Dog Rescue Jewelry Gifts are on Sale Now at ForLoveofaDog.com

Fetch your favorite dog rescue friend the perfect unique Christmas gift from For Love of a Dog Jewelry.  I've got some amazing one of a kind dog rescue bracelets still available, including some for your favorite foster dog mom!

Each bracelet is handmade by me in my Missouri Ozarks jewelry studio and each is one of a kind.  Plus, they're all on sale with free standard shipping!

Shop For Love of a Dog now for best selection! 

Its A Wild Life a Dog Adoption Rescue Song by Caroline Cordier - Dog Song Saturday

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and we've got a great song about it for today's Dog Song Saturday.

It's a Wild Life was written by Caroline Cordier for her documentary and recorded by singer Lonna Marie.  The video contains photos of rescue dogs from  Arctic Breed Rescue and Big Dog Rescue in Australia.

We usually tell you to sit and stay, but today we want you to spread the good word about shelter dogs.  Don't shop - Adopt!

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. 

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.  

Over 150 Dogs Cats Horses Goats Rescued from Squalor in Missouri

More than 150 dogs, cats, horses and goats were rescued from squalid conditions in Morgan County, Missouri by the Humane Society of Missouri's Animal Cruelty Task Force on Tuesday, May 6, 2014.

Working with the Morgan County, MO, Sheriff's Office, the HSMO took these animals to safety after the owner of the property and a tenant voluntarily surrendered all of the animals to them.

Many of the cats were living in a filthy, trash-strewn trailer on the property and are suffering from upper respiratory disease, eye infections, severely matted coats and other maladies.

The dogs included mixed breeds, terriers, Akitas, Labrador Retrievers and Beagles which are thin and suffering from parasites.  Included in the group are 2 two week old puppies and 2 eight week old puppies.

The horses range in age from new foals and pregnant mares to adult horses and ponies.  They are also underweight and suffering from parasites.  One dead foal was found in a barrel on the property.

The Morgan County Sheriff's Office stated they will pursue animal abuse charges in this case.

The dogs and cats have been taken to HSMO Headquarters in St Louis for evaluation and treatment.  The horses and goats have been taken to HSMO's Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union for evaluation and treatment.

HSMO cautions that due to their poor condition, it may be several weeks before many of these animals will be available for adoption.

* Information provided by the Humane Society of Missouri.

Adopt Bobbie an Australian Cattle Dog Pitbull Mix at Wayside Waifs

UPDATE April 2 - Wayside Waifs let me know that Bobbie was ADOPTED yesterday afternoon!

This beautiful girl is Bobbie.  She's a 4 year old Australian Cattle Dog / Pit Bull mix who is currently calling Wayside Waifs in Kansas City home.  Below is her message to you, plus a wonderful adoption video! You'll see Bobbie during her very first agility lesson, plus you'll see her infectious smile and wiggle butt in action.

Hi there! I'm Bobbie and I'm a total sweetheart of a dog! I'm friendly and affectionate. And I'm strong and athletic, too. I just want to be part of a family again. I want to feel loved and cared for again. I'm confused about being here and I long for a forever home.

I'm a 4 year old, 44 pounds of solid muscle, already housetrained, Pit Bull Terrier/Hound mix. I came to Wayside via the Riverside, MO animal control people, when my owners could no longer care for me and they abandoned me. They loved me very much though! Before they left me, they wrote down some information about me, since I wasn't able to speak for myself. They just didn't know where to turn, I guess, and if I saw them today, I'd give them a big tail wag and a kiss. Us dogs don't hold grudges. Anyway though, today is the day that I move on with my life! I have no choice but to pick myself up and carry on. I hope my next family is able to love and care for me for the rest of my life.

First order of business when I got here was to get myself in tip-top shape. I had my teeth cleaned, was treated for fleas, recuperated from a cold, and had a benign mass removed from my side. The mass was tested and it's nothing to worry about. Whew! I feel much better now. I'm a pretty gal...unique and solid and strong. I do pull some on my leash, but you can get me a harness to wear when we walk, if you'd like. That will make it a much more enjoyable walk for both of us! I'd love to exercise with you, so I hope you like that too. I'll be a great walking or running partner and the activity will help me stay happy, healthy, and calm.

To be perfectly honest, I'm stressed out by life here at the shelter, and it's sort of hard for me to chill out and relax. When I do though, I'm quite the affectionate snuggler! I love to be by your side. I try to talk to you...not with barks, but with little grunts. It's very cute and gets people wondering what I'm trying to say. I will sit for my treats and always take them very gently from your hand. I'm a sweet dog with a delightful personality!

Staff thinks I'll do best in a home with kids over the age of 12. I take my food sort of seriously, which isn't a big deal for adults, but the young kids don't always know how to give me my space. Please give me a safe place to eat in peace, and I will be just fine. And I need a home without any other dogs. I'm rude and don't know proper doggie etiquette. Please bring the whole family out to meet me, just so we know we all get along great together.

Life can bring you changes you're not ready for, that's for sure! I didn't know I was about to become homeless until it happened. Now here I am, looking for a second chance with a loving new family. I'll try my very best to be a fabulous companion for you! I'll love you with every bone in my body, every single day, for the rest of my life. How's that?
Love, Miss Bobbie

For more information about Bobbie, contact Wayside Waifs at  816-761-8151.  Bobbie's Animal ID number is 21580434.  Her 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 will be 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.  

