Friday, October 31, 2014

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

WOOF!!!! WOOF!!! BARK!!!! What a PAWSOMELY beautiful girl-  Meet APPLE!!!!!!!  
"Apple"
Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc. 

APPLE is a 6 month old, female Black Labrador Retriever. She came to the shelter as a stray but she clearly loves to be with people. 

A bouncy and happy little girl with tons of puppy energy, Apple wants to play!  

Apple is a very vocal girl and will bark to get your attention.  She will need an active adopter who can spend lots of time training her to be a lady!  Barkingly pawsome, she is still a puppy!!  

No experience with cats are known.  Apple is suited for children over age 10. 

This girl would be a great addition to an active family or for someone who has a job she can fill!!  WOOF!!  

If you would like to learn about dog adoption and meet Apple, please visit Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc. .





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

Barkingly pawsome is Ivy, a smart, 3-year old Rottweiler!  She is from Operation Paws For Homes and I'd like you to meet her!

"Ivy"
Credit: Operation Paws for Homes

Her pawsome fluffy coat and stature shows a pawsible mix of  German Shepherd and/or Chow.  The American Kennel Club describes the Rottweiler as "a calm, confident, and courageous dog with a self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships." Barkingly, this describes Ivy! 

Sometimes Ivy takes awhile to warm up to a human, but once you've shown her you're her friend and will take care of her, you'll have a friend for life- which is a pawsome experience every human should have! WOOF!!  In the meantime, Ivy will need humans who will give her space, not force too much affection too face.  When she's comfortable she'll become a goofy, playful girl you'll fall in love with!! WOOF!!!

Ivy is house trained, crate trained, and walks great on a leash. She does well when left out of her crate -mostly naps and has yet to get into anything. Ivy can be a bit of a couch potato when left to do as she pleases- so she'll need humans who will walk or play with her in the yard. 

Ivy knows tons of tricks, and the basic a commands of "sit, stay, and come!" Also, she will cross her paws (like a lady), shake (with both paws), bow down, roll over, crawl, catch, and more! Our favorite trick is "nose", where Ivy touches her nose to yours. It will melt your heart just like it did ours.
"Ivy"
Credit: Operation Paws for Homes

Ivy needs to go a home where she is the only child- though she does well with the other foster dogs, sometimes the constant wanting to play is a bit much.  Barkingly, Ivy has done well with children of all ages, but we recommend a home with no children. The stress of constant little ones can wear on her patience. 

If you're looking for a happy-go-lucky dog to cuddle with, Ivy isn't for you. WOOF!!!!  If it's a loyal, calm, highly intelligent companion you want, Ivy is your girl! In the right home we have no doubts she'll blossom into a wonderful addition to the family.

If you would like to meet Ivy and learn about dog adoption, please visit Operation Paws for Homes


Friday's Friend: Cat Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

"Tippy"
Credit: PetConnect Rescue
Cat adoption, one of my favorite topics.  I think cats are cool and make good pets- I had a cat brother up until a few years ago.  Mom is thinking about adopting another one on of these days.  

"Tippy"
Credit: PetConnect Rescue
In the interest of sharing what my friend "Cat Lady" brought by for you to meet, I need to introduce you to Tippy!

If you're looking for a lap cat, a companion, a kitty to sit with you - a friend, Tippy is waiting for you to stop by and meet her!!! WOOF! er, meow-

This cool kitty LOVES to be pet and is great with kids of all ages.  Tippy's an affectionate and loving kitty.  She was a pawtastic mother to her kittens who've been adopted.   Now, she is ready to find her human and "Forever Home!"

A laid back cat- Tippy is a pleasure to have around - not one for getting into any trouble.

Tippy is healthy, up-to-date with her vaccines and has excellent litter box manners. Now all she needs is a lap!

If you would like to learn about cat adoption or meet Tippy, please complete the PetConnect Rescue Online Application and an Adoption Coordinator will contact you.

