Adopt Azalea a Pit Bull Mixed Breed Dog at Wayside Waifs in Kansas City

This pretty girl is Azalea.  She a Terrier, American Staffordshire, Hound mixed breed dog at Wayside Waifs animal shelter in Kansas City, MO.

Azalea is only 22 months old and quite a beauty.  She found herself at Wayside Waifs after being picked up as a stray.  She must have had some very hard times on the street, because when she first arrived at the shelter she was very afraid of people.  She's come a long way in building her confidence and learning to trust again.

Here's Azalea's adoption message:

Hello there! My name is Azalea and I am a beautiful 1 and a half year old American Staffordshire Terrier/Hound. I came in to Wayside as a stray when animal control found me wandering the streets. It was hard not having a home to call my own at such a young age. I'm so thankful I ended up at Wayside. I have made so many good friends and for the first time in a long time, I finally feel safe. Everyone tells me this is the place where I will find my new family. I want to tell you a little about myself in the hopes that you might be the family for me!

When I first got to Wayside Waifs I was so scared. I didn't understand that people could be so kind and loving. The staff felt it was best for me to start working with a team of volunteers who work with shy and fearful dogs like me. I'm so glad I did, because I am like a different dog today! I wanted to so badly to be loved and for someone to notice what a good girl I was. I can't believe it, but they did! They worked with me slowly on how to trust again, and gave me an avenue where I could build up my confidence. One of my friends here started working with me on agility. I love learning how to do the course and she says I've gotten so good at it! She says that I complete everything in the agility course in the order I'm supposed to and how quickly I've picked up on things! It feels so good to hear such positive things about myself. It's a new feeling but a girl could definitely get used to it!

The staff thinks it is best if I go to a home with kids over 5 years old. Since it can still take me awhile to warm up, I think it's best for now. Even though I've come such a long way, it will be important to go slow with me when we first meet. Once I get to know you, I will show you my sweet and playful side! I love to cuddle and be close to you, it's how I show you the love I have for you. I really want to go home with someone who will help me get daily mental and physical stimulation. Going for walks and playing will help me to become a well-rounded dog! Since I'm still a young girl, I will most likely need work on housetraining and basic obedience. I want more than anything to make you happy so with positive reinforcement training and patience, I should learn quickly! What I need most is someone who will take a chance on me and show me how wonderful life really is. I've been through more in my short life than I care to admit, but it doesn't stop me from trying to live to the fullest!

If you are looking for a sweet and loyal companion, look no further! Come on out to Wayside Waifs and ask to meet Azalea. My bags are packed and I am ready to walk away from the shelter and into our new lives together, as a family.

All my love, Azalea

Check out Azalea's adoption video and you'll see she really has a talent for agility.  Then give Wayside Waifs a call at 816-761-8151   Azalea's animal ID number is 22765512




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 new Tuesday's Tails Facebook page and give us a like! Please help spread the word about these beautiful animals via social media and let's find them forever homes!

Don't miss Rudy's Birthday Giveaway!  Enter now!

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

Adopt Koda a Lab Shepherd Mix Dog at Wayside Waifs in Kansas City

UPDATE:  KODA HAS BEEN ADOPTED! (10/7/14)

This adorable boy is Koda.  He's a 15 months old Labrador Retriever / German shepherd mix.  In spite of living almost his whole life in the shelter, Koda full of life and house broken.  He's still got lots of puppy energy and would love to share adventures with a special person.

Here's his adoption letter:

Hello there! I'm Koda and I am one precious dog, searching for my forever home. Why does it have to be so hard to find you? Why didn't I get a home when I was just a cute puppy with so much of life ahead of me? Well, I can't worry about that now. I've spent most of my young life in a shelter, but that has allowed me to make many friends and learn lots of things about life. My past made me the amazing dog I am today, so who can say that's a bad thing? I look forward, with faith and hope, that my forever family will find me soon! 

I am a super handsome, 1 year old, 55 pound, mostly housetrained, Labrador Retriever/German Shepherd mix. I am soft and adorable and so much fun! I think I'm still growing into my long and lanky legs and I'm quite an athlete. I came to Wayside from the shelter in Topeka, KS, where I had lived since I was a pup. It's hard growing up in a shelter, but I had many people who loved me very much. Once I got to Wayside, I quickly became a volunteer favorite! I'm friendly and social. And you won't find a dog who is better than me at the game of fetch! I am an expert at it and I never tire of playing. 

Since finding my way to Wayside, life has sort of been a whirlwind for me. I was adopted for about a month and I've spent some time in a foster home, too. So I've finally had my first taste of a normal life in a home. My family that adopted me had many great things to say about me! For one, I absolutely adored them to the point where I wanted to be by their side at all times. They lived on a rural piece of property without a fence, but I never once ran away. I always liked to be where I could see them. 

