Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween from For Love of a Dog

 
May you avoid all goblin tricks
& find only treats!

Happy Halloween!
from all of us at
For Love of a Dog

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Dog Song Saturday: A Dog's Life by Nina Nastasia

It's Dog Song Saturday here at Talking Dogs.  Today's offering doesn't come with a cute dog video, however this song should not be missed.   A Dog's Life by Nina Nastasia is from her first album, Dogs.    Definitely going onto our personal playlist.

Grab a dog.  Sit.  Stay.  Relax and enjoy A Dog's Life by singer and songwriter Nina Nastasia.  It it gets you in the mood for some more canine themed music, then head on over to our Dog Songs at Talking Dogs page and have a listen.   Then come back and scroll down below the Nina Nastasia video to sniff out some barking good dog blogs because today is a Pet Blogger Hop.



Friday, October 28, 2011

Adopt Rawhide a Senior Beagle Mixed Breed Dog



Rawhide is a 9 year old female Beagle mixed breed dog who's looking for a forever home.  She's a beautiful tri color girl who is already spayed, housebroken and walks nicely on a leash.  A sweatheart, she's looking for a loving place to live out her golden years.

If you think you might want a walking companion, as well as a couch snuggler, consider Rawhide.  For more information about Rawhide, contact the animal shelter at the Humane Society of Missouri in St Louis at 314-951-1562 and ask about ID #A515686.

Missouri Puppy Mill Progress - St Louis Pet Lovers Expo

Bob Baker, Executive Director of the Missouri Alliance for Animal Welfare will be speaking at the St Louis Pet Expo on Saturday, October 29 at 2:45pm on the main stage.  

His address is entitled "Missouri as the Puppy Mill Capital of the Midwest:  New Laws and Progress/"  Baker will examine progress made during and since the 2011 Missouri legislative session, as well as what lies ahead for Missourians who are concerned about the welfare of dogs in substandard breeding facilities.

Admission is free to the 2011 St Louis Pet Lovers Expo which will be held at the St Charles Convention Center.  Pets are welcome as long as they are on a fixed lead and have proof of current vaccinations.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Woof! Dog Bone Jewelry for People

I just can't resist a good dog woof, nor a dog bone!  Just yesterday I added some barking cute woof dog bone earrings to our For Love of a Dog shop.  Among them were this pair that are literally one of a kind.  I used little hand shaped mosaic tiles that are embossed with a dog bone shape proclaiming (what else?) WOOF.  I hand wire wrapped them with some gemstones for a dainty little dangle.  So cute!

And if you like those WOOF earrings, check out the one of a kind dog lover necklace shown below the dog bone earrings.

The pendant is a similar little mosaic tile that I've turned into a pendant, but in a warm ginger brown.  I created the necklace chain by using silver jeweler's wire to hand wire wrap gorgeous freshwater pearls together.  Be sure to notice the adorable toggle clasp.  It's a dog collar and dog bone!

Shop for more dog lover jewelry for people at For Love of a Dog.  We specialize in one of a kind artisan jewelry and, let's face it... we love dogs and the people who love them!  Free standard shipping on each purchase.

We Won Chronicles of Cardigan Contest Part 1

Rudy is wearing his new Rubit! dog tag clip.

Big thanks (and woofs) to Dewi, Jon Farleigh, and Elizabeth at Chronicles of Cardigan!

The contest required the submission of a photo of a pet demonstrating "Happiness is..." and then an appropriate caption to that photo.  Our photo was drawn at random to win a Rubit! dog tag clip and a $20 Amazon gift card

We've already spent the gift card (more on that later) and a couple of days ago our Rubit! dog tag clip arrived in the mail.

Not only did the package contain our prize, but it came with personalized notes from infamous Corgis, Dewi and Jon Farleigh.  Note the "magic marker on nose print" sticky notes below.)

Dewi & Jon Farleigh sent our Chronicles of Cardigan prize with personalized notes.

Rubit! Dog Tag Clip in black
 Though all three of our dogs seemed to be way more interested in sniffing the wrappings, we were delighted with the dog tag clip.  Since it was a photo of Rudy that won it, he got the clip.  In fact, it's too bad Chronicles of Cardigan doesn't get some kind of kick-back, since we plan on purchasing a couple more Rubit! clips for Lucy and Jeffie.

