Saturday, December 31, 2016

New Years Resolutions

Used by Permission, GraphicStock
New Year's Resolutions, except, my human likes to call them New Year's Revelations.  These are the same as Resolutions but if he manages to follow through with them - its a Revelation!  WOOFs!

My human and I make New Year's Revelations every year in a barkingly pawsome attempt to do something better or get rid of a bad habit or start a new adventure!!

Here is our list for 2017:
  • I will walk my human every day at least 1 - 2 miles if not more.  He has this chubby belly thing going on so my goal is to put a hunk chest on him by summer so he's much less embarrassing!  WOOFs!
  • I will take my human to Deep Water Aerobics classes at the local Aquatic Center -somehow I've got to avoid seeing him in his Speedo! arf.
  • Teach my human there is no reason I cannot have a delicious-not-necessarily-good-for-you treat once in a while.  BARKS!  I'm not the one with the chubby tummy!  And since I have to walk him daily, I will not put on weight.
    "Me!"
    (C) Allen Pearson,
    All Rights Reserved
  • Take my humans for more rides.  Not only does it benefit me, and them too, I need a driver. 
  • Convince my human to allow me spend a few more minutes with Katy when I see her walking her human along the parkway. 
  • I will do my best to learn to dig the huge holes in the backyard in the garden where my human would want a hole, rather than in the lawn where he is trying to grow grass - I can't always help where I sniff something worth digging after.
  • I will teach Mom to pet me a minimum of 2 hours a day.
  • Mom and I will spend more weekends together like the one we did when Dad went to the NASCAR races.  We have more treats, more delicious food and more of only the best water.  While Mom has all the Chinese food she wants! 
  • Since Dad has retired, he needs to pet me, rub my belly, scratch my ears and love on me, 24/7/365.  BARKS!
  • I will spend more time with my Uncle who I LOVE as we always do whatever I want. 
  • I will continue to writing and photographing about dog and cat adoption until everyone has a human to love and a "Forever Home!"  
  • I will learn to be a better photographer, now that I am a pawfectly pawsome writer. 
  • Though I do not mind my winter coat, I will continue not wearing winter boots as my crazy aunt suggested!  WOOF!
  • I will convince my human that Filet Mignon, Baked Potato, Corn, Green Beans, Dinner Roll, and the freshest bottled water is on my diet at least weekly.
  • I will do my best to be nice to the groomer.
  • My humans will finally learn by the end of 2017 that, yes indeed, the world and their world and all else does revolve around me and my needs. 
Barks!  Do you have any New Years Resolutions, er, Revelations for 2017?  Please share in the comments below!  WOOF!!!!

Happy New Year!
Used by Permission, GraphicStock

Friday, December 30, 2016

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

WOOF!! A New Year with a new dog can be a most pawsome experience for humans.  Dog adoption is a pawcellent way to add a new companion to your home.

My friends at the Homeless Animals Rescue Team brought by one happy dude for you to meet- Cooperino!

"Cooperino!"
(C) Homeless Animals Rescue Team
Cooperino came to Homeless Animals Rescue Team shy and unsure about what was next!  In time, he has opened up and is learning to be all he can be! And, barkingly, he is looking for love in this crazy busy world!  WOOFs!

Cooperino will do best in a home with a routine and plenty of time to play!

Though Cooperino is friendly with all humans, except mini-humans should be older, he is pawticular about his canine buddies! Barkingly, training and appropriate proper introductions, Cooperino could coexist with another pet!

If you have questions about Cooperino, please contact Moira!

Are you interested in dog adoption and meeting this pawsome guy?  Please complete the Homeless Animals Rescue Team Adoption Application.







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

Bark! WOOF!!! Hope you have some pawsome plans for the New Year's weekend.  Now, be careful, we want you to be around the next day and for days on-going.

Dog adoption should be a part of your plans for 2017! A great way to start a new year is with the companionship of a pawsome dog!

My friend "Miss Joanne" from Operation Paws for Homes stopped by this week with a friend for you to meet- "Eisenhower!"

