Friday, September 28, 2018

Friday's Friend! Cat Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

Cat
Photo Credit: PetConnect Rescue
Creative: Allen Pearson

BARKS! er, uh, sorry, PURR! I know it's pawsome Friday when my friend "Cat Lady" from PetConnect Rescue stopped by with a pawsome catster for you to meet! Meet Nats Harper!

Though Harper is still quite young, nearly 1-years-old, and a kitten herself, she was pawsomely pawnderful mother to her four kittens.  She has found them "Forever Homes" so she's looking for one herself!
Cat
Photo Credit: PetConnect Rescue
Creative: Allen Pearson

Harper has a gentle temperament. She loves greeting her foster mom at the door when she gets home from work. She loves greeting with a few "meows" to say "hi!" She will rub against your ankles to show affection too.

Harper is being fostered in a home without cats, dogs, or mini-humans. Meowingly, her foster expects that this sweet, laid back girl would be a great fit in any home.

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

Interested in applying to meet or pawssibly adopt Nats Harper? Pawlease complete the PetConnect Rescue Cat Adoption Application.

MEOW! Do you love cats but, for whatever reason, are not able to adopt? Please consider supporting Nats Harper financially. Donations will assist with her care. Any extra funds will be used to assist other cats at PetConnect Rescue. Interested, please donate HERE!

Cat
Photo Credit: PetConnect Rescue
Creative: Allen Pearson

Cat
Photo Credit: PetConnect Rescue
Creative: Allen Pearson
#catadoption #catadoptions #catadoptionoption #catadoptionsvirginia #catadoptionva #catadoptionmaryland #catadoptionmd #catadoptionwashingtondc #catadoptionwdc #catadoptiondc #catadoptionpennsylvania #catadoptionpa #adoptdontshop #catadoptionfairfaxcounty #catadoptionnorthernvirginia #catadoptionarlingtoncounty #catadoptionarlingtonva
#catadoptionalexandria #catadoptionloudouncounty #catadoptionprincewilliamcounty #catadoptionstaffordcounty #catadoptionfauquiercounty

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

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

WOOF! WOOF! BARKS! You know it's Friday when you see "Lab Lady" of Lab Rescue coming by with a handsome Labrador Retriever for you to meet and is covered with a rainbow of Labrador Retreiver colors! Bless her heart! WOOF! Meet Yellow!
Dog
Photo Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P,, Inc.
Creative: Allen Pearson

Yellow is a Yellow Labrador Retriever around 1 1/2 years old. He is looking for a "Forever Home" is a rural or suburban single-family home with a fence. Since he's a young pup, he will have a Training Addendum with his adoption.

Yellow is an energetic guy who enjoys taking long naps too! He is strong and powerful too! He would be too much for the companionship of a smaller or older dog. He can clear coffee table with one swipe!

Yellow knows some basic commands "sit," "down," and "paw." He does well on a leash too. He will do best with an active family who is looking for a dog to take on hikes, long walks, the dog park or wherever! Barkingly, he must be watched when playing with stuffed toys as he likes to chew them possibly swallowing it.

Yellow sometimes gets startled by new things or new humans. Once he realizes everything is cool, he can't stop wagging his tail.

Yellow is a pawsome fella who just needs training to smooth out a few rough edges or just a little polishing! He will do best with an experienced adopter who will teach him the boundaries while having a good time.

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

Interested in meeting Yellow or apply to pawssibly adopt him? Pawlease complete the Lab Rescue Adoption Application

WOOF! Do you love dogs but, for whatever reason, are not able to adopt? Please consider supporting Yellow financially. Donations will assist with his care. Any extra funds will be used to assist other Labrador Retrievers at Lab Rescue. Interested, please donate HERE!

Dog
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 #adoptdontshop #dogadoptionfairfaxcounty#dogadoptionnorthernvirginia #dogadoptionarlington #dogadoptionarlingtonva #dogadoptionalexandriava #dogadoptionalexandria #blacklab #labrador #blacklabadoption #labradorretriever #labradorretrieveradoption #yellowlabradorretriever #chocolatelabradorretriever #yellowlabadoption #yellowlab

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

Cat
Photo Credit: Homeless Animals Rescue Team
Creative: Allen Pearson
MEOW! My friend "Miss Kim" from Homeless Animals Rescue Team brought by a most beautiful young lady for you to meet! Clover!

