Saturday, September 30, 2017

Railroads, Trains, Railfanning, and Dogs! US Rail Safety Week, Sept. 24-30

"Intermodal Through Manassas"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved
BARK! I love going railfanning with my humans. Sometimes it's just Dad and I, like last week. We hopped in his Subaru Forester and took off to the Manassas area to watch trains.  We were met by some awesome guys one of them creates great railroad videos, Railfan Rowan.

Railroads and Trains are not places to walk your dog or go for a game of fetch. There are way too many dangerous possibilities like the dog getting frightened and running into a train or item thrown in a game of fetch getting stuck on the tracks. All of these would end up with very sad and upsetting results for way too many humans.... not to mention the dog.

When I go railfanning with my humans, I am always on a tight leash, not a Flexi-Leash, and close to my human. In some cases, I will stay in the car with my seat belt on so when a train comes, Dad can go photograph without being concerned about me following him and getting hurt. Sometimes, he will leash me to a sturdy stationary object where I cannot get loose and he is right there with me. Just depends are where we are, what's available and what's the safest method.

Since Dad is a photographer, a reminder- when you photograph, keep off the tracks. Keep your clients off the tracks and remember- other photographers may follow your actions!




#USRailSafetyWeek, #Dog, #Railfan,

Friday, September 29, 2017

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

Over the past month, you have undoubtedly heard about the horrible Hurricane Harvey which caused so much devastation and flooding in Texas.  My friend "Lab Lady" is among the bazillion pawsome volunteers who are helping the dogs in need of assistance after the storm. Within the next week, I will be sharing a post with more details how you can help too!

My friend "Lab Lady" has brought by a pawsome fella for you to meet! Meet JJ!

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

JJ is from a rural area and not been exposed to the noises of the city like traffic or groups of people.  He is looking for a "Forever Home" in a rural or suburban area in a single-family house.  He has no fence requirement.

JJ was in a Houston, Texas-area shelter prior to Hurricane Harvey. He was available for adoption and was transferred to a Houston Pets Alive facility to make space for shelters to hold dogs displaced by flooding in hope of reuniting dogs with their humans.

JJ is a 5-year-old Black Labrador Retriever. He is current on vaccinations and preventatives. He has been diagnosed with Heartworm Disease. Lab Rescue will provide JJ's Heartworm treatment, at no cost to the adopter, at one of their designated Veterinarians. The requirement to treat the dog at Lab Rescue's vet is included in the contract's "Heartworm Treatment Addendum". Adopters are encouraged to speak with the Lab Rescue Heartworm Coordinator prior to adoption to learn more about the treatment process.

If you would like to learn more about dog adoption, meet JJ or apply to adopt JJ, please complete the Lab Rescue Dog Adoption Application.



#LabradorRetrieverAdoption, #Lab-Rescue, #DogAdoption

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

"Annabelles"
(C) Homeless Animals Rescue Team

Meet my friend Annabelles from Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART). She is around 1-year-old, is not declawed, is dog and cat friendly. She is mini-human friendly too. 

Paws, Annabelles previous human moved and left her with her 5 kittens and another cat behind in their rural trailer park. A kind human took them in and gave them to HART. 

Now that all the kittens have found humans to love and their "Forever Homes," Annabelles is looking for her human to love and a "Forever Home!"

Annabelle is pawsomely sweet petite likes spending her days lounging in the sun. She's and affectionate girl who loves being petted, cuddling and playing! Her favorite toys are the Jingle balls and play mice!

If you have questions about Annabelles, contact Bettina!

If you would like to meet Annabelles or apply to adopt her, please complete the Homeless Animals Rescue Team Cat Adoption Application

Annabelles will be attending an Adoption Event this weekend:

Sunday, October 1, 2017
Pets Supplies Plus
20020 Ashbrook Commons Plz Suite 150 
Ashburn, VA 20147-5055



Friday's Friend! Cat Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

My friend "Cat Lady" and many volunteers at PetConnect Rescue have been really busy with caring for cats who were brought in due to the horrible hurricanes happening in Texas and Florida recently.  She brought by a brother and sister for you to meet this week.

Meet Loveable Peter!

"Loveable Peter!"
(C) PetConnect Rescue

Loveable Peter and his pawsome sister, Lovable Peter and his sister, Lovable Wendy, escaped a South Carolina shelter in advance of Hurricane Irma! MEOWs! You'd be hard-pressed to find two sweeter kittens! These two love to snuggle and have pawcellent purr motors. 

Peter loves to perch on your shoulder and whisper in your ear- oh my meows and purrs - and probably play with your hair!  

