We Have a Winner in our June For Love of a Dog Giveaway!

 

Congratulations to

Cascadian Nomads!

  They were selected at random by Rafflecopter from 2,840 entries
as the winner of our For Love of a Dog Jewelry June Giveaway 
and will receive this handmade lampwork dog paw and bone 

bracelet from For Love of a Dog Jewelry.

 

 

Thanks so much to everyone who participated in the giveaway!

Want to make sure you know about all of our giveaways?

Fetch our Talking Dogs Giveaway Page and follow us on Facebook 
and you'll be the first to know about our July giveaway.

 

In the meantime, if you'd like to win this WOOF dog bone pendant from For Love of a Dog Jewelry, be sure to enter the K9 Kamp giveaway!  In fact, my pendant is part of a HUGE prize package, so don't miss out!

 

 

Of course, you don't have to wait for a giveaway to enjoy a piece of my handcrafted jewelry!  Shop For Love of a Dog!

 

Adopt Duke a Pit Bull Terrier Dog in Missouri

This handsome fellow is Duke.  He's a Pit Bull mix and about 3 years old.  As you can see from his adoption video, he loves to play and he's dog-gone cute!

Duke is learning to walk nicely on a leash and he loves people.  Have a look at Duke's video and then contact the Humane Society of Missouri for more information about Duke at 314-951-1562.  Duke's animal ID number is A573106. 



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.

We are participating in the Tuesday's Tails blog hop hosted by Dogs N Pawz and Talking Dogs.  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. 

There's Dog Hair in Everything I Do | Dog Song Saturday

Kick off your weekend with a dog song at Talking Dogs!  Let's face it:  if you have a dog, you've got dog hair! And Randi Breese knows about dog hair!

Be sure to pay attention to the lyrics as you watch this music video of Breese performing her original song There's Dog Hair in Everything I Do.   I guarantee you'll chuckle as you recognize bits and pieces of your own life with dogs.

Turn loose of that vaccum cleaner.  Drop that dog brush.  Just grab that dog to cuddle.  Sit Stay. Relax and enjoy There's Dog Hair in Everything I Do.  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!
 

New Fetch Dog Lover Jewelry at For Love of a Dog

The other day I was outside playing with my dogs and I suddenly gave myself a mental kick.  Why in the world haven't I done some fetch and flyball dog jewelry, I asked myself.   I set about remedying that right away.  Here's a little peek at just of few pieces.

Shown above is a fetch dog bone bracelet with black based raised daisy lampwork beads, fat jet black faceted crystal rondelles, plus a sweet paw print lobster claw clasp.  Of course, the focus is on the hand stamped dog bone and porcelain tennis ball.  Oh!  And that hand carved black onxy gemstone heart because your dog is star... right?!

A variation on the theme, but this time in a yellow and pink color scheme, plus a a Heart my Dog charm dangle.  Fetch more photos and info here.

If your dog is a Flyball star, celebrate with this fun bracelet.

Not a fan of bracelets?  How about a fetch dog bone necklace with a cute three dimensional porcelain tennis ball.   Shown is a gold fetch necklace and below is one in copper.  Sorry, the silver sold out as soon as I added them to the For Love of a Dog website. 

Be sure to check out all of my new jewelry to see all the FETCH themed dog bone bracelets and necklaces.   Remember, most of my jewelry are one of a kind pieces, so if you see something you like snag it now!  Shop now with a 10% discount on your entire order (which all come with free shipping to US addresses) with this code:  FLDNEW

And be sure to enter our June Giveaway!

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

Frolic | Wordless Wednesday

Frolic:  to gambol merrily; to play in a 

frisky, light-spirited manner; romp.

Happy first week of Summer!

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

Adopt Knuckles a Pit Bull Mix Dog at Stray Rescue St Louis

This beautiful boy guy was chained with two other dogs in a garbage-filled yard of a derelict house in very cold weather.  Knuckles and his friends were rescued by Stray Rescue St Louis.

Knuckles had a hard life on the streets and came to the shelter pretty beat up, with scars on his ears and face.  In spite of that, he's very good with people and loves his walks while he learns good leash skills.

Six year old Knuckles really wants all of the human attention for himself, so he should be the only dog in the home.

Check out Knuckles adoption video and then give Stray Rescue a call 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.

