Mardi Growl Ball Feb 12 KCMO

Save the date!
Feb 12 - Mardi Growl Ball - Kansas City, MO

This is the largest fundraiser for the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation and sure to be a lot of fun. Proceeds will fund MAAL's legislative activities in Jefferson City throughout the session. The Mardi Growl Maskgrrrade Ball promises to be a great evening of fun, food and lots of auction opportunities. Bring your own mask or take advantage of the opportunity to purchase one at the event.

For more information visit the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation website.

Missouri is the puppy mill capital of the world and there's a lot of work to be done on behalf of animals here. Thanks to MAAL for working so hard to make life better for all of us.

Woof!
Tucker at For Love of a Dog Jewelry

Pit Bull PR BAD RAP Fundraiser

While I can't say I've ever wanted to live in California, these San Francisco Bay area folks are really something wonderful. This morning I had a message from BAD RAP about an incredible program.

Pet Food Express has been helping BAD RAP re-shape the image of American Pit Bull Terriers every day of the week for the last two and a half years. They've been doing it by giving customers a blast of adopted pit bull faces on posters that hang on walls and windows in stores around the San Francisco Bay area. These posters are HUGE and they grab everyone who walks in or by the store.

Right now BAD RAP is issuing a call for fresh faces. If you live in the bay area and are interested in adding your dog's portrait to this fun collection, here's your chance. Pet Food Express is lining up fresh talent to showcase bay area pit bulls while they help BAD RAP with our barn-raising. How does it work? When you donate $250 to BAD RAP, Pet Food Express will have your dog's photo taken by a professional photographer, blown up to a giant-sized poster and placed in your favorite PFE store. AND THEN they will match your donation and give $500 to BAD RAP for their new shelter barn.

Visit the BAD RAP website to see some of these beautiful posters and learn more about this fundraiser. And if you're a bully owner in the bay area, wouldn't your sweetie look fantastic on one of these?

Woof! Woof!
Tucker at For Love of a Dog

Merry Christmas from For Love of a Dog

Merry Christmas from all of us at For Love of a Dog
{from left) Jeffie, Lucy, Tucker, plus Skeeter & Isabel, the cats; Ditty & Cakes, the horses; Sue & Gary, the humans

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