Part 2 of the Chronicles of Cardigan Happiness Is... Contest is still going on.  Dewi, Jon Farleigh, and Elizabeth will award the winner a $25 donation to the rescue of the winner's choice! 

Of course, we're entered in Part 2 and we'd sure like to win.  Our choice of shelter/rescue organization is Stray Rescue of St Louis.  (We've barked about Randy Grim and Stray Rescue here.) In fact, we've promised (publicly on Facebook) that if we win, we'll personally match that $25 donation.  AND we'll make sure to donated to Stray Rescue of St Louis's Strack Fund because right now a donor is matching all those contributions!  

Convoluted as what I just wrote sounds... it means that if we win, Stray Rescue will receive $100 total.  So head over to Chronicles of Cardigan and vote for us!  We are photo #2.   Voting continues until 11:59 pm Eastern Time US on October 31.  The winner will be announced November 1.

Here's our very lucky photo and caption:
Happiness is... having a good stick and a best friend.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Wordless Wednesday: Grass Stains

Rudy takes a time out after a rowdy game of tag with Jeffie, just before he gets a work over with soap and water to remove the grass stains. 

Grass stains... this would be a disadvantage to a white Labrador Retriever.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Dog Jewelry: New Portuguese Water Dog Necklace

Fetch this one of a kind, handmade Portuguese Water Dog necklace for yourself or friend.  It is gorgeous!  Check out that black, lion cut, Portuguese Water Dog pendant.  It hand sculpted of porcelain clay and truly special.  To accent this dog pendant, I used high gloss black obsidian gemstone beads for the necklace, with three dimensional silver dog bone beads as accents.

Perhaps the best part of this Portuguese Water Dog necklace is that the pendant is removable so that you can wear it as a brooch.  Yes, you read that right.  In fact, you can even easily put another of your own pin on this necklace as a pendant.  Very versatile.  Like two pieces of jewelry in one.

Fetch more handmade, one of a kind dog jewelry for people from For Love of a Dog.  Great gifts for dog lovers, dog breed jewelry, dog rescue jewelry and free shipping with each purchase.

Dog Halloween Contest & Party: Bow Wow Ween in Leawood KS

2nd Annual BOW WOW WEEN Costume Party
Saturday, October 29
Costume contest begins at 1pm
Queen of Paws Boutique (inside Trendz Boutique)
5405 W 151st St
Leawood, KS

Hosted by Queen of Paws and the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation.

Bring your dogs and your kids to pawty!  Pet costume contest with children's activities, a parade and lots of fun.  Registration is FREE, but donations to MAAL are encouraged.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Dog Bone Jewelry: New Earrings at For Love of a Dog

I just have to bark a bit about our new dog bone earrings at For Love of a Dog.  I can't help it;  I just think they're so cute!  Hand shaped porcelain clay dog bones are embossed with the word WOOF.  I then dangled them from picture jasper gemstone beads in coordinating shades of that biscuit brown.  They're semi chunky, but not super heavy.  So much fun!  The WOOF dog bone earrings shown to the left are in gold, but silver is available.  In fact, I soon will have more gemstone selection available in this style.

These earrings are part of our Mutts dog jewelry collection at For Love of a Dog.  There you'll find unique dog lover necklaces, lots of dog bone and dog mom bracelets, and plenty of dog bone earrings.

Fetch more handmade, one of a kind dog lover jewelry for people from For Love of a Dog.  Can't forget to tell you:  free shipping!

Dog Art Quilt Raffle Benefits MAAL

The Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation is raffling a one of a kind pet art quilt this fall.  And this piece of functional art is absolutely gorgeous!

This quilt features artwork from Kansas City artist, Marie Mason, St Louis artist Ken Farris and other designs donated to MAAL.  All proceeds benefit the work of MAAL.  

Tickets are $1 each or 6 tickets for $5.  The winner will be announced Nov ember 27.  Purchase your tickets for the dog art quilt at the MAAL web site.

The Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, founded in 1990, is a non-profit organization working to bring positive change for animals through legislative means. Our efforts are combined with the actions of concerned individuals, other groups, organizations and agencies interested in the enactment and/or protection of animal welfare laws.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Dog Rescue Jewelry Gifts

You might wonder why I create dog rescue jewelry. The answer is simple.  I love dog people.  Especially those who support rescue.  And I know that wearing a spay and neuter bracelet can start conversations that can save dogs' lives.  

The same is true of my rescue bracelets or black dog jewelry.  A simple compliment can lead into a real dialog about animal welfare, not to mention your own beloved canine companion.

Shown above is a dog rescue bracelet featuring a hand stamped silver dog bone with RESCUE with a little red jasper heart dangle.  I combined black obsidian gemstone beads with fancy silver beads for the bracelet.  Then I finished it off with an adorable dog collar and dog bone toggle clasp.

Shown above is a spay and neuter dog lover bracelet.  Here I used ceramic alphabet beads to spell out SPAY and NEUTER.  Then I surrounded them with black onyx gemstone beads.  A red brecciated jasper heart and a little silver three dimensional dog bone dangle from the bracelet's extender chain.

My foster dog mom bracelets celebrate these very special women who rescues dogs and puppies by taking them into their homes until they can find a forever family.  Not only does the foster dog mom bracelet shown above include a little red heart and a gold dog bone, it includes a star.  Because, in my opinion, foster dog moms are definitely stars!

A forever home, lots of love, and plenty of dog bones.  That's what all dogs deserve and what I honor in this forever home dog lover necklace shown above.  A silver repousse pendant depicts a little dog peering from inside it's dog house with a silver heart dangle.  I created the necklace chain by wire wrapping lots of fancy silver beads with adorable little white glass dog bones.  When you visit For Love of a Dog, you'll see that there's even a coordinating dog bone bracelet.

Fetch more dog rescue jewelry for people at For Love of a Dog.  We love dog rescue so much that we've even created a rewards program for animal rescue groups.  Yes, your rescue group can raise funds by simply signing up and placing a special For Love of a Dog banner on your site.  

Adopt Spice, a Homeless Pit Bull Terrier Dog

This sweet, shy, soul is a homeless dog named Spice.  He's a mellow red and brown colored Pit Bull Terrier.  Spice is about 2 years old and already neutered.  A real sweetheart, Spice needs a loving forever home.

If you have room in your heart and on your couch, call the Humane Society of Missouri's St Louis animal shelter for more information 314-951-1562.  Spice's animal ID #A517625.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Pit Bull Dog Breed Jewelry

In honor of Pit Bull Awareness Day, today we're featuring some of our handmade Pit Bull dog jewelry here at For Love of a Dog.  Because our jewelry is hand crafted and most is one of a kind, our products in stock changes frequently.  Currently we have a number Pit Bull dog themed necklaces and brooches on hand.

Shown to the left is one of our Pit Bull dog pins in brindle and white.  This American Pit Bull dog head is molded from an original design sculpture, hand detailed and airbrushed.  Current colors available include an all white Pit Bull, black and white, all brindle, all black, and black and tan.

Here's one of our dog lover necklaces that includes a pendant that looks very much like a Pit Bull dog.  The pendant is solid aventurine gemstone hand carved with an image of a dog howling at the moon.  

I combined it with a subdued, earthy, rainbow of jasper beads in mauve, green, caramell, brick red, and more by wire wrapping the beads into a chain.  This dog necklace is definitely one of a kind.  

Like many pieces of our dog jewelry for people, it could also easily represent your mixed breed dog.

Here's another one of a kind dog necklace which features a Pit Bull dog, though again, this could represent another of the bully dog breeds or your mixed breed mutt.  I imported this hand carved Japanese boxwood netsuke dog head from Hong Kong.  It is gorgeous and a little work of art.  I hand wire wrapped coordinating natural serpentine gemstone beads to form the necklace chain.   

Fetch more Pit Bull dog lover jewelry from For Love of a Dog.  We specialize in one of a kind dog jewelry for people.  While you're there, don't miss our dog rescue jewelry.  Great gifts that are sure to please any dog lover.

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,     .

Dog Song Saturday: Pit Bull by Nancy Simmonds | Pit Bull Awareness Day

It's Saturday, so time for a dog song here at Talking Dogs!  Today is the 5th annual Pit bull Awareness Day, so in honor of pitties everywhere, we'd like to share Pit Bull.  This song was written and performed by Nancy Simmonds and is from her Muscial Tails 8th Litter music compilation.  It's soft rocking melody that tells the story of the bond between the singer and her pit bull dog.

