My 77th Birthday!

Wow! What a birthday celebration! This year to celebrate my lucky double 7's, mama and daddy spent it just with me. No sharing with Lucy and Jeffie!

To start with they kidnapped me and we went for a very long drive. You know, I hate riding in the car and any drive is a long drive to me. Anyway, we arrived at this place and daddy convinced mama that I should not wear the birthday party hat, thank goodness! They called this place PetsMart and it was magical. Toys and treats everywhere! Other fur children, too. We walked the whole place so I could really sniff it all out. By the way, I loved the birds. I wonder if heaven is like this?

Then I got to choose my very own new monkey (remember, that's what we call toys at our house.) I sniffed and checked out a lot of them. Some didn't taste all that great. What I love best are nubby ones or ones that talk. You know what I found? A birthday cake that sings the happy birthday song! I love it and find it's best if carried around by a candle or two!

Then we went to Dairy Queen. I got to have some ice cream all by myself. But don't feel sorry for Lucy and Jeffie... we took them some, too.

What a great birthday!

I do apologize for taking so long to tell you about it. Plus I'd planned to tell you a lot more detail, but I have something worrying me. You see, not long after my birthday, I ruptured my cruciate ligament. This time in my left back leg. Years ago I had the surgery for my right leg, so I know what's coming. I'm pretty high on drugs these days and trying to get the right attitude for my surgery - it's this Wednesday. Mama says she'll write for me and let you know how I'm doing.

Think some good thoughts for me, okay?

Woof!

Tucker

Howling Good Sale at For Love of a Dog

I promise to come back soon and tell you about my birthday (yowl.... what a birthday!), but today I've got to tell you about the big sale Mama is having at For Love of a Dog. Dog breed Christmas tree ornaments & wall / leash hooks, plus beautiful dog, cat and horse jewelry is on sale now! There's always free shipping and click here to get 10% off your purchase - including sale items!

Now... that's something to bark about!

Woof! Woof!
Tucker

3 Howls & a Woof for Good Measure

Congratulations to the Humane Society of Missouri Veterinary Medical Center in Chesterfield Valley for becoming certified by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). They join the Humane
Society of Missouri's St. Louis City Center and Westport Area Veterinary Medical Centers in this accreditation that only a very small percentage of veterinary hospitals hold throughout the country.

Woof!
Tucker

All Dogs Go to Heaven

My friends know I'm dog crazy (and some of them are, too) so I receive some wonderful emails. Sometimes they're just too good not to share... and this is one of those times.

Get some tissues handy. Here's the story:

This is one of the kindest thingsI've ever experienced. I have no way to know who sent it,but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the US Postal Service.

Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could, so she dictated these words:

Dear God,

Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick.

I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her, You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.
Love, Meredith.

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'ToMeredith," in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:

Dear Meredith,

Abbey arrived safely in heaven.

Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away.

Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.

Thank you for the beautiful letterand thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you.

I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.

By the way, I'm easy to find.. I am wherever there is love.
Love,
God

New Breeds Available

We have some new breeds available in our dog breed ornaments!

In no particular order: Papillon, Shiba Inu, Gorden Setter, Brindle Cardigan Corgi, Black & Tan Dachshund, English Setter, Great Pyranees and Visla. Right now all our handmade artisan sculpture ornaments are on sale and they make fabulous holiday gifts for dog lovers!

Keeping Warm!

I don't know about where you live, but here in the Ozarks it's cold! The hawk (that's what Daddy calls winter) has arrived! Today is a good day to just snooze in front of the fire, but I wanted to bark at you just a little bit about keeping your furry friends warm this winter.

You know, even though we have fur coats, dogs and cats depend you you for protection from freezing temperatures. Here are some quick tips for a toasty winter.

• Limit your furry friend's time outside only for bathroom breaks if it too cold.


• Provide them with a dry, warm secure shelter out of the wind such as a garage or insulated pet house.


• Even barkers that normally spend most of their time outside need good shelter in cold weather, even if it is only a garage.


• Heated water dishes help keep water from freezing.


• Keep us away from antifreeze. Poisoning takes only a couple of licks. Antifreeze may lurk in your garage or on your driveway so clean up spills immediately. You know, pet safe antifreeze is available at a lot of stores.


• De-icing chemicals can be hazardous to us. The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of our paws. Pet safe ice melt is available. Also, be sure to wipe your feet every time after being on sidewalks.


