Sunday, June 30, 2013

Cat Jewelry on Sale Now at For Love of a Dog

Cat and Mouse Rainbow Bridge Bracelet at For Love of a Dog

In the spirit of better late than never, I'm celebrating Adopt a Cat Month at For Love of a Dog with a sale!
Lampwork Cat Bracelet at For Love of a Dog
Purrfect cat lover jewelry gifts that are all handmade and most are one of a kind.  
Black Cat Necklace at For Love of a Dog

You'll find cat themed necklaces, bracelets, pins, earrings and more!  If you have a crazy cat lady on your holiday shopping list, here's your chance to snag a bargain.  In fact, you can save 10% on your order - including sale items - with this discount code at checkout:  FLDNEW
Cat Lover Bracelet at For Love of a Dog

Almost forgot to mention... For Love of a Dog offers FREE standard shipping to United States addresses! So, what are you waiting for?  Shop cat jewelry on sale or all of my cat jewelry at For Love of a Dog.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Cowboys and Rodeos: Dog Song Saturday with Horses

It's Saturday, so you're probably expecting a dog song music video here at Talking Dogs.   Not today.  However, I don't think you'll be disappointed!

If you've followed this blog for long, or are a fan of For Love of a Dog jewelry, you know that I love horses.  So, you won't be surprised that I simply could not resist sharing this video.

The song Cowboys and Rodeos is performed here by Colleen Peterson.  The video it accompanies features mares and their foals and was filmed by singer/songwriter Nancy Simmonds.  You'll see Appaloosas, Arabians, miniature horses and foals... lots of foals.

You don't have to be a cowgirl to enjoy frolicking foals!  In fact, I'm betting you're gonna want one for your very own.

Grab a dog.  Go ahead, your dog will love the little foal whinny!  Sit. Stay.  Relax and tap your toe to Cowboys and Rodeos.

Fetch some dog song music videos at Talking Dogs - I have quite a collection!  And be sure to scroll down and visit some barking good blogs in today's Pet Blogger Hop.

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Friday, June 28, 2013

Follow-up Friday: Dog Treats Toys Tornadoes

I'm happy to be joining Heart Like a Dog in the follow-up Friday blog hop this week.  This is the blog hop that lets you wrap up your week and leads you right into the weekend.  Hosted by FUF creator, Jodi at Heart Like a Dog and co-hosted this week by JoAnn from Sand Spring Cheseapeakes.


The really big excitement this week - well, for the dogs, anyway - was that their prizes arrived from Pooch Smooches giveaway.  Jeffie, Rudy, and Rosie received 3 package of KONG jerky treats.  Thanks, Jackie & Rita!
 
Rudy has very good manners.  Good boy, Rudy!


Rosie has no time for manners when mama is holding a KONG jerky treat!

Jeffie was especially thrilled because the KONG treats arrived via FedEx.  Jeffie becomes a raging madman when UPS and FedEx deliver packages.  I think he believes it is his mission in life to guard us from them.  Rita really turned Jeffie's head at his birthday party.  He was pretty sure she was flirting with him.  When I told him we'd won the giveaway, he confessed he had a thing for Rita.   When Rita sent Jeffie the FedEx man...  it was LOVE!



Rosie's new swimming pool toys arrived from Chewy.com.  They're very cool!  The KONG Wet Wubba is such a bright yellow!  And the ChuckIt duck really does bob in the water and stay upright.


Unfortunately, there are only two chances you'll ever see them in action:  slim and none.  There's no way I'm taking my camera anywhere near the pool.  Plus, Rosie is not actually swimming yet.  Wearing her new Kyjen life preserver for safety, she's only comfortable when she's in her mama's arms.   Hopefully, she'll mellow out with the whole thing and I'll be able to take some pictures later in the summer.

In the meantime, we have to keep dog towels near the doors.  Every time she goes out, she throws herself into her doggie pool!

Monday Mischief: Monkey Murder Follow Up
I should have repeated what I've said before... we call all dog toys at our house "monkeys."  Obviously, this was a football.  It has now gone to that place where dead monkeys go.  The trash.  Yes, we do have a monkey hospital.  I love being the surgeon because all the dogs gather around to watch the procedure.  They all dance with happiness when the surgery is successful.  Note:  our cat Skeeter would not be caught dead playing with any monkey.  Playing with toys is waaaaay beneath her!

Believe it or not, we have lots of "vintage" monkeys - some as old as 15 years.  They are well loved, but not torn up.  Our dogs single a few out, now and then, but for the most part they're soft mouthed.  It's a retriever thing.  It is always the puppies at our house who make sure that monkey heaven is populated.



