Monday, October 31, 2016

Happy Halloween

Used by Permission, GraphicStock

Tonight is a night I do not enjoy for it is Halloween with all the spooks coming out from everywhere... I am a tough guy but it is awfully strange to have these characters at my door and yelling and making a ruckus.  A few years ago, a goblin tried to scare me and I nearly peed all over hum!  WOOF!!! BARKs!!

If you go out "trick or treating" tonight, pawlease be careful, I want to see all my human and mini-human buddies around the neighborhood tomorrow and don't want to hear of anyone getting hurt.  Be sure to look both ways before crossing the street- some drivers don't pay attention, carry a flashlight or wear something reflective so humans and drivers in cars can see you easier.  And, wait until you get home and your parents inspect your treats before eating anything.  BARKs!!

Fido doesn't need to go with you tonight.  He won't enjoy all the spooks along the way.  Sometimes candy is dropped along the way through the night and Fido might eat it- so leave him home!

Humans, as you drive through the neighborhoods tonight, be especially alert for mini-humans who might dart out from everywhere to go after candy or meet up with a friend!  

However you celebrate tonight, be careful and have paws of fun.  My humans and I are celebrating the evening quietly together. They have bought me some special treats to munch on-!

Happy Halloween

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Prayer Pups

(C) Prayer Pups, Jeff Smith, Used by Written Permission

My God Reigns!
by Jeff Smith

The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; 
Let the many islands be glad. 
Clouds and thick darkness surround Him;
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.

 – Psalm 27:1-2

All content and characters © 2016 Jeffrey Smith. All rights reserved.
Used by Permission, Prayer Pups by Jeffrey Smith

Friday, October 28, 2016

Friday's Friend! Cat Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

I pawsitively love catching up with my friends at PetConnect Rescue and sharing about cats needing "Forever Homes!" This week, my friend "Miss Cathy" brought by the cutest little kitten I've seen in awhile.  Meet Jewel- and, I can see why she's named Jewel with that face!

"Jewel"
(C) PetConnect Rescue
Jewel is around 10-11 weeks old and is adjusting quite well to her foster home.  She's got pawsomely super soft, gray and cream colored fur!  WOOFs! er, uh, MEOW!  

She pawsitively loves playing with the other kitties in her fosters home, all the cat toys and climbing up and down the many cat trees.  Jewel makes a "chirp" noise at her toys, flips them up in the air and chases after them.  She is super playful but likes her nap time too!  

Jewel is the type of kitty who prefers to lay next to her human and make her own decisions about being picked up and when to be held.  If she's in the mood, she will turn her purr motor on, if not well, she won't and well, typical cat, huh?! MEOWs!  She's a typical cat, you know! 

PetConnect Rescue would like an adopter for Jewel who has a similar aged kitten as loves the company of other kittens and would not be left home alone all day.  

A special note from PetConnect Rescue! The adoption fee for this Jewel is $135, which helps with the cost of routine vet care.  The fee DOES NOT INCLUDE spay/neuter if she's not already spayed/neutered. If the animal you are adopting is not already spayed/neutered, you will be required to sign a contract legally obligating you to have the animal altered. A $100 spay/neuter deposit is collected to help ensure that the procedure gets done in a timely manner.

Interested in adopting Jewel?  Please complete the PetConnect Rescue Adoption Application. Once submitted, one of their Adoption Coordinators will contact you!  

Interested in learning more about cat adoption?  Please visit PetConnect Rescue Adoption Guide.

 

 

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

My friend, "Miss Ashley," stopped by this week with a new friend she made after meeting some of the survivors of "Hurricane Matthew."  Meet Jackie O.-

"Jackie O.!"
(C) Operation Paws for Homes
Jackie O. os a most pawsome girl- just look at her gorgeous face!  A 6-year-old Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler), she's quietly settled in from her long journey north to Operation Paws for Homes with other Hurricane Matthew flood survivors!

She may be considered or called a "senior” dog, but Jackie O. is still a young and spry gal with many happy years to give- a pawsome gift she would be. She probably will have no problem keeping up on a hike, walk or jog.

Jackie O. will make a pawsome addition to any household.

Interested in adopting Jackie O.?  Please complete the Operation Paws for Homes Adoption Application.

If you'd like to learn more about dog adoption, please visit Operation Paws for Homes Adoption Guide!

Friday's Friend! Dog Adoption, Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League

The Great Dane. A most beautiful dog to watch.  A female Great Dane, an even more pawsomely beautiful dog for a guy to watch!  WOOFs!! Bark!

