Gone To The Beach

I will be doing some posting while ago, in fact -- catching up! There has just been too much to do while getting ready for a trip to the shore and dealing with trips to the vet for Mr. Wiggins's heartworm. Of course, I rented a house that allows dogs and which has a fenced in yard, and a nearby beach where they can walk with me.

More in a couple of days. Hope you're enjoying the summer months. If you notice, I turned the comments function on. Not sure if people want to leave a note.

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Justice for Buddy

Some time ago, a man named Clay Romero dragged a German shepherd mix, who was stolen from his owner's truck, behind his own truck until the dog died.

Buddy belonged to Sacha and Joe Leber of Delta. On Dec. 29, while the family was at a Delta restaurant, Buddy was stolen from the back of their pickup.
"We took Buddy everywhere," said Sacha Leber on Friday by phone. "I was shocked, sad and angry when we realized he was gone."

The family adopted Buddy from the Delta County Humane Society five years before his death.

In the years that followed, Buddy became a playmate for the Lebers' three children — Isaac, Owen and Alyssa.

"Buddy was the most kind, gentle, respectful dog, especially with our children," Leber said.

The man who stole Buddy and dragged him to death was sentenced to three years in prison.

Full story, by Howard Pankratz for The Denver Post:
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_15645246

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Hero Gets His Man

It's been a super busy time, with Mr. Wiggins having heart worm. More on that in another post. For now, revel in the world working as it should:

via CYNTHIA R. FAGEN for the New York Post:

...Rufus bit the Taliban terrorist on the leg as Target and Sasha barked furiously.

..Several soldiers -- unaware of the imminent danger -- tried shouting down the mutts. But the dogs continued barking, spooking the bomber into prematurely setting off 24 pounds of C4 explosives before he could get through the door -- and killing himself.

..."There isn't a doubt in my mind [that the dogs] saved my life," said Duke, who was wounded by shrapnel -- and is now adopting Rufus.

...It was the least he could do, he said. When Duke was homesick, Rufus picked up his spirits. And when Duke stood watch, Rufus hunkered down beside him.

...But Duke said he never thought he would see his canine pal again after finally returning stateside in March.
...That's when several nonprofit groups got involved.

"The dogs and the soldiers bonded in such a way that it would be a travesty to leave [the dogs] behind to fend for themselves in a war-torn area and the soldiers never knowing what happened to them," said Robert Misseri, of Robert's Cause, a nonprofit animal-advocacy group. "It's our mission to help these soldiers."

...Another good Samaritan, Anna Canaan, 23, whose fiancé, Christopher Chiasson, is a soldier currently stationed at the same Afghan outpost in the Dand aw Patan district, created the Puppy Mission Rescue Facebook page to help the dogs.

...Today, Rufus arrives in Manhattan before flying to Augusta, Ga., where he will spend the rest of his years with Duke and his wife, who is pregnant. Target, being flown out at the same time, will live in Phoenix with the Army medic who saved her life.


Full Story:
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/international/dog_gets_his_day_haMOgDHiJOYZ3sFg3n0iBM?CMP=OTC-rss&FEEDNAME#ixzz0usuMBLn4


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"Our lives begin to end when we fail to speak about the things that matter."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

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A Shelter Dog's Story

This is fabulous! via YouTube.


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Short Nosed Dogs Flying

I have to say I'm not a fan of putting dogs in the cargo section of a plane at all. My Mom once put our huskey, Lacy, in for a trip and he was not quite the same afterwards. No one is checking on them, it's hot, and the noise in the bowels of a plane have to be very stressful. Still, if you have no choice, keep this information in mind.

Thinking about flying to your next vacation destination with your dog? If he’s a bulldog, pug, or other short-snouted pooch, you might want to consider some new data from the U.S. Department of Transportation: Short-faced breeds account for about half of the dogs who died while traveling in the cargo hold in the last five years.


