Category Archives: All you need is love

June 11-Just One Day

Today is June 11, 2013. Shelters across the country will stop the killing for Just One Day today by putting down their “euthanasia needles” and picking up cameras instead: to photograph and market animals. They will reach out to rescue groups, host adoption events, stay open for extended hours, and ask their communities to help them empty the shelter the good way. Last year, about 800 organizations answered the call, finding homes for roughly 9,000 animals, erasing one day’s worth of killing.

“This year, roughly 1,200 organizations, including some of the largest animal control shelters in the nation, answered the call to participate. They put down their “euthanasia needles” and picked up cameras instead: to photograph and market animals. They reached out to rescue groups, hosted adoption events, stayed open for extended hours and asked their communities to help them empty the shelter the good way. And in communities across the country, that is what happened. Last year, this effort resulted in roughly 9,000 adoptions nationwide on June 11, erasing one day’s worth of killing. This year, we hoped to save over 10,000 lives. And by all indications, we did.”

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nathan-j-winograd/just-one-day-campaign_b_3430522.html

In Kentucky today…

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=595204424997&set=o.262386160451562&type=2&theater

More than 75 rescues and shelters in Colorado have pledged to not kill any animals today, June 11, 2013, as part of a nationwide effort called Just One Day.

Just One Day is a nationwide movement on June 11 to focus on promoting adoption and to lower the number of shelter animal deaths. Nationwide 3-4 million animals are killed in shelters each year, including close to 30,000 in Colorado. In May, Governor John Hickenlooper signed a proclamation recognizing June 11, 2013 as Just One Day Colorado.

photo

https://www.facebook.com/Just1Day?fref=ts

About these ads

1 Comment

Filed under adoption, Adventure, All you need is love, animal rescue, cats, creativity, dog rescue, dogs, no kill shelters, pet adoption, Uncategorized

Doctor Dog

when you do not feel well, I bet you turn to your furry loved ones for comfort and healing.  A purring cat, stroking a dog’s fur, a cuddle buddy make the best medicine. I have been having back pain which is quite unusual for me. Cici is such a source of strength during this time of healing. And I do not know what many of us would do if we had to be in a cold, antiseptic hospital environment without our beloved pets.

That is why, this article make me happy. Some hospitals are actually letting patients pets visit them while they are ill.   Imagine if every hospital had therapy dogs and allowed pets to visit patients.

http://www.petside.com/article/chicago-hospital-allows-pets-visit-patients

559142_510965932271928_1647267616_n

Healing power of dogs

http://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2011/11/04/in-the-magazine/health-in-the-magazine/rescue-dogs.html

Counselors with fur

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/12/121221-comfort-dogs-newtown-tragedy-animal-therapy/

product-enlarged

http://www.fancydress.com/costumes/Doctor-Barker-Vet-Dog/0~111184~338

 

 

 

Blog Hop time…thanks to Life with DogsTwo Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  grab the blog hop  link

2 Comments

Filed under all you need is a dog, All you need is love, animal communication, dog health, dogs, four paws up, Uncategorized

Happy Patrick day

Happy 2nd Re-Birthday, Patrick! We will NEVER forget nor ever stop hurting from what you endured at the hands of a monster, but we will not let evil win. Your suffering started a world-wide, anti-cruelty campaign and helped millions of animals. We LOVE you and are grateful for your NEW LIFE!

482753_518820321490447_299379769_n

Imagine there’s no cruelty

It’s easy if you try
No abuse, starvation or neglect
Above us only sky
Imagine all the pit bulls
Living in loving homes…

Imagine there’s no BSL
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or fight for
And no dog fighters too
Imagine all the pit bulls
Living life in peace…

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no kill lists
I wonder if you can
No need for chains, puppy mills, or shelters
A brotherhood of canine and human
Imagine all the pit bulls
Sharing all the world…

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one

486101_353619541405001_517197172_n

4 Comments

Filed under adoption, All you need is love, animal abuse, dogs, Imagine, John Lennon, K9 approved, keep pets safe, Patrick, peace, pet care, pit bull, world peace

V-dogs magical reunion at Best Friends

If this doesn’t make you cry with joy, I don’t know what will… bring tissues with you…

Six of the 22 dogs taken in by Best Friends Animal Society … Mel, Cherry Garcia, Little Red, Handsome Dan, Oscar, and Halle had a ball at their 2013 five year reunion. About 150 to 200 people came to the event’s meet and greet to celebrate with the families and dogs. All the dogs were very well behaved and enjoyed being with one another.

