Sunday, September 30, 2012

Adopt a Puppy Mill Survivor: Australian Shepherd Dog


In honor of Puppy Mill Awareness Day, we're featuring a puppy mill survivor who's looking for love and a forever home.


Breezy is a purebred mini Australian Shepherd female dog who is 4 years old.  She weighs about 30 pounds and is reported to be a real sweetheart.  Breezy is a little timid, so she'll need a patient home with a securely fenced yard. 


This beautiful girl is currently with the National Mill Dog Rescue (NMDR) in Colorado.  Adopting a retired mill dog can be a challenging, but very rewarding experience.  If you believe Breezy is the dog for you, please contact NMDR.  

National Mill Dog Rescue was established in February 2007, in honor of a forgiving little Italian Greyhound named Lily.  Theresa Strader, NMDR's Founder and Executive Director, rescued Lily from a dog auction in Missouri.  Prior to that day, Lily had spent the first seven years of her life as a commercial breeding dog, a puppy mill mom.  Determined that her years of living in misery would not be in vain, Strader started NMDR, giving a voice to mill dogs across the country.

The mission of NMDR is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome discarded breeding dogs and to educate the general public about the cruel realities of the commercial dog breeding industry.  To date NMDR has saved 6,792 dogs... and counting.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Dog Song Saturday: Beatrice a Poodle Dog Song

It's Saturday!  Kick off your weekend with a dog song here at Talking Dogs!  Today we have an original song written for a special little brown poodle dog.  Beatrice was was written, recorded, and is performed here by Gary and Melinda.  The video footage is, of course, of Beatrice who's such a cutie.

Since the two leggers here at Talking Dogs happen to like creating songs for each of our dogs, we're pretty partial to original dog songs.  We just wish our own songs were this cool!

Grab a dog.  Sit.  Stay.  Tap your toe and relax to Beatrice.  Fetch more dog song music videos at Talking Dogs collected for your listening and viewing pleasure.  And be sure to scroll down below today's feature to explore some barking good dog blogs in the Pet Blogger Hop.  You'll be glad you did!


Friday, September 28, 2012

One Lovely Blog Award: Big Smiley Face Here

Thank you to Heart Like a Dog
Now that Jodi has given up on me ever doing anything about this....  sorry, Jodi...  I really am thrilled to announce that she bestowed on me the One Lovely Blog Award!

Then she went on to say some very (VERY) nice things about my dog lover jewelry and this blog.  Jeffie and Rudy can verify my blush.   

You can read about it at her Heart Like a Dog blog here.  You'll notice that Jodi was awarded more than one award.  Definitely deserved.  I know that I always enjoy her posts, especially her rants on WTF/WooHoo Wednesdays.


The rules for this award are:
  • Thank the blogger bestowing the award and proide a link back to their blog.  
  • Share seven things about yourself.
  • Share the award with seven other bloggers.
So, here goes.

First, a formal, official thank you to Heart Like a Dog blog!  Fetch it now and enjoy Jodi's story of her life with Labrador Retreivers Samson and Delilah

Seven things about me:
  •  Never been to a dog park.  I live in a very rural, boondocks, sort of area.  The closest dog park is over three hours away.  Sigh... I think Rudy would love it.  Jeffie would be terrified. 
  •  I don't like watching any movies with dogs in them.  My husband makes fun of me because I love disaster movies.  Kill a bunch of people (in a movie) and I'm okay with it.  Just throw a nasty glance toward a dog and I'm all through with that movie.  Actually, this is true of horses, too.  Cats? Nothing seems to ever happen to cats in movies.  Hmmm...
  •  I'm beginning to avoid news stories about dogs.  Is it just me or is there much more violence towards animals?  Is it that more is reported now than in the past?  Or is it that there's actually more happening?  I'm afraid its the later.
  •  I think I could be a hoarder.  One of my favorite quotations is by John Steinbeck:  I dreamed of dogs last night.  They sat in a circle and looked at me and I wanted all of them.  Me, too.  Except it wasn't a dream.  They weren't in a circle.  They were on Petfinder, Facebook, Twitter, and blog posts.  And I wanted all of them.  My husband doesn't let me go anywhere near an animal shelter without him.
  •  I love bovine.  I raised my cattle herd from day old bottle calves.  Being among bovine gives me a sense of serenity I've found nowhere else.
  •  I've been blessed with not only a heart dog, but a heart horse.  Some day I'll tell you about my beloved Fox Trotter, Lady, as well as farming with our draft horses and mules.  I promise.
  • I am a hermit.  I sincerely prefer to be at home with my animals, rather than out anywhere with people.
Now you know more than you ever wanted to know about Sue at Talking Dogs!
 