My friend "Dane Dame" brought by a most beautiful girl for you to meet- Pandora!
"Pandora"
(C) Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League

Oh! My!  Isn't she a most beautiful Black Great Dane?  She is 1 1/2 years old, loves other animals and humans of all ages!   At her foster home, she is living with an 8 1/2 year old pug, 2 older cat's and a younger one.

"Pandora"
(C) Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League
Pandora loves to be next to humans which is the classic "I must lean on you" type Dane.  She enjoys watching her foster human cook, clean dishes and do the laundry - she will watch the clothes being loaded and unloaded from the laundry then she jumps on them like a pile of leaves!  WOOF!  Maybe she could be taught to fold an put away like my human tried to teach me! BARKS!!!  She's a pawsome joy to be around!  WOOF!! WOOF!!

Pandora enjoys walking using taking a 1-2 mile or more walk every day, twice a day!  She is still working on her jumping and mouthing issues while walking on a leash.

A formal training requirement will be a condition of Pandora's adoption so she can continue to be the pawsome Great Dane she's to be!

Pandora needs an experienced Dane owner with mini-humans over the age of 8.  Though she behaves quite well with mini-humans under the age of 2, she doesn't realize how big she is. WOOF!!

Barkingly, she loves to eat carbs with organic sprouted grains being one of her favorites.

Interested in meeting Pandora?  Please contact the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League!



Friday's Friend! Dog Adoption, Homeless Animals Rescue Team

"Whiskey"
(C) Homeless Animals Rescue Team
Whiskey was brought by for you to meet with my friends at the Homes Animals Rescue Team.  He is one cool

A 6-year-old Shepherd/Retriever mix, Whiskey is friendly with some other dogs, not with cats and prefers old mini-humans.

Whisky is a playful and friendly fella.  He loves to be with humans and has proven to be quite the center of attention of adoption events.

Despite those pawsome traits, he will do best with someone who understands canine behavior and isn't afraid to be the "leader" of the pack.

Whiskey may have some livestock-type guardian breed mixed in as he has a loyalty and a fierce desire to protect.  My friends are Homeless Animals Rescue Team are still learning about this pawsome side of the barkingly grand character.

He has a goofy grin which is his trademark smile!

If you have questions about Whiskey, please contact Meg.

Interested in dog adoption and applying to adopt Whiskey?  Please complete the Homeless Animals Rescue Teams Adoption Application.

"Whiskey"
(C) Homeless Animals Rescue Team




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

When my human met the dog "Lab Lady" from Lab Rescue of the L.R.C.P., Inc. brought by to meet you, he said it reminded him of his prior dog in his senior years. Barkingly, his dog was several years older than this guy!   Meet Zorro- with the pawsome goatee and the "shiniest" black coat too!

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

At 6 years old, Zorro is a Black Labrador Retriever who is good with mini-humans ages 10 and older does not have any history with cats and is good with other dogs.

Zorro is a happy, energetic and loving character!  A pawleasure to meet- he's nearly as pawsome as me!   His  golden eyes capture your attention with just one look.  He'll be your "forever friend" and a pawsome "companion."
"Zorro!"
(C) Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.

Zorro enjoys long walks, does well on a harness, cuddling on the sofa, between those walks you know, and just hanging with his humans.While walking one day, he met a mom and two girls who stopped to pet him and he was so happy he almost melted! He likes to go to bed early and is crate and house trained.  He will appreciate a couch where he can relax and enjoy his life.

Every once in awhile, maybe more often, he gets so happy realizing how barkingly grand his life has become at his foster's home, he gets a case of the zoomies and will take off running all around the yard and in and out of the house!  WOOFs!! BARK!! A pawsome feeling, I know-

He crates like a gem- very easily and his house trained too.  When he needs to go out, he will go by the back door and will come right back when called.

Zorro is a smart guy too,  He's master the basic commands, "sit," "come," and "leave it."  He would love an obedience class where he could learn stuff along with other dogs! He has been respectful of boundaries created by his foster mom using baby gates though he could jump over them.  He quickly learned the rules of the house too.

Interested in meeting this pawsome character named Zorro?  Please contact my friends at the Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.

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



Thursday, October 27, 2016

The Anatomy of an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)

"On Our Walk"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved
Dogs are an incredible part of our universe. When I am walking my dog, it seems we have a bond or a connection that we understand while we spend time together exercising. As we go through our routine, he is sniffing his way down the trails, taking in nature, and keeping track of me.

