November 2008 Archives
First of all...this news may be late but nonetheless it's great news:
Following the recent fires, Operation Blankets of Love (check out the new website) received an SOS for blankets to comfort the family pets that were evacuated to the Mission Hills Shelter. There were over 120 animals that were brought there. Within twenty minutes of the call for help, Eileen Smulson and others arrived with several hundred blankets, towels and comforters.
And here's some valuable information for the holidays: Best Buy store in Porter Ranch recently started an Operation Blankets of Love (OBOL) Holiday Campaign to help the animals in the local shelters. A donation box has been placed inside the store. A special discount will be made to each customer that brings in blankets or towels. The store will accept donations through Dec. 31.
The store is located at 19929 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch. For more information on Operation Blankets of Love, call (818) 402-6586 or visit the website.
MAP!
For further information about these stories, call me on my cell at 818 402-6586.
Okay I know that Thanksgiving is over (hope all of you had a grand one) but that does not mean that holiday eating will stop.
Here are a few toys to keep your pet occupied and away from the holiday table. Fat Cat Inc. suggests picking up these special toys designed for your four-legged pals.
The Fat Cat Wonkey Bonkers are guaranteed to keep your pet from begging for table scraps. Constructed with a durable, colorful canvas protecting a squeaky ball and designed to be fantastically floppy, your pets will bark for these bonkers. Available in an orange/yellow cat & bird or blue/purple cat & mouse design. SRP $13.99
For the kitties, keep those paws off your food by offering the fabulous Fat Cat ShowGulls. Offering the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas strip, ShowGulls combine feathers and 100 percent organic catnip to keep your pets calling for an encore. Available in blue, red, purple and pink designs. SRP $3.99.
For more holiday gift ideas CLICK HERE!
Have you ever wondered if Pilgrims had pets? I never really thought of it myself until I got an email from petplace.com wondering about Mayflower pets.
Mayflower Dogs
The earliest mention of dogs appeared in a 17th century journal called "Mourt's Relation" about the first years of life in the new world. According to this account, two dogs, an English springer
spaniel and a mastiff were brought along by John Goodman, a young man of about 25 years of age. The dogs were involved in the first explorations of discovery on Cape Cod and the activities of homebuilding during the first winter ashore.
Mayflower Cats
Cats were welcome aboard sailing ships in the 16th century because they helped control the rodent population and protected finite food supplies. They were so well known as sea-going voyagers that National Geographic once reported that "cats, like people, found freedom from persecution in America. It is believed that they first came over on the Mayflower, although it may have been earlier - with the Spaniards in the 16th century. In any event, once here, they thrived."
Read the entire article HERE!
I know this has been said time and time again but I can't stress this enough. I'm sure we all have given into the demands of our furry friends at the Thanksgiving dinner table (or any other day for that matter) but, in reality, it's a really bad idea!
According to animal expert, Diana L. Guerrero. "There can be deadly consequences for animals during the holidays. Holiday threats to animals can include seasonal decorations, ornamental lighting, ingestion of inappropriate or toxic items, excessive consumption of rich foods or harmful food, candle flames, and many other hazards." (quote can be found here!)
Here's a list of hazardous items according to Guerrero:
- Rich, fatty foods (turkey skins, gravy, etc,) can contribute to pancreatitis. This inflammation of the digestive gland is painful and can be serious--requiring emergency veterinary assistance.
- Cooked bones can splinter and cause tears or obstruction in a pet's digestive tract.
- Baking strings, if ingested, can create trouble if ingested by your pet.
- Onions in holiday stuffing can lead to canine anemia if consumed by your dog.
- Grapes and raisin toxins can cause kidney failure in pets.
- Ingesting chocolate can kill your pet.
- Caffeine and alcohol are also toxic for pets.
- Keep all goodies out of reach!
Guidelines for Pets on Thanksgiving
- Make sure all Thanksgiving day guests know the rules: no one should feed the pets any food meant for human consumption. This includes any snacks offered to guests before or after dinner, as well as the dinner items themselves. Foods that are high in salt and/or fatty foods such as turkey skin can cause inflammation of the pancreas. Onions and garlic are poisonous to dogs.