Cherry Garcia and his dad on CNN

http://www.hlntv.com/video/2013/03/12/michael-vick-dog-rescue-cherry-reunion

Years ago at Bad Newz Kennels, Michael Vick and his cohorts terrorized, traumatized and abused these dogs, made them fight or used them as bait and left them unsocialized and afraid on chains. Their loving caretakers at Best Friends and adopted families have helped them recover and heal with lots of TLC and the difference between how the criminals and humans treated them shows and speaks volumes. The dogs were NEVER the problem. The dogs were NEVER mean nor vicious nor aggressive. The dogs were NEVER violent.

http://blogs.bestfriends.org/index.php/2013/03/12/vicktory-dog-reunion/

734419_10151538810181425_1298760607_n

Group shot from left to right: : Mel, Halle, Cherry, Handsome Dan and Little
Red (Oscar is in the back!). Photo by Molly Wald

“47 dogs, according to the federal grand master’s count, were taken in the 2007 raid, from which the 22 toughest cases were brought to the Best Friends sanctuary. Best Friends proposed that the dogs could be rehabilitated or, at the least, deserved care and feeding for life… this was the first time the courts ever allowed dogs confiscated from a fight ring to not only be individually evaluated and rehabilitated, but also to be eligible for adoption. Until then, the protocol for fighting dogs seized was destruction, it was considered that you couldn’t take the fight out of the dog once it was bred or instilled.”

“Five years ago … these same six dogs were brought together in a very different circumstance,” Hunter said, “they were brought together by criminals who had very bad intentions for them – the same dogs, but a different set of people. Today … these same exact six dogs are brought here together by six loving families who want the best for them, and the circumstances are very very different. The dogs are exactly the same and as you look around you can see the results.”

http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2013/03/12/kuzmanic-samodt-michael-vick-fight-dogs-today-vicktory-dogs-and-ambassadors-of-hope-stgnews-videocast/

http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/blogs/michael-vicks-former-dogs-celebrated-at-reunion

vick-dog1_0

Little gets held like a baby by McKenzie Garcia who helped to rescue her and bring her to safety at Best Friends.

417751_517081838333257_976965589_n

It was also announced that Little’s mom Susan is adopting one of the Handsome Dan foster dogs Jewels, who got along famously with Little at the reunion.  Jewels and Little are now sisters!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGp_AZNhte8&feature=player_embedded

During the presentation at the meet and greet, the adopters shared about how magical their experiences with the dogs has been helping the dogs heal on a day to day basis… how the dogs have learned how to live life as part of a loving family.

http://www.thespectrum.com/article/20130311/NEWS01/303110017/Vicktory-dogs-celebrate?nclick_check=1

At the same time, their former owner was going to do book signings at Barnes and Noble but they were canceled due to protests by animal lovers.

Love, light and hope prevail.

“Their photos could be from any pet-loving family’s album. They show dogs doing what dogs do: helping toddlers learn to stand, flopping out on the couch next to the cat, enjoying time with the family in front of a Christmas tree, running on the beach, stretching out in the grass on a sunny day, and sleeping in their person’s bed under the covers. To look at their lives now, it’s unimaginable that five years ago these dogs were the topic of national news and debate. Many thought they were dangerous fighting pit bulls that should be put to death for everyone’s safety. Others looked at them and saw hope. Luckily for the dogs and the many lives they have touched, hope won.”

http://www.bestfriends.org/News-And-Features/News/Good-Newz/

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/adopted-dogs-vick-dog-fighting-004900775.html

1 Comment

Filed under adoption, Adventure, All you need is love, animal stars, best friends animal sanctuary, dogs, family friendly, four paws up, K9 approved, K9 travel, keep pets safe, Michael Vick dogs, pet adoption, pit bull, Uncategorized, Utah, Vicktory dogs

We have a dream…

my dog and i have a dream. she dreams about chasing cats and bunny rabbits and I dream about hot… oh not that kind of dream, she says… wouldn’t it be great in life if  you could tell the honest guys and gals from the dishonest guys and gals? well read on…

How would you feel if the group you were donating to because they promised to be there for the animals actually sent the neediest ones to a place which neglected, abused, and then killed them? How would you feel if the animal rights group you supported was using your donations to poison “healthy” and “perfect” animals? Would you be upset? Would you feel sick to your stomach? Would you feel betrayed? If you donate to PETA, HSUS or the ASPCA that is exactly how you should feel…

‎”Truth in advertising”