Though I do not always know it, he is watching me, he is paying attention to me. All the while I am keeping tracking of him, what’s going on with him, anything I need to pay attention to and thinking about a few things I need to get done. We love having each other close by. Our bond began several years ago when I adopted him from a local dog rescue. Our bond grew incredibly over the years to where he’s an important part of our family.

Noah isn’t my first dog, I am blessed to have had dogs most of my life. I enjoyed the days of being a “boy and his dog” growing up with a dog which had been abused yet taught us how to love and trust as she came out of her shell and became a huge part of everything we did. When I went off to college, my dog missed me and I missed her.

Over the years of living with dogs, I’ve learned how quickly they become part of the family and helping in various ways. Many dogs are happiest when they have a job or challenge to do, not just being the family dog or the guard dog. If you notice, many dogs like to be in the action with children as it’s their way of protecting and keeping an eye on what’s happening.

As my dog and I have traveled this journey of life, I’ve learned he is keenly aware of the emotions I exhibit. As an example, a few years ago now, I remember coming home from work stressed out to the max and tired. After chatting with my wife and before dinner, I laid down on the couch to watch a little television. My dog climbed up on the couch next to me and insisted I pet him.

As I lay there petting him, within 5 minutes, I noticed the stress literally melting away from me. It was leaving me and I was feeling better. I have always had stressful jobs, but had never experienced anything like this.

A new door of interest in dogs was opening- how can a dog help someone with stress or other issues? What else can I learn from the experience?

Searching the internet, I discovered “Emotional Support Animals.” These animals help their owners who have diagnosed emotional or mental disabilities. While one of the newest treatments in psychology, the Emotional Support Animal, the trend is growing fast.

The Emotional Support Animal isn’t a Service Dog. While the Service Dog is trained to work assisting the person completing specific tasks, the Emotional Support Animal isn’t trained to do a task. The animal is usually a support by being itself, a dog or a cat or a hedgehog, whatever animal is able to accomplish the task of emotional support.
"De-Stressing My Human!"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved

An interesting fact with the Emotional Support Animal is that it isn’t permitted nor does it go everywhere with the person. Current laws are not necessarily supportive of the idea for the animal to go as a Service Dog would.

At present, the Emotional Support Animal is supported by the Housing and Urban Development Act which states the animals must be permitted regardless of the “no-pet” policy wherever the person resides provided documentation is met. Further, Emotional Support Animals might be permitted to travel with their people in the passenger section of airlines provided documentation is provided, consultation with the air carrier and requirements are met.

If you have been diagnosed with an emotional or mental disability, an Emotional Support Animal could be the prescription for you. Certapet- can assist you with certifying your pet. Take their online test, the test is evaluated, the results will determine your need for an Emotional Support Animal. If a need is determined, you will be sent to a medical specialist to pursue a letter to accommodate the animal.

About the Author!

Allen Pearson is a Dog Photographer and Writer. Allen and his dog are often found exploring the universe and writing about their adventures at from The Dog’s Paw! Allen enjoys photographing dogs for rescue organizations to help them find “Forever Homes!”

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Happy Anniversary!

(C) Used by Permission, GraphicStock
Twenty years ago today at an 8 p.m. wedding, my humans were married. I am so proud of my crazy humans. They love each other like crazy and always want to be with each other- sometimes, it's really gross but what's a furry child to do?  WOOFs!!  

Well, Mom loves Dad and Dad loves Mom and well, that's how it goes......  and then comes along the furry children in their lives to make the marriage extra special.  

Pawlease do me a favor, pawlease paw Anniversary greetings to my humans in the comments below- I'll share them with Mom and Dad!  

(C) Used by Permission, GraphicStock

Happy Anniversary Dad and Mom!

Friday, October 21, 2016

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

My friend "Lab Lady" likes to have fun with me- she sends me photos of "shiny" dogs which might look like me- of course, none do because I am the only one who can look as good as I do - this week, she going to start teasing my human and I about Chocolate. Since a dog can't have Chocolate, it won't bother me- but I think my human's diet might suffer some! WOOF!!
"Molly"
(C) Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.
This week, "Lab Lady" brought by the most cutest 8-year-old Chocolate Labrador Retriever named Molly to meet you!

Molly is from the suburbs and has no exposure to big city noises so she is looking for a single-family home in a suburban neighborhood or rural area to call her"Forever Home!" WOOFs!!!

Molly loves attention and will hang around with you wherever you go and likes to settle down for frequent naps. When she comes up to humans, she sits down and gives her paw! If you don't take one, she will put up the other one! Pawsome manners! BARKS!