Wendy will crawl into your lap for tickles behind her ear so you can get an up-close look at her pawsomely beautiful marble tabby coat! 

Peter and Wendy will keep you laughing and enjoying their antics while they chase toy mice or dash to catch a toy at the end of a wand. 
"Loveable Wendy!"
(C) PetConnect Rescue

Peter and Wendy must be adopted together.  You will be so blessed to share your home with them both! 

Peter is healthy, up-to-date on vaccinations, neutered and has excellent gentlemanly litter box manners. Wendy is healthy, up-to-date on vaccinations, spayed and has ladylike litter box manners.

A note from my friends at PetConnect Rescue: Please note that cats adopted through PetConnect Rescue must be indoor only, and may not be declawed (unless already declawed at the time of rescue).

The adoption fees for these kittens is $135 each, which helps with the cost of routine Veterinary care.

The first step in PetConnect Rescue's Adoption process and approving adoption applicants is to complete a vet check. Vetting of current and past pets is very important!  PetConnect Rescue will be speaking with the Veterinarian(s) listed on your application to ensure that your current and previous pet(s) are kept up-to-date on vaccines (including rabies), spayed or neutered and examined annually by your vet.

If you would like to learn more about cat adoption, please visit PetConnect Rescue Cat Adoption Guide

Interested in meeting Peter and Wendy or applying to adopt these two? Please complete the PetConnect Rescue Adoption Application. Once submitted an Adoption Coordinator will contact you.




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

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

My friend "Great Dane Dame" has become quite the busy dogster human lately with a few pawsome Great Danes to care for and help them find their "Forever Homes" and humans to love. This week, she brought by a 15-month-old girl named Athena to meet you! 

Athena is a sweetheart, smart, pretty and lovable who pawsitively loves to get treats, nuzzle humans, run and chase squirrels! 
"Athena"
(C) Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League

Athena is house-trained. She chews only on her toys and is very pawticular about the chair she chooses to curl up in during the day. 

In the short time she has been at Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League she Athena has gone from quiet and withdrawn to a sweet and affectionate young lady.  She needs love and patience to learn to trust again. Barkingly, with treats, she's accepting and affectionate towards family members within 24 hours. 

Athena previously lived with a Beagle and a French Bulldog but did not get along with the Beagle. So she will not be placed in a home with small dogs. In her foster home, she's living with a male Great Dane and has had no problems. She has attended doggie daycare and was a pawsitive model client.  She seems to enjoy the socializing with larger dogs. She has lived with cats but it isn't known how she did with them. 

Athena is anxious to find her "Forever Home" and humans to love- she is truly deserving of a family of her own!  She has lived with mini-humans with no problems but given her trust issues, she will not go to a home with mini-humans- for safety's sake! WOOF!! Barkingly, she is certain to become one of the most loveable and bonded Great Danes! 

Since this sweetheart is still a youngster, she will have a training requirement as part of her adoption contract! 

If you would like to learn more about dog adoption and pawsibly meet Athena, please visit www.magdrl.org/adopt.

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


Friday's Friend! Dog Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

"Miracle"
(C) PetConnect Rescue
WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!! I am so happy to catch up with my buddy, longtime friend and dog foster dad, Big Bruno! He was one of the first foster parents I met when I first started writing these posts!

Big Bruno has brought by a pawsome gal name Miracle! Big Bruno says, "she's the dog everyone should have but may be overlooked!" The scars aren't her fault so she hopes they will not be held against her. She is a 60 lbs. American Bulldog mix.

Miracle is never crated, she's quiet, polite, and wants to pawlease everyone. 
"Miracle"
(C) PetConnect Rescue

Everyone she meets is instantly her best friend, even the mail carrier, and UPS guy! WOOF! Bark!

Miracle has been through quite a bit in her short life.  She found herself in the path of Hurricane Irma prior to arriving at the shelter after suffered years of abuse constantly being bred. Barkingly, while signs of abuse can be seen in her teeth and left eye, she has a heart of pure gold and her tail wags non-stop! BARK!

Paws, she is great with other dogs and pawsitively absolutely adores her humans!

If you are looking for a dog who will shower you with unconditional love, Miracle may be the pawfect match for you!

Visit her recent video, Miracle and Mercedes Playing!

Miracle is spayed, up-to-date on vaccines and preventatives! She is eager to find her "Forever Home!"

If you would like to learn more about dog adoption, please visit the PetConnect Rescue Dog Adoption Guide.

Interested in meeting Miracle or applying for adoption? Please complete the PetConnect Rescue Dog Adoption Application.  Once you submit the application, please email France at FBognon@petconnectrescue.org.

