Adopt Thor a Bernese Mountain Dog Mix

Thor is one gorgeous dog!  Love that wavy coat and beautiful tail!

Thor is a Bernese Mountain dog mix.  He's three years old and already neutered.  Thor sits and takes treats gently.  He walks pretty well on a leash, but he's a big boy, so he could use some training on sometimes pulling.

Have some time for fetch and frisbe?  Thor is your guy.

Please watch Thor's adoption video and then give the Humane Society of Missouri in St Louis a call at 314-951-1562,  Thor's animal shelter ID number is A551251

Since 1870, the Humane Society of Missouri has been dedicated to second chances. They provide a safe and caring haven to all animals in need - large and small - that have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Their mission is to end the cycle of abuse and pet overpopulation through our rescue and investigation efforts, spay/neuter programs and educational classes. They are committed to creating lasting relationships between people and animals through our adoption programs. They further support that bond by making available world-class veterinary care, and outstanding pet obedience and behavior programs.

We're participating in the Tuesday's Tails blog hop hosted by Dogs N Pawz.  This is the blog hop that features shelter animals.  Find a pet at your local animal shelter or rescue and join us!  Please spread the word about these beautiful animals via social media and let's find them forever homes!

Rudy is an Adoptable Boxer Pit Bull Puppy

What a cutie!  And, let's face it, I couldn't resist featuring a dog named Rudy!  This adorable boy is a brown brindle and white Boxer and Pit Bull.  Rudy is still at puppy at only 4 months old and full of playful puppy energy.

Rudy has been calling the Humane Society of Missouri animal shelter in St Louis home since November 2012.  Definitely time for this sweet boy to find a loving forever home.

Take a look at Rudy's adoption video below and then please share!  Let's network and find Rudy someone who will teach him to be the loving, well behaved companion he wants to be.

Interested in adopting Rudy?  Contact the Humane Society of Missouri at 314-951-1562.  Rudy's animal ID number is A541555.

Westminster Look Alike Adoptable Dog

Once glance at this adorable little face and I was reminded of Banana Joe, winner of Westminster!  

This cute little guy is Manchester.  He's a black Cairn Terrier mixed breed dog.  Animal shelter staff believe he's about 2 years old.

Manchester loves to go for walks, prefers to do his business outdoors and he's already neutered.

Take a look at his adoption video below and you may very well have found a charming new addition to your family.

For more information about Manchester, contact the Humane Society of Missouri Chesterfield Valley animal shelter location at 636-530-0805.  Manchester's animal ID number is A544340

Since 1870, the Humane Society of Missouri has been dedicated to second chances.  They provide a safe and caring haven to all animals in need - large and small - that have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Their mission is to end the cycle of abuse and pet overpopulation through our rescue and investigation efforts, spay/neuter programs and educational classes. They are committed to creating lasting relationships between people and animals through our adoption programs. The HSMO further supports that bond by making available world-class veterinary care, and outstanding pet obedience and behavior programs.

Black Lab Molly is Looking for a Forever Home

This beautiful girl is Molly.  She's a spayed female, black Labrador Retriever mix.  Shelter staff think she's about 18 months old.  She sits and walks nicely on a leash.

Take a look at Molly's adoption video below and then give the Humane Society of Missouri Chesterfield Valley animal shelter a call at 636-530-0805.  Molly's ID number is A544835

Adopt Sandy a Pit Bull Terrier Posing as a Reindeer

Sandy is posing as a reindeer in hopes that Santa will bring her a new family for Christmas.  She's a beautiful tan and white Pit Bull Terrier girl currently living at the Humane Society of Missouri animal shelter in St Louis.  

That's no place to be living at Christmas!  Especially when you're just a baby like Sandy.  She's only 7 months old, so full of that playful puppy dog energy and ready for adventure.  A sweetheart and a lover, she's looking for a lap to cuddle in and a best friend to love.

Take a look at Sandy's adoption video and you'll see what a lovely girl she really is.  If you're looking to add a furry member of your family, consider sweet Sandy.

