Thursday, February 27, 2014

Another Missouri Dog Breeder Closes Facility

©HSMO
  A rural Howell County, Missouri dog breeding facility has closed.  The owner voluntarily surrendered the dogs to the Humane Society of Missouri.

The Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force, working in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, rescued 135 adult dogs and puppies from the facility yesterday, February 26, 2014.

The dog breeds include:  Beagle, Boston Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, French Bull Dog, Pug, Miniature Poodle, Miniature Schnauzer, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier and mixes of those dog breeds.  

The dogs have been taken to HSMO headquarters in St Louis where they are receiving veterinary examinations and treatment, spay / neuter surgeries, and socialization prior to be made available for adoption.  

The HSMO notes:  The rehabilitation of these dogs will take time.  As the dogs become available for adoption, they will be listed on the HSMO online adoptable pet database.

We Have a #Giveaway Winner: Love My Dog Bracelet from For Love of a Dog Jewelry


Congratulations to
Jenna Osborne

She is the winner of the Love My Dog Bracelet

Jenna was chosen by Random.org via the Rafflecopter giveaway form.   I've contacted Jenna via email and let her know that I need her shipping information and exact wrist size within 24 hours or an alternate winner will be chosen.

Blogs comments on the original giveaway post were lots of fun.  It looks like snuggling and cuddling with the pups was the most popular favorite activity with your dogs, with outdoor activities walking and agility a close second.

Thanks so much to everyone who participated!  Be on the lookout for the March Giveaway!

And for all you cat ladies, I've got something very special planned for you the end of March!

Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Snow Dogs | Wordless Wednesday

Even in the snow, Jolly ball is fun!

Look out, Rudy!  Rosie is gonna get you!

Oh, oh, now Jeffie is after you, Rudy!
Perimeter patrol must go on!

The snow dogs:  Jeffie, Rosie and Rudy

Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry.

Monday, February 24, 2014

Strange Critter | Monday Mischief

 A strange critter appeared in our yard a couple of days ago.  
Jeffie wasn't quite sure if he should be afraid...  or not.

 While her brothers kept an eye on the strange critter, Rosie looked to me to see how I was reacting to this trespassing event.

 The boys soon had enough of observing from a distance.  
They wanted out of the house to get a closer look.

 Our mischief will take a little explaining.  Yes, Missouri has squirrels.  However, we built our house in what was pasture with very few trees.  No squirrels.  Lucy and Tucker knew what they were from living in Virginia.  However, Jeffie, Rudy and Rosie - all Missouri born - had never, ever seen one before.

This was their very first squirrel!  It was very, very exciting! 


Reminder - If you haven't already entered our February Giveaway - enter now! You could win a Love My Dog Bracelet from For Love of a Dog Jewelry!


Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry.

Thank you to Snoopy’s Dog Blog, Alfie’s Blog, and My Brown Newfies for hosting Monday Mischief!   

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Adopt Ralph a #Pitbull Dog at @StrayRescue in #Missouri


This gorgeous guy is Ralph.  With his beautiful black and white coat, he looks like he's dressed in a tuxedo and ready to party.

Ralph is a 2 1/2 year old Pitbull mixed breed dog.  He weighs 43 pounds, so is medium in size and would probably make an excellent lap sitter.

Here's what the staff and volunteers at Stray Rescue animal shelter have to say about Ralph:
Ralph says, "Ah - the good life!  Food, friends, beds, and toys.  It doesn't get any better than this."  Well, he's right.  For a dog like Ralph rescued from the streets, having a chance for a decent life inside Stray Rescue is a definite improvement.  Now Ralph needs to take one more step, and that is into your arms as your canine companion.
 
Ralph is a cutie and a happy, goofy dog.  He loves playing with toys, playing fetch, snuggling on the couch, and hanging out with other dogs.  Recently Ralph got to go on a five mile hike with his shelter buddies.  He showed his good car manners on the trip to the hike by hanging his head out the window to watch the world go by.  On the hike itself Ralph totally enjoyed himself.  He was interested in all the sights, sounds and smells of nature.  His human hiking partner called him a joy.
 