PETA-Dumpster-vs-Crate_edited-1

Ten out of ten pets surveyed indicated that they would prefer crate training to a ride in the PETA death van. Ten out of ten pets surveyed would prefer eating treats bought at the Piggly Wiggly over being thrown dead into the dumpster behind the Piggly Wiggly. Apparently, opposing No Kill shelter reforms isn’t crazy enough for them, the wingnuts at PETA also find it necessary to show how little they know about the care of pets that are actually, you know, still breathing, that they are campaigning against the use of crates. Above is an actual PETA ad that has been edited for truthfulness. ~Valerie Hayes

http://cruelcrazybeautifulworld.com/2012/01/29/truth-in-advertising/

PETA: www.nathanwinograd.com/?p=11813

HSUS: www.nathanwinograd.com/?p=9895

The ASPCA:  http://www.nathanwinograd.com/?p=9285

Let us abolish the pound!

Today, the number one cause of death for healthy dogs and cats in the U.S. is the local animal shelter. Moreover, the first time many animals experience neglect or abuse for the first time is at the very institution that is supposed to protect them from it—the local shelter. Had shelters never existed, and it was proposed that a system of abusive death camps be opened to round up and kill millions of animals every year, how many of us would support such a notion? How many of us would argue that the homeless animals for whom there was hope, whom we saw being fed, cared for and even adopted by our neighbors, would be better off entering a facility where they are likely to be abused and likely to be killed? In fact, over 150 years ago, when the impounding and killing of homeless animals was a new concept, the great Henry Bergh, founder of the animal protection movement in North America, fought the existence and proliferation of such institutions, arguing that stray dogs should be left alone, once famously asserting, “Let us abolish the pound!”

Join me in a thought experiment: www.nathanwinograd.com/?p=11272

Twelve years ago, there were none. Today, 94 communities representing about 300 cities and towns across America have save rates between 90% and 99% and the numbers continue to grow. In fact, in 2012, over one new community per week achieved a save rate above 90%. The No Kill revolution is on the march.

Please join over 30 other speakers at the No Kill Conference in Washington, D.C. this summer as we celebrate those achievements and teach you how to do the same in your community.

Register this month to get the early registration discount, to get the rescue group discount, to get the shelter discount, to get the student discount and to get the municipal shelter director discount.

Learn more: www.nokillconference.org

523088_10150265466514978_61645454_n

What kind of world do YOU want to live in? A world where pit bulls are killed because of the way that they look? A world where the innocent victims of dog fights, the dogs, and abused plus responsible owners and their dogs are threatened, jailed or killed instead of the dog fighters and abusers being held accountable for their crimes.

What does your conscience tell you to do?

We are a nation of animal lovers, and we, and the animals we love, deserve better. We deserve shelters that reflect our progressive and compassionate values, not thwart them. We now have a solution to shelter killing and it is not difficult, expensive, or beyond practical means to achieve. Only one thing stands in the way of its widespread implementation: a deeply troubled and dysfunctional animal protection movement that undermines the effort at every turn. Through the No Kill movement, we can create a country in which it is illegal to kill animals who enter shelters. We can create a country in which children are raised with higher expectations for the treatment of animals—and an understanding and acceptance that animals have legal rights. And we can establish powerful advocates for the well-being of animals in every community by reclaiming the thousands of shelters across our nation, and reorienting them away from killing and back to their founding missions: to advocate for and save animals.

313850_10151301231457076_1882834965_n

http://www.nathanwinograd.com/?p=11902

4 Comments

Filed under adoption, All you need is love, animal abuse, animal rescue, animals, dog dreams, dog rescue, dogs, no kill shelters, pet adoption, pet care, Uncategorized

Dogs are a woman’s best friend

549792_312324515557247_1996789945_n

It does not take a genius to figure out that dogs can bring companionship, comfort and a good reason to exercise into your life. They will protect you from harm and stand by you during hard times and weather. For those of us who are single women, who are coming home to an empty home or apartment, it is comforting to be greeted by a bunch of wet kisses and tail wags. Someone there to greet you and make the world a friendlier place to live. A best friend. And it also is great to have a travel companion who is always ready for adventure.

But here are a few more benefits that having a dog when you are single can bring.

1. Dogs ARE unconditional love. Guys lie, cheat, steal and break  your heart. Not ALL guys but there are some real FROGS out there in the single universe. And despite our starry eyes and rose colored glasses, when we overlook BIG RED FLAGS (our friends and family usually don’t but how often do we listen to them?) and inherent warts and flaws, we are going to have trouble with a capital T. But your puppy will sniff out trouble and LOVE you always even if you leave her alone to go out on a date with a creepy frog.