Now comes the really tricky part.  Frankly, I don't have time to count the number of blogs I follow in my Google reader.  There are A LOT.  And here's the thing... they're all good.  Really good.  Picking only seven feels... pretty crazy.  However, here are seven, in no particular order, that I cannot live without.  To them I bestow the One Lovely Blog Award!

Basset Momma  -  I am smitten with Janet's dog, Freddie.  No matter how busy I am, each week I make sure to visit this blog so that I can catch up on Freddie and Gloria's hijinks, and get my Basset Hound fix. These days Janet is dealing with the heartbreak of Freddie's hip dysplasia. They can use some support. 

No Dog About It  - this is a new-to-me blog that gives me very pretty pictures of dogs (especially Daisy, the yellow Lab) to enjoy, as well as a lot to mull over and think about.  One of Mel's posts about abuse towards dairy cows has stuck in my mind.  Eventually it will spur me to write about my feelings about factory farming.

Chronicles of Cardigan - Not only does Elizabeth entertain me with her wit and cheeky photos, she was a rock when I lost my heart dog, Lucy.  I not only love her blog, I love her.    And I have to admit it:  I am in love with Jon Farleigh.  Especially his butt.

Brown Dog CBR -  I've followed this one for a long time.  The posts are always interesting, but it is the photography that is SPECTACULAR.  Sigh... gorgeous fauna and flora, including brown dog Hawk.
 
The Elka Almanac - I've always loved Dobermans and Elka is a beauty!  I also love Jen's posts about animal welfare.  Too bad she can't hear me cheering while I read those.  And I want to adopt every homeless Dobie she features.

Saved by Dogs - A newish blog that always tells me something I don't know.  Lovely personal story posts that make me smile or bring a tear to my eye as I recognize a like soul, coupled with dog breed information and photos that are fabulous.

I Still Want More Puppies - I wish I had just half the punny wit as this woman.  I advise you to not miss her Friday posts.  Plus, her monthly round ups are not only entertaining, I've discovered some incredible bloggers and stories.  And, let's face it, who can resist that blog name?!

So, there you have my seven blogs.  Enjoy!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Puppy Mill Awareness Day 2012: Austin Texas

What are your plans for this weekend!  If you live anywhere near Austin, Texas, you should head to this big event for Puppy Mill Awareness Day 2012!

Activists, actors and musicians are joining forces to put an end to puppy mills on Saturday and Sunday September 29 and 30, 2012. There's quite a line up!  

Poison drummer Rikki Rockett, actress Shannon Elizabeth, dog trainer Victoria Stilwell, and Animal Cops Houston's Randy Farm will be joining Last Chance for Animals (LCA) president and founder Chris DeRose and rescue group Paws of Austin to host a free educational public event and a VIP reception to raise awareness and put an end to puppy mills.

Take in the VIP reception on Saturday from 7 pm to 10pm at the Urban Grill at The Westin.  For $30 you'll enjoy food, wine, a silent auction and a live art auction featuring puppy mill survivors and their stories.

On Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm celebrate Puppy Mill Awareness Day at Fiesta Garden (West End) with live music, food and drink, the Puppy Mill Survivor Parade, Frisbee show by Karma the Flying Pit Bull and special guest speakers.

