Product Review: SnapLeash

"Noah Using SnapLeash to Supervise His Human"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved

WOOF!!  Barking pawsome is the pawvilege I have to review products created for dogs! SnapLeash is one of those and I am loving this product!!!

Why? The barkingly bright color makes it so easy for others to see. When I go with my human to do yard work at the church, instead of being concerned my leash being run over by the lawn guys or someone tripping over it, they can see it well before they mow where I am leashed. WOOF!

Barkingly, the same is true at home.  The bright red color makes it pawsome to see when my human is mowing the yard, trimming the bushes or even walking around me to weed the next flower. Pawcellent as I LOVE to be with my human whatever he does!

The SnapLeash is easy to leash me and to a stationary object like a tree or the light post by the sign at church.  It's a pawsome way for me to go places with my humans lessening the load of carrying a post and a hammer to set up my other leash.

Want a shorter leash sometimes, while others you want it longer? A pawsome feature of this leash is the ability to use huge eyelets to adjust it. Or, need to tie to a larger object to want to use, like an old Oak tree, not a problem with SnapLeash.

The most pawsome feature of the product is how easy it is to roll up or fold up and carry places.  My human has been using another product over the years which isn't quite as easy or convenient to carry, not as portable.   SnapLeash makes taking me places much easier with less "stuff" to carry!  WOOF!!  BARK!!

Be certain to never leave your dog tied with any leash outside unsupervised or in the cold or hot weather.  This tool is designed to help the human and dog have more fun together.

SnapLeash makes a pawsome Christmas present for the dog lover in your life!

#Giving Tuesday - Support Local Dog and Cat Rescues!

WOOF! BARK!!  The humans have had Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and now it's time for #Giving Tuesday!

Do you love dogs and cats?  Do you love the work the local rescues do to help dogs and cats find "Forever Homes" and humans to love and well, uh, make humans so much happier because they have dogs or cats in their lives- in some cases both?  WOOF!!!! and, MEOWS!!!!!!

Not all the work these pawsomely wonderful humans do with dogs and cats isn't free.  While some human donate their time, there are many expenses related to dog and cat rescue.  Food, treats, Veterinarian visits, medical, transportation, supplies like leashes and collars or beds and crates can cost money.  Sometimes these items are donated or given at reduced cost, but there is still an expense.

If you would like to help these barkingly pawsome dog and cat rescues, please consider donating to them today- here are a few suggestions!

Pawlease visit Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART) Giving Tuesday!

Pawlease visit Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc. Giving Tuesday!

Pawlease visit Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League!

Pawlease visit Operation Paws for Homes Giving Tuesday!

Pawlease visit Paws For Seniors Giving Tuesday! 

Pawlease visit PetConnect Rescue Giving Tuesday! 

Pawlease visit Prince William Humane Society Giving Tuesday!

Used by Permission of SemperK9

Pawlease visit SemperK9 Giving Tuesday! 

Paws for Purple Hearts - Warriors Helping Warriors

"Chuck at Shortpump Mall"
(C) Paws for Purple Hearts

Barkingly, I love sharing about dog adoption and how dogs have a pawsome influence on society, or, actually, the universe! After all, gotta share our goodness! WOOF!

"Chuck at Poplar Springs Hospital"
(C) Paws for Purple Hearts

I recently caught up with a gentleman who I met several years ago at a conference. He was really cool and great to catch up with.  I'd like to share with you about an organization which uses dogs to help humans!

"Paws for Purple Hearts (www.paws4ph.org) programs make a difference every day by dramatically improving the lives of our nation’s active duty service members and veterans facing service-related challenges such as post-traumatic stress (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and mobility impairments. The Paws4PH Service Dog Program, in partnership with the widely-acclaimed Bergin University of Canine Studies, starts with meticulously bred, lovingly raised, and thoroughly trained service dogs.  When fully trained, each service dog is paired with its ideal Warrior recipient using Bergin University’s scientifically rigorous service dog matching methodology.  Warrior and service dog meet during Paws4PH Service Dog Training Camp, a boot camp where they learn to work and live together as a team while forming a lifelong bond.  Our disciplined process ensures a successful, lasting, and effective partnership for each Warrior and service dog pair.

