Midnight, a Lab Pit Bull Mix, Adoptable Dog

Midnight is a Labrador Retriever / Pit Bull Terrier mixed breed dog available for adoption in Saint Louis, Missouri.

This beautiful black girl is a spayed female and staff at the Humane Society of Missouri animal shelter believe she is about 4 years old.

A friendly girl, Midnight knows how to sit and takes treats very gently.  Midnight has lots of playful energy and might even be a great jogging partner for you.  She seems to already be housebroken.

Please take a look at Midnight's adoption video and if you have any questions, contact the Humane Society of Missouri at 314-647-8800.  Midnight's animal ID number is A536432

We're participating in the Tuesday's Tails Blog Hope.  The blogs below feature shelter animals that need a forever home.  Please share via social media and spread the word!

Jeffie was a Cush Dog

Jeffie was a Cush Dog.  Not familiar with the term?  You can read about it in a guest post from the Dog Daddy here.  Its sort of along the lines of an heir and a spare.  

A Cush Dog provides a cushion, a soft landing, when the loss of another dog makes you feel you've hit rock bottom.

I resolved years ago to never be without a Cush Dog.  When my beloved Benji died, Sherman was my Cush Dog.  I was heartbroken and the very best comfort to be had was from Shermie.  In fact, that's when the Dog Daddy's no-dogs-in-the-bed rule was first broken.  As I cried myself to sleep, I hauled Shermie into bed (on only my side, of course) and we grieved together.

In 2006, it dawned on me that I had a problem.  Tucker and Lucy had become senior dogs and they were only 6 months apart in age.   Okay, I also will confess that I had the puppy fever.  

I almost always have the puppy fever, but in this case, I had another good reason for beginning the process of adding another dog to our family.  I needed a Cush Dog.

My hunt began.  As I surfed Petfinder and read the newspaper ads, I waited for that feeling.  The one that tells you this is the one.  

There came a day when there was a lemon yellow, Lab looking puppy that called to me.  When called, the shelter told us that Joe had 2 siblings with him, his mother was a Golden Retriever, and they'd been picked up as strays.  Joe was the only one listed on Petfinder.

Gary took off work early that day and off we headed to Dogwood Animal Shelter to adopt Joe.

Joe turned out to be a very pushy, dominant personality, pup.  The Dog Daddy was smitten, but I found it hard to imagine Tucker and Lucy being too thrilled.  As we played with all three of these puppies in the shelter's puppy room, it was another of the puppies that began to work his way into my heart.  

"Stevie," as they called him, was much more Golden Retriever in appearance, and much more laid back than Joe.  And, every once in awhile, "Stevie" talked to me with little puppy grunts.

I had a feeling that "Stevie" was the one and thank dog I did!

Dog names are important to us and the name "Stevie" was rejected.  After much discussion, this puppy was named Jefferson.

You can see the resemblance, right?

My very favorite memory of Jeffie's puppy-hood is a sort of mental collage of all the early mornings we spent together. 

I'm an early riser and Jeffie is a spring puppy.  Sunrise would find us together outside.  Sitting on the back porch steps, we enjoyed birdsong and the smell of flora and grass.  Jeffie might be in my lap or he might venture off to playfully explore the world nearby.

 

It was a deliciously sweet time of life.

Very fitting for my sweet boy, Jeffie.

We're celebrating Jeffie's 7th birthday all month long here at Talking Dogs.  Did you get the invitation to his party?   Have you entered to win some Monkey Earrings from For Love of a Dog and a "monkey" (dog toy) for your dog?  

C'mon!  Join the party!

There's a New Dog Girl at Talking Dogs!

 Meet Rosie.

I've been trolling Petfinder and Petango lately, tempting myself.  Actually, a few weeks ago, the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri posted an older dog that I absolutely fell in love with, but she was already adopted when I called.

The Dog Daddy prefers adopting puppies and I really couldn't argue with that.  After all, I'm a woman with perpetual puppy fever.

When I saw the Petfinder listing for this puppy, something in my heart told me:  this is the one.

No photograph, but they said she was black, which was pretty much a requirement for me.  And they said she was a Golden Retriever / Labrador Retriever mix.   My heart dog, Lucy, was the same mix and, at least in my opinion, the closest thing to perfection.

