

To top it off, he is quiet, house-trained, and totally ready to find his forever family.

Interested in meeting River and learning about dog adoption?  You can at the Washington Humane Society's New York Avenue Adoption Center, 1201 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20001, 202-576-6664 or visit Washington Humane Society!

Monday, December 8, 2014

Noah's Houndisms - Paws and Snow


Checking your dogs paws for ice and snow or chemicals is an excellent way to keep your buddy from developing unhealthy issues in the paw pads or between the toes.   Webbed paws need particular attention as ice or chemicals can get trapped. 

Friday, December 5, 2014

Friday's Friend: Cat Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

WOOF!! Hope you've had a great week!! Am so happy to hear from my friend, "Cat Lady" from PetConnect Rescue!  She has brought me, one cool cat to introduce to you!

Iggy!!!!

"Iggy"
(C) PetConnect Rescue
A meowingly sweet and gentle young cat, Iggy was the last cat at a closing shelter, and is one happy dude to be rescued by PetConnect!

Iggy loves playing with wand toys and just wants to be loved. He is one friendly and curious boy who loves to explore with kitten-like energy! 

He is really great with older children as well as adults but young children tend to scare him a little!

Iggy's got this unique coloring going on because he's got few circular orange spots on his white back. And he is super soft. 

A healthy cat who always uses his litterbox, Iggy is looking for someone to give him a chance- and he will love you forever. 

Interested in learning about cat adoption and meeting Iggy, please complete an online application, and one their Adoption Coordinators will contact you.

Adoption procedures, fees, and applications may be viewed by clicking here.





Friday's Friend: Dog Adoption, Operation Paws for Homes

WOOF!!! I've got a friend from Operation Paws for Homes that I would like you to meet-  His name is Jagger-
"Jagger"
(C) Operation Paws for Homes
Jagger was originally adopted two years ago as a young pup and has unfortunately found himself back at Operation Paws for Homes. 

A handsome, athletic, leggy boy, husky/mountain dog mix about 2 years old and 71lbs. Jagger is looking for someone to love!!

A goofy and fun dog, who is up-to-date on all shots, neutered, he has many barkingly pawsome qualities:
  • House Trained - 'nuff said! WOOF!! He holds it all day while his foster human mom is at work!!
  • Perfect age - at about 2 years old he's got plenty of energy but won't chew things he shouldn't!!  WOOF!!
  • He has excellent house manners - doesn't chew, stays out of the trash, does not climb on furniture!!
  • He requires exercise as he loves hiking, running laps in your backyard, or would love to keep you motivated during your morning run. 
  • Very intelligent - Jaggar walks well on leash, knows basic commands (sit, shake, down, wait)!!
  • Good with the entire family!  Is best for older children!
  • Jaggar loves to be outside!  WOOF!!
     
  • LOVES to Love - He can always use a hug or a pet, barkingly pawsome as he makes every day special. 
  • Love to go for car rides - Jagger will hop right in the car and make himself at home!
  • Up to date on all shots and neutered.
  • Excellent Pup for medium/high energy single, couple, or family - Jaggar  loves to play and snuggle later!
  • A loyal and eager to please dog - he bonds very quickly to his family and just wants to be near you!
  • Enjoys other dogs! 
  • Not sure about cats as he has no experience with them. WOOF!
NOTE: Jagger came back to us unsure of new situations. Will be important for his new family to provide confident leadership and training for him.

Interested in meeting Jagger, and learning about dog adoption, please visit, Operation Paws for Home- Adopters.

More information on adoption can be found at Operation Paws for Home- Adoption Guide.