Thursday, December 31, 2009

Mardi Growl Ball Feb 12 KCMO

Save the date!
Feb 12 - Mardi Growl Ball - Kansas City, MO

This is the largest fundraiser for the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation and sure to be a lot of fun. Proceeds will fund MAAL's legislative activities in Jefferson City throughout the session. The Mardi Growl Maskgrrrade Ball promises to be a great evening of fun, food and lots of auction opportunities. Bring your own mask or take advantage of the opportunity to purchase one at the event.

For more information visit the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation website.

Missouri is the puppy mill capital of the world and there's a lot of work to be done on behalf of animals here. Thanks to MAAL for working so hard to make life better for all of us.

Woof!
Tucker at For Love of a Dog Jewelry

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Pit Bull PR BAD RAP Fundraiser

While I can't say I've ever wanted to live in California, these San Francisco Bay area folks are really something wonderful. This morning I had a message from BAD RAP about an incredible program.

Pet Food Express has been helping BAD RAP re-shape the image of American Pit Bull Terriers every day of the week for the last two and a half years. They've been doing it by giving customers a blast of adopted pit bull faces on posters that hang on walls and windows in stores around the San Francisco Bay area. These posters are HUGE and they grab everyone who walks in or by the store.

Right now BAD RAP is issuing a call for fresh faces. If you live in the bay area and are interested in adding your dog's portrait to this fun collection, here's your chance. Pet Food Express is lining up fresh talent to showcase bay area pit bulls while they help BAD RAP with our barn-raising. How does it work? When you donate $250 to BAD RAP, Pet Food Express will have your dog's photo taken by a professional photographer, blown up to a giant-sized poster and placed in your favorite PFE store. AND THEN they will match your donation and give $500 to BAD RAP for their new shelter barn.

Visit the BAD RAP website to see some of these beautiful posters and learn more about this fundraiser. And if you're a bully owner in the bay area, wouldn't your sweetie look fantastic on one of these?

Woof! Woof!
Tucker at For Love of a Dog

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas from For Love of a Dog


Merry Christmas from all of us at For Love of a Dog
{from left) Jeffie, Lucy, Tucker, plus Skeeter & Isabel, the cats; Ditty & Cakes, the horses; Sue & Gary, the humans

Monday, December 21, 2009

Dreaming of Dogs & Shelter Gifts


"I dreamed of dogs last night. They sat in a circle and looked at me and I wanted all of them." John Steinbeck

I think of this quotation a lot. Or rather it comes to me unbidden. I do want them all. All of the dogs. All of the dogs who do not have a forever home. All of the dogs suffering mistreatment and abuse. All of the unwanted dogs. I want them. All.

However, as comedian Steven Wright said: "You can't have everything. Where would you put it?"

Ain't that the truth! Not to mention if I had them all you'd probably be reading about me in the news... another crazy lady with too many dogs. So, I do what I can, including throughout the year For Love of a Dog profits are used to provide support to local shelters, the Humane Society of the United States, and the Humane Society of Missouri.

This year we did something a bit different. Tucker, Lucy and Jeffie pooled their paychecks and bought beautiful new collars and leashes for the victims of that huge dog fighting raid conducted a few months ago. Perhaps they'll add a bit of fashion style and bling to a dog now waiting for his new people. Especially black dogs (says Tucker). And add a bit of Christmas cheer for some furry souls.

Economic times are hard and a lot of us don't have much cash to throw around. However, it's easy to still make a big difference. Many animal shelters and rescue groups need things like newspaper, towels and blankets, bleach, paper towels. Low cost (or free) items. They also need folks to walk and socialize dogs. Again, free. Need more ideas? Check with your local shelter or rescue group; they'll have lots of ideas and be glad to hear from you.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Christmas Decoration Danger for Pets

I don't know about you, but we go pretty crazy at Christmas time with decorations. It's our favorite time of year, but also can be a dangerous time of year for pets. Some of our beloved yuletime traditions can be hazardous to our furry friends.

Here are a few cautions from the ASPCA:
  • Lillies are commonly used in holiday floral arrangements, but many varieties - including Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Stargazer and the Casablanca - can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested.
  • Bag the boughs of holly and live mistletoe. Sure, they add a nice touch to your holiday décor, but holly can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy if eaten by your pet. And should he sample mistletoe, he could suffer gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic.
  • Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria—and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.

If you suspect that your animal companion has eaten a potentially toxic substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance.

Be merry, but be safe, too.

Woof! from Tucker at For Love of a Dog

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Sponsor a Formerly Chained Dog for Christmas

Do you want your holiday gift giving to be about something important this year? Sponsor a formerly Chained Dog or Penned Dog, and you or your loved one will receive a personalized gift letter with a picture of your sponsored foster dog and his/her story.

Give a formerly chained or penned foster dog a taste of first-ever Holiday Cheer! As one of Dogs Deserve Better's most beloved campaigns, the annual Sponsor a Fostered Dog program has reached out and touched many a Holiday heart and home.

