Dog Breeds: Golden Retrievers and Golden Retriever Mixes

I love pawing about dog breeds!  These infographics about dog breeds are barkingly pawsome to share- I hope as you consider dog adoption, and these  valuable to you.  This month, I'm pawing with you about the Golden Retriever - another pawonderful breed I have always admired- !

Looking for a Golden Retriever Dog or Puppy? Why Not Adopt!

Houndstooth & Kitten Heels Accessory Sale - Benefiting the Middleburg Humane Foundation

WOOF!! Check this out!! A really cool event- you can shop and buy stuff and support animals in need.

Used by Permission, Middleburg Humane Foundation

Proceeds benefit the Middleburg Humane Foundation!

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

I have to say, we Black Labrador Retrievers are true bundles of energy, sweetness, and just about the best of dog all wrapped up in one- of course, there are other breeds that are great too- but, I'm prone to the greatness of dogs like, uh, well, er, me.  WOOF!!!

My friend, "Lab Lady" brought me a beautiful, 6 year-old, 55 lbs., Black Labrador Retriever for you to meet today-  Cookie!

"Cookie"
(C) Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc. 

WOOF!!  Look at that sweet face-  Cookie is an energetic and happy girl.

She enjoys meeting other dogs (I know I enjoyed meeting her! WOOF!) And, she even charmed the vet when getting a check up.

Basically, Cookie is an easy dog with moderate energy – meaning she's ready to go whenever you are!  She'll go outside or for a walk, go for a ride, and settles well in the house.

Cookie is good on a leash and is house trained. She loves men, women, kids, and other dogs.  She has no history with cats so her behavior with them is unknown.

She loves to greet humans with a big smile and when she is happy, she gives a big smile showing you her pretty white teeth! When she wants your attention, she barks for you.

Cookie would love a home where she can explore in a fenced yard and sleep in a comfy bed.

She is heartworm and Lyme positive, and on medications to begin treatment. Lab Rescue will pay for her heartworm treatment if done at one of their vets.

Interested in meeting Cookie and learning about dog adoption?  Please visit Lab Rescue.

"WOOF- Don't you want meet me? -Cookie"
(C) Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc. 

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

At 6:45 p.m. tonight, Vern will be coming by everywhere to do his thing.  The Equinox. It will be officially spring.  And what better way to begin a new season, a wonderful time of year, than by adopting a new pups to spend all the great outdoor time with!?  WOOF!!!

My lady friend at Operation Paws for Homes brought by the sweetest young lady for you to meet- Gillian.  

"Val's Gillian"
(C) Michael Garth Photography

This girl is a 2 year old, 43 lb. female hound mix. She is gentle sweety, well-mannered, doesn't jump, sits, and waits for her food. 

Barkingly pawsome is she will sit at the door and let you go first if you take the lead. 

Gillian is crate-trained, housebroken, walks well on a leash! She enjoys other dogs and well-behaved children.  

This girl is looking for a human to pet her and hang out together, an active family to have fun with but when it's time to rest, she'll race you to the couch where she will hang out by your feet!

If you are looking for that sweet, gentle, active family dog Gillian, might be your dog to adopt.

Gillian is up to date on all vaccinations, microchipped, altered and fostered in Rockville, MD. 

If you would like to meet Gillian, visit Operation Paws for Homes and submit your application here!

Interested in learning more about dog adoption first, visit Operation Paws for Homes Adoption Guide!

Friday's Friend: Dog Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

Dogs and cats are born cute, sweet, beautiful, adorable, need I go on?  They make the lives of their humans much better- just by being there with them.  My friend "Miss Cathy" from PetConnect Rescue introduced me to Luka, a Labrador/Chow mix that you must meet!  WOOF!!

"Luka"
(C) PetConnect Rescue

Luka is a an adorable 9-10 month old, 38 lbs.,  girl who should probably have been named Sugar because she is such a sweetheart! She is extremely friendly character playing barkingly pawsome with other dogs, is fine with cats and loves all humans- equal opportunity pup!  WOOF!!!

Luka enjoys chasing balls, going for walks and  mostly, just being able to hang out with her humans.

Interested in a well-mannered, playful, affectionate girl to add to your family?  Luka might just be the perfect match!

Luka appears to be house trained, is spayed, up-to-date on vaccines and preventatives and eager to find a family to love!

Interested in meeting Luka and learning about dog adoption, please contact PetConnect Rescue.  Complete the online application and an adoption coordinator will contact you.

Friday's Friend: Cat Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

I met this kitty this week that is just incredibly cool.  Barkingly awesome or should I say Meowingly grand?  His name is Ripley and was introduced to me by my friend "Cat Lady!"

