Easter Puppies, Chicks and Bunnies: Dog Song Saturday
Tomorrow is Easter, so today we have an adorable music video featuring puppies, chicks, and bunnies! It is so cute that we're sure you won't mind that it isn't truly a dog song.
Puppy Easter was created by Devin Graham with an original score by Stephen Anderson to celebrate Easter 2012.
So grab a puppy to cuddle! Sit. Stay. Relax and enjoy Puppy Easter.
Fetch a pack of dog song music videos at Talking Dogs and be sure to scroll down below today's video to explore some barking good blogs in the Pet Blogger Hop!
Follow-up Friday: Bunny Ears, the Big Head, Senior Dogs and more
Before I begin my follow-up, I just want to mention a few things.
Love dogs wearing rabbit ears? Be sure to come back on Sunday to see Jeffie, Rudy and Rosie in their bunny ears in honor of Easter.
Be sure to visit Talking Dogs during the month of April, because we're going to be celebrating Jeffie's 7th birthday ALL MONTH LONG. There will be a different giveaway each week - hint: don't miss us on Tuesdays!
I have to thank Kathy Hensel Porter for the very lovely article she published this week on her Healing Rescue Pets blog about my life and For Love of a Dog jewelry business. Kathy's doing a series of interviews with women who followed their dreams and created pet related businesses. My interview is long, thorough, and Kathy did a wonderful job telling my For Love of a Dog story.
Finally, I have to shout WOOF at Caren Gittleman. Here I am, just reading my Google Reader and I stumble on a totally unsolicited fabulous review of For Love of a Dog and my jewelry work. I was gobsmacked and absolutely thrilled. She better watch out or I'll get "the Big Head!" Be sure to visit Dakota's Den on April 1 to enter a very special giveaway she's hosting. I promise - this is no April Fools Day joke!
And, finally, a bit of follow-up:
Dancing in the Snow: Our First Real Video
I just want to thank everyone for their comments! Obviously, Rosie has stolen our hearts, too, and we love watching her play with Rudy, with or without snow! Hopefully, my skill at the "video thing" will improve as I remember where the zoom is and steady my hands. LOL I need to hurry up with that because Rosie is growing up fast.
Busted: Dog Fighting Ring in KS MO TX
Last I heard, 100 dogs were seized and most were Pit Bulls. (Frankly, I can't say much more about this story in polite company, if you know what I mean.)
March Madness: Wordless Wednesday Not
Over the years, Jeffie has learned that yelling at the television is okay and not directed at him. He consistently is THE BEST comforter when your team is having a bad day, too! Happily, both of my teams are in the Sweet Sixteen: KU Jayhawks and Duke Blue Devils. Rosie can have her cookies, I'll take my boys in blue. (The dog daddy was for the Tar Heels.)
Adoptable Senior Dog: Surrendered because He is Old
NEW INFORMATION!
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| Mac, senior Lab mix, adoptable dog. Photo: Kim Hansen |
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| Freddie, senior Lab, adoptable dog. Photo: Petfinder |
Mac, 12 year old Lab mix, and his companion, Freddie, a female black Lab, were discovered by a realtor. They'd been left behind in an empty house that had been foreclosed. Please, people, share these pups!
Adoptable Senior Dog Surrendered because He is Old
He is 12 years old.
Mac is one of two seniors left behind at their home that was foreclosed on.
A realtor discovered them at the property and took them to Dogwood Animal Shelter in Osage Beach, Missouri.
To the left is his Petfinder photo.
As photographer Kim Hansen explains:
Mac is a They-had-no-time-dog.
Mac is an Until-they-had-to-move-dog.
Mac is an Until-he-got-old-dog.
It happens. All too often. Please network and share to help Mac find a loving home to enjoy his golden years.
For more information about Mac, contact Dogwood Animal Shelter at 573-348-4411.
Dogwood Animal Shelter is a private non-profit, "no-kill" facility in Osage Beach, MO, established in 1976. They provide a low cost spay and neuter program, as well as a free educational program designed to promote empathy, humane treatment, and responsible pet ownership.