"Eisenhower"
(C) Operation Paws for Homes
Eisenhower, nicknamed "Teddy," is a most pawsome young 1-year-old Shepherd/Pit mix!

Eisenhower is housebroken and knows some basic commands.  He would pawsibly learn more too!

My friend tells me Eisenhower is the sweetest dog, he loves everyone he meets including mini-humans, other dogs, and cats.  He will make a pawsome addition to any home- he would love to find humans to love!

Eisenhower is up-to-date with vaccinations!

Are you interested in meeting Eisenhower and learning about dog adoption?  Complete the Operation Paws for Homes Adoption Application.

Interested in learning more about dog adoption?  Please visit the Operation Paws for Homes Dog Adoption Guide.

"Eisenhower"
(C) Operation Paws for Homes

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

What plans do you have for New Year's Eve? My humans are having a small get together which includes me too!  Dad says he wouldn't have it any other way and dog adoption was one of the smartest choices he's made.  Paws, he'll pay attention that party favors and foods which aren't meant for me, stay out of my reach and he'll make sure that I'm safe when the fireworks start- my humans don't want it any other way!  What a pawsome way to start a new year!  WOOF!!

"Inky"
(C) Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.
My friend "Lab Lady" will spend her New Year's Party with a bazillion shiny black Black Labrador Retrievers- what a great way to party!  She has brought by a guy for you to meet- Inky!

A pawsome fella, a 9-year-old Black Labrador Retriever, who is from a rural area.  He hasn't been around the woofingly crazy noise of the city, so he is looking for a "Forever Home" in a single-family house in the suburbs or a rural home.

Barkingly, Inky found himself at a shelter after his human had to move to assisted living. arf.

Inky has always lived indoors so he is housetrained. He tried living with neighbors for a while but he found the cat to interesting of a chase so he couldn't stay with them. BARK!!!

Inky is a sweet older gentleman with lots of love to offer. He is looking for humans he can share life with and love on! WOOF!!

Good on a leash and pawsome in a car- he will be an awesome buddy for a human to start the New Year!

Inky is good with other dogs but cannot go to a home with cats. He is recommended for mini-humans age 10 years and older. He is up to date on vaccinations. 

Interested in meeting Inky and learning about the pawsome world of dog adoption? Please complete the Lab Rescue Dog Adoption Application!

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

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Meeting My Cat Cousins - Max and Zoey

"My Cat Cousins!"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved
BARKS! WOOF! I recently returned from a pawsome, er maybe meowingly, grand trip visiting my cat cousins "Max" and "Zoey" in Concord, North Carolina!

I had a woofingly pawsome time meeting them.  The two are Siberian breed and the most fluffy huge characters. Max is a handsome fella while Zoey is a most beautiful young lady. I am pawingly proud to call these two my cousins!

Max was always getting into mischief. He kept trying to climb up the Christmas tree and play with all the pawsome ornaments.  I wanted to join him but was knew I'd get into huge trouble. He wasn't to keen on meeting me.  We ended the weekend with a meeting of the critters.  He decided it wasn't for him and hissed and reached out with a paw and a claw.  He missed so I gave him the look like "Uh, what was that for, I just want to be friends!"

Zoey was a sweetie who was constantly curious.  She would sneak up and take a peak and even walk close to me so I could see her.  She never got close enough for us to have a nose-to-nose meeting except by being on the other side of the door of my room.

I stayed in a room with my humans, my travel crate is so pawsome as it allows me to securely stay in a room when the humans are out.  I get to go on quite a few trips with my human since I have it.  I don't have to stay in it all the time, just when they are not in the room or close by.  When I do, barkingly, it's only a few hours at a time, not all day. When they are in the room, I get to curl up with them and provide them the pawsome pleasure of petting me and having my company.  In this case, I got to go out of the crate and room to visit with  my human and cat relatives.  A pawsome trip.

"The Stare"
(C) Allen Pearson

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Year-End Giving, Tax Deductions 2016

BARKS!!! The end of the year is fast approaching!  It's been an interestingly challenging fast year!  Paws, to celebrate the good moments and the fun you had!

