Friday, April 25, 2014

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


WOOF! I had a visit from my friend at the Lab Rescue this week. She introduced me to a really pawsome 8-year old Black Labrador Retriever-

Meet Hebert- he is a 73lb. guy that is good with other dogs and children ages 10 and up. His experience with cats isn’t known. 

"Herbert!"
Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.
Herbert is a pleasure to be around- he loves to be around humans! Right now, he is enjoying life with his foster parents until the right human comes along! And since he likes people, he wonders where his forever family is?!

A good walker on a leash, again, Herbert shows that he wants to be with his favorite human as he just moseys right along- enjoying the outside and soaking up the sun too.

Herbert will need an owner who would be willing to help him get around, as needed-of course, with his arthritis. Due to his arthritis, though, he probably should only be placed with older, calmer dogs.

Herbert seems to be deaf- but you can be his human and help him along the way! He is Lyme positive and is on Doxycycline for it, as well as Glucosamine supplements for his arthritis!

A fun and happy dog- want to meet Herbert, learn more about dog adoption or curious about other dogs, please contact Lab Rescue

"Herbert!"
Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.




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

My friends at Operation Paws for Homes brought me a young 2 year old Foxhound for you to meet! 

Barkingly pawsome, Copper is a stunning character with a heart to match those beautiful eyes of his!!

"Copper"
Credit: Operation Paws for Homes
A smart and eager to learn whatever you're willing to teach him puppy, with a little training, he has Canine Good Citizen written all over him! 

Copper does well with other dogs and cats! 

Come snatch this guy up before someone else does!

If you would like more information about dog adoption or meet Copper, please visit Operation Paws for Homes!


"Copper"
Credit: Operation Paws for Homes

Friday's Friend: Dog Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

Every once in awhile a pawsome looking dog comes along and I think I've may met one of my long lost relatives!  Miss Cathy from PetConnect Rescue introduced me to Maximus who reminds me of me! 

A barkingly grand, handsome, 80lb, 1 year old Labrador Retriever/Greyhound mix, Maximus is ready to see the world with you in his Forever Home!

"Maximus"
Credit: PetConnect Rescue
Love to go for car rides or hiking? So does Max and it's the perfect time of year for outdoor activities.  

Max wants to please his human more than anything and loves more than anything to receive a hug and hear those words... “Good boy Max!”. 

He loves to chase the ball, and possibly loves to swim summer. Max is just an all around fun dog. 

Max is crate trained but he really wants to be by his human companion’s side. 

PetConnect Rescue would love for him to go home with a fun, active human or family of humans, WOOF!!!!!, who'll include him in all of their activities!

Before Max was rescued,  he was crated for very long periods of time while he was a puppy, so now PetConnect Rescue wants to show him that there are people out there in the world that will appreciate, love, and spoil him!! Max will pay you back in unwavering loyalty. 

Max is neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccines and preventatives. If you would like to learn more about dog adoption and meet Maximus, please contact PetConnect Rescue!


Friday's Friend: Dog Adoption, Washington Humane Society

Happy Friday!  It's been a busy week in our household- so I am looking forward to extra relax time with my human!

My friends at the Washington Humane Society have been busy caring for many animals in Washington, D.C. - they do an excellent job in so many ways!

"Buddy"
Credit: Washington Humane Society
WOOF!! Barkingly excited to introduce to you a pawsome, one year-old, 50 lbs., Staffordshire Bull/Terrier mix who is looking for his "Forever Home!"

Buddy is a playful character who could spend the entire day playing tug with you- something wrong with that? He loves to run, participates in  PACK (People and Animal Cardio Klub) weekly.

A quick learner, he already knows "sit" and is learning over tricks.  And he loves a good chew toy!

Buddy is ready to find a great human to hang out with in his new Forever Home- Could that be you?

If you would like to learn about dog adoption and meet Buddy, you can by visiting the Washington Humane Society's New York Avenue Adoption Center,
1201 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, D.C., (202) 576-6664 or at Washington Humane Society.