In 2012, professional photographer, Kim Hansen, Creative Photography by Kim, began volunteering her services at Dogwood. Kim spends time with these adoptable shelter pets and then captures their personalites and beauty in a photograph to help them find forever homes.
March Madness: Wordless Wednesday Not
We love March Madness and our boys in blue!
The dog daddy and I are, admittedly, obsessed with the NCAA men's college basketball tournament. We plan our lives around it.
And, since, we also plan our meals and snacks around it, the dogs enjoy it, too. Well, not the yelling and cheering. Jeffie really hates it when we yell at the television. There was a lot of yelling on Sunday night!
Thought you might enjoy some of the out-takes of our March Madness photo session.
The Dog Daddy thought his favorite team needed some better representation.
So, he enlisted Rudy's help.
Not to be outdone, I gave a little suggestion to Rosie.
Rosie had her own ideas!
And, if asked, I'm pretty sure Jeffie and Rudy would agree!
Busted: Dog Fighting Ring in KS MO and TX
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| Photo: ASPCA |
At the request of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the United States Attorney�s Office, the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), in conjunction with the Harrison County Sheriff�s Department and Henry County Sheriff�s Department, assisted in a multi-state, federal dog fighting raid in Missouri, Kansas and Texas this past weekend. The ASPCA managed the removal and transport of nearly 100 dogs involved in the investigation, and is overseeing forensic evidence collection, as well as the dogs� veterinary care and sheltering.According to the Associated Press, two men were charged in the U.S. District Court for Kansas, with one count each of transporting animals for participation in an animal fighting venture in interstate commerce.
A search warrant was executed on Saturday night in Kansas, after the FBI raided a location suspected of holding a contract dog fight in north Texas. The ASPCA and other agencies, including the Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT), assisted in the seizure of the dogs. Two additional warrants were served on Sunday morning for the removal of the dogs in Missouri.
The dogs were transferred to a temporary shelter in an undisclosed location, where they will receive veterinary care from the ASPCA�s medical team, led by Dr. Sarah Kirk, medical director of ASPCA Field Investigations and Response. The HSNT will manage the transport of dogs seized from the Texas investigation.
Agencies assisting the ASPCA with the sheltering operation include: Wayside Waifs (Kansas City, Mo.); International Fund for Animal Welfare (Yarmouth Port, Mass.); Nebraska Humane Society (Omaha, Ne.); Humane Society of North Texas (Fort Worth, Texas); Dallas Animal Services (Dallas, Texas); Sumter Disaster Animal Response Team (Bushnell, Fla.); and Great Plains SPCA (Merriam, Kan.).
The ASPCA Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) team, assisting under the direction of the FBI, is collecting forensic evidence to be submitted for prosecution. The CSI team brings state-of-the-art forensics tools and expertise to crime scenes in order to strengthen cases. The ASPCA will also collect DNA samples from the dogs and submit them to Canine CODIS (Combined DNA Index System), the nation�s first criminal dog-fighting DNA database, which will help law enforcement agencies identify relationships between dogs and enable investigators to establish connections between breeders, trainers and dog fighting operators.
The ASPCA was contacted for assistance by the FBI and the Missouri State Highway Patrol in the criminal investigation, evidence collection, rescue and sheltering efforts of the case. The ASPCA has assisted local and federal authorities in previous dog fighting cases, including the largest dog fighting seizure in U.S. history in Missouri in 2009, and the following year established its Blood Sports unit to investigate dog fighting and cockfighting across the country.
Dog fighting is a felony in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Additional illegal activities are often connected with dog fighting, such as drug and weapons violations. Earlier this year, the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act was reintroduced in the U.S. Congress, which would make it a federal offense to attend an organized animal fight and impose additional penalties for bringing a minor to a fight. For more information on the ASPCA�s efforts to tackle animal fighting and to join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade, please click here.
The complaint accuses the men of holding weekly dogfights in northwest Missouri, training the dogs at a home residence in Kansas City, Kansas, where the dogs were put on treadmills with live chickens used as bait. The complaint also says at least one dog was taken to Texas last weekend for fighting.
