Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Heaven has a New Angel - RIP Jeffie


Jeffie
2006 - 2015

Jeffie passed away Monday, October 26 in my arms on the way to the vet.  He fought a righteous fight with Leptospirosis and liver failure.

I promise to tell you more about his illness when my heart will let me.  Thank you all for your support, good wishes, prayers and love.
 

Friday, October 23, 2015

Jeffie is Fighting for his Life

Jeffie is fighting for his life.  To those of you who heard something was wrong and came here to find out more, I apologize.  The last thing on my mind this week has been writing a blog post. 

It was exactly a week ago that I awoke to soft moaning. I discovered Jeffie huddled deep in the closet and unable to move.  Too weak to walk, gums white, we carried him to the car and rushed to the vet.

First labs showed mega infection, probably kidney involvement. Jeffie had no temperature, but was severely dehydrated.  Xrays gave us no clues.  Jeffie was placed on IV hydration and IV antibiotics.

If I go into a blow by blow report of the past week, this post will be endless.  Here's where we are:  Lab work shows infection still present.  Looks like after attacking the kidneys, it moved on to the liver.  Jeffie is in liver failure.

  • Jeffie is still on IV hydration and IV antibiotics and is receiving medications for his liver.
  • Jeffie has not eaten since last Thursday evening (Oct 15) and is being force fed.
  • As of yesterday the severe jaundice is not yet gone, but going away.
  • Lab work shows no improvement for the liver values.
  • Xrays tell us nothing.
  • Ultrasound of gall bladder is negative.
  • We do not know what is causing this.
We are waiting on lab work sent to MU (Vet School) to see if it points to a diagnosis. My vet is thinking Lepto.

I'm leaving out a lot.  A whole lot.  The good news is that yesterday Jeffie was responsive. I actually got some tail wags and kisses.  First in a week.  And I got to take him outside for awhile.  

The bad news is that 80% or more of his liver is affected.  And we still don't know what we're dealing with.

 

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Rudy's Birthday Cheesy Dog Treats Recipe | Tasty Tuesday


 Rudy celebrated his 5th birthday last week and had a pretty good party!  Birthday treats included Grandma Lucy's Organic Pumpkin dog treats, a special solo walk, lots of new dog toys (including a West Paw Zogoflex frisbee) and his favorite homemade dog cookies.

Since he'd just plain had it with this wearing-of-birthday-hats thing... 

 We let everybody party hat-less. Without a doubt, these cheesy dog bone cookies were a hit at the party!

Jeffie loves cheese, so he's drooling at the sight of the first cookie.
Rosie helped make these cookies and she's ready to taste test.
The birthday boy can hardly wait!


Rudy's Favorite Cheesy Dog Treats Recipe
1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 stick of butter
1 clove garlic, crushed
Pinch of salt
Milk

Grate the cheese and let stand until it reaches room temperature. Cream the cheese with the softened butter, garlic, salt and flour. Add enough milk to form into a ball.  Chill for at least 1/2 hour. Roll onto floured board. Cut into shapes and bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until slightly brown and firm. 
Makes 2 to 3 dozen depending on size.

A note about these dog treats:  
None of my dogs are bothered by whole grains or dairy products. However, please know that dairy is not a daily treat for my dogs.
 
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, October 18, 2015

Say Yes to These Ears and Adopt Marshall an #AustralianShepherd Dog @HSMO in #Missouri


UPDATE: Marshall has been adopted!

This adorable guy is Marshall.  He's a blue merle and white Australian Shepherd mix and only about one year old.  Admit it - it's hard to say no to those ears!

Marshall needs a new home that is quiet and a new best friend who has lots of patience.  He came from a very rough situation and is fearful of people and new situations.  Marshall needs to learn that the world isn't always a bad frightening place.

Take a look at Marshall's video and then contact the Humane Society of Missouri at 314-951-1562 for more information.  Marshall's animal ID number is A598590. He's at their St Louis City animal shelter.



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.   

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Choose Me from the Songs to Save Animals Campaign | Dog Song Saturday #BtC4A


Every Saturday is time for a new dog song at Talking Dogs.  Today we've got a special Dog Song Saturday in honor of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.

Choose Me is one of our own very favorite dogs songs and when it comes up on our playlist we pause to listen.  It definitely is one of the best songs ever written about pet adoption.