Thursday, April 24, 2014

Dog Breeds: Dachshund and Dachshund Mixes

Considering dog adoption?  Great idea!  We dogs make the best companions for young or old humans alike!  This month, I'm pawing some information with you about the Dachshund and Dachshund Mixes-
Looking for a Dachshund Dog or Puppy?

Why Not Adopt!

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

The Paw Calendar- Upcoming Weekend Adoption Events: Dog Adoption and Cat Adoption

WOOF!!! Hope you had a great Easter weekend with family and friends!  I got to spend extra time with my humans- it was barkingly pawsome!!!!!!  

Spring is a great time to consider adopting a dog or cat to become part of your family.  Why spring?  The weather allows you to be outside more and there tends to be more events and classes you can go to which would enrich your time with your dog or cat!

Here is calendar of events by rescue organization for this coming weekend, April 26-27, 2014.  As always, please confirm with the rescue organization all events before driving long distances.  WOOF!  Be sure to note whether and event is a dog adoption or cat adoption too!



[Dog Adoption Event]
Saturday April 26
11:00 am to 4:00 pm 
Community Outreach
Urbana High School
3471 Campus Drive
Ijamsville, MD
(240) 236-7600

and 

[Dog Adoption Event]
Saturday April 26
11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
PetValu
4115 Mountain Rd
Pasadena, MD
443-702-7017

[Dog Adoption Event]
Sunday April 27
9:00am to 2:00pm
Maryland SPCA March for the Animals
Druid Hill Park
3001 East Drive 
Baltimore City, MD

and 

[Dog Adoption Event]
Sunday April 27
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Adoption Event
PetValu
5750 Union Mill Road
Clifton, VA
703-266-3696



[Dog Adoption Event]
Saturday, April 26
11:00 a.m. -  1:00 p.m.
Olney PetValu
18115 Town Center Dr
Olney, MD 

[Cat Adoption Event]
Sunday, April 27 
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Olney PetValu
18115 Town Center Dr
Olney, MD 

and

[Dog Adoption Event]
Sunday, April 27
11:00 a.m. - 01:00 p.m.
Damascus PetValu
9809 Main St # 103
Damascus, MD 

and

[Dog Adoption Event]
Sunday, April 27
12:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m.
Purcellville PetValu
120 Purcellville Gateway Drive
Purcellville, VA


Friday, April 18, 2014

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


WOOF!! Happy Friday!!! Are you looking for another dog to be a companion to your dog?  How about a handsome, 90 lb., 3 year old chocolate neutered male? 

Meet Moose!!  This kind, gentle, a bit shy fella, is approved for families with children ages 10 and up.  He is looking for a Forever Home he can share with another dog with a fenced in backyard!
"Moose"
Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P, Inc. 
Moose is growing from a shy, timid dog to one with more confidence.  At first, he takes a bit to get to know you- then he warms up!

Each day he gets more comfortable with his routine like sleeping on a dog bed, with a crate and hanging out on his own!   

Moose enjoys walking with other dogs- does the pack walking thing really well!  WOOF!!! 

And, Moose, once he warms up to you, while some labs lean...Moose MELDS....it starts with his head in the lap then he turns for a side rub and the slide begins but he just leans harder and harder. A scratch on the butt is a favorite thing!!  Sounds like a really cool dog and, uh, a bit familiar!!  WOOF!!!!

If you would like to meet Moose or learn about dog adoption, please contact the Lab Rescue!!
"Moose"
Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P, Inc. 














Friday's Friend: Cat Adoption, PetConnect Rescue


Did you know that we black dogs and cats are some of the most beautiful animals you will ever meet?  We are unique, we are incredibly good looking, we are talented and we are smart- oh, er, yes, I am pawing about me, but also this kitty that Cat Lady from PetConnect Rescue brought me is really great too-  I'd like to introduce to him.

"Wilder"
Credit: PetConnect Rescue
Meet Wilder!! A handsome, beautiful, sweet, funny, and playful black kitty!

He's a friendly character who loves to play and love to find a forever family and home!  

