Sunday, July 29, 2012

Adopt Bowser a Black Cocker Spaniel Dog

Bowser is looking for love and he's got a lot of love to share, too.  He's a black Cocker Spaniel who's about 2 years old.  Very affectionate, he walks nicely on a leash and sits to be petted. 

Right now he's calling the Humane Society of Missouri Chesterfield Valley animal shelter home.  If you've got room in your heart and on your couch for a love of a dog, give them a call at 636-530-0805 and find out more about Bowser  (ID# A533810)

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Dog Song Saturday: Pomeranian Dog Song

Pomeranian Coco: Rob Hanson Photo
  It's Saturday, so time for a dog song at Talking Dogs.  Kick off your weekend with this upbeat, toe tapping song written and performed by Nancy Simmonds.  Pom Pom Get a Pom (available for download on iTunes and Amazon) is from Simmonds Musical Tails 2nd Litter release.  We love the name of the record label:  Lone Puppy Productions.

Accompanying the Pomeranian dog song is a cute slide show of, what else, Poms!

You know the drill, right?  Grab a dog!  Sit. Stay. Relax and tap your foot to Pom Pom Get a Pom.  Fetch more Talking Dogs dog song music videos and be sure to scroll down below today's dog video to explore some barking good dog blogs because today is a Pet Blogger Hop.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Dog Swims - St Louis Missouri Area

Live near St Louis?  Beat the heat and support animal welfare at the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation annual Pool Paws for Humane Laws dog swims.

Cost is only $10 for each dog and adult human companion; $3 for each addition human.  These dog swim fundraisers offer well socialized dogs the opportunity to take an end-of-season dip. Family members and friends are allowed to wade in the pool but not swim. (Download the Flyer here)
 
Dog Swim Events:

McNair Park Pool/St. Charles
Monday, August 6: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 9: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
(Inclement weather call 636-946-1553) No rain out days scheduled

Kirkwood Aquatic Center
Tuesday, September 4: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 6: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
(Inclement weather call 314-984-6972) No rain out days scheduled

Splash at Wabash/Ferguson
Wednesday, September 5: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
(Inclement weather call 314-521-1313) Rainout date: September 6: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center/O’Fallon
Saturday, September 8: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
(Inclement weather call 636-272-1626) Rainout date: Saturday, September 15: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

RULES:
  • Well socialized dogs welcome. 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.
  • Dogs must be leashed unless swimming in the pool and closely supervised by their owners.
  • All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Dogs are running loose and become rambunctious.
  • Small children should be closely supervised to avoid injuries.
  • All owners must sign a waiver and are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries or damage caused by their dogs.
  • One-half of the entry fees will be contributed to the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, a nonprofit lobbying organization working to enact, support and protect Missouri animal welfare laws. Donations are not tax-deductible.
 For more information, contact the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation (MAAL)  or call 314-361-3944.  MAAL protects animals from abuse, neglect and inhumane exploitation by monitoring and facilitating the passage of animal welfare laws.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Dog Days of Summer

Rudy says: when the temperature soars above 100 degrees and stays that way for days on end, the best thing to do is stay in the ac and nap!

Rudy seems to agree!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Babysitting Bambi Part 2: Double Vision

This spring a doe chose a spot just outside our yard fence to give birth.  We watched her return to her hidden fawn each day for just over a week.  You can read about it and see photos of the deer here.

Since that time we've seen the doe come to our pond several times, so we knew she'd moved her fawn to another hiding place nearby.  To our delight, though certainly watchful, she seems to feel pretty comfortable on our place.

Then one evening she brought her offspring with her for a drink and a dip of a bath.  Imagine the thrill we felt when we realized she'd had twins!





This beautiful trio stayed for quite awhile.  Nibbling, getting a sip now and then, and doing some grooming.  There was also a lot of dancing and splashing in the water by the fawns.  The doe seemed to look meaningfully at the house... as if to say "Here they are!"
 Show and tell over, the doe and her fawns followed the creek to look for a nice place to bed down for the night.


Since then, they've returned several times and we're enjoying seeing these babies grow and mature.
. 

Monday, July 23, 2012

My Best Friends: Bloggers Unite for Dog Rescue

 Some of my best friends came from behind bars.  

 Their only crime?  