Molly is good on a lead but will stay close to her human most of the time.  If she wonders off, all you have to do is call her name and she'll come back to you! She knows her basic commands of "sit," "down," and "come."

At night? She will go to sleep on her dog bed and stay until the next morning. Molly's energy level can be described as "coach potato!" as she likes to play with other dogs, she enjoys relaxing and resting too.

Molly keeps her kennel clean, so she is probably crate and house trained.

Please view this video of Molly, at, Molly playing!!

Molly is good with other dogs, has no cat history and is good for mini-humans age 10 years and older.

Interested in meeting Molly? Please visit the Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.

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


















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

It's been a while since I got to chat with one of my volunteer friends with Operation Paws for Homes.  She does a pawcellent job caring for dogs-  while visiting with her, she shared Hannah Hound who is looking for humans to love and her "Forever Home!"

Meet Hannah Hound-
"Hannah Hound"
(C) Operation Paws for Homes
This pawsomely gorgeous gal, Hannah Hound, is a medium Beagle Hound who is around 4 years old and weighs 46 lbs.

Hannah Hound is housebroken, prefers a home with no cats but other dogs are good.  She is good with mini-humans.

Hannah Hound loves attention and being around humans.  She is very athletic so could be good for a walker, jogger or runner or someone who wants to play in the backyard.

This beautiful girl knows her basic commands,"sit," "down" and "stay."

Interested in adopting Hannah Hound?  Please complete the Operation Paws for Homes Adoption Application.

Interested in learning more about dog adoption, please visit the Operation Paws for Homes Adoption Guide.








Friday's Friend! Dog Adoption, Homeless Animals Rescue Team

This week I met a really cool guy.  His name is Jimmy.  He was rescued by the Homeless Animals Rescue Team.  He has this look of concern on his face,like he's carrying the world on his shoulders, but that's not really him.   Meet Jimmy-

"Jimmy"
(C) Homeless Animals Rescue Team
Jimmy is the most fun-loving and rambunctious little pooch who has more to share with the world than they could give back. He loves life and likes to make sure all is well in his area of the universe!  BARKS!

Once he is sure all is well, you will see his most loving self which will make you cry!

Jimmy is seriously looking for humans to love and share life with- he would love to be the bright spot in someone's life and be the someone for someone to love!  arf?  BARKS!!!

Do you have more questions about Jimmy?  Please contact, Shira!

If you would like to meet Jimmy, please complete the Homeless Animals Rescue Team Adoption Application.

Did Jimmy grab your attention, but you cannot adopt right now or maybe not even in the future?  Consider Sponsoring Jimmy and help with his expenses such as food and Veterinary Care.  More details can be found at Sponsor Jimmy!
"Jimmy"
(C) Homeless Animals Rescue Team


Friday's Friend! Dog Adoption, Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League

I had to look up to chat with this beautiful gray girl.  Her hazel eyes are awesome, her face is that of a beautiful Angel and she has the softest silkiest fur coat and a most affectionate goofy personality to match. Oh, my. A most pawfect Merle Great Dane who wants to meet you! 

Meet Polo!

"Polo"
(C) Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League
My friend the "Dane Dame" of Virginia brought this pawsome "velcro Dane" with a huge smile on her face.  She shared with me- 

"Polo is a true "velcro Dane” who has one goal in life, cuddle.....cuddle HARD. She doesn't stop at cuddling with you, she cuddles AT you, like it's a sport. She will contort herself into the most awkward positions to bury her head in your arms and wrap herself around you like a snake.  Don't think you'll get out of cuddling if you're tired, busy, etc. she will nudge your arms/legs/whatever she can get to pose you like a cuddling mannequin!    

"Polo"
(C) Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League
All she wants is to be near her people.  As long as she is allowed to follow you around during your day, and occasionally rest her head on your hip, she doesn't get into any trouble.  She is completely housebroken and doesn't chew on anything she's not supposed to or bark at noises outside. While she would prefer to sleep right in the bed on top of you, after a bit of pathetic whining, she will settle for sleeping at the foot of your bed. 

Not surprisingly with all the uncertainty in her life, she has some mild separation anxiety.  She does not do well crated and will howl and bite at the locks. Trying to desensitize her, we put her most comfy bed and favorite bones in there, so now she will lay in there with the door open, during "quiet time."

Being so attached, she would probably do just fine as someone's one and only, but she gets along wonderfully with her two small Frenchie roomies.  She takes corrections well from her foster sister and is learning not to crowd and mind her limbs when she's excited. She is also surprisingly gentle when wrestling with her foster brother, and rolls on her back to let him have a turn pinning her. They have all sorts of fun running off their energy in the backyard like the odd couple.