Wilder has two brothers, Willy and Winky- maybe you could adopt one or all three and enjoy their antics as cats would be.  They are a fun bunch!

Adoption with his brothers isn't a requirement but because of his young age, Wilder needs an adopter who is home much of the day, or to be adopted with another kitten. 

Wilder would make a wonderful companion, he is a very good boy who is healthy, up to date with vaccines, and has excellent litter box manners!

If you would like more information on cat adoption and Wilder, please complete an online application at PetConnect Rescue! One of their Adoption Coordinators will contact you.

"Wilder"
Credit: PetConnect Rescue




Friday's Friend: Dog Adoption, Washington Humane Society


WOOF!!! Happy Friday- I love these weeks that Friday seems to arrive faster than usual- so cool!  

My friend a the Washington Humane Society introduced me to beautiful young lady who is looking for a companion and a "Forever Home" to call her own.
"Elizabeth"Credit: Washington Humane Society
 Please meet Elizabeth!

A gentle giant who loves to cuddle, roll over for belly rubs, run, play and would enjoy going for jogs is a two year-old, 60 lbs., Old English Sheepdog/ American Staffordshire mix.

And, I have to wonder if she's part mermaid because she loves swimming! If you set up a kiddie pool for her, she'll have a blast in it while you grill and catch some rays!

Does Elizabeth sound like the perfect dog for you?  To learn about dog adoption or if you would like to meet Elizabeth, you can at the Georgia Avenue Adoption Center, 7319 Georgia Ave, NW, Washington, DC, (202) 723-5730 or visit Washington Humane Society

"Elizabeth"
Credit: Washington Humane Society

Thursday, April 17, 2014

The Paw Calender- Upcoming Weekend Adoption Events: Dog Adoption

WOOF!!!! BARK!!!!!  Here's a few dog adoption and cat adoption events coming up this weekend-  looking to adopt a companion?  Visit these events and meet some dogs and cats looking for their "Forever Homes."

As always, be sure to confirm with the local rescue for any changes in events listed on this calendar



Saturday, April 19, 2014 
12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

[Dog Adoption]
The Dog Park
705 King Street, Alexandria, VA


Saturday, April 19, 2014 

[Dog Adoption]
Wylie Wagg 
12:00 PM - 02:00 PM ET 
5 E. Washington Street
Middleburg, VA 

[Cat Adoption Event]
Rockville BARK! 
11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
1643 Rockville Pike (Congressional Plaza)
Rockville, MD 


Sunday, April 13, 2014

Service Dogs

If you have a disability or life-threatening disease, you may sometimes feel an overwhelming sense of powerlessness: over your body, your medical care, insurance, drugs and devices, and, of course, the cost of everything. Does your quality of life suffer from the stress of it all? Have you ever thought that a dog could make a difference in your life? Perhaps one of these:
  • serv·ice dog   /'sÉ™rvis/ dôg/
    A dog trained to perform one or more tasks to assist with an individual’s
    disability or life-threatening illness as defined by the Americans with 
    Disabilities Act. Service dogs are also known as assistance dogs.

This service dog trained long 
and hard before accompanying
her handler to school.
(C) Dee Bogetti, All Rights Reserved
Used by Permission
Kinds of service dogs
The world of service dogs is constantly changing. No longer just for for the blind, dogs are being trained for everything from life-threatening allergies (peanuts, mold) to assisting people with debilitating arthritis. Here are examples of other service dog jobs.

Diabetic alert dogs are trained to alert (tell) a diabetic, caregiver or family member when the diabetic’s blood sugar is going up or down.

Guide dogs lead blind or visually impaired people around obstacles, up and down stairs, across streets, etc.

Hearing dogs alert individuals with hearing loss to specific sounds like a ringing phone, a smoke detector, the doorbell, etc.