During this period, 122 dogs died while traveling as cargo on passenger planes, according to the DOT. The figure includes 31 bulldogs and 11 pugs. Vets say respiratory issues are usually to blame.

Owners “should consult their pets’ veterinarians about any genetic features in dogs of this type and the medical condition of their pets before deciding to transport them by aircraft,’’ the DOT said. Many vets recommend against transporting these dogs at all in the cargo hold.

Delta Airlines has specific regulations against flying with short-nosed dogs. According to Delta’s website, “Pug or snub-nosed dogs and cats are not hot-weather animals and therefore do not thrive in warm temperatures. As a precaution, Delta will not accept them as checked baggage or as air cargo if the temperature on any part of their trip exceeds 70 degrees F.” The site goes on to list 25 dogs breeds and 4 cat breeds that fall into this category.

Full story at Dogster:
http://dogblog.dogster.com/2010/07/19/short-faced-dogs-more-apt-to-die-on-airplanes/


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What?

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Petland Can't Survive Without Puppy Mills

I do feel badly about the 20 people out of work, but 20 people having a job does not nearly make up for the misery that is caused by pet stores that sell dogs and other small animals. People buy them, often responding to a fad, and then when they are not prepared for the long term care and expense of a pet, they dump them at a shelter to be killed.

Dogs in shelters rarely make it out. Most are euthanized, it usually happens in a stressful and outright painful way (one is called "heartstick" (a poisen stuck directly into the heart with a large needle on a hopefully (but not always) sedated animal and certainly the gas chamber, which takes up to 45 minutes and is not silent, quick, or pain free). Methods vary from state to state. It is not federally regulated, and the improvement of methods used is made largely by lawsuits in various cities that force the use of best practices, adding more expense to the larger community. Animal rights people won't stop working to improve conditions, but we recognize that it's a long haul. With the assistence of the internet, and specifically facebook -- where more animal rescue happens than many people may realize, now the pain will be felt by municipalities as well. And the cost will be felt, too. With facebook, for instance, people are now able to send around a "chip-in" so other people in areas not necessarily close to a specific shelter can contribute to a lawsuit being brought forth. I have recently contributed to one happening in North Carolina (Robeson Animal Shelter, which has found itself in court at least twice already). I bet that shelter never thought it would have a lady in New York City giving a damn about it, but I do and I will continue to spread the word.

Bottom line, I am celebrating this decision by Petland. I haven't bought stuff in their stores for years because of the puppies they have in only some stores. I can't financially support something I'm completely opposed to. They ought to revamp their business model, and clean up their stores.

Full story via News 8 in Austin:
http://www.news8austin.com/content/top_stories/272681/petland-closes-its-doors-after-proposed-city-ordinance

I'm happy to see some cities begin to consider banning the sale of puppies at stores. This is not a magic bullet, so to speak, as it opens up other issues, but at least the conversation has started.

See some articles about it:

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/pet-sales-ban-in-san-francisco.html

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2010/07/san-franciscos-consideration-of-a-ban-on-sales-of-pets-other-than-fish-strikes-a-chord.html

http://www.newsmax.com/US/US-San-Francisco-Pet/2010/07/10/id/364283




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Well Alrighty Then

via Donna Rickvoy of Southtown Star:

Serendipity came calling in Tinley Park on Tuesday afternoon. That's when a dog who'd recently lost his family and a family who'd recently lost their dog found each other.
Harley, a 1 1 / 2 -year-old boxer who was given to Aurora Animal Control weeks ago by his first family because they were on the brink of foreclosure, became the 20,000th animal to be adopted out by Peoples Animal Welfare Society.

Full story:

http://www.southtownstar.com/lifestyles/2499338,071510vickroy.article


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Do You Know Where All Pets Go?

What ever the theologians and academics and new age folks finally come to think about this is fine with me. In fact it will be "neither here nor there." I already know where all pets go!

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/life/stories/2010/07/14/heaven-for-pets-seriously-explored.html?sid=101

Love the Milan Kundera quote at the end!  In fact it's been in the sidebar on the left since the beginning of this blog (now just past one year old). He's one of my favorite novelists. I highly recommend Immortality and The Art of the Novel.

