Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Joplin Missouri Tornado: Pet Rescue in Action by HSMO

Exclusive video of the Humane Society of Missouri Disaster Response Team animal rescue operations in action in Joplin after the May 22 tornado.  Since early last week the 23 member trained Disaster Response Team has been on the scene in Joplin searching for trapped, injured and lost pets.  They've been hard at work rescuing them, transporting them to shelter and helping reunite them with owners affected by the devastation wrought by last Sunday's tornado.  If you're able to make a contribution you may do so at their website.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Dog Saves Dog in Joplin Missouri Tornado Wreckage

A search and rescue dog found another dog yesterday who'd been buried in rubble since the tornado swept through Joplin, Missouri on May 22. 

Joplin Missouri Tornado: Prayer and Remembrance Today

Don Zolecki (left) of the Sunrise Beach MO Fire Department leads rescue dog Amber Alert in a search for survivors in Joplin.
An official State Day of Prayer and Remembrance has been declared by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon for today, Sunday, May 29. A community wide memorial service will be held at 2 pm.

Joplin City Manager Mark Rohr says 139 people are now confirmed dead after a deadly tornado roared through the city on May 22.  According to the Missouri Department of Public Safety 100 individuals are still missing.  As the death toll rises, Joplin remains focused on finding life.  

More than 400 volunteers and 50 dog teams continue working to try and find tornado survivors.

Joplin Missouri Tornado: Stray Dogs, Cats and More Find Shelter

Pomeranian found Friday. Photo: Amy Buckley.
Dogs, cats, rabbits, parakeets, cockatiels, more than 30 chickens and a pot-bellied pig – animals of all kinds have found shelter at the Joplin Humane Society following last Sunday’s deadly tornado.

Approximately 500 animals have been brought to the temporary shelter set up by ASPCA at the old Dent and Ding appliance next to the humane society’s new building. With close to 100 staff, volunteers and a temporary shelter set up by the ASPCA ,they can house up to 1,200 animals now and they plan to dispense donated pet food and supplies to those affected by the tornado.

Calls started rolling in early Monday and a temporary shelter was set up later that day, opening to the public Tuesday. Wednesday they took in nearly 250 animals. Many families have been reunited with their pets, but even if they cannot take their pets with them it is important to come down and identify them, Aquino said.

They will look at a 14-day window to identify the pets before moving to the adoption process and may reach out to local foster networks to help house the animals. Members of the Neosho-based Faithful Friends Animal Advocates say they’re ready to step in when the temporary operation rolls out, but that moment has not come yet said Kathryn Destreza, southeast regional director ASPCA Investigations and Response.

The shelter will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Organizers ask anyone who is sheltering a dog, but does not know it’s owner to bring them to the shelter so they can be reunified with their families. Pets are also being listed at www.joplinhumanesociety.com. Finding families for the stranded pets is why they are there, Destreza said.

“We love them and we walk them and we take great care of them, but we’re not their family,” she said. “This is all about reunification with the owner.”

Those reporting to the shelter are asked to bring as much identifying information as possible and a picture if possible.

Kathy McDonald was all smiles as she left the shelter Friday afternoon with her pit bull mix Sophia Marie in tow. She was not home when the storm struck, but a neighbor told her he’d seen Sophia headed toward 26th Street.

“I knew she was alive,” McDonald said.

On Thursday, she found her frightened kitten cowering under a piece of drywall. The six-pound cat had lost nearly two pounds.

“She’s still traumatized,” McDonald said.

Her search is not over yet.

“I’ve still got two kittens out there,” she said.

Tim Rickey, southeast regional director ASPCA Investigations and Respons,e once lived in the Joplin area.

“All of my family and my friends are here,” Rickey said. “I’m dealing with the same thing everybody else in this community is. We all know people affected by this.”

Getting animals back to their owners lifts their spirits and helps build the long-term community recovery, he said.

“This is a beacon of hope,” Rickey said.

What you can do:
Volunteers are needed to move supplies and clean cages. They can register at the Joplin Humane Society, but may be placed on a call list. Donations can be placed online at www.joplinhumanesociety.com.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Dog Song Saturday: Choose Me by The Song Trust

Here it is, Saturday again.  Time for a Dog Song at Talking Dogs!  Today's dog song is Choose Me by The Song Trust.  The video that accompanies this ode to stray and rescued dogs was created to honor the dogs of The Heart Rescue.