Wordless Wednesday: Puppy Eyes Follow Up
Believe it or not, absolutely no treats of any kind were involved in this shot. When they update the dictionary this year, they'll be adding one word to the definition of Sweet:  Rosie



Oklahoma Tornado Pet Adoption Event  Follow Up 
When the big tornado hit nearby Joplin and I read Hanah's story (which I continue to follow), it scared the you-know-what out of me.

When the tornado warnings are issued, my dogs are with me when I take shelter.  My dogs are microchipped and when we go to the vet's office, I have them scan them just to make sure they're still easy to find.  My dogs wear their collars and tags at all times since then (Joplin.)  There is no doubt in my mind that - God forbid - if we were wiped out... among the immediate things I would do, is make sure I've got my dogs.   If we lived in a flood area, I would not evacuate without my dogs.

All that being said... if my house and everything in it, my car and everything else was gone... I don't know how long it would take for me to locate the emergency shelter to claim my dogs.  If I had no cell phone anymore, no computer, no nothing.   If someone near and dear to me were taken by the storm.  I don't know....    

I do know that there are millions of people who do not value their pets like I do.  (If they did, the shelters would be empty.)   Do I wish all the Oklahoma tornado victim pets had been claimed?  You betcha.   But I haven't "walked in their shoes" and I don't want to.  And I'm going to shut up now.

Except to say:  please spread the word about this event so that these pets can find new, loving homes. 


That's my follow-up for the week.  Join the hop and let us know what you've been up to!

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Oklahoma Tornado Pet Adoption Event July 13


The Central Oklahoma Humane Society has announced a special adoption event for homeless animals displaced by the May tornadoes that devastated areas of central Oklahoma.  These are pets who are victims of the tornadoes who have not been claimed by their owners.

Hope After the Storm is a private - invitation only - adoption event to be held on Saturday, July 13.  They will be selecting 100 potential dog adopters and 50 potential cat adopters at random for the event through their online forms at okhumane.org/hopeafterthestorm.  Applications will be accepted until Friday, July 5 at noon.

When you follow that link (okhumane.org/hopeafterthestorm) you'll be taken to their website and two Rafflecopter forms:  Dog Ticket Entry and Cat Ticket Entry.  You'll need to complete the Rafflecopter if you hope to be selected as a potential adopter.

To be eligible, you must include your full name, phone number and email so they can contact you if your name is drawn, as well as give you further information about the event.

OK Humane says they have chosen this method to help keep the adoption process as smooth as possible, while putting the least amount of stress on the animals.

Step by step instruction for submitting your information:
  1. Check your calendars and make sure you will be available to be in the Oklahoma City area on July 13.
  2.  Enter your information in the applicable form here - we will be pulling separate names for dogs and cats, so make sure you fill out the correct form.
  3. We will stop accepting entries at noon on Friday, July 5.
  4. Invitation recipients will be chosen at random for the adoption event. OK Humane will contact these people directly using the information provided. Invite recipients will be notified on the afternoon of Friday, July 5.
  
Note:  All attendees will be required to check in at the adoption event.  Adoptions will be performed in the order of check in.  All adoption fees will be waived.

They are accepting only one entry per household. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 405-286-1229 ext. 4 or info@okhumane.org

NOTE:  OK Humane Society has scheduled this event for July in order to give pet owners time to claim their family pets.   In addition, this event is by invitation only and limited in numbers to avoid the thousands of folks that have shown up at other disaster adoption events around the country.  Many traveled from far away only to find a congested venue and no pets left available for adoption.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Huckleberry: American Bulldog Pitbull Adoptable Dog

Just look at this beautiful boy!  My heart melted at first glance.

Huckleberry is an American Bulldog / Pit Bull Terrier mixed breed dog.  He's 1 1/2 years old and already neutered.  

A big lap dog, Huckleberry loves people.  He's a lover in a beautiful white and black furry dog body.

Huckleberry is learning to walk on a leash and already knows how to sit.  I love how attentive he is to his surroundings.  Alert, but content to sit at the side of the shelter volunteer.

Take a look at this beautiful dog's adoption video below:




For more information about Huckleberry, contact the Humane Society of Missouri in Saint Louis at 314-647-8800.  Huckleberry's animal ID# is A553070




We're participating in the Tuesday's Tails blog hop hosted by Dogs N Pawz.  This is the blog hop that features shelter pets available for adoption.  Find a pet at your local animal shelter or rescue and join us!  Please help spread the word about these beautiful animals via social media and let's find them forever homes.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Monday Mischief: Monkey Murder

As I came down the hallway yesterday, I was stopped in my tracks by monkey guts.  

