Where Did You Go an Animal Rescue Song by Deborah Kazsimer - Dog Song Saturday

It's Saturday, so time for a song about dogs!  Today we've got another original song about rescue dogs.

Deborah Kaz is the composer and performer of Where Did You Go - Animal Rescue Song.  She had dedicated this song to her two rescue dogs, Trouble and Fly, as well as all other rescued pets.  Add this song to your playlist via CDBaby , iTunes and other music retailers.

Sit. Stay. Relax and enjoy Where Did You Go by Deborah Kaz.  Fetch 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 a Shelter Dog | Blog the Change for Animals #BTC4A

Biscuit at Bella Vista AR animal shelter

Today I'm barking about Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.   According to the Humane Society of the United States, between three and four million dogs and cats are euthanized each year in animal shelters in the United States.   I know for a fact that there are wonderful shelter dogs who make the very best pets.  

If you're a Talking Dogs blog reader, you already know that Jeffie and Rosie were shelter dogs. Since I've already told their stories, I thought I'd share another with you today.

Tossed into a ditch near Bella Vista, Arkansas

These two little angels were tossed in a ditch a few weeks ago, found, and taken to an animal shelter in Bella Vista, Arkansas.  

My friend, Carole, had been thinking about adding a yellow Labrador Retriever to their family.  Carole had been checking with Lab rescues and even contacted a few breeders.  Then one day last week she surfed Petfinder and saw the little yellow pup in Arkansas.

Biscuit playing with her sister at the animal shelter

After completing an online adoption form, a telephone interview, and her veterinarian references checked, the shelter called Carole with one more question:  Could they, would they, possibly consider taking both puppies?

Yes!

Then began the rapid planning for a cross country trip from their home in Tennessee to western Arkansas to pick up their new family members.
 

Rest stop break in the trip from Arkansas to Tennessee

Within 48 hours they found themselves in a "spotlessly clean, fresh smelling shelter."  Shelter staff microchipped the 8 week old girls, gave them the deworming meds for that day and two weeks later, a certificate to transport the pups across state lines.  Biscuit and Lily snoozed all the way to their new home, other than a few water/potty breaks.

Carole writes:  

After so many years of having many doggies - I think 9 or 10 at once was tops - just having 3 seemed a bit lonely and we were ready to give another one a good home.  We didn't plan on 2, but glad it worked out that way.  For some time, we knew that too many of our doggies were about the same age and that the time would come...   Since losing my beloved Sam [yellow Lab] about 2 1/2 years ago, there was Yucky, Jaxx, Molly, Betsy and Casey.  This has not been a fun place to be.  Some people enjoy hobbies like sewing or baseball, but our love is our doggies and the joy they bring us.

 Biscuit (yellow) and Lily (black) exploring their new home in Tennessee

Biscuit and Lily join older dogs, Mickey, Foxy and Cubbie.  Carole's husband, Gary, rescued Mickey from the highway near their home one Friday during rush hour and is lucky neither one of them was hit by a car.  Foxy was a stray rescued from near Carole's office.  Cubbie was rescued from a TN river campground.

Mickey - Lab/Golden Retriever mix rescued

 

Foxy - Carole's shadow

Cubbie - Gary's highway rescue dog

I know Carole would agree with me:  one of the most rewarding aspects of adopting a shelter dog is the fact that you're saving a life and giving a deserving animal a new home.  Plus, by adopting a dog, your adoption fee helps other pets and you make space for another to be rescued.

October 15^th is Blog the Change Day - a day when pet bloggers and pet lovers come together to blog, read, share and Be the Change for Animals!  Bloggers are encouraged to write about pet fire safety in July or about a cause near and dear to their heart. Readers are encouraged to read and share their favorite posts.  Join Team BtC on October 15^th to Blog the Change for animals

Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays Video

On Sundays we usually feature adoptable dogs here on the Talking Dogs blog.  Today, in a way, we're featuring all dogs currently in animal shelters who are hoping for a forever home.   

If you're planning to add a canine family member, please consider adopting a shelter or rescue dog.  If you can't adopt, please think about fostering a lonely dog for the holidays.

The video, Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays 2012 was produced by Paws New England (PAWs)  PAWs and 13,000 other rescue organizations are participating in PetFinder's "Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays" initiative.  Find a participating shelter or rescue organization near you.

Working together we can empty the nation's shelters this holiday season.
 

Adopt a Dog: White and Black Boxer Mix Xena

Xena needs a forever home!  Right now this beautiful dog is living at the Humane Society of Missouri Maryland Heights animal shelter.  Let's network and help Xena find a family!

Xena is a spayed female Boxer dog mix about 5 years old.  She walks nicely on a leash, appears to be housebroken and is friendly girl.

