Jack Russell Terrier, Schnauzer and Sheltie Dog Jewelry Gifts at ForLoveofaDog.com

Are you ready for the holidays!  Shop For Love of a Dog Jewelry for unique, one of a kind gifts for the dog lovers on your shopping list.  Your special friends will love my handmade dog breed jewelry and if you hurry, you might be able to snag a Christmas ornament in your favorite dog breed.

That "hurry" is not just a public relations ploy.  I'm closing up shop, so when these items are sold, there will be no more.  In fact, some dog breeds are already sold out.  There are just a few Dog Mom bracelets and dog rescue jewelry still left.  So, seriously, hurry!

Just to make it even more fun...  EVERYTHING IS ON SALE!  Yep. Really.  And I'm still offering free standard shipping to all US addresses.

Shown at top is my Jack and Parson Russell Terrier dog jewelry and as you can see, it is almost sold out.  Right now I have 4 adorable necklaces still available including that super cute Santa dog necklace.

I've always had quite a bit of Schnauzer dog jewelry, so I still have a pretty good selection.  Choose from 2 bracelets, 2 pendants, 5 necklaces, 2 pins and there is even one Schnauzer dog Christmas ornament still available.  

There is also a pretty good selection left in my Shetland Sheepdog dog jewelry. As I write this, I still have 8 bracelets, 2 necklaces and 2 sculptural Sheltie dog pins available. Be sure to also check my Collie dog jewelry because many of those pieces could also represent your Sheltie dog.

What are you waiting for?   Shop For Love of a Dog now!

Best Day of My Life | Dog Song Saturday

Kick off your weekend with what could be called a dog adoption anthem!  Yep, it's Dog Song Saturday at Talking Dogs and today we're barking about a great music video.

Best Day Of My Life by American Authors might not technically be an original dog song, but we insist it is perfect to tell the story of this dog's adoption.  The video features a dog from the Georgia English Bulldog Rescue, but encourages the adoption of any and all breeds of dogs from your local animal shelter or rescue organization.

Sit. Stay. Relax and enjoy this happy Best Day Of My Life music video.  Then fetch more dogs songs.  You'll be surprised at how many we've found!
 

New Dog Book Author Raises Money for Stray Rescue St Louis

 Stray Rescue Founder, Randy Grimm, checks out the new dog book Travels with Casey by Benoit Danizet Lewis  ©StrayRescue

New York Times Magazine writer Benoit Denizet-Lewis worried that his dog, Casey, didn't like him very much.  So Benoit rented an RV, lured Casey inside with treats, and embarked on a 13,000 mile road trip designed to help them bond.  

Along the way they spent time with wolf-dogs in Appalachia, dedicated stray dog rescuer Randy Grim, got pulled over by a K9 cop in Missouri,  visited Cesar Millan and so much more.  The result is Travels with Casey: My Journey Through Our Dog-Crazy Country.

Benoit spent a full week with Randy Grim, founder of Stray Rescue of St Louis, his staff and volunteers, rescuing stray and feral dogs in East St Louis, one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in our country.  Randy has devoted his life to the dogs society has forgotten.

Benoit has set up a Dream at DreamFund to benefit Stray Rescue of St Louis.  All monies raised will go directly to rescuing, feeding, and rehabilitating dogs helped by Stray Rescue.  Benoit hopes to raise $5,000 by August 20, 2014.

Check out this video of Benoit's time with Randy Grim:

Contribute to the Dream for Stray Rescue!

Pick Me Dog Rescue Song by the Stray Dogs | Dog Song Saturday

It's Saturday!  Time for a dog song at Talking Dogs.  I cannot lie. Pick Me is one of my all time favorite original dog songs and this video is barking good.

In 2013 this particular music video was voted Best Video Finalist in the national Petties Awards hosted by Dog Time Media.  The song Pick Me was composed and is performed here by the Stray Dogs a band that blends bluegrass, blues, country and rock with three part harmonies.

The video was produced by Kim Clune at Dog House Adoptions.and combines the song with clips from a year's worth of that organization's dog rescue and adoption footage.  Kim is the current President of Dog House Adoptions.  She celebrates human/animal connections through writing, photography and film at This One Wild Life.