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


Friday's Friend: Dog Adoption, Washington Humane Society

HAPPY FRIDAY!!! WOOF!!! WOOF!!! We've had a busy week- I've been re-designing my blog and working on my human's website and his blog- been crazy and today we've got a full day planned doing stuff at my granddad's house.

Going to Granddad's house hasn't been easy on my humans.  They're having to clear it out to sell.  My Dad says that having me along has been great help and that dog adoption is the greatest.  Companionship is one of the benefits of dog adoption.

My friends from the Washington Humane Society brought me a friend this week for you to meet- and maybe consider adopting-  Meet Jelly Bean!!

"Jelly Bean"
Credit: Washington Humane Society

Jelly Bean is a sweet three-year-old, forty lbs., American Staffordshire terrier mix who loves to love and to be loved!  WOOF!!!!

If you're looking for a smaller dog to be your companion and shadow you around- giving love and kisses along the way, Jelly Bean is the dog for you!

She is past her puppy stage and is pretty mellow. Jelly Bean needs a human who will help her build confidence, which only take a little TLC.

Jelly Bean is good with kids and is great on her leash.

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



Friday, October 24, 2014

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

My friend "Lab Lady" has been awfully busy these days caring for many Labrador Retrievers but when she introduced me to this fella, I knew she had her hands full!! Barkingly pawsome, this guy reminds me of when I was just a young pup!

He's almost as handsome as me and almost as talented!  WOOF!!! Meet Harley!

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

Harley is cool, 3 year old, neutered Black Labrador Retriever male.  He is good with other dogs but isn't approved for cats.  Nor, is he approved for chickens - WOOF!- he got into trouble for chasing and catching chickens which is how he ended up at the Lab Rescue.

He is a bit shy at first but tends to warm up quickly to new people.  He just needs a few moments to check you out- sniff!  Once he's comfortable with you, he'll share doggie kisses with you!

Harley is house and crate trained.  He is a fantastic walker.  And, woofingly, rides well in the car and knows to mind his manners in the house.  He will sleep through the night without any trouble.

Barkingly, Harley is quite the acrobat and can climb a chain link fence! He would do best in a home with a 6 foot fence, or where he will be kept on leash when outside!  WOOF!

He is approved for kids 10 and up- but again, no chickens! WOOF!!!

If you would like to meet this incredibly great Black Labrador Retriever who will brighten up your life and bring excitement to it, and learn about dog adoption, visit Lab Rescue.

"Don't you just LOVE me? -Harley"
Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc. 



Friday's Friend: Cat Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

WOOF!!! Happy Friday!! I am pawed to introduce to "Winne" from PetConnect Rescue! And, is she ever a beautiful kitty!!  Sleek black fur, much like mine, makes her especially attractive - WOOF!!!!!
 
"Winnie"
Credit: PetConnect Rescue
Is this a sweet face?  Woofingly, the face resembles her personality- caring and loving-

She was born in mid-August alone in a shelter until a younger kitten named Tigger came along.   Winnie became a big sister and the two became best buddies!  WOOF!!

Winnie still shows Tigger the ropes like how to climb the post for nap time.

Winnie has the most beautiful light green eyes that really glow against her sleek black fur. Search no further, this honey is all you need! 

She's up to date on her vetting and has perfect litter box manners. Since she is young age, Winnie requires an adopter who can be home much of the day, or to be adopted with another kitty.

Interested in cat adoption and meeting Winnie?  Please complete the PetConnect Rescue Online Adoption Application.  One of 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!!!! Barking pawsome- it's FRIDAY!  My friends from Operation Paws for Homes introduced me to a sweet pup I would like for you to meet-  Trish!

"Trish"
Credit: Operation Paws for Homes
A very sweet, mix-breed, 2-year-old medium-sized 42 pound sweetheart,Trish is described by her foster human as the sweetest and most loving dog they've seen in a long time.

Trish gets along well with the foster's personal dogs, doesn't seem to pay any mind to cats, and is playfully interested in the 1 year old daughter. 