Clover is around 5-months-old. She is not declawed, is friendly with dogs, other cats and mini-humans! She has one sweet pawsome personality. 

Clover is looking for a "Forever Home" with humans who will appreciate her pawsome acrobatic skills. She would love to have another kitty in the home who loves to rough and tumble too. Not have a cat in your home? She would LOVE to pair up with her shelter buddy Violet. 

Do you have questions about this pawsome kitty? Pawlease contact Kim.

Interested in learning more about cat adoption? Pawlease visit the Homeless Animals Rescue Team Adoption Guide

Meows, before applying to adopt or meet Clover, pawlease review the Homeless Animals Rescue Team Kitty Adoption Policy.

Interested in meeting Clover or apply to adopt? Pawlease complete the Homeless Animals Rescue Team Cat Adoption Application

Meow! Do you love cats but, for whatever reason, are not able to adopt? Please consider supporting Clover financially. Donations will assist with her care. Any extra funds will be used to assist other cats at Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART). Interested, please donate HERE!

#catadoption #catadoptions #catadoptionoption #catadoptionsvirginia #catadoptionva #catadoptionmaryland #catadoptionmd #catadoptionwashingtondc #catadoptionwdc #catadoptiondc #catadoptionpennsylvania #catadoptionpa #adoptdontshop #catadoptionfairfaxcounty #catadoptionnorthernvirginia #catadoptionarlingtoncounty #catadoptionarlingtonva
#catadoptionalexandria #catadoptionloudouncounty #catadoptionprincewilliamcounty #catadoptionstaffordcounty #catadoptionfauquiercounty







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

Dog
Photo Credit: Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League
Creative: Allen Pearson
WOOF! WOOF! WOOF! My pawsome friend "Miss Sandy" from the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League brought by a beautiful girl for you to meet, Maya!

Maya is a 10-year-old Great Dane with the energy of a Dane half her age. She loves going for walks, meeting humans and playing with other dogs though she is a bit picky about who she "hangs out" with!

Maya pawsitively loves to be around humans. She follows them everywhere! She's not much on toys or most treats, what she wants is attention. So she sits on everyone's lap so they have to stay and pet her! WOOF! I should try that!

Maya is a quiet girl. She is even quiet when someone comes to the door so they won't be scared and she can get lots of pets! The foster mom hasn't even heard her bark yet!

Maya does get nervous and has to patrol the house to make sure everything and everyone is where they should be. She doesn't like thunderstorms and loud noises!

It's probably best not to have mini-humans around that may not understand how to treat large dogs like Maya.

Barks! While Maya doesn't have food aggression, she will protect high-value treats like a meat bone she stole out of the trashcan! WOOF! WOOF! Way to go Maya!  She likes to check the countertops for something yummyly delicious! If she sees something, she will sit politely until someone offers it to her- then she will take it gently!

Maya is good with select other dogs but not with cats. She is recommended for mini-humans ages 12 and older.

If you would like to learn more about dog adoption, meet Maya, pawlease visit Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League, Adoption Procedures.

WOOF! Do you love dogs but, for whatever reason, are not able to adopt? Please consider supporting Maya financially. Donations will assist with her care. Any extra funds will be used to assist other Gret Dane at Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Interested, please donate HERE!

Dog
Photo Credit: Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League
Creative: Allen Pearson

#dogadoption #dogadoptions #dogadoptionoption #dogadoptionsvirginia #dogadoptionva #dogadoptionmaryland #dogadoptionmd #dogadoptionwashingtondc #dogadoptionwdc #dogadoptiondc #dogadoptionpennsylvania #dogadoptionpa #adoptdontshop #dogadoptionfairfaxcounty #dogadoptionnorthernvirginia #dogadoptionarlington #dogadoptionarlingtonva #dogadoptionalexandriava #dogadoptionalexandria

Thursday, September 27, 2018

#RememberMeThursday, Dog Adoption, Cat Adoption


Dog Adoption
"Remember Me Thursday"
(C) Allen Pearson


At "from The Dog's Paw" we write every week to assist dogs and cats in finding humans to love them and provide their "Forever Homes!" My humans have adopted two dogs and two cats during their married lives and have been blessed with their dog and cat. Barks! Meow!