Dog House Adoptions is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization that cares for dogs who need help now, educated the public to protect dogs of the future, allows dogs to give back as they do best - with their whole hearts - accomplished with a sense of humor.

Pick Me is a toe tapping joyful ballad.  The video is full of beautiful dogs and puppies. 

Grab some tissues for happy tears.  Be prepared to squeal at the puppies.  Snuggle up with your own dog and enjoy Pick Me.  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.  And have a barking good weekend!

A Christmas Tail from Muttville Senior Dog Rescue: Dog Song Saturday

Today brings National Adopt a Senior Dog Month to an end, however there are many senior dogs still hoping for a loving forever home.  

It's Saturday and time for a dog song at Talking Dogs AND it is the "Thanksgiving Saturday" which kicks off the Christmas season in earnest.  I've got a great dog music video for you!

A Christmas Tail was written and directed by Mike Noyes for Muttville Senior Dog Rescue.  As you'll soon see, Casper the dog had just one wish this Christmas.  His story is set to an upbeat music track and, I assure you, it is a story with a happy ending.

Take a break from all those turkey leftovers and the holiday shopping frenzy.  Grab a dog to cuddle.  Sit. Stay.  Relax and enjoy A Christmas Tail.

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!   

Since 2007, Muttville Senior Dog Rescue has been dedicated to improving the lives of senior dogs.  On a local level, Muttville rescues senior dogs and finds them new homes or gives them hospice.  On a global level, Muttville provides information about caring for older dogs and suport for the people who do.  Their mission is to change the way the world thinks about and treats older dogs.

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

Follow-up Friday: a Winner, a Coonhound, a Book

I'm happy to be joining Heart Like a Dog in the follow-up Friday blog hop 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 Linda at 2 Brown Dawgs.

We have a winner in Rudy's Birthday Giveaway.  Congratulations to Ann C!  Her dog, Lady, will soon be enjoying a Jolly ball.

Rudy and Rosie are sure Lacy will love her Jolly ball!

Adopt Tally, a Coonhound Dog in Virginia
This gorgeous one year old black and tan girl is still looking for her forever home.   Tally is available for adoption from ABTC Rescue.

Ledfoots Pet Bakery Dog Treats Product Review
Sugar, we hope you do visit Ledfoots Pet Bakery!  They offer doggie cakes at their store that are not available to be shipped.  Jessica, the Halloween shapes may not have impressed the dogs, but I thought they were so cute!  Jeffie is positive Rita would enjoy these, Jackie.

Adopt a Shelter Dog - Blog the Change 
I usually choose cruelty related issues for Blog the Change, but decided to go with something a bit more upbeat.  I'm glad I did.  There were so many wonderful comments on my posts, especially from those who share the stories of their own dogs.  One comment really stood out for me and I wished there was some kind of way to "like" it or "plus" it or something, so I'm going to quote it here.  From Kim Clune:

Being part of a rescue that saves sickly breeder dogs from mills while knowing full well that people buying pet store puppies is what fuels this industry, I don't know how people don't consider adoption. It's a beautiful, beautiful act to save the life of the dog you take home, to not fuel the bad breeder industry, and to make space for the next baby in need of help at the shelter or rescue.

Thanks for sharing such a beautiful example of how good it feels to do the right thing! Thanks for blogging the change!

This is also a good reminder to me to go back and finish reading all the terrific blog posts.

National Feral Cat Day - Wordless Wednesday 
Thanks for all the comments, everyone!  Skeeter wants me to tell you to be sure and check out Dog Song Saturday this week.  You'll love the lyrics to The Feral Cat Song!

Rescue Me, Maybe by Jackie Bouchard - Book Review 
When I joined the modern world and purchased a new Kindle a few weeks ago, Jackie's books were my first purchases.  Thoroughly enjoyed both of them.  If you haven't read them, I highly recommend you indulge yourself!

Rescue Me, Maybe sent me on many a head trip, including remembering my own sweet tripawd, Bennie.  There's blog post fodder there...
 

My tripawd Bennie

We're enjoying the crisp, cool fall weather here and the leaves have begun to turn.  Looking forward to getting out and enjoying autumn with the pups this weekend.