Last Chance for Animals (LCA), known as "The FBI of Animal Rights," is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting animal cruelty through education, grassroots outreach and working to enact legislation that protects animal.  Founded in 1984 by Hollywood actor Chris DeRose, LCA began by exposing the inherent cruelty of vivisection (the live dissection of animals).  Over the years, LCA has grown and broadened its focus to include all areas in which animals are abused in our society - including animals in entertainment, stolen companion animals, Class "B" animal dealers, factory farming, puppy mills and the fur industry.

Looking for a Puppy Mill Awareness Day event in your neck of the woods?  Fetch the Puppy Mill Awareness Day site.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Adopt Stan a White American Bulldog Mix Dog

Stan is a one year old male American Bulldog mixed breed dog available for adoption from the Humane Society of Missouri St Louis animal shelter.  He's a big love of a dog who still has some of that wonderful puppy energy.  A lover, Stan's big on kisses!

As you can see from his dog video, Stan is a beautiful boy!

Stan is learning to walk on a leash without pulling and knows how to sit.  He's a big guy, so he could use some further training and walking experience to learn how to control that big body.

If you have room in your heart and home, please consider adopting Stan. Call 314-647-8800 and ask for information on animal ID# A536382

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Dog Song Saturday: Dog Doogity by Blackstreet

 It's Saturday, so kick off your weekend with a dog song from Talking Dogs!  Today's dog song  is Dog Doogity performed by Blackstreet.  This music video was created to help raise awareness about how cleaning up your dog's poop will improve water quality in Puget Sound.  

Dog Doogity is a parody of Blackstreet's 1990's hit song No Diggity and you just may find it sticking in your head all day.  And no matter where you live, there's a great message here for all dog owners.

Grab a dog.  Sit.  Stay.  Relax and groove along to Dog Doogity.  Fetch more dog song videos at Talking Dogs for your listening pleasure.  Be sure to scroll down below today's dog music video to explore some barking good blogs in the Pet Blogger Hop.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week: Senior Dogs

There's still time to celebrate Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week September 17 - 23 sponsored by Petfinder.

Petfinder surveyed member shelters and rescue groups and found that some pets wait for a home nearly four times longer than the average adoptable pet does.  Survey participants said the ones do they have the hardest time finding homes for:  senior and older pets.


Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week 2012

Strutt with your Mutt in Kansas City this Saturday

Walk, run, strutt, shop and have fun with your best canine friend at Wayside Waifs 22nd Annual Strutt With Your Mutt event this Saturday, September 22.  Held in Kansas City's historic Brookside neighborhood, the even includes a 5K race and a 3K walk to raise funds to help Wayside Waifs care for 6,700 abandoned, abused and homeless pets every year. 

Any animal lover can run, with or without a dog.  Strutt With Your Mutt Registration is per person and your fee is tax-deductible. Registration includes your participation in either the 5K Race (one with dogs, and one without dogs), 3K Strutt, admission to the Flealess Market, complimentary breakfast provided by Country Club Bank and the Official 2012 Strutt T-shirt! Children 12 and under who wish to participate without a web page or t-shirt, are free. T-shirts are available while supplies last and some t-shirts maybe available the day of event.
 

Day-of registration will begin at 7 a.m.
5K Rescue Race without dogs will begin at 8 a.m.
5K Rescue Race with dogs will begin at 8:15 a.m.
The traditional Strutt (3K Walk) will begin at 9 a.m.


Don't want to walk or run?  Then enjoy the other fesivities!
  • Complimentary breakfast provided by Chris Cakes 
  • Canine Good Citizen Testing
  • Shop the Flealess Market for pet and people friendly merchandise and services
  • Play Bark-O
  • Enter the Pet/Person Look-A-Like, Best Kisser, Best Costume, or Best Trick contests
 Register online until Friday, September 21 for $35.  Day of Event registration is $45

100% of the money raised through Strutt With Your Mutt pledges goes directly to the care of homeless pets at Wayside Waifs. They care for more than 6,500 animals each year at their no kill pet adoption center in South Kansas City. 