2.  Dogs keep you active, young and fit. You do not always want to exercise. That is a massive understatement. You get home from work, before work, on the weekends, you just want to kick back and DO NOTHING, remain or become a couch potato. But when you have a dog, you MUST walk them several times a day.  And you may even take them for hikes and swims on the weekend, so that they get to zoom around. In the process, you get those endorphins flowing too. If you have a Jack Russell Terrier, Golden Retriever or other big dog, they are going to give you a workout like you have never had at a gym.

3.  Enhance your single life. At the dog park, traveling with your dog and all around town, you are going to attract and meet other people. People with dogs. Cute, single guys with dogs. Other women with dogs. All kinds of people with dogs. You will even get to know your neighbors. You have something in common and naturally have a topic of conversation. Much better than awkward encounters at bars, cruises, dances or blind dates. Even if you spend most of your life online, you will meet other people with dogs, especially if you write a dog blog and get involved with pet groups, blog hops and other activities on Facebook, Twitter and elsewhere.  And who knows, Prince Charming just might have a dog, too.

4.  Your dog is a good judge of character. Canines cannot help themselves. They are gregarious and social creatures. And they do NOT think twice about flirting with and going up to total strangers with a friendly tail wag and kisses. Your dog may be just the right magnet for meeting men, the kind of men who are reliable, loyal, faithful and good catches. Just the kind of men you want to MEET.  Now some of them may be married guys but some will also be single. And guys can’t lie about their looks, when you meet them in person.  You will still need to be selective but our dogs know the difference between good people and ones with nefarious motives. So if your dog likes the guy, (or growls every time she sees him), you might want to take notice and either give the guy the benefit of your doubts or stay far far away or give them the boot.

5. Dogs just want to have FUN. They love to have FUN and adventures and will get you OUT of the house and to the beach, park, pet friendly winery, and shopping mall. You no longer have to settle for meeting men online, through friends, and at desperate single places (speed dating, ugh). You and your dog are going to experience all the fun activities that your town and city have to offer and then move on to other places. As traveling companions, you will get to know all the HOT spots and great places to meet truly eligible single men just by following your dog’s nose. Canines are so good at sniffing out the good ones. And what red-blooded man can resist talking to a woman eating with her dog at an outdoor patio or a woman and her dog romping at the beach. Your dogs will like one another. You will meet someone mature and responsible enough to take care of another creature, someone who have share something in common with, a kind soul, a kindred soul and the rest will be ahhhhhh romantic history.

 

c

6. Love is a many splendored dog. Your dog’s breed may be a Heinz 57 pound pup or shelter dog, but if your dog belongs to a recognized breed, even if they are mixed (two recognizable breeds), you have something in common with a bunch of folks who also have dogs of a particular breed. Strike up the band to meeting pug lovers, daschund hounds and/or pit bull aficionados and your match may truly end up in doggie heaven. If your guy loves animals, is kind to animals, and has a dog that looks just like your dog, you could even win a contest (for two people who look just like their dogs and fell in love). And you might just meet at a pug conference, rescue operation or pug show/event. Is that Kismet or Pugmet or what?

7. Your dog will eliminate the frogs for you. A frog who is just out for a romp in the sack is not going to like sharing his bed with a dog, offer to take care of your dog when you are sick or on vacation, or deal with canine comes with the territories such as shedding, rolling in poop, barfing and/or other stinky adventures, never mind understand why you are worried about your pooch and need to get them to the Vet ASAP, or FIND THEM if they are LOST. If the guy is mean to your dog in any way, hurts your dog, abuses your dog, RUN DO NOT WALK AWAY (and call the Police and press charges). If he wants you to get rid of your dog, take them to the shelter/pound or give the dog away, you KNOW that the guy is NOT NOT NOT a keeper, definitely NOT husband material and NOT NOT NOT for you.

8. Dogs can be good babysitters. Not all dogs. And some dogs that you would not expect, like pit bulls (America’s nanny dogs). If you are a single mom and have a dog, both will repel frogs who could not care less about babies, children and pets. While some dogs are very good with children, NEVER leave a baby or child alone with a dog.

9. Dogs want to please you. Some guys do not bring you flowers, write poems, sing songs or dance with you. Even if they are good guys. Guys may not clean house, nor want to go shopping with you, listen to you nor want to go to the cleaners, salon or grocery store. But your dog will do whatever they can do to please you. and if that includes companionship, dogs are right there, on board, in the car and ready to go.