"Suzi"
(C) Paws for Purple Hearts

Paws for Purple Hearts offers the Paws4PH Canine Therapeutic Intervention Program, a proven method for significantly and swiftly reducing the severity of PTSD symptoms.  This program involves Warriors with PTSD participating in puppy and adult service dog training, all while under the close and caring supervision of our highly skilled, Bergin-trained specialist dog trainers and handlers.

In addition, Paws for Purple Hearts offers the Paws4PH Dog Obedience Training Program. Open to service members, veterans and their families, our highly qualified, Bergin-trained dog trainers work with Warriors and their own personal or family dogs to improve the quality of their relationships.
Paws for Purple Hearts is the world’s only service dog organization for wounded service members, veterans and their families that partners with the prestigious

"At the Game!"
(C) Paws for Purple Hearts

Bergin University of Canine Studies (www.berginu.edu).  Bergin University provides all Paws for Purple Hearts service dogs and trainers.  Founded and led by the famous canine researcher and inventor of the service dog concept, Dr. Bonnie Bergin, Bergin University is the first and only program in the world that focuses on training dogs and canine research.  Through its unique mission is to advance human-canine studies, it produces the world’s best dog trainers and handlers and breeds the highest quality service dogs in the world.

While all services are complimentary to service members, veterans, and their families, Paws for Purple Hearts is a non-profit organization that relies on the enormous generosity of both volunteers and donors."

"Sadie it Up Poplar Springs"
(C) Paws for Purple Hearts

Barkingly pawsome work- I love when dogs help humans have a better life.  Whether it's as a Service Dog, Therapy Dog or a pet.  We are pawsome.

If you would like to support the work of Paws for Purple Hearts, they have an Amazon Wish List that shares supplies they need to fulfill their mission.

Barkingly, financial donations are a pawsome way to support their work too!  To learn how to make a donation, please visit Paws for Purple Hearts!

"Dogs at Work"
(C) Paws for Purple Hearts

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

Happiness is a warm puppy.  Happiness is Chocolate- a Chocolate dog, NOT a piece a chocolate candy as that could be lethal for the dog.  Chocolate a most beautiful name for a most beautiful dog!

My friend "Lab Lady" from Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc. came by this week with the most pawsome friend for you to meet- a Chocolate Labrador Retriever named, well, "Chocolate!"

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

A 2-year-old guy who is enjoying his new life at his foster's home.  He was a stray to a shelter where Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc. found him!

He loves playing with his foster sister and the newly discovered dog toy basket. He was so excited to take them out and parade around the house! He enjoys going to the dog park. When I was a younger lad, I would have loved to have met Chocolate as he would have given me a run my doggie treats!  He is full of energy, exuberance, and personality.  He loves attention from humans!  We'd had a great time playing, but I digress.  WOOF!!

With his high energy level and playfulness, he will need a backyard with a fence or frequent trips to the local dog park.  He is quite the social character and is curious about everything.  He is, like me a pawfect velcro Lab!! He went hiking with his foster humans at Great Falls Park and met tons of humans and dogs- he loved meeting everyone! WOOFS!

Like any young Labrador, and most other puppies, he will need continued training so he can be the puppy he was meant to be!  He is a fast learner, motivated to learn and very smart! He remembers everything which is truly a pawsome blast!

He loves to cuddle in a small ball and will protest a bit having to go in his crate.  He settles soon.  He'd much prefer sleeping on the couch at night and will reward you if you allow him!  WOOFs!  BARK!

Here is a video of Chocolate at an adoption event, Chocolate!

Chocolate is good with mini-humans 1o years of age and older.  He is good with other dogs but has no history with cats.

Interested in meeting Chocolate?  Please complete the Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc., Adoption Application.

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

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

WOOF! My barkingly pawsome friends at Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART) have brought by two dogs for you to meet this week.

Please meet Trooper!