As 2016 comes to a close, are you looking to make donations for the 2016 tax year?  BARKS!! Why not put your donations to pawcellent use by supporting the pawsome work of the local dog and cat animal rescues - like those who do work right where you live?  I know they can always use cash, gift cards and many have "wish lists" of items they need and some are frequently used!


Homeless Animals Rescue Team, is a no-kill animal rescue which takes in unwanted, abused, older, sick, injured, and readily adoptable dogs and cats.

A team of volunteers help humans requiring assistance relating to their pets due to their failing health, financial reverses, or other personal circumstances. Barkingly, as possible, they work with senior and indigent persons enabling them to keep their companion animals, helps those unable to keep their pets by finding a responsible and loving new home for the animal and helps humans who rescue a dog or cat in distress, but are unable to provide long-term care.

To donate, please visit their website at, www.hart90.org, call 703-691-HART, or email hart90office@hart90.org.



I have enjoyed conversations, events and laughs with "Lab Lady" this year who is with Lab Rescue of the L.R.C.P., Inc., a pawsome volunteer organization which rescues, fosters and places homeless, abused, and/or abandoned Labrador Retrievers and provide a referral services for humans seeking to place their Labradors in new homes.

Labradors are evaluated for temperament and placed with foster families where they are loved, exercised, and further evaluated while awaiting adoption. All dogs are provided necessary shots, heartworm tests and spaying or neutering.

To donate, please visit their website at, www.lab-rescue.org, call (301) 299-6756, or email info@lab-rescue.org.


My friend "Great Dane Dame" and I have had a pawsome year with the Great Danes she's introduced me to quite often.

The Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League is staffed by volunteers who assist humans and Great Danes and Great Dane mixes. Humans are those wanting the companionship of a Great Dane or just dogs in general. Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League provides care, medical treatment and training/socialization for dogs abandoned, neglected, and/or abused by their previous owners.

To donate, please visit their website at, www.magdrl.org, call (703) 644-8009, or email coordinators@va-magdrl.org.



This year, I've made several friends with several humans at Operations Paws for Homes. "Miss Ashley," "Miss Joanne," Miss Never Dunn Rescuing," and I can't forget "Miss Anna" who asks my human to photograph all of her new dog friends.

Operation Paws for Homes is a volunteer organization devoted to the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of dogs who have overcome great odds and deserve loving “Forever Homes.”

The dogs are rescued from overcrowded high kill shelters in primarily in South and North Carolina and Virginia. A few international dogs are rescued through partnering with shelters and rescues in India and Turks and Caicos.

To donate, please visit their website at: www.ophrescue.org, or email adopt@ophrescue.org.



One of my newest friends this year are volunteers with Paws for Seniors who work with senior dogs and cats who were given up by the only humans they ever knew. The primary focus is on caring for and finding homes for senior dogs and cats, age 7 and older where they can live out their golden years with dignity and love through rescue, foster, adoption and hospice. Pawsome!

Barkingly, Paws for Seniors, works with rescues/shelters to network and cross-post senior dogs and cats in their care to aid in finding a permanent home, and establish a program to aid Senior Citizens to keep the companionship of their current pets.

To donate, please visit their website at, www.pawsforseniors.org, call (540) 748-8177, or email info@pawsforseniors.org.


Paws, it all began with PetConnect Rescue in 2009 when they rescued me and took me to where I ended up meeting my great humans who I've helped become the bestest humans they could possibly be.  Woofly, not long after I began a column which focuses on "dog and cat adoption."

Barkingly, my friends "Cat Lady" and "Miss C" have been by to introduce cats and dogs looking for "Forever Homes" since I began this column several years ago.

PetConnect Rescue’s saves abandoned dogs and cats and places them in loving and permanent homes. PetConnect Rescue responds to desperate email and phone pleas to rescue dogs and cats imminently slated for euthanasia from shelters between Maryland and Georgia. Medical care and spay/neuter are provided.

