Doberman Pinscher Necklace

Mama has new jewelry in the For Love of a Dog shop. Not only some fun lampwork dog bone (or biscuit) earrings, some breed bracelets, but also some very cute Doberman Pinscher earrings and a necklace. This adorable dog charm could represent a Miniature Pinscher or mixed breed mutt, too. What fun!

She's been busy on the computer the last couple of days, so I've been getting plenty of power napping done. I've needed a little rest since last week was perfect dog weather with temps in the low 70's and almost no humidity. I spent as much time outside as I could. When I wasn't working (security patrol, you know), I just relaxed on the deck and watched the hummingbirds fight. It was almost like a vacation!

Woof! woof!

Tucker

Spay NASCAR

Nope, you didn't read that wrong. Spay and NASCAR really do go together!

You, know I love NASCAR. What can I tell you? I'm a guy and I'm from southside Virginia. And we love NASCAR. My new favorite driver is Greg Biffle. Why, you ask? Well, here's something to woof about!

Greg Biffle is not only a NASCAR stock car racing superstar, but he's also the spokesperson for SPAY/USA, a nationwide network and referral service for spay and neuter services.

He's a passionate for animals and, of course, he's already spayed and neutered his won dogs. Greg believes that by raising awareness about the prevention of unwanted litters, pet owners will follow his lead and alter their pets. That's the best way to reduce the number of shelter euthanasias. Check out his public service announcement. Did you realize that right now euthaniasia rates are about 4 million a year?

Before I head out for a nap in the sunshine, I just want to remind you to spay or neuter your pets... and if you've got a dollar to two to spare, support a spay/neuter program in your area. The dogs of America will thank you!

And BARK if you love NASCAR!
Woof! woof!
Tucker

Pool Paws for Humane Laws in St Charles MO

Pool Paws for Humane Laws

Monday, August 3, 2009, 6:00-8:00pm - McNair Park Pool
Thursday, August 6, 2009, 6:00-8:00pm - McNair Park Pool 3200 Droste Road, St. Charles, MO
(Inclement weather phone number 636-946-1553)No rainout day is scheduled

These pooch pool party fundraisers offer well-mannered dogs and their families the opportunity to take an end-of-season dip for $10 per dog and one human companion, and $3 per additional friend or family member. One half of the entry fees will be contributed to the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation. The Alliance is the only non-profit organization lobbying full time on animal welfare issues in Missouri. Mark your calendar and plan to join us for some good clean fun, while helping the Alliance speak up about puppy mills and other legislative issues involving animals.

Rules:
No aggressive dogs. No pinch/choke collars.
Proof of current vaccination records, DHLPP and Rabies, required before entering pool.
Owners must bring bags or other method to clean up after their dogs before entering pool.
Dogs must be leashed unless swimming in the pool and closely supervised by their owners.
Dogs must be recently bathed.
All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
All humans must sign a waiver and are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries or damage caused by their dogs.

Dog Fighting Ring Bust Update

The more than 400 dogs rescued last week by the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force are now receiving veterinary exams and treatment, nutritious food, water and care from dedicated staff and volunteers in facilities set up just for them.

The dogs were seized as part of an eight-state dog fighting investigation that involved state and federal authorities and resulted in multiple arrests. Humane Society of Missouri animal cruelty investigators provided the information that lead to the investigation. The next step for the dogs will be individual behavior evaluations conducted by a team of Humane Society of Missouri experts along with others including representatives from the ASPCA.

I just hope that good forever homes can be found for these survivors.

Woof! woof!
Tucker

New Bracelets

New Dog Breed Bracelets!

Check out the Beagle, Golden Retriever, Dachshund, and Yellow Labrador Retriever! (And the Bernese Mountain Dog shown above.)

Misery in Missouri - Benefit

Misery in Missouri Art Exhibition 2009
"Lions and Tigers and Puppy Mills, oh my!"

“Misery in Missouri” is an annual touring art exhibition, raising awareness about animal welfare legislation in the state of Missouri. Admission is free except during the opening reception at each location.

Benefit Night Reception: Enjoy refreshments & additional features not available to the general touring public! Admission is $10.00 minimum donation.
Become an Alliance Canine Crusader by donating $50.00! All Canine Crusader's receive a CD-ROM of the exhibit and Limited Edition 'Misery in Misouri' T-Shirt!
Pre-order tickets by calling 877-444-6225. (Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door.) All donations will benefit the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation. Because the Alliance is a 501(c) 4 non-profit lobbying organization, donations are not tax-deductible.

July 31 - August 22, 2009 The Art Center in Washington, MO
The Art Center120 West Main StreetWashington, MO
Opening Benefit Reception on July 31st, 5:00 pm to 8:00pm
Free Admission Hours:10am-5:30pm Monday thru Friday9am-3 SaturdayClosed Sunday

Aug 25 - Sept 6, 2009 Framations Art Gallery in St. Charles
Framations Art Gallery218 North Main StreetSt Charles, MO
Benefit Reception on August 28, 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Free Admission Hours:10:00am-6:00pm Tuesday thru Saturday12:00pm-5:00pm on Sundays Closed Monday

Poker for Pooches - August 7

Fundraiser for the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation


Friday August 7, 2009, 6:00pm - 11:00pm
At the Symphony Hills Clubhouse, Olathe, KS
General admission is free
Tournament entry is $25 per person in advance, $35 at the door
Raffles every 30 minutes
Over $2000 in prizes for the final table

More Information

Christmas in July Sale

For Love of a Dog's annual Christmas in July Sale is now in progress!