Dancing in the Snow: Our First Real Video
Actually, this is the first video footage I've shot that I've managed to upload from the camera to the computer. Sigh...
If you think the quality could be improved, you're not alone in that opinion. You should see what I edited out!
However, biased as I am, I think Rosie and Rudy look pretty cute in Dancing in the Snow.
I swore that this year I'd manage to do some video. I mean, what's the point of a YouTube channel if you don't post new videos?! And, let's face it, having a new puppy in the family is a great motivator.
Plus, I've purchased some software that promises to help me transfer VHS to DVD, so (fingers crossed) soon I can share some footage of the original talking dogs, Tucker and Lucy in their prime.
One final note: Yes, I am well aware that my camera has a zoom function. Hopefully, I'll remember to use it next time!
Fall in Love with Jack, an Adoptable Dog in Missouri
What happens when a dog owner dies and the rest of the family isn't interested in the dog? In Jack's case, he was taken in by Dogwood Animal Shelter.
Jack has been at the shelter for a few months now and is hoping to find another loving home. According to shelter volunteers, Jack is a great dog! He walks nicely on a leash and always has a friendly greeing for everyone.
Only, a couple of years old, Jack still has a lot of energy and is ready for fun! He invites you to come by and clip a leash to his collar and go for a walk on one of these nice spring days. Jack's pretty sure you'll fall in love!
For more information about Jack, contact Dogwood Animal Shelter in Osage Beach, Missouri.
Dogwood Animal Shelter was established as a not-for-profit organization in 1976. They have been a no-kill facility since 1997 and built a new shelter in 2005 which includes a spay/neuter clinic. In 2010, the shelter spayed/neutered over 1200 animals. Their Dogwood Thrift Shop provides over half of the funding that keeps the shelter in operation.
National Puppy Day: Dog Song Saturday
Today we're celebrating National Puppy Day with a fun music video of all kinds of sweet puppies and the Harry Nilsson Puppy Song, sung by Astrud Gilberto.
March 23, 2013 marks the 8th anniversary of National Puppy Day which was founded by Pet Lifestyle Expert, Colleen Paige. Colleen is an animal rights advocate and runs the Animal Miracle Network. National Puppy Day was established to promote adoptions from animal shelters, humane societies and rescue groups, as opposed to buying from pet stores.
National Puppy Day is also a day to simply celebrate the joy of puppies. Join us on our Facebook page and post a photo of your special puppy!
First, though... grab a puppy to snuggle! Sit. Stay. Relax and enjoy the Puppy Song.
Fetch more dog song music videos at Talking Dogs. We celebrate puppies, and the dogs they grow up to be, every day!
Be sure to take some time to explore some barking good blogs in the Pet Blogger Hop!
Follow-up Friday: Coyotes, Puppy Love, Art
Once again, I'm following up on a bit more than just this past week.
Coyote Update: Unexpected Help
Though this particular post is from last week, I have more to add to this coyote saga.
First I want to clarify a few things. We live in the country, in the middle of 45 acres, surrounded by larger farms. Our "backyard" is about 2 acres and fenced for the dogs: picket fence on the front and part of one side; the remainder 2"x4" field fencing with two strands of barbed wire on top. It backs up to a creek which contains a series of spring ponds which attract a lot of wildlife, plus our horses have access to that area.
This is not our first rodeo in terms of predator encounters: coyotes, foxes, bobcats, bears, wild hogs.
Yes, I did go after one small pack of coyotes years ago with a baseball bat (when they were snatching our chickens and my dog was trying to fight them.) No, I'm not "one tough lady." I've discovered that one never really knows for sure what we're capable of, until faced with the situation. Threaten my animals? You and I may both be in for a surprise!
We're being very vigilant. No dog goes outside alone. If one of us is not out there with them, we're watching with a gun handy.
Last weekend the dogs were outside playing when a large pack of young coyotes showed up on the other side of the creek. I called the dogs in while the dog daddy grabbed the rifle. He shot to scare several times and the pack scattered. Interesting that the horses were on their way to help from across the pasture. Try to convince me that they didn't see those coyotes as a threat to their family.