So, on Friday off we went to Dogwood Animal Shelter to adopt this precious girl.  One look and it was love at first sight.

Warning:  You are going to get very tired of hearing about this pup.

Jeffie hasn't been quite sure of the new addition, but just Sunday morning Rudy discovered that she's FUN!  Of course, my video camera would not turn on so I could capture Rudy and Rosie doing their play bows and their game of tag.

More photos soon.  The really good news is that Rosie, at least so far, shows no indication of being Amish or in any Witness Protection Program! 

Right now I have to work on my New Year's resolution:  work less; play with pups more.

Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays Video

On Sundays we usually feature adoptable dogs here on the Talking Dogs blog.  Today, in a way, we're featuring all dogs currently in animal shelters who are hoping for a forever home.   

If you're planning to add a canine family member, please consider adopting a shelter or rescue dog.  If you can't adopt, please think about fostering a lonely dog for the holidays.

The video, Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays 2012 was produced by Paws New England (PAWs)  PAWs and 13,000 other rescue organizations are participating in PetFinder's "Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays" initiative.  Find a participating shelter or rescue organization near you.

Working together we can empty the nation's shelters this holiday season.
 

Foster a Pet for the Holidays

This holiday season, open your heart and your home to a pet from a shelter or rescue group.

Volunteer to foster a shelter cat or dog this holiday season and you'll be giving two gifts:  one to the pet who gets a home for the holidays, and another to the shelter workers and volunteers who take care of these pets year-round.

Learn more about Petfinder's Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays Program at

www.petfinder.com/fosteralonelypet

Black Friday: Black Dogs and Black Dog Syndrome

Black Friday.  

For thousands of black dogs, every Friday is black Friday.

Black Dog Syndrome:  dogs that are large and black, especially Labrador Retrievers, shepherd mixes, pit bulls and Rottweilers are passed over time after time in favor of smaller, lighter colored dogs when it comes to animal shelter and rescue adoptions.

A Petfinder member shelter and rescue groups survey found that most pets are listed for 12.5 months on Petfinder.  Black, senior and special needs pets spend almost four times longer on Petfinder.

According to an article published in Psychology today,  Stanley Coren notes:

"There has been speculation that the reason black dogs are being rejected is part of the fabric of our cultural heritage. In ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Norse mythologies, black dogs are often associated with death and the supernatural. They are emissaries of evil and in the folklore of Britain and Europe these demonic black hounds can be found hovering around the border spaces between this world and the next, such as graveyards and places where violence has occurred. The black dogs of folklore are not too very different from normal dogs, except that they are large and very dark, and if you look at their eyes they will sometimes flash red with a fiery glow. Certainly if the Devil has a dog he is big and black."

Coren conducted a survey which allowed people to express their feelings toward dogs which differ only in color.  He tested a total of 60 individuals, targeting Labrador Retrievers using head-shot photographs.  Subjects were asked how much they liked the look of the dog, how friendly they thought it was, how good it would bge as a family pet, and how likely it would be for the dog to be aggressive.

Black dogs rated lower than the other colored (yellow and chocolate) dogs across the board.

As the Black Dog Rescue Project insists:  A dogs coat color has no affect on a dogs temperament and personality.  When adopting your next best friend, be aware that Black Dog Syndrome is real.  Take a second look around the animal shelter and make sure you have not overlooked the black dogs.

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month

Senior Dogs Rock!

Puppies and kittens are cute.  Very cute.  However, if you're thinking about adding a pet to your family, you really should at least consider a senior pet.

Adopting a senior pet means that you'll know exactly what you're getting.  Personalities are already formed and good habits already developed.  No puppy to housebreak.  No kitten to litterbox train.  Which also means less clean up for you and less worry about your floors and furniture.

According to Petfinder.com, some people worry that a senior pet comes with problems, but according to Hazel Blumber-McKee of Tallahassee, Florida, there are no disadvantages.

"In most cases they've had a home and they want one again."

Hazel adopted 8 1/2 year old Sadie and has never regretted it.

"An older animal is easier to deal with.  And Sadie is still playful.  She plays fetch and gallops all over the place."

At animal shelters and rescue groups everywhere, there are loving, healthy senior pets like Sadie looking for that one special home to cherish them for the rest of their life, and they don't ask for much:  just a warm place to sleep, good meals, and plenty of love.