We are participating in the Tuesday's Tails blog hop hosted by Dogs N Pawz and Talking Dogs.  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.

Bichon Frise by Nancy Simmonds | Dog Song Saturday

Start your weekend with Dog Song Saturday at Talking Dogs!  Today we're featuring another original dog song by Nancy Simmonds.  The Bichon Frise is a tribute to this beautiful dog breed.

We've featured singer songwriter Nancy Simmonds on Dog Song Saturday before.  She's one of our favorite composers of songs about dogs.

In fact, Nancy has recently completed over 110 purebred dog songs designed to celebrate and honor our canine companions.  This series is called Musical Tails and is available for download from iTunes. 

Grab a dog.  Sit. Stay. Relax and enjoy The Pointer Song by Nancy Simmonds.

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.  

Have a barking good weekend!  

Summertime and the Living is Easy | Wordless Wednesday

 Summertime and the living is easy...

Even if you're on security duty!

For Love of a Dog Jewelry June #Giveaway | Monday Mischief

Another Monday and once again the mischief is all mine.  Last month I almost forgot to do a May For Love of a Dog Jewelry giveaway.  Not gonna happen this month!

Enter to win this one of a kind paw and dog bone

lampwork bracelet from For Love of a Dog Jewelry!

A classic combination of black, pink, and white in lampwork, crystals and gemstone beads.  Sweet lampwork flower beads with a black base and raised white and raspberry pink flowers, plus black and pink swirling striped beads are hand wire wrapped along with double sided lampwork paw print beads.  



Lots of dangles: glossy black obsidian gemstone beads and faceted pink crystal rondelles.   Adorable paw print lobster claw clasp has two dangling charms - a three dimensional white glass dog bone and a hand carved black onyx gemstone heart.

Even if you don't wear bracelets, you should enter to win a barking good gift for a friend!

There will be one (1) winner and they will receive the bracelet shown here. 

This giveaway is open worldwide.  However, those of you who live outside the US must agree to be responsible for all Customs/VAT fees.

If you'd like to win this dog lover bracelet - made by my own dog loving hands - just follow the directions in the rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rafflecopter misbehaving?  Sorry about that.  It happens sometimes.  Make sure you're looking at this individual blog post and then try refreshing the page.  OR click on the linked phrase "a Rafflecopter giveaway" (just above this paragraph) and you'll be taken to the entry form.

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! 
We're also joining the Fido's Freebie Friday blog hop hosted by Dog Tipper, All Things Dog Blog, Doggies and Stuff and To Dog With Love. If you have a giveaway on your blog, join us! 

Adopt Orlando a Senior German Shepherd Dog in Kansas City

This beautiful boy is Orlando.  He's German Shepherd Dog mix who was picked up as a stray and taken to Wayside Waifs in Kansas City MO.  At about 9 years old, Orlando is a senior dog.

Here's his adoption message:

Hello! My name is Orlando. I'm a handsome 9-year-old German Shepherd/mix. I originally came into Wayside as a stray. It was hard at my age being on the streets. I don't really know what happened but I'm sure glad I am here where it's safe. Wayside is everything I could have dreamed about! A roof over my head, warm blankets, lots of walks and enrichment, I feel like I've hit the lottery! Except there's still one thing missing. You. My fur-ever family. A home I can call my own. I hope that in reading this you will see that I might be the perfect fit for you!

Don't be fooled by my age! I'm still quite the whippersnapper, if I do say myself! I have a lot of energy and love still in me that I can't wait to share with my new family! I have a rough go of things lately but that hasn't dampened my spirit. When I first got here I caught a pretty bad cold that put me out of commission for awhile. The amazing vet staff worked tirelessly to help me feel better and get me back to my silly and sweet self. Everyone says that now that I am healthy again it's only a matter of time before my new family comes for me!

I will need continued work on my training but I am a smart and eager to please boy so that will go a long way! Daily mental and physical stimulation will help me become a happier boy! I may be older but I still love to get out and run and play! There is nothing I would like more than to go on adventures with you. Trips around the neighborhood or trips to the park would be so much fun! I am guaranteed to keep you grinning from ear to ear with a matching smile on my face. Some of the volunteers have noticed I try really hard to keep my kennel clean so I may be kennel trained! Consistency, praise and a routine will continue to help me on my way! I love treats too, so that will help in learning what is expected of me!