Adopt Wendy a Boxer Mix Dog at Stray Rescue St Louis

Wendy is a four year old Boxer Pit Bull Terrier mix.  She's a medium size dog at 45 pounds and, at only 4 years, she has a lot of pep and energy.

Here's what the staff and volunteers at Stray Rescue St Louis have to say about her:

Wendy is, as her picture shows, a beautiful dog.  Her eyes immediately grab your attention.  They look very wise and soulful, much like Wendy herself.

 

Wendy was rescued with some of her canine friends.  She was part of a pack of dogs that Stray Rescue had been feeding for some time.

One lucky day, it was Wendy's turn to come inside where she quickly became a favorite of her caregivers and the volunteers.  She has a remarkable desire to please the humans around her and is very loyal to them.  

Wendy learns quickly and, among other things, sits on command.  She is also an excellent car rider. Recently Wendy got to go on a five mile hike with her shelter friends.  She took quickly and easily to the trail, becoming a fantastic hiker.  In true Wendy-fashion, she kept an eye on her human companion on the hike. 

Wendy gets along with some dogs, but she would need a home without cats.

 

On those days when things aren't going quite as you planned, think how lucky you would be to have a beautiful, doe-eyed girl eager to snuggle with you and cheer you up.  This is an opportunity you should not let slip by.

For more information about Wendy, contact Stray Rescue St Louis at 314-771-6121.

Founded by Randy Grim, Stray Rescue of St Louis sold purpose is to rescue stray animals in need of medical attention, restore them to health, and place them in loving adoptive homes.  Virtually all of the pets they save have been abused and neglected.  Stray Rescue is a no-kill organization that believes rescued animals often make the best pets.  Given a second lease on life and in return for a little affection and attention, these remarkable animals reward their new owners with a love and loyalty unmatched anywhere.

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.

Tripawd Dog Mandela Deserves a Forever Home

When you read Mandela's story, I think you'll agree:  this dog deserves a loving forever home.  Mandela is a male Terrier mixed breed dog who is approximately 5 years old.  He's currently calling Stray Rescue's Pine Street Animal Shelter home, where everyone loves him.

He's a tripawd (3 legged) with an ear missing

 and he has a story to tell.

Photo: Stray Rescue of St Louis

 From Stray Rescue:

There are cases when we say to ourselves: 'If this were a human, he or she would not have survived.'  What many of these dogs endure on the streets is baffling, and this fact is rarely more apparent than during days like today - when Mandela was rescued. [warning: link will take you to a graphic video of Mandela's rescue.]


We received a call about a stray in a field who was in obviously terrible shape.  When the rescue team arrived on the scene, they immediately knew how dire the situation truly was.  On a frigid day, an emaciated, severely injured dog was fighting to stand up.  His name is Mandela.

As our founder, Randy Grim, approached, Mandela looked like a zombie.  He was in shock.  He was extremely malnourished and dehydrated.  Randy quickly found the primary concern - a portion of one of Mandela's back legs was completely cold, black and lifeless.  To Randy's shock, on the inside of Mandela's leg, the bone was completely exposed.  He had been "living" this way for a while.

The rescue team rushed hin back to the Stray Rescue trauma center, where the veterinary team got to work stabilizing him.  His temperature was low and his body was desperately trying to fight off infection.  In all likelihood, his dead leg would have fallen off it not for the bone being there.  And yet Mandela, with his resilient spirit, never surrendered.

Obviously, Mandela has lived the kind of life that is hard to imagine.  Even his lip on the right side of his face was split at one point in his life, having healed into a bifurcated one.  He has had a very, very rough life.  We will never knew what happened to Mandela that brought hin to this point in his life...  

In the rush to get him to the shelter, and with the severity of his other injuries, it was hard to notice that Mandela only had one ear as well.

Photo: Stray Rescue of St. Louis

After fighting for his life in intensive care and the successful amputation of one of his back legs, Mandela has made a big three-legged step on the road to a happy life.

Now, Mandela needs a forever home. 