WARNING:  There are some disturbing photos of dogs who have been injured and abused.  However, please know that these are before and after photos of these dogs.  They were lucky pups who all found their forever homes.  Try a few and if they bother you too much, close your eyes.  The song alone will still require tissues, however it should not be missed.


Grab a dog.  Sit.  Stay.  Listen to Choose Me by The Song Trust.  Then scroll down below the video and visit some barking good dog blogs because today is a Pet Blogger Hop.





Friday, May 27, 2011

Adopt Clyde: Black Australian Cattle Dog

Oh, what a sweetie!  Clyde is a black Australian Cattle Dog mixed breed dog available at the Humane Society of Missouri.  Clyde is a neutered male and is about 5 years old.  As you can see in the video, he is a sweetheart.

If you have room in your life for another dog, consider Clyde.  He's a black dog that needs a forever home.

For more information about this dog, contact the HSMO animal shelter in St Louis at 314-951-1562.  Clyde's identification number is A506084

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Joplin Missouri Tornado: Dog Cat Pet Rescue Efforts

HSMO Joplin MO Disaster Response 
We live in the Missouri Ozarks.  We've spent a lot of time in the past few days watching the sky and taking cover from tornadoes.  We also recently made a donation to the Humane Society of Missouri for the Joplin Relief Fund.

Their Disaster Response Team is hard at work sifting through rubble in the tornado ravaged town of Joplin to find animals that need help.  70 dogs and cats have been transported from an overwhelmed vet clinic to the Joplin Humane Society, where displaced animals are being sheltered.  Many dogs and cats have also been removed from abandoned properties and taken to safety. 

These trained volunteer Disaster Relief Team members are canvassing the area to rescue distressed pets and providing carriers to residents who need help transporting their animals. 


The HSMO is the lead animal welfare agency (as named by the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency) to respond to disasters and other emergencies in Missouri.  Currently, a 23 person Disaster Response Team consists of animal rescue, sheltering and veterinary professionals and trained emergency volunteers are working in the Joplin area. 

If you'd like to make a donation to help their rescue efforts, you can donate online at their web site www.hsmo.org or by phone at 314-951-1542.   You may also text SAVEPETS to 20222 to donate $10.  Follow their progress at their special, new Joplin Animal Rescue Facebook page.

The Joplin, Missouri area is being overwhelmed with donations of supplies and with volunteers, so a central clearinghouse has been set up to coordinate things.  If you wish to donate supplies, or wish to personally volunteer, to help people or pets, you need to contact the area United Way.   There you'll find up to date information about the most pressing needs. 


Please note:  people are advised NOT to travel to the area unless they've received official authorization.

Purina Incredible Dog Challenge Atlanta 2011 in 3D

Wow.  Check out this 3D video of the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge Eastern Regional competition in Atlanta this year.  Truthfully, I don't own a pair of 3D glass, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this overview of events.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Wordless Wednesday: Cats and Dogs








Our yellow lab puppy, Rudy and his feline sister, Skeeter, have no idea where the phrase "fight like cats and dogs" comes from.  However, Rudy does find it a challenge to entertain a cat.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Talking Dog Video: Dog Defends Pink T Shirt

Hilarious video of a dog talking about his shirt.  A charming take on what dogs are really thinking about being dressed in clothes.  Full disclosure:  the dogs at Talking Dogs are nudists at heart and rarely wear clothing other than a necklace (collar).

Monday, May 23, 2011

Talking Dog Video: The Ultimate (Bacon) Tease

You may have already seen this very charming video. With a dog blog called Talking Dogs, all of us at For Love of a Dog wish we'd thought of this first.  You may have already seen this video of Clark "talking" about bacon, among other things, on CBS news.  It's worth watching again.  In fact, we've lost count of the number of times Gary has seen it.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Missouri Puppies for Parole Dog Training Program

We've barked quite a bit about the Missouri Puppies for Parole program and are pleased that it is now operating in 13 of Missouri's prisons.  It's definitely a winning proposition for everyone involved.  Dogs from animal shelters get another chance for a good home by receiving training which can include house breaking, basic obedience, and some even learn sign language.  Offenders get a chance to contribute to society, engage in something positive and learn a new skill.  And the program doesn't cost taxpayers a dime.  All the pet food and supplies are donated.