So, grab a dog, a Pitbull if you've got one!  Sit.  Stay.  Relax and mellow out to Pit Bull by Nancy Simmonds.  When that song ends, check out the pitbull songs we've featured previously here on Dog Song SaturdayPit Bull Blues by John Shipe and Pit Bull Rescue Woman by John Shipe and John Grimshaw.  

Be sure to scroll down below the dog video to fetch some barking good dog blogs, because today is a Pet Blogger Hop.



Friday, October 21, 2011

New Dog Jewelry: Chow Necklace and Brooch

This adorable Chow dog breed necklace features a removable pendant to wear as a brooch.  The Chow pendant is handmade of porcelain using no molds, so each is one of a kind.  

Check out those freehand sculpture details and that darling blue dog tongue!  I couldn't resist accenting that tongue with some turquoise blue magnesite gemstone beads.  Then I tossed some black three dimensional lampwork dog bones and a black onyx heart.

You can easily remove the Chow pendant to wear as a pin whenever you don't feel like wearing a necklace.  This would make a fabulous gift for any Chow Chow dog lover.

Take a closer look at this piece Chow dog breed jewelry at For Love of a Dog.  We specialize in hand crafted, unique dog jewelry for people.  While you're there, check out our other dog breed jewelry and dog lover gifts.  We even have barking good jewelry selection for those of you who love a mixed breed dog / mutt.

Fetch For Love of a Dog now and enjoy free standard shipping!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

New Dog Jewelry: German Shepherd Necklace and Brooch

Wear your beloved German Shepherd Dog close to your heart with this new one of a kind necklace from For Love of a Dog.  

You'll love the little three dimensional lampwork dog bones, surrounded by glossy black obsidian gemstone beads in this necklace.  Even more, you'll love this handmade porcelain art pendant that can easily be removed from the necklace to wear as a brooch!

Take a closer look at this GSD necklace and while you're at For Love of a Dog, be sure to check out the rest of our dog jewelry for people.  You'll find more German Shepherd Dog breed jewelry, plus dog rescue themed jewelry, elevated dog feeders, Christmas ornaments and other dog lover gifts.  All handmade;  most one of a kind.  

And I can't forget to tell you:  FREE standard shipping!  What are you waiting for?  Fetch For Love of a Dog now.

Puppy Mills: Pomeranian Dogs Ready for Adoption

Earlier this month the Humane Society of Missouri was given custody of more than 20 Pomeranian dogs.  These dogs were given up by a substandard dog breeding facility.  Each dog has received a thorough veterinary examination by the Humane Society of Missouri.  

Now that these dogs have received their veterinary treatments and are deemed healthy, they are available for adoption.  Interested adopters can view the Humane Society of Missouri's adoptable animals on the web.

Halloween Half Price Adoptions at Wayside Waifs Animal Shelter

Wayside Waifs, the largest no kill animal shelter in the Kansas City, MO area, has announced their new Fall Adoption Event:  Find Your Boo!  

All adoption fees will be half price during this three day event.  

Their ambitious goal is to find new homes for every single pet in their facility.  Right now they have more than 160 cats and kittens, and more than 125 dogs and puppies available for adoption.  Many of these pets have been waiting for months to find their forever home.  

All of the animals available for adoption are spay/neutered, microchipped and current on vaccinations.  Visit the Wayside Waifs web site for view adoptable pets.

Wayside Waifs is located at 3901 Martha Truman Rd, KCMO 816-761-8151
Find Your Boo adoption hours:
Friday, October 21  2pm - 9pm
Saturday, October 22  10am - 6pm
Sunday, October 23  Noon -6pm

In addition to pet adoption, Wayside Waif's amazing volunteer corps is organizing an awesome craft show, silent auction, and raffle.  Find your Boo and do a little bit of shopping, too!