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All is well for Rolling Dog Ranch... in Independent New Hampshire

They made their move from Montana, and now are settled in New Hampshire. Since the last post was about beagles, I thought you would appreciate this post by them, and besides, it would give you a chance to get caught up on their new home. Check out the links on their blog for the past month.

http://blog.rollingdogranch.org/rolling_dog_ranch_animal_/2010/07/i-think-i-can-get-a-bit-closer.html

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More on those beagles that got rescued July 4th weekend...

via Paw Nation:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/pets/2010-07-13-pettalk13_N.htm?csp=34life&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+usatoday-LifeTopStories+%28Life+-+Top+Stories%29

Adapting to temperature variation was only the first of many adjustments the animals had to make as they took baby steps into normal life.

The first time they saw actual sunlight was a stunning moment to many of them. And most were tentative about walking on grass, having never stepped on anything like that before. And the people with outstretched arms? Very strange. After all those months of regimentation, this attention and stimulation and all the odd new sensations were obviously jarring.

But beagles being beagles (and that's why they're favored for research — they're generally cheerful, easy to manage and adaptable), most moved quickly from their shell-shocked state to enthusiasm for the possibilities, Gonce says.

Picture credit: Molly Wald, Best Friends Animal Society

Thank God for Best Friends Animal Society, which comes to the rescue of many dogs, cats, and other creatures great and small.

Here's a link to their latest post about the beagles and how they are adapting:

http://network.bestfriends.org/groups/rapidresponse/blog/archive/2010/07/11/sparkler-learns-to-play-ball-well-almost.aspx

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Dog Meat

via KGW.com:

Cholera scare closes Vietnam dog meat businesses

http://www.kgw.com/news/world/98228974.html

I have a generally good view of humans but openly admit to liking dogs more, so I'm not that upset about this happening. Consumption of dog meat is my main reason why I don't travel to Asia. Some may think that's ignorant. I couldn't care less. There's no way I'm going somewhere and seeing a cage full of dogs on the back of someone's bike and not becoming Ugly American Extroadinaire in super hero proportion.

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Smart and Lucky

Thank God this turned out well. It's a lesson to us all. THINK!  The priority when we take our pets out in the car is safety while traveling, and our pet's lives!

http://arbroath.blogspot.com/2010/07/dog-left-in-hot-car-honks-for-help.html

Pets are People, too!

Pet bathrooms open at D.C. area airports

...Dulles and Reagan National Airports have opened "pet relief areas" to give dogs a place to go to the bathroom at the airport.
The pet areas were created because of federal rules requiring "service animal relief areas" for service animals that accompany passengers on trips, but the areas are also open for families traveling with pets.

Each fenced-in dog bathroom at Dulles has a fake fire hydrant, artificial grass, and bags so the owners can clean up after their pups. There are three pet areas outside the main terminal and two inside the concourses. The indoor locations have ventilation and flushing systems to keep everything clean.

Full story via wtop.com:

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=596&sid=1999184


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Joint Custody Decision for Dogs Divorcing Parents

This decision pushes some legal limits. It will be interesting to see whether this will be challenged. I'm happy the dog made out!

via Paw Nation:

http://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/08/divorcing-dog-owners-ordered-to-share-custody/?sms_ss=email


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A Well Behaved Pitbull Mix...

How often do you see this in the papers?

http://www.walkermessenger.com/view/full_story/8525415/article-Dog-found-in-Ringgold?instance=home_Most_popular


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UPDATED: Saving Ridder from the Gas Chamber

Ridder, currently at the South Louisiana Kaplan Shelter, in the Vermillion Parish.

UPDATE:
Ridder had an adopter but she backed out after getting spooked that the area rescuer didn't get back to her in time (incidentially, the same person who got me Mr. Wiggins, and I happen to know how busy this lady is). Now Ridder is out of luck again. We can get him vetted and begin to post him on facebook (you wouldn't believe the "crossposting" community there and how many dogs get rescued this way) but we really do need a little help. Thanks!