To date over 250 dogs have been trained and adopted.  Notable success stories include Sparky, a dachshund that was scheduled for euthanasia because he is deaf.  Missouri prison offenders took the dog and taught him sign language.  They then raised the money to pay for the dog's adoption fee and donated Sparky to the Missouri School for the Deaf.  Students there continue Sparky's lessons.

Another is the case of Knuckles who was returned to animal shelters twice due to behavior problems.  After his Puppies for Parole training, he was placed in a home as a companion for a little girl with Autism.  The little girl bonded with Knuckles immediately and is now able to sleep through the night.

 

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Dog Song Saturday: Good Friends by Livingston Taylor

It's Saturday, so time for a dog song at For Love of a Dog.  Our song today is Good Friends, a mellow tune written and performed by Livingston Taylor.  It's accompanied by lovely photographs of people and their dogs as a tribute to the special friendship with we share.

Grab a dog.  Sit.  Stay.  Relax and enjoy Good Friends.  Then, while you're still feeling a warm glow from the song, scroll down to the Saturday Pet Blog Hop list and do some exploring.  You'll find lots of great dog blogs to bark about.



Thursday, May 19, 2011

Corner of Your Heart: New Video from Wayside Waifs Animal Rescue

Usually we feature an adoptable dog on Thursdays.  However, today we're doing something a bit different.  Wayside Waifs has released a new video Corner of Your Heart and you may view it below.   Yes, it is targeted at raising funds for Wayside Waifs.  However, it is an excellent look at what a great animal shelter can be.

Wayside Waifs occupies a special corner of our hearts.  We found our sweet yellow Lab mix, Sherman, at Wayside years ago.  

Wayside Waifs is the largest pet adoption center in the Kansas City area.  They are a no-kill animal shelter and do not euthanize adoptable animals.  Founded in 1940, they're funded entirely by donations.


Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Purina Incredible Dog Challenge 2011 Dates

We can't seem to get enough of the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge and we've been on the lookout for 2011 event dates.  Information is scarce, but we've managed to find the following:

  • Incredible Dog Challenge in San Diego, CA will be on June 10 and 11
  • Incredible Dog Challenge in St Louis, MO will be on September 30 and October 1
The Incredible Dog Challenge National Championships will be held Sept 30 and October 1 at Purina Farms in Gray Summit, MO.

As soon as we have more information, we'll post it here at Talking Dogs.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Dog Song: It's All Right If My Dog Sleeps on the Bed All Night With Me

It's Dog Song Saturday at For Love of a Dog!  And we've got a barking good dog song today:  If My Dog Sleeps on the Bed All Night With Me deals with the ago old questions:  should we lt our dogs sleep on the bed with us or not?

Full disclosure requires us to admit that in the For Love of a Dog household, dogs do sleep on the bed with us.  In fact, Jeffie has his own pillow.  That said...   grab a dog.  Lounge on the bed if you've got a laptop.  Sit.  Lay down.  Stay.  Enjoy If My Dog Sleeps on the Bed All Night With Me.

Then scroll down below the video (of great photos of dogs asleep on beds) and click around to visit some barking good dog blogs because today is a Pet Blog Hop.



Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Small Dog Idea: Pet Carrier Backpacks

Since the smallest of the For Love of a Dog canines weighs over 70 pounds, there are just some pet products I don't pay a lot of attention to.  Pet carriers are in that category.   However, I'm intrigued with pet backpacks and the possibilities they offer for transporting my mom's little Lhasa Apso dog.

Definitely a great way to give a little dog a break when out hiking, a pet carrier backpack is also a safe and stylish way to transport a little dog without resorting to a "dog purse."  Pet carrier backpacks come in many different shapes, sizes and color schemes.  Most are made of durable materials with ventilation.  Some even have wheels so you can give your back a break, too.

A nifty solution for taking along a little dog and one I'm going to be researching further.

Wordless Wednesday: Now This is a Play Bow

There are play bows...  and then there are play bows.  
Rudy shows how it's done.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Pet Photo Contest: Win GPS System and Video Camera

I couldn't resist sharing this contest with you.  Barking good prizes!

