Sunday, May 27, 2018

Prayer Pups!

Dog
© 2018, Prayer Pups, by Jeff Smith, Used by Written Permission

Jesus is my rock and always will be.

 The Lord is my rock, 
my fortress, and my savior;

 – Psalm 18:2

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

All content and characters © 2018 Jeffrey Smith. All rights reserved. Used by Permission, Prayer Pups by Jeffrey Smith

Sunday, May 20, 2018

National Rescue Dog Day!

Dog
"Adopt Me!"
(C) Allen Pearson

Today, May 20, is National Rescue Dog Day which recognizes the benefits of allowing a pawsome canine adopt you into their barkingly grand loveable life! BARK!! And, we are the most pawome critters in the universe to allow in your life- well, cats are too. MEOWs, er barks.

"Need a Friend?"
(C) Allen Pearson
WOOF! I am celebrating the day as I am a rescue dog. I was brought to Potomac, Maryland in 2009 by Pilots -N- Paws in an agreement with PetConnect Rescue. I was a stray, lost, and lonely, trying to make my way in this life when I was caught and taken to a shelter in the Highlands of North Carolina. After a period of time had passed, my name was on a list, once I can’t say because it’s too upsetting. Thankfully, I was adopted by my humans and I made their life incredibly better. Without me, they’d be bored.

According to the humans who record these things and note them so the rest of us will know, I’m thinking the ASCPA is one, there are approximately 3.3 million dogs in shelters. For many and whatever reasons, these pawsome dogs lost their “Forever Homes” and need humans to love and new “Forever Homes.” These dogs are known as rescue dogs.

Rescue dogs are different breeds (purebreds and mixed), colors, sizes, and know how to nuzzle, fetch, and paw their way into a human’s heart.  Many of them have skills of immense levels and talents to soothe their humans on the worst of days. Some of them know basic commands, are house and crate trained.

Woof! Rescue dogs have been adopted by humans and trained to do various jobs which help
humans live lives. Take me, for instance, I was rescued and trained to be a Service Dog and help my human with daily living challenges. Several of my friends from Operation Paws for Homes were rescued and found themselves fulfilling the roles of assisting Military Service personnel with PTSD and other humans with anxiety, depression and the like. WOOF!!

Barkingly, a few of my rescued dog friends have gone on to become teachers too. These guys participate in reading programs where they go to local libraries and allow mini-humans to read to them. Woof, rescued dogs teach mini-humans about responsibility, caring, love, and kindness too.

Woof, some of my pawsome rescued dog friends assist senior humans through life by simply keeping them company. Paws, the love, and sweetness that often exudes from a dog give the senior something to love and care for often extending their lives.
Dog
"Aren't I Adorable?"
(C) Allen Pearson

Paws, rescued dogs have helped many humans to improve their health just by being a dog. Something we dogs do well. My human is healthier because I make him take me for a walk every day. He pets me, we play fetch in the backyard, and with rope toys in the family room which keeps him active.  WOOF.

To celebrate this pawsome day, volunteer at a local animal rescue or shelter. If you need want to search for a place visit Virginia Area Rescues. At rescues or shelters, you can take dogs for walks, help with grooming and give them pawlenty of lovin’s! Volunteering as a foster is a pawcellent way to help a dog find their “Forever Home” and humans to love!

Rescues and shelters are always in need of donations. Whether its financial donations or items such as blankets, bleach, toys, treats, and leashes. Ask the rescue for a list of items they could use. These lists often vary!

Financial donations are pawsome as it allows the rescue to spend the money where it’s most needed.  In some cases, the money is best used to assist with the Veterinary care of dogs.

If you do not have a dog in your life, why not consider adopting one and giving them a “Forever Home.”  My pawsome friends at these rescues will be happy to help-





Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League






An impawtant part f being a human to a dog is remembering to have them spay or neutered. Overpopulation is one of the reasons shelters and rescues exist.

Barks, if you have a rescue dog in your life, share a photo and story in social media and use the hashtag, #NationalRescueDogDay!

WOOF! BARK! Our pawsome friend at “Tails That Teach” founded National Rescue Dog Day to honor the inspiring ways rescue dogs become part of the human family and increase awareness about the number of dogs in shelters. Given a chance, they would fill their forever homes with unconditional love and unabandoned joy with every belly rub.