"Ripley!"
(C) PetConnect Rescue

Believe it or not, sweet Ripley is in search of her "forever home!"

This really cool kitty was born at the end of November and rescued from a rural shelter.

Ripley is eager to be wherever her humans are – including helping out in the kitchen!

Tickling Ripley behind her ears or gently scratching the bottom of her chin will reward you with her endless stream of purrs.

An inquisitive, exploring and toy mice chaser, Ripley ready to find a "Forever Home" when she can share her sweet self with a human!

Ripley has gorgeous green eyes to compliment her lovely white and gray coat. She is healthy, up-to-date on vaccinations, and has ladylike litter box manners.

Interested in meeting this charming kitten?  Please complete the PetConnect Rescue Online Application and an adoption coordinator will contact you.

If you would like to learn more about cat adoption procedures, fees, and applications may be viewed by clicking here.

Friday's Friend: Dog Adoption, Washington Humane Society

Happy Friday- and Happy Spring- My friends from the Washington Humane Society brought a buddy for you to meet who is looking for his Forever Home.  Please meet Isaiah-

"Isaiah"
(C) Washington Humane Society

Isaiah is a one-year-old, 57 lbs., American Staffordshire Terrier mix who was rescued by the Washington Humane Society on February 10, 2015 after he was found running at large.

Isaiah has one cool goofy smile which will win your heart.  At first, he may be a bit nervous, but aren't the first time you meet someone a bit awkward?  Within a few minutes, his charm will knock your socks off!

Isaiah wants to go to a calm, quiet home where he could kick back, stretch out his paws, relax after those pawfect walks and giving you lots of snuggles!

Interested in meeting Isaiah and learning about dog adoption? Visit the Washington Humane Society's Georgia Avenue Adoption Center, 7319 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20012 or visit Washington Humane Society.

HAPPY VERNAL EQUINOX!

"Flowers for You"
Used by permission, GraphicStock

At 6:45 p.m., tomorrow, Friday, March 20, Vernal does his thing- the Equinox!! WOOF!!  It only gets better from here!  BARK!!!!

Since tomorrow is my "Friday's Friend" posts about dog and cat adoption, I wanted to be sure to send you your flowers in time to celebrate!

Happy Spring!!

Police, Fire and Rescue, EMT... many others.... THANK YOU!

While my human was listening to a local radio station this week, he heard a news story about a young lady who realized after hearing about the shooting of two police officer in New York City while having lunch in their patrol car and on duty protecting the lives of the city, she needed to say "Thank You" to the officers for their work. The short of the story is that she made hundreds of thank you cards for the New York police and the police in her hometown.

When my human told me about this, I decided I had to not only thank the Police, but all of the Emergency Humans that help all of us- even us dogs as evidenced by my issues a few weeks ago! WOOF!!!!

Bark!  Also, last Christmas, when a neighbors house caught fire, and we went to see if we could help, I never saw so many fire engines!  So THANK YOU!

Credit: Flickr Creative Commons, Cliff

Credit: Flickr Creative Commons, Elvert Barnes

Credit: Flickr Creative Commons, Elvert Barnes

Credit: Flickr Creative Common, Jason Lawrence

Credit: Flickr Creative Commons, Arlington County, ACPD-K9 Unit

These are a representative of the many men and women who work every day fulfilling many duties to help us in many various situations- EVERY DAY!

PAWS TO YOU!! 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Used by Permission, GraphicStock

Am not sure about these human holidays.  I love the ones that my human stays home with me and we go for really long walks exploring the neighborhood or to a local park and walk a trail.  WOOF!!  Great fun.

Saint Patrick's Day is one holiday I don't understand.  My human makes sure he's wearing green so he doesn't get pinched.  I make sure I'm not wearing green so I do get pinched- there's there really cute Golden a block over and, well-

Being the educated, humorous and smart Hound that I am, I wanted to know more about this special day, so I searched the internet and found several resources.  Want to learn more yourself?  Check these websites out:  St. Patrick's Day, and St. Patrick's Day for Dummies.

Be safe.  Be good.  Have fun.  If you see any green doggie biscuits, let my human know.

Walking the Dog

"Going for a Walk"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved

I should title this, "Walking the Human!"  WOOF!!

We finally got some warm weather after several weeks of near zero temperatures, ice and snowstorms! It's difficult, if not impossible, to get my human out when it's snowing or icy, add really low temps and it becomes dangerous.  He and I developed cabin fever as we went through these last few weeks.

So, today, I get my human out- he'll say he took me out. So, we went out on a long refreshing walk.  So, pawcellent!! So, barkingly grand to get out of the house. WOOF!!

