Snow Dogs Video from The Daily Puppy

If you follow For Love of a Dog on Facebook, then you already know I have a "thing" for snow dogs.  With 2 inches of sleet on the ground here in the Missouri Ozarks - with more ice and snow on the way - I couldn't resist sharing my addiction with you.

That's our puppy, Rosie, on the left, exploring some of that white stuff.

I love this Snow Dogs video from The Daily Puppy and I suspect you will, too.  Take a break from your day and get ready to smile!

Lidia a Senior American Bulldog is Looking For Love

Lidia, senior American Bulldog 

 I don't know how this beautiful 8 year old girl came to the Humane Society of Missouri animal shelter.  It certainly could not have been from behavior problems.  Lidia is a senior white American Bulldog.  She's spayed, housebroken and up to date on routine shots.

Lidia is a calm, mellow, love of a dog.  She'd love to take a stroll with you or snuggle up on the couch.  

Take a look at her dog video, then call the HSMO in St Louis for more information 314-951-1562.  Lidia is animal ID # A527705  You can also find Lidia on Petfinder.

You may interested to know why Lidia caught my eye when I was choosing a dog to feature today.  She looks so much like Hanah.  On May 22, 2011, a devastating tornado struck Joplin, Missouri.  The storm yanked Hanah from her owner's arms as they were taking shelter.  At the time Hanah was 5 years old and 110 pounds.  She was seen after the tornado and it is suspected that she was picked up by someone.  Hanah's family is still searching for her.  

Hanah's dog mom, Kari Wilkes has set up this Facebook page, Bring Hanah Home and you can read more about Hanah there.  Whenever I see a white American Bulldog, I make sure to check for Hanah's one blue eye, one brown eye.  After you read Hanah's story, you will, too.

East Tennessee Bloodhound Dog Rescue Event

East Tennessee Bloodhound Rescue is located deep in the backwoods of Powell, Tennessee.  Founded five years ago to rescue Bloodhounds, they now rescue senior dogs of any breed, especially those who have been severely abused.  These dogs are able to live the rest of their lives at the sanctuary.

Dogs available for adoption from East Tennessee Bloodhound Rescue can be found on Petfinder.  When they're ready for their new homes, all will be up to date on all shots and spayed or neutered.

Always in need of funds, especially for vet bills, this rescue also needs volunteers to help at adoption events, fostering and socializing the dogs.  

Right now East Tennessee Bloodhound Rescue is conducting an online auction on Facebook.  Bid to win a wide variety of prizes, including a Bloodhound dog breed necklace donated by For Love of a Dog Jewelry and Gifts.  The auction runs through June 30th and you can instructions for bidding on the East Tennessee Bloodhound Rescue Facebook page.

Here's a photo of the Bloodhound necklace donated by For Love of a Dog:

Handmade porcelain Bloodhound dog head sculpture pendant on a silver snake chain necklace.

Support Bloodhound and senior dog adoption - check out the Eastern Tennessee Bloodhound Rescue auction event now at https://www.facebook.com/East-Tennessee-Bloodhound-Rescue

Gifts of the Heart: Pooch Tags

Jeffie, Rudy and the Dog Daddy recently gave me some late Mother's Day gifts and I know you want to see them!  They were late because they were custom made by Saltville, VA artist, Serina Jones.

They were worth the wait. 

A custom large dog tag of Jeffie, complete with a name tag.

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Sweet little portrait earrings of Lucy and Tucker.

Serina's custom pet tag portrait of Rudy is a masterpiece!

However, it's this one that made me cry.

Custom portrait tag pendant of Lucy, my own Queen of Hearts.

Serina is an animal lover and has 3 Dachshunds, including one cart dog, plus a rescued Pittie.  She developed a "tag fetish," began collecting unique dog tags for her boys and when really good ones were hard to find... she began making her own.

Each dog tag is handcrafted from metal ( aluminum, copper, brass, nickel, bronze and white metal) and assembled with rivets, studs and metal accents.  Hand cut using no laser or high tech dies, each is unique and one of a kind.

In her Etsy shop, Pooch Tags, Serina offers a wide variety of ready made dog breed tags, as well as some amazingly creative shapes and sayings. 

Custom orders are welcome and the process is easy.  In our case, several head shot photographs were submitted to Serina via email and just look what she created!