For more information, call the HSMO at 314-647-8800.  Sandy's ID number is A541318

Adopt Sweet Xena a Black Lab Mix Looking for Love

When deciding which dog to feature today, I couldn't resist a girl named Xena.  Not only is she named after that pawesome warrior princess, but she looks so sweet and lovely.

Xena is a Labrador Retriever mixed breed dog.  She's about three years old and already spayed.  As you can see from her adoption video, she's black with white accents!   She's a playful girl who already knows how to sit and, from the looks of it, could easily learn how to shake paws.  

Right now Xena is living at the Humane Society of Missouri's Chesterfield Valley animal shelter.  Staff there report that she walks nicely on a leash and is a delightful dog.

If you have room in your life for another dog, please consider this sweet girl.  Call 636-530-0805 for more information about Xena.  Her animal ID number is A538458.

Adopt Boogy Woofy a Pit Bull Terrier Dog

  Boogy Woogy is looking for love and a forever home.  He's a neutered male, brown brindle and white Pit Bull Terrier mix dog.  

Boogy Woogy is currently at the Humane Society of Missouri animal shelter in St Louis.  Shelter staff think he's about 7 months old.

As you can see from his video below, Boogy Woofy is adorable.  Full of that wonderful, cuddly, puppy energy.  He's ready to bring joy to your life as your new best friend.

If you have room in your heart and home for Boogy Woogy, contact the Humane Society of Missouri at 314-951-1562.  Boogy Woogy's animal ID number is A537902

Hurricane Sandy | HSUS Animal Rescue Team

Follow along with the Humane Society of the United States Animal Rescue Team and they aid families, many now homeless, take care of their pets.  The HSUS is providing shelter for many pets whose families have been forced to find shelter for themselves due to Hurricane Sandy.

Dogs Cats Horses Rescued in Galena Missouri

 The Animal Cruelty Task Force of the Humane Society of Missouri says they'll be recommending animal abuse charges for a Galina, Missouri animal owner.  

On October 16, 2012, they worked in cooperation with the Stone County (MO) Sheriff's Office to rescue 10 horse, 15 dogs, 5 cats, a chicken and a duck from a property west of Galena, Missouri in Stone County.

Humane Society Animal Cruelty Investigators and Stone County Sheriff's Department detectives had been working for several months with the owner of the animals to encourage proper care for the animals.  With little to no improvement made, the sheriff's office determined that a warrant should be obtained to inspect the property with the possibility of removing animals at risk.

At least seven of the horses are severely underweight and have had little access to food, fresh water, adequate pasture or veterinary care.  One horse was more than 600 pounds underweight and so weak he could barely get on and off the trailer.

The cats appear thin and many of the dogs were tethered outside with little to no access to adequate food or clean water.  Two recently deceased horses and a recently deceased dog also were found on the property.  The live animals were removed at the recommendation of a veterinarian for the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

According to Kathy Warnick, President of the Humane Society of Missouri:

Life for Sid, a 4-year-old West Highland Terrier mix, has been anything but easy. Our Animal Cruelty Task Force found him living in filth -- the floors covered with trash, animal waste and grime. Fleas crawled all over him, and so much of his hair was missing that it was difficult to determine his breed. We watched as he paced around the room, scratching his poor body against walls, couches, recliners; whatever was available that might provide a little relief.

Sid was in terrible shape. Neglected. Underfed. Without proper veterinary care. And he wasn't alone.

Walking through the rest of the house, we discovered a Bassett Hound whose nails were so long they had grown into his paw. And it was Sid who alerted us to a third dog, and the biggest heartbreak of the rescue. There in the bathroom lay a Beagle. Sid stood beside his friend and desperately tried to nudge him awake. But it was too late. The Beagle had died from heinous abuse and neglect. It was a heart-wrenching sight, and one we won't soon forget.

Today the rescued dogs are receiving care at the Humane Society of Missouri. Sid is suffering from sarcoptic mange, fleas, a double ear infection and he has a heart murmur. Our expert veterinary and shelter staff are doing everything they can, but his recovery will require weeks upon months of care.