My friend from Operation Paws for Homes says they don't know much about her background, Trish may have been kept away from her humans for some time as she is still working on manners like leash training and jumping, but is so desperate to please and be loved. 

While she hasn't had a single accident in the house, it takes some coaxing to go outside. Like many shelter dogs, she is nervous of doorways. 
A soft voice and encouragement, she will go out. She just needs to be comfortable knowing that humans and doorways are ok and are not going to harm her. She understands "no," but hates to hear it. 

Trish is working on her crate training, she'd had no accidents in her crate, but she isn't a big fan of it so far. 

She loves toys and enjoys room to run and bound. WOOF!!! She is so barkingly paxcited to have a second chance at the life she deserves!

Interested in meeting this sweet girl and learn about dog adoption, please visit Operation Paws for Homes.  

Friday's Friend: Dog Adoption, Washington Humane Society

Happy Friday!  The Washington Humane Society has a sweet girl who they would love for you to meet-  Fancy!
 
"Fancy"
Credit: Washington Humane Society
Fancy is a  is a two-year-old, Chinese Shar-Pei/Staffordshire Bull mix amd quite the traveler.  She was found as a stray in Maryland, then taken to a shelter in Virginia and has relocated to Washington D.C.. 

After all her travels, she is ready to settle down with a human family of her own and a "Forever Home."
She is a very polite girl.  Fancy is one to cozy up to almost anyone once she gets to know you.  And once she does, she will give you tons of doggies kisses. 

Fancy thinks little kids are strange, but appreciates the occasional cat-friend. 

Interested in meeting this sweet girl and learning about dog adoption?  You can meet "Fancy" at our Georgia Avenue Adoption Center, 7319 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20012, (202) 723-5730 or visit Washington Humane Society.












Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Who Will Look After Your Pet When You’re Gone?

It's never an easy subject, but when you're responsible for another creature's well-being, you need to make arrangements in case you pass on before they do.

It's too easy –and happens all too often-- for pets to be left to their own devices for days or weeks before anyone thinks to check on them, after their human companion dies or goes into hospital suddenly. Many of them don't make it.

You can prevent that tragedy with some planning.

What kinds of pets do you have?

Some types of animals, particularly rodents, have fairly short life-spans, and it might be a relatively simple matter to arrange with a friend or a member of the local mouse club to take care of your pet for the remainder of its life. Dogs and rabbits live longer than most rodents, and cats live longer than them. All of these are "normal" pets, but finding a good home may not be easy. It can get even trickier if you keep horses, ferrets, or any of the birds, reptiles, or amphibians.

Who might be willing to take on the responsibility?

Ideally, a family member who is also a keen pet person would be willing to take on the responsibility of caring for your pet. If this family member already knows your pet, this is even better.

In addition to a long-term care provider, you should also line up one or two emergency care providers. These might be neighbours or your pet-sitter or a co-worker who would be willing to bridge the gap for a few days or weeks, until more permanent arrangements can be settled. Be sure they have a key to your house, and that you keep their contact information in your wallet on a card labeled "Pet Carer" or the like. The RSPCA also has a program called Pets of Older Persons available for those over 65 years of age and can provide emergency boarding.

Do you need a license to keep your pet? If so, does the person you're considering have the necessary licence? Or, is he or she eligible for it, at least? If your pet lizard's license is one that required at least two years of taking care of an "easier" species first, that might cut down on your options. This is one of many reasons that it's a great idea to be involved in your local or regional club or society for the kind of pet you have. Presuming you are already involved in your regional society, why not suggest this as a topic at a meeting? Get people thinking about the care of their pets after they are gone, too.

There are organisations which will try to re-home your pet for you. In fact, some rescue organisations require that the animal be returned to them, if you are no longer able to care for it. Investigate these now, before you need them. It would be a nice gesture to give them a donation, if you can and feel so inclined.

Set up a trust for your pet's care

Consider setting up a trust for the care of your pet. A trust is a legal instrument through which a quantity of money is administered for a specific purpose. In this case, the purpose is the care and upkeep of your pet. Under Australian law, your pets are your property, and they may not own property themselves. As a result, they cannot be the direct beneficiary of a trust.