Give your dog a new, stylish look with a specially designed dog tag from Pooch Tags.  I think Jeffie and Rudy are going to look pretty handsome in theirs.  I follow Pooch Tags on Facebook now just to see the new tags available and the customer submitted photos of happy Pooch Tags wearing dogs.

I love handmade.  I love dogs - especially my own.  I love gifts of the heart.  And I am one very much loved and happy dog mama! 

Giveaway: Wise Up Pet Care Workbooks

Win a Wise Up Workbook!  Last week we reviewed the Wise Up Workbook, Organizing the Care of My Dog by Morgan T. Orr and Penelope Orr Spry.  You can read our full review here.


Now we've teamed up with Wise Up to offer you a chance to win your choice of Wise Up Workbooks.

Thanks to Rafflecopter, you have several ways to enter, so be sure to come back and enter each day to increase your odds of winning.

Three (3) winners will be selected on Friday, June 8 and each may choose one (1) workbook from the following:

• Organizing the Care of My Dog
• Organizing the Care of My Cat
• Organizing the Care of My Small Pet
• Organizing the Care of My Fish
• Organizing the Care of My Birds
• Organizing the Care of My Reptile

Sisters Penny and Morgan were faced with an overwhelming information void when their father died suddenly and, at the same time, their mother battled dementia.  Their experience led them to develop these easy-to-use workbooks to collect, organize and document vital information about your pets.

These workbooks make it easy to insure you and your pet are ready for anything.  Organize vital pet information that is essential for the care of your cat, dog, bird, fish, reptile or any other pet.  Each workbook is designed to help you gather and maintain the information and records you need for both foreseen and unexpected life events.  No matter what happens, you'll be ready with your pet's medical history, medical records, care instructions and more.

Wise Up! Workbooks are perfect for:

• gifts for pet lover friends
• guides for pet sitters
• reference books for new pet caretakers in an emergency

Enter Now!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dog Politics: President Obama and Bo

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

It was bound to happen.

Much has been made of Mitt Romney's family trip years ago - you know, the one when he transported Seamus, the family dog, in a pet carrier on top of his station wagon. 

Newt Gingrich has made a few jabs at Romney and set up a Pets for Gingrich web site.

Now we have a tweeted photo of our president, Barack Obama and First Dog, Bo, traveling in the backseat of a vehicle.  The caption:  "How loving owners transport their dogs."

Can it be a coincidence that the same day as the tweet, the Obama campaign launch a Facebook page called "Pet Lovers for Obama."  The page features Bo saying "I bark for Barack" and invites supporters to submit photos of their pets in Obama 2012 gear.

Rescued: Josh Liddy and SWAYLOVE Pit Bull Dog Advocacy

Photo from Josh Liddy / SWAYLOVE..

Last week I discovered this documentary portrait of Josh Liddy, founder of SWAYLOVE.org, a pit bull dog advocacy group. Josh photographs pit bulls in animal shelters and works online to share the photos in an efforts to get the dogs adopted.

Josh is one person using his creative talents to save dogs in California.  He began his rescue efforts in memory of his own late dog, Sway. Read more about SWAYLOVE on Josh's web site or follow SWAYLOVE on Facebook.

The documentary is a Dog Park Production.  Note: One of the producers fell in love with a dog while shooting footage for this film and adopted one of the dogs.

Twitter Follow to Win Cash for Yourself and Your Favorite Animal Charity

Talkings Dogs is working with Two Little Cavaliers, Pamper Yourself in Pink and other awesome bloggers and small business owners to bring you this amazing Social Media Event.

The winner will receive $112 in cash for themselves and $213 sent directly to the animal charity of their choice!

To enter, all you need to do is use the Rafflecopter too below and enter for many chances to win!

Win Holiday Cash for Your Favorite Pet Charity

Win some holiday cash for yourself and your favorite charity by entering a Social Media Event unlike any other we've ever heard about.  Sponsored by Two Little Cavaliers and some amazing pet bloggers, this contest is bound to bring a smile to your face because it's so easy to enter. 

And not only will the winner of the event receive $112 cash (via Paypal), but they'll also get to name an animal charity near and dear to their heart that they would like a $213 donation sent to.  All you need to do is use the Rafflecopter tool below to enter for your chance to win.