"Miracle"
(C) PetConnect Rescue



Thursday, September 28, 2017

#Remember Me Thursday! Dog Adoption, Cat Adoption

"Noah and Allen, "From The Dog's Paw!"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved

I remember the day you came to visit. I wondered about you being so skinny, a bit nervous, and a bit funny-looking. WOOF! Your wife was gorgeous, a beauty beyond any I’d ever seen and impeccable manners. She is the smart one in the family which will soon be confirmed. I was a skinny young kid with big paws in a strange house in Potomac, Maryland. I had spent the last few years of my life as someone’s dog and then a stray until someone took me to a shelter in North Carolina. My number was nearly up when… I was taken by helicopter- really odd to fly over all these places and really fast- to a new place to start life over I was told.

You had recently lost your dog to an aggressive form of cancer. It tore you apart and I could see the sadness in both of your eyes. You couldn’t or wouldn’t make up your mind to adopt me as you had other plans for your life. “Too much work caring for another dog. Walks. Exercise. Feed. Water. Veterinarian Appointments. You were planning to become the world’s greatest nature photographer. You loved the idea.” Your wife and a dear friend said you needed a dog and emphasized it repeatedly. You disagreed.

You visited awhile. I think you were torn from the recent loss of your dog more than anything so I showed my sweet, cute, adorable, handsome, fun, pawsome, pawfect, pawtastic, wonderful, goofy, very attentive, very friendly, sweet-tempered, calm, self to you two and being an artist photographer which is probably fun but not as good as me.

Your lovely wife loved me and saw your perplexity! She knew what was best- as so many brilliant women do and said “If you liked me, we need to take him now as she was not driving back to Potomac in a few days.” Smart woman. I don’t like the noise and chaos that I hear all the day long either.” You two were approved already to take me home as PetConnect Rescue had already done a background check and chatted with your previous dog’s Veterinarian.

You agree but state, “I guess if it doesn’t work out, we can bring him back.” The gracious lady from PetConnect Rescue confirms that you are to do just that!

We get into the car. You sit in the backseat with me. Not sure why but you did. We drove down this road and onto a huge road with sounds and noises that I’d never heard before. You helped me relax by petting me on the head.

"Tyson's Galleria"
Credit: Patrick Lennon, Flickr Creative Commons
All of a sudden the night gets as bright as the day! I don’t understand so I keep my head low. You look to see and say, “WOW! Look at all the lights and shops and all…I could be a part of that with all my art...  “ You were making a choice here to care for me and not participate in art shows, art festivals, nor become the world’s greatest nature photographer anytime soon- it’s not all it’s cracked up to be!

I looked up at you as if to say, “I think we can make this work!”

You look back as if to say, “I think so too!”

Used by permission, Helen Woodward Animal Center
We began a pawsome 8-year journey that night which has been a blessing for both of us. I came along at the right time for you and you came along at the right time for me.

There are more dogs and cats in rescues, shelters and humane societies looking for “Forever Homes” and humans, like you, to love. There are countless stories of pawfect adoptions. Each week, we feature many dogs and cats in need in our column, "Friday's Friend." Be sure to visit and maybe find that pawfect friend!

Today, my human and I are writing about pet adoption to celebrate those who found “Forever Homes” and to light a candle in remembrance of those who were dropped off at shelters and didn’t find another place to go. Bark.

Learn more about Remember Me Thursday at www.remembermethursday.org.

WOOF!!





#remembermethursday,, #remembertherescue

Monday, September 25, 2017

Dog Adoption: Which Dog is for You?

(C) Used by Written Permission of Mighty Dog Graphics
I paw and bark my thanks to Mighty Dog Graphics for sharing their pawsome artistic talents with us.

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Prayer Pups

© Prayer Pups, by Jeff Smith, Used by Written Permission

I paw and bark my thanks to PrayerPups for sharing their pawsome artistic talents with us.

All content and characters © 2017 Jeffrey Smith. All rights reserved. Used by Permission, Prayer Pups by Jeffrey Smith

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Prepare for Remember Me Thursday! Join us!

Used by permission, Helen Woodward Animal Center

Once upon a forever time ago, I had a cat brother.  He was a pawsome Maine Coon with a purringly grand personality. His name was Franz J. Haydn, "Haydn" for short as when my humans first adopted him, he was always hiding, so it was "Haydn" because he was always "hidin'." He was one cool dude and I so very much enjoyed having a cat brother- hey- don't tell the guys, barks, ok? WOOF!!

