Adoptable Dog: Her Whole Life in a Shelter Waiting

Carley is over 5 years old and has spent her whole life at the Dogwood Animal Shelter in Osage Beach, Missouri.

Carley came to Dogwood as a puppy.  Her brother was adopted fairly soon, but she's still waiting.

She is listed on Petfinder as an Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler) and Labrador Retriever mixed breed dog.  Primarily black with some tan, Carley weighs 65 pounds and has been spayed.  She's completed the shelter's 6 week obedience class.  Shelter staff report that Carley is a smart girl.  She learns fast and is very eager to please.

Carley's adoption fees have been reduced to 1/2 price.  For more information about Carley contact Dogwood Animal Shelter at 573-348-4411 or via email

Some of you may remember that I first featured Carley as an adoptable dog in April of this year.  She is still there - waiting for a loving forever home.  Dogwood is the same no-kill shelter as Hailey, the dog who had spent all 8 years of her life in the shelter.

Dogwood Animal Shelter is a non-profit, no kill animal shelter that has been in operation for over 30 years.  Their services include:  low-cost spay/neuter clinic, obedience classes, and more.  They are funded exclusively by donations and proceeds from their Dogwood Thrift Shop in Camdenton, Missouri.  

We're participating in the Tuesday's Tails blog hop hosted by Dogs N Pawz.  This is the blog hop that features shelter pets available for adoption.  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.

2 Black Dogs Too Long at the Shelter: Adoptable Dogs

Awhile back I wrote about dogs who spend most or all of their lives in a shelter.  I wondered out loud:  how long is too long.

I caught some flack from some who thought I was promoting euthanasia.  I also received some very thoughtful messages from folks who also had conflicting thoughts and emotions about the quality of life provided in a kennel run at a "no-kill" shelter.  That resulted in a second blog post.

At the time, I ended up just feeling glad that the dog that caused me to confront the issue, Hailey, found a home.

My friend, Kim, has forced me to confront the issue again.  I'm still conflicted and find no good answers within myself.  Pro-euthanasia?  NO.  However, dogs deserve better than to live in a kennel for years.

Kim is a professional photographer with her own business, Creative Photography by Kim Hansen.  She is also a passionate advocate for animals and donates her services to Dogwood Animal Shelter in Osage Beach, Missouri.

Her goal is to show people the beauty in these dogs and cats that she sees, to capture their spirit in a photograph that will get them noticed.  As Kim says:

With so many of them, it takes patience, kindness, understanding, and the ability to connect and gain their trust in order to capture an image that I feel is worthy of using as their 'life line' on a site [Petfinder] for all of the world to see.

That may sound a little dramatic and over the top, but really, aren't these animals worth it?  worth my time, effort, compassin, dedication and ability to do something so important and so life changing?  My answer is YES!  A million times YES!

Here are two dogs whose photographs were taken by Kim over a year ago.  Though I don't know how much longer than a year A-Rod has been there, I do know that Carley has been there for five years.  Almost all of her life.

Carley is listed on Petfinder (by the shelter) as an Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler) and Labrador Retriever mixed breed dog.  She looks like a Rottweiler mix to me.

She is 5 years old and has spent her whole life at the shelter.

Carley came to Dogwood Animal Shelter as a puppy and has been there ever since.  Her brother was adopted, but she is still waiting.

Primarily black with some tan, Carley weighs 65 pounds and has been spayed.  She just completed the shelter's 6 week obedience class.  Carley is a smart girl.  She learns fast and is very eager to please. 

Adoption fees have been reduced to 1/2 price for Carley.

A-Rod is a Labrador Retriever mixed breed dog.  He's shy so it make take a moment to get acquainted, but shelter staff report A-Rod is a sweet boy.  Primarily black in color, about 4 years old and already neutered.  This playful boy needs a place to call home.  Adoption fees have been reduced to 1/2 price for A-Rod.

Please share Carley and A-Rod via social media.  Use whatever networking means you have at your disposal and let's try and get them real homes.

Those of you reading closely, may have noticed:

• same "no kill" shelter as Hailey, the dog who'd spent all 8 years of her life in the shelter
• all black dogs
• same shelter where we found our birthday boy, Jeffie (and our puppy, Rosie, too)

Dogwood Animal Shelter is a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter in Osage Beach, Missouri.   They've been in operation for over 30 years and survive on donations and proceeds from their Dogwood Thrift Shop.  Services include:  low-cost spay/neuter clinic, obedience classes, and more. They can be reached via email and their telephone number is 573-348-4411.