This song is one of 9 great pet inspired songs in the Songs to Save Animals Campaign. Nine talented musicians contributed songs to the came and have offered the use of their songs to make a difference in saving animals.  

If you're with a nonprofit that works for animal welfare, you have their permission to use these songs to inspire support for your organization by joining the campaign! Or simply visit their web site to purchase some great dogs songs for your own personal playlist.

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, so Choose Me seemed like the perfect dog song to feature today.  Have a listen and see if you don't agree.  Then fetch more dog song music videos here at Talking Dogs.  Every Saturday we feature original music written about dogs and the music videos are barking good!

Friday, October 16, 2015

Adopt Rescue Foster Dog Jewelry @ForLoveofaDog



Since October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, I can't resist reminding you of my handmade dog jewelry that I created to promote shelter dogs.

Adopt a best friend is the theme of the dog bone bracelet shown below.  It's a beautiful message surrounded by handmade lampwork and fat crystal rondelle beads with a true blue colorway. Super cute paw print lobster claw clasp and cool best friend heart charm.  This bracelet is a one of a kind. See more photos and info.

Rescue a best friend is the theme of this dog bone bracelet. Cool peridot green and turquoise colors in handmade lampwork beads and crystals.  This dog bone bracelet has a gold best friend heart charm and a dog collar and dog bone toggle clasp.  This bracelet is one of a kind.  See more photos and info.

This true blue beauty is perfect for any dog lady who is a foster dog mom. Gorgeous handmade lampwork beads and cobalt blue crystal beads surround a hand stamped silver dog bone with a lapis gemstone heart dangle.  Cool paw print lobster claw clasp with heart and dog bone charms. Also one of a kind. See more photos and info.

Shop my rescue dog jewelry for more one of a kind handmade dog lover jewelry that can start conversation about dog rescue that can save lives. You'll find great gifts for your favorite dog rescuer or shelter volunteer. 

Did you know that each of my hand crafted bracelets can be custom sized for no extra charge?  Yes, plus you'll receive free standard shipping to any US address.

Shop For Love of a Dog Jewelry today!

Thursday, October 15, 2015

West Paw Zogoflex Air Dash Frisbee from @Chewy | Product Review

 Rudy celebrated his 5th birthday on Saturday and his favorite gift came from Chewy.  You're probably thinking treats, right?

I suspect most think of dog food and treats when they think of Chewy    It's true, they're one of the leading companies in providing home delivery of those products.  However, they have an ever expanding selection of pet supplements, supplies, and... TOYS!

In fact, Chewy.com is my go-to resource for high quality dog toys and you can see some of those below.  I want to be clear about this:  those really are some of own our toys (that we have purchased from Chewy.com) in this graphic:

Our pals at Chewy sent Rudy a West Paw Zogoflex Air Dash Frisbee dog toy in currant for large dogs.


The Zogoflex Air Dash Frisbee Currant Dog Toy has an aerodynamic design that’s easy for parents to throw and fun for dogs to fetch. The durable outer shell surrounds a soft foam material, so it won’t hurt your pup’s mouth or your hands, and the center hole allows for smooth, off the ground pickups, a stable, fast flight and a gradual descent. This Frisbee is injected with Air Technology, making it a high-flying dog toy that’s fun to fetch on land or in water.

 Key Benefits
  • Bright currant color
  • Light design floats in water
  • Eco-friendly and recyclable
  • FDA compliant and BPA and phthalate-free
  • Non-toxic and top shelf dishwasher safe
  • Designed, sourced and made in the USA
West Paw gives this frisbee toy a 3 in their ranking of durability. Perfect strength for medium chewers.  Reminder: these toys are designed for interactive and supervised play.   Designed to hold up for hours and hours of play for years, West Paw offers a one-time free replacement or refund if your dog damages the toy.
Size: 9.25 x 8.25 x 1.75 inches - made for large dogs
Retail price $25.99   On sale now at Chewy for $17.99


Verdict: Rudy loves this frisbee!  It looks tough, though my dogs are not much for chewing their outdoor toys.  It's easy to throw, but I never got the hang of throwing it very far.  It is heavier than our other frisbee style toys, so doesn't fly as far and poor Rudy overshot every time.  Rudy has excellent catching skills with both balls and frisbees, but this one was tough for him to catch. Suspect with a bit of practice he'll soon be a pro. I appreciate that it is US made and comes with a guarantee.