Funds also support 10 humane education programs Wayside Waifs offers to students throughout the metropolitan Kansas City area, including NO MORE BULLIES. This benchmark program works to prevent violence by teaching children how to respect, love and understand the unique bond between people and animals. Money raised also supports Wayside Waifs FEMA certified Animal Rescue and Response Team.
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Monday, September 17, 2012

VA PTSD Service Dogs Rule: Senator Schumer NY Pushes Back

New York Senator Charles Schumer is speaking out against the new US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) rule that cuts off funds for service dogs of veterans with PTSD.  This new VA rule is set to take effect next months.

According to CBS New York:
Senator Schumer said research shows that trained service dogs are effective in helping veterans with mental and emotional disorders such as PTSD cope with their return to civilian life.
Federal law currently states that the VA can reimburse vets for the cost of owning a service dog if a doctor signs off on it, but the new policy would limit that reimbursement only to vets with physical disabilities.
The senator was joined by service dogs and veterans during his news conference to appeal for the directive to be tossed out in favor of allowing doctors to decide if a service dog can assist a veteran.
The VA is conducting research on how effective service dogs are at helping vets cope, but wanted to end the program until the study is complete in 2014.
In fact, the VA is conducting a three year clinical trial study on the effects of service dogs relieving PTSD symptoms.  The study is in the first year of the three year study.  
The purpose of this study is to evaluate use of service dogs for individuals who have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Objectives include:
(1) assess the impact service dogs have on the mental health and quality of life of Veterans;
(2) to provide recommendations to the VA to serve as guidance in providing service dogs to veterans; and
(3) To determine cost associated with total health care utilization and mental health care utilization among veterans with PTSD.
 Several service dog organizations are participating in this study.  Dogs are adopted from animal shelters, trained as PTSD service dogs, then matched with a veteran.  Individual base line studies are done, then followed quarterly to determine if medical stats - such as blood pressure - change after the veteran is working with the service dog.  At present, there are 350 veterans enrolled in this Florida based study.
 

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Lab Puppy Teddy is Looking for Love

If you've been thinking about adding a puppy to your family, fetch a look at this sweet Lab pup!  Teddy is a three month old white Labrador Retriever mixed breed dog.  And he is adorable!  Check out those cute black spots!  He'll be a real looker when he grows up.

The video below shows Teddy going for his very first walk outside.  Look how sweet and curious he is.

Full of that playful puppy energy, Teddy needs a loving forever home that can teach him the ways of the world.

For more information about Teddy, contact the Humane Society of Missouri St Louis animal shelter at 314-951-1562.  Teddy is animal ID number A533940

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Dog Song Saturday: Call Me Maybe

It's Saturday!  Kick off your weekend with a dog song at Talking Dogs.  Today's dog music video does not, technically, include a true dog song.  However, it's so cute we know you won't mind.  Get ready to groove to Carly Rae Jepsen's huge summer hit Call Me Maybe.  Your gonna love this Corgi dog's take on the tune.

Grab a dog.  Sit.  Stay.  Loosen up and relax with this fun parody dog music video!  Fetch more dog songs at Talking Dogs past Dog Song Saturdays and be sure to scroll down below today's video to explore some barking good blogs because today is a Pet Blogger Hop

Friday, September 14, 2012

VA Says No Service Dogs Benefits for PTSD Sufferers

Though I'm really not a big (personal) fan of social media, I do rely on it for news bites.  And I saw something shocking on Facebook yesterday.  Canines with a Cause posted a link to an article about service dog benefits no longer being allowed by the US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA).

What?!

You read that correctly.  If you are a veteran with vision, hearing or mobility related injuries, you may receive service-dog benefits.  However, veterans who only suffer with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) or another mental health disability, will not qualify.

The VA justified its decision by saying that they'd not been able to determine that service dogs provide medical benefit to veterans with mental illness.  They also cited nationally established and widely accepted training protocols for sight, hearing and mobility assistance dogs and the lack of similar training protocols for mental health service dogs.