UPDATE II:
The angelic rescue person is still pulling Ridder and he is being vetted now. He has the beginnings of heartworm and is getting neutured. Our hope is to find an adopter for him in short order. The chip in below is a way of collecting some of the vet fees for an otherwise at-the-moment unwanted dog in a gassing facility in South Louisiana. If you can help, that would be great.

UPDATE III:
Pilots N Paws has offered free transport to Ridder if he finds a home! Thanks you guys!  You are wonderful!

If you are a regular reader here, then you know I often ask for people to donate to various organizations that support dogs. A while ago I adopted "chip-ins" - a temporary way of raising money for a specific need. I myself have contributed to many and have had the pleasure of seeing various dogs make it out of the shelter they are in alive.

You also may recall that in March I adopted a dog from Louisiana, and a nice couple that rescued him out of a shelter with an active gas chamber took him in till I could get down to New Orleans. They drove three hours one way to bring him to me. Today Mr. Wiggins is snoring a few feet from me. Yeah, he has to be treated for heartworm, but I love him!

Another dog from this same place, Vermillion Parish in South Louisiana, which is to say the Kaplan Animal Shelter - is in need tonight. They have no spay / neuter programs in this area and the intake of this little shelter is simply overwhelming. I have asked this same wonderful rescue couple to pull Ridder (that's his name) but they are WAY WAY WAY beyond capacity and cannot hold onto him.

The plan is to drum up support via facebook, this blog, and word of mouth, and get Ridder adopted!

We need money for the initial vetting and likely transport of this sweetie who we hope to have out of the nice woman's and man's hair by the weekend. It's a long shot, but if you can help, I'd be grateful.

This is dog rescue, one little soul at a time.




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Pet Food RECALL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 2, 2010 – United Pet Group, Cincinnati, Ohio is voluntarily expanding its recent recall of its Pro-Pet Adult Daily Vitamin Supplement tablets for Dogs to include additional pet nutritional supplement products for dogs and cats due to possible Salmonella contamination. The list of recalled products is provided below. The Food and Drug Administration is aware of this recall.

The recalled products are sold nationally at various retailers. The products include various United Pet Group Pro-Pet and Excel branded products for dogs and cats, and certain other private label brands of the same products. All of the affected products are in tablet and powdered form. These products are being removed from retail stores and consumers should immediately stop feeding these supplements to their pets. The affected products are those with expiration dates that include and are between "01/2013" and "06/2013." Products with expiration dates earlier than 01/2013 or later than 06/2013 are not included in this recall. The expiration date can be found imprinted vertically on the right side of the product label.

Full story, from the Food and Drug Administration:
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm217999.htm?sms_ss=facebook


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Good Article on Bloat in Dogs... a deadly condition

http://speakingforspot.com/blog/

...Torsion, gastric torsion, gastric dilatation-volvulus, GDV; these are terms you never want to hear applied to your dog. They all mean the exact same thing- your dog’s stomach is distended with gas and has twisted on itself, and emergency surgery offers the only hope for saving his life.

...Initial symptoms of gastric torsion include a bloated appearance through the midsection (the ribs look like they are expanding outward), drooling, nonproductive retching/vomiting, restlessness, weakness, shallow breathing, rapid heart rate (if it can be felt through the chest wall), and pale gum color. If you observe such symptoms, quickly make some phone calls to find the closest veterinary hospital capable of performing immediate surgery on your best friend.

...Clearly, there is a breed/conformation association- large deep-chested breeds such as Great Danes, Irish Setters, Standard Poodles, Irish Wolfhounds, Boxers, Dobermans, Weimaraners, and Rottweilers are particularly predisposed. Affected males definitely outnumber females. One study documented that elevating the food bowl actually predisposes to gastric torsion. Other studies have indicated that the following factors may also be part of the recipe that results in gastric dilatation-volvulus: eating only one meal per day, eating rapidly, eating dry foods that list oils or fats among the first four label ingredients, exercising in close association to mealtime, being underweight, and being of an “anxious” rather than “happy” personality type.