Congratulations to Wayside Waifs for being voted "Best Place to Adopt a Pet" and "Best Nonprofit" in Kansas City by The Pitch readers!  All of us here at Talking Dogs have a soft spot in our hearts for Wayside Waifs.  One of the best dogs in the whole wide world came from Wayside - our boy Sherman.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

New Scottish Terrier Dog Jewelry: Necklaces and Brooches

If you love a Scottie dog, then you really should take a look at For Love of a Dog's Scottish Terrier dog jewelry.  I've just listed two new necklaces that are truly one of a kind and very special.

Both of the Scottie dog lover necklaces shown here feature brooches that are used at pendants for the necklaces.  Yes, you read that right!  You can easily and quickly removed the pendant to wear as a brooch when you're not feeling like wearing a necklace.

The Scottish Terrier dog necklace, shown at left, is in a classic color combination of black and red.  I used big, fat round gemstone beads of scarlet red coral and combined then with adorable, three dimensional dog bone beads.  Gorgeous colors with this wonderful little handmade porcelain black Scottish Terrier dog.



The second Scottie dog necklace shown here also includes a similar handmade, porcelain Scottish Terrier dog pin that I used as a pendant.  This time is used royal purple magnesite gemstone beads with the little black dog bones.  Rich colors that really set off this darling dog.

Fetch more one of a kind handmade dog jewelry for people at For Love of a Dog.  You'll like our gift box packaging and free standard shipping.  Gifts galore for those dog lovers on your holiday shopping list!

Puppy Mills: Over 30 Dogs Rescued in Christian County MO

36 dogs have been rescued from an unlicensed dog breeder in Christian County, MO.  Dogs were found all housed in stacked crates in a filthy basement.

Acting on information from a local animal control facility and working in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA), on October 13 the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force rescued 36 Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese, 32 adults and 4 puppies, from an unlicensed breeding facility near Ozark, Mo. in Christian County.

The dogs were living in deplorable conditions in the basement of the owner’s home. The dogs’ crates were stacked on top of each other with many of the dogs and puppies living in their own waste.  The concrete floor was wet with urine. The dogs appeared to be thin with coats matted with feces and urine. The only available water and food for the animals was contaminated with feces.

The owner agreed to voluntarily surrender the animals to the Missouri Department of Agriculture, which immediately transferred permanent custody to the Humane Society of Missouri for veterinary treatment and sheltering.

The rescued animals will arrive tomorrow at the Humane Society of Missouri's Headquarters on Macklind Ave in St Louis.  As they become healthy over the next several weeks, as many of the dogs as possible will be made available for adoption.  Interested adopters are asked to visit the Humane Society of Missouri web site to see all adoptable dogs.

Wordless Wednesday: Rudy Has a Birthday

Our yellow Labrador Retriever puppy is a puppy no more.  Rudy celebrated his birthday last week and he's now one year old.  Rudy's milestone came on the heals of Tucker's death, so we weren't really feeling like much of a party.  However, we knew we wanted to celebrate and that a celebration of life was, truly, just what we needed.

You'll find no party hats on dogs here.  Instead, photos (probably too many) of Rudy's big day.  

A bit of background.  We live in a rural area.  The closest town has only one place that welcomes dogs.  We thought it would be fun to let Rudy pick his own gifts, so Rudy went shopping. 

Rudy examined a red Jolly Ball, but the photographer took too long to focus.  Rudy's attention had already strayed to checking out other shoppers.
 
Okay, back to shopping.  Hmmm... lots of balls!  But where are the squeaking toys?
Sniff, sniff... Food!  They have eats here!

A tire with a rope looks good.  Ands smells a whole lot like a blue one at home...
How about a squeaking football?
At home again, you'll see that our very own Gater Boy (aka Bitey Whitey, Rudy) chose a gater toy.  It's pretty cool.  The fleece gater cover fits over a water bottle that has a removable cap which emits horrible crying noises.  That coupled with the crackling of the water bottle makes it a current favorite.  And an object worth a whole lot of examination - from top to bottom.  Especially the bottom.

They say you should stick with your first choice and Rudy did.  
That bright red Jolly Ball came home with us, too.  
Jeffie was thrilled with Rudy's selection.
Since Rudy was the birthday boy, Jeffie even let him "win."

Well, there had to be a few challenges or the game isn't fun.  
Right?  Right.

Happy Birthday, Rudy! 