This year, Mom finally found a Maine Coon cat she wanted to adopt. WOOF! She had a cat for most of her childhood up until around 23-years-old. She married Dad and they adopted a cat which they named "Symphony." Symphony was the one who got dad to like cats. While Dad doesn't hate cats, he loves all animals, but some childhood incidents made him a bit scared of them. The cat won him over by sneaking into the bedroom and curling up with Dad. Not too long after, you saw Dad cuddling and playing with the cat. He even took Symphony for a ride to pick up Mom at the bus stop a time or two and to get the mail!
Used by permission, Helen Woodward Animal Center

Not long after, Dad adopted a Black Labrador Retriever/Rottweiler mix who became Dad and Mom's first dog. His name was "Mozart" and was responsible for helping Mom to learn that dogs are pawsome even the larger ones. Mom having been bitten by a dog in her childhood was a bit afraid of dogs. Since Dad had grown up with dogs, with only a few years of his single adult life being without, so he wanted a large dog! They met Mozart at a church friend's house and the pawsome life together began.

After several meowingly pawsome years together, Symphony passed away. It was hard on the young couple but they decided to adopt again. After a bit of time, Mom found another Maine Coon cat which quickly became the family pet. His name was "Haydn." He was named Haydn because he was always hidin'!

Several years later after their dog Mozart died of cancer, I was adopted. Noah! Haydn and I became quick buddies! We hung out together, we blessed the humans by letting them pet us, scratch our bellies, tummies, and ears! Haydn and I would check on each other after those dreaded Veterinarian appointments. During the day, and don't tell my humans, we would take off to enjoy adventures around town while they were at work! Woof! and many purrs and meows!

Cat
Paws, Haydn passed away due to a cancer several years ago. My humans didn't adopt a new cat for a while as they had to take some time to care for their parents which happened over several years. Purrs, it takes some time to introduce a cat and a dog to each other and they just didn't have the time to be fair to a new cat and me.  Mom kept looking for that pawfect cat on PetFinder. Meowsly, she didn't find one which would meet what she wanted. She wasn't being too picky, but Dad needed certain traits in a cat and they wanted a Maine Coon.

One day, she finally found a cat she thought would be great in our family! She and Dad drove to Annapolis, Maryland to meet him. After many questions from the foster mom about Mom and Dad and the life they would give this fella if approved, the foster mom, recommended they be chosen as the new parents for this pawsome meowster of a catkins. Meow!

On June 7, Father's Day, Dad became a father again to a pawsome Maine Coon they named "Samson." Samson and I are getting along well. He loves Mom bunches and bunches. He spends most of his time curled up on my stretched out as far, or as long, as he can to get belly rubs! He is learning that I will not hurt him and neither will Dad. He is around 3-years-old, pawsomely adorable and almost as handsome as me. WOOF!

Barks and Meows, though Symphony, Mozart, Haydn, Samson and I are blessed to have been adopted by our humans, there are still pawlenty of cats and dogs who haven't been adopted and are waiting for you to find them. WOOF! Sadly, there are plenty who will never be blessed with a life with humans. Pawlease remember those today who are still waiting. Shine a light today for them. Use #remembermethursday to share your thoughts and posts.

Pawlease visit Remember Me Thursday for more information!

#remembermethursday #catadoption #dogadoption

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

6th Annual Bark, Wag, Wine 2018, Hosted by Operation Paws for Homes


Dogs
(C) Operation Paws for Homes
WOOF! Coming up this weekend! WOOF! WOOF! My barkingly pawsome friends at Operation Paws for Homes will host their 6th Annual Bark, Wag, and Wine on Saturday, September 22, 12 p.m. too 4 p.m.! WOOF! BARK! Put this one on the calendar!

Barks, the event will be held at the pawsomely beautiful Hiddencroft Vineyards, 2202 Axline Rd, Lovettsville, VA 20180! Nestled on rolling farmland in Northern Virginia's wine country, Hiddencroft greets guest with an exceptional blend of fine wine, gracious hospitality, and pawsome service.

Barkingly enjoy amazing live music, award-winning wines, shop with dog loving vendors, meet Operation Paws for Homes families and dogs, and start your holiday shopping with an incredible silent auction that has something for everyone!

WOOF! Best of all, the event is dog-friendly! The vineyard is dog-friendly! Operation Paws for Homes would love to see your dog! You can enjoy lots of outdoor spaces with them, gorgeous views and there are plenty of gathering places to hang out with your two- and four-legged family members!
For more information, pawlease visit www.barkwagwine.com.

