Sunday, March 27, 2016

Adopt Marigold a Young #Pointer #Dog Mix @WaysideWaifs in #KCMO #TuesdayTails


Meet Marigold!  This beautiful girl is a young Pointer mix.  At 1 1/2 years old, Marigold has a lot of energy and would love to have a person who would explore the world with her.

Here's Marigold's adoption message:
Hey there, I'm Marigold! I'm an adorable, black and white, Pointer mix weighing about 45 pounds. I was found scared and alone as a stray then brought here to Wayside where I was welcomed with open, loving arms. I love being a Waif but I'm so excited to meet my peeps and get to my fur-ever home. I'll do grrr-eat 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 I might do. 
I have a lot of energy so I'll thrive in an active household. I love to get out and explore the world on walks and the peeps here say I do pretty well on my leash, sticking right by your side instead of pulling ahead. I'm a smart girl and I'm eager to learn all the new things you have to teach me. I already know the command sit and I know with some practice and extra motivation from praise or yummy treats I'll be able to add so much more to that list. I'm a sweet girl who's ready to give all of my love to my perfect match. If you think that could be you come by soon to meet me!

Tail wags,  Marigold

For more information about Marigold, 
contact Wayside Waifs at  816-761-8151. 
Marigold's adoption ID number is 30813235


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!

Friday, March 25, 2016

Heart of a Dog by Laurie Anderson | Dog Song Saturday


It's Saturday, so time for a dog song here at Talking Dogs.  Today we've got a special one for you.

Artist and filmmaker Laurie Anderson also has a film which premiered on HBO in 2015 called Heart of a Dog.  She created it to celebrate the spirit of her late husband, musician Lou Reed, but it really centers around Lolabelle.  Lolabelle was Anderson's late beloved piano playing and finger painting dog.

The film illustrates Anderson's reflections on life and death, including her experiences in downtown New York after 9/11.

"[It's] about life and death and what comes in the middle when you do them right, which is love."   Robert Christgau 

The video is the official trailer for the film.  If you like it you can purchase the soundtrack at Nonesuch Records or iTunes

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

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Easter Bunny Pups | Wordless Wednesday


 Rosie finds the bunny ears a bit humiliating.
 
Rudy really doesn't mind when there's a reward involved.


Rewards like treats and toys from the Easter bunny!


Monday, March 21, 2016

Adopt Thunder a #LabradorRetriever Mix #Dog @WaysideWaifs in #KCMO


This furry face is pretty irresistible.  Plus there's that gorgeous fur coat!  Meet Thunder.  He's a young, medium sized Labrador Retriever mix.  
Thunder is looking for a cuddle buddy who will take him on walks and teach him about the world.  Here's his adoption message:
Hi, I'm Thunder! I'm a handsome Retriever. Lab mix weighing 53 pounds and I'm looking for the perfect peeps for me! My last shelter brought me here when they ran out of room for me. It's okay, though! I love being a Waif and I know now I have the best chance at finding my forever family. 
I'll do grr-eat in a home with children or other furry friends but let's meet first to get an idea of how I'll do once I'm home. I have a pretty moderate energy level so if you're looking for a guy to cuddle up with, look no further! I'll always keep you company. When we do get active I love getting out and exploring the world on walks. The peeps here say I do awesome walking on a leash, sticking right by your side instead of pulling ahead. 
With some basic obedience training I'll be able to learn everything you have to teach me. I'm super smart and I'm eager to learn what you expect from me in no time. I know with some patience and love I'll be able to be the companion you've been dreaming of. If you think you might be the peeps for me then come by soon and say hi!

Tail wags,
Thunder
For more information about Thunder, 
contact Wayside Waifs at  816-761-8151. 
Thunder's adoption ID number is 30752761


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!

Saturday, March 19, 2016

I Am Here for You by Laurel Canyon Animal Company | Dog Song Saturday @SurfDogRicochet @AnimalMusic


It's Saturday, so time for a new dog song at Talking Dogs. We've really got a good one for you today!

I Am Here For You is a collaboration between humans (The Laurel Canyon Animal Company) and a most amazing therapy dog named Surf Dog Ricochet.

They worked with animal communicator, Paula Brown who acted as a translator for Ricochet. They then used Ricochet's "reading" to create a rough song based on what they were told by Ricochet. After playing the rough for Ricochet, they then created the final version of the song based on Paula's translation.

One of the changes requested by Ricochet particularly stood out.  There was a line in the song that stated, "This is my song" and Ricochet told them that this was not a song, it was her soul. They made the appropriate changes.

A significant proportion of the profits from I Am Here For You are donated to Ricochet's non-profit organization Puppy Prodigies..  Puppy prodigies prepares dogs such as Ricochet for their future careers as service dogs. the Laurel Canyon Animal Company is proud to support Puppy Prodigies and other organizations and individuals who help animals.