You'll have several chances to win!  Today you need to comment on this blog post, telling us your favorite pet charity that would get the donation if you're the lucky winner.  It can be any animal organization that is a 501c3 or properly recognized charity in your country.
Later we'll feature the Facebook pages of some of our favorite pet blogs.  "Like" some of these barking good folks and earn up to 27 entries.  Follow as few or as many of them as you like.  Remember, the more "likes," the more entries you'll get.  If you're not a Facebook user, don't worry!  On December 18, Twitter users can get in on the fun to "tweet" for 27 entries.  And on December 22, Google+ users can earn entries, too.

If Talking Dogs would be the lucky winner, we'd donate the entire $325 to Stray Rescue.  We've barked about Stray Rescue here.

Don't forget... You MUST complete the Rafflecopter below in order to be entered!

I Adopted a Puppy Mill Dog Facebook Page Launched

According to Marisa Scheff, Best Friends Animal Society Network volunteer, a new "I Adopted a Puppy Mill Dog" Facebook page has been launched.  Scheff notes that the page serves as a forum and resource for those who have already adopted or plan to adopt a puppy mill dog, or who simply want to learn more about puppy mills  Facebook fans of this page have already begun sharing their adoption stories. 

October Adopt a Shelter Dog ASPCA Video Contest

Photo:  ASPCA 

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and the ASPCA is celebrating with a Funniest Dog Video Contest.  Keep those video cameras handy and record your dog when he or she does something that makes you laugh out loud.  It could be that goofy face she makes, simply the sight of his crazy ears, or even some special talent.

Prizes are pretty cool.  The top three winners will be featured on the ASPCA website and receive a special prize pack that includes:  Floppy Moppy Plush Toy, Doggy Donuts Treat Pack, ASPCA Logo Tee, and a Proud to be a Rescue Dog Tee.

The contest began September 29 and ends October 31.  Note: open only to persons who are at least 18 years old.  Visit the ASPCA Facebook page for more information about the contest rules, to enter your video, and to view those already entered into the contest.

Joplin Tornado: Cocker Spaniel Dog Sugar Found 12 Weeks Later

Joplin tornado victim, Sugar, a Cocker Spaniel, has been reunited with at least part of her family.  Twelve weeks after the May 22 tornado devastated Joplin, there is some good news for the family of Johnnie Richey.

Richey was killed with the twister flattened the Joplin Elks Lodge.  His home was also destroyed.  Richey's family spent days after the storm trying to find him, only to learn that he had perished in the storm.   In addition, Richey's constant companion, Sugar, a 9 year old blond Cocker Spaniel was also missing.

Richey's sister, Kerri Simms,  began a campaign of missing posters and created a Facebook page just for the purpose of finding Sugar.  As the weeks passed, the family worried about just how slim the chance was that Sugar would be found. 

On August 12 a taxi cab driver in Joplin, Chris Ruport, noticed a stray dog who looked "pretty beat up" on the street and decided to pick it up.  His wife posted a photo of the dog on Craigslist.  Within hours the Richey family had been notified that a dog matching Sugar's description had been found.   Richey's sister traveled to Joplin, identified Sugar and took her to the Emergency Pet Center in Joplin.  

Sugar was treated for severe eye and ear infections, flea infestation, and severe dehydration.  Richey’s mother, Joyce Richey, said Sugar was weak when the family picked her up.

“When we first saw her, she was shaking real bad like she didn’t have the energy to stand, but they put her on (intravenous fluids) and kept her overnight, and she was better,” she said.

Kerri Simms, Richey's sister, has taken Sugar home and said Sugar has spent a lot of time sleeping and eating.  Finding Sugar has given her a new connection with her brother, Simms said.

“It means having part of my brother back,” she said. “We can’t bring him back, but we can at least have her. Now we don’t have to wonder. They wouldn’t let us see my brother after the tornado, so I don’t want to say it’s closure, but we know now that she’s OK.”

Help Joplin Tornado Pets With One Click

You can help the hundreds of pets left homeless by the May 22 Joplin tornado simply by one little click of your mouse.

Philanthropist and American Dog Rescue founder, Arthur Benjamin has announced that for every "Like" that the American Dog Rescue page on Facebook, his foundation will donate a dollar to the Missouri Humane Society - part of which will go directly to the Joplin Humane Society.  Benjamin will donate up to $10,000 through his foundantions.The money will go directly to help care for the animals.