According to an article written by Christine Stapleton of The Palm Beach Post:
“Veterans with service dogs were baffled by the rule.
“You get doctors and people telling you that you’re not disabled enough,” said Jim Stanek, an infantryman in the U.S. Army who served three tours of combat duty in Iraq. Stanek, who has been diagnosed with PTSD and traumatic brain injury, helped found Paws and Stripes, a non-profit group in Albuquerque, New Mexico, that provides service dogs and training to veterans with PTSD and mental health disabilities.
“What do I have to do? Have my leg amputated?” Stanek asked. “Is that what I need to do to get what I need to recover?
"Service dogs are individually trained to perform tasks for a specific person. Some of the tasks performed to assist veterans with PTSD include surveying darkened rooms, turning on lights, re-orienting their owner during nightmares or flashbacks, navigating through crowds, sensing anxiety, enforcing boundaries for personal space and retrieving a cellphone, said Sally Chester, secretary of Genesis Assistance Dogs Inc. of West Palm Beach.”
You can read the final draft of rules concerning veterans in need of service dogs here.

Canines With a Cause is a non-profit organization that helps shelter dogs find homes by training them to work as companion, therapy and service dogs for veterans in need.  According to them, a Pentagon study found that one in four veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from PTSD, depression or anxiety.



Sunday, September 9, 2012

Adopt an Abused Pit Bull Terrier Dog Looking for Love

This beautiful boy stopped me in my tracks and I knew I had to feature him today.  Augusten is a red and white Pit Bull Terrier mixed breed dog currently living at the Humane Society of Missouri animal shelter in St Louis.

Augusten is about 9 months old and already neutered.  As you can see in his video, he's definitely a lover, not a fighter.  He came to the HSMO from a very rough situation and you'll notice that the tips of his ears are gone.  His previous owner cut them off with kitchen shears. 

This rescued pup already seems to be housebroken and has gentle manners on a leash.  Augusten loves to give kisses and sits for treats.  He needs a loving forever home to enjoy his puppy energy and show him how wonderful life can be.

If you have room in your life and heart for a sweet young dog, please give some consideration to Augusten.  For more information you can call  314-951-1562 and ask about animal ID number A532644.
 

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Dog Song Saturday: Pearl's Song by the Bressler Brothers

Kick off your weekend with a dog song from Talking Dogs.  Today we've got a bluegrass country tune about a dog.  Pearl's Song is performed here by Bressler Brothers and is available on their CD Taste of Life.  It's a sweet ballad, complete with fiddle, and is accompanied by a lovely tribute dog video.  A tribute to Trixer, a black Labrador Retriever, includes some lovely artwork, as well as great photography of Labs.

Grab a dog.  A Labrador Retriever if you're lucky enough to have one!  (C'mere, Rudy!)  Sit.  Stay.  Relax and enjoy Pearl's Song.   Fetch more dog music videos at Talking Dogs.   And be sure to scroll dog below today's dog song video to explore some barking good blogs because today is a pet blogger hop!

Friday, September 7, 2012

New Dog Breed Necklaces at For Love of a Dog Jewelry

 We've add some really fun dog breed necklaces at For Love of a Dog!

Whimsical hand sculpted porcelain dog head pendants are combined with a variety of gemstones and dog bones for a barking good look.

Shown to the left is a black Newfoundland dog necklace.  This sweet Newf is surrounded by black onyx and red sponge coral gemstones.  All hand wire wrapped with gold jeweler's wire.  Like all of our jewelry at For Love of a Dog, this is a one of kind creation.

If you love a fawn and cream Pit Bull, then you really should check out this Pitbull dog necklace.  Natural picture jasper gemstone beads and life like three dimensional tan glass lampwork dog bone beads combine for a whimsical pro Pitbull statement.
You decide... Swiss Mountain Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog necklace!  Adorable pendant could easily represent a Swissy or Berner.
How about a black Scottish Terrier dog lover necklace with scarlet red coral gemstone beads:

An Airedale dog necklace with some of those cute three dimensional tan glass lampwork dog bones:

 Hmmm.... where to stop for today?  We have so much new jewelry that it's hard not to just keep on going!   However, we'll leave you with an English Bulldog dog lover necklace that includes brilliantly faceted amber crystals and creamy ivory pearls:
Fetch your favorite dog breed jewelry at For Love of a Dog for one of a kind, handcrafted dog lover gifts.  We also offer mixed breed dog jewelry, dog bone jewelry, and we're especially proud of our dog rescue jewelry.  You'll receive our free standard shipping in gift boxes ready for giving.
 