Haydn and I got along famously. When I first arrived we had a "sit down" to discuss the rules of the house. He said he rules the place and not to interfere and we'll get along great. I was fine with that as I don't care who rules as long as I get attention, belly rubs, ears scratched, the best treats and the best food.  He could do whatever whenever and always and I decided that I was dog in which my humans love and that made me very happy. He was an awesome gentle giant of a cat- in which I will always remember!

As mom loves cats and I love mom, I decided to write about cat adoption and their care as often as I can.  Recently, I pawed a series of articles about cat adoption and introducing a new cat to your home for the Fairfax County Times!

BARKs! er, MEOW, or is it PURR?!! Since not everyone can write a blog post or an article for a local newspaper, I want to invite you to share your love of your pet on social media and the pawsomeness of adoption!

On Thursday, September 28, lets flood social media with photos of you and your pet with a sentence or two about how you found them on your social media.  Share these pawsome experiences using #remembertherescue.

Meowly, you can participate in a competition with prizes where you share a photo of your pet and a story about adoption at Remember The Rescue Contest. Contest runs through September 30.

Used by permission, Helen Woodward Animal Center



Friday, September 22, 2017

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

WOOF! My friend "Lab Lady" from Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc. came by this week with a handsome young fella for you to meet- Meet Rover!!

"Rover"
(C) Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.
My friend Rover is looking for his "Forever Home" in a single-family house located in a suburban or rural area!  He does not have a fence requirement. WOOF!!

"Rover"
(C) Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.
Rover is one friendly and affectionate 4-year-old Yellow Labrador Retriever.  He was used as a breeding but is no longer needed so he found himself at Lab Rescue! He lived in a small fenced, but clean, area behind his former owner's house so he's looking forward to learning what life is like as an indoor dog with loving humans.

Rover previously lived with other dogs and did well with them.  He has no cat history.  He has no history with mini-humans either.  He's recommended for mini-humans ages 10 or older.

Rover tested positive for Lyme, a non-contagious, tickborne disease. He is being treated with antibiotics for one month. He will need another Heartworm test in 6 months (March 12, 2018) as Lab Rescue doesn't have proof that he's been on heartworm preventatives.

If you would like to meet this pawsome fella, or apply to adopt him, pawlease complete the Lab Rescue Dog Adoption Application.







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

"Titan"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved

Is this a pawsome face or what!? WOOF! WOOF!! My human met this guy on a photo shoot for the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League.
He says this photo really shows the pawsomeness of this guy- He ran and played and played some more...Meet Titan!

Titan is a handsome young fella who is full of energy and love to share with his humans! He is eager to meet humans who love to play with dogs and appreciate his pawsome personality! Barkingly, and his "game-on" personality.

Titan is a fast and fun but has shown manners around little dogs.  He doesn't seem to have issues with cats but the tester was a slightly mean cat so he was a bit scared. 

Titan has manners, but, remember he is a puppy at heart.  He knows some basic commands, "sit," "shake a paw," “high” paw and "down."
Barkingly, he is very food motivated and enjoys food (a lot) – so he may guard his food when eating a LOT. 

Titan has fallen in love with humans he sees often- especially a mini-human who has taken to giving him treats while teaching him manners! WOOF!!!! Barkingly, he takes them a little too quick- gotta watch those fingers- so he's learning a new command "Easy" and he's catching on! He has shown no signs of being too rough, anxious, or guarded with mini-humans.

Titan loves to kiss his humans! He won't stop kissing his humans! WOOF! A good trait I'd say!  

"Titan"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved
Titan loves bathtime and tries to eat the water.  He might make a good companion to someone who likes to jog or on those long runs!  WOOF!!!! 

Titan loves baths and tries to eat the water. He is an around handsome, delightful, and wonderful young man. 

Titan would be a pawsome addition to an active family who wants a "fun/playful” pup. 

If you would like to learn more about adopting Titan, pawlease visit the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League Adoption page.




"Titan"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved




Friday's Friend! Cat Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

"Bandit!"
(C) PetConnect Rescue
Is this a cute face or what? WOOF! My friend "Miss C" from PetConnect Rescue brought this guy by to meet you! Meet Bandit!

Bandit was born on July 11, 2017. He is looking for his "Forever Home" and humans to love!  

Bandit is a curious and playful fella who has tons of kitten energy.  He tells me "I haven't met a toy I didn't like, especially those feathered wand toys!" He likes climbing all over the cat trees in his room.

Bandit likes playing with his brother, Burt, and the other foster kitties! He would love to be adopted with his brother or another similar age kitty. He would be sad to be home alone all day.

Bandit is a little nervous around dogs! Dogs are totally new to him -he's never seen one before so it may take a little time. 

Bandit enjoys food. And loves food. And wants his food. Meow!