Mobility dogs are trained to help people with physical issues that affect mobility. For an individual who is wheelchair-bound, the mobility dog can pull the wheelchair, retrieve dropped items, turn light switches on and off, open and close doors, assist the handler in transferring to and from a wheelchair, etc. For people who can walk, mobility dogs help with stability and balance, stand steady (brace) to help a person rise from the floor (if they have fallen) or from a chair. They can also help with some of the same tasks as mobility dogs for people in wheelchairs, like retrieving, tugging off clothing, bringing a cane, dragging a laundry basket, etc. Mobility dogs can be trained for people with a wide range of disabilities, including cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, etc.

Psychiatric service dogs (aka psych dogs) assist individuals with a wide range of psychiatric disorders with tasks like bracing for a person whose medication makes him dizzy, waking a person who is heavily medicated, clearing a room and/or turning on lights for a person with post-traumatic stress, blocking a person having a dissociative episode from a dangerous situation like walking into traffic, leading a disoriented handler to a specific person or place, etc.

This is a service dog training 
out in the world. This photo was
 taken in the elevator 
of a busy store.  Good dog!
(C) Dee Bogetti, All Rights Reserved
Used by Permission
PTSD dogs are service dogs for individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic stress syndrome, both military and civilian.

Seizure assist dogs are trained to provide comfort and a sense of safety to a person who is experiencing or has just experienced a seizure. A seizure assist dog may learn, after being on the job for a while, to recognize the signs that his person is about to have a seizure. When that happens, he can be taught to alert the individual to find a safe place to sit or lie down or to alert another person.

Therapy dogs are trained to interact with people in a variety of settings, providing comfort, and affection. Therapy dogs brighten the days of people in nursing homes, hospitals, etc. Therapy dogs assist with actual physical therapy, becoming an integral part of the treatment process and the therapy team. This kind of therapy can be provided in a variety of settings and can be for groups or individuals. Therapy dogs are also used in schools, the courts, and in the aftermath of disasters like 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy. Therapy dogs are not service dogs.

* * *

The road to getting a service dog can be challenging. To increase your odds for success, know your options:

§ Apply to an organization that trains service dogs and provides them to their clients at no charge.

§ Apply to an organization that requires you to pay for your service dog, often through fund-raising.

§ Train your own service dog.

Where do you apply for a service dog? There are a few large, well known, and successful service dog organizations that have been around for years, like Guiding Eyes for the Blind and Canine Companions for Independence.

Beyond the well-established organizations, companies come and go, some placing good dogs, some not. Your best bet is to do a ton of research, ask a lot of questions, and talk to people with service dogs and to service dog trainers. There are also independent service dog trainers who are not affiliated with an organization.

A good place to start your research is Pet Partners, a reliable resource for information about service dogs.

If you are capable and determined with a ton of common sense and an innate understanding of animals, you might be able to train your own service dog. The process is daunting, extraordinarily time-consuming, and not always successful. But when it is … it’s magic.

This is the first in a series of posts about service dogs.

About the author:  Dee Bogetti is a service dog trainer/consultant and the author of Puppies chew shoes, don’t they? and Training your puppy to be a diabetic alert dog. Her third book, A guide to choosing and training your own service dog, will be available this spring. Click here if you would like to be notified when it is published.



Saturday, April 12, 2014

Pets for Vets "Putt for the Paw" Golf Tournament

WOOF!!!! Do you like to play golf? Do you love dogs?  And, how about helping veterans who could use a furry friend?  Pets for Vets is hosting their  "First Annual “Putt for the Paw” Golf Tournament to benefit Pets For Vets Washington DC Area Chapter!

Golf enthusiasts and dog lovers will join forces to benefit the Pets For Vets Washington DC Area Chapter, and military veterans in need of their services. Pets for Vets is dedicated to training shelter animals to be companion pets for veterans in need of a furry friend to brighten the day or lend a helping paw. This year’s tournament will raise funds to pair more friends in need!

Barkingly pawsome, the event will be held on Friday, April 25, 2014, day-of registration begins at 7:30 a.m., shotgun is at 9:00 a.m., at the Medal of Honor Golf Course, Quantico, VA.  You can play for $80.00 which includes a continental breakfast, professional scoring, a games and awards luncheon, all greens fees, cart fees and range balls!