 

Thursday, September 6, 2012

New Dog Breed Jewelry Pins at For Love of a Dog

When you're in the mood for a piece of unique, artisan dog breed jewelry, fetch For Love of a Dog.  

You'll find a variety of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, as well as pins / brooches.  The dog breed pins shown below are all new handmade of porcelain and would make a barking good gift for a special dog lover.  

Our animal pins and brooches are available in dog breeds, cats, and even horses.

Shown to the left is an adorable German Shepherd dog pin.  Look at that sweet face!

Check out this fun Norwegian Elkhound pin! The hand sculpted details are great.

The Bernese Mountain Dog pin below could also easily represent your Swiss Mountain dog puppy or even a tri color Australian Shepherd.

This is just a small sampling of our new dog breed pins.  Fetch your favorite dog breed jewelry to see what we might have in stock now.  

At For Love of a Dog we love dogs.  That's why we create dog rescue jewelry, mutt mixed breed dog jewelry, and much more.  All purchases come with our free standard shipping.


Routed 66 Pet Adoption Drive

Since we live just a little over a mile from old Route 66 and we're certainly supportive of pet adoption, I just have to bark a bit about the Get Your Licks on Route 66 event.

For the fourth year in a row, Fido Friendly magazine is setting out on America's famous highway for a month long pet adoption tour.  The Get Your Licks on Route 66 Tour will raise awareness of the plight of homeless pets, vital services that participating animal shelter and rescue partners provide to their communities, and engage younger generations through humane education programs.

Victoria Stilwell from Animal Planet's series "Its Me or the Dog" is the official spokesperson and Animal Radio will be offered media support along the route where you can listen in to find a tour stop near you.

Get Your Licks on Route 66 travels the old highway between California and Chicago, Illinois.  It kicks off Saturday, October 6 and continues through Sunday, November 3, 2012.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

S.O.S. for Lilly - Guest Post

Lilly and Roxanne Hawn 
Talking Dogs:  Many years ago a stray Border Collie dog adopted me.  I named her Lizzy and loved her dearly.  She became ill and I could not afford thousands of dollars for surgery and treatment.  I had to let her go to the Rainbow Bridge.  I vowed that day that money would never be the cause of any of my dogs' deaths ever again.  

 Today we have a guest post by Jana who writes the Dawg Business blog.  I asked Jana to tell you about another Border Collie, Lilly, who desperately needs our help.  I chipped in and I hope you will, too.
*     *     *

Lilly of Champion of My Heart is a spirited Border Collie, who was rescued from the Humane Society of Boulder Valley in October 2004.

Lilly is fighting for her life. Over half a year ago she suffered severe adverse reaction to her routine rabies vaccine. At first she just seemed under the weather, which was not unusual for her after getting vaccinated. A week later, though, she ended up in an intensive care with high fever, extreme lethargy, and inability to walk. She was diagnosed with vaccine-induced meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the brain the the lining around the brain).

This was a start of a long battle, paved with struggle and setbacks. She was slowly improving, with new challenges popping up.

And then came the latest setback, with Lilly ending up back in intensive care, nearly dead. The inflammation returned with a vengeance and hit the brain stem this time. For several days she was fighting for her life. She survived this last horror, but her life is still hanging by a thread.

On top of all the other medications, she needs a course of specialized chemo therapy. Nobody knows how many treatments this will take or if it will work at all.

Meanwhile, the finances have been exhausted. On top of worrying about Lilly's health, now the worry of not being able to afford the care she will need to make it and recover looms over her head also.