For more information about Mandela, 

please contact Stray Rescue at 314-771-6121

Stray Rescue of St Louis began as founder, Randy Grim's one man crusade to save stray dogs.  Officially organized in 1998 as a non-profit, Stray Rescue's sole purpose is to rescue stray animals in need of medical attention, restore them to health, and place them in loving adoptive homes.  Virtually all of the pets they save have been abused and neglected.  They've been dumped on highways or remote country roads.  Abandoned in public parks, empty houses and dark alleys.  They currently operate two no-kill animal shelter in St Louis, MO

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Rescue Dog Jewelry Christmas Gifts at For Love of a Dog

Most of my own dogs and cats have been rescue animals and I've done my share of volunteering with animal rescue and shelter groups.  Rescue is certainly near and dear to my heart.  That's why I love making dog lover jewelry with rescue and pet adoption as the central theme.

Turquoise Dog Bone Rescue Bracelet

Woof About Rescue Dog Lover Necklace

Adopt Dog Bone Turquoise Bracelet

Rescue Me Black Dog Bracelet

Fetch dog rescue jewelry at For Love of a Dog and you'll find bracelets and necklaces designed to collect compliments and start conversations that can save dogs' lives.

For Love of a Dog supports dog rescue in several ways.  

• We belong to and support several animal welfare and rescue groups.
• .We list pet rescue organizations on our shop web site.
• We promote rescue and adoption events on our Pet Events calendar, as well as here on our Talking Dogs blog.
• We offer rescue and animal advocacy organizations the opportunity to partner with us for fundraising.
• We donate some of our handcrafted dog jewelry for rescue fundraising events.

Shop online now at www.ForLoveofaDog.com   You'll enjoy free standard shipping with your purchase.  Huge holiday sale is going on now!

Black Friday: Black Dogs and Black Dog Syndrome

Black Friday.  

For thousands of black dogs, every Friday is black Friday.

Black Dog Syndrome:  dogs that are large and black, especially Labrador Retrievers, shepherd mixes, pit bulls and Rottweilers are passed over time after time in favor of smaller, lighter colored dogs when it comes to animal shelter and rescue adoptions.

A Petfinder member shelter and rescue groups survey found that most pets are listed for 12.5 months on Petfinder.  Black, senior and special needs pets spend almost four times longer on Petfinder.

According to an article published in Psychology today,  Stanley Coren notes:

"There has been speculation that the reason black dogs are being rejected is part of the fabric of our cultural heritage. In ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Norse mythologies, black dogs are often associated with death and the supernatural. They are emissaries of evil and in the folklore of Britain and Europe these demonic black hounds can be found hovering around the border spaces between this world and the next, such as graveyards and places where violence has occurred. The black dogs of folklore are not too very different from normal dogs, except that they are large and very dark, and if you look at their eyes they will sometimes flash red with a fiery glow. Certainly if the Devil has a dog he is big and black."

Coren conducted a survey which allowed people to express their feelings toward dogs which differ only in color.  He tested a total of 60 individuals, targeting Labrador Retrievers using head-shot photographs.  Subjects were asked how much they liked the look of the dog, how friendly they thought it was, how good it would bge as a family pet, and how likely it would be for the dog to be aggressive.

Black dogs rated lower than the other colored (yellow and chocolate) dogs across the board.

As the Black Dog Rescue Project insists:  A dogs coat color has no affect on a dogs temperament and personality.  When adopting your next best friend, be aware that Black Dog Syndrome is real.  Take a second look around the animal shelter and make sure you have not overlooked the black dogs.

Rescue Jewelry Gifts for Dog Lovers

I love dog lovers.  Especially those special dog lovers who support rescue.  I create Rescue and Adopt a dog jewelry bracelets to spread the word:  Don't Shop.  Adopt a rescue dog.

Shown above is my Woof about Rescue necklace.  The pendant is a fat red porcelain heart.  Sweet hand sculpted porcelain dog bones proclaim WOOF and RESCUE.  I combined purple magnesite, howlite, turquoise gemstone beads with more red porcelain beads for the necklace.  A fun conversation starter about a very important pet cause and a barking good gift!  Red not your color?  I have a similar necklace in turquoise and green.

Above is a dog bone RESCUE bracelet in red jasper and picture jasper gemstone beads.  A chubby picture jasper gemstone heart charm dangles from the dog bone focal and don't miss that darling silver dog collar and dog bone toggle clasp.  What dog mom wouldn't love to find this in her Christmas stocking.

