Celebrate Mixed Breed Dogs on National Mutt Day July 31

Now, this is my kind of holiday! Today is National Mutt Day!  Since mutts are my favorite dog breed - sorry, Rudy - I like to think I celebrate mutts every day. 

My current mutts join a long list of mutts and mongrels in my life.  I found both Jeffie and Rosie on Petfinder and adopted them from the same animal shelter six years apart.  

Jeffie represents two awesome dog breeds: Golden Retriever and Border Collie.   As the Wisdom DNA Panel showed us, Rosie is a mutt extraordinaire and has an unlimited number of dog breeds in her genetic make up.

The bottom line: shelter dogs are fantastic and mutt is really spelled L O V E.

Colleen Paige, a celebrity pet and animal welfare expert, created National Mutt Day in 2005. The day is celebrated twice a year, in December and July, to call attention to mixed breed dogs in animal shelters.  Paige aims to raise awareness about the plight of those shelter dogs who wait for homes or are euthanized.

National Mutt Day encourages you to visit your local animal shelter and adopt a new best friend.  Not ready to adopt? There are many other ways you can help:

• Volunteer and walk a dog at your local shelter.
• Donate pet food, supplies and treats to your local shelter.
• Hold an event to raise funds for your local shelter.
• Offer to walk the mutt of an elderly neighbor.
• Write your Congressman and ask that they support the ban of puppy mills in your state.
• Take your own mutt to visit a local home for the elderly.
• Spread the word about how awesome mutts are!

Rosie and the Security Patrol | Wordless Wednesday

 The hard working For Love of a Dog security patrol 

is taking a quick rest break from their duties.

I think we're going to have to find Rosie

some other position in our organization.

Huge Summer Sale at For Love of a Dog Jewelry

It's my biggest sale ever!  Almost everything is on sale and some items have been reduced over 50%.  I usually celebrate summer with a Christmas in July sale, but the truth is that I have a hard time thinking about Christmas in July.  So, I'm calling this a summer sale, though you certainly could pick up some amazing bargains for holiday gifts at For Love of a Dog.

This is the first time I've put all of my dog breed jewelry on sale. Yes, all of it. Every single breed. And I should tell you that right now I have less than a dozen of the little dog charms (in various breeds) and there will be no more.  Yes, you read that right.  So, if I have your favorite dog breed in a piece of jewelry you like, you should snap it up.  Now!

 My rescue and adopt a dog jewelry is on sale.  That includes Foster Dog Mom jewelry and Dog Mom jewelry, too.

I've slashed my prices on dog leash holders and just have a very few dog breed leash hooks available.  Since it just wouldn't be a real sale without a few barks and woofs, you'll find my Woof dog bone jewelry on sale, too.
 

Though you don't see any graphics here, you'll also find cat and horse jewelry included in my summer sale.

Jeffie, Rudy and Rosie all agreed that my Flyball fetch tennis ball jewelry should be on sale. And yes, all prices include free standard shipping to the US.

Hmmm, well the truth is that almost everything is on sale. No lie! In fact, there's so much on sale that you should head to your favorite category because clicking through to the "sale items" will be overwhelming.  Remember, almost every item is one of a kind, so when it's gone... it's gone. My best advice:  shop now!

Adopt Trinity a One Eyed #LabradorRetriever @WaysideWaifs in #KCMO

This brave girl is Trinity.  She's a 5 year old Labrador Retriever mix.  Though we don't know exactly how her eye was injured, she was fortunate that Wayside Waifs stepped in and made sure she received needed medical treatment.

Though right now she's still in a cone and recovering from surgery, she's ready for a new forever home.

Here's Trinity's adoption message:

Hello, I'm Trinity, a sweet, courageous and resilient girl with a big heart. Five-years young, I am a 53-pound yellow Labrador Retriever mix who came to Wayside from another shelter that had run out of room--and just in time too. I know how lucky I was to be given a second chance for a forever home and also how lucky I was to be here with skilled vets who could do the kind of surgery on my eye that needed to be done. 