Jeffie was a Cush Dog

Jeffie was a Cush Dog.  Not familiar with the term?  You can read about it in a guest post from the Dog Daddy here.  Its sort of along the lines of an heir and a spare.  

A Cush Dog provides a cushion, a soft landing, when the loss of another dog makes you feel you've hit rock bottom.

I resolved years ago to never be without a Cush Dog.  When my beloved Benji died, Sherman was my Cush Dog.  I was heartbroken and the very best comfort to be had was from Shermie.  In fact, that's when the Dog Daddy's no-dogs-in-the-bed rule was first broken.  As I cried myself to sleep, I hauled Shermie into bed (on only my side, of course) and we grieved together.

In 2006, it dawned on me that I had a problem.  Tucker and Lucy had become senior dogs and they were only 6 months apart in age.   Okay, I also will confess that I had the puppy fever.  

I almost always have the puppy fever, but in this case, I had another good reason for beginning the process of adding another dog to our family.  I needed a Cush Dog.

My hunt began.  As I surfed Petfinder and read the newspaper ads, I waited for that feeling.  The one that tells you this is the one.  

There came a day when there was a lemon yellow, Lab looking puppy that called to me.  When called, the shelter told us that Joe had 2 siblings with him, his mother was a Golden Retriever, and they'd been picked up as strays.  Joe was the only one listed on Petfinder.

Gary took off work early that day and off we headed to Dogwood Animal Shelter to adopt Joe.

Joe turned out to be a very pushy, dominant personality, pup.  The Dog Daddy was smitten, but I found it hard to imagine Tucker and Lucy being too thrilled.  As we played with all three of these puppies in the shelter's puppy room, it was another of the puppies that began to work his way into my heart.  

"Stevie," as they called him, was much more Golden Retriever in appearance, and much more laid back than Joe.  And, every once in awhile, "Stevie" talked to me with little puppy grunts.

I had a feeling that "Stevie" was the one and thank dog I did!

Dog names are important to us and the name "Stevie" was rejected.  After much discussion, this puppy was named Jefferson.

You can see the resemblance, right?

My very favorite memory of Jeffie's puppy-hood is a sort of mental collage of all the early mornings we spent together. 

I'm an early riser and Jeffie is a spring puppy.  Sunrise would find us together outside.  Sitting on the back porch steps, we enjoyed birdsong and the smell of flora and grass.  Jeffie might be in my lap or he might venture off to playfully explore the world nearby.

 

It was a deliciously sweet time of life.

Very fitting for my sweet boy, Jeffie.

We're celebrating Jeffie's 7th birthday all month long here at Talking Dogs.  Did you get the invitation to his party?   Have you entered to win some Monkey Earrings from For Love of a Dog and a "monkey" (dog toy) for your dog?  

C'mon!  Join the party!

Adoptable Senior Dog Surrendered because He is Old

 Mac is a Labrador Retriever mixed breed dog.  

He is 12 years old. 

Mac is one of two seniors left behind at their home that was foreclosed on.  

A realtor discovered them at the property and took them to Dogwood Animal Shelter in Osage Beach, Missouri.
 
To the left is his Petfinder photo.
 

As photographer Kim Hansen explains:

Mac is a They-had-no-time-dog.

Mac is an Until-they-had-to-move-dog.

Mac is an Until-he-got-old-dog.

It happens.  All too often. Please network and share to help Mac find a loving home to enjoy his golden years.
  

For more information about Mac, contact Dogwood Animal Shelter at 573-348-4411.

Dogwood Animal Shelter is a private non-profit, "no-kill" facility in Osage Beach, MO, established in 1976.  They provide a low cost spay and neuter program, as well as a free educational program designed to promote empathy, humane treatment, and responsible pet ownership.

In 2012, professional photographer, Kim Hansen, Creative Photography by Kim, began volunteering her services at Dogwood.  Kim spends time with these adoptable shelter pets and then captures their personalites and beauty in a photograph to help them find forever homes.  