• Skeeter says to remind you that cats and kittens often nap on warm car engines and hoods. If your car was recently used, knock on the hood or honk the car horn before starting the engine.

Lucy, Jeffie and I live in the house with Mama and Daddy, but a lot of dogs live outside with their own dog house. If that's what your situation is, then be your dog house is winterized.

• The dog house floor should be raised a few inches off the ground. Cedar chip can make a fair bedding. Some people use straw. Of course, you should make sure the bedding stays dry.


• The dog house itself should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with a flap of heavy waterproof fabric or heavy plastic.

The only other thing I'll say about winter is that it also can be a lot of fun. We all love to play in the snow, especially Jeffie! Lucy and I like to chase snowballs, but Jeffie loves his flippy flier all year round!

Stay warm and woof woof until next time...

Tucker

I want to move to Rabbit Hash, Kentucky

So, I was having a nice little nap yesterday morning when I heard Mama and Daddy whooping it up in the other room. They were watching that Sunday Morning show and usually I'm not much interested. But, get this! It was about a town in Kentucky that is having an election for mayor and the candidates are dogs! Well, not all the candidates... there are a couple of cats and a donkey, too.

What really got to me is that this is not the first time this town has elected a dog as mayor! In fact, their last mayor was a canine who died while in office. They have a website with all the candidates pictures, qualifications, and campaign promises. You really ought to take a look.

I am so jealous. I don't live in a town... so I can't run for mayor. I think I'd make an excellent mayor! I know I've got the looks for it. My security experience would be a real asset. I love company, so I'd make a great goodwill ambassador.

Darn it, I want to move to Rabbit Hash! I'd give those dogs a real run for their milkbones!

Woof!
Tucker

The Dog Vote

Woof! Have you seen this very cool site about the dog vote? Great blog posts all about how the coming election is all up to us furry four paws! They even have an interactive map of the United States that shows who's leading in each state. Now this puts some weight behind my Squidoo poll about Elephant and Donkey dog cookies! And if you haven't added your 2 cents, yet, I'd appreciate it. So far Jeffie and people cookies are winning :-(

4 paws up for the dog vote!
Tucker

Dog Eat Dog Politics

I need your votes! It all started with some Republican elephant and Democratic donkey dog biscuits... we've got a vote going at our house and we need your help. I've written all about it at Squidoo, so please take a look and vote!

Woof! Woof!
Tucker

Black Dog Club

I'm a member of the Black Dog Club at the Humane Society of Missouri! Even though I wasn't adopted from a shelter (and I'm from Virginia, not Missouri) they let me join. Great newsletter and I love their logo. I think it looks a bit like me!


Did you know that black dogs are often overlooked at animal shelters? Here's what they say about it:

Most animal shelters find it difficult to place large black dogs into forever homes. Black dogs, especially large ones like Labrador Retriever mixes are overlooked in favor of lighter colored dogs.

Some shelter staff think black dogs are more difficult to see inside their kennels making it hard to connect with the dog. Others think they don't photograph as well as a lighter colored dog explaining why placing their picture on the internet or in posters sometimes is not enough. Others think it's hard to see facial features on black dogs and therefore hard to gauge their emotions.

There is absolutely no evidence that color has any bearing on temperament, behavior, or health regardless of breed.If you are thinking about adopting a dog, please remember that black dogs make wonderful companions just like lighter-colored dogs.


I happen to think that black dogs are some of the coolest dogs around.
Woof!
Tucker

Black Dog Bracelets

Check out our new bracelets featuring black dogs!

Thinking about the Rainbow Bridge

When I showed up on the front porch, I was a mess and Mama and Daddy took pity on me. They took me in and introduced me to my new brother, Spanky. Spanky hated me! It was hard to understand because he was used to having a brother, but he sure did. Lucky for me, Petey the cat, loved me and taught me to play. Within weeks we all understood why Spanky hated me... he had a rapidly growing form of cancer in his mouth. He was gone within a couple of months. That happened almost 10 years ago, and even though I know he's at the Rainbow Bridge, when I hear his name I run to the window to see if he's there. Old habit, I guess.

You know, Lucy is pretty much a bully and Jeffie mostly drives me nuts, but I do love them so. It's hard to imagine life without them. I remember how Mama cried when Spanky left. She said the thing that made her feel better was thinking about seeing him again at the Rainbow Bridge.

