Sunday, February 28, 2016

Adopt Liberty a 10 Year Old #Pitbull #SeniorDog @WaysideWaifs


This adorable girl is Liberty.  She's a 10 year old senior Pit Bull mix dog who was dumped at Wayside Waifs animal shelter in Kansas City, Missouri.  Luckily for her, Wayside is Kansas City's largest no-kill shelter and the folks there are taking good care of her.

If you're looking for a walking companion who loves to snuggle, then Liberty is your girl!  Here's her adoption message:
Hello there, I'm Liberty! I'm the sweetest gal you'll ever meet. I'm friendly and social, in a gentle sort of way, and I love to be by your side. I will make a wonderful companion for you!

I'm not one to complain or feel sorry for myself. And I certainly don't want to make you sad! But things have been sort of rough for me lately. It's no secret that, at 10 years old, I'm classified as a senior. And I found myself not only homeless, but abandoned and dumped at Wayside. It all seemed so unfair. But I smiled and I wagged my tail and I was so sweet to the Wayside staff that they couldn't help but fall in love with me. And I know some people will pass me by because of my age, but I want you to remember that age is just a number. None of us knows how long we have left on this earth, so the key is to appreciate and celebrate each and every day. I'm an expert at that!
When I got here, the doc noticed that overall I looked really healthy, but my mouth and teeth were in awful shape! So I had a doggie dental performed on me the other day. It wasn't fun, but I loved that someone cared enough about me to help me be healthier in the long run. So that's done and now I can move on and concentrate on finding you! I have such a delightful personality! I make people smile. I love to get out of my kennel and go for a leisurely walk whenever possible. I look a little like a pot-bellied pig, ambling down the sidewalk with a smile on my face. I love the fresh air and the attention I get from my volunteer friends. And I love to sit by your side, soaking up all the attention you give me.

I long to make you happy, so I hope you will praise me when I am a good girl. If you will be patient and gentle with me and offer me plenty of positive reinforcement, I will learn what you expect from me in no time at all. I can't wait to get started learning my new routine with you. I hope I can meet the whole family before we all go home together. I'd like a home as your only animal, please, because I don't really care for other dogs. I just don't want to compete with them for your attention, but I promise I'll show you so much doggie love that I will be enough for you!

I'm so glad you decided to take the time to read about me! It makes me feel special and peaceful when I know people care. I'm just a simple, sweet dog looking for a new home. That's all. I hope I can spend the rest of my life with you!
Love, Liberty
For more information about Liberty, 
contact Wayside Waifs at  816-761-8151. 
Liberty's adoption ID number is 30815019

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!

Saturday, February 27, 2016

I've Loved You All Over the World by Willie Nelson | Dog Song Saturday


We usually stick to truly original songs about dogs here at Dog Song Saturday at Talking Dogs.  However, sometimes we run across a music video that we simply can't resist sharing.  Today is one of those days.

Listen to the lyrics of I've Loved You All Over the World by Willie Nelson and we're pretty sure you'll agree it is pretty perfect for this video celebrating a 14 year old dog's birthday.  The dog and his bestie are fulfilling a bucket list during a weekend trip of a lifetime.

The bond between a man and his dog is as strong as the Subaru Impreza according to the video. In his furry best friend's golden years, the pair finish the dog's bucket list: filling shopping carts up with tennis balls, 14 and 3/4 birthday cakes, a brand new leather shoe to chew on and fixing mends with old girlfriends and more.

Yes, it is a commerical for Subaru - the folks who've brought us some barking good dog / auto advertisements over the years.  No, we don't drive a Subaru and this is not a sponsored blog post, nor are we urging you to shop Subaru.  We just happen to love this company's ads.

Sit. Stay. Relax and enjoy Dream Weekend and the I've Loved You All Over the World by Willie Nelson soundtrack.  Fetch more dog songs and music videos at Talking Dogs.  You'll be surprised at how many we've collected over the years.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Throw the Ball | Wordless Wednesday

Rudy and his favorite toy.
Forget what they say about Labs.
This is a boy who would rather play than eat.