Fall in Love with Jack, an Adoptable Dog in Missouri

What happens when a dog owner dies and the rest of the family isn't interested in the dog?  In Jack's case, he was taken in by Dogwood Animal Shelter.

Jack has been at the shelter for a few months now and is hoping to find another loving home.  According to shelter volunteers, Jack is a great dog!  He walks nicely on a leash and always has a friendly greeing for everyone.

Only, a couple of years old, Jack still has a lot of energy and is ready for fun!  He invites you to come by and clip a leash to his collar and go for a walk on one of these nice spring days.  Jack's pretty sure you'll fall in love!

For more information about Jack, contact Dogwood Animal Shelter in Osage Beach, Missouri.


Dogwood Animal Shelter was established as a not-for-profit organization in 1976.  They have been a no-kill facility since 1997 and built a new shelter in 2005 which includes a spay/neuter clinic.  In 2010, the shelter spayed/neutered over 1200 animals.  Their Dogwood Thrift Shop provides over half of the funding that keeps the shelter in operation.

There's a New Dog Girl at Talking Dogs!

 Meet Rosie.

I've been trolling Petfinder and Petango lately, tempting myself.  Actually, a few weeks ago, the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri posted an older dog that I absolutely fell in love with, but she was already adopted when I called.

The Dog Daddy prefers adopting puppies and I really couldn't argue with that.  After all, I'm a woman with perpetual puppy fever.

When I saw the Petfinder listing for this puppy, something in my heart told me:  this is the one.

No photograph, but they said she was black, which was pretty much a requirement for me.  And they said she was a Golden Retriever / Labrador Retriever mix.   My heart dog, Lucy, was the same mix and, at least in my opinion, the closest thing to perfection.

So, on Friday off we went to Dogwood Animal Shelter to adopt this precious girl.  One look and it was love at first sight.

Warning:  You are going to get very tired of hearing about this pup.

Jeffie hasn't been quite sure of the new addition, but just Sunday morning Rudy discovered that she's FUN!  Of course, my video camera would not turn on so I could capture Rudy and Rosie doing their play bows and their game of tag.

More photos soon.  The really good news is that Rosie, at least so far, shows no indication of being Amish or in any Witness Protection Program! 

Right now I have to work on my New Year's resolution:  work less; play with pups more.

National Mutt Day is December 2

Now here's a holiday I can really appreciate!  

Today is National Mutt Day!

National Mutt Day is a day to celebrate the many wonderful attributes of mixed breed dogs and facilitate their adoption from shelters.  It was created by pet lifestyle expert and animal welfare advocate, Colleen Paige and sponsored by the Animal Miracle Foundation. 

At Talking Dogs, we'll be celebrating with our mutt, Jeffie.  He's a Golden Retriever and Border Collie mixed breed dog we adopted from Dogwood Animal Shelter.

Here are just a few suggestions for your celebration of National Mutt Day:

• Adopt a Mutt from your local shelter or rescue organization.  
• Volunteer at your local shelter - walk or play with some mutts.
• Have a National Mutt Day party and invite all your friends and their dogs.
• Join the National Mutt Day Facebook page and post photos of your Mutt.
• Spend some quality time with your mutt - take a walk, play with a new toy, try some new dog treats.
• Fetch www.NationalMuttDay.com for more ideas

The best way to celebrate National Mutt Day?  

 

Love your Mutt!

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

This is the face of a shelter dog.  

Jeffie and his two brothers were living at Dogwood Animal Shelter 

when we found him on Petfinder.  

He is a blessing in our lives.

Below you can take a look at dogs currently living at Dogwood.  October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.  What better time to add a new best friend to your life. 
.  

Hailey and Her New Human

Remember Hailey, the dog at Dogwood Animal Shelter who had been there almost all of her 8 years of life?  Many of you shared her story via social media, yet the next month Hailey was still homeless.

In a fit of frustration, I shot off an SOS to Life With Dogs, asking that they put the power of their thousands of followers towards getting this sweet girl adopted.  

Last month I told you that thanks to Life With Dogs and social media sharing, Hailey had found her forever home.

She's settling in nicely and I knew you'd like to see a photo of Hailey and her new best friend.  I'd say they both look very happy!

Wordless Wednesday: Hailey is Home

Remember Hailey, the big beautiful black Lab mix dog that had spent almost all of her eight years of life at Dogwood Animal Shelter?   Well, Hailey is home.