Now Mama has found what they call a Squidoo lens about Goldie, a Golden Retriever, who is at the Rainbow Bridge. She asked me to tell you to take a look. Like Spanky, Goldie had a fast growing form of cancer. I'm partial to Golden Retrievers and if you are too, you should check this out: a tribute to a golden retriever, Goldie.
Woof!
Tucker

New Dog Breeds for Necklaces!

At For Love of a Dog we have some new AKC dog breeds for necklaces! Check out the Cairn Terrier, American Eskimo, and English Sheepdogs! They're so charming!

Soon we'll have some new breeds available in our ornaments, too!

Sunday Morning

Did you happen to catch the Sunday Morning show on NBC? Every story related to animals! We especially enjoyed the profile / interview with Bob Barker and his rescued dog Jesse. What fun!

Those of you who read our post and checked out Bunny Roo Beagle - the website - will be saddened to learn that Bunny Roo has crossed the rainbow bridge. Our hearts go out to Kathy who misses her so. Kathy tells us that the website will continue, dedicated to the memory of Bunny Roo, and encourage pet rescue and shelter adoption. Grab a dog for a hug and tummy tickle... and enjoy the blessing!

Sue

Bunny Roo Beagle

We’ve just discovered an absolutely wonderful web site and find ourselves checking it frequently for new postings. Kathy has created a highly entertaining and informative site. Bunny Roo Beagle…is a fun pet website inspired by a rescue dog, Bunny Roo! You’ll find:

• product reviews
• animal news
• Dog of the week
• Dog treat Recipes (recipes for cats, too)
• Health information
• Breed information
• Rescue information and links
• Helpful articles
• Adorable photographs and irresistible stories and much, much more!

Bunny Roo is an old Beagle that was adopted approximately three years ago from HART, a Virginia based rescue.

Bunny was very sick with mange, eye and ear infections, and a chest cold. Oh, and she is also 90% blind! She was found on the side of a rural road in West Virginia....sick and hungry. Bunny is now healthy, happy and a wonderful member of Kathy’s family!

Bunny Roo inspired Kathy to start this website. First and foremost, she LOVES dogs. Second, she wanted a creative outlet to highlight dog adoption (especially older dog adoption).

So click to check out Bunny Roo Beagle and, as Kathy says: sit back, grab a dog, and enjoy! Woof!

New Pit Bull Pin

We have a new dog breed pin! A wonderful Staffordshire Terrier!

Just in case you didn't notice that little photo of mama with the dog on the swingset, the dog is Dinkle and a Pit Bull. What a sweetheart!

Bark if you like Pit Bulls!

Woof! Woof!

Tucker

New Holiday Dog Ornaments!

We're so excited! Now at For Love of a Dog we have new AKC breed dog ornaments and they are exquisite! They're handcrafted, signed by the artist (Julie in Wisconsin) and perfect to display all year round... not just on a Christmas tree.

They make perfect gifts, of course! Visit For Love of a Dog and take a look! The photo is just to give you an idea. They're generous in size (average 4 1/2" x 3") and the details in the sculptures are wonderful! Limited quantity... don't miss out!

In Dog We Trust

If you haven't seen Nancy Gibbs' essay in Time magazine "In Dog We Trust," you really should take a look. She says: "Picking a President is critical. And so is selecting a canine companion in the White House."

It's a great article. Plus it let me know that the American Kennel Club (AKC) is conducting a survey to suggest the "right" dog for the Obama family. Given that those girls have allergies, the ballot selection is limited to 5 hypoallergenic breeds. Nancy Gibbs makes a good case for a mixed breed pup in her essay. Here! here! and amen!

While you're surfing, check out a photo gallery of US Presidents and their canine companions.

Who said election season wasn't fun for dog people?!

Dogs vs Cats

I received this as a passalong email and thought it was just too good not to share!


Excerpts from a Dog's Diary...

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Diary…

Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now.........

We have a new cat!

Here she is - doing her Sphinx pose. Skeeter was a stray that we rescued. Luckily she's obviously used to dogs, since she now has 3 canine siblings. Lucy and Tucker were absolutely thrilled. I think they've missed Petey more than we knew.

Jeffie is another story. He'd never seen a feline in his whole little life and it's taking some getting used to. He is both terrified and fascinated. In fact, obsessed would not be going too far to describe it. Skeeter rapidly figured out that he was pretty much harmless and she's shown much patience and restraint!