You could win a Garmin GPS Navigation System and a Flip HD Video Camera.  Enter the May Pet Photo Contest at Purina Petcentric.  This month's theme:  Funny Face.   Just upload a photo of your pet making a silly or funny face and share it for a chance to win.  The contest runs until May 31.


While you're on their site you can check out the recent entries.  Adorable!


Good luck!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Adopt Jewel: Big Brindle Dog Needs a Forever Home

Now, this girl is a looker!  Tall, long and lean.  Jewel is a brown brindle mixed breed dog and about 5 years old.  Shelter staff guess her to be a mix of German shepherd Dog and Beagle.  I can't help but think there might be some Greyhound in there, too.  Jewel is already spayed and needs a family.

If you've been thinking about adding another canine to your life, please consider Jewel.  For more information contact the Humane Society of Missouri - St Louis City animal Shelter at 314-951-1562.  Jewel is animal ID number A506078.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Dog Song Saturday: I Had a Little Dog by Key Wilde & Mr Clarke

It's Dog Song Saturday at For Love of a Dog!  Today's dog song is I Had a Little Dog, a childrens song written and performed by Key Wilde and Mr Clarke.  It's accompanied by an incredibly charming animated video.   Well, actually the whole thing is pretty charming.  You'll find your toe tapping almost immediately and your doggy companions will enjoy the sound affects.

So, grab a dog or two.  Sit.  Stay.  Relax and enjoy I Had a Little Dog.   Then scroll down below the video to check out some great pet blogs because today is a blog hop.  Click around and you are sure to find some dog blogs that will make your tail way for sure!



Friday, May 6, 2011

Largest Midwest Dog Festival: Bark in the Park May 21, 2011

Bark in the Park
When:  Saturday, May 21, 2011    10 am to 3 pm - Walk starts at 11 am
Where:  Cricket Field in Forest Park  (St Louis, Missouri area)

Registration fee:  adults $25; youth $5; children under 3 are free 
More info: 314-951-1567

Grab a leash and lace up your sneakers because you don't want to miss the largest dog festival in the Midwest.  the annual dog walk and country fair is fun for the whole family.  Activities for adults, kids and dogs, too.  Have some fun whole helping homeless animals at the Humane Society of Missouri. Registration includes the dog walk, country fair festival and an Official Bark in the Park 2011 T-shirt.

Activities include:  bounce houses and inflatable mazes; interactive games and crafts;  tips, tricks and agility games for your dog;  Longmeadow Rescue Ranch animals; performances by the Purina Incredible Dog Team;  performance by the Cadence Drum Troupe;  face painting and balloon animals;  shopping at the Missouri Vendors Tent;  silent auction;  great food and treats;  dog and cat adoptions.


Schedule of Events:
  • 10:15 am - Purina Incredible Dog Team Performance
  • 10:35 am - Cadence Drum Troupe Performance
  • 11:00 am - A Walk for Animals Kick-off
  • 12:15 pm - Purina Incredible Dog Team Performance
  • 1:00 pm - Silent Auction Closes
  • 1:15 pm - Deadline to register for Pet Contests
  • 1:30 pm - Pet Contest
  • 2:15 pm - Purina Incredible Dog Team Performance

Want to bring your dog along?  Great!  However, no retractable leashes!


All proceeds from Bark in the Park go to the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty fund, dedicated to investigating, healing and preventing animal abuse.


For more information visit the Humane Society of Missouri on the web , call them at 314-951-1567 or email Bark in the Park.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Puppy Mills: Missouri Compromise SB 161 a Victory or Sham

Missouri SB 161, the Governor's compromise bill entitled the Canine Cruelty Prevention Act was passed and signed into law on April 27.  It takes effect immediately.  Some Missouri animal welfare groups are calling this a great victory for puppy mill dogs.  Other animal welfare groups are calling it a sham and a shame.

Frankly, I don't consider it a victory.  Nor do I consider it a sham.  I fervently supported MO Prop B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.  Bottom line, I'd like the puppy mills put entirely out of business and I didn't think Prop B had strong enough language.  However, I'm a resident of the real world and, like it or not, that's not going to happen in Missouri any time soon.

The nature of a compromise is that both sides have to give at the same time as they get.  By definition, SB 161 is a good example.  Compromise:  A settlement of differences in which each side makes concessions.  In the case of SB 161, both sides definitely made concessions.