West Paw Design is a small but mighty manufacturer of high quality dog and cat toys and bedding. All of their products are made in Montana where they are dedicated to creating safe, fun, and durable products for your pet. They believe in only the best for your pet!

We've barked about them before and included them in our Holiday Gift Guide last year. Their blue Toppl™ is one of Rosie's very favorite toys.


We love ChewyShopping for my dogs at Chewy is easy- peasy every day.  Of course, I'll be Christmas shopping for dog toys (and treats) at Chewy, too.  Retails prices vary, but Chewy almost always has a lower price than anywhere else I've found.  Add in the customer reviews, frequent sales and the fast free home delivery on orders of $49.99 and you'll love Chewy, too! 



We're participating in the Thursday’s Barks and Bytes Blog hop hosted by 2 Brown Dogs and Heart Like a Dog.  The Barks and Bytes hop is for anything at all and all bloggers are welcome. You don’t have to be a dog blog to join.
Heart Like a Dog

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Randy Grim is a Man on a Mission to Save Dogs | Be the Change for Animals #BtC4A

My husband and my dogs should count their lucky stars that we don't live near St. Louis, Missouri.  If we did, I'd be stalking Randy Grim in attempt to help him help dogs.  He's my hero, an inspiration and an angel for the feral dogs of that city.

At one time Randy was a one man dog rescue operation with a mission of saving the homeless pets roaming the mean streets of St Louis.  After spending years begging his family and friends to take the dogs he'd saved, in 1998 he founded Stray Rescue of St Louis.
Randy Grim with a dog he's brought in to Stray Rescue for vet care.

Since then thousands of animals have been saved from abuse and starvation. In fact, since the beginning of his rescue efforts in 1991, Randy has been credited with saving well over 5,000 feral dogs, all of which - through months of gentle loving care - have been turned into house pets and adopted by new families. Many have even gone on to become therapy animals, bringing joy to people in hospitals and nursing homes.

Obviously, Randy loves dogs. Called the Dog Man, he founded Stray Rescue so fewer homeless dogs suffer and die. His passionate crusade has evolved into two no-kill shelters with a legion of over 200 volunteers.

The sole purpose of Stray Rescue is to rescue stray animals, get them the veterinary attention they need, then place them in loving adoptive homes.  Virtually all of the animals they have saved were abused and neglected.  Dumped on highways or remote country roads;  abandoned in public parks, empty houses and alleyways.  They've even rescued dogs left chained behind buildings - and inside buildings - after their owners have moved away. 

 Stray Rescue has received numerous accolades from the American Red Cross and also has received national media attention from Animal Planet, National Geographic, the Weather Channel and Forbes Magazine. In the National Geographic feature, Mary Ann Mott wrote:

 "In St. Louis, Randy Grim, founder of Stray Rescue, is out on the streets every day feeding 50 or more mutts. If these wild dogs don't die of sheer starvation, he said, diseases such as parvovirus, heartworm, or intestinal parasites usually kill them. Their average life span is one to two years. Many of the animals he sees were once "bait dogs" - smaller, passive animals used to train fighting dogs. Great Dane puppies are commonly used, he said, and wire is twisted around their legs to hold them down, so they can't run while being mauled during training sessions. "If they live, they are just discarded onto the streets," said Grim. The animals are recognizable by their missing limbs, and scars from the brutal attacks."
You can find Randy cruising the roughest neighborhoods every day. Feeding packs of feral dogs, answering calls about dogs left behind in abandoned buildings,  investigating suspected dog fighting rings and rescuing those he can in order to take them back to the shelter.  There those dogs will be healed with Stray Rescue's form of dogma, rebuilding their minds, bodies and souls.
Rain, sleet, snow nor heat wave will keep Randy off the streets.