Black dogs are often overlooked in animal shelters.  Spread the word about black dogs with this Rescue Me black dog bracelet.  Sweet Czech glass black dog is surrounded by black onyx gemstone beads.  Handcrafted porcelain alphabet beads spell out the message for rescue.

Fetch For Love of a Dog to see my full line of dog rescue jewelry.  Great gifts that are handmade by a dog lover - that would be me - right here in my Missouri Ozarks studio.  Use this discount code to receive 10% off your entire order, plus free shipping:  FLDNEW    Each jewelry piece is gift boxed with ribbon, ready for gift giving to your favorite dog lover.



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Pit Bull Awareness Month | Adopt a Dog

 It's national Pit Bull Awareness month!

If you've been thinking about adding a Pit Bull dog to your family, we'd like to suggest that you check out your local animal shelter.  

Browse Petfinder, Petango or another of the online adopt a dog sites.  Or, better yet, find a Pit Bull rescue group in your area.  There you'll find dogs who have been checked for socialization, vetted and vaccinated, and often living in foster homes so that you'll know that much more about your wannabe best friend.

Though they do not necessarily list every single Pit Bull dog rescue, since new ones are organizated frequently, we suggest you fetch BULL911 for a substantial list of Pit Bull rescues from across the country.  From Alabama to Washington and parts in between, you'll find many rescues that are eager to help you in your adoption quest.

BULL911 is an American Pitbulls advocacy site operated by a group of bullie loving dog owners, fans, trainers and friends who are working hard to save Pit Bulls. 

Celebrating Pit Bull Awareness Month

 At Talking Dogs, we're celebrating national Pit Bull Awareness month!  

Not technically a dog breed, "Pit Bull" is used in connection with the American Pit Bull Terrier (ABPT), American Staffordshire Terrier (AMSTAFF) and the Staffordshire Terrier (STAFFIE), as well as mixed breed dogs.  

Thanks to media coverage, the Pit Bull is probably the most misunderstood dog in our country, perhaps in the world.

Contrary to popular belief, Pit Bulls do not have locking jaws.  They are not born to be mean.  Pit Bulls do not attack more than any other dog breed.  In fact, the American Pit Bull Terrier was the number one family dog in the United States during the first part of the 20th century. 

There are many organizations and rescues working tirelessly to promote the truth about Pit Bulls.  One of my favorites is Pit Bull Rescue Central.

Pit Bull Rescue Central (PBRC) is a virtual shelter and educational resource for owners, adopters, rescuers and caretakers of American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and Pit Bull mixes.  PBRC used the internet to aid Pit Bulls in need through education and placement assistance.  PBRC is dedicated to improving the reputation of the breed by encouraging responsible placements into responsible homes.

The mission of Pit Bull Rescue Central is to:

• Help relieve suffering of and prevent cruelty to dogs identified as pit bulls and mixes.
•  Help reduce the number of homeless pit bulls and mixes.
• Facilitate the rescue and placement of homeless dogs identified primarily as pit bulls into responsible homes.
• Participate in fundraising in order to provide caretakers of pit bulls and mixes with the means to seek veterinary treatment, spay/neuter, provide food, shelter or other basic necessities; assist a dog from cruel or inhumane treatment.

When you're looking for any kind of  information about Pit Bulls, think of Pit Bull Rescue Central first.  You'll find a wealth of educational materials, links to Pit Bull rescues and adoptable dogs, and so much more.

New Rescue Angel Dog Bone Bracelets at For Love of a Dog

  October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month!  What better time to surprise a special friend with a rescue angel bracelet from For Love of a Dog.  Each and every one is handmade and celebrates the angels who rescue dogs.

The bracelet shown above includes a true blue handmade porcelain RESCUE dog bone, lovely artisan lampwork beads, sparkling crystal rondelles.  A silver angle wings with halo charm dangles from the bone and the clasp is a silver dog collar and dog bone toggle.

Fetch this bracelet if you enjoy copper.  This warm tan porcelain RESCUE dog bone is surrounded by chubby turquoise and earthy picture jasper gemstone beads.  Lovely angel script with dangling wing copper charm.