"Trooper"
(C) Homeless Animal Rescue Team

Trooper is a 9-year-old male Harrier Hound. He gets along with other dog, barkingly, he does prefer mostly smaller dogs and does not like cats!  He is barkly choosy about his canine friends.

He gets along with older mini-humans!

A retired hound, he wants to chill and be laid back with his humans.

Trooper is a lean, clean lovin' machine who likes to go on walks and will give you some lovin' when you return!

He is loved by many of the HART volunteers who just love his company!  WOOFS! BARK!!

Trooper would make an ideal companion for a nice family, perhaps empty nesters, looking to fill their home with love.

Have questions about Trooper, please contact my human friend Meg.

Interested in meeting Trooper?  Please complete the Homeless Animal Rescue Teams Adoption Application. 

Barkingly, meet Lidia!  WHAT A MOST PAWSOMELY BEAUTIFUL GIRL!!  WOOFS!  Bark!! 

"Lidia"
(C) Homeless Animals Rescue Team

11 years young, Lidia is a medium-size Labrador mix.  She has no cat history and prefers older humans! She's not dog friendly. 

Lidia has the pawfect combination of favorites, an older tired dogster with the energy of a pawsomely youthful pup. 

A bit choosy with her canine friends, there is no question how much she loves her humans.  

Lidia needs to be shown there are human families who don't care she's aging a bit and will love her as much as you love her!  BARKS!!   Once she learns that she'll never be abandoned again, she'll be one very happy gal!  WOOF!  

Have questions about Lidia?  Please contact my human friend Dick!

Interested in dog adoption and meeting Lidia?  Please visit complete the Homeless Animals Rescue Team Adoption Application.

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

"Cody"
(C) Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League

Barks! One of the pawsome ways to spend the Christmas season is with a dog at your side. A dog to play with, to share life with and maybe open a few presents with you at Christmas-

My friend "Dane Dame" from Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League came by this week to introduce you to Cody!

Cody is enjoying his foster home but is looking forward to a "Forever Home" of his own.

He is an inquisitive character but does have good house manners! He is house trained - not had any accidents in his fosters home! He does well in his crate too. While he whines when going in, a Kong filled with peanut butter and treats keeps him occupied.

Cody knows quite a bit of obedience and is treat motivated! Cody walks alright on a Gentle Leader, and is learning more walking manners!

A very mellow fellow, he will seek the most comfortable spot to lay on and stay there for much of his day- typical Great Dane fashion! 

Cody learns best with "positive encouragement" but does need a lot of positive feedback so he knows he's doing the right thing! WOOFs! BARK!

He gets along fine with his 30 lbs. foster brother!

Dog adoption is a pawsome event in a human and dog's life.  If you would like to meet Cody and learn about dog adoption, please visit Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League.

"Cody"
(C) Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League

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

WOOF! WOOF!  Happy Friday!  I hope you had a pawsome Thanksgiving!  My friend, "Miss Joanne" from Operation Paws for Homes stopped by with her buddy Jazz for you to meet-

"Jazz"
(C) Operation Paws for Homes

Jazz is a pawsomely beautiful 4-year-old, Coonhound German Shepherd mix.

She is a most lovely gal who likes to lounge outside taking in all the beauty of the scenery she can. Barkingly, she loves to have room to romp and play -so she will be looking for that in her "Forever Home!"

Barkingly, a very easy-going gal, having her back and belly scratched is one of Jazz's favorite things.

Jazz is house and crated trained.  She knows her basic commands,"sit," "lay," "shake," "come," and "stay."

 Jazz would also love to have a little room to romp and play. This sweet girl also loves to have her back and belly scratched. Jazz loves to show off her tricks for a reward of course!

Jazz enjoys taking naps, hanging out with her humans and is good with mini-humans.  She pawfully enjoys human companionship.  She will do best in a home without cats and older mini-humans.

Jazz is up-to-date with vaccinations, spayed, microchip and ready to find her humans and "Forever Home!"