If you have room in your heart and home, call HSMO at 314-951-1588 and ask about Xena, animal ID #A523602

Pit Bull dog owners have a message for McDonald's

Don't miss this slideshow "Hey McDonald's, My pit bull is a rescued stray!" photo project put together by BADRAP.  Hundreds of emailed and facebooked photos were sent to BADRAP after McDonald's made a damaging comment about stray dogs - pit bulls specifically - in a radio spot in the Kansas City area.  

McDonald's Chicken McBites "Risky" ad was a radio ad which aired on February 3, 2012.  This clip was recorded from 99.7 the point in Kansas City.

McDonald's has since offered a public apology for the error and pulled the ad.


America's Bark Off to McDonald's from BADRAP.org on Vimeo.

Monty the Rescue Dog: Christmas Puppy Dog Song

Have a listen!  This is an original song written about a rescue dog named Monty.  Beautiful black dog and barking good song lyrics.  Merry Christmas!

Joplin Missouri Tornado: Prayer and Remembrance Today

Don Zolecki (left) of the Sunrise Beach MO Fire Department leads rescue dog Amber Alert in a search for survivors in Joplin.

An official State Day of Prayer and Remembrance has been declared by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon for today, Sunday, May 29. A community wide memorial service will be held at 2 pm.

Joplin City Manager Mark Rohr says 139 people are now confirmed dead after a deadly tornado roared through the city on May 22.  According to the Missouri Department of Public Safety 100 individuals are still missing.  As the death toll rises, Joplin remains focused on finding life.  

More than 400 volunteers and 50 dog teams continue working to try and find tornado survivors.

Adopt Stella, a Black Dog Available at the Humane Society of Missouri

Stella is a black German Shepherd mix dog available for adoption from the Humane Society of Missouri.  She's spayed and about two years old.   And gorgeous.  Definitely gorgeous!  For information about adopting Stella, call the HSMO at 314-951-1562.  Stella's ID number is A505738

Puppies for Parole Missouri Department of Corrections Program Update

Photo courtesy of the MO
Department of Corrections

Congratulations to the Missouri Department of Corrections Puppies for Parole program!  On Wednesday they were awarded the Governor's Award for Innovation.  What a great acknowledgement for the hard work of all involved in this terrific program.

According to George Lombardi, Director of the MO Dept of Corrections, the Puppies for Parole continues to evolve and expand beyond his initial expectations and vision.  There are already nine (9) Missouri correctional institutions with the program in place with another five (5) ready for implementation.  The MO Dept of Mental Health will be using the program to adopt dogs for use in some of their facilities to aid the adjustument of the mentally iss and developmentally disabled.  The Veterans Administration has voiced interest in doing the same for combat vets with PTSD.  Plus, a psychiatrist from a hospital in St Louis may utilitze the Puppies for Parole program dogs for use with children with autism.

Puppies for Parole is a unique program made possible through MO Dept of Corrections partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups throughout Missouri. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they are sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs.

The MO Dept of Corrections maintains that the benefits of this program are three-fold. Puppies for Parole gives offenders the skills necessary to support successful rehabilitation, reentry, ultimately improving public safety. At the same time, this is an opportunity for the offenders to re-pay Missouri communities and repair some of the debts caused by their crimes. MO DOC has seen this program have a profound effect on the inmates and staff, increasing the safety and security of the correctional facility, as well.

According to MO Dept of Corrections Director, George Lombardi, "The dogs have a remarkable impact on MDOC offenders, improving offender behavior and giving offenders incentive to maintain excellent conduct records. Offenders not directly involved in the program are showing responsibility and selflessness by donating to support our efforts. Staff morale is also enhanced by the presence of the dogs."

MO Puppies for Parole uses no general revenue funds and operates solely on donations.

Labrador Life Line Saves Dogs One Life at a Time

Labrador Life Line, Inc. is a not for profit organization created to help owners or rescuers of Labrador Retrievers who are in need of financial assistance. Originating on the LABSR4U mailing list, members of the list joined together to help purebred Labrador Retrievers at times when financial difficulty could make the difference between life and death, or health and sickness. Their financial assistance includes, but is not limited to, covering various medical costs (surgery, treatment, medication) and help to cover rescue or transportation expenses.

Success stories abound and will tug at your heart strings. Among them:  Dino escaped from his yard and was hit by a car. His right rear leg had a fractured femur which required surgery and the insertion of a plate and pins for a successful recovery. Captain Morgan had torn his CCL. His right leg was fixed in 2008, but when he injured his left leg his owners were unable to get it fixed with out some assistance.  Tupelo was very healthy, but one day he began vomiting. His owner to him to the vet on the second day, and he was given IV fluids, an injection to stop the vomiting, and some Flagyl. He did not respond as hoped to this therapy, so they took him back to the vet for x-rays. X-rays indicated a foreign body in his intestines and surgery was immediately done. He had a squishy ball cat toy lodged in his small intestine.