Monday, February 15, 2016

Tres Chic Dog Harnesses from The French Dog

Rosie is looking tres chic in her new harness from The French Dog..

Even a couple of country hick dogs like a little fashion treat from time to time.  They may not often go anywhere all that exciting, but Rudy and Rosie are tres chic their new harnesses from The French Dog.

As a Valentine treat for myself, I shopped dog collars and harnesses online and couldn't resist these two. They're step-in style, so very easy and fast to put on which is a real plus according to Rudy and Rosie.
Rosie's new harness is adorable with a scattering of ripe cherries on a blue background. Kinda retro and totally cute!

These harnesses are not only well made, they're custom made, so sure to fit.  I'm so pleased with the quality and the speedy shipping.  They arrived in plenty of time for Valentine's Day.

Rudy's custom harness fits his deep chest so well!

The French Dog is the passion of Karen Dibert and is named after her own French Bulldog pair, Louie and Jill.  Karen makes handmade collars, harnesses, leashes and dog coats in some very cool patterns and designs.  Styles include preppy, nautical, plaid, tie dye and a whole lot more.  She also makes some pawsome doggie bow ties and flowers to add to dog collars.
 
Gorgeous teal paisley design looks great against Rudy's furs!

I do want to make it clear that I shopped for and purchased these harnesses, so this is not an ad or sponsored review.  These harnesses are so beautiful that I just wanted to share The French Dog with you and your pups.

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Adopt a #Valentine from Your Local Animal Shelter | Dog Song Saturday

We're doing something a little different for today's Dog Song Saturday.  Instead of an original dog song we invite you to enjoy two barking good videos encouraging you to adopt a furry Valentine from your local animal shelter or rescue.
So this Valentine's Day head on down to your local shelter and adopt a new best friend.  Can't adopt?  Volunteer, foster, donate.   

First up is ABBA Goes to the Dogs.
This pet adoption video was made by staff and volunteers at the SPCA of Wake County in Raleigh, North Carolina and is accompanied by ABBA's classic hit Take A Chance On Me.  Pretty perfect to promote shelter pets!



Next we have OakTown Pup which is a parody of Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars. Oaktown Pup stars adoptable dogs from the East Bay SPCA in Oakland, CA and we have no doubt you'll love this music video.  The opening shot features a pit bull mix named Carla and don't blink at the :54 mark or you'll miss the sweet doxie on wheels.

Created by the East Bay SPCA in an effort to get more of their rescue dogs adopted, Oaktown Pup is compelling.  We're betting the song's refrain will be an earworm:

Cause time's right for you to adopt!
Oh! And spay or neuter your pup!

Sit. Stay.  Turn up the volume.  Put a smile on your face with Take a Chance On Me.  Get your groove on and get funky with Oaktown Pup sung by  Amanda Shechtman.



Fetch more dog songs and music videos at Talking Dogs.  You'll be surprised at how many we've collected over the years.

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!

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Blue Buffalo Dental Bones from @Chewy.com Product Review #ChewyInfluencer



February is National Pet Dental Health Month and though dental care should be a year long activity, we're celebrating with a special taste testing of some doggy dental treats from Chewy.com

Taking care of your dog's pearlie whites begins with a good diet, tooth brushing and chew toys that help massage your dog's gums.  A handy and easy addition are dental treats for your dog.
 
Rudy is anxious to give one of these Blue Buffalo Dental Bones a try.

We received one 12 ounce package of Blue Buffalo Dental Bones All Natural Large Dog Treats from Chewy.


Blue Buffalo Dental Bones All Natural Large Dog Treats are tasty and highly digestible dental chews that help freshen your dog’s breath and make his teeth sparkle. These large bones are great for dogs 50 lbs or more. They’re the only dental chews with a unique blend of natural ingredients that help promote specific health benefits.
Rosie loves the look and smell of Blue Buffalo Dental Bones for dogs from Chewy.