The rescued horses, duck and chicken were transported o the Humane Society of Missouri's Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, MO.  The rescued dogs and cats were taken to the Humane Society of Missouri Headquarters in St Louis, MO.

A disposition hearing to determine custody of the animals is scheduled for later this month in Galena, MO.  If custody is awarded to the Humane Society of Missouri, as many of the animals as possible will be made available for adoption.

Adopt a Shelter Dog | Find a New Best Friend

This is the face of a shelter dog.

When we arrived at the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, this adorable black Labrador Retriever mix puppy was all alone in a kennel.  Turns out he was part of a litter that was surrendered to the animal shelter.  His brothers and sisters were chocolate and yellow.  All of them were adopted at 8-9 weeks, as soon as they were made available for adoption.  So, all alone now, there he waited.

Maybe he was waiting for us because we fell in love.  We named him Spanky Doo and enjoyed 12 years of adventures with him.  12 years of unconditional love.

You can have that, too!  If you're thinking about adding a new best friend to your family, check out the nearest animal shelter.  

October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.  

Want a black dog like we did?  They're got 'em!  

Want a purebred dog?  They've got 'em!  

Love is waiting for you....  what are you waiting for?!

Fetch Petfinder to see over 375,000 adoptable pets from almost 14,000 adoption groups!

Here are some of the dogs available for adoption right now at Spanky's alma mater!

Pit Bull Terrier, Ella, is Looking for Love: Adopt a Dog

 Ella is looking for love and a forever home.  She's waiting for you at the Humane Society of Missouri St Louis animal shelter.

Ella is a 2 year old Pit Bull Terrier.  This beautiful black and white dog has lovely manners and is very affectionate.  Easy going, she loves people and loves going for walks.  She's already spayed and up to date on routine vaccinations.

Take a look at Ella's adoption video below and you'll see what a love she is.  If you have room in your heart and on your couch, give the HSMO a call at 314-647-8800 and ask about Ella.  Her animal ID number is A534961.

Can't adopt right now?  Then please tweet and share Ella.  Let's social network to find this sweet girl her forever home!



If you're looking for a best friend to add to your family, but Ella is not what you had in mind, please take a look at some of Ella's shelter-mates.  

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Starving Horses, Dogs, Goats, Rabbits Rescued in Missouri

Photo: HSMO 

The Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force was stunned by the condition of the animals they rescued recently.  

It seemed as though desperate, emaciated animals were everywhere on the property just north of Vienna, Missouri.  for some, it was already too late.  Multiple horses and other animals had already died from neglect.

Working in cooperation with the Maries County Sheriff's Office and the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA), they rescued 40 dogs, rabbits, horses and goats.  Many of the animals are severely underweight and have had little access to food, fresh water, adequate shelter or veterinary care.  The water available to the dogs was contaminated with urine and feces.  A recently deceased horse and multiple carcasses were found on the property.  The animals were removed at the recommendation of a veterinarian for the MDA.

Mango, a white mare, was so thin every rib and hip bone can be seen.  Her sunken body was covered in rain rot, a skin infection that had become severe from lack of veterinary care.  And she wasn't alone.  She had a foal who was also starving to death.  Too malnourished to produce milk, Mango was unable to care for her baby.  

Mango and foal, along with the other rescued horses and goats were transported to the Humane Society of Missouri's Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, MO.  There they are receiving emergency veterinary care.

The rescued rabbits and dogs, which include adult and newborn Beagles, Terriers, and Great Pyrenees have been taken to the HSMO headquarters in St Louis City.  They are being treated for parasites, eye infections, and malnutrition.  

If custody is awarded to the HSMO, as many of these animals as possible will be made available for adoption. A disposition hearing is scheduled for October 2 in Vienna, MO.  The HSMO will be recommending animal abuse charges in this case.

Adopt Stan a White American Bulldog Mix Dog

Stan is a one year old male American Bulldog mixed breed dog available for adoption from the Humane Society of Missouri St Louis animal shelter.  He's a big love of a dog who still has some of that wonderful puppy energy.  A lover, Stan's big on kisses!