 They were unwanted.

 Over the years we've enriched our lives with several adopted, rescued furry friends, but the ones below came from animal shelters.

 All save one were scheduled for euthanasia.

 

Benji was on death row at the Lawrence Humane Society.
A German Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher mix, at about 3 months old he had less than a week left before he would be euthanized when I first saw him.  I'd gone along for the ride with some friends who were planning to adopt.  A fulltime college student living in an apartment, I had no business even considering adding a puppy to my life.  But I did.  At the "midnight hour" I became the cavalry and rescued this pup who would become the love of my life for the next 14 years.  A three time cancer survivor and amputee, my tripawd Benji and I had some amazing adventures together.

Sherman was all alone in a cage at Wayside Waifs the day the Dog Daddy and I went looking for a new friend for Benji and to celebrate the farm we'd just purchased.  A yellow Lab mix puppy who'd been picked up as a stray, we fell in love.

When my beloved Benji succumbed to liver failure, my fix for heartbreak was a puppy.  The only black one in a litter of Lab mix puppies, he remained unadopted at the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri and didn't have long before his time was up.   Spanky Doo was smart as a whip, ready for anything, and soon became the boon companion of our Sherman.

We found Jeffie, our cush dog, on Petfinder  Jeffie, his two brothers, and his Golden Retriever mother had been picked up as strays and were living at Dogwood Animal Shelter. 


Before I adopted Benji, all those years ago, I had grown up with bonny dog companions who were all purebred dogs adopted directly from the breeders.  I was unaware of animal shelters, the notion of pet rescue, and ignorant about the great numbers of unwanted pets.  


Since then, the canine members of my family have all been rescues either adopted from shelters, unwanted products of unspayed neighbor dogs, or strays we couldn't bear to re-home.  Most have been mixed breed dogs, but there have been some purebreds, too.

According to the ASPCA, approximately 8-12 million companion animals enter animal shelters each year and approximately 60% of those dogs are euthanized nationwide.  Less that 20% of shelter dogs are returned to their owners.  Most of those returned were identified with tags or microchips.  About 25% of dogs that enter local shelters are purebred.

Adopting, rather than shopping for a dog means that not only has that life been saved, but there's more room in that shelter for another homeless dog.  Visit your local animal shelter, surf Petfinder, or contact a dog breed rescue group to find your special canine best friend.  Large dogs, small dogs.  Purebred dogs, mixed breeds.  They're all there just waiting for you. 


Bloggers Unite for Dog Rescue is a special online global event held today, July 23, 2012,  that stresses the importance of dog adoptions.  BTC4animals.com is proud to partner with Blog Catalog, Dog Rescue Success and pet bloggers to harness a global online community to help save the lives of dogs in need.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Adopt Benjamin a Pit Bull Australian Cattle Dog

The staff at the Humane Society of Missouri say Benjamin is a favorite dog of theirs and when you watch his adoption video, you'll see why.  He's adorable. Tail wagging, a grin on his face, and frog legs make him pretty dog-gone cute.

Benjamin is a red and white Australian Cattle Dog and Pit Bull Terrier mixed breed dog.  At about 11 months old, he's still got lots of that puppy energy and ready for some fun.  He's neutered, walks nicely on a leash, and sits for treats.  A big lover, he's crazy about people and not at all happy being confined to his cage at the animal shelter. 

He's a star student at the sit command and you can watch a very cute video of him showing off his skills here  https://picasaweb.google.com/HSMOpets/Benjamin#

In fact, Benjamin has been at the HSMO St Louis City animal shelter since March 2012 and he needs a place to call home very soon.

If you have room in your heart and in your home, make a call to 314-951-1562 and find out more about Benjamin A526612.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Dog Song Saturday: End Greyhound Dog Racing

It's Saturday, so time for a dog song at Talking Dogs.  Kick your weekend off with some thoughts about advocacy with Miami by Nancy SimmondsMiami tells the story of a retired racing Greyhound who was rescued and urges you to join with GREY2K USA to end Greyhound racing in America. 

GREY2K USA is the largest greyhound protection organization in the US.  They work to pass stronger greyhound protection laws and to end the cruelty of dog racing on both national and international levels.  They also promote the rescue, rehoming and adoption of greyhounds worldwide.