You'll still need to find a person or organisation to take care of the animal, and that person or organisation would be the beneficiary. In addition, someone needs to administer the trust, preferably not the beneficiary. Here in New South Wales, there's a professional organization called NSW Trustee and Guardian, formed by an Act of Parliament. They even have a system set up in which they check that the pet is being cared for, by requiring reports of veterinary care.

Be aware that there is an 80-year limit on trusts. That could potentially be a problem if your pet has a long lifespan. The obvious examples here are parrots and turtles. Still, a trust would help ensure they'd be taken care of for a good chunk of time.

Make arrangements in your Will

Include mention of the trust in your Will. Also, include copies of veterinary documents and detailed information about the care of the pet with the Will. That way, there won't be as many questions later. Remember, you cannot make a gift of money or property to your pet, as can be done in some countries. However, you can (and probably should) make a gift of your pet along with money for upkeep to another human in your Will. As with any technical legal topic, you would be wise to check with a lawyer for details.

Put a non-permanent notice on your doors

Keep a non-permanent notice on your main doors which indicate that there are animals living in your home. Indicate how many there are, what species they belong to, their names, and who your emergency pet-care person is (with his or her contact information!). For example, an envelope taped to the inside of the window could contain most of the information. The outside of the envelope may be marked, "Pets in this house. Information as of (date) inside." A decorative door hanger could also contain this information.

Too often, the permanent stickers are not kept up to date, and may be from a previous home owner. As a result, they tend to be ignored. An obviously recent notice will be better. On the other hand, if you must use a sticker, put a date on the information.

Next steps
The next step to give some serious thought to possible people who might care for your pet when you're gone. Talk to them. If they are willing to take on this responsibility, or the responsibility of being the emergency carer, start making the arrangements. If not, start casting your net farther afield.

Also, start on your information notice for your doors. In an emergency, that piece of paper might save your pet's life.

Sources:

Petfinder- Bringing A Dog Home - Providing Pets Future

Forbes Pet Trusts

NYC Bar Providing for Your Pet In The Event of Death Hospitalization

Make Your Will/Pets and Wills

Law Society Public Documents - What About Me? Your Pets and Your Will

Pets and Your Will - Including Pets In Your Will

Animal Law Guide

What Is A Will

Pets of Older Persons


About The Author: Dr Eloise Bright is the resident pet care expert at Love That Pet. When not working to keep her pet patients healthy, Eloise enjoys spending time with her family and pets.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Welcome Ivan and Scout!!

WOOF!!!!  Barkingly, around mid August of this year, Ivan, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois, began his first shift with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.  Scout, a Black Labrador Retreiver joined him soon after.

I've been pawing the internet trying to find photos of both guys, I wasn't successful- either way, since I'm remiss in my welcoming them to the neighborhood-

Welcome Ivan and Scout!

Credit: Shamus Ian Fatzinger/ Fairfax County Times
Virginia Task Force 1 team members Lt. Kristi Bartlett and Ivan.


Ivan and Scout were trained by the National Search Dog Foundation in Ojai, California, for nearly a year before they were partnered with two local firefighters. The foundation has rescued hundreds of dogs, many on the brink of euthanasia, and turned them into highly skilled rescuers.  Most of the dogs rescued are strong dominant type that are not suitable for family pets.

Though it costs the organization nearly $20,000 to recruit, care for and train each dog, partner it with a firefighter-handler, and provide ongoing training to the team. These guys joined the Fairfax Search and Rescue at no cost to the fire department.They are funded only by private donations and grants.

Since Ivan's handler is part of the VATF1, Virginia Task Force 1, he will join the team after he finishes training with FEMA, Federal Emergency Management Agency. Once certified, his primary responsibility will be to seek out people buried beneath rubble by way of smell.

WOOF!!! Paws to You two!!!  Will be pawing for you in the news!