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

New Dog Jewelry: Silver Heart Dog Breed Pendants

Bernese Mtn Dog Pendant
We've recently added some new handmade dog lover jewelry - dog breed pendants.  They're available in several AKC / UKC dog breeds.  Sweet little hand crafted dog sculptures are not flat cut outs, but two dimensional replicas that are true to dog breed standards.  Accented with small silver hearts for an excellent way to wear your special dog close to your heart.

Current dog breeds available include:  Australian Shepherd, Beagle, Bernese Mountain Dog, French Bulldog, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie, Greyhound, Collie, Doberman Pinscher, Sheltie, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Newfoundland, Norwegian Elkhound, Rottweiler, Schnauzer, and West Highland Terrier.

GSD Pendant


Each of these dog pendants comes with gift box packaging and free standard shipping.  At $25, they make a barking good gift, too.  If you've not started your Christmas shopping, maybe you should!

For more dog lover jewelry and gifts, fetch For Love of a Dog.  We've been handcrafting our dog jewelry for people since 1991.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Purina Incredible Dog Challenge 2011 Final Results

Finally! Here are the winners at the 2011 Purina Incredible Dog Challenge finals held October 1, 2011 at Purina Farms in Gray Summit, Missouri.

Congratulations!

Small Dog Agilility
  1. Roger Coor and Primo, a 5 yr old Papillon,Phoenix, from AZ
  2. Donna Nolan and Baxter, a 4 yr old Jack Russell Terrier, from Whitestone, NY
  3. Kim Simons and Slyder, an 8 yr old Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, from Northridge, CA
Large Dog Agility
  1. Jeannine Doepke and Jill, a 2 yr old Border Collie, from Glendale, AZ
  2. Diane Allen and Bracken, a 5 yr old Border Collie, from Moab, UT
  3. Teresa Rodney and Sprint, a 6 yr old Flat Coated Retriever, from Fountain Valley, CA
  1. Lise Ann Strum and Vhoebe, a 3 yr old Belgian Malinois, from San Diego, CA
  2. Ashley Rietfors and Pyro, a 2 yr old Dutch Shepherd, from Santa Cruz, CA
  3. Tony Lampert and Baxter, a 2 year old Belgian Malinois, from St Louis, MO
30 Weave Up and Back
  1. Debbie Beam and Major, a 5 yr old Parson Russell Terrier, from Durango, CO
  2. Amber Abbott and Joker, a 3yr old Border Collie, from Peoria, AZ
  3. Jeannine Doepke and Jill, a 2 yr old Border Collie, from Glendale, AZ
Jack Russell Hurdle Racing
  1. Bill and Joy Owens and Huntmoor Diamond from Springfield, MO
  2. Wayne May and May Day Hitch from Dunnsville, VA
  3. Angie Trumbo and Flashin' Bear from Olive Branch, MS
  1. Kouske Hirai and Jake, a 3 yr old Border Collie, from Gumma, Japan
  2. Shunsuke Hirai and Shack, a 4 yr old Border Collie, from Gumma, Japan - Watch their performance here
  3. Jonathon Offi and Ruby, a 6 yr old Pit Bull, from Big Sur, CA
  1. Mark Muir and Rocket, an 8 yr old Border Collie, from Williamson, GA
  2. Karolina Nowak and Java, a 3 yr old Australian Shepherd, from Warsaw, Poland
  3. Kouske Hirai and Jake, a 3 yr old Border Collie, from Gumma, Japan

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Adopt Wanda, a Brindle Pit Bull Terrier Dog


Wanda is looking for a forever home.  And she is such a cutie patootie!  Wanda is only about 5 months old.  She's a brown brindle and white Pit Bull Terrier mixed dog and already spayed.  Wanda walks nicely on a leash, but still has lots of that fun puppy energy. 

If you've got room in your heart and on your couch, contact the Humane Society of Missouri animal shelter in St Louis at 314-951-1562 and ask for more information about Wanda.  Her ID number is A516488

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Dog Song Saturday: Save the World by Swedish House Mafia

Can dogs save the world?  Yes!  At least that's what is suggested in today's dog song.  Though I'm not big on violence of any kind, I loved this dog video.  And though I kept thinking one of the dogs might get hurt, none do.  In fact, the footage of the dogs - running, their faces - is fantastic.  Besides, dogs might not be able to save the whole world, but can we all agree that dogs can save people - one at a time.