 This bracelet is a sweet combination in spring green and rose pink.  Beautiful artisan lampwork beads with a green swirl base and little roses coordinate with rose pink chunky crystal rondelles.  Another of these charming silver angel halo and wings charm, plus dog collar and dog bone toggle clasp.

 The bracelet shown above includes a scarlet red porcelain RESCUE dog bone focal with coordinating red crystals and creamy white riverstone gemstone beads.  A silver angel halo with wings charm, plus dog collar and dog bone toggle clasp.

Fetch more handmade dog rescue jewelry from For Love of a Dog.  Not only do we create jewelry, we support rescue.
 

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Adopt a Puppy Mill Survivor: Australian Shepherd Dog

In honor of Puppy Mill Awareness Day, we're featuring a puppy mill survivor who's looking for love and a forever home.

Breezy is a purebred mini Australian Shepherd female dog who is 4 years old.  She weighs about 30 pounds and is reported to be a real sweetheart.  Breezy is a little timid, so she'll need a patient home with a securely fenced yard. 

This beautiful girl is currently with the National Mill Dog Rescue (NMDR) in Colorado.  Adopting a retired mill dog can be a challenging, but very rewarding experience.  If you believe Breezy is the dog for you, please contact NMDR.  

National Mill Dog Rescue was established in February 2007, in honor of a forgiving little Italian Greyhound named Lily.  Theresa Strader, NMDR's Founder and Executive Director, rescued Lily from a dog auction in Missouri.  Prior to that day, Lily had spent the first seven years of her life as a commercial breeding dog, a puppy mill mom.  Determined that her years of living in misery would not be in vain, Strader started NMDR, giving a voice to mill dogs across the country.

The mission of NMDR is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome discarded breeding dogs and to educate the general public about the cruel realities of the commercial dog breeding industry.  To date NMDR has saved 6,792 dogs... and counting.

Lab Puppy Teddy is Looking for Love

If you've been thinking about adding a puppy to your family, fetch a look at this sweet Lab pup!  Teddy is a three month old white Labrador Retriever mixed breed dog.  And he is adorable!  Check out those cute black spots!  He'll be a real looker when he grows up.

The video below shows Teddy going for his very first walk outside.  Look how sweet and curious he is.

Full of that playful puppy energy, Teddy needs a loving forever home that can teach him the ways of the world.

For more information about Teddy, contact the Humane Society of Missouri St Louis animal shelter at 314-951-1562.  Teddy is animal ID number A533940

Adopt an Abused Pit Bull Terrier Dog Looking for Love

This beautiful boy stopped me in my tracks and I knew I had to feature him today.  Augusten is a red and white Pit Bull Terrier mixed breed dog currently living at the Humane Society of Missouri animal shelter in St Louis.

Augusten is about 9 months old and already neutered.  As you can see in his video, he's definitely a lover, not a fighter.  He came to the HSMO from a very rough situation and you'll notice that the tips of his ears are gone.  His previous owner cut them off with kitchen shears. 

This rescued pup already seems to be housebroken and has gentle manners on a leash.  Augusten loves to give kisses and sits for treats.  He needs a loving forever home to enjoy his puppy energy and show him how wonderful life can be.

If you have room in your life and heart for a sweet young dog, please give some consideration to Augusten.  For more information you can call  314-951-1562 and ask about animal ID number A532644.
 

Adopt a Big Beautiful Black Dog from Stray Rescue St Louis

Igneous is a 2 year old male terrier mixed breed dog.  In person he's as solid and handsome as the photo to the left.  He has an amazing head that he loves to have rubbed.  And who could ignore that ear-to-ear grin.

Igneous wants to be a lap dog, even though it would take a big lap to hold his 64 pounds.  He loves people and craves human attention.  He would do best as the only dog in the home.  

A playful guy, he like to release some of that energy through exercise.  If you need a physical fitness buddy, someone who is guaranteed to get you off the couch and into the outdoors, Igneous is your dog.

Igneous is currently living at Stray Rescue of St Louis's Pine Street animal shelter:  2320 Pine Street, St Louis, Missouri.  Call them for more information about Igneous at 314-771-6121.   