Since Bandit is small and a young kitty, he prefers to go to a "Forever Home" with older/respectful mini-humans. If the parent humans have experience, even better! Meowingly, he is looking for humans to play with him and will take good care of him. 

Bandit is up-to-date on age appropriate vaccinations and dewormings.

A note from PetConnect Rescue: Cats adopted through PetConnect Rescue must be indoor only, and may not be declawed (unless already declawed at the time of rescue).

The adoption fee for this kitten is $135, which helps with the cost of routine vet care. The fee DOES NOT INCLUDE spay/neuter if the kitten is 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. Also, a $100 spay/neuter deposit is collected to help ensure that the procedure gets done in a timely manner.

The first step in PetConnect Rescue's approving adoption applicants is to complete a Veterinarian check. Vetting of current and past pets is very important to PetConnect Rescue so they will be speaking with the Veterinarian(s) listed on your application to ensure that your current and previous pet(s) are kept up to date on vaccines (including rabies), spayed or neutered and examined annually by your Veterinarian.

If you would like to learn more about cat adoption, pawlease visit the PetConnect Rescue Adoption Guide.

If you would like to meet or apply to adopt Bandit, please complete the PetConnect Rescue Cat Adoption Application.


"Bandit!"
(C) PetConnect Rescue

Friday's Friend! Cat Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

I smile as I see "Cat Lady" coming by to visit with a cool cat with her! She tells me  "LAP CAT ALERT!" and to watch out with this fella- he is a TRUE SNUGGLER!!  Meet Trey!!

"Trey"
(C) PetConnect Rescue
"Trey"
(C) PetConnect Rescue
From what I'm told, Trey is a pawsomely incredible character! He didn't understand why he was in a tiny "room" with bars at a shelter. Meows, he wasn't having much to do with it!  He purringly won the hearts of the shelter staff by sticking his paw through the cage and frantically waving at them for attention!  Smart fella!

The shelter staff knew "sweet baby Trey" needed to find a family to enjoy his extremely loving and pawsome personality! Meowingly, Mr. Trey is pawsitively ecstatic to be out of the shelter and has won the hearts of his foster family too!

Trey is one super meowingly affectionate, super playful, super cute sleeper and just a plain super pawsome all-around guy!

If you are looking for a super-pawsome cat, this guy might be the cat for you!

Trey is up-to-date with vetting and has gentlemanly litter box manners!

From PetConnect Rescue: Pawlease note that cats adopted through PetConnect Rescue must be indoor only, and may not be declawed (unless already declawed at the time of rescue)!

"Trey"
(C) PetConnect Rescue
The adoption fee for this kitten is $135. The fee helps with the cost of routine vet care. Meowingly, the fee DOES NOT INCLUDE spay/neuter if the kitten is 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. Purrs, a $100 deposit is collected to help ensure that the procedure gets done in a timely manner.

Please note PetConnect Rescue's first step in approving adoption applicants is to complete a vet check. Vetting of current and past pets is very important so they will be speaking with the Veterinarian(s) listed on your application to ensure that your current and previous pet(s) are kept up to date on vaccines (including rabies), spayed or neutered and examined annually by your Veterinarian.

If you would like to learn more about cat adoption, pawlease visit PetConnect Rescue Adoption Guide.

If you would like to meet Trey or apply to adopt him, please complete the PetConnect Rescue Cat Adoption Application.





Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Dog Breeds: Boxers and Boxer Mixes

WOOF! BARK!!  Each month I enjoy pawing about a dog breed which may be of interest to you when looking to adopt.

This month, I paw about Boxers and Boxer mixes-


Looking for a Boxer Dog or Puppy?

Why Not Adopt!

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Pet CPR and Certification Class for PetConnect Rescue

(C) Pet Emergency Education

My friends at PetConnect Rescue are hosting a Pet CPR Class:

Sunday, October 15, 2017
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
VCA Veterinary Referral Associates
500 Perry Pkwy
Gaithersburg 20877

The Pet CPR Class will be conducted by a trainer from Pet Emergency Education LLC. The standard registration fee per person is $69.95, which includes a copy of their Canine and Feline CPR and First Aid Manual (Ebook), 2 personalized CPR certification wallet cards, an official certificate, and a 2-year subscription to the online Animal Emergency Resource Center. Refreshments will be served.

To avoid a late fee, please be sure to register by October 7, 2017. To register, please visit Pet Emergency Education PetCPR+ Certification Class

Participants are strongly recommended to bring a stuffed animal with them. Though not required, it will help with more efficient use of practice time. Please dress in comfortably.

Questions? Pawlease email contact PetConnect Rescue at info@petconnectrescue.org.