No body, but at best a monkey had suffered a brutal attack.  

At worst, I was seeing the evidence of a monkey murder.

Not only did I not see any monkey body, the house was unusually quiet.

 Just a small, scattered trail of monkey guts...
  
which led me to...

 the perp!

 Caught red-handed... or should I say white bearded?

 Rosie says:  What?  What monkey?
 Oh... you mean this monkey?
I didn't have anything to do with it!


 R I P Monkey


We're joining the Monday Mischief pet blog hop today.  Hosted by Alfie's Blog, Luna Dogs Life, My Brown Newfies and Snoopy's Dog Blog, this is your chance to share your pets tales of mischief and wrap up the weekend.  Join us!

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Ugly Dogs Need More Love: Dog Song Saturday

It's Saturday, so time for a dog song at Talking Dogs.  Have we got a good one for you today!

Ugly Dogs Need More Love comes to us from our friend Skip Haynes at Pet CDs and is an original dog song music video celebrating shelter dogs.  All the dogs in this video are shelter dogs who were rescued and adopted into forever homes.  

Personally, I didn't see an ugly dog among the bunch and I was glad to see that the song credits state:  There are no ugly dogs!

Grab a dog.  Grab some tissues.  Sit.  Stay.  Relax and enjoy Ugly Dogs Need More Love.

Fetch more dog song music videos at Talking Dogs and be sure to explore some barking good blogs in today's Pet Blogger Hop.


Friday, June 21, 2013

Take Your Dog to Work Day

Today is Take Your Dog to Work Day - a holiday to celebrate the bond we have with our dogs and encourage adoption.  First celebrated in 1999 and founded by Pet Sitters International, thousands of pet owners will be celebrating this 15th annual event.

Here at For Love of a Dog, my dogs accompany me to work every day.  In fact, their full-fledged members of the For Love of a Dog team.  

Jeffie is in charge of security and does a fabulous job patrolling the perimeter.


Jeffie patrolling.
These days Rudy is in charge of puppy-care and keeping Rosie out of mischief.


 Each of the Talking Dogs is a great spokesdog for adoption.  Jeffie and Rosie were both listed on Petfinder and adopted from an animal shelter.  Rudy, the product of an oops pregnancy, found us at the vet's office.  

When I'm in my office working on the computer, I have two dogs under the bed and one at my feet.

When I'm in the studio creating my dog lover jewelry, all three are usually napping and playing around me.  On good weather days, they might head outside to patrol or engage in some Jolly ball play.
  

On rainy days, you'll find them napping or having some fun with a KONG.
 Security patrolling is hard work.  Frequent naps are needed!
KONGs stuffed with something yummy is good... but so are KONG toys!

I have a posse.  I travel with a pack of three.  24/7.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Missouri Puppy Miller Nabs Congressional Seat in Landslide

Jason Smith, 32 year old Republican and native of Salem, Missouri, served as a member of the Missouri House Representatives since 2005.  On June 6, 2013, Smith was elected to the US Congress in what has been called a landslide victory.  In the special election for the vacant 8th Congressional district, Smith led his opponent 2 to 1.

Smith promoted his ties to agriculture throughout the campaign and in the most recent House session was successful in getting a resolution passed that will place a "Right to Farm" constitutional amendment before voters next year.

Opponents of the proposal have attempted to portray the measure as backlash from Smith over a proposition voters passed in 2010 known as the "Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act," which placed stricter rules on dog breeders. 

Smith's family has a history in the dog breeding business. His mother's kennel was named by the Humane Society of the United States as one of the state's "worst puppy mills in Missouri" in a 2011 report, and Smith faced accusations of conflicts of interest when he spoke against the proposition. Smith has said his proposed amendment is to protect the rights of farmers.

In fact, Jason Smith was once listed in Missouri state records as a co-owner of Mary Ann Smith's Kennel operation, and has been an outspoken opponent of many animal welfare legislative bills.

As written, the "Right to Farm" resolution would have rolled back the cockfighting prohibition, jeopardized the new puppy mill law, prevented future ballot initiatives on animal welfare issues, and endangered regulations on factory farms.

Thankfully, this resolution was amended to protect existing animal welfare laws, protect the right to conduct ballot initiatives on animal welfare issues and protect the right to regulate factory farms.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Wordless Wednesday: Tasty Cat Toes



Skeeter does not belong to a witness protection program and she is not Amish.   She is not looking into the camera and posing nicely because, quite frankly, that is beneath her!  Clean toes are waaaay more important!

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Happy Dog Daddy Day!


You feed us when we're hungry,
You keep water in our dish,
You let us sleep on anything,
Or in any place we wish.