If you are looking for a silly, loyal and sweet boy than look no further! Come on out to Wayside Waifs and ask to meet Orlando. I have been waiting for this day for so long and I can't wait to walk away from the shelter and into our new lives together!

All my love,
Orlando

Take a look at Orlando's adoption video and then contact Wayside Waifs at  816-761-8151.  Orlando's animal ID # 22164910

Wayside Waifs is Kansas City’s largest no-kill animal shelter.   They are an independent, 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit humane society and animal welfare organization established in 1944.  Wayside Waifs is committed to finding homes for all adoptable pets. Wayside is the largest pet adoption center in Kansas City, placing over 5,400 animals each year in loving forever homes. Wayside does not euthanize adoptable animals, and there are no time limits for animals in our care. Only animals suffering from significant medical issues or those that pose a danger are humanely euthanized. Wayside Waifs is proud to be a part of Kansas City's no-kill community.
 Talking Dogs blog will be participating in the Tuesday's Tails blog hop hosted by Dogs N Pawz and Talking Dogs. This is the blog hop that features shelter pets.  Find a pet at your local animal shelter or rescue and join us!
  

Tuesday's Tails blog hop participants can post any day of the week and link up with a fresh blog hop linky every Tuesday.  Though targeted at adoptable pets, we also welcome blog posts regarding pet adoption, rescue organizations and adoption events.Fetch the new Tuesday's Tails Facebook page and give us a like! 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.  

Stand Up Animal Rights Song | Dog Song Saturday

Kick off your weekend with Dog Song Saturday at Talking Dogs!  Today's featured music video is a song about standing up for animal rights.   

Stand Up - Animal Rights Song was composed by Kevin G. Moore.  He's joined here by Amanda McCarthy, Lauren Mary and Randy Barr singing vocals.  

Randy Barr may sound very familiar to you.  We've featured his work here at Talking Dogs a few times, most notably his barking good Ernie and Me along with Randy's generous efforts to raise funds for Canine Cancer Awareness.   Really, it shouldn't have come as a surprise to me that Randy is one of the musicians in this performance dedicated to ending animal cruelty. 

As composer Kevin G Moore notes at the beginning of the Stand Up music video:

The Shocking Number of cruelty cases reported daily in the media is only the tip of the iceberg.  Most cases are never reported and most animal suffering goes unrecognized and unabated.

Isn't it time for all of us to 'Stand Up' and defend these creatures whom we love so much!

The song is accompanied by a video slideshow of some wonderful dog themed quotations and photographs.  I should probably warn you: it is longer than dog songs we usually feature.  As you'll see, the song is repeated and the second accompanies video footage of the recording session.

Stand Up is available for download on iTunes  and on Amazon.  All proceeds from this song download will be donated to animal charities. 

Grab a dog to cuddle. Sit.  Stay.  Relax and enjoy Stand Up - The Animal Rights Song song and video.
 
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! 

Joy in a Wooly Coat | Wordless Wednesday

I am joy in a wooly coat,

come to dance into your life,

to make you laugh!

~ Julie Church

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

Merrick Big Brush Bones Dental Chews from Chewy.com | Product Review

There are lots of dental dog treats out on the market these days.  We've tried a few.  

When Chewy.com asked if we'd like to try the new Merrick Big Brush Bones Grain-Free Dental Chews Dog Treats  we said: yes!

Merrick Dental Chews are all-natural dental chews to clean dogs' teeth and freshen breath, all in a tasty and digestible treat.  

Merrick Dental Chews are grain-free and gluten free.

Made in the US with no ingredients from China.

Key Benefits:

• Grain-free and gluten-free treats
• Made for dogs that weigh 25 pounds and over
• All natural ingredients
• Supports fresh breath
• No sorbic acid or sodium copper chlorophylin
• Made in the US

Ingredients:
Potato Starch, Vegetable Glycerin, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Cane Molasses, Chicken Fat, Natural Chicken Flavor, Water, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate (source of chlorophyll), Lecithin, Dried Cultured Skim Milk, Parsley

Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude protein minimum  1.5%
Crude fat minimum  2%
Crude fiber maximum  6%
Moisture maximum  16%

Calorie Content  109 kcal per treat

An 11.7 oz bag of 10 bones is $12.99 at Chewy.com. 