Key Benefits
  • Ideal for dogs 50 lbs or more
  • Made with the finest natural ingredients
  • No chicken or poultry by-product meals
  • No corn, wheat or soy
  • Easily digested
  • Clean teeth
  • Freshen breath
  • Maintain healthier teeth and gums
Ingredients:
Rice, vegetable glycerin, water, gelatin, pea protein, rice bran, natural flavor, sunflower oil (source of omega 6 fatty acids), flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids), carrots (source of vitamin A), beet juice, calcium corbonate, blueberries, parsley, alfalfa meal dehydrated (source of chlorophyll), preserved with citric acid, zinc propionate and mixed tocopherols, oil of rosemary.

Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein  14% minimum
Crude Fat  3.5% minimum
Crude Fiber  4% maximum
Moisture  20% maximum 

Calorie Content
One large bone equals 140 calories

12 oz bag of 8 large Dental Bones is regularly $16.99, but on sale now for $10.99 at Chewy.com

 We're pleased to recommend Blue Buffalo Dental Bones and Chewy.com and here's why:
  • Blue Buffalo Dental Bones are made in the US. 
  • These Blue Buffalo dental treats are all natural.
  • Chewy.com has super fast home delivery service
  • Chewy.com has an easy to navigate web site with responsive customer service
  • Chewy.com offers over 120 brands of pet food and treats with free shipping on any order over $49
  • Chewy.com supports animal shelters and rescue groups with an easy way to raise funds with their Shelter and Rescue Network.
  • The dogs LOVE them!

* We received one package of Blue Buffalo Dental Bones from Chewy.com in exchange for our honest review of the product and service.

 We would like to thank out hosts Sugar The Golden Retriever and Oz The Terrier for this Chewy Hop.


Sunday, February 7, 2016

Adopt Furry Valentine Bungee a Young #Shepherd Mix Dog @WaysideWaifs in #KCMO



This good looking guy is Bungee and he's love to be your valentine! He's 1 1/2 years old and animal shelter staff and volunteers report he's a real sweetie. Bungee is young enough to still have some of that amazing puppy energy, but old enough to know basic commands. He's a beautiful Shepherd dog mix with some pawsome eyebrows and would love to snuggle up with you on Valentine's Day and every day after.

Here's Bungee's adoption message:
Hi, I'm Bungee! I'm an adorable Shepherd mix with soft, tan and black fur who's looking for a home to call mine. I came to Wayside from another shelter who ran out of space for me, was adopted, then returned again. I was really sad at first but I know I'm getting the best chance at life here. I hope to find a family who I can give all my love and kisses to. Think that might be you? I'll do grr-eat with other furry friends and children but I'd like to meet them first to get an idea of how I might do once we're home.
I have a high energy level so staying active is very important. I love to romp around the backyard or explore the world on walks. I'll benefit from using a harness on walks because I get so excited about all the new sights and smells and tend to pull ahead. With some basic obedience training I'll be able to learn exactly what you expect from me in my new home. I already know the command sit and I'm super smart so I know I'll be able to learn even more. I'm especially motivated to learn by praise or yummy treats! I can't wait to find the perfect peeps to snuggle up with in my new home. If I sound like the type of guy you've been looking for, come by Wayside Waifs soon to meet me!
Tail wags,  Bungee

For more information about Bungee, 
contact Wayside Waifs at  816-761-8151. 
Bungee's adoption ID number is 30693785

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!


Saturday, February 6, 2016

Crazy Dog Lady by Kelsey Beth Carpenter | Dog Song Saturday


We're loving today's Dog Song Saturday music video!   Crazy Dog Lady is an original song composed and performed here by Kelsey Beth Carpenter.

Carpenter is a Registered Veterinary Technician, a singer/songwriter, and the creator of the clever mime series Things Heard at an Animal Hospital.  She's at home in California with her soulmate, a 6 pound Chihuahua mix named Birdie.