Skeeter was a city girl who is slowly embracing the country life. To our knowledge she's not ventured out to the barn to meet the horses yet. She sticks close to the house and her source of food! Each and every day she is getting more comfortable and her sweet personality is revealed.

What fun!

Happy Independence Day!

All of us wish you a Happy 4th of July!

Tucker, Lucy, Jeffie, Ditty, Cakes, Skeeter (and Sue & Gary, too)

Special Sale Items at For Love of a Dog

Disaster Relief

Here in the Missouri Ozarks, we're all too well aware of the flooding. Luckily ours has simply been mainly a hassle and not a disaster. Not so for thousands of other folks and their animals in the midwest. Though there are many, many ways you can help out, I just became aware of a really easy one.

You can simply purchase postage and money will go to the Humane Society of the United State's Disaster Fund! Click here and you'll be taken to more information.

Dog and Cat Email Greetings

Have you heard of Petcentric yet? It's a new Purina web site that has some great stuff. Including wonderful DOGGIE-MAIL AND KITTIE-MAIL. Customized email messages with a talking dog or cat!

I tried it out yesterday and it's simply lots of fun. They have 3 standard dogs and 3 standard cats. One of the dogs looks very much like Jeffie, so I used that one. You can add different backgrounds, accessories (Jeffie in a cowboy hat), wardrobe (there's even a feather boa). Then you can add your message with their voices (text to voices) or even record you own! When I got finished playing, I realized that you can even upload your own pet's photo to further personalize the email.

You've just GOT to try this! Hey... I forgot to mention... it's FREE!

www.petcentric.com

Have fun!
Sue

Cats, cats, cats.. oh meow!

June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month

Our beloved kitty, Petey (to the right), urges you to consider giving a forever home to a cat (or two).

Simply can't adopt? Please think about a donation to your local shelter or rescue group.

For Love of a Dog is having a big sale on all cat items this month! How about a cat to wear?!

Special Sale at For Love of a Dog

It's Jeffie's birthday! To celebrate we're having a special sale on select jewelry items at For Love of a Dog.

Here's a hint: Jeffie's mama is a Golden Retriever and his daddy was a Border Collie, plus he loves big fat bones and playing ball.

And I thought I was old...

Get this! Milk-Bone turns 100 years old this year. That's 700 in dog years! To celebrate, Milk-Bone is going to donate a million dollars to a dog charity and they're holding a national contest for a spokes-dog! More info here Though I admit that I just don't like the green ones, I think I'd make a terrific spokes-dog for them, don't you?

Woof! Woof!
Tucker

National If Pets Had Thumbs Day

Ruuuuf! (wow) Now this is a holiday we can really sink our canines into! If we only had thumbs... it would be much easier to take the lid off our cookie jar! Soccer and flippy flier would take on a whole new dimension! We could use the can opener open our favorite, Country Stew. The list could go on and on! And we don't even want to think about what it would mean for the horses! They'd be going on exciting new adventures since, with thumbs, they could open all the gates! Hey! Wait a minute! WE could open gates, too and go with them! sigh... we'll use the whole day just coming up with thumb ideas! A big paws and claws up to National If Pets Had Thumbs Day!
Woof! Woof!
Tucker, Lucy & Jeffie

Sunshine Finally!

Would you believe we've had 3 ice storms since I last wrote? Very depressing, especially when the power goes out. But its a happy day here today.... sunshine! Jeffie and I already had a good game of soccer with daddy and he's promised some flippy flier yet to come. Alright! I have a lot of pent up energy. When I wear off a bit of it, I'll write some more. In the meantime, check out mom's special sale items in the shop!

Woof! Woof!

Tucker

Canine Cupid

Happy Valentine's Day!

(And please remember that this is Spay/Neuter month!)

xoxo,

Lucy

Twisters in January!

I'm sorry that I haven't written for awhile, but I have a good reason!
Now I know there's something I hate worse than lightning and thunder... tornadoes! They ripped through our neighborhood and just when we thought the coast was clear, here came another one on the same track! Here at our house we just had some minor damage, but several of our neighbors lost everything.

Mama and Daddy have been helping with the clean up and they come home talking about how lucky we were. In fact, at one place the humans weren't home, but their dog was. Poor guy was outside in his pen. The tornado took their house, barn, the dog pen, the dog house and the tree it was under... but the little dog was just fine! Boy! He was a lucky little soul!
Now its bitterly cold here, but I don't mind because there won't be another tornado!
Woof Woof!
Tucker