Without further ado, Talking Dogs presents this Dog Song Saturday selection:  Save the World by Swedish House Mafia (available on iTunes.)

Grab a dog.  Relax and enjoy watching dogs save the world.  Want more canine music?  Fetch Talking Dogs Songs.  And while you're feeling energized in a doggy way, scroll below today's dog video to check out some barking good dog blogs, because today is a Pet Blogger Hop.



Thursday, October 13, 2011

Puppy Mills: Macerich Shopping Malls Ban Pet Sales

According to Global Animal, shopping center developer Macerich is banning sales of live animals in more than 70 shopping malls across the United States.  Macerich confrmed to Global Animal that they will not renew the leases of existing pet stores that sell animals and in their place, are opening humane stores offering adoptions of rescued pets.

Some of the high profile shopping malls include Los Angeles' Westside Pavilion, which is opening a rescue store this month in association with the nonprofit Friends of LA shelters, Scottsdale's Fashion Square, Chesterfield Towne Center in Richmond, Virginia.

This new humane policy designed to break the puppy mill business chain is taking effect nationwide within 30 days.  Read more about it at Global Animal and see the 70+ shopping malls nationwide that will be part of the pet sale ban.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Missouri Puppy Mills: New Definitions for Canine Cruelty Prevention Act

There's a bit of good news for dogs in Missouri.  According to the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, the new regulations to fully implement the Canine Cruelty Prevention Act (CCPA) have been finalized.  They contain the following definition for examination:

"Examination means a complete physical evaluation from head to tail of a covered dog or cat by a licensed veterinarian to include auscultation, palpation, and a visual inspection in which the heart rate, respiratory rate, breeding soundness, and the results of palpation are assessed and recorded as indicated on the forms provided."

The long time practice of paying veterinarians to simply walk through the barns and kennel buildings, without ever actually taking the dogs out of their cages to exam them to verify that the dogs are healthy, is about to come to an end. The attending veterinarians will now be required to perform a thorough hands-on physical examination in commercial dog breeding facilities in Missouri.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Adopt Buddy Bear a Senior Black Chow Labrador Retriever Dog

We always feature an adoptable dog on Sundays at Talking Dogs.  Today, in honor of Tucker, we're barking about a black dog that looks like he could be Tucker's cousin.  Plus this homeless pup is currently living not far from Tucker's birthplace in southern Virginia.

Buddy Bear is a Chow Chow / Labrador Retriever mixed breed dog who really needs a forever home.  Poor Buddy Bear tested positive for Heartworm and Lyme disease and had to go through treatment.  As of March 2011, Buddy completed his HW treatment and was doing well.  However, he STILL does not have a forever home!

According to Harmony Rescue in Rustburg, VA, where Buddy has been living, Buddy is a great dog!  He is very playful, obedient, loves other dogs and really loves hanging out indoors when given the choice.  

Buddy came to Harmony Rescue because his previous humans had to move and couldn't take him with them.  He's eight years old now. 

You can view more photos of this beautiful black dog, Buddy Bear, on Petfinder.  You can also call the Harmony Rescue at 434-821-3544.  This good boy needs a home!

Purina Incredible Dog Challenge 2011 Finals Pole Weaving



Enjoy watching Dinah 30 weave up and back at the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge finals on October 1, 2011 at Purina Farms in Gray Summit, MO.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Dog Song Saturday: In the Arms of the Angels by Sarah McLachlan

It's Saturday so time for a dog song from Talking Dogs.  Today's song is a very special one to all of us at For Love of a Dog.  You see, as you read this, Tucker, the original Talking Dog, is in the arms of the angels.  I promise to write more about Tucker and celebrate his 14 years of life with us, but not right now.  Forgive me for this short post;  my grief is too fresh to bark a lot today.

Today's song is In the Arms of the Angels sung by Sarah McLachlan and it is accompanied by lovely Rainbow Bridge art, as well as The Rainbow Bridge Poem.

Grab a dog.  Grab a box of tissues.  Sit.  Stay.  Please think a good thought for our Tucker and all your own canine friends who will greet you at the Rainbow Bridge.  When you've mopped up your tears and blown your nose, scroll down below the dog song video to browse some brilliant dog blogs because today is a Pet Blogger Hop.