Ralph has the energy to be a running buddy and the loving personality to be your favorite cuddle buddy.  How can you go wrong adopting Ralph?  It's just not possible

Ralph is currently living at the Stray Rescue Pine Street Animal Shelter in St Louis.  Take a look at his adoption video and then contact Valerie at 314-771-6121. 


 
Founded by Randy Grim, Stray Rescue of St Louis sole 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.

On Tuesdays we participate 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!

Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Songs of The Dog Walker | Dog Song Saturday

It's Saturday!  You all know that means it's time for a dog song at Talking Dogs!

Not going to lie, our favorite dog songs are those originally written about a dog.  And... who doesn't like laughing?

Today's featured dog song music video is definitely original and certainly funny!

We're celebrating National Walking the Dog Day with some video footage of the television show Whose Line Is It Anyway.  In this segment  Ryan Stiles, Wayne Brady and Colin Mochrie improvise "the greatest hits" of dog walker songs.   Stiles and Mochrie introduce the tunes, while Brady improvises the songs on the spot.

Grab a dog to cuddle.  Sit.  Stay.  Relax and enjoy Songs of the Dog WalkerThen fetch some more genuine dog song music videos at Talking Dogs.  You'll be surprised at how many we've collected over the past few years.  And have a barking good weekend!

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Celebrating Love Your Pet Day at For Love of a Dog

 Today is Love Your Pet Day!  

Though we love our pets every day, today is the "official" day to show our love. 

Our pets are there for us in so many ways:
  • unconditional love
  • keeping our secrets
  • providing us with smiles and giggles
  • lowering our stress and blood pressure
  • and so much more!  
We're celebrating today!

 New dog toys!


 It's a rainy day today perfect for Kongs!
 Treats.  Of course there are new dog treats!


My Feng Shui Tip of the Day arrived in my inbox and I thought it was pretty interesting.
On 'Love Your Pet Day' you can show both your affection and bond with them at the same time. It has been said that if you encourage your pet to eat the last few crumbs on your plate, you are then attuning them to your own vibrations and strengthening their relationship to and with you.
Hmmm...  No wonder Jeffie, Rudy, Rosie and I are so attuned to one another!

Oh!  And don't forget to enter the For Love of a Dog February Giveaway!  You could win a one of a kind Love My Dog Bracelet perfect for celebrating your special dog(s) every day.


Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Berry Good Dog Treat Recipe | Tasty Tuesday

A few weeks ago I shared this super easy dog treat recipe.  I'd made it for the first time with cranberries and it was a winner.  Extremely quick and easy to make, plus the dogs loved them.

I can't resist sharing it again because we've tried some variations, substituting different fruit for the cranberries.  Blueberries work well, but this time I used mixed frozen berries.


The treats shown here were made using frozen mixed berries - raspberries, blackberries and blueberries.  Jeffie does not like fruit, but he crazy about these!


Berry Good Dog Cookies

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 beaten eggs
1 cups thawed, drained, mixed frozen berries (I used raspberries, blackberries and blueberries)
1/2 cup applesauce

Using a food processor with the dough blade, mix the eggs, applesauce and berries.  Add the flour.

Knead the dough and roll out to about 1/4" thickness and cut into shapes.  

Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.  If you want a harder treat, turn off the oven and leave the cookies in to dry overnight or for a few hours.

Sound familiar?  This recipe is an adaptation of the Easy Cranberry Dog Biscuits recipe I previously shared.  You'll note that due to the berries, the color (and taste, I'm sure) is very different.

Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry.  

We're joining the Tasty Tuesday blog hop today.  This is a blog hop that celebrates good food, sponsored by Sugar the Golden Retriever and Kols Notes.  

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Adopt Rodrigo a Pitbull Mix Dog in Missouri


This beautiful boy is Rodrigo.  He's a white and black Pitbull mixed breed dog currently available for adoption from the Humane Society of Missouri's St Louis City animal shelter.

Rodrigo is white with big black spots and reminds me of the dog, Petey, from the old Our Gang series.  Rodrigo is about 2 years old and already neutered.  He walks nicely on a leash, knows how to sit and is a real lover of people.  Rodrigo is very good motivated, curious and is a great candidate for more training.