 

Friday, October 17, 2014

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

# 800!!!!!!  WOOF!!! Barkingly pawsome! What am I pawing about?  Bella is the 800th dog Lab Rescue is working to find a "Forever Home!"  PAWS TO YOU LAB RESCUE!! WOOF!!

My friend "Lab Lady" brought a beautiful, young, 3 year old Chocolate Labrador Retriever for me to introduce to you! BELLA!!

"Bella"
Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc. 
Bella loves attention, playing, running, retreiving and swimming.  She is looking for a human to spend life with that will do just that- except maybe the retrieve part! WOOF!!

A country setting has always been Bella's home so a rural setting would probably be best for her.

She is house and crate-trained. Bella does well on a leash but would benefit from more training and an Easy Walk harness to limit her pulling.

Bella is good with big and little dogs but should not go to a home with cats. Nope.  She is approved for children ages 8 and up.

If you would like to learn about dog adoption and meet Bella, please contact the Lab Rescue.


Friday's Friend: Dog Adoption, Washington Humane Society

WOOF!!! Happy Friday!!  Hope you have a great weekend- and it'd probably be much more fun with a dog in the family.  I know my human is always saying life is better with a dog along.   Meet Pumpkin Spice!

"Pumpkin Spice"
Credit: Washington Humane Society

A handsome and charming guy, a ten-month-old, seventy lbs., American Staffordshire Terrier Mix, Pumpkin Spice is always ready to play and go on adventures!  He LOVES snuggling with humans when he’s tired!

Pumpkin Spice is smart dog too!  He's learned many tricks in a short amount of time. He knows the basic commands of “sit,” “down,” “focus,” and is learning more every day! 

As much as he loves to play fetch, Pumpkin Spice knows how to relax and just hang out. He pretty much will do what you'd like to do, want to play- he wants to play; want to be a couch potato- he'll join you!!   WOOF!!!

While Pumpkin Spice is good with other dogs, he is a little picky about his friends. He’d do best in almost any home since he is a pretty relaxed dude!

Would you like to learn about dog adoption and meet Pumpkin Spice?  You can meet him at the Washington Humane Society's New York Avenue Adoption Center, 1201 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002, (202) 576-6664 or visit Washington Humane Society




Friday's Friend: Cat Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

WOOF!!!  My friend "Cat Lady" from PetConnect Rescue brought a "cool" cat for you to meet this week, Elza!

"Elza"
Credit: PetConnect Rescue
Ever hear of the "Canine Good Citizen" certificate?  It's awarded  to dogs who pass a test or good behavior. If there was one for cats, Elza would have one framed on the wall of her crate!!!  WOOF!!!

Elaza loves to be petted, cuddled, is good with other cats, uses her litter box, is confident and laid back but will also play with the adorable abandon of a kitten? 

If you'd like to be owned by the first cat who could win the "Feline Good Citizen" award, just think how proud you will be to have her in your home!

If you would like to learn about cat adoption and meet this star cat, Elza, please complete the PetConnect Rescue Online Application and an Adoption Coordinator will contact you.

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


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

"Aliana"
Credit: Operation Paws for Homes
Happy Friday!   BARK!!! Hope you got some great plans for the weekend- possibly including adopting a dog for your family?   Operation Paws for Homes brought by a sweet lady who is looking for her "Forever Home."

Meet Aliana.  She gave birth to eight pups safely under a house with a flood coming.  Barely a pup herself, she was successful in her ordeal and her future is looking much brighter thanks to a shelter in South Carolina and the Operation Paws for Homes volunteers.

A sweet and good mother, she is enjoying time and space, given to her by foster parents, to adjust being a mother.

This means her crate training has been put off a little bit but Aliana gives no indication this would be a problem.   With all the changes in her life, she is a smiling and happy girl. 

Aliana is so much more than the photos could reveal!!  WOOF!! She would make an excellent family dog. Maybe her name in her new home should be Lucky.

By the way - perhaps her new name should be Lucky!