Volunteers provide foster homes for rescues, loving care, socialization, medical care, and assist with adoptions.

To donate, please visit their website at, http://www.petconnectrescue.org, info@petconnectrescue.org, 1-877-838-9171.


WOOF!! I am barkingly thrilled to be writing and photographing for a new animal organization who I just connected up with this last week!  BARKS!!

As they are just started out, they can use all kinds of donations to help with their pawsome facility, which I saw last week, and the animals they rescue.  Please visit Prince William Humane Society - Donate to learn about items they can use or make a financial donation.

A bark about them, "The Prince William Humane Society is an all-volunteer, organization whose express mission is promoting animal welfare and adoption for the homeless pets located in Prince William County, VA.

The goal is accomplished by advocating for the homeless animals, supporting adoption programs, providing financial assistance when possible and elevating public awareness.  The Prince William Humane Society helps support animal welfare organizations; including the Prince William County Animal Shelter and works diligently to help save lives by creating and implementing new programs designed to reduce euthanasia and substantially increase adoptions.

WOOFs!  The Prince William Humane Society is a separate organization from the Prince William County Animal Shelter.

To donate, please visit their website at, www.pwhumane.org, call (703) 634-0880 or email info@pwhumane.org.


SemperK9 are new friends this year too.  Their mission is pawsitively grand. They are a bit different from the other animal rescues you'ver read about in this post so please read on about "two passions combining to help each other!" A love for dogs and a love for humans serving in the military.

"Rescuing Dogs & Veterans!  Semper K9's mission is to enhance the quality of life for wounded, critically-ill and injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families by providing them assistance dogs. Using rescued and donated dogs we provide service dogs for psychiatric alert and mobility challenges free of charge to wounded service members."

Semper K9 can use donations of supplies, services, your time and money.

To donate, please visit their website at, www.semperk9.org!  WOOF!!

Used by Permission, Semper K9

Organizations nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Donations must be postmarked by December 31, 2016.






Sunday, December 25, 2016

Merry Christmas!

I stood there in awe.  The evening had become a silent night while all was calm.  If I didn’t know better, I’d say “Hark the Herald Angels Sang in the Realms of Glory.”  The decking of the halls were all done with stockings hung by the chimney with care, before the humans pattered off to another event. As I stood there watching the world, I began to wonder what it was like many years ago in the Little Town of Bethlehem.

In the little Town while Shepherds were watching their flocks by night, a baby was born.  He was born in a stable surrounded by the animals for there was no room in the inn.  Away in a manger, He was wrapped in swaddling clothes.

The Bible doesn’t say, but I often wonder if there was a dog present at His Birth.  For, if so, I wonder what it would have been, maybe a Pit Bull which is shunned by humans, maybe the Doberman Pinscher…. Barks…. All I know is this Plott Hound would love to have been there to celebrate… to bark, paw and howl at His Birth…. To bow in His Presence… and worship the King of Kings…. Christ Jesus … who was born on this day.

Used by Permission, YouVersion, www.Bible.com

"For unto us a child is born, 
to us a son is given, 
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 

 - Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Winter Begins .... and so it does

"Snow on Bushes"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved
Yesterday was my humans most leastest favorite day of the year. Yet it is one of his favorite days. Really? See what I have to live with? Today, being the first day of winter, he knows it only means more cold weather, snow, ice, sleet, freezing rain, polar vortexes, and fog, are on the way before the pawsitively beautiful warm weather of spring and the pawsome hot days of summer. Yes, I said pawsome hot days of summer- to him, at least.

"Snow on Leaves"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved
Why would it be one of his favorites- it was the shortest day of the year! So, my human knows starting today the days will be getting longer- even though just a few minutes a day- cold they may be- as we head to the pawsomeness of Spring! 

Barkingly, it’s the time of year that gets a bit hilarious as my human puts on everything he can wear to keep himself warm on our walks. Sometimes he tries to put a coat on me to keep the cold out which can be embarrassing as I don’t need a coat- well, maybe at 20 degrees or lower. WOOF!!! He did buy me a winter coat several years ago when I first moved to Virginia. It was much colder than what I was used to in North Carolina. 