- Feed your dog or cat its normal food at the regular time. Do not change the feeding schedule.
- Do not deviate from the pet's regular exercise schedule. Walking, playing in the yard, and other normal activities help reduce stress, so exercise can be especially important on Thanksgiving day.
- Safely dispose of any aluminum foil, wax paper, paper, or plastic wrap that was used to cover or wrap foods. Pets will try to lick the food off the packaging and may ingest the coverings, which can cause intestinal problems.
- Ensure your garbage is secure and away from where your pets can reach it.
- Do not allow your dog or cat to eat chocolate, as it can be harmful, even deadly, to pets. Signs that your pet has ingested chocolate include hyperactivity and rapid breathing. Seek medical attention if your pet shows signs of haven eaten chocolate.
- Keep turkey bones away from your pets. These bones can easily break and lodge in the esophagus or irritate the stomach or intestines.
- Make sure items such as skewers, toothpicks, and string (used to tie the turkey) are kept away from pets. They will be tempting because they smell and/or taste of food.
- If your pets are allowed to mingle with your guests, allow some quiet time as well. You can sequester your dog or cat in a spare room or in a large crate to help keep their excitement level down.
- Provide enough water for your pet. Keep it out of the way of house traffic but easily accessible for your cat or dog.
- Do not take your dog to Thanksgiving day parades. Crowds can increase a pet's stress level, and it is possible for your pet to get lost in large gatherings.
- Make sure your pet has current identification tags and license (if applicable). It is easy for a pet to slip out the door when there are many people coming and going in the house.
The Daily Coyote - Charlie & Chloe Playing from daily coyote on Vimeo.
This video says it all. Wild coyotes can be dangerous but they too need to be respected. This video comes from the people that wrote "The Daily Coyote" (to be released on Dec. 2). I definitely can't wait to read this book. Who would have thought that a coyote and domesticated pets could coincide?!
Here's an excerpt from a review at the Simone & Schuster website:
When Shreve (Stockton was unexpectedly presented with a ten-day-old coyote pup whose parents had been shot for killing sheep, she had a choice to make. Despite her reservations and the terror of her tomcat Eli, Shreve decided to do the unthinkable -- to raise the coyote pup she came to call Charlie in her 12 12-foot log cabin.
But look at the friendships it's created! The book is filled with pictures like this! It's definitely a unique story to say the least!
The suggested retail price is $23 and the book will be available Dec. 2 wherever books are sold.
Check out the new url for the Daily Coyote website here! and read much older entries HERE!
Found this photo on Google images.
Vick pleads guilty!
"I want to apologize to the court, my family, and to all the kids who looked up to me as a role model," Vick told the judge.
The article says that this confession could make him eligible to leave prison early and potentially speed up a return to pro football. If that happens many people (including me) will lose all respect for the NFL..
Thanks for the apology but that will never bring back the lives of those dogs that you killed.
I hardly ever write about other animals such as Ferrets, Guinea pigs. rats and even Chinchillas...but hey! They are pets too. And chances are you might know someone who owns a small animal like that. Here are just a few things you can stick under their Christmas tree. And if you own one of these furries they'll definitely appreciate you for it.
I've never owned a small animal. Oh wait! I take that back! I did have a bird once but in reality he was my mother's. I did own fish...which is a whole other ballgame! So I really have no idea how good these products are. But here's a rundown of a new habitat line from Super Pets. It's definitely something to think about...especially if you're thinking of getting a small animal.
Say Goodbye to Standard Small Pet Cages
New Innovative Small Pet Mansions Hit the Market.
Elk Grove Village, IL - November 5, 2008 - With the rise of small animal pet ownership, there's a growing need for innovative and stylish small pet cages. Super Pet, the leading manufacturer of bird and small animal products, launches their new small pet real estate line, Habitat Defined. This new product line features eye-catching and cutting-edge small animal cages for ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs and rats.
"We've incorporated years of customer feedback into the design of the new Habitat Defined for small pets," says Jason Casto, Director of Marketing & Product Development for Super Pet. "These new pet homes really are the next generation of small animal habitats."