After I blogged about Hailey and her situation, I was stunned to receive the next newsletter from Dogwood and see that Hailey still was waiting for a forever home.    I immediately sent an SOS email to Neil over at Life With Dogs.  Hailey's story broke his heart, too, as I knew it would.  I gave him permission to rip any info he wanted from my blog and sent him the Dogwood newsletters, too.

I'm thrilled to report that social media really worked for Hailey.  As reported on Life With Dogs, late last week an anonymous man took Hailey home.  He's reported that other than a bit of anxiety at times, she's settling into her new home well.

Dogwood Animal Shelter was overwhelmed with correspondence from around the world and Hailey's new best friend was selected from a list of applicants.

Thanks to all of you who forwarded, StumbledUpon, shared on Facebook, Twitter, and so on!  And I have no doubt that Hailey thanks you, too.

Long Term Shelter Dogs: Part 2 How Long is Too Long?

My brain is on overload with all the things I want to be able to say in this post, including my response to questions and issues raised in the comments yesterday about Hailey, a long term shelter dog.

First of all, when I read the article about Hailey in my newsletter from Dogwood Animal Shelter, I immediately wanted to know more. I clicked to their website and read more about her.  Then I surfed to Petfinder only to discover no photos of Hailey and another reference to Black Dog Syndrome.

What stunned me about Hailey was that she's spent all but 2 months of her eight years of life in a shelter.  

She's not alone.  Over the years I've read about other dogs who have spent years in various animal shelters waiting for a forever home.  I'm aware of some shelters and rescues that even waive adoption fees after an animal has been with them for over a year.


I'm well aware that if Hailey had originally been taken to a "kill" shelter, she may have been euthanized long ago.


Could Dogwood have done (and still do) more for Hailey in terms of getting her adopted.  Sure.  Of course.  For starters, they could get that Petfinder photo uploaded.  They could do a youtube video of Hailey.  They could network with Labrador Retriever rescue groups to place her.  


They could re-word Hailey's description. "She is particular about what dogs will be her friends." is a yellow warning light blinking in my head.  What exactly does that mean?

What I know for sure is that Hailey is one of 250-300 dogs and cats living at Dogwood.  In 2011 this "no kill" animal shelter took in 664 pets and adopted out 651.  They have an army of volunteers who raised the funds to build a state-of-the-art animal shelter and offer low cost spay/neuter clinics, obedience classes, elementary school education curriculum and much more.  Dogwood is funded solely on donations and funds raised by volunteers at events and their thrift store.  They hold adoption events on site and at nearby shopping locations.


Are they perfect?  Heck, no. Every day they are faced with difficult decisions regarding keeping their facility operating, how to adopt more dogs and cats to good, loving homes and which ones to feature in their adoption marketing efforts.

They are not alone.    Every animal shelter and every pet rescue group needs more resources, more volunteers, better marketing, more networking...   It's a long list.


Thoughts of Hailey consume me.  Yes, she's never known life outside a shelter, so she doesn't know what life could be like. However, how many other dogs like Hailey are out there? Dogs that have spent months, or even years, in a shelter.


Why has Hailey not been adopted?  What more could have been done for her?  Good questions.

For me, though, the real question remains:  how long is too long?  Is there a "too long?"  Is life in a shelter better than no life at all?

My answer is yes, life in a shelter is better than no life.  However, as I watch my own dogs roust at play, patrol their yard, lounge on the sofa... I am haunted by Hailey and the other dogs like her who have been overlooked.

Long Term Shelter Dogs: How Long is Too Long?

Yesterday I received my e-newsletter from Dogwood Animal Shelter.  Dogwood is the no kill animal shelter we adopted Jeffie from after finding him on Petfinder.  They are 100% privately financed through donations and their thrift shop, where we periodically take donations.  

Each Dogwood newsletter highlights cool things donated to the thrift shop and special sales, fund raising events for the animal shelter, and pets available for adoptions.  Which leads me to this blog post.

Like most animal shelters and rescue, Dogwood is coping with more animals than they have space for.  In February they ran an adoption special and have now extended it to include the entire month of March.  

All kennel dogs who have been in an "Adoptable" status for over 90 days will have half-off adoption fees.  Adoption fees include all shots, spaying or neutering, and a microchip.

