Dreaming of Dogs & Shelter Gifts

"I dreamed of dogs last night. They sat in a circle and looked at me and I wanted all of them." John Steinbeck

I think of this quotation a lot. Or rather it comes to me unbidden. I do want them all. All of the dogs. All of the dogs who do not have a forever home. All of the dogs suffering mistreatment and abuse. All of the unwanted dogs. I want them. All.

However, as comedian Steven Wright said: "You can't have everything. Where would you put it?"

Ain't that the truth! Not to mention if I had them all you'd probably be reading about me in the news... another crazy lady with too many dogs. So, I do what I can, including throughout the year For Love of a Dog profits are used to provide support to local shelters, the Humane Society of the United States, and the Humane Society of Missouri.

This year we did something a bit different. Tucker, Lucy and Jeffie pooled their paychecks and bought beautiful new collars and leashes for the victims of that huge dog fighting raid conducted a few months ago. Perhaps they'll add a bit of fashion style and bling to a dog now waiting for his new people. Especially black dogs (says Tucker). And add a bit of Christmas cheer for some furry souls.

Economic times are hard and a lot of us don't have much cash to throw around. However, it's easy to still make a big difference. Many animal shelters and rescue groups need things like newspaper, towels and blankets, bleach, paper towels. Low cost (or free) items. They also need folks to walk and socialize dogs. Again, free. Need more ideas? Check with your local shelter or rescue group; they'll have lots of ideas and be glad to hear from you.

Woof! from For Love of a Dog

Christmas Decoration Danger for Pets

I don't know about you, but we go pretty crazy at Christmas time with decorations. It's our favorite time of year, but also can be a dangerous time of year for pets. Some of our beloved yuletime traditions can be hazardous to our furry friends.

Here are a few cautions from the ASPCA:

• Lillies are commonly used in holiday floral arrangements, but many varieties - including Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Stargazer and the Casablanca - can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested.
• Bag the boughs of holly and live mistletoe. Sure, they add a nice touch to your holiday décor, but holly can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy if eaten by your pet. And should he sample mistletoe, he could suffer gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic.
• Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria—and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.

If you suspect that your animal companion has eaten a potentially toxic substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance.

Be merry, but be safe, too.

Woof! from Tucker at For Love of a Dog

Sponsor a Formerly Chained Dog for Christmas

Do you want your holiday gift giving to be about something important this year? Sponsor a formerly Chained Dog or Penned Dog, and you or your loved one will receive a personalized gift letter with a picture of your sponsored foster dog and his/her story.

Give a formerly chained or penned foster dog a taste of first-ever Holiday Cheer! As one of Dogs Deserve Better's most beloved campaigns, the annual Sponsor a Fostered Dog program has reached out and touched many a Holiday heart and home.

Just choose one of their special boys or girls and with your donation or gift box sent directly to them, you can ensure that one life is now not only safe from harm, but happy, beloved, and spoiled (as they deserve to be!. Your sponsor gift may also provide food, housing and veterinary care for Dogs Deserve Better foster dogs throughout the U.S. in the upcoming year, and help teach others about the plight of the chained dogs who are left to languish in the back yard. Plus any sponsor donations over $25 will receive a FREE 2010 Dogs Deserve Better Calendar (an $11 value).

DOGS DESERVE BETTER is a nonprofit organization dedicated to freeing the chained dog, and bringing our 'best friend' into the home and family. Dogs Deserve Better, 2003 First Place Winner of the ASPCA/Chase Pet Protector Award, is a voice for chained and penned dogs, whose sadness speaks only through the eyes. As the days become years, many of these dogs sit, lay, eat, and defecate within the same 10-foot radius. Chained by the neck, they exist without respect, love, exercise, social interaction, and sometimes even basic nourishment. Find our more about Dogs Deserve Better and what you can do to help.

A big WOOF to the fabulous folks at Dogs Deserve Better!
Tucker at For Love of a Dog

Dog Lover Jewelry Gifts with Free Shipping

Worried about ordering online and your packaged being delivered in time for Christmas? There's still time!

For Love of a Dog is offering FREE shipping via USPS Priority Mail on all orders totaling $35 or more. And we ship within less than 24 hours of receiving payment. If your order totals less than $35 you can purchase a shipping upgrade for only $3. Perfect dog lover gifts with fast free shipping!

Shop For Love of a Dog jewelry gifts for one of a kind, handcrafted necklaces, bracelets, earrings, dog breed ornaments and more that are sure to please any dog lover, cat lover, or equestrian on your Christmas gift list. Holiday sale on Christmas dog ornaments, select necklaces and earrings in progress now.

Happy Holidays from For Love of a Dog!

Harley Davidson Bike Fundraiser for BADRAP Pit Bulls

You don't even have to be good for Santa to bring you this Harley Davidson SuckerPunch Sally Swinger motocycle. All you have to do is bid! And the best part is that your money will be going to help Pit Bulls!

This sweet ride is up for auction and every penny that's raised from the sale is going to be poured right into the BADRAP Barn Project so they can help homeless pit bulls in 2010 and beyond. BADRAP is a non-profit organization that works to help homeless and victimized pit bulls and pit bull mixes. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this bike will be going to help BADRAP build a halfway house for pit bulls. You probably have read about their work with the Vick dogs.

Bravo to the pit bull loving anonymous donor who decided to let go of his precious Sally so that some good dogs could get a second chance. The auction ends on Monday, December 14th. I just checked and right now the reserve had not been met. If the bike doesn't sell this time around, they'll try another auction, so spread the world.

The Sucker Punch Sally Swinger is a modern suspension bike done in the tradition of a mid 1950's Harley Davidson FL; low stance, big fat fenders, spoked wheels and custom pinstriping. The Swinger is powered by an 88 cubic inch RevTech V-Twin with a 2-into-1 exhaust for easy cruising, channeling power through a 3 inch belt driven primary and a Baker 6 speed transmission. The Swinger features Harley Davidson controls and a 4.2 gallon split tank for long highway rides. The bike currently has 905 plus miles on it. The only minor defect is a little discoloration of the exhaust pipe. Other than that, it is flawless. There are lots of photos and more information in the eBay auction description.

Help pit bulls and bid on this amazing bike now!

Woof! Tucker at For Love of a Dog