She loves going for walks and is adjusting to the Halti Harness pretty quickly. She is usually so excited the first couple of blocks that she grabs the leash in her mouth and shakes it, dragging you along behind her, until she finds her stride.  We have run into kids at the bus stop, men getting out of cars, other dogs on leashes and squirrels and she doesn't freak out.  She's a really great nighttime walking partner now that it's getting dark out.  She will give a few loud scary warning barks as stranger’s approach and stays alert but quiet as they pass.
"Polo"
(C) Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League


Her new family will be winning the lottery with Polo! She will make you the center of her world and keep you laughing all day long!"

Polo is good with other dogs and mini-humans.

Interested in meeting Polo? Please contact the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League by visiting www.magdrl.org, call (703) 644-8009 is a hotline where you can leave a message or email coordinators@va-magdrl.org.


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

When my friend Black Dog came by this week to meet you, I wanted to take him out for Tacos or maybe Enchiladas - he was dressed and ready to go to a party- but when I asked him about it, he said "I'm dressed to party with my new humans at my new "Forever Home!"

Meet Black Dog from Operation Paws for Homes!

"Black Dog"
(C) Operation Paws for Homes
Black Dog is a female Black Labrador Retriever and Pit Bull mix!  She may be the smallest pup in her family, but she's the cutest, quietest, sweetest, and, of course, adorablest!  You know how us Southerners are!  BARK!

Black Dog's mother had a rough start in life giving birth to her in a South Carolina shelter.  When she was 2 days old, she went on a long car ride to an Operation Paws for Homes foster's house to learn about being a dog in a human's home!  WOOF!!!  

Black Dog is looking for a "Forever Home" with humans who will love her, teach her about life and be patient with her while growing up to be a pawsomely fine young lady- she is willing to take the doggie oath to love you unconditionally each and every day, NO MATTER WHAT!
What do you say? Sounds like a pawsome pups to me!

Interested in meeting Black Dog?  Please complete the Operation Paws for Homes Adoption Application.

If you would like to learn more about dog adoption, please visit Operation Paws for Homes Adoption Guide.




Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Product Review: The Fifth Paw, An Extra Paw to Help Hold the Doody!

"The Fifth Paw - An Extra Paw to Help Hold the Doody!"
(C) Allen Pearson
Did you know everywhere my human takes me, whether it’s to a local park or in a neighborhood community, or to see my pawnderful cousins in the beautiful hills of West Virginia and watch the trains go by, or to see my human’s crazy relatives and my meowster cousins in the hinterlands of North Carolina, there is one commonality about every place we visit - seems no changes in this law or paw rule of thumb- if you have one… and that is for your human to pick up your "gift" and not leave it behind. While it may come from behind, it shall not be left behind. WOOFs!
"The Fifth Paw -
An Extra Paw to Help Hold the Doody!"

(C) Allen Pearson

Why pick it up? Barks, it’s unsanitary to leave it behind for someone else to possibly step in or a child fall on or cause someone else to have to pick it up for you- that’s just plain rude. Barkingly, it makes a community look disgustingly bad to find these piles of gifts left everywhere along the way.

To pick them up takes and costs nothing. Using plastic grocery bags are pawfect. Now, for the squeamish, not a good idea. If you are squeamish or get grossed out easily, go to the local pet store and buy “Poop Bags” that’ll work for you.

My human likes to recycle plastic grocery bags these days.  For years, he used blue plastic bags he bought from a local pet store - mostly because our walks were in the woods and sometimes he’d have to grab my "gifts" to him in tall weeds, some of which could have been poison ivy which he is severly allergic. These bags covered his arm reducing the risk of poison ivy.  These ideas should assist you in working out a way to pick up the "gifts" from your dog!

"The Fifth Paw and Me!"
(C) Allen Pearson
Barkingly, some humans will say they don’t like to carry or handle the bag for the duration of their walk.  I found this pawsomely cool, pawtastic gadget from “The Fifth Paw” which will handle this issue for you!  All you have to do is fasten “The Fifth Paw” to a leash and go for a walk.  When your companion stops to give you a gift, pick up with a bag and tie it closed.  Simply hook the bag on one of the clips and head on.  If your dog is feeling "gifty" on your walk, there are two clips available to use.

My human loves this product.  Not for reasons pawed already, but he enjoys having a free hand.

The product is made of a sturdy plastic so it should carry every size gift and last awhile! WOOFs!!


"The Fifth Paw- An Extra Paw to Help Hold the Doody!"
(C) Allen Pearson