Happy Winter- not sure which is more embarrassing, my human dressing like an Eskimo in winter or just wearing shorts in the summer. I digress and roll over once more for a belly rub.

Happy Winter!


"Me and My Winter Coat!"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved

Sunday, December 18, 2016

A Christmas Thought

(C) YouVersion, www.Bible.com, Used by Permission

"God showed how much He loved us by sending 
His One and Only Son into the world 
so that we might have eternal life through Him." - 1 John 4:9

If you would like to learn more, please visit Peace With God

Saturday, December 17, 2016

12 Paws for Christmas, Dog Adoption, Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.


Ever wonder how you can help a local dog rescue care for their furry children? How about by playing Santa Paws? WOOF!!!

Today, I visited with Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc. I love catching up with my friend "Lab Lady" and all the most pawfect, pawnderful. pawtastic, barkingly grand, Labrador Retrievers who are looking for humans to love and their "Forever Homes." Of course, I love all dogs but since I am part Black Labrador Retriever, I can never stop bragging about how pawsome Labradors are- especially the Black Labradors! Barks.

Lab Rescue is a breed specific dog rescue working to find Labrador Retrievers humans to love and "Forever Homes!"

My friends at the “Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.” shared their Santa Paws Wish List!



Santa Paws Wish List!

Dog Sponsors

What are Dog Sponsors? Dog Sponsors are financial support for the work of Lab Rescue of the L.R.C.P., Inc.  The donations support keeping dogs safe and sound, assist with medical care expenses and their stay in a loving foster home until new humans to adopt them. Barkingly, you can select one of the dogs already in their care to support by clicking on the "Sponsor link below the dogs profile!

More details about Dog Sponsors at Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc. Dog Sponsors!

(C) Allen Pearson

Friday, December 16, 2016

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

"Davis"
(C) Homeless Animals Rescue Team
My friends at Homeless Animals Rescue Team brought by two friends for you to meet this week!  Pawsome characters to make your life happier with dog adoption!

Meet Davis! An  8-year-old Beagle mix!  He is friendly with other dogs and mini-humans but not cats!

He may be a small guy but don't let that fool you- he isn't afraid of much!  Barkingly, he likes to think everyone and everything and all critters great and small are friendly.  He is usually happy to meet them all!

If you have questions about Davis, please contact Dick.

Interested in meeting Davis and learning about dog adoption?  Please complete the Homeless Animals Rescue Team Adoption Application.

"Toby"
(C) Homeless Animals Rescue Team
Barkingly, meet my friend Toby Beagle! Toby is about 13 years old, a Beagle who is friendly with other dogs and mini-humans.  Cats are unknown.

A sweet older dog, Toby still has a lot to give to his new humans!  He is waiting patiently for a family to love him, not abandon him for a younger hunk, and give him a "Forever Home" where he can love them.

Toby will look upon you with his most adoring eyes and let you know all is fine!  He will be there for you through thick and thin.  Always loving his humans!

Toby is a pawsome companion.  He's calm and quiet - bark!

Toby enjoys walks and sofas!

A smart fella who knows basic commands and is treat motivated!

Toby prefers not to be crate or be left alone for long hours at a time.  BARKS!

If you have questions about Toby, please contact Dick.

Interested in meeting Toby and learning about dog adoption?  Please complete the Homeless Animals Dog Adoption Application!




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

The most pawsome, and humbly pawtastic, "Great Dane Dame" brought by a pawsome friend you to meet this week- Deuce!

"Deuce"
(C) Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League
Deuce is enjoying his routine at his fosters home of going to the daycare during the week and sleeping in on weekends!  At first, he was hesitant but now he loves it.

Often, Deuce still comes home full of energy but a few laps around the yard usually works it all out!