Take a look at his dog adoption video and then contact the HSMO at 314-951-1562.  Rodrigo's animal ID number is A565611.



Since 1870, the Humane Society of Missouri has been dedicated to second chances.  They provide a safe and caring haven to animals - large and small - that have been abused, neglected or abandoned.  Their mission is to end the cycle of abuse and overpopulation, assist in creating lasting relations hips between people and animals, offer world-class veterinary care, plus offer pet obedience and behavior programs.  HSMO operates three animal shelters in the St Louis, Missouri, area, plus Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, Missouri, for abused and neglected horses, cows, goats, chickens and other farm animals.

Talking Dogs blog will be 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! 


Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

When I Found You - The Adoption Song by Jayne Olderman | Dog Song Saturday

It's Saturday, so time for a dog song music video at Talking Dogs.  We've got a great original song for you today!  When I Found You - The Adoption Song by Jayne Olderman tells the joy of adopting an animal from a shelter or rescue.  The accompanying video is a beautiful tribute to dogs, cats, and horses adopted and now in loving home.


When I found you I knew you were the one.
In your darkest hour did you know I'd finally come?
The past is done and gone, now we're going home to make a brand new start.
When I found you I found the missing piece of my heart.

Grab a dog to cuddle.  Sit.  Stay.  Relax and celebrate pet adoption with When I Found You - The Adoption Song by Jayne Olderman.  Then fetch some more genuine dog song music videos at Talking Dogs.  You'll be surprised at how many we've collected over the past few years.  And have a barking good weekend!

Friday, February 14, 2014

Happy Valentine's Day from Talking Dogs and For Love of a Dog Jewelry


We have a Valentine's Day gift for you:

Shop For Love of a Dog Jewelry with a 20% discount (yes, even on sale items) with this discount code:  LOVEDOGS
(Minimum order of $25.  Ends February 26, 2014)


And... Jeffie has a Valentine's Day message for someone special...



Reminder:  Be sure to enter our February Giveaway!  You could win this dog lover bracelet from For Love of a Dog Jewelry!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Love My Dog Amethyst Crystal Bracelet #Giveaway

The For Love of a Dog staff decided that it was definitely time for another giveaway.  Last month the most popular color was purple.  Since February birthday girls birthstone is amethyst we're got something we think you'll like.

This I Love My Dog Amethyst Crystal Bracelet from For Love of a Dog Jewelry was custom made for this giveaway.  Sorry, cat ladies, this one is for the dog lovers. 


For this one of a kind bracelet, I hand wire wrapped brilliantly faceted amethyst colored crystal rondelle beads with silver jeweler's wire.  The focal is a silver three dimensional dog bone surrounded by purple amethyst gemstone beads.
  

Check out that adorable paw print lobster claw clasp!


That sweet heart charm says "Heart" my Dog on one side, has a paw print engraved on the other side, and is accented with an amethyst gemstone bead.

There will be one winner and this bracelet will be custom sized to fit.

This giveaway is open to everyone! 

Yes, you read that right.  The heck with USPS shipping fees, I'm tired of excluding all of our wonderful friends who live outside the US.   One caveat:  if the winner lives outside the US, he/she agrees to be responsible for any/all Customs/VAT fees and charges.

So, if you'd like to win this one of a kind bracelet made by my own hands, just follow the directions in the Rafflecopter below.  Then if you've a mind to, fetch a look at more dog bone jewelry at For Love of a Dog.

Rafflecopter misbehaving and not showing?  You can click the hotlink and you'll be taken to the form.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm joining the Barks and Bytes blog hop today hosted by 2 Brown Dawgs and Heart Like a Dog  and on Friday I'll be joining the Fidos Freebie Friday blog hop sponsored by Dog Tipper, All Things Dog Blog, Doggies and Stuff and To Dog With Love.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Jeffie Has a Heart Perfect for Kisses | Wordless Wednesday


Valentine's Day is Friday.  While some humans are said to wear their hearts on their sleeves...  

Jeffie wears his heart on his forehead.  
The perfect spot for kisses!


Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Quail Dream Treats Dog Snacks from Chewy.com | Product Review

Jeffie, Rudy and Rosie have tried duck, buffalo, and other game dog treats, but never quail.  So, they were delighted when Chewy.com asked if they'd like to give some Wysong Quail Dream Treats a taste test and review.

A mere two days later, the UPS gave them a thrill by delivering their box from Chewy.com.  OMD, that's fast service!

We've all got cabin fever here due to this challenging winter weather, so we didn't waste any time in getting down to business.

 Jeffie gave the package a real good looking over and sniff test.  Beautiful gold foil zip bag packaging, by the way.

 In case you have any doubts, Rudy takes his taste testing duties very seriously.

Inside the package we found these round freeze dried treats.  They smelled so good to all three dogs, it was very hard for them to hold a sit and wait their turns to give them a try.


Dream Treats are starch-free raw meat treats, uniquely processed without damaging heat using the Wysong True Non-Thermal manufacturing technology. Each meaty disc is loaded with extra vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, enzymes, powerful natural nutraceuticals and more! A truly beneficial dog, cat, or ferret treat (yes, it's a raw ferret food too)! 

According to Chewy.com, Dream Treats natural dog and cat treats are great tasting, no-worry, no-guilt snacking for the important companion animal in your life. The no-mess discs are easy to carry along for training treats and excellent to share any time. Serve every day to ensure an optimal supply of important nutrients and as a gift of love...real genetically appropriate natural food your pet dreams about.
 
Jeffie and Rosie were eager to give Wysong Quail Dream Treats from Chewy.com a try.


Key Benefits of Wysong Quail Dream Treats
  • Suitable for all life stages dogs and cats!
  • Human-grade meats and vitamins & minerals
  • Available in three tasty formulas: Chicken, Quail, and Rabbit
  • Rich in proteins and amino acids
  • Made in the USA!
Ingredients:
Wysong notes:  despite the lengthy ingredient list, this is fundamentally a raw Quail meat product (over 95%)  Microingredients and nutrients are blended into the meats at minor yet meaningful levels.

Quail, Natural Flavor, Taurine, Organic Blueberry, Organic Barley Grass, Chia Seeds, Broccoli Sprouts, Carrots, Plums, Whey, Sea Salt, Dried Kelp, Yeast Extract, Citric Acid, Mixed Tocopherols, Rosemary Extract, Yeast Culture, Minerals (Potassium Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Calcium Carbonate, Vitamins (Ascorbic Acid [source of Vitamin C], Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus niger Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus lactis Fermentation Product

Crude Protein (min)  50%
Crude Fat (min)  25%
Crude Fiber (max) .5%
Moisture (max)  4%
Taurine (min) .3%

According to Wysong:
Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats and arguably for dogs as well.  Taurine can be diminished in food processing and should be supplemented.  It exerts a host of benefits for the cardiovascular, ocular, and central nervous systems.  It is also an antioxidant and is important in muscular response to exercise.

Chia Seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids important to cardiovascular, immune, anti-inflammatory, and neurological functions. Chia seeds may also aid in maintaining proper weight and cholesterol levels. Chia seeds provide natural sources of fiber, antioxidants, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese. 


Mixed Tocopherols
A natural mix of vitamin E effective in quenching oxidizing free radicals.


The quail in these dog treats is human grade, United States sourced and processed.

Wysong is based in Midland, Michigan and their slogan is The Thinking Person's Pet Food - Since 1979    We like that this company was a pioneer of natural healthy pet foods and holistic pet health care and nutrition.

Rosie can't take her eyes off these Quail Dream Treats from Chewy.com

We first reviewed Chewy.com online pet products almost two years ago .  We loved them then and we still do.  With over 300 brands of pet food and other pet products ready to ship with their super fast doorstep service, what's not to love.  Living in a rural area, I love that I can purchase brands and products that I can't find locally.  Chewy.com has great prices and there's always a sale going on some of our favorite products.


Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Chewy.com has warehouses located throughout the country to guarantee orders are delivered quickly.

We're pleased to give Wysong Quail Dream Treats and Chewy.com our highest recommendation!