Just choose one of their special boys or girls and with your donation or gift box sent directly to them, you can ensure that one life is now not only safe from harm, but happy, beloved, and spoiled (as they deserve to be!. Your sponsor gift may also provide food, housing and veterinary care for Dogs Deserve Better foster dogs throughout the U.S. in the upcoming year, and help teach others about the plight of the chained dogs who are left to languish in the back yard. Plus any sponsor donations over $25 will receive a FREE 2010 Dogs Deserve Better Calendar (an $11 value).

DOGS DESERVE BETTER is a nonprofit organization dedicated to freeing the chained dog, and bringing our 'best friend' into the home and family. Dogs Deserve Better, 2003 First Place Winner of the ASPCA/Chase Pet Protector Award, is a voice for chained and penned dogs, whose sadness speaks only through the eyes. As the days become years, many of these dogs sit, lay, eat, and defecate within the same 10-foot radius. Chained by the neck, they exist without respect, love, exercise, social interaction, and sometimes even basic nourishment. Find our more about Dogs Deserve Better and what you can do to help.

A big WOOF to the fabulous folks at Dogs Deserve Better!
Tucker at For Love of a Dog

Friday, December 18, 2009

Dog Lover Jewelry Gifts with Free Shipping


Worried about ordering online and your packaged being delivered in time for Christmas? There's still time!

For Love of a Dog is offering FREE shipping via USPS Priority Mail on all orders totaling $35 or more. And we ship within less than 24 hours of receiving payment. If your order totals less than $35 you can purchase a shipping upgrade for only $3. Perfect dog lover gifts with fast free shipping!

Shop For Love of a Dog jewelry gifts for one of a kind, handcrafted necklaces, bracelets, earrings, dog breed ornaments and more that are sure to please any dog lover, cat lover, or equestrian on your Christmas gift list. Holiday sale on Christmas dog ornaments, select necklaces and earrings in progress now.

Happy Holidays from For Love of a Dog!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Harley Davidson Bike Fundraiser for BADRAP Pit Bulls


You don't even have to be good for Santa to bring you this Harley Davidson SuckerPunch Sally Swinger motocycle. All you have to do is bid! And the best part is that your money will be going to help Pit Bulls!

This sweet ride is up for auction and every penny that's raised from the sale is going to be poured right into the BADRAP Barn Project so they can help homeless pit bulls in 2010 and beyond. BADRAP is a non-profit organization that works to help homeless and victimized pit bulls and pit bull mixes. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this bike will be going to help BADRAP build a halfway house for pit bulls. You probably have read about their work with the Vick dogs.

Bravo to the pit bull loving anonymous donor who decided to let go of his precious Sally so that some good dogs could get a second chance. The auction ends on Monday, December 14th. I just checked and right now the reserve had not been met. If the bike doesn't sell this time around, they'll try another auction, so spread the world.

The Sucker Punch Sally Swinger is a modern suspension bike done in the tradition of a mid 1950's Harley Davidson FL; low stance, big fat fenders, spoked wheels and custom pinstriping. The Swinger is powered by an 88 cubic inch RevTech V-Twin with a 2-into-1 exhaust for easy cruising, channeling power through a 3 inch belt driven primary and a Baker 6 speed transmission. The Swinger features Harley Davidson controls and a 4.2 gallon split tank for long highway rides. The bike currently has 905 plus miles on it. The only minor defect is a little discoloration of the exhaust pipe. Other than that, it is flawless. There are lots of photos and more information in the eBay auction description.
Woof! Tucker at For Love of a Dog

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Cold Weather Tips for Pets

Cold Weather Tips for Pets from the Humane Society of Missouri

Don't forget your pets now that cold weather is here. Remember that they have to endure the same bitter temperatures as we do. Pets rely on us to help them stay warm when the weather is cold. Here are a few tips to keep Fluffy and Fido safe during the cold days of winter.

Bring your pet inside: Don't leave your pet outside in the cold for long periods of time. Wind chill makes the air colder than actual temperature readings. Be attentive to your pet's body temperature and limit time outdoors, especially to prevent frostbite on ears, tail and feet. If you run with your dog, be attentive to cold paws and leave Fido at home if it gets too cold.

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Provide adequate shelter: If your dog lives outdoors, you must provide a well-insulated and draft-free doghouse. The opening should face south with a sturdy, flexible covering to prevent icy winds from entering. Keep straw (NOT hay) inside the doghouse. Avoid towels and blankets which can easily dampen and make the space colder.


Beware of antifreeze and rock salt: Antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and roadways, is highly poisonous. Although it smells and tastes good to your pet, it is lethal. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately! Rock salt, used to melt ice on sidewalks, can irritate footpads. Be sure to rinse and dry your pet's feet after being outside.