We're peaceniks and non-hunters. We'd never seen that pack of coyotes before (or since), so there was no shooting to kill.
The next day I saw what I believe are the coyote pair I photographed hunting in the snow in our "front yard." Once again, we shot to inspire fear. Later that day I heard shooting down in the valley and suspect a neighbor spotted coyotes.
So far, we've not seen that lone coyote who has no fear of us. If/when we do, we will be shooting to kill. In fact, we've had no coyote sightings this week. We've added one of those air horns to our "arsenal" and I carry it with me when I run out to the studio.
I also have to say that I am loving the LED collar I was sent to review! In the pitch dark, I can locate where my little pack is with a glance, thanks to Jeffie wearing it (and the fact that they stick together so well.)
The drought here has been very severe and wildlife are definitely feeling the pinch in terms of finding food. Put that together with their increasing adaptation to living near humans and I'm sure our coyote story will continue.
Adoration: Rudy
Loved all the comments on this post! And, yes, there is room in Rudy's heart for both Rosie and Jeffie. Jeffie is Rudy's best friend; Rosie is something more. I don't know what to call it. If Rudy was female, I'd say there's a maternal flavor to the relationship, but it is even more than that.
Someone also asked about the relationship between Jeffie and Rosie. I promise to blog about this, because it is sweet!
Irish Blessings and Great Jingle News
Just have to say once again how thrilled I am that senior shelter dog, Jingle, now has a forever home!
Wordless Wednesday: Rosie Does Shamrocks
Thanks for all your lovely comments! So far, Rosie has not joined the Witness Protection Program, nor is she Amish. She has lots of patience for photos. Even when we dress her in very silly things!
She and Rudy developed a new game right before these St Paddy's Day photos were taken. Rudy finds the vole tunnels and either sees, feels, or hears them at work. Once identified, he and Rosie snoot away, following the trail.
Rosie is a love and what we call "an old soul." She is, hands down, the easiest, smartest puppy. Seriously. And I'm trying to make sure to hold her as much as possible now, because she is GROWING!
Urban Wanderers Art Exhibition Benefits Stray Rescue
I realize you're not going to head to St Louis to see this, but if you like dogs and you like art, then you should check this out! You can see some of the art work in the videos included in this blog post.
Before I close, I just want to let you know that we're celebrating National Puppy Day over at our Facebook page. Post a photo of your favorite puppy and check out the cuties already posted. I guarantee it will make you smile!
And finally, I want to confirm that Mother Nature has a sense of humor. On the second official day of spring, she gave us 6" of snow... with more to come over the weekend! Happy Spring!
Urban Wanderers Art Exhibition Benefits Stray Rescue
A partnership between Stray Rescue and Saint Louis University Museum of Art, Urban Wanderers highlights homeless companion animals each year in a unique way.
Artists paint, photograph, or sculpt a Stray Rescue dog or cat that has been abandoned, abused, or neglected. Shelter dogs create works of art using their paws, tails, and noses. Not only unique and unusual, Urban Wanderers attracts well- respected artists exhibiting on regional, national, and international levels.
According to Randy Grim, author, radio host and founder of Stray Rescue:
"All those we rescue have important stories to tell, and telling these stories through art has proven to be a captivating way to show the reality of what homeless companion animals face on a daily basis. The event also draws attention to how shelter animals enrich people's lives and made the greatest companions - it's truly one-of-a-kind"
The exhibition provides Stray Rescue with the opportunity to share facts about pet homelessness with the public, as well as their accomplishments in making St. Louis a more compassionate city for companion animals and people.
This year's Urban Wanderers Spokesdog is OP. In late September of this past year, this dog was shot at least 12 tmes and then tossed in a dumpster and left to die with an electrical cord tightly wrapped around his neck.
OP's story is exactly the kind of important story told through the Urban Wanderers Art Exhibition.