* We received one package of Wysong Quail Dream Treats dog snacks from Chewy.com in exchange for our honest review of the product and the Chewy.com service.  We received no other compensation - financial or otherwise.

Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry.  


We're joining the Tasty Tuesday blog hop today.  This is a blog hop that celebrates good food, sponsored by Sugar the Golden Retriever and Kols Notes.  

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Barry White at @StrayRescue is Looking for a Valentine


Edited March 17, 2014 - BARRY WHITE HAS BEEN ADOPTED!

Barry White is looking for his love match.  Could it be you?  

With the soulful face of his namesake, Barry White the Pitbull mix thinks he has a romantic image, too.  These days he's wor4king on barking in a lower register to attract just the right Valentine.

Barry White is looking for a forever home.  At five years old, he won't chew on your fingers, but he'll shake paws and give you kisses.  He needs someone to put a smile on his handsome face.

Take a look at his dog adoption video and then contact Valerie at Stray Rescue St Louis 314-771-6121 for more information about this handsome fellow.


 
Find your perfect four legged love match at Stray Rescue.  Now through February 15 all adoption fees for dogs and cats are just $14.  The adoption fee includes spay or neuter, microchip and all vaccinations.

 




Founded by Randy Grim, Stray Rescue of St Louis sole 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.

On Tuesdays we participate 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!

Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry

Saturday, February 8, 2014

My Dog by Kurt Swinghammer | Dog Song Saturday

It's Saturday, so time for a dog song at Talking Dogs.  Get ready to smile and tap your toe to an original dog song:  My Dog by Kurt Swinghammer.   

While you're at it, get ready to smile at the accompanying video.  All kinds of dogs engaged in all kinds of activities.

My dog, my dog... my dog is my best friend...

Grab a dog to snuggle.  Sit.  Stay.  Relax and enjoy My Dog by Kurt Swinghammer.  Then fetch some more genuine dog song music videos at Talking Dogs.  You'll be surprised at how many we've collected over the past few years.  And have a barking good weekend!
 

Friday, February 7, 2014

Valentine's Day Jewelry Gifts for Dog Lovers at For Love of a Dog

Shopping for the perfect gift for your special dog lover for Valentine's Day?

 Fetch For Love of a Dog Jewelry!

Choose from necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pendants and pins in several doggie themes.  Each piece is handmade and most are one of a kind.

Any dog lover would enjoy showing off her dog with a piece of dog breed jewelry.  

For Love of a Dog has over 80 dog breeds available in jewelry like this Bernese Mountain Dog pendant.  A hand crafted two dimensional (sculpted on front; flat on back) is hand wire wrapped with a puffy scarlet red lampwork heart to dangle on your own chain or ribbon.  Best of all - all dog breed pendants are included in items on sale!


What dog lover wouldn't be charmed with Dog Mom jewelry?  Each is one of a kind and includes a handmade porcelain dog bone focal proclaiming DOG MOM, plus an assortment of crystals, gemstone beads and lampwork beads.

The Dog Mom bracelet below has a fabulous vintage style and includes a sweet red rose, vintage brass filigree bead and floral clasp, and check out those lampwork beads.  Love that sweet red and white heart bead - perfect for Valentine's Day!

Is dog rescue and animal shelter adoption near and dear to your Valentine's heart?  Fetch a piece of pet rescue jewelry like this rescue dog bone bracelet.  Gorgeous green rosebud lampwork beads, plus green jade and rose pink rhodonite gemstones, with a sweet pink heart dangle.  Adorable silver dog collar and dog bone toggle clasp is the perfect finishing touch.


Unabashed dog lovers my I Love My Dog necklaces (shown below).  You'll find jewelry like this is my paw print jewelry and mutts dog jewelry.


Another perfect choice for Valentine's Day are dog themed earringsShown below are some beautiful red jasper heart and glass 3 D dog bone earrings.


Fetch For Love of a Dog Jewelry now for your Valentine.  Shop with a 10% discount (even on sale items) with this discount code:  FLDNEW    You'll enjoy knowing your giving a one of a kind handmade gift, plus you'll receive fast free standard shipping.