I am no stranger to such situation, been there twice. The first time we did ended up having to put our dog down, simply because we didn't have the money to save her life. The second time, an online community of dog lovers answered our call for help. It was the best gift I was ever given – the gift of
life for my dog!

Today, I am turning to you, asking for help to save Lilly. Can we be there for her?

Wordless Wednesday: Rainy Day Dog

Jeffie is probably wondering what that wet stuff is that is sheeting down the window.

After 10 weeks with zero rain Mother Nature took pity on us and sent remnants of Hurricane Isaac our way.  Hurray!

To celebrate I'm also going to share one of my favorite photos of Rudy.


Happy Wordless Wednesday!  This is a Blog Hop!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

New Cat Lover Jewelry at For Love of a Dog

Our name may say dogs, but at For Love of a Dog, we love cats, too!  Our own feline family member, Skeeter, wouldn't have it any other way.

We've recently added some meowing good cat lover jewelry to our online shop.  

Shown on the left is an adorable kitty cat charm necklace.  Silver heart, silver cat head charms, plus a purrfect pink artisan lampwork glass paw print bead all dangle from a silver snake chain.


Be sure to notice the darling cat head and mouse toggle clasp on the cat lover bracelet shown below.  Beautiful turquoise crystals and natural carnelian gemstones really set off the artisan handcrafted lampwork orange tiger cat bead.  One of a kind and something to really meow about!

 Looking for something with less flash and bling?  How about an earthy rainbow of gemstones cat lover bracelet.  Cute cat head dangle charm, plus a cool cat head and fish toggle clasp. 

We also offer cat lover earrings like this silver pair below.  Here we've teamed silver Kliban style cats with brilliantly faceted crystal rondelles.  Available in other colors of crystals and gemstones.

Fetch For Love of a Dog for unique, handcrafted cat lover jewelry.  Purrfect gift items await you, along with our free standard shipping.   

Puppy Mill News

In Missouri...  Attorney General Chris Koster recently pledged to close down abusive puppy mills in Missouri.  Koster stated:

"I'm sick of hearing people refer to our state as the puppy mill capital of the nation.  These mills are notorious for viciously abusing their dogs.  And these breeders are known for putting their own profit above proper dog care."
Shortly after making this announcement his office shut down a Carter County, Missouri, dog breeder for violations of the MO Animal Care Facilities Act. We applaud Koster's aggressive efforts against abusive puppy mills and wish him well in the November elections.

First Quantitative Evidence:  Puppy Mills Injurious to Mental Health and Welfare of Dogs
According to the Missouri Alliance for Animal Welfare (MAAL):
Abbreviated Study Abstract:
Canine commercial breeding establishments (CBEs) are kennel facilities where puppies are produced in large numbers for commercial sale. In the popular media, CBEs are commonly referred to as "puppy mills" or "puppy farms." Conditions in CBEs vary widely in quality. Dogs in these facilities are routinely housed for their entire reproductive lives in cages or runs, and provided with minimal to no positive human interaction or other forms of environmental enrichment. Numerous anecdotal reports have suggested that after removal from CBEs many of the former breeding dogs display persistent behavioural and psychological abnormalities when compared with the general pet dog population. The purpose of this study was to determine if this anecdotal evidence could be confirmed empirically.

By demonstrating that dogs maintained in these environments develop extreme and persistent fears and phobias, possible learning deficits as evidenced by lower trainability, and often show difficulty in coping successfully with normal existence, this study provides the first quantitative evidence that the conditions prevailing in CBEs are injurious to the mental health and welfare of dogs.
Read the entire study by  Franklin D. McMillan, Deborah L. Duffy, and James A. Serpell.

Largest Dog Brokers in the US Goes Out of Business
Mahaska, Kansas based Lambriar Kennels blames the poor economy, increased rules and regulations, and animal welfare activists for their closure.  Many puppies brokered through this facility over the years were purchased from Missouri dog breeders.  In business for 44 years, Lambriar Kennels made their last shipment of puppies in June.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Labrador Retriever Dog Lover Jewelry

If you love Labrador Retriever dogs, you'll be in good company at For Love of a Dog.  We love Labs and it shows in our handmade Labrador Retriever dog breed jewelry.