10. Dogs are less expensive than men. Think about it. You do not have to get dressed up, put on make-up nor impress your dog. Your dog is already impressed because you feed them, walk with them and play with them. Ok, you do have to buy pet food, treats, toys and bones and vet care but how much do you have to spend on dates? Maybe you cook for your guy, share some of the expenses of your dates, and if you have a frog, are paying more than your fair share. Add up the cost of clothes, make-up, food, gas, phone bills, gifts for birthdays and anniversaries and movies and compare them to your doggie expenses. Are you paying too much? Also add up the emotional price of dating frogs and/or looking for your one and only in the wrong places and you may wanna stick to your dog like glue and let your dog help you find your perfect match.

11. With a dog you are never alone.  One can be a lonely number. If you have a dog, you will always have someone to come home to. Someone to talk to who may not understand when you are mad, sad, or complaining but will love you anyway. Your dog wants to be with you always, even escorts you to the bathroom. A dog will make you laugh, makes a great snuggle/cuddle partner, keeps your toes warm, comforts you when you are not feeling well or are just plain blue and inspires hope that you will find Prince Charming and/or Live Your DREAMS, whatever they are.

 

268170_563196320365637_2044225223_n

 

 

 

Blog Hop time…thanks to Life with DogsTwo Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  grab the blog hop  link

 

 

 

3 Comments

Filed under adoption, all you need is a dog, All you need is love, animal rescue, dog friendly, dog kisses, dog parks, dog travel, dogs, exercise your dog, four paws up, K9 approved, pet adoption, pet blog hop, pit bull, sleeping with your dog, Uncategorized, women with dogs, women writers with dogs

Cupid Canines

The way to a Woman’s Heart is not Diamonds, hearts, flowers, candy or balloons…

As Valentine’s Day approaches ,

according to a survey conducted by PetPlan Pet Insurance of more than 4,300 American Pet Parents, 66% of women said they would rather receive Valentine’s kisses from their four-legged friends than their two-legged sweethearts.

And that’s not all. Petplan’s survey reveals that 67% of FEMALE Pet Parents would end a relationship with a significant other if their partner clashed with their pet, and nearly 60% of women plan to spend more on their four-legged loves than their human lovers this Valentine’s Day. Move over diamonds – it looks like Pets are a WOMAN’s Best Friend !

539902_460770623988714_633210032_n

MEN picked their partners over their pets in every category; nearly 60% said kisses would be sweeter from their significant other, and nearly 70% plan to spend the most money on their two-legged honeys this February 14. Less than half of the men surveyed said they would leave a partner who didn’t connect with their pet.

Despite these differences, men and women agreed that their pets make a cute Cupid; 68% polled say their dogs and cats bring them and their significant others closer. And the overwhelming majority (81%) of pet parents plans to give their fur-kids a special gift for Valentine’s Day. (Our annual Valentine’s Day Gift Guide will be posted soon)… lots of goodies for pet parents and their pooches.

“When it comes to our pets, we wear our hearts on our sleeves,”

This Valentine’s Day…

Give your Fur Friend a Healthy GOO Glow !

Thank you Healthy Goo for all your Hard Work and for this blog post.

www.HealthyGOO.com

and here are some savvy tips on how to find love in all the right doggie places…

http://www.petside.com/article/top-10-ways-dog-lovers-can-find-love

Cupid Costume for Your Dog

Cici would destroy this homemade costume in 2 minutes or less…  (video)

B002B9EXJW%3FSubscriptionId%3D19BAZMZQFZJ6G2QYGCG2%26tag%3Dsquid902095-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB002B9EXJW

http://www.squidoo.com/cupid-costumes

what do you think, is your pet your best friend and are you buying them a gift and/or dressing them up for V-DAY???

 

Blog Hop time…thanks to Life with DogsTwo Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  grab the blog hop  link

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under all you need is a dog, All you need is love, animals, cats, dogs, four paws up, gifts for your dog, pet blog hop, Uncategorized, Valentine's Day, women with dogs, women writers with dogs

Home for the holidays

An interview with Little Red’s mom Susan…

Little Red is one of the former Vick(tory) dogs…

last Christmas Little Red had some challenges with the Christmas tree and decorations