 I'm in the process of healing and at the same time, I'm making the best of my eye surgery, my new "digs" in the Yellow row and my "cone head" (although they tell me it's just temporary). I've had some big changes in my life but I still have a smile on my face and my tail tells you the tale about how I feel about you when you're with me. 

 I've been confused by what's been going on so I sometimes bump into walls and even into you but boy, oh, boy, when you start petting me down that long stretch of my back, I could stand perfectly still for that-forever. Oh, except my tail; it keeps moving like a propeller. Food- and praise-motivated, I am a smart young lady who knows how to come when I'm called, especially to supper. I'm a laid-back girl who would like a calm family life, preferably with me as the child (or with children 10 or older). 

Losing sight in one my eyes is all new to me so I'm learning as I go along-will you learn with me? Happy-go-lucky and enthusiastic (despite some setbacks), I'm also an affectionate and good natured girl who would make somebody a loyal and affectionate companion. At least come say "hi" to me. You won't be sorry. Love, Trinity

Trinity is available for adoption from Wayside Waifs. Contact them at 816-761-8151.  Trinity's animal ID number is 28521103


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 thnose 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 is 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 Tuesday's Tails Facebook page and give us a like and if you're participating in the blog hop, post your featured pets! 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.

 

Old King by Neil Young | Dog Song Saturday

It's Saturday, so time for a dog song at Talking Dogs.  

Today we have a golden oldie by Neil Young called Old King.

Old King was released in 1992 on Young's Harvest Moon album. 


During a performance Young introduced the song by explaining:

"This is a song about my dog. His name is Elvis. Elvis is riding on Jimi Hendrix's bus now. He traveled with me for many years. Well, I changed his name to 'King' in the song to avoid any confusion." 

Sit. Stay. Relax and enjoy Old King by Neil Young. Scroll down after you click the video to play and you can sing along. Then if you're in the mood for more - Fetch more dog songs and music videos at Talking Dogs. You'll be surprised at how many we've collected!



Old King lyrics:

King went a runnin' after deer
Wasn't scared of jumpin' off the truck in high gear
King went a sniffin' and he would go
Was the best old hound dog I ever did know

I had a dog and his name was King
I told the dog about everything
There in my truck the dog and I
Then one day the King up and died

Then I thought about the times we had
Once when I kicked him when he was bad
Old King sure meant a lot to me
But that hound dog is history

King went a runnin' after deer
Wasn't scared of jumpin' off the truck in high gear
King went a sniffin' and he would go
Was the best old hound dog I ever did know

That old king was a friend of mine
Never knew a dog that was half as fine
I may find one, you never do know
'Cause I still got a long way to go

I had a dog and his name was King
I told the dog about everything
Old King sure meant a lot to me
But that hound dog is history

King went a howlin' after deer
Wasn't scared of jumpin' off the truck in high gear
King went a sniffin' and he would go
Was the best old hound dog I ever did know

Sweet Summer Dreams | Wordless Wednesday

 

Mother Nature just won't release us from a weather cycle of rain and thunderstorms.  To that she's added high humidity and hot temperatures, so the Talking Dogs take advantage of the A/C to do some serious afternoon napping.  I'm pretty sure our resident baking assistant, Rosie, is dreaming of fresh dog cookies.

 

With no more flooding (at least so far), Rudy has had to give up frogging.  He's back to dog toy fun.  Though he rarely hesitates to let Rosie play, too (or even give the toy up to her), he really loves to be an "only dog" for a little while.

 

And Jeffie?  Pretty sure he's got the lovely Rita on his mind!

Adopt Bean a #Senior #Beagle Mix Dog in #Missouri | Tuesdays Tails

This cutie is Bean. She's a black, tan and white Beagle mix and at 8 years old, she's a senior dog.

Though her lifestyle before she found herself in the shelter is unknown, it looks safe to say that she had plenty to eat.  Yep. Bean needs a new best friend who will help her with her diet and make sure she gets some exercise.

Bean is spayed, housebroken and walks nicely on her leash.  She needs a new walking partner and someone to love.

Take a look at Bean's adoption video and then give the Humane Society of Missouri a call at314-951-1588.  Bean is at their Maryland Heights animal shelter and her animal ID number is A596273 
. 