The exhibition will open on Friday, March 22, with a reception beginning at 6pm and will run through Sunday, May 5, at the Saint Louis University Museum of Art. The closing reception, at noon on May 5, includes a special presentation with Dr. Michael W. Fox, former Vice President of the Humane Society of the United States.
All art displayed in the exhibition will be available through an online auction beginning on Friday, March 22. 100% of the funds raised will go directly to helping homeless dogs and cats.
Part 2 with some of the art work:
About Stray Rescue: A non-profit organization founded by Randy Grim in 1998, Stray Rescue's sole purpose is to rescue stray animals in need of medical attention, restore them to health, and place them in loving adoptive homes.
Wordless Wednesday: Rosie Does Shamrocks
I do wish we'd had something cuter to "dress" her in AND I should have washed the mud off her nose!
Tour For Life Mobile Pet Adoption Event
Billed as "The World's Largest Mobile Pet Adoption Event," the North Shore Animal League's 13th annual Tour For Life� launched on March 6. In partnership with PURINA ONE�, they'll be stopping in 53 cities in 27 states where they'll join their rescue partners to promote adopting pets from animal shelters.
Four mobile adoption units will be covering over 17,000 miles during March and April. Last year's event helped find homes for over 1,500 animals.
Fetch Tour for Life route information on their website and adoption updates on their Facebook page.
Established in 1944, the New York based North Shore Animal League America is the world's largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization.
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Irish Blessings and Great Jingle News!
May those who love us, love us.
And those that don't love us,
May God turn their hearts.
And if He doesn't turn their hearts,
May he turn their ankles
So we'll know them by their limping.
All of us at Talking Dogs wish you
the luck of the Irish!
Like Jingle!
Remember Jingle, the Redbone Coonhound who was fostered by Kristi and Glenn Austin. She was available for adoption from City Dogs Rescue.
Yes! That is past tense.
Jingle went to her new forever home on Saturday!
Thank you for sharing and networking this beautiful senior girl!
Siberian Husky: Dog Song Saturday
Grab a dog. Sit. Stay. Relax and enjoy Nancy Simmonds' Siberian Husky.
Fetch more dog song music videos at Talking Dogs to kick off your weekend right and be sure to scroll down and explore some barking good blogs in today's Pet Blogger Hop.
Adoration: Rudy
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| Rosie and Rudy |
We'd been talking about adding a puppy or young dog to our family to give Jeffie a partner. Lucy and Tucker were seniors when we adopted Jeffie.
Poor Jeffie was always the third wheel and odd man out. Lucy tolerated him; Tucker wasn't much interested in playing with him.
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| Our pack at that time: Tucker, Rudy, Lucy B, Jeffie |
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| Jeffie and Rudy |
Jeffie knew it. Rudy was his puppy from the get-go. We were amazed at how Jeffie devoted himself to that puppy. In fact, Rudy even seemed to feel he belonged to Jeffie. What a duo. Jeffie was almost five years old at the time, but he became both a puppy, as well as an older brother to Rudy.
In January, we adopted our girl, Rosie. She clearly adores all of us, but something special happened with Rudy.
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| Rosie |
We already knew Rudy was a sweetheart, but we didn't know just how sweet.
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| Jeffie, Rosie and Rudy |
Rowdy Rudy has played so carefully, so tenderly, with this puppy that it is hard to describe. He began bringing his favorite monkeys (what we call plush toys) to her for Rosie's inspection, approval, and delight.
Rudy brings Kongs and balls to Rosie and rolls them for her.
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| Rosie and Rudy |
These days he still is enthralled. Rosie wins every game.
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| Rosie and Rudy |
When Rudy comes running to me with his Jolly ball - beside himself with excitement to play - the moment Rosie decides she wants to play, too, the ball is hers. There's never a moment of keep-away.
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| Rudy and Rosie |
We have to keep a close eye when treats are given because Rudy will gladly give his up to Rosie.
Rosie wants his food? Fine by Rudy.
He does all this with such a sense of joy and with such a look of tenderness on his face that he breaks our hearts wide open with love.
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| Rudy, big brother extraordinaire! |
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