Alaina is a 50lb, female, 1-year old Shepherd mix and up to date on all vaccinations and microchipped.  If the dog you are adopting is not already spayed/neutered, you will be required to sign a contract legally obligating you to have the animal altered.

If you would like to meet Aliana and learn about dog adoption, please visit Operation Paws for Homes.  

"Aliana"
Credit: Operation Paws for Homes




Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Fairfax County Police Department: K-9 Krawl

WOOF!!! Did you know that pets are affected by domestic violence along with their humans?  I didn't realize that as I am blessed to live with two great humans (no my human didn't make me write that)!

The Fairfax County Police Department will host it's 8th Annual K-9 Krawl on Saturday, October 18 to recognize "Domestic Violence Awareness Month."  The event will be held at the Fairfax County Government Center (parking lot C). October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a tradition that remembers the victims of domestic violence and celebrates those who survived!

Barkingly sad, pets are not immune to domestic violence. Batterers’ frequently threaten to injure or kill their partner’s or children’s pets for the purpose of revenge or control.

The Fairfax County Police Department's K-9 Krawl 5K walk is designed as a healthy and appealing way to draw attention to this issue and make the community aware of the impact domestic violence has on the human(s) directly involved in the situations and the resources that our community has to offer citizens and how we can help them.

To participate, please visit, K-9 Krawl!

Credit: Fairfax County Police Department

Monday, October 13, 2014

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Remembering Lorie Huston, Veterinarian, Animal Advocate

"Bouquet of Tulips"
(C) Allen Pearson
All Rights Reserved
Barkingly sad as I have to share some news today, that I don't want to- the animal world lost a precious lady earlier this week, Lorie Huston, Veterinarian, Animal Advocate. I shed a few tears as I write this- please paw with me-

My human had the opportunity to meet Lorie Huston at the 2013 BlogPaws held in Tysons Corner, Virginia. I didn't get to meet her because my human was photographing the event too and couldn't take me with him. WOOF!!!

He had a workshop lecture with her and said she seemed to be the kindest lady who truly cared about dogs and cats.

"You can generally tell a true animal lover by their demeanor and conversation, you could tell that Lorie's focus was caring for animals," my human said.  From an early age, she wanted to be a veterinarian and succeeded at being one of the best.  

In her memory and a loving tribute, I would like to share with you a few posts and articles that I pawed through to honor her:

For my cat loving friends, dog lovers too for that matter, this is an excellent post: Cats Wisdom101.

And, if you would like more information, or additional information, she can read about her here: Vetmedicine.about.com.

If I receive funeral or other related details, I will paw them to you! woof!

May God bless the family of Lorie Huston as they work through their loss! 

Friday, October 3, 2014

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

"Lab Lady" from Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc. came by this week to introduce me to a pawsomely cool 8 month old Yellow Labrador Retriever- a true sweetheart.  First, barkingly, Sheila comes from the country and probably would not do well in a city an apartment/condo environment. (A placement that does not meet these requirements must be approved in advance by their intake coordinator).

Meet Sheila!
"Sheila"
Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc. 

Sheila loves to pretend she's the top dog in her foster home, and not the tiniest, and will play/wrestle with everyone except the oldest foster sibling - she respects her frosty faced elders!  WOOF??!?!

Sheila plays hard, and sometimes a little dirty!, as she loves to roll, tumble and chase the other dogs in the yard. She enjoys playing fetch inside too (hey! my human and I do that!) and she'll bring the ball back to you for as long as you'll play!  Outside is a different story, once she's got the ball, she's running around the yard playing "keep away!"

She will use a crate but will remind you when it's time for her to come OUT with a big bark! Sheila enjoys the moment and knows how to bring happiness and laughs and exercise to her human, could that be you?

Sheila has no known experience with cats and is recommended for children ages 10 and up. She is good with other dogs and enjoys play time with them.

Sheila would make a great addition to an active family.  If you would like to meet her and learn about dog adoption, please contact Lab Rescue.

"Sheila"
Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.