Take a good long look at Hailey, the dog pictured here.  She's a beauty and those eyes tell me she's a sweetheart, full of fun.  Now, notice that white hair on her muzzle.  At our house we call that "sugar lips" and we insist the kisses are sweeter.

Hailey is celebrating her 8th birthday.  She has been at Dogwood Animal Shelter since she was two months old.  This is the longest a dog has ever been at Dogwood.

As their newsletter notes:  it is a bittersweet birthday.

If I had to spend my whole life in an animal shelter, Dogwood would be one I would wish for.  This is a relatively new physical facility with an virtual army of volunteers, including their Canine Coaches program that works on obedience and sees to it the dogs get exercise.  For all the cat people reading this blog, rest assured, Dogwood's cat rooms are fantastic!

However, Hailey reminded me of other dogs in other shelters that I've stumbled across in the last few years.  Dogs that have spent years and years in a shelter.  I'm a "no kill" girl myself... but how long is too long to spend in a shelter?

Is life in a shelter better than no life at all?  What do you think?

Take another long look at Hailey.  The Dogwood Canine Coaches have taught her well.  Hailey  minds well, is great on a leash and is reported to be extremely sweet and loving.  She loves to roll in the grass, though she doesn't get many opportunities to do that.  She's a bit particular about what dogs will be her friends.  She's spayed, house trained, and weighs 64 pounds.

Hailey is a black lab mix.  Well, black with a bit of white, including that ancestral St Johns Water Dog medallion marking on her chest.  

The good folks at Dogwood surmise that Hailey has been overlooked because she is a black dog.  The plight of big black dogs and Black Dog Syndrome has been written and talked about for years, especially the disproportionate number of black dogs that are euthanized in shelters across our country.

So, Hailey is lucky.  Right?  Any day now someone could come along and adopt her into a loving home.  It's happened.  We've all read a few stories about senior dogs finally finding their person.

However, how many dogs live out their years in a "no kill" animal shelter?

How long is too long to live in an animal shelter?. 

Adopt Cora a Senior Beagle Dog

Cora was a breeder dog and has the c-section scars to prove it.  When she got older, she got dumped.  

Cora is about 7 years old.  She's a small size Beagle dog and weighs only 13 pounds.  Cora is spayed, up to date on routine shots, and is looking for a forever home to live for the rest of her life.

Currently Cora is living at Dogwood Animal Shelter in Osage Beach, Missouri.  She's one of two Beagles who will greet you at the door when you come to the shelter.  She's been there for 6 months now and, cute as she is, she's still looking for love. That may be because of her age, but shelter staff report that Cora can still keep up with the young pups. 

Right now Dogwood Animal Shelter is offering an adoption special with all kennel dogs half off their regular adoption fees.  Dogwood is a no-kill animal shelter and they are full.  Adoption fees include all shots, spaying / neutering and a microchip.

If you have room in your heart and house for a devoted furry friend, please consider adoption this sweet senior Beagle dog.  For more information about Cora, call Dogwood Animal Shelter at 573-348-4411.  You can also visit their website at www.daslakeoftheozarks.com/ or fetch adoptable pets on Petfinder.

Save a Life: Adopt a Dog or Cat from Animal Rescue

Petey, Dalmatian Lab Mix Dog..

Thinking about adding a furry member to you family?  Please don't shop, adopt from an animal rescue or animal shelter.

At left is Petey.  He lost his loving home when his owner had to go into a nursing home.  Petey is 9 years old, but still has a lot of spunk.  He's a Dalmatian Labrador Retriever mixed breed dog.

Already house trained, Petey is good with kids, too.  His shots are up to date and he's just looking for a forever home to live out his golden years. You can find Petey on Petfinder; Pet ID 8048.

How about a young black Labrador Retriever mixed breed dog?  Jake is a young Lab Chow mix;  born on January 8, 2008.  He's playful, friendly, and ready for training.  Jake makes friends with other dogs and loves attention from people.  Jake is already neutered and up to date with routine shots.  His Petfinder ID 4998 and you can call Dogwood Animal Shelter for more information at 573-348-4411.