Ferret Habitat
Features: Safety spring-loaded door locks for security, four large doors (1 top, 3 front) for easy access to pets, wavy ramp, elite comfort shelf, sturdy bottom and top side latches, mobile stand with locking casters. Suggested retail price: $229.95.
Rabbit Habitat
Features: Safety spring-loaded door locks for security, two large doors (1 top, 1 front) for easy access to pets, wavy ramp, elite comfort shelf, sturdy bottom and top side latches, mobile stand with locking casters. Suggested retail price: $169.95.
Guinea Pig Habitat
Features: Safety spring-loaded door locks for security, two large doors (1 top, 1 front) for easy access to pets, wavy ramp, elite comfort shelf, sturdy bottom and top side latches, mobile stand with locking casters. Suggested retail price: $139.95.
Rat Habitat
Habitat Defined highlights include:
• Spacious Design: Any small animal can play, sleep and eat comfortably.
• Healthier: Features Super Protect™ Antimicrobial Technology providing a healthier, cleaner habitat for pets and healthier option for their owners.
• Convenience: Easy top door opening, great way to scoop and go with the pet. Each habitat has a side door(s) along with the top opening.
• Simplicity: Round edges make the habitat easier to clean, meaning the end
to hard to clean corners! In addition, each Habitat Defined model is easy to assemble.
• Style: No need to hide your small animal in the corner of the room, designs and colors complement any home interior.
• Safe: Engineered with a focus on safety for the pet and young children.
- MORE -
Habitat Defined has Super Protect™ Antimicrobial Technology built in the easy to clean plastic casing. This technology provides long lasting protection from the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew and fungi. In addition, a large wire frame with locking food dishes clips easily onto a deep plastic base for ease of assembly and cleaning. All Habitat Defined small animal homes are made in the United States.
Special creature feature on Habitat Defined homes:
Now that the holidays are coming I thought I'd post daily gift ideas for your pet or the animals lovers on your holiday gift list. I've got a big stack of pet-related books that were just released. So naturally you'll see lots and lots of books on this list as well as games, pet toys and other fun, pet-related things (like a funny game you can play with your dog). So here's the first installment of books that are perfect for the crazy pet people in your life.
First up we have "Posh Pups: Dogs Who Live Better Than You Do" by Ilene Hochberg.
This book features elegantly photographed posh pups and showcases the the alluring lives of priveleged puppies everywhere. Some of these pooches have their own treadmill and some dine on filet mignon and organic biscuits and roam around in Louis Vuitton carriers and Coach leather coats.
The book also focuses on the best places to score canine couture, the secrets to a fabulous dog party and the best advice in fido physical fitness among other doggie-related facts. Now I'm not Jewish but I wouldn't have a problem putting on a "Bark Mitzvah" if I had a dog. Heck I have lots of Jewish friends who'd be able to help with the festivities...heheh!!
Now if you're budget conscious you must be thinking: THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR ME!! But hold on there for a second! The book includes ways that even you, the frugal spendthrift, can lavish your dog without breaking the bank. Not only does this book showcase the best in doggie style, it gives helpful hints on everything from when to take your dog to the vet to great ways to memorialize your dog when it's time to say goodbye.
The book also features random statistics that will blow your mind.
Photo taken a few months ago with my cellphone. Please excuse the bad quality.
This is Seymour the cat and he definitely has a story to tell. When Kitten Rescue obtained him he was found abandoned in a crate at a carnival.
Ever since I knew him he had cage issues. Everytime I'd put him back he'd yammer his displeasure about being put back in that cage. He is definitely one of the coolest cats I've ever known. He really has an outgoing personality. In fact Mr. Personality was his name until someone changed it to Seymour. They even call him the King of PetSmart because everyone at the store just loves his personality. When he was at PetSmart he loved to take a walk (on a leash) around the store and people couldn't get over the sight of seeing a cat on a leash. So why has this cat not yet been adopted? No one knows! I'd snatch this cat up in a second if I didn't already have two neurotic cats and a small apartment. Seymour has been at PetSmart for many months and it seems to be very hard to place him in a forever home.