Canyon Animal company creates original music about, for and with animals - especially dogs.  I Am Here For You is the first in their new series about service dogs: Therapy dogs, War dogs, Police Dogs, and more. 

Sit. Stay. Relax and enjoy I Am Here for You sung by Donna Delory.  Purchase the song here to add it to your favorite dog song playlist.
 

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Monday, March 14, 2016

Adopt Rocko a Brindle #Pitbull #Dog @WaysideWaifs in #KCMO


This beautiful brindle boy is Rocko.  He's a 5 year old Pit Bull mix dog who's hoping to find a home without cats.

Rocko likes walks and playing outside, but really loves just snuggling.  Here's his adoption message:
Hi, I'm Rocko! I'm a sweet, Terrier/Pit Bull mix with unique brindle fur, weighing about 45 pounds. I was adopted then returned because I didn't like living with my feline friend. I was pretty bummed but I know that here I have the best chance at finding a home that's truly a perfect match for me. I'll do grrr-eat with children and other canine companions and would like to meet my new family before heading home to get an idea of how I might do. 

I have a pretty moderate energy level so if you're the type who likes to kick back and relax then we'll get along just fine. Of course every pup needs exercise to stay happy and healthy so when we're getting active let's explore the world on walks or romp around the backyard for a game of fetch! 

I'm a super smart guy who's eager to learn all the new things you have to teach me. I already know the commands sit and down and I know with some practice and extra motivation from praise or yummy treats I'll be able to add to that list in no time. I'm a sweet boy who wants to give my peeps all the love and affection I have to offer. If you think those peeps might be you, come by and say hi soon!

Tail wags, Rocko

For more information about Rocko, 
contact Wayside Waifs at  816-761-8151. 
Rocko's adoption ID number is 30809345


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!

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Blue by Peter Paul and Mary | Dog Song Saturday


We've got a classic folk song for Dog Song Saturday today:  Blue by Peter, Paul and Mary.

This American folk group was formed in 1961 and was composed of Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey and Mary Travers.  Their self named debut album was released in 1962.    Blue can be found on three of their albums: In Concert (1964), The Collection (1998) and Carry It On (2004)

In this video Peter Yarrow explains that Blue is a children's song.  In the video you'll hear the first part of Blue sung as a folk song and then second part sung as a rock song.  Scroll down below the video for the lyrics and sing along!

Sit. Stay. Take a break to enjoy Blue sung by Peter, Paul and Mary.  Fetch more dog songs and music videos at Talking Dogs.  You'll be surprised at how many we've collected over the years.



Blue Lyrics ©Peter Yarrow, Noel Paul Stookey, Mary Allin Travers
{We'd like to sing a children's song for you now, that's unique
It's the only children's song that we've ever encountered
That contains all three of the basic elements
Of every single children's song
The first element is simplicity
So that the child can understand the song
The second element is pathos
To prepare the child for later traumatic experiences
And the third element is repetition
To give the child a false sense of security}
I had a dog and his name was Blue
I had a dog and his name was Blue
I had a dog and his name was Blue
I betcha five dollars he's a good dog, too
Singin' here, ol' Blue, you're a good dog, you
Ol' Blue come when I blow my horn
Ol' Blue come when I blow my horn
A' Blue come a' runnin' through the yella' corn
A' Blue come a' runnin' when I blow my horn
Singin' here, ol' Blue, you're a good dog, you
{What if this song were to be changed?
Modified by an unscrupulous modifier of folks songs
Whose business it is to make this type of song palatable
For the teenage, deliquent, mother-my-dog instinct
And then it would be a rock and roll song
Oh, nasty, unscrupulous modifiler
Now it would sound something, like this}
Hup, two, three, four, five, six, hey!
Well I got a dog and his name is Blue
I betcha five dollars he's a good dog, too
[Incomprehensible]
Well Blue, why did you leave me sweetheart?
Blue, you promised to write
And I, I sit I sit, I sit alone at night now
Sifting sand through my fingers
Looking for some trace of you
Come back Blue, I, I, I
I want you I, I, I need you
And I'm going to have you
Here, Blue

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Adopt Aggie #Rottweiler #Lab Mix #ShelterDog @WaysideWaifs in #KCMO



This big beautiful girl is Aggie.  She's a 2 1/2 year old Rottweiler Labrador Retriever mix that is living the shelter life these days.

Aggie is house broken and know basic obedience.  If you're looking for a big bundle of love, read Aggie's adoption message.
Hey, I'm Aggie. I'm an adorable girl transferred from another shelter when they ran out of space for me. I've been shown so much love as a Waif and I have so much hope that my family will be here soon to take me home. I'm a big gal weighing about 74 pounds, with a big heart to match! 
I'm a strong girl who will do best with someone who is familiar with my breed. I'm a confident and pretty independent type of gal. I'll definitely need to stay active to be happy and healthy! I'll do best with older children due to my size and I prefer no cats or small, furry animals. I'll benefit from basic obedience training in my new home but I'll learn the ropes in no time. 
I'm a smart girl and already know the commands sit, down, and come. I'm eager to learn even more from you. I'll be extra motivated with praise, fun toys, or yummy treats! Oh, and did I mention I'm house trained?? I'm ready to show my pleasing, affectionate side to my perfect match. I'm a lovable girl who will make the best companion. Hope to see you soon at Wayside Waifs!