There are countless similar stories along with photos of the dogs at Lab Life Line’s web site. There are also lovely letters from recipients posted that give updates on the dog’s condition, plus some before and after photos.

To receive help from Lab Life Line, it’s not as simple as exchanging emails and they send a check to your veterinarian. Lab Life Line evaluates all applications very carefully. They must maintain complete files on every case they process for IRS regulations and to account for their funds to their donors, as well. Though they would like to be able to assist everyone who applies for assistance, sometimes it is just not possible due to limited funds and high volume of requests. Before you contact Lab Life Line you should check out any and all other possible resources for financial assistance.

Their annual Auctions and Cybershow are their biggest fundraisers. Each year, Lab Life Line twice offers bidders the chance to win their hearts' desires. Beautiful, fun and unique items are offered at both their Heart Dog Auction in early spring and our Labour of Love auction in the fall. This year’s Labour of Love auction will be September 24th - October 8/9th . Visit Labrador Life Line on the web for more information and to view the great items up for bid.

Shown is the For Love of a Dog Jewelry Lab Life Lines bracelet that will be available for bidding on September 24.  And be sure to visit For Love of a Dog Jewelry's resource pages for information on other dog rescue and advocacy groups.

Puppies for Parole Prison Inmates Train Dogs for Adoption in Missouri

From a report by Jay Scherder, KY3 News in Springfield, MO

In Licking, Missouri, a new program gives state prison inmates a chance to train shelter dogs. "Puppies for Parole" lets convicts prepare them for adoption, while repaying communities.

It's been a long time since Joe Denti has had the chance to pet a dog, let alone care for one. He's been incarcerated for 21 years. The program gives selected offenders like Denti the opportunity to become trainers to rescued dogs.  "It's a very strict criteria," said South Central Correctional Center activity coordinator Tina Holland. "They do have to reside in our privilege unit, so they have to be conduct-violation-free for a year."

Other requirements involve education and anger management classes.  "It's more than just giving back and helping out," said Denti. "It's also proving ourselves in being worthy of responsibility that's been given to us."

It's a win-win for the offenders, the dogs of the Texas County, MO animal shelter, and for the community.  "This program definitely made a positive behavioral change and even some thinking changes," said Warden Michael Bowersox. "When they go back out, hopefully we'll see a different individual than what came into the system."

"I've created a lot of harm in my life and these dogs are out suffering and that gives me a chance to give back," said Denti.   "For our shelter, which is a small shelter, it frees up space because they are a no-kill shelter," said Holland.

Training a dog can be a real challenge, from commands to house training. They also learn to sit, stay, shake, and roll over. Denti admits that it's rough at times but certainly has its rewards.  "There's nothing better than seeing a dog smiling at you in the morning, first thing in the morning. You just can't beat it. It's priceless," he said.

So far, five rehabbed dogs have been adopted, and five have already been trained. The local animal shelter provides the food, dog crates and treats. This program is currently operating in seven Missouri state prisons.

Brindle Greyhound Brooch Necklace Dog Breed Jewelry

Greyhound dog jewelry for people is not hard to find. However, truly unique, handmade dog breed jewelry is a different story. If you love a Greyhound dog, you need to check out this one of a kind dog breed necklace.

Featuring a terrific Greyhound dog sculpture that was beautifully hand sculpted, cast, and painted by a Wisconsin artist. True to AKC dog breed standards and absolutely darling.

This Greyhound sculpture pendant is removable. Wear the necklace as is or easily remove the pendant to wear as a pin. You can even wear your own pins on this necklace. So versatile.

In this one of a kind dog necklace, I've used a silver pin bar attachment. Necklace is composed of lots and lots of Mahogany Jasper fat gemstone rondelle beads accented with sterling silver. Even the sterling silver extender chain is accented with more Mahogany Jasper and a little three dimensional dog bone in case this little Greyhound dog needs a snack. Wear your special Greyhound dog close to your heart with this combination pin and necklace. A great fashion statement and way to advocate Greyhound adoption.

Browse unusual and one of a kind dog breed and dog lover jewelry and gifts at For Love of a Dog.

July Dog Fighting Ring Raid Update

We have an update from the Missouri Humane Society on some of the survivors of the July dog fighting ring raid:

They lived tortured lives full of pain and deprivation from owners who brutally bred, trained and fought them for “sport” and profit. Their second chance for a great life began July 8 when the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force rescued them in the largest dog fighting raid in U.S. history.

Since then the following three dogs, Fay, Jakob and Junior, have been lovingly cared for by HSMO staff and volunteers. Now, they are among the first of what they hope are many of the more than 500 dogs from this rescue who will go to rescue groups and, ultimately, wonderful new homes.