Friday, October 7, 2011

Labrador Life Line Labour of Love Auction Begins Today

Labrador Life Line's Labour of Love auction begins today, Friday,October 7 at 5pm and tuns through October 21. 

They have some great donated items for you, your dogs, and your home. 

  Categories of auction items include:
  • For the Dog (Loving) House
  • Don't Shred This Paper! (books, calendars)
  • Dog Hair Collectors (clothes)
  • People Pleasers (stuff for humans)
  • For Your Heart Dog
  • Mid-Auction Madness
  • Flea Market (odds and ends)
Simply put, Labrador Life Line was created to help owners or rescuers of Labrador Retriever dogs who are in need of financial assistance for medical care, supplies, and transport to foster and permanent homes.   Their annual Labour of Love Auction is a great place to pick up some barking good gift items for those dog lovers on your holiday shopping list AND support a good cause.

Purina Incredible Dog Challenge 2011 Finals Diving Record Smashed



With a big jump, Vee-Bee, a Belgian Malinois dog soared right into the record books at the 2011 Purina Incredible Dog Challenge on Saturday, October 1 at Gray Summit, Missouri.  The jump was 31 feet and 8 inches. 

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Purina Incredible Dog Challenge 2011 Finals Speed & Catch



Check out the newest athletic dog competition created by Purina, to display incredible speed and catching ability.  Demonstrated at the 2011 Purina Incredible Dog Challenge held September 30 and October 1 at Purina Farms in Gray Summit, MO.  Shown in this video are Karolina and Java demonstrating Speed & Catch.

I Adopted a Puppy Mill Dog Facebook Page Launched

According to Marisa Scheff, Best Friends Animal Society Network volunteer, a new "I Adopted a Puppy Mill Dog" Facebook page has been launched.  Scheff notes that the page serves as a forum and resource for those who have already adopted or plan to adopt a puppy mill dog, or who simply want to learn more about puppy mills  Facebook fans of this page have already begun sharing their adoption stories. 

Puppy Mills: Some Good News for Dogs

Well, the news is not so good that we're jumping for joy or anything, but when it comes to puppy mills, we cheer for any little bit of good news and our tails are wagging today.

According to the Missouri Department of Agriculture, not only has there been a dramatic increase in the number of commercial dog breeder inspections in the past two years, but 60 more dog breeders have closed their operations since June 2011.  Translation:  from January 2009 to the present, there has been a one-third reduction in the number of licensed commercial dog breeders in the state of Missouri. 

Now, that's definitely something to bark about!

Many folks, like Bob Baker, Executive Director for the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, believe this decrease can be attributed to increasing public awareness brought about by the MO Prop B campaign, increased enforcement efforts by the MO Dept of Agriculture, as well as the passage of the Canine Cruelty Prevention Act.  Baker also reports:

"Not only have we seen increased efforts by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, but we are also witnessing a remarkable change in attitude from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).  At a recent meeting with commercial dog breeders, USDA officials proclaimed that their days of educating breeders are over and that the USDA is now in "enforcement" mode. The message repeated over and over again, by several USDA officials, was to clean up your act and comply with the law or get out of the business.  One USDA inspector told the 200 plus breeders in attendance that if they truly want to rid themselves of the moniker of "puppy mill," they need to stop confining their dogs in tiny cages.  He stated that the new law here in Missouri will help accomplish that change.   

"Dr. Chester Gipson, who is responsible for the enforcement of the federal Animal Welfare Act, admitted at this meeting that public awareness of the puppy mill issue has been very successful in gaining their attention and moving them toward more vigorous enforcement. It is reassuring to learn that all of our efforts, while less than encouraging at times, are beginning to pay off. 

"Dr. Gipson further announced that USDA will, within a year, be issuing new rules that would require breeders who sell multiple puppies over the Internet to be federally licensed and regulated by the U. S. Department of Agriculture for the first time ever. Currently, Internet sellers are exempt from the Animal Welfare Act which only covers breeders for the wholesale market such as those who breed dogs for pet stores. This is a significant development as many wholesale breeders have merely switched to selling over the Internet to avoid federal inspections and regulations. "

Now, that is good news.  Excuse us while we do some more barking.