2-6-11 We’ve had a rough few days. I decorated my Christmas tree and put up my house decorations over the weekend. When I turned on the lights, Little freaked. She ran to my bedroom where she usually is too afraid to go and didn’t leave for two days (except for potty breaks). I tried to comfort her and help her see that the lights wouldn’t hurt her. She was too terrified to respond to anything — even treats. I’ve never seen her so frightened –not even her first days here. I stayed home from work on Monday (I was sick and sick at heart). I stopped lighting any of the inside Christmas lights to see if would help her. It has, but even unlit — the tree seems like a scary monster to Little. She finally came back into the living room last night and slept in her usual spot. She let me cover her with her blanket. But tonight, she is back in my bedroom curled up on a dog bed. If she hears me get treats for the other dogs, she comes out to investigate but as soon as the treats are gone, she hurries back to the bedroom. It doesn’t help that it’s been sub-zero for days (yesterday 27 below without wind chill). Little’s feet are so cold that she doesn’t want to do her usual running. Exercise helps relieve her stress but it’s just too cold. All of my dogs are scurrying out and right back inside. Maybe tomorrow will be warmer and Little will be able to go for a good run. We’ll see.
and the good news… a gift for Little
12-11-11 What a difference a week makes. This is a picture I just took of Little sleeping on her easy chair with a fully lit Christmas tree! This past week has been about helping Little overcome her fear of the inside Christmas lights. I took the advice of so many of Little’s Facebook friends. I used lots of treats, the Chill Out spray, melatonin, and very small steps every day. Now the lights are on and Little is comfortable enough to fall asleep in the Christmas glow. Yesterday when we went to her CGC class, she stood between the seats and pressed her cheek against mine like she always does. But she stayed close the entire drive and put one paw on my shoulder. If she could have climbed into my lap, she would have. Little really wanted to be close to me and I like to think she was thanking me for all of the treats and love. I know I was thanking her for all of the bravery and trust.
1-14-12 Can you say relaxed!!!  Little loves listening to her new CD — “Through a Dog’s Ear”. She got this wonderful gift from her good friends CeilaSue and CiCi. We love it! All 5 dogs respond to this music in the most amazing way. After breakfast (which is at 5 am in my household), the dogs are up and down and in and out and have a hard time settling. Now I put on the CD and the dogs all take extended naps while I have time to sink into a novel before the day really gets going. The music is classical piano pieces and the cadences are designed to calm dogs. It’s been clinically tested with shelter dogs and I can say unequivocally that it works!!! We’ve been listening to the music every morning in preparation for Little’s 1st acupuncture session. I played the CD for her to keep her calm. It was really a special time. I’ll write about it later this weekend. Right now we’ve got some more listening and napping to do.
Little Red in her fall coat 9-30-11

“no matter what she did, Susan never felt the diminutive pit bull truly relax. Little Red slept with her eyes open, her body curled up tight, on guard through the night. Her muscles were always tense, almost as if anticipating a kick or blow. Susan was desperate to help her dog feel safe.

Then one night, she put on a CD of specially arranged classical music designed to calm dogs. “She heard that music, and she just sprawled out on her bed and sighed. She went to sleep with her eyes closed, like her whole body was breathing a sigh of relief.”

“Susan uses the music every day for Little Red, in addition to acupuncture and lots of tender loving care. “It was like a miracle. There’s something intoxicating about that music,” she says.

http://www.sfcv.org/article/classicals-new-bow-wow-dogs

now onto the interview…

please tell a little bit about your background with dogs/pit bulls... and general background…  I’ve been involved with rescue dogs for many years although I’ve never had a pit bull and didn’t know much about them. When I heard about the Vick bust, I became interested in learning more about the dogs who were rescued.   It wasn’t so much that they were pit bulls as much as the fact that the Vick dogs had suffered such abuse and they were surviving and thriving with love and attention.  It seemed like a miracle that such traumatized dogs could learn to trust people again.

when / why / how did you meet little red and decide to adopt her?  I was volunteering at Best Friends in February 2009 and had heard that 22 of the Vick dogs went to BF.  One particular dog broke my heart – her picture seemed so sad and poignant.  It was Little.  I sponsored her and read everything about her through BF.   I had her picture in my office and I looked at her face every day.  I volunteer once a year for a week at BF and in 2010, I asked if I could meet her.  The staff took me to where she lived (Beefcake was her companion) and I got to watch her in the yard.  She was the “out” dog  so she was right in front of her unit and I asked some of the staff to take her picture with my camera.  The next Feb. (2011) when I went on my annual visit, I asked if I could volunteer in her unit.  I had no idea I could volunteer where she lived.  That year, I spend 6 days watching her and I got to observe her shy dog class.  I was already in love with her but never dreamed I could adopt her.  I was sure so many people with experience with pit bulls would have already applied and I’d never have a chance.   On the last day at BF, I screwed up my courage and went to the adoption office to inquire about her status.  I was shocked when Kristi Littrell told me that several people were interested in adopting her but no one had put in a formal application.  That was it for me.  I completed the application and did all the things necessary to be qualified.  Little passed her canine citizenship test in August and a few weeks later I brought all of my dogs to  Best Friends to meet her.  The meeting went very well and in Sept. 2011 she came to live with me.