Fay is a five-year-old, black female American Pit Bull Terrier. Her scarred face tells her story – she has no lips, most likely ripped off in a brutal dog fight. Now, she will be nurtured by the founders and volunteers of Mutts-n-Stuff, a St. Louis-based bully breed rescue group. They hope Fay will eventually earn her Canine Good Citizen certification and become a Certified Therapy Dog.

Jakob is a one-year-old, brindle, male American Pit Bull Terrier. Though still a youngster, Jacob came to the Humane Society of Missouri's emergency shelter with many scars and a fresh wound on his face. The now lucky boy, who loves to snuggle and give very soft kisses, will travel this week to San Francisco for rehabilitation and a great new life with Our Pack Inc. Pit Bull Rescue

Junior is an 11 year-old, tan, male American Pit Bull Terrier. On his Rescue Day they found he had cataracts, many broken and rotting teeth and he was severely underweight. Now he’s a gentle, old soul, much healthier and ready to be pampered in “retirement” by the founders and volunteers of Missouri-based Broken Hearts, Mended Souls Rescue

From the very beginning, HSMO's goal for these desperate dogs has been to give each one the best possible chance for a loving forever home. With the help of hundreds of volunteers during the past three months, they rescued them from horrible daily abuse, treated their wounds, gave them nourishing food, walked and gave them loving attention, evaluated their health and behavior and have scoured the U.S. to find them caring, understanding homes.

We are thrilled Fay, Jakob and Junior have found their happy endings. The Humane Society of Missouri is continuing to work with these and many other rescue groups to keep the happy endings coming for as many of these deserving dogs as possible. A seventh person in this case has pled guilty to felony charges of dog fighting

Three woofs and a long howl to the Humane Society of Missouri!
Tucker at For Love of a Dog Jewelry

Black Dog Reunion in Missouri

Annual Black Dog Reunion ~ September 17, St Louis, MO

Join the Humane Society of Missouri and Y98's Jen Myers (along with her dog Abe) for a night of fun with your dog.
Enjoy wine, beer & snacks while Fido licks on a Frosty Paws® treat. Pet Contests: Best Dressed, Best Dog/Owner Look-a-Like and Best Stunt/Trick will be awarded. Door prizes, raffle and professional pet photos! Adoptable black dogs will be available

When: Thursday, September 17, 2009
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Where: Carol Gates Throop Memorial Park (across from the Humane Society of Missouri at 1201 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110)

REGISTER: $10 per person, children 15 and under are FREE! Includes drinks and snacks. Proceeds benefit the Cinderella Fund.

International Homeless Pets Day - August 15

Recognized as a holiday since 1992, International Homeless Pets Day calls attention to all the animals that are homeless. There are so many that its tempting to just sigh and give up. However, it's like that old saying... if you're not a part of the solution, you're part of the problem.

What can you do? Here are just a few ideas:

• Adopt a homeless pet
• Visit your local shelter or rescue and volunteer to walk or play (socialize) the animals
• Find out what your local shelter or rescue needs and supply (some of) it. It could be as simple as they need some old towels and blankets and you have that box of them waiting for a tag sale
• Next time you're at the grocery store, pick up some extra puppy or kitten food and drop it off at the animal shelter
• If you Tweet, tweet about a homeless pet to help it find a home (easy to find those pets via Petfinder)
• Do you blog? Blog about the situation.
• Spay or neuter your own pets and encourage others to do the same

Here at our house Mama has been trying to talk Daddy into one more dog. He says his limit is 2. Well, we already have 3, so what's another woofer? Of the 3 of us canines, only Lucy wasn't homeless before she joined our family. Skeeter, our cat sister, walked the streets before she came here. We know what homelessness is like and it's not a good thing at all.

If I worry about the whole problem, I feel depressed and powerless. My goal is to do whatever little bit I can do every day. If you and I both do that, a group of us can end a lot of suffering.

Woof! woof!

Tucker

MAAL Wine Tasting on July 27

Please join the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation for a Wine Tasting on July 27th and bring your pooch, too!

Great wine, food and a raffle will all be a part of a fun evening at Happy Hour, Inc in Independence, Missouri. Each guest receives their own wine glass, food and wine.
When: Monday, July 27, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where: Happy Hour, Inc.19341 East US Highway 40Independence MO
Tickets: $25 per person in advance $30 per person at the door Order tickets online or call 314.361.3944.

PETS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND ON A LEASH. We will provide water bowls and canopy outside. Attendees are welcome to come and go inside and outside with their pets for this event.

Brookside Barkery and Bath will be onsite to demonstrate how to make your own dog food. Featuring all-natural, high protein dog foods and tools to keep your furry kids groomed and cool this summer.

Monies raised go to support the very important work of MAAL. Very important because, as you may all ready know, if there's a capital of puppy mills... it's Missouri.