"Jazz"
(C) Allen Pearson/Operation Paws for Homes

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

WOOF! WOOF! Happy Friday!  Hope you had a pawsomely delicious Thanksgiving dinner and a barkingly grand time with family and friends.  I got to catch up with one of my uncles- it was WOOF! to see him again.

I am thankful for my friend "Miss Ashley" from Operation Paws for Homes who tirelessly works helping dogs find "Forever Homes!"  This week, she brought by Vanna for you to meet-

"Vanna"
(C) Operation Paws for Homes

BARK!  "Can I buy a vowel?!" asks Vanna!  She is a pawfect pup to fall in love with and enjoy the coming winter season!  She is an excellent cuddler!

Vanna is 2-years-old, weighs about 15 lbs., and is good with other dogs.  She loves and plays nicely with cats!

"Vanna"
(C) Operation Paws for Homes

Vanna knows her basic commands and is housebroken!  She loves chewing on her bones and playing outside. 

A bit shy at first, Vanna warms up once she knows you are a loving and affectionate human! 

Interested in meeting Vanna and learning about dog adoption?  Pawlease complete the Operation Paws for Homes Adoption Application.

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

Happy Thanksgiving!

(C) GraphicStock, Used by Permission

It has been one pawsome year- one that means the best is yet to come though it's barking hard to imagine life getting any better!

Why am I so happy?  Plenty of reasons to be thankful which makes me happy!  For one, I am pawsitively barkingly woofing happy that Dad retired from his full-time job last year to become a full-time- "Pet, Walk, Feed, the Dog-Type Human!" It's pawsome to have him home with me. I am thankful for the longer walks, car rides, our chats about life, their adoring of me, delicious meals, a warm bed, their warm bed, and treats and for the opportunity to write for the Fairfax County Times.

And, I am woofly thankful for the piece of ham Mom accidentally drops every Thanksgiving for me to have- don’t tell her I know as I look forward to it every year.

My humans are thankful for their most pawsome dog. me, who came into their lives at the right time, because I am a most pawnderful, energetic, fun loving puppy (at 9-years-old), a great companion, who loves playing and making them laugh and has always been there when they are down and has gotten them through 5 funerals in row. WOOF!!! I made Mom a dog person! BARK! WOOFs!  What can I paw?  Or, even bark!

Barkingly, I am thankful for my most pawsome Uncle Ed who stays with me at my place whenever my human's travel and I cannot go with them. Don’t tell my humans, but I love spending time with him. We have a pawsome time playing fetch, running 5-mile laps, going out to the local pizza place and the list goes on-

Barkingly, I am thankful for my pawsome readers! I appreciate your barks, meows, and paws! I enjoy chatting with you about dog and cat adoption and whatever else I can find.

I am especially thankful and pawed for all the volunteers who dedicate time, resources and attention to dog and cat adoption. I cannot list them all as there is not enough space and I might miss someone. A lady took the time to rescue me, and now, two humans are very happy and love having me around. WOOFS!

Pawlease share in the comments about what you are thankful for!

(C) GraphicStock, Used by Permission

Friday's Friend! Dog Adoption and Cat Adoption

(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved

Am taking a little break this week spending some time with my pawsome Uncle Ed and his most beautiful, pawcellent, lovely, intelligent, pawsome, grand, exciting, intellectual, and most pawfect wife.

My Cat Cousin Max

My cat cousin Max has the right idea!  Except, my aunt should do ALL the cleaning so Max has a pawfectly clean place when he wakes... right?   WOOF!!

(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved

Railroads, Train Watching, Dogs, and Railroad Safety

"CSX Train"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved

WOOF!  An unusual post, I know, but my human and I have quite a bit of fun together and while doing so, we've seen some people do "not-so-smart-stuff," nothing unusual I digress. Barks!

Not too long ago, when traveling with my human, I learned he is as strange and crazy as his friends have said.  At first, I wanted to bite them, but since I like to hear other opinions- I thought I'd pay attention and learn-

Did you know trains can terrify a dog? As in railroads and diesel engines pulling coal cars and freight cars and even cars with humans looking out their windows as if you can't see them- can terrify a dog?  WOOF!! BARK!!!! arf.