Another Missouri Dog Breeder Closes Facility

©HSMO

  A rural Howell County, Missouri dog breeding facility has closed.  The owner voluntarily surrendered the dogs to the Humane Society of Missouri.

The Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force, working in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, rescued 135 adult dogs and puppies from the facility yesterday, February 26, 2014.

The dog breeds include:  Beagle, Boston Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, French Bull Dog, Pug, Miniature Poodle, Miniature Schnauzer, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier and mixes of those dog breeds.  

The dogs have been taken to HSMO headquarters in St Louis where they are receiving veterinary examinations and treatment, spay / neuter surgeries, and socialization prior to be made available for adoption.  

The HSMO notes:  The rehabilitation of these dogs will take time.  As the dogs become available for adoption, they will be listed on the HSMO online adoptable pet database.

Forever Home by FreddieB | Dog Song Saturday

It's Saturday, so time for a dog song video at Talking Dogs.  Today's feature is Forever Home written and performed by Freddie B.

This song tells the story of a man that rescued an abused dog but wonders if the dog came into his life at just the right time to rescue him from loneliness. 

The singer/songwriter notes:

You can download this song from Itunes, Amazon, CD Baby, or FreddyB.net for .99 cents. This allows me to earn money through my music to give back to foundations that help abused animals..I have been fortunate enough to be able to Donate over $20,000 to Humane Society from the proceeds made through my music. I appreciate your help!

So, grab a dog to cuddle.  Sit. Stay. Relax and enjoy Forever Home.

Fetch some genuine dog song music videos at Talking Dogs.  You'll be surprised at how many we've collected over the past few years!   And... Happy Holidays!

Adopt Tally A Coonhound Dog in Virginia

Meet Tally. 

Tally is a young and petite Black and Tan Coonhound looking for her forever home. 

Long silky soft ears, big ‘ole brown hound dog eyes, noses to the ground. 

We’ve all seen pictures of coonhounds as “hunting dogs” or seen them lazing around on a front porch in the south somewhere. 

Has it ever made you wonder what it would like to have a coonhound as a furry family member?   Here's your chance!

Lucky Tally was rescued from an animal shelter.

The American Black and Tan Coonhound Rescue (ABTCR) recently rescued Tally from a shelter in southwest Virginia. Tally is now safe in a foster home in Virginia and available for adoption.

In addition to her foster parents, Tally is living with

eight other dogs that are all rescues, just like her.

She does well with the other dogs, especially a German Shepherd mix puppy that is about the same age and size. They love goofing off together! Tally is food motivated, but not aggressive about it. She is pretty much house trained and the foster mom is working on crate training. 

It’s unknown how she is with cats, but foster mom feels Tally would do well with kids because of her gentle and affectionate nature. She’s content sleeping in a dog bed or curled up next to you at night. You will get used to her snoring! 

  Tally loves her reflection.  Whether it's a mirror, the TV, 

or oven door,  Tally has to stop and look at herself.

Tally has been spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped. She’s also heartworm negative! To adopt Tally, visit the American Black and Tan Coonhound website  to fill out an application

Coonhounds are one of the most often overlooked breeds in shelters because of the stereotypes – loud, smelly, stubborn. And unfortunately for them, whether they are picked up as strays or dumped by their owners, coonhounds often don’t make it out of the shelter alive. 

Tally makes a great snuggle partner on the couch.

In reality, coonhounds make wonderful additions to your family. They are a very social breed and interact well with other dogs (and even cats if properly introduced) and they do well with children. They can be vocal with their “hound song” when outdoors, but are typically quiet when enjoying the comforts of being indoors with their human family.

Tally would love to take a walk with you in the woods.

Coonhounds were bred to be hunters so they generally have fewer health issues than other breeds. The most common issue is an ear infection, which is often due to those long gorgeous ears, but it’s easily treatable. While it’s best to keep them leashed when walking due to their “wandering nature”, a coonhound can be perfectly happy as a couch potato or roaming around in a fenced backyard.

Jayne Schlegel and Molly Smith founded American Black and Tan Coonhound Rescue in 2004. In 2012, ABTCR rehomed over 640 coonhounds and bloodhounds, many of whom would have died in shelters had they not been pulled for rescue.

Tally is on the lookout for her forever home.  Is it with you?

ABTCR has been able to save these hounds because of an extensive network of over 70 active foster homes in 39 states across the country. And foster homes are always needed. 

To foster means opening up your home to a dog that would have otherwise been euthanized in a shelter. It’s a second chance for a dog that might have been treated badly, neglected, or simply unwanted. Fostering a dog is extremely rewarding; words can't describe the feeling of watching a scared, thin dog thrive and become the beautiful companion that can be placed with a new family. The foster family also provides valuable insight into the dog's personality so that a good match can be made with a potential adopter. How many times can you say, “I saved a life today.”?

Take a few moments to watch this fostering video made by volunteers with ABTCR.  If you think you’d be interested in fostering for American Black and Tan Coonhound Rescue, fill out a foster application here.

If you’re still on the fence about coonhounds, check out these articles:

Top 10 Reasons Why Coonhounds Are The Best Dogs Ever

Busting Coonhound Myths: Why These Dogs Make Great House Pets

Coonhounds are the Pit Bulls of the South

This Talking Dogs blog post was written by Kristi Austin, a foster volunteer who has saved many dogs' lives, including that of Tally.

Talking Dogs blog will 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.