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Dog Bolts During Fireworks... and is reunited with owner.

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/jul/07/missing-service-dog-reunited-with-owner-in-simi/?partner=RSS

July 4th is the day of the year that the most dogs get lost from their owners. They bolt when their hear fireworks.

This owner is lucky. The dog was leashed, but had no i.d. tag.  Always take precautions. Leave your pet home, make sure doors are locked, and make sure that visitors don't let the dog out by mistake when they enter the house.

I wish I had posted these links before the holiday, but here they are now, at least.

These all cover others things you can do to keep your pet safe during fireworks going off in your neighborhood, as well as signs to recognize in your pet.

http://blog.fetchthepaper.com/2007/06/4th-of-july-saf.html
http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/Press/InNews/tomfireworks2.html
http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/diseasesall/a/petsfireworks.htm


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Gucci Forever

via the Examiner.com:

Gucci, the dog that inspired Gucci’s law, died recently at age 16. This chow-husky mix was the real life example of how cruel some humans can be toward canines. In 1994, when he was a just a puppy, a group of young people hung him by the neck and set him on fire. Miraculously, he survived. Then, afterward, steps were taken by this dog's owner to enact tougher laws to punish individuals who take pleasure in hurting domesticated animals in their state.

Picture credited to AP/LA Times

Gucci’s law, the Pet Protection Act, was passed in 2000. It made first-degree cruelty of a domesticated dog or cat a felony punishable up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $5,000. In addition, abuse and neglect toward a dog or a cat was considered a misdemeanor worthy of 1 year in jail and a $2,000 fine. Gucci’s law sent a message out to the public that man’s favorite pets were to be treated with respect and care or there would be severe consequences.

Full story:

http://www.examiner.com/x-677-Dogs-Examiner~y2010m3d26-Dog-that-inspired-Guccis-law-dies


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RIP Corporal Kory D. Wiens, Dog Handler

Sad news this morning via K-9 Heroes:

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Cpl. Kory D. Wiens, 20, of Independence, Ore. died July 6th of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Muhammad Sath, Iraq.

Photo: Oregon National Guard

Cpl. Kory D. Wiens was named after his grandfather who was a canine handler during the Korean War.

...He attended canine school at the 341st Training Squadron, Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where he met his partner and friend, a yellow Labrador Retriever named Cooper. Cooper was a specialized search dog trained to find firearms, ammunition and explosives.

...Their abilities to detect TNT, C-4, detonation cords, smokeless powder and mortars saved countless lives by taking explosives and other IED manufacturing materials off the streets of Iraq.
...Kory and Cooper died alongside each other while performing a search patrol on July 6th.


Full story:

http://salem-news.com/articles/july122007/wiens_death_071207.php

Kory is survived by numerous family members, including his father, Kevin; mother, Judith (also known as Laura); brothers, Kevin and Kyle; sister, Lindsay; and grandmother, Patricia McAlister. He also had four nieces and nephews, and was a great uncle to his sister's children.

Rest in peace, Brave Warrior.


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120 Beagles Are Free This Independence Day

Independence Day for 120 Beagles ... get your tissues ready!

Once destined for lab tests in New Jersey, 90 beagles left small cages and stepped onto grass for the first time Friday at the Pets Alive no-kill animal shelter. The dogs were among 120 taken from the Aniclin Preclinical Services in Warren County, N.J., after Aniclin's parent pharmaceutical company couldn't pay its bills. A New Jersey-based animal rights organization called Win Animal Rights had fought for control of the 175 Aniclin animals — including 55 primates — and coordinated their release to animal rescue agencies.




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Another Fine Mess

....  by another fine dog-loving organization!

Meet Pets for Vets!