Miami is from Nancy Simmonds 3rd Litter Musical Tails release and available on iTunes and Amazon for download.   

Don't worry, the video that accompanies this lyrical dog song is filled with lovely footage of two beautiful Greyhound dogs enjoying life off the racetrack and in their forever homes

Grab a dog, a Greyhound if you're lucky enough to have one.  Sit. Stay. Relax and enjoy Miami by Nancy Simmonds.  Fetch more dog song videos at Talking Dogs and be sure to scroll down below today's song to explore some barking good dog blogs, because today is a Pet Blogger Hop.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: A Green Tomato

During a trip to the garden Rudy picked his own very small green tomato and managed to bring it into the house.
 It's not moving.  Maybe I'll eat it!
Can I have another?  Please.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Adopt Bindy a Pit Bull Terrier Dog Looking for Love


  Bindy is a beautiful 2 year old Pit Bull Terrier mixed breed dog who is looking for love.  She loves to play and gets along with most other dogs.  Bindy loves people, but needs some of her very own.  She's crate trained, housebroken, good in the car and weighs about 50 pounds.

Right now Bindy is living with a Stray Rescue of St Louis foster home, but she needs a place to call home forever.  For more information about Bindy, give Stray Rescue a call or fill out an adoption form.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Dog Song Saturday: Pit Bull Ban in Honor of Lennox

It's Saturday, so time for a dog song video at Talking Dogs.  Today, in tribute to the late Lennox a Labrador Retriever / American Bull Dog cross, labeled as a pit bull type dog and euthanized by Belfast officials, and to dogs everywhere, we present Pit Bull Ban by Nancy Simmonds.  

Pit Bull Ban is from her 9th Litter Musical Tails release.  It tells the story of how Nancy and her second rescued Pit Bull dog, Joey, left the province of Ontario in 2005 to find a better life without dog breed bans. The video shows Joey playing with his doggie best friends and enjoying life free of dog breed discrimination.

Nancy Simmonds is an award winning composer of over 101 purebred dog songs designed to celebrate and honor our canine companions.  The series is entitled Musical Tails and is available for download at iTunes. As soon as I hit "publish" on this post, I'm headed to iTunes or Amazon to make sure Pit Bull Ban is on my personal playlist.


Grab a dog.  Sit.  Stay.  Take a moment to reflect on the life of Lennox and the campaign to end dog breed discrimination.  Fetch more dog song videos at Talking Dogs and be sure not to miss the ones about Pit Bull dogs!  Then scroll down below today's video to explore some barking good dog blogs because today is a Pet Blogger Hop.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Talking Dogs Turtle Rescue

This turtle had some help getting all the way up onto the deck.
He's a beauty!

And here's the turtle's taxi service.

Rudy loves turtles.

The taxi trying to make away with the turtle... again.
Rudy dearly loves turtles.  More than any dog we've ever had before.  Very few days go by without the turtle rescue crew needing to swing into action.  Rudy is very good natured about giving up his turtle prizes.  As we approach he stops tossing his turtle around (or crunching on the poor thing) and readily allows us to take his turtle and carry it to safety outside the fenced yard.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Senior German Shepherd Dog Sheika is Looking For Love

What's not to love about this big, beautiful girl?  Sheika currently calls the Humane Society of Missouri animal shelter in St Louis home.  She's looking for a forever home with some people to call family.

Sheika is a spayed female, black and tan senior German Shepherd Dog mix.  HSMO shelter staff think she's about 7 years old.

A calm, mellow sweetheart of a dog is looking for a companion to rub her belly and scratch her ears.   She'd also enjoy taking some leisurely strolls.

This gentle dog soul has been at the shelter since April 2012 and is a favorite of the staff and volunteers there.

If you have room in your heart and on your couch, contact the HSMO at 314-951-1562 for more information on Sheika ID#A523321.

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Dog Song Saturday: An Original Rottweiler Rescue Dog Song

Pistol  
It's Saturday, so time for a dog song at Talking Dogs.  Today we're happy to share a song about a rescue dog with you. The Pistol Song is an original song performed by Jamie Glaser and tells the story of a victim of dog breed discrimination. 