“The disasters that struck Joplin and the surrounding areas in Missouri were devastating,” said Benjamin. “And while immediate efforts were made on the ground to rescue animals in danger, to recover lost animals, and to reunite families with their pets, there is still so much to be done. The awe of the situation struck the hearts of Americans, which is why it is so powerful that a viral fundraising campaign like this be launched so people from around the country can help. Through the unwavering efforts of the HSMO, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation, and American Dog Rescue, there is no doubt that we will make a difference in the aftermath of this devastation. Never has one click, one ‘like,’ one fan been so meaningful to thousands of lives – both animal and human.”

Head on over to Facebook now and click that mouse!  www.facebook.com/AmericanDogRescue 

Joplin Missouri Tornado: Dog Cat Pet Rescue Efforts

HSMO Joplin MO Disaster Response 

We live in the Missouri Ozarks.  We've spent a lot of time in the past few days watching the sky and taking cover from tornadoes.  We also recently made a donation to the Humane Society of Missouri for the Joplin Relief Fund.

Their Disaster Response Team is hard at work sifting through rubble in the tornado ravaged town of Joplin to find animals that need help.  70 dogs and cats have been transported from an overwhelmed vet clinic to the Joplin Humane Society, where displaced animals are being sheltered.  Many dogs and cats have also been removed from abandoned properties and taken to safety. 

These trained volunteer Disaster Relief Team members are canvassing the area to rescue distressed pets and providing carriers to residents who need help transporting their animals. 


The HSMO is the lead animal welfare agency (as named by the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency) to respond to disasters and other emergencies in Missouri.  Currently, a 23 person Disaster Response Team consists of animal rescue, sheltering and veterinary professionals and trained emergency volunteers are working in the Joplin area. 

If you'd like to make a donation to help their rescue efforts, you can donate online at their web site www.hsmo.org or by phone at 314-951-1542.   You may also text SAVEPETS to 20222 to donate $10.  Follow their progress at their special, new Joplin Animal Rescue Facebook page.

The Joplin, Missouri area is being overwhelmed with donations of supplies and with volunteers, so a central clearinghouse has been set up to coordinate things.  If you wish to donate supplies, or wish to personally volunteer, to help people or pets, you need to contact the area United Way.   There you'll find up to date information about the most pressing needs. 


Please note:  people are advised NOT to travel to the area unless they've received official authorization.

HeARTs Speak is Saving Dogs and Cats One Photo at a Time

Sometimes I give myself permission to spend some time clicking links on my favorite sites.  Its like a virtual joy ride.  Today I stumbled upon a web site with a howling good idea for social change.

HeARTs Speak is a relatively new organization which aims to provide a network of animal artists and animal rescues. They connect animal rescue organizations with artists that actively work to help animals in need.  We all know that good photographs can make a huge difference in homeless pet adoption rates.  Who better to take those fantastic photos than a professional photographer?

From their web site:  A compelling photograph can reach into the heart of a potential adopter, and bring an animal one step closer to a long life outside of a shelter.  An artist can be a life-changer, and that is priceless.  HeARTs Speak was created to harness the power of art to effect social change, to connect artists with shelters and animal relief organizations, and ultimately, to save and better the lives of animals and people.

Definitely a win - win proposition.  Artist who have a passion for animals can put that passion to work for organizations passionate about decreasing euthanasia rates.

Learn more about HeARTs Speak at their web site;  visit HeARTS Speak on Facebook.  If you're an artist, you should consider becoming a member.  If you're involved in an animal rescue or shelter organization, you should definitely get in touch with HeARTs Speak.

Beagle Fest is March 20 in Tempe Arizona

Mark your calendars now for Beagle Fest!
March 20, 2011
Kiwanis Park in Tempe AZ

This is an annual fundraiser for Arizona Beagle Rescue.  Last year over 1,000 people and 500 Beagles attended. Contests include Longest Ears, Last to Come When Called.  Money raised goes directly to dog rescue:  vets bills, shelter fees and spay / neuter.  Visit Arizona Beagle Rescue on the web or their Facebook page for more information. 

EO Products Dog Model Contest and Pet Care Product Giveaway

Now, here's a barking good contest for dog lovers! 

To help promote their new line of natural and organic pet products, EO is hosting a Dog Model Contest from Feb 22 through March 8.  Five winning dogs will be selected to receive a full set of EO pet care products ($27.95 value).  Winning dogs will also have their images used to help promote the pet care line on the EO website, Facebook page, newsletter, and possibly product labels.