what is the hardest thing about adopting little red (the process, problems you’ve had with her health, emotional trauma, or?)  Little’s emotional trauma was very difficult and enormously sad.  She was very frightened and nervous for the first few weeks and months.  She was afraid of coming inside the house and I had to carry her through every doorway.  The normal sounds of a household (washer/dryer/dishwasher) frightened her and she wasn’t sure if she could trust me.  It took many weeks for her to feel comfortable at home.  I believe she also missed her caregivers very much, especially Betsy Kidder who had been with her since she was rescued.  She was very lonely and sad about losing all of her canine and human friends.

progress you’ve had with little red … examples  

She smiles every day and she loves to run and prance around her pasture. She also jumps on my lap for her special treats.

why did you want to adopt a pit bull ?

I didn’t necessarily want to adopt a pit bull.  I wanted to adopt Little Red.  Something in her eyes made me want to help her regain the joy in life that every dog should feel.

how many dogs do you have?  5 dogs counting Little:    Cheeto, a heeler cross from Old Friends at BF; Daisy a beagle from my local shelter, PomPom, a 3-legged Pomeranian with 3 teeth who was abandoned; and Ella a mini-dach rescued from a puppy mill.

does little have a favorite best friend?   She and Cheeto are good friends.  She also likes my PomPom very much.  The little 3 lb dog bosses her around and she is so happy to obey.  Little  really  likes other dogs and is very comfortable with them.   In September, we visited with Halle (another Vick dog) and her 2 pit bull brothers.  Little was in heaven. She adored them all and fell in love with Jagger, a small pit bull pup with a spinal abnormality. Little was totally smitten with Jagger  and followed him everywhere.  She loves pittie play. None of my other dogs play like pit bulls do and Little misses that..

little’s favorite toy, food, treat, place?

Little doesn’t play with toys.  She loves boiled chicken which is the treat all my dogs love.  I cook it for them every week. .  She also found an antelope horn in the pasture and she carried it around and chewed it for several months until it was gone.  Santa is bringing her a new one for Christmas.  I’m going to let her “find” it in the pasture.

does little like to travel ?  No she doesn’t.  She is a homebody who likes to run in her pasture and snuggle in her bed.

fears/phobias still to overcome?  Loud noises, changes in her routine, new people. Sometimes she dreams and I can tell that she is upset.  When that happens, I sit with her and play special music that is bio-acoustically engineered to calm her (Through a Dog’s Ear  cd’s).  I also use an herbal spray (Chill Out) that helps her regain her emotional composure.

biggest reward from adopting little?  How happy she is to be in a home.  We are very bonded to each other and I love to hear her snore lightly each evening as she drifts peacefully off to sleep.

unexpected joys?  challenges? Watching her run with abandon across the pasture.  She has a 6-acre fenced yard so she never has to be leashed.  She loves to explore and when I whistle for her, she comes racing to me at top speed, circles around and stops at my side.  She looks up at me and smiles her funny, squinty smile and it makes me laugh.

The biggest challenge is her health.  She has allergies that flare quite frequently.  Because she is Babasia positive, my Vet does not want to keep giving her antibiotics for fear that she will develop an immunity.  When her feet flare, they can get infected very quickly.   We’ve tried so many things to help her and have had the best results with acupuncture and laser treatments for her feet.  She is also on a grain free diet. She has new boots for the snow and that will help to keep her feet dry.

anything else you would like to share?  Little is a constant joy.  She has started to smile more and more and she now comes to me to seek attention and affection.  She’s home and she knows this is a safe place where she will always be loved.  She has blossomed.

 

Blog Hop time…thanks to Life with DogsTwo Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  grab the blog hop  link

 

1 Comment

Filed under adoption, all you need is a dog, All you need is love, allergies, animal rescue, animal stars, best friends animal sanctuary, dog health, dog rescue, keep pets safe, Michael Vick dogs, music for dogs, pet adoption, pet blog hop, pet care, pit bull, Uncategorized, Vicktory dogs

pain is the pits

I was diagnosed with fibro in 1996… have relieved 98% of my symptoms and agree that PET THERAPY of the pit bull variety kind helps a lot… since pibbles are funny dogs… goofy… warm… cuddly and silly… much comic relief, lots of laugh, plus calming warmth and an abundance of licks… of course I am biased…

pain is the pits… this morning my lower back was hurting, cici is applying her special therapy upon it and my back feels better already…

http://www.fmnetnews.com/latest-news/pet-therapy-reduces-fibromyalgia-pain

more about how I have relieved my pain from fibro is here…

loved that Animal Planet had pit bull puppies in their Too Cute segment but miss Pit Bulls and Parolees, which will be on again January 5.  below is just a Dogs 101 segment about American Pit Bull Terriers…

http://animal.discovery.com/tv-shows/dogs-101/videos/american-pit-bull.htm

what do you think????