“These are dogs that belong to no one, the ones animal-control experts can’t catch and humane shelters won’t deal with. They are stray or feral, either abandoned or born wild on the streets, which means they won’t come near humans and statistically won’t live past their second year. And their numbers are growing every day.
You can teach a dog to sit, but to teach a dog to trust humans again requires more than a biscuit. It takes a recipe of love, kindness, patience and understanding their issues and needs, plus a good hot dog to coax them out of their shells."  Randy Grim
One man with a passionate loving vision and mission has changed the world for a whole lot of dogs!  He makes true the saying:
"One person can make a difference and everyone should try. "

Though you and I may not be able to devote our lives to bettering the life of animals like Randy has, there are things we can do to make a difference. Here are just a few:
  • Adopt from an animal shelter or rescue.
  • Foster a pet from a shelter or rescue.
  • Sponsor a pet from a shelter or rescue.
  • Volunteer at a shelter or rescue.
  • Donate to a shelter or rescue.
  • Spread the word and share adoptable pets on social media.
 We can't do everything, but we can all do something.


Blog the Change is a quarterly event where we take a day to bring exposure to our favorite animal welfare causes, and the people who are toiling selflessly to help them. Share what’s dearest to your heart, link up to the blog hop — and we’ll all read and share and help make this a better world for our furry and feathered friends!

Join Kim from Cindy Lu's Muse and me in the Blog the Change for Animal blog hop. Grab the code and link up your post!

A Toast to Rudy | Wordless Wednesday

Rudy finished off his birthday party with 
a bottle of Premium Sniffer HeinieSniff'n.

Best party ever!

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Grandma Lucys Organic Pumpkin Dog Treats from @Chewy | Product Review


As you can tell, Rudy likes the looks of these dog treats! We let the Birthday Boy choose our review products from Chewy this month. Rudy chose very well and our pals at Chewy sent a 14 oz package of Grandma Lucy's Organic Pumpkin Oven Baked Dog Treats

Of course the first step of any taste test is the smell of the dog treats. Grandma Lucy's Organic Dog Treats passed Rudy's careful sniff test.


Rudy gave serious consideration to his taste testing choice since he planned to serve them at his birthday party.  What a good choice!  These dog treats are the cutest thing ever out of the package. They're little teddy bear cookies!

According to Chewy.com, since 1999, Grandma Lucy's has maintained a reputation for making only the best pet treats and are constantly developing new products packed with leading edge nutrition and innovative design.  

Rosie is longing for a Grandma Lucy's dog treat.

Grandma Lucy’s organic dog treats are not made in a factory but baked in a bakery by people who love their pets. Since 1999, Grandma Lucy’s has taken great pride in making wholesome, natural and delicious pet treats. Your dog will love the great taste of these Organic Oven Baked Dog Treats, but what you will love most is the fact that they are made with organic, human-quality ingredients for dogs. The treats are so tasty, your dog will beg for more. Grandma Lucy’s Organic Oven Baked Dog Treats ~ an organic treat you will feel good about giving your pet. 
Key Benefits
  • Suitable for all life stages
  • 100% USDA Organic, USA originated ingredients
  • Oven baked
  • Human-grade ingredients
  • No by-products, artificial sweeteners, colors or flavors
  • Certified kosher
  • Made in the USA! 87% of ingredients sourced in the USA; 0% sourced from China
Ingredients:
Organic Wheat Flour, Organic Dehydrated Cane Juice, Organic Canola Oil, Organic Brown Sugar, Organic Cane Juice Syrup, Organic Rice Starch, Organic Pumpkin Powder, Organic Mace, Organic Cinnamon, Soy Lecithin

Guaranteed Analysis:
  • Crude Protein (min): 6%
  • Crude Fat (min): 16%
  • Crude Fiber (max): 0.36%
  • Moisture (max): 8%
  • No calorie information available
Grandma Lucy's notes:  Pumpkins are loaded with vitamins C, K and E, beta carotene, fiber, and several other antioxidants which aid in the treatment andmaintenance of digestive health of our pets.

Retail price $10.79 for a 14 oz bag. Now on sale at Chewy for $8.09
Jeffie may have ditched his party hat, but he knows good dog cookies when he sees them!
Grandma Lucy's not only offer Organic treats, but also have freeze-dried treats that contain no artificial preservatives, colors or sweeteners.  This family owned company is focused on delivering the best for your pet.

Grandma Lucy's oven baked organic dog treats come in several flavors:  pumpkin, blueberry,  cranberry, peach, banana and sweet potato, and apple.