Crazy Dog Lady has already been added to our personal playlist and is rapidly becoming a favorite.  Carpenter really has a great sense of humor and way with dog loving song lyrics.  

We couldn't help but snicker when we read this:
The secret is out, you guys. "Having a dog is much better than having a boyfriend."  ~Kelsey Beth Carpenter
Sit. Stay.  Relax and enjoy Crazy Dog Lady by Kelsey Beth Carpenter.  We've provided the lyrics just in case you're a crazy dog lady and would like to sing along.  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.
Crazy Dog Lady Lyrics ©Kelsey Beth Carpenter

I sent out a Christmas card of just my dog and me
I'll be the first to admit she's in all my selfies
My Instagram and Facebook walls are covered in her face
And if you wanna date me then you better know your place

There is no room
In my bed for you
Cause that's where
My dog sleeps, it's true
And I will never love you like I love her

All my friends are getting married and buying houses
But I'm just busy dressing up my dog in her outfits
My mama is so ready for some grandkids of her own
But I would rather Netflix and chill with my dog at home

There is no room
In my bed for you
Cause that's where
My dog sleeps, it's true
And I will never love you like I love her

You shouldn't be afraid to meet my parents
Cause it's my dog who will have to approve
If you want to get with me plan on sharing
Cause my dog and I come as a set of two

I'm the big spoon, she's the little, that's how it's always been
Having a dog is much better than having a boyfriend
Yeah, I'm the definition of a crazy dog lady
But I don't really care cause I love her and she loves me

There is no room
In my bed for you
Cause that's where
My dog sleeps, it's true
And I will never love you like I love her

Friday, February 5, 2016

For Love of a Dog Jewelry Valentine Sale


You really do not want to miss the Valentine sale at For Love of a Dog Jewelry!

Everything is on sale!  You'll find some incredible bargains since everything is 40-70% off.  Yes, you read that right:  up to 70% off.  

That includes all Dog Breed Jewelry! Cat Jewelry and Horse Jewelry;  dog leash holders rainbow bridge jewelry; all remaining Christmas ornaments,  Flyball fetch jewelry & Woof jewelry, Dog Mom Jewelry, Paw Print Jewelry, & Rescue Jewelry, too. ALL necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pins & pendants are on sale.

All prices include free standard shipping to US addresses. We'll be happy to ship directly to your special Valentine with a gift message from you!

Remember, each For Love of a Dog jewelry piece is one of a kind and we are closing.  So when they're sold, they're gone!

Shop For Love of a Dog now!

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Closing For Love of a Dog Jewelry Follow Up


I've now edited and rewritten a blog post about closing my business too many times.  Though I'm still not happy with this draft... oh well.  The people who've asked questions do deserve answers and I've answered at least most of them below.

Why am I closing my jewelry business?  The answer is complicated.  

The short answer is that it's time.  In fact, it is past time.  And I've been thinking about it, rolling it around in my head and losing sleep over it for about three years.

A small one woman business needs to be fed daily with lots of social media and marketing.  This particular business needs upgrading and a new ecommerce platform and more.  All of that takes time.  Lots of time.  

That whole "if you build it, they will come" thing?  Total myth. First you build it and then you work it.  Work it like crazy.    

Now, if you like that kind of thing, that can be crazy fun.  However, if you're like me and you'd rather be out in your studio creating or simply hanging out with your animals, not so much.

A couple of days ago I was searching my own blog for something and read some posts from a couple of years ago.  What a wake up call!  Where is THAT woman!?   I read a few more and realized the bottom line reason I'm closing:  I have lost my joy.

In order to do creative work, I have to be in touch with my joy.

I still love making jewelry.  I really hate the rest of it.  The marketing and all the details of running a business.  UGH.  I've gotten slower and slower at it and I know that's because I just plain don't want to do it.  All the computer related tasks take me forever these days while I'd rather be spending time with Gary and the pups.  Losing Jeffie was a real wake up call.