You'd be saving lives.  Older pets are usually the first to be euthanized.  Not only would you save the pet you adopt, but you'd make room for another pet to have a chance at a loving home.

Fetch available senior pets available for adoption at an animal shelter or rescue near you.

 

Petfinder: Help is Needed after Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Sandy animal shelter news from the Petfinder blog:

"For the northeastern region of the US, the high winds and rain of Superstorm Hurricane Sandy have moved on. Petfinder shelters and adoption groups are rising to the challenge of recovering from the worst of the storm. Other Petfinder members further west will continue to face wind and rain as Sandy travels on.

"We are slowly receiving feedback from our member shelters. Many are still without power. We will share their needs with you as they check in.
Please reach out to your local shelter or rescue group to learn if they need assistance. Give them a call, drop them an email, or look messages from them on social media sites like Facebook. It may take a little while for organizations to get back to you if their power is still down. You can locate shelters and adoption groups in your area via our Animal Welfare Organization search on the left side of our homepage.

Connecticut:

• New London Animal Control was seriously damaged by a tree. Their pets have been moved, but the shelter is unusable at this time. The situation has been reported by local news.

Maryland:

• Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter (BARCS) had already evacuated their shelter in advance of the storm. Luckily their facility did not flood. Their animals are safe, and once the roads are open again they�ll start moving the pets back to the shelter.

New York:

• Buddy�s Precious Angels Sanctuary had a tree come down on an empty kennel. They report that they are otherwise okay.
• Amber�s Angels Rescue suffered fence damage due to a tree falling. Their animals are safe.
• Rochester Animal Services set up a temporary animal shelter for the public in advance of the storm. Central and western New York state received less damaging weather than expected, so luckily the temporary shelter was not needed. This kind of advanced preparation takes so much stress off of the public when facing the uncertainty of a massive storm, so we really applaud Rochester for this.
• Rescue Ink�s Long Beach Animal Shelter received serious water and wind damage. The building still stands and their pets are safe, but they need to replace supplies and refurbish the shelter.

New Jersey:

• Woodbridge Animal Shelter reports that the first floor of their shelter flooded. Their pets were evacuated to the second floor. To foster or provide other assistance, call the shelter at 732-726-7036 and leave a message "

Adopt Wiggles a Doxie Corgi Dog in the Puppies for Parole Program

  Wiggles is a 3 years old "Dorgi" - a Dachshund and Corgi mixed breed dog looking for her forever home.  She a little thing, just about 15 pounds and full of fun.

Wiggles loves to play with other dogs, snuggle close to her humans and play with her toys.  She's learning her manners and will make a wonderful family companion.  Wiggles is housebroken and adorable!

Wiggles has all age appropriate vaccinations, is spayed and has been tested for heartworms.  

Wiggles is a member of the EDNAS Puppies for Parole Program and will not be available for adoption until December 8, 2012.  K9 Rescue and Rehab is accepting applications for Wiggles until November 21, 2012.  To be considered please visit http://www.K9RescueAndRehab.org and use the ADOPT button to provide the required information.  Out of state adoptions are available.

Puppies for Parole is a unique program made possible through partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups throughout Missouri. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. 

Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they will be sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. 

Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs.

The benefits of this program are three-fold. Puppies for Parole gives offenders the skills necessary to support successful rehabilitation, reentry, ultimately improving public safety. At the same time, this is an opportunity for the offenders to re-pay Missouri communities and repair some of the debts caused by their crimes. Participants have seen this program have a profound effect on the inmates and staff, increasing the safety and security of the facility.

EDNAS is the official name of the Missouri Puppies for Parole program in the Potosi Correctional Facility. K9 Rescue and Rehab executes their program in this maximum security environment. The standards are held as high for this program as the security is at this facility. 

The result of each cycle is to assure all dogs are complete ready for a loving new family home. To help achieve this offenders are provided a training program and the guidance, experience and skills from The Pawsitive K-9, Bob Brasses BS Ag, CPDT-KA Owner and Head Trainer. With each cycle of dogs the offenders continue to learn how to address more difficult K9 behaviors. This allows K9 Rescue and Rehab to continue to assist with the tougher behaviors that end many K9's lives in shelters.