Pistol is a Rottweiler / Labrador Retriever mixed breed dog.  She was in fairly bad shape when police found her following children in a new subdivision. She looked scruffy; she looks like a Rottie.  The police shot her.  Luckily, Glaser rescued her and gave her a forever home where she lives like a queen.

Glaser is well known for his guitar work on shows like Seinfeld, Saved By The Bell, Married With Children, and many more.  Besides music, Glaser's biggest passion in like are his animals.  Learn more about Jame Glaser at his web site www.jamieglaser.com

Grab a dog. Sit.  Stay.  Relax and enjoy a fun homemade song about a very lucky dog, The Pistol Song.  Explore a variety of dog song videos at Talking Dogs and be sure to check out the dog blogs in today's Pet Blogger Hop!

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Dog Daddy Father's Day

So, when the Dog Daddy put on his new t-shirt Father's Day gift from Rudy... it scared the heck out of Jeffie.  It took a whole lot of coaxing and reassurance for Jeffie to pose for this photo.  And what you don't see is Jeffie's very cool gift, a UNC Tarheels t-shirt.  That one was not so much fun to play around with in Photoshop ;-)

We found amazing 3-D dog breed t-shirts at Pet Flow.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Feature Your Dog or Cat in Evanger's 2013 Calendar

 Evanger’s Dog and Cat Food Company, America’s 77 year-old natural pet food manufacturer, is looking for new furry faces for its 2013 nationwide pets calendar. Each fur-bulous winner will be selected as a Cover Pet, special “Holiday Feature” Pet, and/or a “Pet of the Month” and receive a prize
package of Evanger’s all natural, USA-made pet food and treats. This year, entrants will be competing for a feature spread in each of the calendar’s 5 themes.

2013 THEMES
  1. Dog and Cat Sport Exhibitors
  2. Service Dogs including (but not limited to): service pets for disabled, police and military work dogs, and search and rescue dogs.
  3. Rescued Pets
  4. Most Creative Pet
  5. Active Pet

*Holiday themed photos can be submitted within each of these Themes.

Winners will receive Evanger’s Nothing but Natural Jerky Treats AND
Evanger’s Super Premium Canned and Dry Pet Food, as well as a 2013
calendar to add to their modeling pet-folio. Calendar details can be found
at www.evangersdogfood.com

All entrants will receive a voucher for $3.00 off any Evanger's dry food purchase and one free can (up to $1.99) with purchase, redeemable at any Evanger's retailer.

Founded in 1935, Evanger's Dog and Cat Food Company is the only privately-held, family-owned and operated pet food cannery in the United States. For over 75 years, the company has remained dedicated to improving the health, length, and quality of life of pets through wholesome, hand-packed nutrition. 

Made in the USA, in the kitchen of Evanger’s, each farm-fresh food ingredient is not only made and sourced in the United States, but also hand collected daily from human-grade USDA inspected facilities. 90% of ingredients are sourced within 50 miles of the Illinois plant, and are used within 24 hours. Evanger’s is committed to its partnership with independent pet retailers. To find an Evanger’s retail location near you, visit www.evangersdogfood.com/stores.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Adopt a Pit Bull Terrier Dog Abandoned on a Chain

Diamond in the Ruff lived her whole life on a chain with no chance to run and play.  When her owners moved away, they left her right there.  On her chain.

New folks moved in and took care of her for awhile, until Stray Rescue of St Louis stepped up and rescued Diamond.

These days Diamond calls Stray Rescue's Pine Street Animal Shelter home.  No more chains in her life, she loves her walks.  This photo has caught Diamond in mid-stride, heading out the door to romp and play.  

According to Stray Rescue, Diamond is a big, silly, goofy dog with a great smile.  She asks for very little in life:  some kind words, loving attention, and some space to play.

Diamond in the Ruff is a Pit Bull Terrier mixed breed dog.  She weighs 55 pounds and is 3 years old.

If you've got room in your heart and want a friend for life, give Stray Rescue a call at 314-771-6121 and fill out an adoption application .  Located at 2320 Pine Street in downtown St Louis, Missouri, summer adoption hours are Monday through Sunday 10 am to 6pm.

Can't adopt right now?  Consider fostering Diamond or another of the dogs at Stray Rescue.  For every dog that goes into foster care, another dog can be rescued from the hard, hot streets of St Louis.