"Let's Play! I Know You Want to!"
(C) Allen Pearson



#dogadoption, #dogadoptions, #dogadoptionoption, #dogadoptionsvirginia, #dogadoptionva, #dogadoptionmaryland, #dogadoptionmd, #dogadoptionwashingtondc, #dogadoptionwdc, #dogadoptiondc, #dogadoptionpennsylvania, #dogadoptionpa #rescuedog, #rescueanimals

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Belgian Malinois - Common Maladies - A Sponsored Post

The Belgian Malinois is classified as one of the four varieties of the Belgian Shepherd family which includes the Belgian Tervuren, Belgian Laeknois, and Belgian Groenandael. The breed is known for being alert, hardworking, intense, and smart dogs.

Belgian Malinois
"Belgian Malinois"
Photo Credit: Pexels.com

Physically, they are commonly mistaken for German Shepherd because of their similarities. Malinois are sheepdogs that have the highest level of energy among all dog breeds and considered to have better health than German Shepherds.

The Malinois is a medium-to-large breed with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. The average size of a male Malinois is 61 to 66 cm while the female is 51 to 61 cm. Normally, male Belgian Malinois are heavier with a standard weight of 25 to 30 kg compared to female Malinois that weighs 20 to 25 kg.

Belgian Malinois are widely used as working, military or police dogs in different parts of the world. This is because they are known to be intelligent and highly trainable. Most Belgian Malinois are trained to detect explosives, narcotics, and suspect apprehension. Belgian Malinois have a natural protective instinct which makes them a great guard dog. They are always alert to their surroundings and highly aware of strangers.

The Malinois dog breed is trained to be active and busy. Regular training keeps them lively and socially challenged. Starting at an early age, Belgian Malinois are consistently given tasks and activities. Their breed is vigorous for attention and chores. Experts encourage owners to always keep their Malinois worn out to stop them from performing destructive behavior.

Common Medical Conditions
Being a super dog does not make the Belgian Malinois immune to certain medical conditions. With medical care for these illnesses running into the hundreds of dollars, it is important that we inform ourselves about these medical conditions. Protecting our pets with pet insurance is also a good way of ensuring that they get the best medical care in the unfortunate event that they get sick. If you own a Belgian Malinois, below are common medical conditions and illnesses to look out for:

Epilepsy
A major health concern affecting Belgian Shepard is inherited epilepsy. More common in the Belgian Tervuren, epilepsy can also be seen in other breeds. The condition can be traced to food ingestion or the environment but also associated with thyroid disease. Canine epilepsy is manageable with medication, but idiopathic epilepsy requires lifetime treatment with more than one drug needed for seizure control.

Cataracts
Cataracts can be developed or inherited and is a major cause of blindness for all dogs. This does not become evident until the later part of the dog’s life. Cataracts can be removed by surgery to restore eyesight.

CERF, or also known at Canine Eye Registration Foundation provides educational resources for canine eye disease. Eye examinations can also be performed by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Belgian Malinois are at high risk for hip and elbow dysplasia. The occurs in all types of Belgian Shepherd breeds but is most common in Belgian Malinois. Before breeding, the dam and sire should both attain a hip score below 8.3 and elbow score of zero.

Hip and elbow dysplasia when not treated early can turn into arthritis. This is caused by the joints that fail to develop properly. If you notice your Belgian Malinois having difficulty standing or walking, then it may be a sign of dysplasia. Overweight dogs also have a higher risk of suffering from hip and elbow dysplasia.

Bloat or Gastric TorsionThis is another common illness found in Belgian Malinois. This is usually seen in large breed dogs with deep and narrow chests. Bloat in dogs is caused by the irregular build-up of air and fluid in the stomach. It is known to be one of the leading causes of death in dogs next to cancer. Treatment involves dilation where a long tube is inserted through the dog’s mouth relieving the pressure in the stomach.

Keeping Them Healthy
Keeping our Belgian Malinois healthy can be done with proper routine care, exercise, and diet. We should also be constantly aware for any early signs of illness. Keeping our dogs clean and healthy is also a good way of keeping us one step ahead of any disease.

When getting a Belgian Malinois, it is important to get important information such as the breeder and dog’s parents. This can help you determine if the puppy is healthy or is at high risk for certain medical conditions. If both dog’s parents have certifications clearing them of any illness, your dog has a lower risk for developing genetically related health problems.

Author Bio:
Ronald Uy is a researcher and regular contributor for pet insurance at ConsumersAdvocate.org. When not writing, he’s busy planning his next adventure or heading out to the beach with Lucy, a 5-year-old beagle.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. We were paid to post it but are not affiliated with the company.