As you can see from his dog video, Stan is a beautiful boy!

Stan is learning to walk on a leash without pulling and knows how to sit.  He's a big guy, so he could use some further training and walking experience to learn how to control that big body.

If you have room in your heart and home, please consider adopting Stan. Call 314-647-8800 and ask for information on animal ID# A536382

Lab Puppy Teddy is Looking for Love

If you've been thinking about adding a puppy to your family, fetch a look at this sweet Lab pup!  Teddy is a three month old white Labrador Retriever mixed breed dog.  And he is adorable!  Check out those cute black spots!  He'll be a real looker when he grows up.

The video below shows Teddy going for his very first walk outside.  Look how sweet and curious he is.

Full of that playful puppy energy, Teddy needs a loving forever home that can teach him the ways of the world.

For more information about Teddy, contact the Humane Society of Missouri St Louis animal shelter at 314-951-1562.  Teddy is animal ID number A533940

Adopt an Abused Pit Bull Terrier Dog Looking for Love

This beautiful boy stopped me in my tracks and I knew I had to feature him today.  Augusten is a red and white Pit Bull Terrier mixed breed dog currently living at the Humane Society of Missouri animal shelter in St Louis.

Augusten is about 9 months old and already neutered.  As you can see in his video, he's definitely a lover, not a fighter.  He came to the HSMO from a very rough situation and you'll notice that the tips of his ears are gone.  His previous owner cut them off with kitchen shears. 

This rescued pup already seems to be housebroken and has gentle manners on a leash.  Augusten loves to give kisses and sits for treats.  He needs a loving forever home to enjoy his puppy energy and show him how wonderful life can be.

If you have room in your life and heart for a sweet young dog, please give some consideration to Augusten.  For more information you can call  314-951-1562 and ask about animal ID number A532644.
 

Lidia a Senior American Bulldog is Looking For Love

Lidia, senior American Bulldog 

 I don't know how this beautiful 8 year old girl came to the Humane Society of Missouri animal shelter.  It certainly could not have been from behavior problems.  Lidia is a senior white American Bulldog.  She's spayed, housebroken and up to date on routine shots.

Lidia is a calm, mellow, love of a dog.  She'd love to take a stroll with you or snuggle up on the couch.  

Take a look at her dog video, then call the HSMO in St Louis for more information 314-951-1562.  Lidia is animal ID # A527705  You can also find Lidia on Petfinder.

You may interested to know why Lidia caught my eye when I was choosing a dog to feature today.  She looks so much like Hanah.  On May 22, 2011, a devastating tornado struck Joplin, Missouri.  The storm yanked Hanah from her owner's arms as they were taking shelter.  At the time Hanah was 5 years old and 110 pounds.  She was seen after the tornado and it is suspected that she was picked up by someone.  Hanah's family is still searching for her.  

Hanah's dog mom, Kari Wilkes has set up this Facebook page, Bring Hanah Home and you can read more about Hanah there.  Whenever I see a white American Bulldog, I make sure to check for Hanah's one blue eye, one brown eye.  After you read Hanah's story, you will, too.

Adopt a Black Dog: Milo, Oreo, Bugsy and Pearl

Milo

Join black dog lovers by adopting one of these beautiful black Lab mixes.  All are available for adoption from the Humane Society of Missouri in St Louis. All are neutered / spayed and up to date on vaccinations.