Jake, Labrador Retriever Chow Mixed Breed Dog

 If your household is ready for lots of puppy energy, consider Layne, a Treeing Walker Coonhound / Hound mixed breed dog.  She is 4 months old and adorable!  Layne is already spayed, up to date with routine shots and she's housebroken!  And did I mention that she is adorable?  Layne's Petfinder ID number is 8330 and you find out more about this sweet homeless puppy at Dogwood Animal Shelter 573-348-4411

Layne, Treeing Walker Coonhound / Hound Mix Puppy

If a cat would be a better fit with your family right now, have a look at Frank.  He's an orange tabby cat and only 2 and half years old.  Frank is already neutered, up to date with routine shots and ready to go to his forever home.  His Petfinder ID number is 5153 and you can find out more about Frank by calling Dogwood Animal Shelter at 573=348=4411.

Frank, Orange Tabby Cat

All of the dogs and cats shown here today are available at Dogwood Animal Shelter in Osage Beach, Missouri.  Right now you'll find Dogwood Animal Shelter has 93 cats and 84 dogs listed on Petfinder.  

Dogwood Animal Shelter was established in 1976.  In 2005 they built a new facility that houses approximately 200 cats and dogs.  Funded entirely by donation, sales at their Dogwood Thrift Shop, and adoption fees.  They provide low cost spay and neuter and microchipping to the community.  In 2010 they spayed / neutered over 1200 pets.  They also provide a free educational program designed to promote empathy, humane treatment, and responsible pet ownership. In 2010, Dogwood counted 100 elementary school classrooms that participated.  In addition, Dogwood provides low cost obedience classes for pet owners.

You may remember that we adopted our Golden Retriever mixed breed dog, Jeffie from Dogwood in 2006.  We found his brother, Joe, on Petfinder.  This was a litter of 3 puppies with a Golden Retriever mother.  We called Dogwood immediately and just a few hours later drove to Osage Beach.  After playing with all three pups, we made the decision that "Stevie" (as the folks at Dogwood called him) was the puppy for our family.  As we were completing adoption papers, a family came in that had looked at these same puppies earlier.  Another puppy from Jeffie's litter found a home that same day.

Jeffie, one of our Talking Dogs, at 9 weeks old

At Talking Dogs, we don't encourage giving a pet as a Christmas gift.  However, if you are planning to add a furry friend to your family, please don't shop for one.  Adopt from an animal rescue or animal shelter.  You'll be glad you did! 

Adopt the Internet Day: Help Homeless Dogs and Cats

If you're looking for a new best friend, visit Petfinder or your local animal shelter, not just today, but any day.  No more room on your couch?  Consider volunteering at a shelter:  walk a dog, socialize some puppies.  Contribute to your local shelter;  they often need routine cleaning supplies, towels, dog toys.  Actually, you are limited only by your imagination. 

Jeffie - Golden Retriever / Border Collie

We discovered our own Jeffie on Petfinder and adopted him from Dogwood Animal Shelter in Osage Beach, MO.  

This is a blog hop in celebration of Adopt the Internet Day.  Scroll down to visit lots of cool pet blogs.



 
 

New Puppy Coming to For Love of a Dog

Tucker & Jeffie

Santa is coming to our house early.  We must have been very, very good because Santa is bringing us a new puppy.  We're all pretty excited.

We've re-arranged the mudroom to accomodate a crate.  We'll use that when we want to leave the farm.  When Gary brought in the crate and set it up, Tucker began tap, tap, tap dancing with glee.  Gary said it was in anticipation of a puppy.  I suspect he was hoping we were going to corral Jeffie in it.

At any rate, all three dogs have caught our excited energy.  Tucker and Jeffie have taken up residence at the front door awaiting the puppy's arrival.  (They haven't realized yet that daddy and I will be leaving soon to go get the puppy.)  Lucy hasn't had a whole lot to say, but she did supervise washing the puppy food and water dishes.  They definitely met with her approval.  So far none of the canines has expressed a preference on color or sex.

A few weeks ago Gary was at our vet's office with my mom's dog.  There in the waiting room was a woman with a laundry basket of puppies.  Labrador Retriever puppies in black, chocolate, yellow and one lemon/white.  They exchanged information and she said she'd get in touch soon.  Well, the puppies are now 8 weeks old and she did (get in touch.)

Now we'll see if one of them "speaks" to me.  Yes, I adore all puppies, but one must speak to me.  When we adopted Jeffie from Dogwood Animal Shelter, we'd seen his brother on Petfinder and we intended to adopt him.  Once we got there though, it was Jeffie who spoke to me.   Lucy was a similar story and I knew she was "the one."