Founded by Randy Grim, Stray Rescue's sold purpose is to rescue stray animals in need of medical attention, to restore them to health, and then place them in loving adoptive homes.

View the video below to learn more about Randy Grim and Stray Rescue.  As Randy notes, East St Louis is probably second only to Detroit in being very mean streets for homeless dogs.  50% of the animals rescued have been victims of gunshots.

Adopt Shawnee an Irish Setter Dog Looking for Love

Beautiful Shawnee is a seven year old Irish Setter currently in foster care.  He's neutered, up to date with routine shots, and house trained.  Shawnee is overweight and on special food right now, but otherwise a healthy boy looking for a forever home.  He'd really prefer a home without any cats.

If you'd like to adopt Shawnee please visit www.saveoursetters.org and complete the on-line adoption application. Transportation can be arranged to just about any place in the United States.

Save Our Setters, Inc. (S.O.S.), a non-profit organization, is a network of volunteers located across the country dedicated to rescuing and re-homing displaced Irish, Irish Red & White, and Gordon Setters. Their foster families take these dogs into their homes, evaluate them, and get them ready for adoption. They provide a written profile of the dog to share the benefit of our knowledge of the dog with the adopting family, including commands, good and bad characteristics, and other pertinent information.  Visit their website for a complete listing of all the available adoptable pups.

My Best Friends: Bloggers Unite for Dog Rescue

 Some of my best friends came from behind bars.  

 Their only crime?  

 They were unwanted.

 Over the years we've enriched our lives with several adopted, rescued furry friends, but the ones below came from animal shelters.

 All save one were scheduled for euthanasia.

 

Benji was on death row at the Lawrence Humane Society.
A German Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher mix, at about 3 months old he had less than a week left before he would be euthanized when I first saw him.  I'd gone along for the ride with some friends who were planning to adopt.  A fulltime college student living in an apartment, I had no business even considering adding a puppy to my life.  But I did.  At the "midnight hour" I became the cavalry and rescued this pup who would become the love of my life for the next 14 years.  A three time cancer survivor and amputee, my tripawd Benji and I had some amazing adventures together.

Sherman was all alone in a cage at Wayside Waifs the day the Dog Daddy and I went looking for a new friend for Benji and to celebrate the farm we'd just purchased.  A yellow Lab mix puppy who'd been picked up as a stray, we fell in love.

When my beloved Benji succumbed to liver failure, my fix for heartbreak was a puppy.  The only black one in a litter of Lab mix puppies, he remained unadopted at the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri and didn't have long before his time was up.   Spanky Doo was smart as a whip, ready for anything, and soon became the boon companion of our Sherman.

We found Jeffie, our cush dog, on Petfinder  Jeffie, his two brothers, and his Golden Retriever mother had been picked up as strays and were living at Dogwood Animal Shelter. 


Before I adopted Benji, all those years ago, I had grown up with bonny dog companions who were all purebred dogs adopted directly from the breeders.  I was unaware of animal shelters, the notion of pet rescue, and ignorant about the great numbers of unwanted pets.  


Since then, the canine members of my family have all been rescues either adopted from shelters, unwanted products of unspayed neighbor dogs, or strays we couldn't bear to re-home.  Most have been mixed breed dogs, but there have been some purebreds, too.

According to the ASPCA, approximately 8-12 million companion animals enter animal shelters each year and approximately 60% of those dogs are euthanized nationwide.  Less that 20% of shelter dogs are returned to their owners.  Most of those returned were identified with tags or microchips.  About 25% of dogs that enter local shelters are purebred.

Adopting, rather than shopping for a dog means that not only has that life been saved, but there's more room in that shelter for another homeless dog.  Visit your local animal shelter, surf Petfinder, or contact a dog breed rescue group to find your special canine best friend.  Large dogs, small dogs.  Purebred dogs, mixed breeds.  They're all there just waiting for you. 


Bloggers Unite for Dog Rescue is a special online global event held today, July 23, 2012,  that stresses the importance of dog adoptions.  BTC4animals.com is proud to partner with Blog Catalog, Dog Rescue Success and pet bloggers to harness a global online community to help save the lives of dogs in need.