Ticket info:
Adults, $25 in advance ($30 at the door)
* includes wine tasting*

Children 12 and under are free

Operation Paws for Homes is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and 100% donor-funded. The mission is simple - rescuing dogs and finding them forever homes! They depend on the dedication of our amazing volunteers, adopters, and supporters to continue rescuing great dogs who are in need!

Monday, September 17, 2018

Off The Leash Dog Cartoons by Rupert Fawcett

(C) 2018, Off the Leash Dog Cartoons by Rupert Fawcett
(C) Rupert Fawcett, Off The Leash Used by Permission

I paw and bark my thanks to Rupert Fawcett creator of Off The Leash Dog Cartoons for sharing his pawsome artistic talents with us.


Saturday, September 15, 2018

Thank A Police Officer Day!

Police Car
(C) Shahid93 - Wikipedia Commons, Used by Permission

I see you sometimes when I take my human for a walk. I see you when we are going for a ride through town or to the local garden center or the home improvement store. I see you when we are sitting near the railroad tracks waiting for the next train to roar through. You are not hard to miss since you drive brightly colored cars or because of the lights on top and the logo along the side telling me who you are. Sometimes I can tell you are there when you are driving a nondescript car or truck to do your work. You are there, doing what you have to do every day and every night. Sometimes I see one of my K9 friends working alongside you with much focus and concentration.

I am thankful for you. You take your work seriously as you go about. You work to guard me against crime, you work to protect us from accidents, you work to protect us from harm, you work to help us when we've been wronged, and advise us how to prepare for emergencies even at the last minute. You often put yourself in harm’s way to protect those you serve.

A few years ago, when my sniffing a scent or two took me a block or two away, one of your colleagues in another area took me home making sure I was safe and reminded my humans of their responsibilities. I was safe and they were extremely happy.

A day like today, I cannot let today go by without pawing or barking and maybe a few woofs to salute and say “THANK YOU” for all that you do every day and every night. Though your work may seem endless, my thanks are endless too- I thank the Prince William County Police Department and ALL the many other officers human and K9 in our country.

THANK YOU POLICE OFFICERS
and K9 OFFICERS!

"K9 Police Officer"
(C) King of Kings Security, Inc. 

Friday, September 14, 2018

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


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

Photo Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.
Creative: Allen Pearson
BARKS! and Paws! My pawsome friend "Lab Lady" brought by a beautiful young lady for you to meet! Meet Breezy!

Breezy is a 3-year-old Chocolate Labrador Retriever who is looking for a "Forever Home" in a rural or suburban single-family home with no fence requirement.

Woof! While Breezy may not look like the typical Labrador Retriever, she has the Labrador heart and pawsome great "Lab Lean!" She loves to be loved. She loves snuggling too!

Breezy enjoys settling in on her doggie bed or even her crate after she's had a few good ear scratches and belly rubs.

Breezy walks like a lady on the leash. She enjoys going for car rides too.

WOOF! Breezy enjoys relaxing on the front porch of her foster home watching birds and squirrels go by - between a few naps that is!

Barks, Breezy is good with dogs but has an unknown history with cats. She is recommended for mini-humans ages 1o and older.

If you would like to learn more about dog adoption, pawlease visit the Lab Rescue Adoption Guide!

Interested in applying to adopt or meet Breezy? Pawlease complete the Lab Rescue Dog Adoption Application!

WOOF! Do you love dogs but, for whatever reason, are not able to adopt? Please consider supporting Breezy financially. Donations will assist with Breezy's care. Any extra funds will be used to assist other dogs at Lab Rescue. Interested, please donate HERE!

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

Dog

#dogadoption #dogadoptions #dogadoptionoption #dogadoptionsvirginia #dogadoptionva #dogadoptionmaryland #dogadoptionmd #dogadoptionwashingtondc #dogadoptionwdc #dogadoptiondc #dogadoptionpennsylvania #dogadoptionpa #adoptdontshop #dogadoptionfairfaxcounty #dogadoptionnorthernvirginia #dogadoptionarlington #dogadoptionarlingtonva #dogadoptionalexandriava #dogadoptionalexandria #blacklab #labrador #blacklabadoption #labradorretriever #labradorretrieveradoption #yellowlabradorretriever #chocolatelabradorretriever #yellowlabadoption #yellowlab #chocolatelabadoption #chocolatelab

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

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

WOOF! My friend "Lab Lady" from Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc. stopped by this week with a pawsome young man for you to meet! Maxwell!