I have a feeling that I need to be promising puppy photos.  Because I don't have much doubt that a puppy will be speaking to me in just a matter of hours.  Merry Christmas to me!

Honey Bear - A Senior Dog Looking for Her Forever Home

Honey Bear, a senior dog
Adoptable from Dogwood Animal Shelter

Do you have room in your heart for Honey Bear?  She is an adoptable senior dog available from Dogwood Animal Shelter in Osage Beach, Missouri.

Honey Bear is 8 1/2 years old;  weighs about 65 pounds and is a spayed female Labrador Retriever mix.  She's black with a bit of what we call sugar at our house.  (Some white).  Honey Bear is playful and very obedient. An outside dog, she is accustomed to staying in a yard and loves a kiddie pool in the summer. She is great with children, but not good with cats. Honey Bear loves to give and receive affection.

Dogwood Animal Shelter is a private, non profit (501C), "no-kill" facility serving a tri-county area. The Shelter is funded entirely by sales at their Dogwood Thrift Shop , membership, donations, and adoption fees. Dogwood Animal Shelter provides to the community a low cost spay & neuter program, as well as a free educational program designed to promote empathy, humane treatment, and responsible pet ownership. They were established and incorporated in 1976.  Their new 17,000,00 sq. ft. facility was built in 2005 and houses approximately 200 cats and dogs.

Stop Puppy Mills - Adopt from a Shelter or Ethical Dog Breeder

Jeffie was adopted from Dogwood Animal Shelter

At For Love of a Dog Jewelry, we're partial to adopting pets from an animal shelter or rescue organization.  We prefer mutts, but you can find that perfect pure breed pup there, too.  If you're determined to purchase a purebred canine, we urge you to avoid the products of puppy mills and work with an eithical, responsible dog breeder.  Let's face it.  Puppy mills are about money.  We live in a supply and demand culture.  Don't patronize the puppy mill breeders.  If there are no buyers for their product, they will go out of business.

Here's what the Humane Society of the United States has to say:  f you've decided you're ready for a dog, follow The HSUS' top five puppy buying tips and you'll be far more likely to secure a healthy, well-socialized dog who doesn't drain your emotions or your pocketbook. One, in other words, who doesn't come from a puppy mill.



1. Consider adoption. Adopting a dog instead of buying one is one of the surest ways to strike a blow against puppy mills. To find the perfect match, you'll want to choose the right one for you and your lifestyle. Animal shelters have dozens of dogs, many of them purebreds, just waiting for homes. There are also breed specific rescue groups for every breed of dog, including "designer" or "hybrids" like Labradoodles and Puggles. Mixed-breed dogs also make wonderful pets.

2. Find a responsible breeder and visit their premises. Responsible breeders provide a loving and healthy environment for their canine companions, one that they will be proud to show you. Never buy a puppy without seeing where they and their parents are raised and housed with your own eyes. 

3. Don't be fooled by common claims made by pet stores when pushing their puppies. Despite what they may tell you, pet stores do sell puppy mill puppies.



4. Don't be swayed by a great website or ad. Just because a website says great things about their "home raised" or "family raised" puppies doesn't make it true. Many puppy millers pose as small family breeders online and in newspaper and magazine ads. For many years The HSUS has aided local authorities in the rescue of puppy mill dogs across the nation. In almost all cases the puppy mills sold puppies via the Internet using legitimate-looking ads or websites that made claims that couldn't have been farther from the truth.


5. Avoid the temptation to "rescue" a puppy mill puppy by buying him. Even though your intentions may be good, don't buy a puppy with the idea that you are "rescuing" him or her. Your "rescue" opens up space for another puppy mill puppy and puts money into the pockets of the puppy mill industry. Pet stores won't leave their cages empty and websites won't leave their pages blank. The money you spend on your puppy goes right back to the puppy mill operator and ensures they will continue breeding and treating dogs inhumanely. If you see someone keeping puppies in poor conditions, alert your local animal control authorities instead of buying.


6. Do your part: Pledge to help stop puppy mills! Choose not to buy your next pet from a pet store or Internet site, and refuse to buy supplies from any pet store or Internet site that sells puppies.