Dry off wet pets: Towel or blow-dry your pet if he gets wet from rain or snow. It is important to dry and clean his paws to prevent tiny cuts and cracked pads.


Provide plenty of food and water: It takes more energy in the winter to keep body temperature regulated, so your pet needs additional calories if he spends a lot of time outdoors or is a working animal. Also, provide plenty of fresh water. Your pet is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. Snow is not a substitute for water. And, remember that water can freeze if kept in a bowl outside.

Carefully keep pets warm inside: Keep your pets warm, dry and away from drafts while inside. Tiles and uncarpeted areas might become very cold, so place blankets and pads on floors in these areas. Be careful of supplemental heat sources. Make sure all fireplaces have screens and keep portable heaters out of reach.

Groom regularly: Your pet needs a well-groomed coat to keep him properly insulated. Short or coarse-haired dogs might get extra cold so consider a sweater or a coat. Long-haired dogs should have their paw hair clipped to ease snow removal and the cleaning of their feet.

Woof! Tucker at For Love of a Dog

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Multi State Dog Fighting Ring Sentencing News

An update from the Humane Society of Missouri:

As you'll remember, on July 8, 2009 a multi-state federal dog fighting raid resulted in the rescue of more than 500 fighting dogs. Federal agents made 26 arrests and dogs were rescued in 8 states. This rescue operation was the largest dog fighting raid in U.S. history. The Humane Society of Missouri participated in the 18-month investigation and led the subsequent rescue and shelter operations, working in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Marshals Service and the United States Attorneys in the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri and the Southern Illinois District.

On Tuesday, December 8, 2009, noting the torture inflicted by people who train dogs to maim other dogs because that’s where the money is today, the Honorable Carol E. Jackson, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri, sentenced four of the defendants in the largest dog fighting case in U.S. history to terms in federal prison ranging from 12 months and one day to 18 months. Judge Jackson stated the crimes these defendants committed rose to the level of “extraordinary cruelty” warranting sentences which would be a “deterrence to the defendants and the community.”

Although these sentences significantly exceed current federal sentencing guidelines and we applaud Judge Jackson for imposing them. The Humane Society of Missouri believes federal and state dog fighting penalties and sentences should be strengthened to reflect the very serious nature of this heinous crime. In the coming weeks and months, they will be working to help convince those responsible to increase the penalties for dog fighting, both on the state and federal levels.

At For Love of a Dog we're contacting our state and federal elected officials to demand stronger penalties for dog fighting and animal cruelty. Please consider doing the same.

Woof! Tucker

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Dog Ornaments on Sale Now

Perfect for your Christmas tree or to display year round, these artisan sculpture dog breed ornaments are fabulous. Entirely handmade and true to dog breed standards. A fantastic gift for that dog lover on your holiday shopping list. From Afghan and Boxer dogs to Visla and Yorkshire Terrier dogs and in between. For Love of a Dog has that special handcrafted dog lover gift.

Hurry for best selection. These dog breed ornaments are on sale now. Originally $25, they're now reduced to $20 and include free shipping.

Shop at For Love of a Dog Jewelry with a 10% new customer discount by entering FLDNEW during checkout. Free shipping and a sweet gift box, too. A howling good deal.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Dog Lover Ornaments Necklaces Earrings on Sale Now


Do you have a dog lover on your Christmas gift shopping list? It's easy to find wonderful surprises for any dog lover, the hard part is choosing from wide variety of special doggy things available.

Why settle for the ordinary when you could select a handmade original from For Love of a Dog jewelry and gift offerings. And, right, now original artisan dog breed ornaments, dog lover necklaces and earrings are on sale. Free shipping in cute gift boxes, too.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Pits Bulls, Dog Fighting, Time Magazine

What do Pit Bulls, dog fighting and Time magazine have in common? Well, pick up the most recent issue of Time Magazine and find out. You'll see a former fighter who's become a model for Time magazine.

According to the Humane Society of Missouri, Fay is a five year old Pit Bull and is an appropriate "face" for what some call the sport of dog fighting. Fay has no upper or lower lips, probably mangled from numerous fights and eventually sliced off by her owner. The side and top of her nose are missing, also the result of dog fights. Her head, legs, shoulders and face have many dog bite scars. When not forced to fight, she lived hidden, deep in the woods at the end of a 10 foot, 30 pound log chain, with rancid rain water to drink and a dilapidated doghuse for shelter.

Fay and 25 of the more than 500 Pit Bull Terriers rescued by the Humane Society of Missouri in the largest dog fighting raid and rescue in US history are featured in the current issue of Time magazine. Their story is one of spirit overcoming horrible abuse with the help of many people including staff and volunteers of the Humane Society of Missouri.

There are thousands more dog fighting victims who desperately need to be rescued from lives of pain, torture and deprivation.
Visit the Humane Society of Missouri for ways you can help.

Woof!

Tucker, a lover not a fighter at For Love of a Dog Jewelry