Rosie was eager to give a Merrick Dental Chew a try.

Though we haven't used them long enough to report any reduction of plaque or other dental improvements, the dogs did thoroughly enjoy giving them a good taste test.

When I opened the bag, I was not keen on the odor.  However, the individual dog bone shaped chews smelled faintly like alfalfa to me (which is an odor I enjoy.)  The dogs had no hesitation; the treats smelled pawsome to them!

Rudy politely waits his turn to try a Merrick Dental Chew.

I liked the size of these chews for my three big dogs.  I also appreciate that Merrick Big Brush Bones Dental Chews are all natural, grain free, and made in the US from US sourced ingredients.  Those dog lovers whose pets cannot tolerate gluten will like the fact that they are gluten free.

Merrick pet food and treat recipes use USDA inspected deboned meat and fresh produce for industry-leading levels of protein, glucosamine and chondroitin.  Merrick never imports ingredients from China.  All their food is handcrafted in their Hereford, Texas kitchen with ingredients from farmers they know and trust. In 2012 Merrick earned organic certification under the USDA National Organic Program for all of their Texas based manufacturing facilities.

There are lots of reasons to like Chewy.com

• Fast shipping to our front door (free if our order is over $49)
• Over 200 brands to choose from in pet food, treats, and supplies
• Great prices and frequent sales
• Easy to navigate web site and terrific customer service
• Chewy.com gives back via their Shelter and Rescue Network

 Final verdict:  Lip smacking good!

 * We received one package of Merrick Big Brushy Bones Dental Chews from Chewy.com in exchange for our honest review of the product and 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.  

Cyber Dog Show Fund Raiser at Labrador Life Line

Labrador Life Line's annual Cyber Dog Show is happening now!

Most categories are open to ALL DOGS, not just Labs.

Enter your photos now to compete for a great prize and know you're helping raise funds for a fantastic organization!

The show opened on June 6 and will close at 5 pm (Pacific) on Friday, June 27.  Entry fees are $7 for one photo or 3 photos for $18.  If you purchase a 6 photo package, you'll receive one photo free.  Fetch more details here.

AWARD CLASSES

LABS ONLY

Class	Judge
Extreme Labs	Anne Swindeman
Labby Families	Gail Kelley
Swimming Labs	Amanda Camarato
Picture Perfect Poses	Anne Swindeman
Hunting Labs	Gail Kelley

ALL DOGS

Class	Judge
Dogs at Play	Amanda Camarato
Dogs with People	Anne Swindeman
Dogs with Other Animals	Gail Kelley
Smiling Dogs	Amanda Camarato
Puppy Spirit	Anne Swindeman
Funniest Sleeping Position	Gail Kelley
No Dogs Allowed! Other Animals Only.	Amanda Camarato
Dogs In Trouble	Anne Swindeman
Dogs and their Favorite Toys	Gail Kelley
Holiday Dogs - Any holiday	Amanda Camarato
Shaming Dogs	Anne Swindeman
Best Head Tilt	Gail Kelley
The Many Silly Faces of a Dog	Amanda Camarato
Mustache Dogs	Anne Swindeman
Best Self Controlled Dog	Gail Kelley
Dirty Dogs	Amanda Camarato
Cutest Cuddles	Anne Swindeman
Dogs In Their Golden Years	Gail Kelley
Couch Potatoes	Amanda Camarato
Rainbow Bridge	un-judged
Rescue Royalty	un-judged

Submitted photos will be automatically numbered and posted to the Cyber Dog Show website.  Judges will vote for dogs by number only.  Ribbons will be given to the first place winner in each judged class, as well as Best in Show.

Labrador Life Line, Inc is a not for profit organization created to help owners or rescuers of Labrador Retrievers who are in need of financial assistance. Originating on the LABSR4U mailing list, members of the list joined together to help purebred Labrador Retrievers at times when financial difficulty could make the difference between life and death, or health and sickness. Their financial assistance includes, but is not limited to, covering various medical costs (surgery, treatment, medication) and help to cover rescue or transportation expenses.

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

Adopt Gretel A Coonhound Dog in Virginia

Gretel is a Black and Tan Coonhound in foster care in Virginia waiting for a forever home.