I have had my eye on this group via facebook for a while.  They pair dogs from shelters with veterans who may benefit from the love of a therapy dog.

Because I am in the mood for dessert first today (Renaldo and Mr. Wiggins just joined me for a ride to the all-wonderful CARVEL store -- where they get their own vanilla cup of soft serve ice cream), I will post the "messy" part first.

“I have been owned by Scarlett for 1 week now. In that week we have: cleaned up poop from our living room 9 times, and a class room once. Barked in History class, eaten through my back pack, eaten through our easy-walk collar, bitten 2 rats, slept on the dining room table twice, stood on the computer once. Scratched Mommy to roast beef, made Mommy chase me 3 times when I got away, chewed on 4 pairs of shoes, slept on clean laundry, and torn up 3 used fabric softener sheets. Walked 20 miles, eaten pizza crust, pig ears and all of our bully sticks, a cow ear, 4 rawhide bones, and a baked potato. Made a mess in the therapist’s office, got loose and wreaked havoc in the university chow hall, gotten Mommy kicked out of yoga and we couldn’t be happier.”

For the full story, click here:
http://www.pets-for-vets.com/story_04.html

For full scoop on Pets for Vets, here's a tidbit:

The Pets for Vets goal is to match rescued companion dogs (or pets) with American veteran owners providing a second chance for both the veteran and the dog (or pet).

The Pets for Vets team interviews each veteran to ascertain exactly what he or she is looking for in a companion animal; we pair this with his or her personality and lifestyle to make the perfect pet/veteran match.

Once the perfect pet is selected for the veteran, he/she then spends time in the home of our trainer who teaches him/her basic obedience and other valuable behaviors needed to live with his/her new owner. This can include becoming comfortable with wheel chairs or behaviors needed to help with PTSD and TBI.

Your support helps us match a rescued companion dog (or pet) with an American veteran who would benefit from having a companion. In accomplishing this mission, we do not want to create an additional burden on the veteran; with each dog/veteran match we provide all of the necessary equipment for them to start their new life together. In addition, the pet will be healthy and up to date on all vaccinations. Your donation helps to ensure they have everything they need.

How you can help them get it done (it's more than giving money, though that is important!) http://www.pets-for-vets.com/howyoucanhelp.html


I have added this important organization to the "Good Orgs" link on the left side of this page. And, I just bought the coolest shirt from their store, with a nifty discount of 17.76% off (that sale ends today).

Please pass this info along. Thanks!

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xoxo

Amen!

http://www.examiner.com/x-3045-San-Diego-Dogs-Examiner~y2010m7d4-Celebrate-our-nations-liberty-by-liberating-a-shelter-dog-today?cid=channel-rss-Pets


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Happy July 4th! Happy Birthday, America!

Thanks to all our troops for making our independence a reality. I have long believed that without their work, our great Constitution would be a lot of good ideas on old paper.

For your viewing pleasure...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pNZdJachP8

... due to the fine work of Guardian Angels  for Soldier's Pet. See link on top left of this page.

Somebody's happy Daddy is home!  Welcome home, Soldier, and thanks for your service!


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America's Dogs

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

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A Pet's Ten Commandments

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.


2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!

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A Stray's Prayer

Dear God, please send me somebody who'll care!

I'm tired of running, I'm sick with despair.

My body is aching, it's so racked with pain,

And dear God I pray, as I run in the rain,

That someone will love me and give me a home,

A warm cozy bed and a big juicy bone.

My last owner tied me all day in the yard

Sometimes with no water, and God that was hard.

So I chewed my leash, and God I ran away

To rummage in garbage and live as a stray.

But now, God, I'm tired and hungry and cold,

And I'm so afraid that I'll never grow old.

They've chased me with sticks and hit me with stones,

While I run through the streets just looking for bones!

I'm not really bad, God, please help if you can,

Or I have become just a "Victim of Man!"

I'm wormy, dear God, and I'm ridden with fleas,

And all that I want is an Owner to please!