Dog
Photo Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.
Creative: Allen Pearson
This pawsome fella is looking for a single-family home with a fence located in a rural or suburban area!

Maxwell has adapted well to his foster home! He sleeps through the night in his crate.

Maxwell acts like one of those guys who you've known all of your life! WOOF! He loves hanging out with humans getting pawlenty of belly and head rubs!

Barks, since Maxwell was a stray who found his way Lab Rescue. He will have a training addendum attached to his adoption. He pulls a bit on his leash and will benefit from an Easy Walk Harness.

Maxwell's history with mini-humans and cats is unknown. He is great with other dogs.

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

Interested in applying to meet or adopt this pawsome guy? Pawlease complete the Lab Rescue Dog Adoption Application.

WOOF! Do you love dogs but, for whatever reason, are not able to adopt? Please consider supporting Maxwell financially. Donations will assist with his care. Any extra funds will be used to assist other dogs at Lab Rescue. Interested, please donate HERE!

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

Dog

Dog
#dogadoption #dogadoptions #dogadoptionoption #dogadoptionsvirginia #dogadoptionva #dogadoptionmaryland #dogadoptionmd #dogadoptionwashingtondc #dogadoptionwdc #dogadoptiondc #dogadoptionpennsylvania #dogadoptionpa #adoptdontshop #dogadoptionfairfaxcounty #dogadoptionnorthernvirginia #dogadoptionarlington #dogadoptionarlingtonva #dogadoptionalexandriava #dogadoptionalexandria
#blacklab #labrador #blacklabadoption #labradorretriever #labradorretrieveradoption
#yellowlabradorretriever

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

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

WOOF! HAPPY FRIDAY! My pawsome friend, "Miss Kim," at Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART) brought by two of the cutest little kittens for you to meet, Minime and Muffin!

These two pawsome female meowsters are dog, cat, and mini-human friendly. Meows! They are twin Tabby sisters! Woofs, these two little silver sweethearts are about as cute as they come! Purrs.

Cat If you have questions about these two adorably pawsome meowsters, Minime and Muffin, pawlease contact Kim.

Pawlease review the Homeless Animals Rescue Team Kitten Adoption Policy.

If you would like to learn more about cat adoption, pawlease visit the Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART) Adoption Guide.

Meows, interested in applying to adopt or meeting these two lovely ladies? Pawlease complete the Homeless Animals Rescue Team Cat Adoption Application.

Purr! Do you love cats, but, for whatever reason, are not able to adopt? Please consider supporting Minime and Muffin financially. Donations will assist with her care. Any extra funds will be used to assist other cats at Homeless Animals Rescue Team. Interested, please donate HERE!
Cat
#catadoption #catadoptions #catadoptionoption #catadoptionsvirginia #catadoptionva #catadoptionmaryland #catadoptionmd #catadoptionwashingtondc #catadoptionwdc #catadoptiondc #catadoptionpennsylvania #catadoptionpa #adoptdontshop #catadoptionfairfaxcounty #catadoptionnorthernvirginia #catadoptionarlingtoncounty #catadoptionarlingtonva
#catadoptionalexandria #catadoptionloudouncounty #catadoptionprincewilliamcounty #catadoptionstaffordcounty #catadoptionfauquiercounty

Thursday, September 13, 2018

PenFed Credit Union Launches Assistance Dogs in Training Program in Partnership with Canine Companions for Independence®

Dog
"Admiral"
(C) PenFed Credit Union

WOOF! Paws, I have a heart for working dogs, especially since I am one too, so I want to share this pawsome news story with you!

BARKS, in Tysons, VA, not too far from my studio, PenFed Credit Union launched a new program in partnership with Canine Companions for Independence®. Two puppies, Admiral III and Clint III, were welcomed as assistance dogs in training. The partnership kicked off at the company’s Tysons Corner headquarters with a welcome party and tour for the new canine members of the PenFed team! Barks, the event was followed by the dogs visiting the company’s Alexandria Service Center location. Admiral will be based in Tysons Corner and Clint in Alexandria. WOOF!
Dog
"Admiral and Clint were greeted with a new employee welcome party at 
PenFed’s Tysons Corner Headquarters. 
Left to right: Clint, Emma Phillips, Lisa Jennings, 
Admiral, Debra Dougherty (Canine Companions for Independence)"
(C) PenFed Credit Union

Paws, James Schenck, PenFed Credit Union president and CEO said, “PenFed is proud to work with Canine Companions and provide support to children, adults, and veterans with disabilities. We are especially proud to support the men and women who have served our country and protected our freedoms."