Here's where it gets heartbreaking. About two months ago Sandra, our lovely volunteer leader gave him to a guy that offered to foster him and possibly adopt him. This was great news because we knew how desperate Seymour was to get out of that cage and have some freedom. The man was not sure if he'd give Seymour a forever home but he thought he'd give it a try. The two became best friends and Seymour was in heaven. He loved his foster (and possibly permanent home). But after the two months were over the man decided to give Seymour back because his mother-in-law is allergic to cats. Don't get me started on this! Then the man should not have taken him in the first place.
Now that Seymour is back with Kitten Rescue he is a completely different cat...meaning that he has become more aggressive, he cries all day and all night and is extremely upset that he has been displaced once again. He was so happy where he was at only to have that happiness taken away from him again. At the moment he is at another foster home because he was very distressed when we had him at the PetSmart adoption center. Being with all the other cats set him off.
So if you are looking for a cat and are willing to be patient with cat as outgoing and vocal as Seymour, email Sandra Harrison here! or you can just reply to this entry. He really is an awesome cat. It's just that right now he needs someone who can be a cat whisperer. I know that many many homeless cats need forever homes but Seymour is a special case. He really needs to find some permanent stability in his life.
Zootoo.com has launched it's Second Annual Zootoo.com Shelter Makeover Contest. So far California has the highest numbers of participating shelters. The grand prize in this contest, which will end on May 1, 2009, is a shelter makeover valued at up to $1 million*. 19 runners-up will share awards totaling $195,000.
To become one of the twenty Semifinalists in the competition, shelters must ask their supporters to register and earn points by being active on Zootoo.com, contributing reviews of pet products and services, sharing opinions and advice, bringing other pet lovers into the community and more. The twenty shelters that have accumulated the most points by March 13, 2009 will be named Semifinalists.
Zootoo.com and its advisors will then visit all twenty Semifinalist Shelters during the Tour Period and narrow them down to ten Finalists based on criteria established by Zootoo.com and its advisors. Once the ten Finalists have been chosen, pet lovers across America will be able to review the qualifications of the Finalists on Zootoo.com and determine the winner by voting for the shelter they think most deserves the makeover.
"Allowing America to vote for the winner of the Shelter Makeover will make this year's contest really exciting and totally democratic," said Zootoo.com founder Richard Thompson. "It'll also be a fun challenge for each of the Finalists to present their case to fellow pet lovers." Thompson added, "We learned last year that while twenty shelters got cash awards, every shelter that participated was a winner. According to a survey of the shelters that participated in the first Shelter Makeover Contest, donations increased by 21%, volunteers increased by 28% and adoptions were up 30%, all because of the attention they got from the contest. It's exactly what we hoped would happen - bringing shelters and communities together."
"The Zootoo.com Shelter Makeover Contest has been a dream come true for us," said Randy Grim, founder of Stray Rescue of St. Louis and Winner of the first Shelter Makeover Contest. "With Zootoo.com's help, we are building a facility that will not only be a Godsend for the needy animals of St. Louis, but we hope will serve as a model for what's possible in other communities."
Shelter Directors interested in participating in the Shelter Makeover Contest can visit www.zootoo.com/makeover or call (877) 580-7387.
Here is a partial list of some local participating shelters:
Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA- Pasadena
Pet Orphans Fund, Van Nuys
Baldwin Park Animal Shelter - Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care & Control- Baldwin Park
Bark Avenue Foundation- Los Angeles
Paw Parent- Los Angeles
For a full list of participating shelters and for more information CLICK HERE!
Go ahead and join zootoo.com and support your favorite shelter.
I just got an email from a friend whose coworker's home is being foreclosed. She has 10 cats that need to be placed in foster home for two months or permanent homes. Two of them are senior cats ages 15 and 20. They are in good health but will be put down if she cannot find a place for them. Sorry I don't have any photos. If I do get some I'll post them here. If anyone knows someone that can at least take some of these cats, reply here or email me HERE!
After the somewhat disappointing weekend I had, the following video is a nice diversion. Also I have another vet appointment with Marcie today. Keep her in your prayers because she hasn't pooped again since Friday. I'm really trying to figure my way around this constipation problem. It will work out...I just don't know how. Guess I just have to keep on it!!