And even more pawfect are the prizes which will be awarded in multiple categories!  A few of the prizes include, a weekend night stay at the Hotel Palomar, a weekend night at the Lorien Hotel Old Town Alexandria, complimentary greens fees at The Gauntlet golf course and several rounds of golf at the Hickory and Augustine Golf Clubs are just the tip of the tee!

This sounds like a great way to support a pawsome organization doing great things with dogs and vets-  Pets for Vets works hard to find a perfect match. Trainers visit with veterans in their homes to learn about their needs and lifestyles, and specific animals are chosen from rescue facilities based on those individual needs. All dogs are trained to the Canine Good Citizen level prior to joining their veterans at home, and Pets for Vets is a continued resource for veterans after they have been paired with their pets!

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union, the Defense Credit Union Council, the Knisely Family, Vanguard Advisors and others are official sponsors for the cause.

More tournament and registration information, visit: Pets for Vets, 1st Putt 4 The Paw DC.

For more information about Pets for Vets and companion pets, visit: Pets-for-Vets.

A Disclaimer for you to note: This event is not an official event, nor is it endorsed or sponsored by the United States Marine Corps (USMC); Marine Corps Base, Quantico; or the Medal of Honor Golf Course, Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Quantico.

Pets for Vets connects veterans with companion animals – shelter pets that have been specially trained for individual veterans’ needs. The Pets for Vets mission is bringing together man’s best friend and our returning soldiers, showing them both that we have not forgotten. Please visit us at Pets for Vets NorthEast DC MD VA or follow us on Facebook at PetsforVetsDC and Twitter @PetsforVetsDC.

Friday, April 11, 2014

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

My buddy Goggles, a happy and healthy 2-year old Retriever/Chow mix from Operation Paws for Homes is looking for a companion and a "Forever Home!"

 He loves to play with his foster sister and human children!  Goggles loves to snuggle and sleep on his back!

He has an interesting bark- much like a young boys voice cracking and changing!!
"Goggles"
Credit: Operation Paws for Homes 
Goggles paws at the door when he needs potty break!

Are you looking for a friend to spend the warm weather months with?

If you'd like to know more about dog adoption and Goggles, please visit Operation Paws for Homes!










Friday's Friend: Cat Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

"Ella"
Credit: PetConnect Rescue
WOOF!!!!! RUFF!!!!!  What a beautiful cat, yes, I said it and you can share it with my dog buddies too- this cat looks like a piece of art work- thank you Cat Lady for introducing me to her!

Meet Ella, a gorgeous calico coat born in October!  She was rescued from a rural shelter but is now enjoying a foster home and some great new toys to discover and another kitten friend to keep her company!

Ella is very ladylike, yet she still loves to chase toy mice or race after a toy dangled at the end of a wand. 

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

If you would like to meet lovely Ella and leave more about cat adoption, please visit PetConnect Rescue and an Adoption Coordinator will contact you.

"Ella- a Work of Art"
Credit: PetConnect Rescue

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

WOW! Shelly- how beautiful you are and playful you must be- oh that I was a younger pup! I would take you on a run down the trails chasing deer, fox, duck, retreiving sticks, romping through the creeks- though I might still be able to do all that- a young sweet Yellow Labrador Retriever you are- who is looking for a friend and a "Forever Home."

"Shelly"
Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.
I shall but hope this young lady finds herself a home in the country as she isn't used to the city environment so an apartment or condo may be confining for her.  She would do best with an active family with a fenced yard who is looking for an active and loving Labrador Retriever to loves to play!

No history about her experience with children is available so she'd be recommended for families with children ages 10 and up- and no experience available with cats either.  She is good with other dogs!

She will come with a training addendum which basically means she needs to go with a human for some formal obedience training so she'll be a happy welcome and addition to your family.

She might be housebroken as she's kept her run clean at the vet and the kennel. 

Check out this sweet girl's video at Shelly

Shelly, a 75 lbs.,1-year old Yellow Labrador Retriever is up to date on vaccines, spayed.

If you would like to know more about Shelly and dog adoption, please visit Lab Rescue.

"Shelly"
Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.