This time, I did really well remembering my manners.  My human and I have this way of walking that's probably different than most dog walkers.  Dad got to know the breeds that create me, "Noah, the greatest hound dog".  He found out after talking and getting opinions from my veterinarian, being familiar with other breeds, studying my habits and straits, but, ultimately, while on a photo shoot for a pet rescue.

Once he learned that I am mostly Plott Hound and Black Labrador Retriever, he did some studying on the internet and several books to learn my habits.  Once he learned my habits, he incorporated them into our walks.

As a Plott Hound, I LOVE to sniff and sniff and sniff some more- I am curious to the world around me and I am one smart dog. I catch onto tricks easily and am always needing to use my mind to keep learning, and well, out of trouble. WOOF!

When we walk, Dad has me go ahead of him so he can see me and I get to sniff and look and be curious 'til my hearts delight but never out of sight or in the way of someone else.  If he sees someone coming, he'll pull my leash in so I am closer to him. He keeps an eye on me to keep me out of trouble and I help him get exercise.

We make a great team! WOOF!!

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

Vera is her name, an affectionate 3 year-old, 27 lbs., Beagle/Bassett Hound mix, she is!

Meet my friend Vera!

"Vera!"
(C) Operation Paws for Homes

As adventurous as they come, curious, full of love, and lighthearted, Vera is a wonderful pups for you to meet!

She just loves to play with children and other dogs.

The only thing she loves more than being the center of attention with her human is food. If you're looking for a happy-go-lucky dog to cuddle with, she's the one for you!

Barkingly pawsome, there are a few things about her should you be interested in adopting her.

Vera is a hound, so she has the "explorer gene" hardwired into my DNA. She will follow her nose wherever the fascinating smells leads her!  WOOF!!!! She is  prone to wander and is quite an adept escape artist, so she shouldn't be left outside unmonitored.

Vera is good-natured and sociable, but she's a bit stubborn and slow to obey. But, when she wants in your lap, I want in your lap!

Vera would do best in a home with patient, consistent obedience training that includes praise and food rewards.

Watch Vera being my typical, goofy self here: Vera Playing in Snow and
Vera!

Vera is up to date on all vaccinations, microchipped, and altered.  She is being fostered in Baltimore, MD. My adoption fee is $325.

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

"Vera!"
(C) Operation Paws for Homes

Friday's Friend: Cat Adoption, Washington Humane Society

Meet Norman.  Norman is my friend from the Washington Humane Society in Washington D.C..  He is an interesting cat character-

"Norman"
(C) Washington Humane Society

A super friendly cat who came to the Washington Humane Society with a horrible leg injury which ended up in one of his front legs amputated. Don't let that stop you from checking out this guy and possibly adopting him as it sure didn't take out the pep from this guy it only made him even more unique.

Norman, a six-month-old, seven lbs., domestic shorthair cat, is extremely affectionate and outgoing. He makes friends with cats and dogs and would do well in just about any home.

Norman is being fostered by our friends at Pet Valu so he gets to hang out all day and meet all kinds of people and animals!

If you would like to meet this cool cat, you can visit him at Pet Valu in Silver Spring, 11229 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20904, 301-754-3690.

For adoption information or to learn about cat adoption, please contact the Washington Humane Society.

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

WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF!!! LAB LADY!!!! Barkingly pawsome to see you this week and your friend Buddy!!

"Buddy"
(C) Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.

This dignified dude is like a fine wine, or cheese, aged to perfection!!  He knows the basic commands such as sit, lay, move, come and speak!

Buddy is a 10 year old, 78 lbs., yellow male Labrador Retriever, who is friendly with other dogs.  He has previously lived with children so he's approved for children ages 8 and up. No real cat history so cats are unknown. 

When getting attention Buddy has that great lab lean and is happy to receive affection! WOOF!  

Buddy does pull while walking on a leash so an Easy Walk harness will help with his leash walking skills.

Buddy is house and crate trained but no longer needs the crate. 

 He is current on his vaccines.

Interested in meeting Buddy and learning about dog adoption?  Please contact Lab Rescue- maybe you'll get to meet "Lab Lady!!"  WOOF!

"Buddy"
(C) Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.

I Got Myself In Trouble- Dog ID Tags

woof! And my human is making me paw about it so I care share lessons learned! bark!   My humans aren't happy with what I did- but it wasn't totally my fault! arf!

It was a warm sunny Saturday.  Dad had gone to share with his friend about marriage.  Dad's not a marriage counselor, but he's been married awhile and knows enough to share with someone contemplating proposing to his girlfriend.  No, he wasn't trying to stop him!  Dad loves being married to mom.  He just wanted his friend to be sure and think out what he was doing!  WOOF!!!!