Milo is a 5 month old male black Labrador Retriever mix dog.  Still filled with all that wonderful puppy energy.  Milo is Pet ID: A532307

Oreo is a 7 months old female Labrador Retriever / Beagle dog mix puppy who is ready to explore the world with you. Pet ID A534263

Oreo

Bugsy is an 8 month old Labrador Retriever / Pit Bull Terrier mix dog.  He sits for treats and walks nicely on a leash.  If you follow the link on his name, you'll be taken to an additional video of Bugsy on Petfinder.  Pet ID A530016

Bugsy

Pearl is a young female adult black Labrador Retriever / German Shepherd Dog.  She is very calm, gentle and mellow, plus she walks nicely on a leash.  Pet ID A531841

 

For information about any of these beautiful black dogs, contact the Humane Society of Missouri at 314-647-8800

Adopt a Beagle Dog: Layla is Looking for Love

 Layla is looking for a forever home.  She's a spayed female, tricolor Beagle who is about one year old.  Just look at that happy face and wagging tail!  Layla's a beauty!  Right now she's living at the Humane Society of Missouri Chesterfield Valley animal shelter, but she'd much rather have some fun with you and your family.

Call 636-530-0805 for more information about Layla ID# A534752

Adopt Bowser a Black Cocker Spaniel Dog

Bowser is looking for love and he's got a lot of love to share, too.  He's a black Cocker Spaniel who's about 2 years old.  Very affectionate, he walks nicely on a leash and sits to be petted. 

Right now he's calling the Humane Society of Missouri Chesterfield Valley animal shelter home.  If you've got room in your heart and on your couch for a love of a dog, give them a call at 636-530-0805 and find out more about Bowser  (ID# A533810)

My Best Friends: Bloggers Unite for Dog Rescue

 Some of my best friends came from behind bars.  

 Their only crime?  

 They were unwanted.

 Over the years we've enriched our lives with several adopted, rescued furry friends, but the ones below came from animal shelters.

 All save one were scheduled for euthanasia.

 

Benji was on death row at the Lawrence Humane Society.
A German Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher mix, at about 3 months old he had less than a week left before he would be euthanized when I first saw him.  I'd gone along for the ride with some friends who were planning to adopt.  A fulltime college student living in an apartment, I had no business even considering adding a puppy to my life.  But I did.  At the "midnight hour" I became the cavalry and rescued this pup who would become the love of my life for the next 14 years.  A three time cancer survivor and amputee, my tripawd Benji and I had some amazing adventures together.

Sherman was all alone in a cage at Wayside Waifs the day the Dog Daddy and I went looking for a new friend for Benji and to celebrate the farm we'd just purchased.  A yellow Lab mix puppy who'd been picked up as a stray, we fell in love.

When my beloved Benji succumbed to liver failure, my fix for heartbreak was a puppy.  The only black one in a litter of Lab mix puppies, he remained unadopted at the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri and didn't have long before his time was up.   Spanky Doo was smart as a whip, ready for anything, and soon became the boon companion of our Sherman.

We found Jeffie, our cush dog, on Petfinder  Jeffie, his two brothers, and his Golden Retriever mother had been picked up as strays and were living at Dogwood Animal Shelter. 


Before I adopted Benji, all those years ago, I had grown up with bonny dog companions who were all purebred dogs adopted directly from the breeders.  I was unaware of animal shelters, the notion of pet rescue, and ignorant about the great numbers of unwanted pets.  


Since then, the canine members of my family have all been rescues either adopted from shelters, unwanted products of unspayed neighbor dogs, or strays we couldn't bear to re-home.  Most have been mixed breed dogs, but there have been some purebreds, too.

According to the ASPCA, approximately 8-12 million companion animals enter animal shelters each year and approximately 60% of those dogs are euthanized nationwide.  Less that 20% of shelter dogs are returned to their owners.  Most of those returned were identified with tags or microchips.  About 25% of dogs that enter local shelters are purebred.

Adopting, rather than shopping for a dog means that not only has that life been saved, but there's more room in that shelter for another homeless dog.  Visit your local animal shelter, surf Petfinder, or contact a dog breed rescue group to find your special canine best friend.  Large dogs, small dogs.  Purebred dogs, mixed breeds.  They're all there just waiting for you. 


Bloggers Unite for Dog Rescue is a special online global event held today, July 23, 2012,  that stresses the importance of dog adoptions.  BTC4animals.com is proud to partner with Blog Catalog, Dog Rescue Success and pet bloggers to harness a global online community to help save the lives of dogs in need.