 Besides being an expert at fetch, I'm also a perfect running partner and went running 4 or 5 times a week. I loved it! I also loved going to the dog park and was always polite and respectful of the other dogs. I'm smart, treat motivated, and I love to learn new things, so I'm an excellent candidate for training. I already know 'sit', 'stay', and 'down', but I'd love to learn more, so please teach me! One of my other favorite things it to go for rides in the car and I quietly curl up in the backseat when traveling. 

So, as you can probably tell, I'm an excellent companion in so many ways. My problem in my last home is that I didn't like to be left alone. It took me so long to finally find my people that I was afraid to let them go! When they left me alone, I was worried that they wouldn't come back. They tried to crate me and that made me feel even more anxious, so I would panic and try to figure my way out of the crate. Wayside staff thinks I'll do best in a home with another dog, who can help me relax and learn that things are ok when we're alone. And I don't like to be confined to a crate, so I hope I never have to go through that again! 

 I can't get enough of my people. I love to sit with you and listen to you talk and feel your gentle touch on my fur. I like to exercise with you and watch TV with you and just hang out. We can do whatever you feel like, but I would love to go home with someone who is around a lot. It makes me feel comforted and safe when I am with you. I'm such a good boy! I'm friendly and laid back and polite. It's just that I never felt wanted before, so now I try so hard to always be by your side, making you happy. I feel like that's my job and I worry when we're not together. I will gain confidence over time though, with positive reinforcement and praise from you. 

Once I know I am home for good and that you love having me as part of your family, it will help me to relax. I hope you can give me the feeling of safety and peace that has been so elusive to me. I hope we will become best friends and stay together forever. Love, Koda

Check out Koda's adoption video and then give Wayside Waifs a call at  816-761-8151.  Koda's animal ID number is 22783376 and his adoption fee is $65.

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 new Tuesday's Tails Facebook page and give us a like! Please help spread the word about these beautiful animals via social media and let's find them forever homes!
  
Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry.  

Adopt Redford an Australian Shepherd Dog at Wayside Waifs

Redford ©Wayside Waifs

 This beautiful boy is Redford.  He's a 4 year old Australian Shepherd mixed breed dog.  Aside from his stunning good looks, animal shelter staff and volunteers report Redford is an awesome dog!

Redford is a cuddler and loves to go for walks.  He's good on a leash and checks in with the human.  In his previous home, he lived on a farm and loved it.  He enjoys the dog part and sometimes likes to herd those other dogs.  Because of his breed and high intellect, Redford would probably be happiest with a job to keep him busy. 

Redford ©Wayside Waifs

Redford is up to date on his shots, medications, flea control and he has a microchip.  In other words, he has his bags packed and ready for his new forever home!

Have a look at Redfords adoption video and then give Wayside Waifs Animal Shelter a call at 816-761-8151.  Redford's animal ID number is 18674130

Established in 1940, Wayside Waifs is committed to finding homes for all adoptable pets. Wayside is the largest no kill pet adoption campus in Kansas City, placing approximately 5,400 animals each year. 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.
 

On Tuesday we'll be participating in the Tuesday's Tails blog hop hosted by Dogs N Pawz.  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.  x

Adopt a Black Cat | National Black Cat Appreciation Day

Yesterday was National Black Cat Appreciation Day, a day intended to combat old superstitions about black cats.  

Though in some cultures black cats are considered to be lucky, here in the United States that's not the case.  

Unfortunately, like black dogs, black cats are usually the last to be adopted in animal shelters.

Meet Bagheera.  She's a domestic shorthair black cat and about 2 years old.
 

Here's what Bagherra has to say:

Did you know that in Britain and Japan, a black cat is considered good luck? Oh, I know, you're probably not superstitious, but I think it would be a good idea if you took me home, just to be on the safe side. After all, everyone could use a little luck, right? At least come get to know me. I'm a very friendly, brave girl who loves meeting new people. I like to head butt my new friends while they pet me. I do get a little nervous when someone picks me up, but I don't get all bent out of shape about it. I just wiggle until the person lets me go. I like to stand on my own four feet, thanks. I also love toys. Ok, I'll be honest... I'm pretty much obsessed with toys. If you have a fun toy on the end of a string or a stick, I'll follow you all over the place! I can't get enough playtime! My friends here call me a "leader of the band" because I'm so active and curious. I'm definitely NOT one of those boring cats who snoozes in a sunny window all day. If you're looking for a cat who knows how to have fun, then it really is your lucky day, because here I am!

Bagheera is available for adoption from Wayside Waifs, a no-kill animal shelter in Kansas City, Missouri.  Give them a call about this beautiful black cat at 816-761-8151.  Bagheera's animal ID number is 20629318

If you're looking to adopt a new pet, consider adopting a black cat!

On Tuesday we'll be participating in the Tuesday's Tails blog hop hosted by Dogs N Pawz.  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!