Dog breed necklaces and ornaments, cat and horse jewelry, too. Check out bargains to kick off your holiday gift shopping or find a treat for yourself.

All handmade... many are one of a kind, so when they're gone... they're gone. Don't miss out! Shop now!

Dog Days of Summer

Well... the dog days of summer are officially here! Beginning July 3 and running through August 11, this period of time marks the Dog Days. The ancient Greeks though that Sirius (the Dog Star) could affect dogs, making them pant and put them at risk of disease. However, most believe that its a reference to the fact that during this time the sun is in the same area of the sky as Sirius. Historically many believed that the Dog Star somehow worked with the sun to make hotter days.

All I know for sure is that it is a very good time for some power napping!
Woof! woof!
Tucker

Paper Cities All Breed Dog Show July 18-19

Paper Cities Kennel Club is located in Wausau Wisconsin, with members living in several surrounding counties. They're a group of dog enthusiasts that operates as a not for profit organization. They are licensed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Many of their members are active in Rescue organizations, Therapy Dog work, National/Regional Breed Clubs, puppy and adult canine obedience educators, competition sports and training, along with other dog related organizations.

For many years, Paper Cities Kennel Club has held a strong tie to their communities through involvement in many charitable endeavors, including, but not limited to:

Weekly ads - to benefit local Humane Society through pet adoption advertisements
* Canine Ambassadors – visit schools to educate children on proper dog etiquette
* Bite Prevention/Rabies Education – in conjunction with local Health Department
* Girl Scout Presentations – educating pre-teens/teens on a variety of dog activities
* Mall Demonstrations – promoting responsible pet ownership and ethical resources
* Rally, Obedience & Conformation Classes – offering education and training in competition sports
* Public Seminars – animal behavior, training, conformation, and animal health issues
* Annual AKC All Breed Dog Show
* Annual AKC Sanctioned Dog Match
* Jaycee Bike Rodeo – educating children about bite prevention & how to stay safe around dogs

To date, they’ve been able to sponsor these events, in part, through profits from our annual Paper Cities All Breed Dog Show which attracts 600-1,000 exhibitors from all over the country and more than 2,000 local spectators.. This year's event will be July 18-19 and marks their 61st and 62nd Anniversary!

Don't miss the raffle! This year a portion of the proceeds from raffle baskets - with all kinds of goodies for you and your dog - will be donated to Best Friends/Dogtown . The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary/Dogtown at Angel Canyon, in southern Utah, is home on any given day to about 2,000 dogs, cats, and other animals, which come from shelters and rescue groups around the country for special care they can only receive at Best Friends.

Visit Paper Cities Kennel Club web site for more information.

Living in the Puppy Mill Capital

Why do I talk so much about the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation so much here in my blog?

Well, I've said it before, but it bears repeating... it is with great shame and humiliation that I tell you I live in the puppy mill capital of the United States. Would you like to see how your state measures up? You might be shocked.

Not only do I live in Missouri, but I live in one of the counties with the greatest number of puppy mills. In my county, Laclede, the numbers are staggering. 57 in my county alone. That's many more than most states. Read some survivor stories and they'll break your heart.

My sister, Lucy, and I are from Virginia. Very few puppy mills there. But there are plenty of homeless animals! I was homeless. I just showed up on the front porch one evening at mama and daddy's. Loaded with worms, mange, puncture wounds and more. Whenever mama and daddy came near me I cried. I've never told the story of my homeless time, just trust me, it was bad!

Lucy was the result of the dog owner procrastination / laziness / ignorance (take your pick). Her mother Rosie was never spayed. And her father was never neutered. When Rosie's people decided to wean a litter at 4 weeks, mama and daddy stepped in. They rescued Lucy and found homes for two other puppies.

Jeffie is from Missouri, but not from a puppy mill. He and his two brothers were picked up with their mother as strays up near the lakes. That was no way to spend some puppy time; Jeffie has some personality quirks that are probably from being homeless.

But I'm getting off the subject, which is puppy mills. It seems like a week doesn't go by that the Missouri Humane Society doesn't do a puppy mill raid and rescue some poor hopeless souls. We support them, but also the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation. MAAL was founded in 1990. It's a not for profit lobbying groups that works for positive change in animal related legislation in Missouri. It's very important work and that's why you'll read about their events and activities here in my blog.

Woof! woof!
Tucker

Missouri Operation Bark Alert Phase II

Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Jon Hagler and Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster today announced phase two of Operation Bark Alert - a crackdown on unlicensed breeders in Missouri. Phase two of the program, "Prosecution Bark Alert," is being launched using the top law enforcement authority of Missouri to stop unlicensed and substandard dog breeders from operating in the state. Operation Bark Alert was initiated in February and has thus far located more than 200 unlicensed breeders across Missouri and rescued nearly 1900 dogs.

For the first time in Missouri, the Department of Agriculture and the Attorney General's Office have joined forces and publicly teamed up to take legal action against breeders who are not licensed. Missouri law requires dog breeders to become licensed with the Animal Care Facilities Act program at the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Since Operation Bark Alert was announced in February, Attorney General Koster's office has taken legal action against several unregistered breeders who were raided by the Department of Agriculture, rescue groups in Missouri and local law enforcement officials. They plan to file against irresponsible breeders and require they comply with the law or shut their doors.

Koster's office is also contacting breeders who may have let their licenses lapse to remind them they must be licensed with the state.

Read more about Operation Bark Alert.