If you find one for me, God, I'll try to be good,

I won't chew their shoes, and I'll do as I should.

I'll love them, protect them and try to obey ....

When they tell me to sit, to lie down or to stay!

I don't think I'll make it too long on my own,
'Cause I'm getting so weak and so very alone.

Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry,

'Cause I'm so afraid, God, that I'm gonna die.

And I've got so much love and devotion to give,

That I ought to be given a new chance to live!

So, dear God, will you please just answer my prayer,

and send me an owner who will tend to my care.

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1,746 Shelter Dogs and Cats in One Weekend -- WOW!

Maddie's Matchmaker Adoptathon

(Alameda, California) It's a pet adoption event for the record books: 1,746 shelter dogs and cats in two counties found homes on a single weekend.

The event was Maddie's® Matchmaker Adoptathon, held June 12 and 13 in California's Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. Forty-one animal welfare organizations in 72 locations participated, some of them doing as many adoptions in a single day as they normally do in a month. Overall, adoption activity was 500 percent greater than on an average weekend.

Dogs and cats were free to qualified pet lovers, but Maddie's Fund offered the organizations a $500 bonus per adoption, adding up to a total outlay for Maddie's Fund of $873,000. The Maddie's Fund "financial stimulus package" is intended to ease the burdens the recession has placed on so many Bay Area animal welfare agencies.

"We created this event in an ambitious effort to empty local animal shelters and the results exceeded our wildest expectations. We are absolutely thrilled that through this event 1,746 dogs and cats have found their forever homes," said Dave Duffield, Maddie's Fund founder. "We'd like to recognize the heroic effort of the Contra Costa and Alameda County shelters and rescues, and as importantly, the community members that showed up in masses to find their new best friends."

"We went home empty handed but our hearts were full of JOY, every pet found a new forever home," wrote Paws and Tails Animal Rescue.

Glenn Howell, Director, Contra Costa Animal Services Department, wrote, "We had a FANTASTIC day. I believe we adopted every available dog and cat. The animals win today!"

Increased public awareness of local shelters and rescues was another huge benefit of the event. Writes Mike Murray, Chairman of Golden State German Shepherd Rescue, "Besides the adoptions, which were wonderful, I think one of the things I felt was so important, was this adoptathon introducing so many people to shelter and rescue animals. Many of whom had never adopted a rescue animal, or really knew the situations that exist for these animals. This weekend gave all the shelters and rescues a chance to educate the public, as well as find some wonderful homes for all the animals in need."

As for the record-making adoption numbers, Maddie's Fund will be submitting them to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Maddie's® Matchmaker Adoptathon was held in honor of the Foundation's namesake, a miniature schnauzer named Maddie.


Most Adoptions:

Oakland Animal Services: 133

Contra Costa Animal Services: 111

East Bay SPCA: 103

HALO (Homeless Animals Lifeline Organization): 100

Safe Cat Foundation: 94

Great Kitty and Doggy Rescue of Rescue Alliance: 82


Please visit the Maddie's® Matchmaker Adoptathon website and Facebook Page to read more about this amazing event.


About Maddie's Fund

Maddie's Fund®, The Pet Rescue Foundation, is a family foundation which is funded by the founder of Workday and PeopleSoft, Dave Duffield and his wife, Cheryl. Maddie's Fund is helping to create a no-kill nation where all healthy and treatable shelter dogs and cats are guaranteed a loving home.

To achieve this goal, Maddie's Fund is investing its resources in building community collaborations where animal welfare organizations come together to develop successful models of lifesaving; in veterinary colleges to help shelter medicine become part of the veterinary curriculum; and in the implementation of a national strategy to promote accountability and transparency in animal shelter operations. Maddie's Fund is named after the family's beloved Miniature Schnauzer who passed away in 1997.




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Puppy Math

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Service Dog Turned Surfing Dog

You gotta see this. Five minutes long. Worth it! Get kleenex.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=BGODurRfVv4


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