I was supposed to run the Pasadena Marathon this weekend but as you know that's been postponed...or canceled...not sure yet. At least I have today and tomorrow off (yeah you're asking why I'm posting here...BECAUSE IT'S FUN!! heheh!!)
Anyway...a friend of mine emailed me this funny video and I thought I'd share. Get up and dance with the animals to "Lady Marmelade!!"
I'm sure some of you know this already but just in case you haven't been evacuated you might want to read this...especially if you have animals to evacuate.
CLICK HERE for a full list of evacuation centers including for our furry friends. Please stay safe out there!!
And according to this...Pierce College (as it usually does) is now accepting animals. CLICK HERE for details.
EMERGENCY CENTER GUIDELINES:
Bring Horse and Owner Name and Phone number
No stallions
Bring a water tub and medicines for your animal
Bring feed if you can.
Note that Pierce College is NOT an evacuation center for people, but only for large animals.
Okay I know you can't buy stuff for your human family members but you can definitely buy for your four-legged friends. And the best thing of all is 100 percent of the proceeds go to New Leash on Life. CAT LOVERS CAN REJOICE TOO! The store will soon sell cat accessories...so stay tuned!
Stuff for Mutts - The First and Only Online Boutique Catering to Pampered Rescued Pets, Launches on the World Wide Web
Nonprofit Animal Rescue, New Leash on Life, Benefits from All Proceeds
(Los Angeles, CA...November 12, 2008) Stuff for Mutts (www.stuff-for-mutts.com), an online store where you can pamper your rescued pet with toys, treats and accessories as stylish as any pure breed, has been launched on the Internet by Los Angeles-area based nonprofit animal rescue group, New Leash on Life. All proceeds benefit New Leash on Life's rescue efforts, community programs and goal of making Los Angeles a no-kill city.
"We're all looking for ways to maximize our holiday gift-giving dollars," said New Leash on Life founder, Bobby Dorafshar. "Now you can be a 'double giver' - give great gifts to your friend's rescued pooches -- gifts that their two-legged friends will appreciate, too - and, at the same time, advance animal rescue efforts here in southern California."
Stuff for Mutts offers a variety of great looking, high quality items that are well priced to represent good value. Most items are not found at independent pet stores and pet supply chains. Products currently available from Stuff for Mutts include healthy treats, plush toys, wraps and hoodies, collars and leashes as well as natural shampoos and remedies. A special selection of holiday plush toys has been added to celebrate this festive season. Stuff for Mutts ships throughout the United States including Alaska and Hawaii and shipping takes approximately one week from order date.
Founded in 1997, New Leash On Life has been responsible for spaying and neutering thousands of pets, rescuing and placing over 3,000 dogs, providing free educational seminars at local shelters and schools, setting shelter rescue priorities on "hard to place" animals requiring medical or special care, founding the P.E.T.'s program (Pet Educational Trainers), training and placement of Assistance and Therapy Dogs (Lend A Paw Program) and co-founding Partners for Life which saved hundreds at the East Valley Animal Shelter. Each year, New Leash on Life present two fun-filled fundraising events, Nuts for Mutts - The Dog Show in the spring and Nuts for Mutts - The Walk in the fall. For more information on New Leash on Life, visit www.newleash.org.
because of forwarded emails and blog posts...heheh!! The day after I posted this I got an email from Connie saying that someone adopted Baxter. Don't know who adopted him but I'm so glad about that! :)
Got this email about a cute, shaggy dog at East Valley Animal Shelter! Go check it out and see if you'd like to adopt Baxter (or any other pet for that matter).
Hi folks,
Here's Mister Baxter! He's at the East Valley Animal Shelter (contact info is found below) and in need of being "sprung from the joint". This email was forwarded to me by a rescue group that saw him there and discovered that he was an absolutely delightful little guy. I have not personally met Baxter so I know nothing about him other than he is in need of a warm home, lots of TLC and a day at the spa for a shampoo and blow dry. Wouldn't he be adorable greeting your guests at the door on Thanksgiving?!
Thanks for your help in finding Baxter a forever home!