You may remember Diamond from a couple of weeks ago.  Diamond is an 8 year old senior Pit Bull Terrier dog still waiting for a forever home. She's at the HSMO St Louis City animal shelter and her animal ID number is A593617. 

Senior Pit Bull dog Diamond is still waiting to be adopted.

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.  Handmade artisan jewelry gifts in pet themes including dogs, cats, and horses.

Feed Jake by Pirates of the Mississippi | Dog Song Saturday

Kick off your weekend with Dog Song Saturday here at Talking Dogs.  Today we have a mellow country ballad.  

Feed Jake was released in 1991 by Pirates of the Mississippi.  Written by Danny "Bear" Mayo, the song's chorus tells the story of a childhood dog named Jake.

Named to the Rolling Stone magazine's 40 Saddest Country Songs of All Time list, they note this song evokes:

"... the image of a man kneeling down to deliver the "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" bedtime prayer - pleading someone care for his best friend, a dog named Jake, if his owner should die before he wakes."

Feed Jake is accompanied here by a video tribute to Larson the Red Dog. 

Sit. Stay. Relax and enjoy Feed Jake by Pirates of the Mississippi.  Fetch more dog songs and music videos at Talking Dogs. You'll be surprised at how many we've collected!

Water Logged | Wordless Wednesday

Flooding in our back yard.

Rain and storms continue nearly daily at our house. Very strange weather for this area which is usually in drought mode this time of year.  Our ground is so saturated that any rain causes flooding.  Lots of the country roads and bridges are washed out.  

Most of the rain comes with wicked lightning and thunder.  And wind.  Can't forget the wind.  We lost about half of our little orchard to wind that simply blew the trees right out of the ground.  Unlike many who have lose outbuildings or roofs, we're okay so far.

We wish we could share this wet bounty with all the folks who are praying for rain.

The dogs have been so depressed they declined posing for Wordless Wednesday photos.   Rudy has about had it with all the storm noise.  Jeffie is nervous, too.  All three dogs want their (dry) yard back.

Rosie's ears say it all.

Yes, Rosie. It is raining in the front of the house, too.

Adopt Bubba 6 Year Old Black #LabradorRetriever @WaysideWaifs in #KCMO

This beautiful boy is Bubba.  He's a 6 year old black Labrador Retriever.  As he explains in his adoption message, he's got a couple of issues.  At 92 pounds he's a bit overweight and needs a new best friend to help him slim down.  He also has what is probably a partial tendon tear in his left hind leg.  That will mean some veterinary care.

Here's Bubba's story:

Hi there, it's Bubba here. What do you think of when you hear the name "Bubba?" I hope it's a big, loveable, happy-go-lucky black lab, because that's me! I'm 6 years old and weigh 92 pounds....I need to lose weight, but I swear some of that weight is all the love I have inside me! I crave attention from people, and I've heard it said that I have an all-around great personality. What more could you wish for?

When I arrived at Wayside Waifs, the first thing they noticed (other than my splendid looks and personality) is that I have a problem with my left hind leg. I limp, and the vets are pretty sure it's a partial tear of a tendon. It may not get any worse, especially if I'm careful and not rambunctious. That's where you come in. I have a lot of energy, and I need my person to make sure I don't over-do my exercise. Gentle walks would be wonderful, but no jogging or leaping. Don't get me wrong...I'm still up for fun and games. Swimming might be something I'd like to try as I love the baby pool in the park. I've also had fun hanging out with another dog here, but no rough play. Exercise that will help me burn up some energy in ways that don't further injure my leg is the way to go.

To be truthful, I really love attention and affection from humans. I think I'd be content just living in a home with someone who adores me, pets me, gives me belly rubs, and appreciates my goofy and loveable personality. The vet may want me to be on anti-inflammatory medicine. Together, we'll have to check that out. Oh, and because I'm overweight, I'll need you to oversee a diet for me which would lighten the strain on my leg. That's not real appealing as I do love my food, but if it keeps me healthy, I'm in! I know we'll both want to be vigilant in order to avoid me needing any corrective surgery, right?