I did not support SB 161.  Nor did I oppose it.  I have been pretty vocal about my disgust that the Missouri Legislature would tamper with a voter passed initiative ballot measure.  (However, that's not for the first time, as I discovered in my reading about so-called democracy in the great state of Missouri.)


My bottom line concern is the dogs.  Are their living conditions improved?  

If I have a raging fever of 105 and my temperature drops to 104, that's an improvement.  Is my health still in jeopardy?  You betcha.  My body still has a battle to wage.   And so do dog lovers in Missouri.

The new law requires that dogs in large breeding facilities receive hands-on vet care, continuous clean water, nutritious food twice daily, and more space in which to live.  In addition, Missouri Governor Nixon has committed to add over $1 million to the MO Department of Agriculture's budget for more inspectors and veterinarians to enforce the new regulations.

The original Prop B, passed by 51% of Missouri voters in November, required an indoor floor space of at least 25 square feet for small dogs;  30 square feet for medium size dogs and 35 square feet for large dogs.  The new law doubles the previous minimum space requirements by January 2012 and triples them by January 2016 for existing breeders.  Wire flooring is also be prohibited.  Any dog housing facilities constructed after April 15, 2011, will have to comply with the tripled space requirements immediately.

The original Prop B required at least one yearly exam with prompt treatment for any illness or injury.  The new law requires one yearly exam and prompt treatment of a serious illness or injury.  Though the new law does not include a mandated breeding cycle rest period, it does require a recommendation by a licensed veterinarian for breeding and requires vet records be maintained for two years.

The new law requires dogs to have continuous access to water, access to food at least twice daily - an increase from the original Prop B once daily requirement.  However, generally is inserted in front of a requirement that the water be free of debris, feces, algae and other contaminants.

Under the new law dog breeders could pay as much as $2,500 instead of the current $500 maximum and will pay an extra $25 annual fee to finance Missouri's efforts to crack down on unlicensed dog breeders.

Some who opposed the SB 161 compromise see this as no victory at all.  Rather than seeing the glass half empty, I prefer to see it as half full.   It's a long road ahead, but Missouri dog lovers have gained some ground.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Wordless Wednesday: Dogs Cats and Sticks

No one seems to be watching.  
Skeeter can preserve her reputation as an aloof feline.
Hmmm...  interesting ear.





What's so great about the stick?  Play with me!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Talking Dogs Blog is a Winner in the Pets Blogroll Contest


You may have noticed a little widget over on the left and wondered what it was all about.  Well, the good folks over at The Pets Blogroll randomly selected Talking Dogs blog, along with four other pet blogs, to receive custom Pets Blogroll pet bowls.   The contest was their way of celebrating achieving 250 members.

All four of the For Love of a Dog canines definitely approve of this terrific new bowl.  (Though only three would pose for photos.)  This is really a nice ceramic pet food bowl with the Pets Blogroll logo from Cafe Press.


Jeffie thinks this new bowl looks pretty sharp!
 
Lucy and Rudy agree.



Rudy says:  Where's the kibble?
The Pets Blogroll is a growing network of pet lovers and the first blogroll just for pet bloggers.  Their mission is to build the best community online for pet bloggers.   If you blog about pets, you owe it to yourself to check it out.  Joining The Pets Blogroll has several benefits:
  • Contests - weekly and monthly giveaways sponsored by some of the most exciting pets related companies.
  • Forum -  to talk about pets
  • Finest Bloggers Friday - every Friday they feature a selection of blogs from The Pets Blogroll.
  • Exposure - being exposed on all the members blogs with their easy to install widget.
  • Networking - meet your favorite pets bloggers and find any pets blog with their search tools.  
Not a pet blogger?  Just like reading about pets?  Then head over to The Pets Blogroll widget and check out some of these barking good blogs!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Adopt Hamilton: A Big Black Homeless Dog

At For Love of a Dog we have a (very) soft spot in our hearts for black dogs.  If you've been thinking about adding a dog to your life, consider this beautiful young black dog.

Hamilton is a black and white Labrador Retriever mixed breed dog about one year old.  He is already housebroken and responds to some commands.  For more information about Hamilton, contact the Humane Society of Missouri - St Louis City at 314-951-1562 and ask for information about animal ID #A506517.