You sometimes let us lick your hands,
Or even lick your face,
Despite the fact we've licked ourselves
In every private place.

You taught us how to come when called,
You taught us how to sit.
You always let us go outside,
so we can take a sh... Stroll.

You'll always have our loyalty
Up to the bitter end,
'Cause after all, it's plain to see...
You are a dog's best friend!

~Unknown

HAPPY DOG (& Cat) DADDY's DAY!

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Dog Song Saturday: You're My Best Friend

Not only is it Saturday and time for a dog song at Talking Dogs, but it's Father's Day tomorrow.  So we're dedicating today's dog music video to all the dog daddies, especially those deployed in the military.

You're My Best Friend is not (technically) a dog song, however it is perfect for this fantastic video of dogs welcoming their owners home from deployment.

Grab a dog.  Sit.  Stay.  Grab a tissue or two.  Relax and enjoy You're My Best Friend by Queen, then have a barking good Father's Day weekend!

Fetch more dog song music videos at Talking Dogs - sure to please any dog daddy - and scroll down below today's feature to explore some pawesome blogs in the Saturday Pet Blogger hop.


Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Wordless Wednesday: Wiener Dog?

Rosie - aided by tall grass - 
doing her best impression of a chubby Dachshund.  
(Please, Mother Nature, give us enough dry days so we can mow the grass!)

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Adoptable Dog: Her Whole Life in a Shelter Waiting


Carley is over 5 years old and has spent her whole life at the Dogwood Animal Shelter in Osage Beach, Missouri.

Carley came to Dogwood as a puppy.  Her brother was adopted fairly soon, but she's still waiting.

She is listed on Petfinder as an Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler) and Labrador Retriever mixed breed dog.  Primarily black with some tan, Carley weighs 65 pounds and has been spayed.  She's completed the shelter's 6 week obedience class.  Shelter staff report that Carley is a smart girl.  She learns fast and is very eager to please.

Carley's adoption fees have been reduced to 1/2 price.  For more information about Carley contact Dogwood Animal Shelter at 573-348-4411 or via email


Some of you may remember that I first featured Carley as an adoptable dog in April of this year.  She is still there - waiting for a loving forever home.  Dogwood is the same no-kill shelter as Hailey, the dog who had spent all 8 years of her life in the shelter.

Dogwood Animal Shelter is a non-profit, no kill animal shelter that has been in operation for over 30 years.  Their services include:  low-cost spay/neuter clinic, obedience classes, and more.  They are funded exclusively by donations and proceeds from their Dogwood Thrift Shop in Camdenton, Missouri.  

We're participating in the Tuesday's Tails blog hop hosted by Dogs N Pawz.  This is the blog hop that features shelter pets available for adoption.  Find a pet at your local animal shelter or rescue and join us!  Please help spread the word about these beautiful animals via social media and let's find them forever homes.



Saturday, June 8, 2013

Dog Song Saturday: We Are the Wiener Dogs

It's Saturday!  Time for a dog song at Talking Dogs!  We hope you're fans of Curious George, because today's dog music video is We Are the Wiener Dogs with film footage from Curious George.

Love a wiener dog?  Can't resist a cute cartoon?  This is the song for you!  Hmmm, or maybe this one?

Grab a dog - a Dachshund if you're lucky!  Sit.  Stay.  Relax and enjoy We Are the Wiener Dogs.  Fetch more dog song music videos at Talking Dogs.  You'll be surprised at our collection!  

Be sure to scroll down below today's featured video song to explore some barking good blogs in today's Pet Blogger Hop.  Then, have a pawesome weekend!


Thursday, June 6, 2013

The Stolen Dog by Tricia O'Malley

In The Stolen Dog, Tricia O'Malley  shares her family's experience when their dog was stolen and how they recovered him through their own hard work. 

From The Stolen Dog website:
When Briggs, a Boston Terrier, is stolen from his family's deck and shoved into a waiting car, a chain of event unfold that shakes the city.  The Stolen Dog follows Tricia and Josh, Briggs' owners, as they fight a force unknown, enduring death threats, psychic interventions, false leads, fake set-ups, and the threat of dog fighting. 
A heart-wrenching yet ultimately uplifting story of love, fearlessness, and hope - a captivating view of the best and worst of humanity - The Stolen Dog will make you hug your pets closer.
The Stolen Dog is a true story about how scared O'Malley was for her dog and how her family refused to give up hunting for him, even when it meant going into the worst areas of their city, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Stolen Dog is available on Itunes, Nook, Amazon and Kobo.  It will be available in print soon.  A portion of all proceeds will be donated to animal rescues.