Friday, May 18, 2018

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

Black Labrador Retriever
Photo Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.
Creative: Allen Pearson

Black Labrador Retriever
Photo Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.
Creative: Allen Pearson
WOOF! This week, as she often does, "Lab Lady" stopped by with a pawsome pair of Labradors looking for their "Forever Home!" Barkingly, this time, I took one look at these two and thought, "these guys are too cute and adorable to be waiting very long for humans to adopt them." They are too pawsome- much like me when I was a young pup! Meet Romeo and Juliet!

Romeo and Juliet are a bonded pair which must be adopted together are looking for their "Forever Home" in a rural or suburban single-family home with a fenced backyard. The pair is not used to traffic, noise, or groups of people often found in the city. Barks!

Romeo is a Black Labrador Retriever around 1-1/2-year-old  and Juliet is a 1 1/2-year-old Yellow Labrador Retriever.  The pair are so pawsome the foster's mom's neighbors have been asking her to keep them! WOOF! Their charmingly playful personalities and pawsomely grand good looks will grab your heart.

Romeo and Juliet's love going for walks, stealing human's hearts, playing with other dogs, showering humans with kisses, taking naps, going for rides, chewing on toys, cuddling, getting attention, being petted and getting snacks- that pretty much sums up the impawtant things in life!
Yellow Labrador Retriever
Photo Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.
Creative: Allen Pearson

Romeo is more outgoing than Juliet. He will come first to meet you while Juliet hangs back a minute or two and then comes to join you. WOOF!

If one goes to investigate something, the other will be right behind to help.  When toys are tossed, they both will chase but most of the time neither will bring it back! WOOF! WOOF!

Romeo and Juliet are laid-back when together but miss each other if separated. Lab Rescue believes they are siblings as they look, and act alike. The two are dependent on each other.

Barkingly, cats are out of the picture for these two! Barks, they are way too interested in them. Bark.

WOOF! Romeo and Juliet are looking for humans to give them lots of love and attention! The pair will have Training Addendum's since they are youngsters and can use further training.

If you would like to learn more about dog adoption, meet or apply to adopt Romeo and Juliet, pawlease complete the Lab Rescue Dog Adoption Application.
Black Labrador Retriever
Photo Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.
Creative: Allen Pearson

Yellow Labrador Retriever
Photo Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.
Creative: Allen Pearson




#dogadoption, #dogadoptions, #dogadoptionoption, #dogadoptionsvirginia, #dogadoptionva, #dogadoptionmaryland, #dogadoptionmd, #dogadoptionwashingtondc, #dogadoptionwdc, #dogadoptiondc, #dogadoptionpennsylvania, #dogadoptionpa

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

Hound
Photo Credit: Michael Garth Photography
Creative: Allen Pearson
WOOF! Meet my new friend Pup Tart from Operation Paws for Homes! She is a 1-year-old Boxer/Labrador/Bulldog/Hound mix who loves to meet and talk with humans and other dogs!
Hound
Photo Credit: Operation Paws for Homes
Creative: Allen Pearson

Pup Tart is a smart girl as she remembers which tree a squirrel went up and scans it on her daily walks to be sure it's not there to bother her foster human. BARKS!

Pup Tart enjoys going for rides in the car, doing agility, knows a few basic commands, and walks well on a leash- unless she sees a squirrel or chipmunk or fox as she protects her foster mom- and is a quick learner!

Pup Tart has gotten along well with dogs she's met and ones at adoption events. She has done well with cats too. BARK!

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

Interested in meeting. or apply to adopt, this pawsome young pups named Pup Tart? Pawlease complete the Operation Paws for Homes Adoption Application!
Hound
Photo Credit: Operation Paws for Homes
Creative: Allen Pearson



#dogadoption, #dogadoptions, #dogadoptionoption, #dogadoptionsvirginia, #dogadoptionva, #dogadoptionmaryland, #dogadoptionmd, #dogadoptionwashingtondc, #dogadoptionwdc, #dogadoptiondc, #dogadoptionpennsylvania, #dogadoptionpa

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Happy Dog Mom's Day!

Mother's Day
(C) Allen Pearson
Happy National Dog Mom's Day Mom! You're the greatest, the bestest, the pawsomest! I still remember you saying when you first visited me at my foster's house, "he's so cute! He's so goofy! I just love him" When Dad was a little hesitant to adopt me, you said "If you like him, we're taking him-" you are pawsome.