"CSX Coal Train in WV"
(C) Allen Pearson. All Rights Reserved

My human didn't either.  He learned, though- not the hard way, thanks to Mom, but he learned.  We were staying at his 2nd cousin, 3 times removed to the second power of the third uncle and second aunt of the great grandmother's sister who happens to live by a busy railroad.

All of a sudden, the floor starts to vibrate, I hear a rumbling noise, there's a horn sounding in the distance, dishes rattle, pictures on the walls start shaking, one of the relatives teeth starting rattling and fell out- again, the floor vibrates more, my human bolts to the door with my leash yelling, "TRAIN! TRAIN! TRAIN!" reminiscent of his early days when his brother would run to see the trains roaring by his grandmothers house...  and me in tow...... I resist as I think it's an earthquake ..... since I went through one of those alone a few years ago.... WOOF!  I held tight to the floor to keep myself safe and away from danger- the roaring and screeching noises getting louder and louder coming from the front of the house!  BARKS!!!  A loud noise sounding like a horn makes itself known throughout the mountains as it echoes.  Thankfully, my mom is the smart human here and grabs the leash from my dad letting him watch the train and me, be safe and sound. arf. I laid down next to mom and rolled my eyes. arf.

"CSX Going Through West Virginia"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved

We stayed with family and met some friends over the next several days.  As we did, more and more trains came by and I got used to the noise- from a distance.  I never got near the tracks, do not plan to nor will I ever do it.

Why?  For one, it is illegal to walk the railroad tracks.  While plenty of humans do it, that doesn't make it right.  Barkingly, two young humans, in love, were walking the tracks and didn't hear the train coming and well, you can probably guess.

Not too long back, my human and I went to watch trains.  We sat at a safe distance at this legal location for about two hours and didn't see a train.  Barkingly, we saw a man walking his dog on the tracks about a half mile from us- not a safe idea.  The noises and horrendously loud squeals a train makes are disturbing to dogs- enough to cause us to bolt and be crazy in doing it.

BARKS!  Stay off the tracks!  Keep your dog off the tracks and away from them.  If loose, your dog could decide to chase the wheels of the train!   WOOF!!

Barkingly, it is illegal for anyone to walk the railroad tracks!

For more information about Railroad Safety, please visit Operation Lifesaver!

Used by Permission of Operation Lifesaver

Prayer Pups

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

The Great I Am

by Jeff Smith

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”

 – Philippians 2:10-11

All content and characters © 2016 Jeffrey Smith. All rights reserved.

Used by Permission, Prayer Pups by Jeffrey Smith

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

My friend "Lab Lady" has had her hands full, er should I say paws full, with pairs of Labrador Retrievers who are looking for "Forever Homes" and humans to love!  WOOF!

Last week, she came surrounded with pairs of dogs who covered her so well, I couldn't see her face.  BARKS!

I'd like you to meet Gracie and Kiya - two adorable dogs who are sisters and must be adopted together! These two sisters lost their home when their human passed away!

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

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

Gracie and Kiya come from the country so they are looking for a "Forever Home" in a single family house located in a suburban neighborhood or a rural area.  WOOFs!!! BARK!!

Gracie is a sweet and gentle 5-year-old Yellow Labrador Retriever.  She's lived indoors and is house trained. She has a pawsomely sweet personality and is looking for some TLC from a human! She is currently on medicated baths for a skin infection and doing well. Gracie's fur is coming in.

Kiya is a sweet and gentle 5-year-old Black Labrador Retriever. She has an absolutely pawsomely adorable face- WOOF! WOOF! oops sorry- with beautiful brown eyes and short floppy ears.

Affectionate, loving and house trained, Kiya has lived life with Gracie.  A Shelter Volunteers said "I loved this big girl! She was very docile and posed like a real pro for her pictures."

The girls are good with other dogs and said to be good with cats!  Recommended for mini-humans ages 10 and older.

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