So you see...I'm looking for someone pretty special to see to my needs. Why not? I'm a pretty special dog! I'm full of life and have a lot of good living ahead of me. I know how to "sit" and "come" and I'm motivated by toys, praise and of course food. That means it'll be easy for me to learn more commands and basic obedience. That would be fun for both of us and provide me with mental games to re-direct my energy. I love to go for walks and it'd be great if you'd use a harness or halter to help me learn not to pull. I am mostly house trained and have not had any accidents in my kennel. Once I'm at home with you, a refresher course on that might be on your to-do list. 

So here I am...a big bundle of love just waiting for you! When you come to see me, please bring all family members, including any furry ones, so we can make sure we all get along. Also, I should go to a home with kids older than 5, who can understand the rules about my activities and help make sure I don't romp around like crazy. I'm really hoping that you are my special match, and I can be your perfect companion. Come see me soon...I can't wait to start the rest of my life with you!

Bubba is available for adoption from Wayside Waifs in Kansas City. 

Give them a call at  816-761-8151.  

Bubba's animal ID number is 28009546. 

Bubba's adoption fee is $65.

Two other dogs we've featured from Wayside Waifs in the past are still waiting for their forever homes.

Jackson is still waiting for his furever home.

 

8 yr old senior Sherman is still waiting, too.

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 thnose 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 is 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 Tuesday's Tails Facebook page and give us a like and if you're participating in the blog hop, post your featured pets! 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.

Old Dog Song by Seventh Wave 1974 | Dog Song Saturday

Kick off your weekend with Dog Song Saturday at Talking Dogs.  Today we have a golden oldie for you.
 
Old Dog Song by Seventh Wave was released in 1974 in their Things To Come album. 

That would be the first of two albums by this British psychedelic and progressive rock duo of Ken Elliot (on keyboards and vocals) and Kieran O'Connor (percussion).  It was remastered in 1999.

Sit. Stay. Relax and enjoy this futuristic sounding ode to old dogs. In fact, you can sing along.  Fetch more dog songs and music videos at Talking Dogs. You'll be surprised at how many we've collected!

Old Dog Song lyrics:

There is nothing like an old dog.
For a dog is man's best friend.
And somethin' 'bout an old dog
He'll stay with you till the end.
And when the chips are down
He'll always be by your side
And when there's no one around
He'll be there to save your price.

Chorus
Just an old
Always be your friend.
Just an old dog
With you till the end
With you till the end
Always be your friend
Just an old dog.

And when the sun don't shine
The woman you love
just gets up and leaves you
But that old dog by your side
Will always be

Chorus
Near you - always need you
Dog anything just to please you
Run a mile to be near you
That old just an old dog

And now you're on your own
That old dog has passed away and
May be yur love will come
Or maybe it won't its hard to say. 

High Anxiety and Fireworks | Wordless Wednesday

After over a week of fireworks popping and booming, 

punctuated with more thunderstorms and wicked weather, 

Rudy is hoping all that stressful stuff is over!

Adopt Diamond a #PitBull #SeniorDog @HSMO in #StLouis

Now this is a beautiful diamond who really could be a girl's best friend ever!  Diamond is a spayed female Pit Bull Terrier dog who's found herself at the shelter hoping for a home.

Diamond is a senior girl - 8 years old.  She loves to play with toys and is hoping she'll have some of her own in her new home.  She walks nicely on a leash and loves to give kisses.

Watch Diamond's adoption video and then contact the Humane Society of Missouri at 314-951-1562.  Diamond is at their St Louis City animal shelter and her animal ID number is A593617.



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.  Handmade artisan jewelry gifts in pet themes including dogs, cats, and horses.

July 4 Pet Party Tips Music Video | Dog Song Saturday

Hey, it's time for Dog Song Saturday at Talking Dogs.

  
It also happens to be Independence Day!  Instead of our usual dog song music video, we have a cool way to refresh yourself on ways to keep your pet safe this 4th of July.  

Set to music, of course.

Sit. Stay. Remember pet safety and have a barking good 4th of July!

Indenpendence Day | Wordless Wednesday

Rudy, Jeffie, Rosie and I wish all of you 

a barking good 4th of July celebration!