As I soon learned, you are an awesome dog mom. You pet me, scratch my belly,  scratch the side of my face, and that little spot behind the ears that feels so good. Barkingly, you share your favorite chair with me and a spot on the bed too. When I have to go to the Veterinarian, you hold my paw and talk to me while the Veterinarian is poking and prodding in places they shouldn't be. I love how you try to discreetly, so I don't get too excited, tell Dad to take me for a walk or a ride. A true dog mom's love.

Though you were afraid of large dogs because one bit you as a child, thank you Mom for taking a chance on me. I know it was worth it and I love spending my life with you trying to keep the skinny guy healthy and out of trouble.

Happy Dog Mom's Day!
I love you!





















Friday, May 11, 2018

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

Photo Credit: Operation Paws for Homes
Creative: Allen Pearson
Woof! My friends from Operation Paws for Homes came by this week with 2 friends for you to meet! BARKS!

First paw, I would like for you to meet Makya! She is a pawsomely playful and friendly beagle mix, around 2-4-years-old.  She's got one of those smiles that will grab your attention and not let go! WOOF!

Makya loves to exercise and run! She is looking for a human who wants a running, hiking or biking partner!

Makya is crate-and house-trained and has pawcellent house manners.  She knows some commands and is eager to learn more!

Makya is good with humans, mini-humans and older humans alike! WOOF! She is somewhat dog-selective so she will need slow introductions to other dogs.

Makya is looking for an adopter who has experience with dogs!

If you would like to apply to meet or adopt Makya, pawlease complete the Operation Paws for Homes Dog Adoption Application.

Meet my darling friend Allium!
Dog
Photo Credit: Operation Paws for Homes
Creative: Allen Pearson
WOOF! Allium is a beautiful 4-year-old Shepherd mix. 

Allium gets along well with dogs she's met and with mini-humans. She generally ignores cats! She is a medium energy pup with moments that she likes to run and play! Barkingly, she loves napping or snuggling too. 

Allium has been the pawfect houseguest in her foster home! She hasn't been destructive when allowed to roam free!  

If you would like to meet or apply to adopt Allium, pawlease complete the Operation Paws for Homes Dog Adoption Application!


Friday's Friend! Dog Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

Dog
Photo Credit: PetConnect Rescue
Creative: Allen Pearson

My pawsome friends at PetConnect Rescue brought by a 1-year-old Dalmatian/Terrier mix for you to meet this week.  Meet Dottie!
Dog
Photo Credit: PetConnect Rescue
Creative: Allen Pearson

Dottie is playful, a sweetheart and a wiggle butt! WOOF!! She just loves being around humans of all ages and running and romping and being the pawsome puppy she is! She does enjoy curling up with a peanut butter filled bone too! She is house-trained but needs to keep a schedule. 

Dottie does great with other dogs she's met and likes playing with her canine foster siblings! 

With her playful puppy nature, Dottie will require a fenced yard at her new "Forever Home!" She would love to have another playful dog to have fun with! WOOF!

Dottie is a pawsomely sweet gal who will make a pawnderful family member.  

A note from our friends at PetConnect Rescue: The adoption fee for this dog is $295, which includes routine vetting and spay/neuter. Please note, the first step in approving adoption applicants is to completing a Veterinarian check. Vetting of current and past pets is very important so PetConnect
Dog
Photo Credit: PetConnect Rescue
Creative: Allen Pearson
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, maintained on appropriate monthly preventatives and examined annually by your Veterinarian.

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

If you would like to meet or apply to adopt Dottie, pawlease complete the PetConnect Rescue Dog Adoption Application. Once it's submitted, pawlease email KLarimer@petconnectrescue.org

Unable to adopt? Barkingly, how about supporting Dottie financially? Donations will assist with Dottie's care. Any extra funds will be used to assist other animals at PetConnect Rescue. Interested, please donate HERE!
Dog
Photo Credit: PetConnect Rescue
Creative: Allen Pearson



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

Cat
Photo Credit: Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART)
Creative: Allen Pearson

Good looks and pawsome pets or companions are not limited to dog, bark, er, meow.  Meet my friend from Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART), Dorothy!

Dorothy is around 1-year-old. She is a Domestic Short-Hair and not de-clawed. She is friendly with dogs and other cats. She is friendly with mini-humans.

