Archives for Adopt a Shelter Dog category

Can A Yorkie Be A Princess?

Posted on Mar 06, 2011
Adopt a Shelter Dog, Yorkie
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Only if she lives in a pink castle…

Why Foster A Dog?

Posted on Jan 02, 2011
Adopt a Shelter Dog, Dog Rescue, Doggie Rehab, Fostering a Dog
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“Saving the life of one dog surely won’t change the world. . .but it will certainly change the world for that dog.” Author Unknown

It always feels good to pay it forward, to share our strengths, and to give in any way we can.  I believe it’s our responsibility to do what we can when we can (and sometimes when we don’t think we can).  Why foster?  Here are a few of my reasons. . .


Join City Dog Magazine – TakeThe Puppy Friendly Pledge

Posted on Dec 10, 2010
Adopt a Shelter Dog, Dog Abuse, Dog Rescue, Puppy Mills
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Gotta’ love Seattle when it comes to dogs!  Here’s an excerpt from an article in City Dog Magazine (great magazine by the way):

Thanks to the efforts of local advocates, over 60 Seattle area pet stores have recently signed The Humane Society of the United States’ puppy friendly pet store pledge — committing not to sell puppies, and instead support local animal adoption programs and provide literature that helps customers learn how to locate a reputable dog breeder. We applaud these retailers because their actions prove it is not necessary to support the cruel puppy mill trade to operate a successful pet-related business. 

Read More About The Puppy Friendly Pledge. . .

Boomer – An Amazing Miniature Poodle

Posted on Dec 04, 2010
Adopt a Shelter Dog, Puppy Mills
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Anyone reading this blog is most likely aware of the horrors of puppy mills.  We may unintentionally encourage backyard breeding and the operation of puppy mills by purchasing puppies from unknown sources (breeders).  Here’s another Humane Society victory video that is wonderful.  For those of you who say, “I can’t watch this stuff”, I encourage you to at least see this boy at the beginning of the video and then fast forward to the end.  I had no idea he is who he is!  What a lesson for all of us.     Presenting. . .

BOOMER   


Wordless Wednesday

Posted on Nov 11, 2010
Adopt a Shelter Dog, Bully Happiness, Dog Rescue, Dog Smile, Pit Bull
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Do Dogs Lie?

Posted on Aug 19, 2010
Adopt a Shelter Dog, Greyhound
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I LOVE running!


What??? I did not fall into the pool (on purpose)!

It’s Just A Dog

Posted on Jul 15, 2010
Adopt a Shelter Dog, Dog Psychology, Dog Rescue, Learn From A Dog, Rehoming a Dog, Socialization
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I can’t take credit for writing the following.  Since you are reading my blog, chances are you will find some truth in it. . .

From time to time, people tell me, “Lighten up, it’s just a dog,” or “That’s a lot of money for just a dog.” They don’t understand the distance traveled, the time spent or the costs involved for “just a dog.” Some of my proudest moments have come about with “just a dog.” Many hours have passed and my only company was “just a dog,” but I did not once feel slighted.

If you too think it’s “just a dog,” then you wll probably not understand phrases like “just a friend,” “just a sunrise,” or “just a promise.” “Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. “Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person.Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by “just a dog,” and, in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “just a dog” gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

Because of “just a dog,” I will rise early, take long walks, and look longingly to the future. So for me, and folks like me, it’s not “just a dog” but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past and the pure joy of the moment.

 

“Just a dog” brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day. I hope that someday they can understand that it’s not “just a dog” but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “just a man.” So the next time you hear the phrase, “just a dog,” just smile, because they “Just don’t understand!”
Anonymous

Adopt ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

Posted on Jun 24, 2010
Adopt a Shelter Dog, Dog Rescue, Pit Bull
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We are all capable of doing something. Pay it forward.  It works.  Whether you give to a shelter, a neighbor, a stranger, a dog or a cat…it inspires others to do the same.  Adopt…donate…volunteer.  Make a difference.

This video was made today after my visit to the Coachella Animal Campus.  If you live in the Palm Springs area and are looking for a dog to help in any way…here are a few from which to pick!  You know, as I walked through talking with each of them, no one barked.  I think they knew they were on camera and wanted to appear at their best – tails wagging and tongues licking!

A Debarked Yorkie Still Has Something To Say

Posted on Jun 23, 2010
Adopt a Shelter Dog, Barking, Behavioral Modification, Uncategorized, Yorkie
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I am writing this post because good things can and do come in little packages.  The shelters used to only be filled with large dogs.  That’s no longer true.  If you are interested in adopting a little dog, the shelters are full of them waiting to make your life a little bit better!

———————-

If you have followed my blog, you know of my little Yorkie named Melody.  You may not think there is a need to describe a Yorkie as little; however, she is tiny.   I was volunteering at the shelter when she was brought in.   Her services as a breeder at a puppy mill were no longer needed.  At this age of her life (about 7 years old) had probably never known kindness from a human.  She was more than willing to bite if you got too close.  Not exactly a spokes-dog for the hold-me-in-your-lap Yorkie someone would be looking for when adopting.

Having enjoyed the company of large breed dogs, I had not intended on adopting Melody.  I would take her home to work with her on being a little kinder to her prospective new family.  Melody never even attempted to bite me.  She knew she was safe. The first time I heard her bark, I did a double-take! It was obvious she had been debarked.  In my opinion, it’s a terrible thing to do to a dog.  There are other far less invasive tools – not to mention the benefits of training.

She has been with me two years.  She may never willingly approach another human other than myself.  However, to see who she is now compared to who she was is nothing short of wonderful.  Here is a short video clip of Melody and her raspy little voice asking, “where’s my dinner?”

Do Dogs Like Their Baths?

Posted on May 22, 2010
Adopt a Shelter Dog, Dog Grooming, Dog Humor, Dog Smile
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I love to watch the antics of my dogs after their bath time!  If given a chance, most dogs will roll around and frolic after their bath.  While it appears they feel great and are doing a dance of joy, my guess is they are trying to get their stink back on!

Here’s Melody, my little Yorkie, after her bath.  She always makes me smile.  I like to think I’m smiling with her.