In the past three years I've had a great deal of loss. Tucker, my heart dog Lucy, my mom's dog, our Percheron Dolly, a couple of my best friends, my mom, my soul dog, Jeffie and our senior horse, Cakes.  And, of course, there's all this sh*t with Gary's health.  

The one real regret I have about all of it is that I wished I'd spent my time with them instead of working my business.

So that is why I'm closing.  
I've been asked if I'm closing because of Jeffie's death.  The answer is no.  However, Jeffie's death and that whole horrible experience, pushed me into a firm commitment to end my jewelry business.  

Jeffie reminded me that beating hearts are way more important than a business or a job.

For the past three years I've talked about it.  Toyed with the idea. Actually even took pen and paper to make a closing plan.  Said I was going to.  But... didn't.   I knew long ago that I was missing out on things that I would regret later:  time with the people and animals that I love.

I've been in business since 1991 and online since 1999.  It's a full time job, not a hobby and we've relied on my income.  Being a one woman small business is a fairly big undertaking, especially when not only is there the actual business management and marketing, but I also produce all of the product.

I truly love making jewelry. I also love my customers. It thrills me to think jewelry I created is worn by women all over the world.  I love knowing that my very first online customer (Hi, Judie!) is still a customer.  However, I really do not love the rest of it. 

Several years ago my doctor broke the news to me that I had early onset arthritis.  As of last year it had gotten bad enough that I had to give up some of the detail work I previously loved.  I was just too slow (time is money, you know) and I took too much time to do things I could once do lickety split.  My hands and fingers ache after an afternoon in my studio.

I've pretty much stopped blogging.  Oh, I know I still post, but you and I both can look back over the past year or so and acknowledge they've not been "real" blog posts.  Talking Dogs has basically been on life support.  I've de-prioritized visiting other blogs and when I do, I'm back to my old bad habit of not commenting, but rather simply sharing. I've somewhat streamlined social media tasks.  Yadda yadda.   That's just not enough.

Home based small businesses have voracious appetites and must be constantly fed.  Taking a break would not be a solution.  To start up after a hiatus would be like starting all over again. Been there and done that - when we made the move from Virginia to Missouri.

Though the door is still open, angel Lucy is ready to swing it shut.
Though I'm sure I'll make some jewelry for myself or as gifts for friends, I have no intention of selling it again.  I may offer some of my leftover inventory on my collectibles web site (which is a hobby), but I have no plans to do more than that.

Would I be closing if my stress levels were not so off the charts?  If my husband were not so ill?  Probably not.

Will I be blogging?  I don't know. 

So, there's my meandering reply to the why question.  No one asked the when question, but that will be when I've further winnowed down my current inventory of already made jewelry at both For Love of a Dog and Bittersweet Ridge Jewelry.  Hopefully, that will be very soon.

Monday, February 1, 2016

Adopt Ebony a #Lab Mix #BlackDog @WaysideWaifs in #KCMO


This adorable girl is Ebony.  She's a 1 year Labrador Retriever mix. Ebony still has lots of puppy energy and is looking for a best friend who can work with her obedience training.  

Here's Ebony's adoption message:
Hey, I'm Ebony! I was transferred to Wayside Waifs when my last shelter ran out of space for me. It's okay, though! I've been having so much fun with my fellow Waifs, and I know my family will be here for me any day now. 


I'll do great in a home with children or other furry friends, but I'd like to meet them before heading home to get an idea of how we all get along. I'm a 47-pound ball of energy, so staying active is important! I'll do best in an active home where I'll get plenty of play time. I love to get out on walks and explore the world, but I'll benefit from using a harness so I can learn to stick right by your side instead of pulling ahead.
I'll need some basic obedience training so I can learn exactly what you expect from me, but I'll learn the ropes in no time! I already know the command Sit, and I'm eager to learn even more, especially when I'm motivated by praise or yummy treats!

I'm a goofy, playful girl looking for a family to give all my love to. If you think that might be you, please stop by and say hi!

For more information about Ebony, 
contact Wayside Waifs at  816-761-8151. 
Ebony's adoption ID number is 30544224

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!