*We are announcing this new book as a public service to our readers.  We did not receive a copy of this book and we have not read it.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Senior Dogs Available for Adoption: Tuesday Tails

Oran - Adoptable Senior Black Lab Mix at Stray Rescue of St Louis
 Oran is 12 1/2 year old, male black Lab mixed breed dogs available for adoption from Stray Rescue of St Louis.  According to shelter staff:
Oran is one of the most loved dogs ever rescued.  He's quite the character.  Very sweet and friendly.  He loves to do for long, leisurely strolls and is a perfect gentleman on a leash.  He would do best in a home where he is the only pet unless it is a dog like his girlfriend, Josephine.
Oran is eligible for Stray Rescue's Seniors For Seniors program. Senior citizens (preferably, but not limited to, those on a fixed income) who adopt an older dog are able to do so without paying the adoption fee.  If necessary, Stray Rescue will provide food and medical care for the life of the dog.

Josephine - Adoptable Senior Shepherd Dog at Stray Rescue of St Louis
 Josephine is a 9 1/2 year old female Shepherd mixed breed dog.  Here's what Stray Rescue shelter staff has to say:
Josephine is one of the sweetest dogs we've ever rescued.  She was found in a horrible area of town with her 3 little puppies.  She had a makeshift home for them underneath a dilapidated house.  She did a wonderful job keeping them safe and healthy. 
Josephine's puppies have already gone to their forever homes, but Josephine is still waiting.

She was a very, very sick girl and under strict orders from the vet that she was not to exert herself in any way.  It was touch and go for a few months, but now she is the picture of health.  She still has a slight cough that she'll probably alwasy have.  This is due to scarring of her trachea.  Since this is a pre-existing condition, Stray Rescue will cover the cost of her medicine.  It's just a pill she takes twice a day.  Put it in some braunschweiger and she'll gobble it right out of your hand.
She has the cutest little nub for a tail.  We've never seen it stop wagging.  You can even bring her home for a few days to see for yourself that she'll fit in perfectly at your house.  Just be prepared for lots of kisses.
For more information about Oran or Josephine, contact the Stray Rescue Pine Street Animal Shelter at 314-771-6121

Founded by Randy Grim, Stray Rescue of St Louis sold purpose is to rescue stray animals in need of medical attention, restore them to health, and place them in loving adoptive homes.  Virtually all of the pets they save have been abused and neglected.  Stray Rescue is a no-kill organization that believes rescued animals often make the best pets.  Given a second lease on life and in return for a little affection and attention, these remarkable animals reward their new owners with a love and loyalty unmatched anywhere.


We're participating in the Tuesday's Tails blog hop hosted by Dogs N Pawz.  This is the blog hop that features shelter pets.  Find a pet at your local animal shelter or rescue and join us!  Please help spread the word about these beautiful animals via social media and let's find them forever homes!

Monday, June 3, 2013

Monday Mischief: Green Dog Toes and a Winner

Mother Nature continues to have different ideas than we do about spring.  As each variety of flower, blooming shrubs and tress begins to bloom their hearts out, along comes a storm and the petals are on the ground.  Lots of rain, high winds, and even some hail add to the "fun."

In between storms, we run around cutting bouquets to enjoy in the house and try to keep up with mowing grass.  

Yesterday the Dog Daddy jumped the gun and began mowing when it was definitely still too wet and lush.  (You know what's coming, right?)

Technically, Rudy is a yellow Lab.  In reality,  he is a white boy.  

At least he was white.


 Now he's a white boy with green feet!



And in other mischief related news...  


We have a winner in our book giveaway!  

Congratulations to Larrielle P.   

She was selected by Random.org as the winner of a paperback copy of It's Just A Dog by Russ Ryan.    

Larrielle, I need your shipping information within the next 24 hours or an alternate winner will be selected.



Saturday, June 1, 2013

Dog Song Saturday: Dogs Dogs Dogs

It's Saturday!  Time for a dog song at Talking Dogs.  We've got one with a tempo that will wake you up!  Dogs Dogs Dogs (Just Want to Pet You) is a fun original song by The Brunswick Project.

Go get a cup of coffee so you're fully awake.  You don't want to miss any of this fast paced dog video.  Go ahead, we'll wait.     You'll see all kinds of dogs - doing all kinds of things and it's barking good fun.

Grab a dog.  Sit. Stay.  Relax and enjoy Dogs, Dogs, Dogs.   Fetch more dog song music videos at Talking Dogs, plus learn why we do this crazy thing every week.  Scroll down below today's featured video and explore some wonderful blogs in today's Pet Blogger Hop.  Then, have a fabulous weekend!