Meows, I'm told, Dorothy doesn't have the typical "Tortitude!" Woof, er, Meow, uh, sorry... she gets along with humans of all ages and has quite a paw of lovin's to share with the right humans. Could that be you? MEOW?

If you have questions about Dorothy, pawlease contact Kelly!

Meow, if you would like to apply to meet or adopt Dorothy, pawlease complete the Homeless Animals Rescue Team Cat Adoption Application.

Unable to adopt? Meowingly, how about supporting Dorothy financially? Donations will assist with Dorthy's care. Any extra funds will be used to assist other animals at Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART). Interested, please donate HERE!



#catadoption, #cat, #adoptdontshop, 

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

Dog
Photo Credit: Lab Rescue
Creative: Allen Pearson
Black Labrador Retriever
Photo Credit: Lab Rescue
Creative: Allen Pearson
Some weeks, I think I've met the girl of my dreams! WOOF! This week, this beautiful Black Labrador Retriever named Betty has got me distracted! BARKS! Just look at her sweet face!  Her perky-self brightens up everywhere she goes.

Betty is looking for her "Forever Home" in a rural or suburban area where there's not much noise, traffic, or groups of people.  She's looking for a single-family home with no fence requirement.

I quickly learned that Betty is a sweetheart. She has the epic "Lab Lean" going on which makes her priceless!  She loves snuggling on the couch with her human. She is 100% house and crate trained and knows not to jump up! WOOF!! She likes to use her crate when it's nap time!

Betty loves going for hikes, car rides, and knows a few basic commands.

Betty has gotten along with dogs she's met but is way too interested in the foster's cat!

Betty has a special medical issue which Lab Rescue will share with you as I am not certain how to do so. WOOF! She needs a special family who pawsitively loves dogs and wants to enjoy some pawsome adventures with a most beautifully pawsome gal. WOOF!

Betty is recommended for mini-humans ages 10 and older. WOOFs! She is good with other dogs and has no cat history except at her foster's where she was too interested. WOOF!

If you would like to meet this pawsomely adorable girl, pawlease complete the Lab Rescue Dog Adoption Application.
Black Labrador Retriever
Photo Credit: Lab Rescue
Creative: Allen Pearson





Wednesday, May 9, 2018

"from The Dog's Paw" and Lab Rescue's 2018 Walk!

"WOOF! My Human and Me!"
(C) TGR Pottery
WOOF! BARK! My humans and I will be walking in this year’s Lab Rescue Dog Walk 2018! We want to raise funds to help pawsome Fox Red, Yellow, Chocolate, and Black Labrador Retrievers who have lost their humans and "Forever Homes" through no fault of their own, find new humans to love and "Forever Homes."

Barks, all proceeds raised supports Lab Rescue of the LRCP. Each year, Lab Rescue saves and places approximately 1,000 Labrador Retrievers into loving new homes. The dog walk not only saves lives - it’s a fun day for dogs and people alike. It is open to all breeds of dogs and to Labs rescued from shelters or with other organizations. It’s an event that celebrates our love of Labs.

We very much appreciate your support in helping us reach our fundraising goal and in helping Lab Rescue reach its goal of raising $135,000 to provide veterinary treatment for the Labs that come into their care.

I have been walking my human for several years getting him ready to take part in a fundraiser to help rescue dogs! We are participating in our first walk to help pawsome Labrador Retrievers! If you would like to sponsor us, please visit 2018 Lab Rescue Walk!

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Happy Birthday!

Birthday
(C) Noah Pearson
WOOF! I have to say HAPPY 55th Birthday though I know you don't want me to mention that you are 55 and that you have gone over another hill in the human's way of thinking! WOOF! BARK!

Barks, but I have had a huge part in helping you reach  55, barkingly MAKING YOU would be a better way to paw it, by exercising on long walks which keeps you healthy and strong and going for as long as possible! WOOF!

So, Dad, I will not share with others that you are 55 today, but I will share that it's your birthday and I'm barkingly proud to be your dog!

I will paw a huge THANK YOU for taking a chance on me nearly 9 years ago and adopting me. I knew you had just lost your other dog and may have still been grieving but Mom saw a great dog and couldn't not adopt. We have had a pawsome journey and we will have pawlenty more! Thank you for the pawsome food, treats, toys, water, soft dog beds, long walks, playing fetch in the backyard, playing chase, the trips around the country, the long talks and for being DAD!

Happy Birthday Dad!