merry pitti

3 Comments

Filed under all you need is a dog, All you need is love, animals, aromatherapy, au natural dog, Best Friends, cats, comedy, doggie healing center, dogs, Don't worry be happy, four paws up, happy holidays, holiday tips, justforlaughs, K9 approved, pit bull, puppy love, self help, silly dog, sleeping with your dog, true love

Giving Thanks

Slathering Cici with Lavendar mixed with coconut oil on her itchies. Made a lavendar oil infused bandana for her neck. And also applying Dr Harvey’s healing cream to her tush and feeding her wild salmon oil with her food. Gave her an herbal bath and a soft cone to keep her from scratching and biting her rear.

And yesterday the pit bull across the street decided to get out of her gate and run after us on the way to the park barking all the way. The two dogs do not really know one another. Both girls. And have barked at other. I was not going to chance a fight or barkfest so I managed to keep them far apart. And it was scary. I tried to get Sasha back into her yard to no avail. And tried to enlist two men to help me. They were both scared of Sasha the pit bull… Finally, I convinced one man to hold onto Cici and I chased Sasha back into her yard. On the way to the yard, two cars came while she was in the middle of the road. Thankfully they both stopped and were driving slowly. Did not feel secure enough to know if Sasha would stay inside, so I grabbed Cici and brought her inside our home. I wondered if the old guy who lives in the house was ok. And how long Sasha was outside. I decided to bring her over some water and food just in case. A few hours later, I saw my neighbor’s car and went over and told him what happened. He simply forgot to lock the gate. And I made friends with Sasha up close and personal. Let her smell me. Am very thankful it all ended well.

looks like Sasha…

Am also thankful for my roommate being a jerk. and for spending my birthday / Thanksgiving alone this year. At least that is how it seems it is going to be since roomie is being a tick.

Am REALLY thankful for the wonderful foot massage I had yesterday before all the dog chaos.

Am REALLY thankful for the lovely comp meal I will have at Benihana’s today, the movie I will see (Lincoln) and for my polka dot princess, the best dog on the planet.

And am REALLY thankful to all of you dear readers!!!

Thanksgiving is all about spending time with loved ones and remembering the people
and things we are thankful for – including our furry family members. This year, Pet360.com has created the following list of the top nine reasons to be thankful for our dogs and cats.

–  Easy to Please: After a long day at the office, few things are better
than coming home to your pet. A bowl full of food and a nice long belly
rub or ear scratch is all it takes to make their day.
–  Up For Anything: Plane? Train? Automobile? Regardless of where you
travel, most pets are content to be anywhere you are, and they’ll never
ask, “Mom! Are we there yet?”
–  Get Us Moving: Whether it is the dog that needs to go out, or the cat
you are entertaining with a feather teaser, our pets always keep us on
our feet and on the go.
–  Love to Snuggle: From when they are kittens and puppies until they
become senior pets, our dogs and cats will always snuggle up with us on
the couch or in bed, making any snuggle session ten times better.
–  Calm Us: Whenever we are having a hectic day, one look at our pet
reminds us to take a deep breath and be calm. Petting, scratching, and
even rubbing your pet’s belly can be therapeutic, too.
–  Appreciate the Little Things: Our pets remind us every day that it is
the little things — a cardboard box, a shoelace, or a walk outdoors -
that are most important in life.
–  Keep us on Schedule: Our pets make sure we are up on time everyday!
Whether it is a paw to the forehead or a lick to the face, these gentle
reminders to be fed or go outside make sure we’re awake to see the
sunrise.
–  Get us Out of Jams: Date not going well? Stuck at a neighbor’s? If
nothing else, pets provide us with a perfect built-in excuse to quickly
exit a situation. Who would ask you to stay when you suddenly remember
that you have forgotten to feed the pets?
–  Provide Unconditional Love: Above all, our pets teach us what
unconditional love is and remind us to always be the people our pets
think we are.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Leave a Comment

Filed under all you need is a dog, All you need is love, aromatherapy, dog cone collar, dog rescue, dogs, Happy Thanksgiving, keep pets safe, pit bull, turkey, Uncategorized