Later in the morning, Mom let me out back to do my business.  Well, I got to sniffing around the backyard.  I found one of the scents that every hound would follow to the end because it smelled so absolutely delicious that I had to find it.  Well, I kept going and going and going and, well, going.   Next thing I knew, a police man opened the door to his car to let me in.

Used by Permission, GraphicStock

IT WAS GREAT!! WOOF!!!!! but he wouldn't turn on the siren for me.  Uh oh.  He calls my humans to let them know he has me.  Uh, now he's taking me back home. arf! uh oh! woof?

The policeman lets me out of the car and I go running for Mom- I want to know if I can do it again- but the policeman talks to Mom for a few minutes about the laws and dogs.

She explained that we always abide by the law. We have a fenced in yard so I'm not allowed to run free, I have ID tags and am always leashed when away from home.

Fortunately for me, I did not end up in the shelter or the pound or anything nor did anything bad happen.  I got to meet a great policeman who was wonderful and did an excellent job in caring for me.

The blessing in this for me, said the policeman, is that I have ID tag on my collar which has my name, address and phone number on it.  Also, I have a round tag attached to the collar with information on it.  The officer said he can't count the number of times dogs have been picked up without ID.  Sad, but true.

Anyway-

THANK YOU MR. POLICEMAN

for your great work!!

My humans and I appreciate it!!

WOOF!!!!!!!

Mondays

(C) Allen Pearson. All Rights Reserved

Uh, yup!  Monday. Yup- that's what I thought!!  WOOF!!

Daylight Savings Time

"DST"
(C) Flickr Creative Commons, Will

Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 8 at 2 a.m.!

While in college, yes- there were colleges back then- my human used to get confused as to whether to move the clock forward or backward at the time changes each year.  He gets confused easy!

One of his friends mentioned this poem, "Spring Forward, Fall Back!" which means:  In the Spring season, you turn your clocks ahead one hour (Spring Forward); in the Fall season, you turn your clocks back one hour (Fall Back).  So, for the past 1000 years after Dad's graduation from college, the poem helps him to remember the time changes- though I tend to think he loves the spring season so it's easy for him to remember! WOOF!!

Barkingly curious as to why humans do these things?  Why mess with the clock? I searched the internet stopping at my human-approved websites and found several similar ideas for Daylight Savings Time.

Used by Permission, GraphicStock

The main reason for daylight savings time are quite barkogical. The main reason is to make good use of daylight and save energy. In the summer, the clocks are moved forward to extend an hour of daylight to the evening. In the early 1900's when the Germans started changing the clocks, they discovered, energy is saved when the clocks are shifted. The idea is that if the sun is out "longer" than normal, people will use natural light and turn on their home lights later. Therefore, less electricity will be used.  The concept caught on in the United States in the 1970's during an energy crisis and became law or standard practice.

Also, humans tend to enjoy the evening hours outside when they can walk their dog, mow the yard, participate in athletic events, socialize their dog, wash the car, walk the dog and many other great activities.

My human will start changing the clocks in our house on Saturday morning.  He will start with the least used clocks and his alarm clock- which he doesn't see most of the day.   He'll be prepared for being on time to church on Sunday.

One thing I have never understood about Daylight Savings Time though.  If you're saving all this daylight, when to get to claim it?  I'd like to get it back during the winter months when walking my human is difficult or not as fun as its dark in the morning and the evening!  WOOF!!!

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

"Duke"
(C) Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc. 

woof! My friend, "Lab Lady" at the Lad Rescue has brought me a cool dog for you to meet- but we need to settle down and quiet, while you meet Duke!

Duke, a handsome, 3 year old, 54 lbs., male, Black Labrador Retriever is a bit skittish so needs to go to a family living in a quiet neighborhood with a fenced-in yard. He is not looking for a canine buddy and prefers human company. No apartment/townhouse living. No exceptions.

A really cool guy and great company during this crazy snowy, icy, and freezing to no end winter!  He will happily join you on the couch, if you offer, or snooze on his bed while you watch TV.

He seemed to enjoy the snow and played some in the yard, retrieving before finding some interesting scents to follow!  woof!

A somewhat mellow guy, Duke will follow you about.  He is house and crate trained.

"Duke"
(C) Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc. 

Duke has been in doggie playgroups and just isn't interested in playing with other dogs! He wants to be with his people in a calm environment where people aren't coming and going all the time.

Duke is not good with cats and has no history with children. He is approved for children ages 10 and up.

He is current on his vaccines.

Want to meet Duke and learn more about dog adoption?  Please visit Lab Rescue!