Check out all the awesome dogs available for adoption from K9 Rescue and Rehab!

What Can a Shelter Dog Bring to Your Life?

Photo:  Petfinder 

 Animal shelters all over the country have dogs of every type, size, age and personality waiting for loving homes.  In celebration of the American Humane Association's national Adopt-A-Dog Month this October, the AHA asks prospective pet owners the question:  What can an adopted dog bring to your life?

According to the AHA, there are as many responses to that question as there are dogs in this world.  Whether you want an exercise buddy, a best friend for your child, a partner in agility competitions, a constant companion for an aging parent or simply a fuzzy face to greet you after a hard day at work, an adopted dog can be all of these and more.  Adopt-A-Dog Month is the perfect time for people to adopt a shelter dog and experience the joy of finding their own answers to that questions.

If you're thinking about bringing an adopted dog into your family, here are some things to consider:

•  Like children, dogs are completely dependent on their owners for all their needs � food, water, medical attention, exercise, shelter and, most important, companionship. But unlike children, dogs will never learn to pour themselves a drink, fix breakfast or clean up after themselves. Opening your home to a dog can be highly rewarding, as long as you understand and accept the daily responsibilities and routines that come with owning a dog.

• � The qualities and personality you want in a dog are more important than size and appearance. For example, an older shepherd mix might do better than an energetic terrier in an apartment. Very often the pet that has the characteristics you�re looking for will come in an unexpected package.

For more tips on dog adoption, behavior and care, or to share your own dog adoption story, visit American Humane Association�s online Adoption Center at www.americanhumane.org/aadm.

Visit Petfinder to find your new best friend:

Adopt a Dog | Wayside Waifs Adoption Event

October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

Celebrate by adding a new furry friend to your family!

Wayside Waifs is holding a half price adoption event throughout the month of October.  All adoption fees include spay or neuter surgery, microchipping, 5 pound bag of Science Diet food and current vaccinations.  In addition, all animals will go home with a special treat bag, courtesy of Brookside Barkery and Bath.

Check out available dogs and cats at Wayside Waifs here.  Wayside Waifs is the largest pet adoption center in Kansas City, placing over 5,000 animals each year in loving forever homes.  Wayside does not euthanize adoptable animals and there are no time limits in their care.

Or use the Petfinder widget below.

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!

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

This is the face of a shelter dog.  

Jeffie and his two brothers were living at Dogwood Animal Shelter 

when we found him on Petfinder.  

He is a blessing in our lives.

Below you can take a look at dogs currently living at Dogwood.  October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.  What better time to add a new best friend to your life. 
.  

Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week: Senior Dogs

There's still time to celebrate Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week September 17 - 23 sponsored by Petfinder.

Petfinder surveyed member shelters and rescue groups and found that some pets wait for a home nearly four times longer than the average adoptable pet does.  Survey participants said the ones do they have the hardest time finding homes for:  senior and older pets.

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

East Tennessee Bloodhound Dog Rescue Event

East Tennessee Bloodhound Rescue is located deep in the backwoods of Powell, Tennessee.  Founded five years ago to rescue Bloodhounds, they now rescue senior dogs of any breed, especially those who have been severely abused.  These dogs are able to live the rest of their lives at the sanctuary.

Dogs available for adoption from East Tennessee Bloodhound Rescue can be found on Petfinder.  When they're ready for their new homes, all will be up to date on all shots and spayed or neutered.

Always in need of funds, especially for vet bills, this rescue also needs volunteers to help at adoption events, fostering and socializing the dogs.  

Right now East Tennessee Bloodhound Rescue is conducting an online auction on Facebook.  Bid to win a wide variety of prizes, including a Bloodhound dog breed necklace donated by For Love of a Dog Jewelry and Gifts.  The auction runs through June 30th and you can instructions for bidding on the East Tennessee Bloodhound Rescue Facebook page.

Here's a photo of the Bloodhound necklace donated by For Love of a Dog:

Handmade porcelain Bloodhound dog head sculpture pendant on a silver snake chain necklace.

Support Bloodhound and senior dog adoption - check out the Eastern Tennessee Bloodhound Rescue auction event now at https://www.facebook.com/East-Tennessee-Bloodhound-Rescue