To enter, pet owners must fill out a registration for on the EO website and upload a photo of their pet to EO's facebook page.  Owners can be in the photos, too.

Winners will be asked to send back a photo of their pet with EO's shampoo for promotion on the EO website.  Videos of the winning dogs being shampooed with EO would be an added bonus.

EO Products is a provider of premium natural and organic body care products and have justy released their first-ever pet care line, featuring natural and organic Lavender & Aloe shampoo and conditioner, plus Citrus & Mint groomer for dogs.  EO Pet Care products are free of parabens, polysorbate, disodium EDTA, phosphates, animalbi-products, synthtic fragrances and sulfates.  Their bottles are made from 100& post-consumer recycled plastic.

Visit EO's website to register and enter their Dog Model Contest.   And good luck!

Enter the Pet Photo Contest for Spay Day 2011

Spay Day is The Humane Society of the United States' and Humane Society International's annual event to inspire people to save animals' lives by spaying or neutering pets and feral cats. Spay Day officially takes place on the last Tuesday of February, but events will be running all through the month. The 17th annual Spay Day will be Feb. 22, 2011.

To support Spay Day, The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International host the Spay Day Online Pet Photo Contest—a great opportunity to celebrate our pets, raise funds for spaying and neutering, and win great prizes!

There are two ways to win prizes in the contest:  the Judged Category and the Fundraisers Category.   There are LOTS of prizes to be won and there will be many winners!
The grand prize winner in the Judged Category will win:

• a studio session with Amanda Jones
• their photo featured on the HSUS homepage in March 2011
• their photo and story featured as Pet of the Weed in March 2011, as well as the 2012 Jan/Feb issue of All Animals magazine
• a $500 shopping spree to Humane Domain
• a copy of I Dreamed of Flying Like a Bird by Robert B. Haas

The grand prize winner in the Fundraisers Category will win:

• a weekend trip to two to Hollywood for the 2012 Genesis Awards
• a custom painting of your pet based on your winning photo by pet port6rait artist Janie Coleman
• a $500 electronic gift card to Humane Domain  

Entering the contest is easy and free.  Visit the HSUS web site here (http://photocontest.humanesociety.org/contest.html ) and upload a digital photo of your pet and tell a little about him or her. To make it even easier, you can enter using your Facebook account and upload a photo directly from one of your existing Facebook albums. You can also enter as a memorial tribute to a pet who is no longer with us.

While you're there you can review the latest entries - sure to bring a smile to your face.

Puppy Bowl VII is Sunday Feb 6 2011 on Animal Planet

This is definitely my kind of football!  The seventh annual Puppy Bowl will air on Sunday, February 6 at 3 PM ET on Animal Planet.

Get set for adorable puppies ready to mix it up on the gridiron of Animal Planet Stadium.  Featuring fan favorites like Water Bowl Cam, tail-gating fans, and the Ice Breakers blimp and its hamster crew, this year's big game is sure to be a tail wagger. 

For the first time ever, viewers can watch the action from the puppy point of view with the new Puppy Cam.  Don't miss the chicken cheerleaders and the debut of the Kiss Cam.  From barking beagles and spunky spaniels, they've got the cutest ball players taking the field. 

This year, for the first time, all the action of Puppy Bowl will be broadcast in a native 3-D version that will premiere on 3net - the new 3-D network joint venture of Discovery Communications, Sony and IMAX .

Visit Puppy Bowl on Facebook to get a look at the starting lineup and predict who you think will win MVP.

Valentine Dog Lover Contest - Modern Dog Magazine's Cutest Couple

Modern Dog Magazine has a really fun Valentine contest going on right now:  the Cutest Couple.  You can submit a photo of yourself with your favorite dog for a chance to win a custom pet portrait by Dyanna Bruno (a $700 value prize).

To enter you'll need to send that photo to Modern Dog Magazine via email at cutestcouple@moderndogmagazine.com along with your names (both you and your dogs), your email address and your phone number.  Within 72 hours your photo will be posted to Modern Dog Magazine's Facebook Contest Photo Album.  You'll receive a confirmation email message and then will need to visit your photo in their album and tag it.  The photo that receives the most "likes" will win.

Visit Modern Dog Magazine on Facebook to see all the photos and cast your vote.  Contest ends February 13, 2011.  The winner will be announced on February 14.