~Connie
Meet Baxter, A0994507 an absolutely deliciously sweet adorable 1 yr old Terrier, Poodle, Schnauzer mix. He is a bit skinny and very matted (clearly neglected) but what ever he has been through in his young life does not seem to have effected his incredible loving personality. He loves people and other dogs (he is Maxie's kennel mate).
Here's information from the shelter:
This DOG - ID#A0994507
I am an unaltered male, gray and white Terrier and Schnauzer - Miniature.
The shelter thinks I am about 1 years and 0 months old.
I have been at the shelter since Nov 04, 2008.
Stemming from the last, very sad post...here's something to cheer everyone up! It's the live streaming puppy cam!
I Loved You Best
Copyright © Jim Willis 2002,
all rights reserved
So this is where we part, My Friend,
and you'll run on, around the bend,
gone from sight, but not from mind,
new pleasures there you'll surely find.
I will go on, I'll find the strength,
life measures quality, not its length.
One long embrace before you leave,
share one last look, before I grieve.
There are others, that much is true,
but they be they, and they aren't you.
And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,
will remember well all you've taught.
Your place I'll hold, you will be missed,
the fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.
And as you journey to your final rest,
take with you this...I loved you best.
I have some very sad news to report. Minnie the Chihuahua had to be put to sleep.
Here's a copy of the email I received from Linda. Please keep her in your thoughts. It had to be a very stressful and sad decision to make.
Hello Everyone,
Last night I had to put Minnie, the little chi that was rescued from my horrid neighbor, to sleep. When I got home I picked her up to take her outside to walk and when I put on the ground she just fell over. I tried again and the same thing happened again. She had refused food earlier that morning so I tried to feed her again and she was not interested. She was just sleeping a lot and seemed to have no energy to do anything. I was very concerned so I took her to Animal Emergency Center in Sherman Oaks. I must say that I have never received worse treatment at any vet's office, emergency center etc. than I have there. After being there for about and hour and a half with no real information except for a itemized list of costs (which included a possible $350 to put her to sleep!), I decided to take Minnie back home with me and hope for the best until morning when I could take her to a regular vet.
As I was walking through the door to my house Minnie had a seizure...I tried to comfort her.
I immediately got in my car again and drove to the local animal shelter in hopes that they might direct me to a better emergency center or at least be able to euthanize her if she was suffering. The staff at the East Valley Animal Shelter were AMAZING! They were so helpful! They recommended I go to McClaves Emergency center and they even called for us to make sure they could take us as soon as we got there.
We went to McClaves, Minnie was pretty non-responsive at this point and her stomach was very bloated. She was still breathing but I assume the seizure took a lot out of her. The vet immediately assessed her condition and stated that it could be a variety of issues including parametrium, cancer, a brain tumor, heart condition, liver/kidney failure. All of these would need extensive medical care to treat and she would have to undergo some type of surgical procedure asap.
Given Minnie's delicate state and everything she had already gone through...at that moment my mom and I felt that the best thing to do would be to end her pain and suffering. She would have had to go through so much more and we just didn't think she would be able to handle it. The doctor agreed.
So, we put her to sleep.
It's always a very hard thing to do because there are a million "what if's" floating around in your head. But, in times like these I guess it's best to be practical and do what is best for the dog...for Minnie.
She's resting now and I'm happy that she was able to spend the last weeks of her life in a warm home...surrounded by love, wagging tails and slobber kisses from her friends here.
We will miss her terribly.
Thank you all for your help both financially and for offering to post her on your websites, and for all the great advice.
And as always, thank you all for everything you do to help our faithful four-legged friends!!
Linda
We all know how bad the economy is these days. That makes it very hard for people to give up their precious money to charity. It's not because we refuse to donate...it's just that we need money for food, which is rising in cost, and mortgage/rent etc... Heck! I wish I could donate more than I do but with rising vet bills with Marcie there's no way.
Speaking of her...she had to get another enema yesterday but I'm saving that story for another post (no time since I'm at work). But here's one of my favorite pictures of her because you just can't have enough pictures of the Marcie girl.
But here's the perfect way to donate to an animal charity without annihilating your pocketbook. I'm definitely going to write up several stories about all the animals that have touched my life (there are many...Marcie being no exception!!).