Our own yellow Lab, Rudy, approves of the new Labrador Retriever dog charm necklace shown at left.  A two dimensional yellow lab, red jasper gemstone heart, and glass lampwork dog bone charms dangle from a silver snake chain.  Similar style charm necklaces are available in both black and chocolate Labs.

We also offer dog lover bracelets in all three colors of Labs.  Shown below is a black Labrador Retriever dog bracelet.  A two dimensional black Lab sculpture, gold three dimensional dog bone, and gold heart dangle from the pink and black rhodonite gemstone and black glass lampwork dog bone bracelet.

If you love a chocolate Lab, fetch a look at this chocolate Labrador Retriever necklace.  Beautiful Botswana agate gemstones in swirls of chocolate perfectly coordinate with the adorable two dimensional chocolate Lab pendant.  Sweet three dimensional white glass lampwork dog bones add just the right accent in this handmade necklace.
At For Love of a Dog, we love dogs and it shows in our handmade dog jewelry and gifts.  Fetch your favorite dog breed jewelry.  Be sure to take a look at our dog rescue jewelry and dog bone jewelry, too.  Enjoy free shipping and know that each jewelry piece is one of a kind and handmade right here in the Missouri Ozarks.

Labrador Life Line Labour of Love Auction

 Shop and bid to win amazing dog themed items for your dog, your home, and your friends.  At the same time you'll be supporting a fantastic volunteer animal welfare organization. 

Browse beautiful original art, dog toys and treats, dog collars and clothes, dog lover jewelry, and much, much more.  Among the items you'll find a black Labrador Retriever dog pendant necklace donated by For Love of a Dog.



Labrador Life Line's annual Labour of Love auction began on August 31 and runs through September 15 and is one of their biggest fundraisers.  Sign up here in order to participate. Monies gained help LLL carry out their mission to assist eligible Labs, whether owned or in rescue, with medical treatment or other special needs that will enable that dog to live out his or her life surrounded by people who love them. 

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Adopt a Big Beautiful Black Dog from Stray Rescue St Louis

Igneous is a 2 year old male terrier mixed breed dog.  In person he's as solid and handsome as the photo to the left.  He has an amazing head that he loves to have rubbed.  And who could ignore that ear-to-ear grin.

Igneous wants to be a lap dog, even though it would take a big lap to hold his 64 pounds.  He loves people and craves human attention.  He would do best as the only dog in the home.  

A playful guy, he like to release some of that energy through exercise.  If you need a physical fitness buddy, someone who is guaranteed to get you off the couch and into the outdoors, Igneous is your dog.

Igneous is currently living at Stray Rescue of St Louis's Pine Street animal shelter:  2320 Pine Street, St Louis, Missouri.  Call them for more information about Igneous at 314-771-6121.   

Founded by Randy Grim, Stray Rescue's sold purpose is to rescue stray animals in need of medical attention, to restore them to health, and then place them in loving adoptive homes.

View the video below to learn more about Randy Grim and Stray Rescue.  As Randy notes, East St Louis is probably second only to Detroit in being very mean streets for homeless dogs.  50% of the animals rescued have been victims of gunshots.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Dog Song Saturday: Singing Golden Retrievers

Kick off your holiday weekend with Dog Song Saturday at Talking Dogs!  Love a Golden Retriever?  Love puppies?   You're in for a treat!  Today's dog song video is Henley and Bobby, singing Golden Retriever dogs.  This original song and video by Phil Corso features adorable puppy antics and even though the song in in German, you'll catch on.

Grab a dog.  Sit.  Stay.  Tap your toe and enjoy Henley and Bobby singing from Germany.  Fetch more dog song videos at Talking Dogs and be sure to scroll down below the video offering to explore some barking good blogs in today's Pet Blogger Hop.