WOOF, he continues, “Admiral and Clint are part of a mission to help open doors for people with disabilities to become more independent. Also, they provide unconditional love, companionship, and loyalty. We are committed to this program and making it work for our employees who are donating their time to raise these dogs for a very noble cause and plan to expand the program to our Omaha and Eugene locations,” James Schenck said.

Paws, PenFed provided $60,000 in funding to Canine Companions in the last year and is covering all costs associated with the puppies for the two employee volunteer dog raisers.

"Admiral and Clint Receive their Official Employee ID Badges"
(C) Penfed Federal Credit Union
Woofs, the puppies will learn basic commands and socialization skills by accompanying PenFed’s first volunteer assistance dog raisers Lisa Jennings, Senior Executive Vice President, and Emma Phillips, University Relations, and Campus Recruitment Lead, to work every day and by joining all of their personal activities.

“With every gift given there is a responsibility to give to others,” said Jennings, who is also a volunteer member of “Pets on Wheels,” an organization of the Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging where pets visit and support people living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. “I’m excited to raise Admiral as one of PenFed’s first volunteer dog raisers as it’s an opportunity to improve a life not just for a few moments, but for years to come.”

Woof, part of Clint’s mission to become an assistance dog includes accompanying Phillips on college campus visits this fall to recruit future PenFed employees. It’s part of how the company is showing up differently on campus.

“I strive to give back to others and am delighted to take on this opportunity to show my children what it takes to have a heart of service,” said Phillips, an experienced Show Dog Trainer. “I look forward to traveling with Clint to college campuses this fall to recruit future PenFed employees because it shows our company’s commitment to bettering the lives of others, in all that we say and do.”

"Admiral (front) and Clint (back) enter through the front doors
at the PenFed Headquarters in Tysons Corner, VA
and are welcomed by their new colleagues."
(C) Penfed Federal Credit Union
Barkingly the PenFed volunteer dog raisers will spend 18 months raising Admiral and Clint as part of the PenFed family to prepare them for the next step in the program, where they will spend an additional six months with Canine Companions professional instructors learning over 40 advanced commands that are useful to a person with disabilities.

"We're excited to form this new partnership with the employees of PenFed Credit Union, and we congratulate them for their ongoing compassion and commitment to helping people with disabilities," said Debra Dougherty, Canine Companions northeast region executive director. "We know that PenFed employees will have a great experience supporting these new puppies as they begin their journey to become highly trained assistance dogs. Canine Companions is extremely grateful to PenFed and their employees, who are supporting our program and giving their time and energy to raise two pups that will soon be making an amazing difference in the life of a person with disabilities."

For the last 43 years, Canine Companions has been committed to providing four different types of highly trained assistance dogs to those in need at no cost. Assistance dogs assist adults with physical disabilities by performing daily tasks. Hearing dogs alert their partners, who have a hearing disability, to important sounds. Facility dogs work with clients with special needs in a visitation, education, criminal justice or health care setting. Skilled companions enhance independence for children and adults with physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities.

About PenFed Credit Union
Established in 1935 as the War Department Credit Union, Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) is America’s second-largest federal credit union, serving 1.7 million members worldwide with $23.5 billion in assets. Our long-standing mission has been to provide superior financial services in a cost-effective manner while being responsive to members’ needs. 

About Canine Companions for Independence®
Canine Companions for Independence® provides expertly trained assistance dogs to children, adults and veterans with disabilities. Established in 1975 in California, Canine Companions is the largest non-profit provider of assistance dogs in the United States. Canine Companions is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between people and dogs. There is no charge for the dog, its training and on-going follow-up services. For more information, visit www.cci.org or call 1-800-572-BARK.





Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Dog Adoption, Cat Adoption, Fridays!

(C) Allen Pearson

Woof! Stop by on Friday's to meet my friends from local animal rescues who need "Forever Homes!"

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Remembering September 11


"American Flag on Pole"
Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash

WOOF! Paws full of prayers, lovin's, doggie kisses and hugs are given to the victims and families of the terrorist attacks of September 11. Bark. 

Paws of thank you's to the First Responders including all the pawsome K9's who worked so hard to help so many on that day.