Here's the info:
As we all know the holidays are a time of giving, but with this economy not everyone can afford to join in the giving spirit. This year, let your memories make a difference. Power of Paws gives people the chance to still get that warm fuzzy feeling of helping a worthy cause, without ever opening their wallet.
The Power of Paws program (CLICK HERE!) enables dog, cat, hamster, lizard and even ferret owners to help raise money for pet related charities this holiday season. All you have to do is submit
your own "tail" of how your pet (past or present) has helped you in your life. For every story submitted (even a couple of sentences!) Power of Paws will donate $1 to a pet related charity. Every story matters and we know there's a million to share. And if you're feeling stumped, log onto the website to read some of the "tails" submitted so far.
So get out there and write your stories! You don't even need money to do it...just an imagination, a computer and keyboard and there you go! Get writing!!!
I recently got an update on the Chihuahua that was rescued from a bad situation. Here's the original post.
Leslie Alvarez emailed me on her progress. She also told me about another dog that she rescued. First of all...here's a photos of Minnie. She looks much happier here!
Here's an update from Leslie's email:
She is doing a little better with the medication. Now that it's getting a little colder her arthritis seems to be acting up a little so I'm glad we were able to get her her medicine. I can't imagine what it would have been like for her to have to sleep outside in a box for the 11th year. I don't think she would have made it. The doctor said she has mild bronchitis. We're keeping an eye on several potential issues until I can gather some funds to get the rest of her medical needs taken care of.
Here's Lulu (what Leslie named her). If you know anyone that would like a dog like her...please let me know or email Leslie at linda_alvarezzz@yahoo.com.
Here's an excerpt from Leslie's original email about the Chihuahua and the Mini pin. Someone dropped off Lulu at the same time she rescued the two other dogs.
This story really breaks my heart:
Ok, here's the kicker...you all are not going to believe this. This afternoon, another neighbor (maybe it's some kind of conspiracy) brought a dog to my house! She said her sister's kids found the dog and they brought it home. BUT her sister does not like dogs and neither does her husband. My neighbor said that her sister's husband often kicked the dog and would throw this dog out on the street whenever the kids were done playing with it. My neighbor said that her sister had not fed the dog in about 2 weeks. The dog also had a rubber band embedded in her neck. My neighbor said she knew the dog was in bad shape and since she always sees us walking our dogs, and figured we like dogs she brought the dog to my house to see if we could help.
The dog is very thin and is not looking so good. Her eyes are so sad and scared...so, of course we took her in.
Since she's been here she's become more and more outgoing. Initially, she hid under the bed for two days. We set up a comfy little bed for her and she eventually came out and started sleeping on it. She also used to tremble when you tried to touch her. Now she runs to greet us and is a happy tail wagging little girl. She is very sweet! Animal resiliance, I tell ya! One of the things I love best about all animals is watching and learning what their personalities are like. Lulu is very organized. I know that sounds odd but she seems to like every thing organized on her little bed. I gave her some toys and she has her little food bowl near her bed and every day she grabs her food bowl and puts in on her bed and she also takes her toys and puts them next to her bowl on her bed. It's really facinating.
Anyway, this little girl needs a loving home. I hope she will find a permanent place to organize all her belongings very soon!
There's still speculation as to what kind of dog the Obama's will get although they promised to adopt a dog. They are leaning towards getting a goldendoodle. Hopefully they will adopt one at a poodle/golden rescue. There are plenty. Please keep this issue in the spotlight so that they remember to adopt. Read the Chicago Tribune article and vote for a shelter dog! So far the shelter dog option is winning! YAY!!!
Hahah!! I know this is not the most important issue at the moment but I couldn't stop giggling when Barak Obama mentioned the fact that his kids will receive the puppy that they begged for. And they just mentioned it on the news just now...hahahah!!! My husband rolled his eyes (jokingly) when I jumped for joy at that comment.
"I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House," Obama told Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, during his victory speech.
And yes the Obamas better hold to their promise to adopt!!!
Oh and...I found the picture of this furry Obama supporter at www.puppies4obama.com. Go there to check out lots and lots of furry Obama supporters!!!