Follow-up Friday: Dog Book, Dog Treats, Dog Ticks

I'm happy to be joining Heart Like a Dog in the follow-up Friday blog hop again this week.  This is the blog hop that lets you wrap up your week and leads you right into the weekend.  Hosted by FUF creator, Jodi at Heart Like a dog and co-hosted this week by Misty Shores Chesapeakes.

So far it has been too cool and rainy to do any real swimming at our house, but maybe that's a good thing!  While we've been waiting for the sun to shine, I've been online window shopping doggie life jackets for Rosie because I'm sure she's going to love it.  However, I'm glad to have stumbled on this blog post from Life in the Dog Lane about Swimmer's Tail in Dogs before we took our first dip in the pool this year.  I'd never heard of it.  It is real and if you have a pool and your dogs swim with you in it, you better check it out!

Live within traveling distance to Kansas City?  One of my favorite places, Wayside Waifs has been selected as one of 50 shelters in the US to compete in the ASPCA/Rachael Ray $100K Challenge.  Wayside's goal is to adopt 1,831 animals by August 31, 2013 and win the cash.  To kick off their efforts, Wayside Waifs is having an "Adopting Around the Clock" event beginning tonight at midnight.  All adoptions are just $25.



Wiener Dog Song: Dog Song Saturday
Just have to say... if you love wiener dogs, you should watch this Doxie dog music video!

Adopt Thor a Bernese Mountain Dog Mix
Three years old, beautiful, and waiting for you in St Louis!  If you're not participating in the Tuesday Tails blog hop, consider joining us.

Thor - Available for adoption at the HSMO

Book Review: It's Just A Dog by Russ Ryan
Russ Ryan is a real dog lover and he's written a charming dog tale with humor and heart.  Be sure to check out our book review, plus enter to win a paperback copy of It's Just A Dog.  Hurry!  Giveaway ends Sunday night midnight.  Plus, if you purchase this book, do it before September 2.  Prior to that date 50% of the sales will be donated to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue!

A barking good dog story by a guy who loves dogs!

As part of the giveaway, I asked readers to comment about how they would feel if their beloved dog came back as a ghost and how their current dog(s) would feel about it.

A few commented that it would scare them, including Amy, Sugar, lennyg.  Several said they'd love it!  I agree with Snoopy about that quote saying love never dies.  Danielle, Christine and Caren... their dogs are their first dogs, so they couldn't answer the question!

Jackie said, "If Bailey came back (our first dog) she would be like, 'hey! How come Rita gets to eat wed food, when all I ever got was kibble?!!'"
I know my Benji would say the same thing!

I've thought a lot about Shelley's comment that she's had dreams of her 20 yr old dog, Penny, coming back as a ghost and Shelley had a chance to tell her what she didn't get to.   Wow.  If Lucy came back as a ghost, I'd feel that way, too.  And I would be thrilled.

Orijen Dog Treats from Chewy.com Product Review
This wasn't the first time we've received dog treats to try from Chewy.com and to say my dogs are fans of Chewy.com is putting it mildly.  There's a double bonus for Jeffie.  Not only does he usually love the dog treats and taste testings, he gets to try to scare the life out of the FedEx man. 

A number of readers commented favorably about Orijen /Champion Pet Foods.  We loved these treats!

The Tick King on a better day!

The Tick King Dog
I published a teaser on Wordless Wednesday.  In fact, on my Facebook page I said:  Moses in the bulrushes?  No.  Jeffie in the cattails.  Almost everyone seemed to think this was a pleasant adventure.  Nope.  Not even for Jeffie.

I am still creepy crawly and so is Jeffie.  We're still picking/finding ticks from this little adventure.  Yesterday I found 3 seed ticks on him.  Dead, but still...  This year we realized the ticks were going to be bad.  The dogs have now had 2 (monthly) applications of Frontline.  Usually we do not have to apply any topicals.

Most of the ticks are just catching a ride.  But not all.

Here's the real problem:  though Frontline does kill them if they're sucked in and does seem to kind of repel them... it takes only a few hours for disease to transfer from the tick to the host once they've sucked in.

Add to that, though Frontline kills the ticks that manage to attach, I'm now finding dead ticks on Jeffie.  

Smart ticks.  Though Rudy and Rosie would be more tender morsels, Jeffie's wild fur coat makes a perfect place to run and hide.  Jeffie now endures many (way too many if you ask him) "tick checks" a day.  

I'm really not sure how many ticks total there were.  I stopped counting at 50 and my guess is that was about half way through the "big" removal.

We usually do not even have to apply any topicals to the dogs, in spite of living on a farm in the country.  So, even if you've never had any problems with ticks before, I encourage you to be vigilant.

We're organic gardeners, but this year we're spraying. 


So, what 's your week been like?  Join the Follow-up Friday hop and tell us all about it!



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