"Brown Dog with American Flag"
Photo by Camylla Battani on Unsplash

Monday, September 10, 2018

Yard Sale Benefits Homeless Animals Rescue Teams (HART) Work

(C) Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART)
WOOF! My pawsome friends at Homeless Animals Rescue Team are hosting a two-day yard sale to benefit their pawcellent work with rescuing dogs and cats!

WOOF! Here's the paws-

HART Yard Sale
Saturday, September 22, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, September 23, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

10010 Copeland Dr,
Manassas, VA 20109-2938

All proceeds go to benefit our animals in need. Time to clean out the closet, garage, basement, storage shed, and everywhere or anywhere else you have items stored to donate them to this pawsomely worthy cause by making a difference in an animal's life!

If you have items to donate, the smaller one may be dropped off at their Chantilly PETCO adoption events on Saturdays between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.! For other drop-off options or larger donations, please email hart90office@gmail.com. Donation letters will be provided upon request!

Last year's yard sale made over $3500 for the dogs and cats of HART. This year's goal is 4K!!! One man's junk is another's treasure and all will help save lives.

For more information visit www.hart90.org.

Saturday, September 8, 2018

Book Review: "Another Good Dog - One Family and Fifty Foster Dogs" by Cara Sue Achterberg

Book
(C) Cara Sue Achterberg


(C) Cara Sue Achterberg
WOOF! Barks! I read the title with curious interest, “Another Good Dog - One family and Fifty Foster Dogs” by Cara Sue Achterberg. My human and I have written and photographed dogs and cats to help them get adopted faster but have never fostered. Mostly because we would quickly become the nation’s if not the world’s, not just the local rescue’s, number 1 “foster fail!” You’ll need to read the book to understand about “foster fail.” Rarely do I find a book which grabs my attention and keeps it until I am finished it. Barkingly, “Another Good Dog” does exactly that.

Cara brings attention to the plight of many dogs in the United States which find themselves homeless, many times, if not most, through no fault of their own. In her book, she gives the dogs personalities as she learns about them so the right adopters and the perfect “Forever Home” will be found. Dog’s personalities? Yes! Cara shares about each dog’s traits, wits, quirks, and whatever else she learns about the dog and incorporates it into personalities for the bio complete with photos. This helps to tell if an adopter is a
(C) Cara Sue Achterberg
right human for a particular dog or not. These personalities help the reader to see that dogs aren’t just dogs or just animals placed on this earth. They have a purpose and a reason, if not to just make their humans very happy as they go through their lives! Also, she takes you through the sadness of a dog being returned because it’s not the right fit.

My human has had several dogs throughout his life. He has been curious about what it’s like to be a foster parent to a strange dog? Cara brings insight to the challenges of selecting a dog from a rescue, Operation Paws for Homes is her choice, bringing them home, determining their needs and learning about personalities so they will find the right humans for their next “Forever Homes.”

Throughout the book, Cara shares about her family, friends, and their thoughts and opinions about several dogs she’s fostering. In one story, she shares about fostering a momma dog while it is pregnant, the experiences of puppy-birth and how she can relate to this dog who needs a break from her puppies after nursing them all morning. While reading the book, it was a fun adventure to read about her family and get to know them along the way.

Puppies
(C) Cara Sue Achterberg
And, she is right. If everyone did something to help the plight of homeless dogs and cats in this country, the homeless population would drastically reduce. If you are able to foster, contact a local animal rescue and volunteer. If you are not able to foster, rescues can use volunteers in many capacities from handlers, to transport, to photographers, to writers, to PR people, and the list goes on. Share your love for dogs and cats by volunteering your skills at a local rescue.

One of the greatest aspects of “Another Good Dog - One Family and Fifty Foster Dogs” besides beings so well-written and a good clean read, is a portion of the book’s sales will be donated to Operation Paws for Homes. That, in itself, should be enough reason to buy the book.

If you would like to purchase a book, it may be purchased at bookstores and at Cara's website, Another Good Dog. Locally, she will be signing books at:



Loudoun Pet Expo
Sunday. September 9, 2018
RESCHEDULED 
TO Sunday, Sept 30, 2018 
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Franklin Park
17501 Franklin Park Dr.
Purcellville, VA 20132

Vendors, Demos, Dog Swim, Adoptions, Activities for Children, Food, Music and more!
Cost: Free to attend and park

Visit the Operation Paws for Homes Tent