Long silky soft ears, big ‘ole brown hound dog eyes, noses to the ground. We’ve all seen pictures of coonhounds as “hunting dogs” or seen them lazing around on a front porch in the south somewhere. Has it ever made you wonder what it would like to have a coonhound as a furry family member? 

Coonhounds are one of the most often overlooked breeds in shelters because of the stereotypes – loud, smelly, stubborn. And unfortunately for them, whether they are picked up as strays or dumped by their owners, coonhounds often don’t make it out of the shelter alive.

In reality, coonhounds make wonderful additions to your family. They are a very social breed and interact well with other dogs (and even cats if properly introduced) and they do well with children. They can be vocal with their “hound song” when outdoors, but are typically quiet when enjoying the comforts of being indoors with their human family.

Coonhounds were bred to be hunters so they generally have fewer health issues than other breeds. The most common issue is an ear infection, which is often due to those long gorgeous ears, but it’s easily treatable. While it’s best to keep them leashed when walking due to their “wandering nature”, a coonhound can be perfectly happy as a couch potato or roaming around in a fenced backyard.

Gretel is a Black and Tan Coonhound girl waiting in Virginia for a forever home. No more than 1 year old, Gretel was picked up as a neglected and starved stray. Her sad start in life is now over thanks to the American Black and Tan Coonhound Rescue (ABTCR) 
  

Gretel is safe and learning to love life as a young hound. She’s very food and treat motivated and loves to romp and play with her foster siblings. Her best buds in the house are another hound and a young shepherd mix. 

Gretel does well in a crate as she is crated during the workday, but sleeps out at night, either in a big dog bed or with her foster parents. She is a little shy at first, but is learning to trust the humans around her. Her foster family believes that she would do well with children. She's working on house manners and has come far since she joined the foster family.

Gretel is on the petite side but has a huge heart and is so deserving of the love a forever family could give her. Check out a video of Gretel trying to decide which toy she wants to play with! 

To adopt Gretel, visit the American Black and Tan Coonhound website at www.coonhoundrescue.com to fill out an application 

Jayne Schlegel and Molly Smith founded American Black and Tan Coonhound Rescue in 2004. In 2012, ABTCR rehomed over 640 coonhounds and bloodhounds, many of whom would have died in shelters had they not been pulled for rescue.

ABTCR has been able to save these hounds because of an extensive network of over 70 active foster homes in 39 states across the country. And foster homes are always needed. To foster means opening up your home to a dog that would have otherwise been euthanized in a shelter. It’s a second chance for a dog that might have been treated badly, neglected, or simply unwanted. 

Fostering a dog is extremely rewarding; words can't describe the feeling of watching a scared, thin dog thrive and become the beautiful companion that can be placed with a new family. The foster family also provides valuable insight into the dog's personality so that a good match can be made with a potential adopter. How many times can you say, “I saved a life today.”?

Take a few moments to watch this fostering video made by volunteers with ABTCR and if you think you’d be interested in fostering for American Black and Tan Coonhound Rescue, fill out a foster application here.


 
If you’re still on the fence about coonhounds, check out these links: 

• Why Adopt Coonhounds and Foxhounds
• Busting Coonhound Myths - Why These Dogs Make Great House Pets
• Coonhounds Are the Pit Bulls of the South

Note:  Huge thanks to Kristi Austin, foster mom to Gretel (and many other dogs) for providing this guest post.

We are participating in the Tuesday's Tails blog hop hosted by Dogs N Pawz and Talking Dogs.  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.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Song by Nancy Simmond | Dog Song Saturday

Kick off your weekend with a dog song and music video at Talking Dogs!  

Today we're featuring one of favorite composers of original dog songs, Nancy Simmonds.  

To date Nancy has completed over 110 purebred dog songs to celebrate and honor our canine companions.

Today's selection is The Staffordshire Bull Terrier.  Nancy notes:

In Ontario, Canada, any dog that looks like a Pit Bull is banned.  This includes the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.  Here's a wonderful dog, a fabulous breed.  Help overturn the ban.

Grab a dog to cuddle.  A Staffie or pitty if you've got one.  Sit.  Stay.  Relax and enjoy The Staffordshire Bull Terrier song and video.
 
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!