Blossom! the resident dog at my polling facility
I was hoping to see this dog as I entered my polling place (Sunrise Senior Living in Canoga Park). Every time I come this cutie there to greet people. She is the sweetest dog! I guess this is one reason why I vote in person rather than via absentee ballot. Of course there's always something about actually going to the polls to cast your vote. So if you haven't already voted!! GET OUT THERE!!!
Blossom urges you to do your civic duty in changing this country around for the better!!!
btw...there is some sort of pet adoption going on there this weekend. As soon as I get the full information I'll post it here. I know that it's on Saturday Nov. 8 at Sunrise Assisted Living, 9012 Topanga Canyon Blvd., West Hills.
I was just thinking about what I should write that's pet and election related when I got an email from petplace.com that discusses the top weirdest presidential pets.
Here's some info from the email. Can you match the president with these bizarre pets? Here's the list of very strange pets:
- Pygmy hippo
- Alligator
- Elephant
- Zebra
- Antelope
- Bear
- Coyote
- Hyena
- Tigers/lions
- Wallaby
Try and match the list with these past presidents:
- Calvin Coolidge, 30th President
- John Quincy Adams, 6th President
- James Buchanan, 15th President
- Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President
- Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President
- Martin Van Buren, 8th President
Franklin Delano Roosevelt's beloved terrier Fala!
And if you want to learn even more and then some about all presidential pets, visit...WHAT ELSE? www.presidentialpets.com and www.presidentialpetmuseum.com.
Heheh! If...ahem..WHEN Obama wins...I can't wait to see who and what the next presidential pet(s) will be! Okay I know it will be a dog...but you never know! They might fall in love with this dog so much that they might just acquire a menagerie of critters.
btw...please disregard the political ads on some of the websites. This is a presidental pet post...not an avenue to push anyone's political agenda...LOL!!! But I am telling you to JUST GO AND VOTE!!! PLEASE!!!
Remember this post from a few days ago? I guess posting stuff here really works! But that's why I love doing it. I emailed the url to some friends. They in turn forwarded it and so on and so on. While both dogs were already taken out of the bad situation they were in about two weeks ago, a splendid friendship developed because of it.
Connie J. Mackie of Dream Dogs Training Company saw the email and immediately contacted Linda wanting to help. Here is her initial email:
Hi Linda,
I received the distressing email about the two abused dogs and would like to offer some foster-permanent care. I am a dog trainer in Pasadena and will not sleep tonight after reading of their sorrows. Where are the dogs located-what city? My proposal, let's move them into my vet's office for boarding, it's not a perfect solution but it's better than what they've got right now. I will have them examined, bathed, Blood tests done, shots updated and spayed. I can evaluate them and see what types of temperament and personality they have and what type of family they would fit into. Then we could start the job of "let's find them a permanent home". I would love to see them removed from this idiot's care tomorrow. If my vet has the space available I would like to move them tomorrow.
It's people like this that I would love to ban from ever owning another animal in their lifetime.
Have you had any offers of help or new home?
Your thoughts?
Please contact me.
Most sincerely,
~Connie
Here is Linda's response:
Hi Connie!
Great to hear from you. I have good news. I also could not sleep after seeing the situation these dogs were in so the day after I sent out the email you read, the next morning actually, I went over there and got the two dogs. I've had them at my house for about two weeks now. I was able to get both of them to a vet who agreed to check them for free. The min pin got a clean bill of health. I was able to find a great home for the min pin.Through the Sam Simon foundation I was able to spay her and two days later she moved into her new home. I heard she is doing great!
I still have the little chihuahua here. I'll forward you the email I sent out last night on her progress. She still needs a home (although I must admit with every passing day it's going to be harder and harder to let her go, she's sooo precious), but whoever takes her needs to really be on top of her medical care. She's very delicate.
Thank you for your concern and offer to help. I sleep better knowing there are people like you out there.
Linda
So even though the dogs' wonderful fate had nothing to do with the post, it caused two animal lovers to become friends through this thing we call the internet and email. :) As soon as I find out more about the Chihuahua's progress, you'll read it right here! Stay tuned...
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