A very smart fella, Deuce needs tasks to keep him occupied!  He must sit before he eats dinner or goes in and out of the house or in the car!  Before leaving for daycare, he has to gather his baby which usually means he will bring several!  Sometimes, he'll take them outside or in the car!  BARKS!
"Deuce"
(C) Mid-Atlantic Great Dane
Rescue League

Deuce has learned to be a bit independent by staying on the couch or eating alone, instead of having his foster around!!

Sometimes, Deuce will take some time to warm up to a new enviornment but patience, love and structure are key!  He is still a bit territorial at home and in the car but he is still working on these pawsome skills!  Barkingly, he has been on walks downtown, to the dog park and the pet store with no agressive barking!  WOOFs!!!

Deuce loves cuddling and putting his head in a humans lap.  He's got the true Great Dane personaility going on and will do the zoomies and romp around like a puppy.

Deuce loves his fosters cat but tends to steer clear of him to his frustration.

Deuce isn't a counter surfer or chewer.

A most pawsome dog, who is pawsitively amazing, trainable and a good learner.  With patience and consistency, Deuce will be a pawsome dog!

Barkingly, if you would like to meet Deuce and learn about dog adoption, please visit Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League!



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

"Nubbs"
(C) Operation Paws for Homes
Barkingly, I can understand why my human says the hardest part of his job when photographing the dogs is not adopting all of them. When he comes home smelling like 7 dogs I like to climb onto his lap and make sure my scent is all over him when actually, I understand why he smells like he does- the dog part anyway!

My friend "Nubbs" came from Operation Paws for Homes to meet you! He is all decked out and ready for Christmas- in hopes to find someone to love in time to celebrate with them! WOOFs!!!!

Nubbs is a 2-year-old Retriever mix! She is one sweetheart of a dog who is looking for her best human, a family, or a pal who needs a friend or companion.

Nubbs is one pawsome pup who loves giving kisses, lots of wet kisses, getting belly rubs, letting you know strange humans are are nearby, loves running and going for walks, playing with and hiding toys, loves being with humans she loves and trusts the most and following her foster human dad around to see what he's doing!
Nubbs is afraid of new humans because of her prior history but all she needs is a short time to meet and learn to trust.  She will do best with humans who will understand that our meeting will be on her terms.  
"Nubbs"
(C) Operation Paws for Homes

Nubbs likes to play with other dogs as long as she can be the bossy one!  WOOF!!!!  She does well off-leash and comes when called- barkingly, remember leash laws though.  BARKS!

Nubbs is house and crate broken with pawellent house manners! She knows some basic commands.

Interested in dog adoption and meeting this pawsome girl?  Please complete the Operation Paws for Homes Adoption Application.

Dog adoption is a pawsome step in a humans life.  Interested in learning more about dog adoption?  Please visit the Operation Paws for Homes Adoption Guide.


"Nubbs"
(C) Operation Paws for Homes


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

WOOF! er, MEOW, Purr- my friend at Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART) came by with a friend for you to meet, Misty the Beautiful!  And, that she is!

"Misty the Beautiful"
(C) Homeless Animals Rescue Team
Misty is about 8 months, not declawed, gets along with dogs but unknown with other cats!  Misty LOVES mini-humans! 

Misty is looking for a pawsome human with a soft bed and a warm lap she can share!  

A kind human found Misty near a busy street.  The human cared for her, providing food and an outdoor shelter.  Barkingly the human felt Misty needed a "Forever Home" and a human with endless love! Purringly, HART agreed to take care of her! 

Misty is very low key with her favorite thing to do is suggle with the mini-humans in her foster home.  

Misty is looking for a very special "Forever Home!" 

Do you have questions about Misty?  Please contact Kelly!

If you would like to adopt Misty the Beautiful and learn about cat adoption, please complete the Homeless Animals Rescue Team Adoption Application.

Do you love cats?  Would you like to adopt but aren't able to do so right now? Or, maybe you have a passion for cats and like to help them- consider sponsoring Misty the Beautiful.  To learn more, please visit, Sponsor a Pet

"Misty the Beautiful"
(C) Homeless Animals Rescue Team