Reasons we love these dog treats:
  • No question, the dogs love these treats. 
  • Organic, human grade ingredients
  • No preservatives, artificial colors, flavors or sweetners
  • No hydrogenated oils or trans fats.
  • Small size is perfect for training 
  • Super cute and perfect for dog parties



 There are lots of reasons we love Chewy.com
  • Fast shipping to our front door (free if our order is over $49)
  • Over 300 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


* We received one package of Grandma Lucy's dog treats from Chewy.com in exchange for our honest review of the product and service.  We received no other compensation. 
 
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, October 11, 2015

Adopt Lucy a 10 Year Old #Pitbull #SeniorDog @WaysideWaifs in #KCMO

 
This gorgeous girl is Lucy.  Just look at that beautiful brindle coat!  Lucy is an American Pit Bull Terrier mix and 10 years old. I can't even imagine how bewildered she must be at finding herself in an animal shelter.

Lucy loves taking walks, knows basic commands and is already housebroken. Here's her adoption message:
Hey there! I'm Lucy. I was brought to Wayside Waifs when my last owner could no longer care for me. I've had such a great experience since I've been here. Wayside's giving me the second chance at life that I deserve and I love being a Waif! Even though I really love it here, I can't wait to meet my new family and find my fur-ever home. 

I'm a pretty big girl, weighing about 51 pounds. I have beautiful, soft, brindle fur. I'm looking for a home without other furry friends and children over the age of 5. I can be a little shy at first so it'll take me some time to adjust to my new surroundings. After I warm up I'll show you just how sweet I can be! I'm a pretty laid back girl who's great at taking walks on my leash. I'm also really smart! I know commands like "sit", "down", "come" and "shake" and I'm even house trained! I'm ready to learn even more in my new home! I'm especially motivated by praise or yummy treats! 

Would I make a great addition to your home? I'd love to meet you soon! Come visit me at Wayside Waifs!


For more information about Lucy, 
contact Wayside Waifs 816-761-8151. 
Lucy's animal ID number is 29334959.

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 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.

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Happy Birthday Rudy | Dog Song Saturday

Today is a very special Dog Song Saturday at Talking Dogs because we're celebrating Rudy's birthday!

Our boy Rudy was born on October 10, 2010 (and that makes it very easy to remember his birthday), so he's 5 years old today.

Without further ado, sit.  Stay. Relax and enjoy this Happy Birthday Song in honor of Rudy.
 
Then fetch more dog song music videos here at Talking Dogs.  Every Saturday we feature original music written about dogs and the music videos are barking good!

Friday, October 9, 2015

Lab Approved Labrador Retriever Dog Jewelry @ForLoveofaDog

Since we're celebrating Rudy's fifth birthday tomorrow, it somehow seemed fitting to do a little barking about my dog breed dog jewelry.  Most especially my Labrador Retriever dog jewelry.

Did you know that For Love of a Dog Jewelry began with Labrador Retriever dog jewelry?  Already a jewelry designer and maker, I wanted a piece of jewelry that celebrated my heart dog, Lucy and my yellow Lab, Sherman.  So many people wanted one when they saw mine that For Love of a Dog Jewelry was born as a sister business to my Bittersweet Ridge Jewelry.
My first handmade Labrador Retriever dog necklace.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Today my pretty boy, Rudy, is my design inspiration for my Labrador Retriever dog jewelry like this yellow Lab necklace with glass dog bones and red jasper heart.

Rudy reminds me every day to take time to smell the roses and look for dog bones which inspired this yellow Lab bracelet with a rose and daisy floral lampwork focal bead, glass dog bones and cool green crystals.  Of course there's a yellow Labrador Retriever dog charm!

Pieces like this fox red Labrador Retriever pendant remind me of my Lucy with whom it all began..
These are just a very small sample of my Labrador Retriever dog jewelry pieces.  Fetch For Love of a Dog to see all of my black Lab, chocolate Lab, as well as yellow and fox red Labrador Retriever dog bracelets, necklaces, pins, pendants and more.  

Each jewelry piece is handmade by me in my Missouri Ozarks studio with Rudy right by my side.  He's in charge of the shipping department and because he loves dog lovers as much as I do, shipping is free to US addresses.

Rudy loves the exercise of a shipping run, so shop For Love of a Dog Jewelry now!
Rudy can't believe you haven't shopped at For Love of a Dog Jewelry yet!