For more information about Aggie, 
contact Wayside Waifs at  816-761-8151. 
Aggie's adoption ID number is 30160719


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!

Saturday, March 5, 2016

Old Dogs by Larry Garrett | Dog Song Saturday


Another Dog Song Saturday has rolled around and we've got an original song about dogs for you.  Old Dogs  was written and is performed by Larry Garrett.

Larry Garrett's music comes from the long tradition of folk music in the Kansas City area. Pulled from everyday experiences of family, childhood, "old dogs" and growing older, the Independence, Missouri, resident's songs paint a picture of life that is personal yet steeped in a musical lineage. Garrett performs regularly, usually with a guitar and harmonica, though you'll also occasionally find him with dobro, banjo, dulcimer or ukulele.

Garrett wrote this song about the dogs he and his wife have had and dedicates it to Charla, the English Bull Dog, Derek the Standard Schnauzer, Bluto, a Bull Terrier, Mickey the Westie, and Darla the Bulldog.  He further notes that "if they're not up there in heaven, I don't think I want to go."

Sit Stay. Relax and enjoy Old Dogs by Larry Garrett.    Fetch more dog songs and music videos at Talking Dogs.  You'll be surprised at how many we've collected over the years.


Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Best Friends | Wordless Wednesday




Friends are like walls. Sometimes you lean on them, and sometimes it's good just knowing they are there. ~Author unknown

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

I Need a Mailman - An Urn for Jeffie



I need a mailman!

Whenever either of us uttered those words, we'd hear a rapid answering woof and no matter where he was, Jeffie scrambled to go on a shipping run.

He took his responsibility as the Mail Man for For Love of a Dog very seriously in spite of absolutely hating to ride in the car.  Yes, the Mail Man would softly woof under his breath the whole way up our lane to the mailbox and even all the way to the Post Office and back home again.  He hated traveling so much that you would think he would not answer the call: I need a mailman.

He never missed a mail run.

I tell you this to explain Jeffie's final resting place.

We've always buried our animals.  This time - knowing the weather called for heavy rain for several days - we opted for cremation.  I spent a lot of time online shopping for an urn for Jeffie's ashes.   Some I saved to Pinterest, some are saved to my Etsy favorites.  Elegant urns, handmade wooden and ceramic containers, personalized custom urns and even some vintage boxes, cookie jars and cannisters.

Then the Dog Daddy came across an antique post office box front.  We've had it for many, many years and simply never gotten around to doing something with it.

It was meant to be.

I purchased a very cool set of vintage kitchen canisters.  Solid wood with lovely dovetail joinery, we sanded one and simply finished it with Briwax. Cut out the front to add the PO box front and ... viola!  


Fittingly, the canister we used for Jeffie is the one marked for sugar.

Suspended from antique brass chains are a collection of talismans or totems for prayers and remembering.  The word re-membering has a talismanic meaning. To member something means to bring together in a particular intentional way which is the function of a talisman and prayer. 


Jeffie's prayer talismans include:
  • Owl which is Jeffie's Spirit Animal. The owl is an old soul, a keeper of ancient wisdom and is deeply connected with wisdom and intuitive knowledge.
  • Butterfly which is a very powerful symbol for transformation and metamorphosis and is closely tied to spirits and souls.
  • Crow which is an omen of transformation, protection and spirit guide.  The Osage Indians believed that crows bring good news.
  • White rose symbolizes hope, joy and new beginnings and is often used to represent love, especially a love that is pure.
  • Teardrops acknowledge the loss of a family member or loved one and indicate healing and comfort, reassurance, and positive energy
  • Hearts symbolize love, unity, connections and compassion.
  • Dog bones are associated with spiritual development and represent one's helpers and family.
  • Angel a symbol of devotion, spirituality and faith. Angels also symbolize divine will and are the messengers of God.


I also included Jeffie's dog tags and some other charms, including two of my handmade dog breed charms - a Golden Retriever and a Border Collie - since these are the two dog breeds which made up our Jeffie.


Right now Jeffie is resting in good company.  The wonderful framed photograph of Jeffie was my favorite Christmas gift this year and came from my good (and very thoughtful) friend, Kristi.  It is engraved that brilliant Will Rogers quotation:  If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

You'll also notice the cool personalized key chain and the Norman's memory candle from my sweet (and also incredibly thoughtful) friend, JoAnn.  Jeffie's favorite collars (one from JoAnn in Jeffie's KU Jayhawks colors) rest with him in addition to "Jeffie artwork."



I need a mailman!

And in my heart I hear the answering woof.