'Tis the Season

Somewhere in all of the work-school-family-friends craziness that is my life, we have stumbled upon my favorite time of the year. Seriously, I don’t think anything can bring me down during the months of October, November and December. There’s something about the holidays (and I count Halloween because while I don’t really have any interest in dressing up and partying, I LOVE handing out candy to kids and watching scary movies) that makes everything OK.

It’s also a time when I look back on the year that’s passed and think of everything that’s happened (and always so quickly, it seems!). I’m usually overcome with a sense of awe at how much has changed and how far I’ve come, and I’m definitely thankful for it. Another thing I like about the holidays? Giving. There are so many animal shelters and rescue groups that could use some extra help (not just at the holidays, either!). This year has been an especially difficult year for lots of families and their pets, so animal rescues are in desperate need. Please, look around and see how you can help. There are the obvious requests like food, but shelters also need cleaning supplies, sheets and blankets, and toys, among other things. I myself have sheets, blankets and comforters that are going to the Humane Society of Western Montana, which was Freckles’ home for the first year of his life. Or…do you like to send out holiday cards? The Humane Society of the United States has many options for holiday cards, and the proceeds go to helping animals. What about calendars? I personally can’t live without one, and this calendar by Heather Armstrong (who has a hilariously funny blog that you should also check out, btw) is a great option for 2010. All proceeds go to the Humane Society of Utah.

I know what you’re thinking…there are others out there besides the Humane Society. And you’re right. There are plenty of shelters and programs out there where your time and money can help. The ones I’ve linked to here are just those that I’ve had experience with through donations, adoptions or social media. The point is to celebrate the season, to be thankful, and to remember that there are others out there who aren’t as fortunate as you. Give back, even if you think it’s such a small donation that it won’t matter. Everything matters.

Lucy and Freckles take on Halloween

As I sit here typing this, Freckles is sound asleep on his bed, growling in his sleep. No doubt he's thinking of the costume I made him wear for Halloween. He only had it on for five minutes (OK, maybe 10), but he was not a happy camper. I couldn't resist though. Ever since the first Halloween I had him, I've been wanting to dress him up as McGruff. I mean, he's a hound with floppy ears and a cute face. It was perfect.


And then, there's the one of him with his magnifying glass.


And last, but not least, there was Lucy, who is Freckles' roommate:


The pictures are a bit blurry, because they were snapped with a hastily grabbed phone. Not to mention, the dogs didn't exactly want to sit still for them. But I hope you can still appreciate the great fun that was Halloween!

God and Dog

I have to share a video that a friend sent me. It's by Wendy Francisco, an artist whose first animated video reached a million views on YouTube in its first 40 days. Not only is the song beautiful, but the dog is probably the cutest freakin' animated animal I've ever seen.





Make sure to visit Wendy's website, as well as her GoD and DoG site.

Hey, You!

Yes, you, the one who is thinking about getting a cute new puppy or kitten. Have you checked out the Humane Society’s Adoption Pledge? Visit their pledge website to find out great information on why to adopt from a shelter. Some interesting tidbits:

* Between three and four million dogs and cats are euthanized every year in US animal shelters
* One in four shelter dogs are purebred
* Most animals in shelters are there not because of “animal problems”, but “people problems”

Adopting a shelter pet is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Yes, it can be challenging, but once you earn your pet’s trust, you can be treated to love and loyalty.

8 foods not to feed fido

You may share lots of things with your best friend but here are 8 common foods that are dangerous for dogs (and cats) if you are conscerned that your pet has eatten any of these foods contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poision Control Center at 800-426-4435.

1. Chocolate
   Why: Stimulates the nervous system and the heart.
   Poisonous to: All species, but dogs are most likely to eat dangerous quantities.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, increased thirst, restlessness, agitation, increased or irregular heartbeat, increased body temperature, tremors, seizures.
   
   
2. Grapes (this includes rasins)
   

   Why: Damage the kidneys.
   Poisonous to: Dogs, cats.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Increased thirst, increased urination, lethargy, vomiting

3. Garlic, Onions
   Why: Damage red blood cells, causing anemia.
   Poisonous to: Cats, dogs.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, red-colored urine, weakness, anemia
   
   
4. Xylitol (ingredient in sugarless gum)
   Why: Causes increased insulin secretion, resulting in lower blood sugar levels.
   Poisonous to: Dogs.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, lethargy, lack of coordination, seizures, jaundice, diarrhea.
   
   
5. Alcohol
   Why: Depress the nervous system.
   Poisonous to: All species.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, disorientation, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, seizures.
   
6. Raw Yeast, Bread Dough
   Why: Forms gas in the digestive track; fermentation of yeast causes alcohol poisoning.
   Poisonous to: All species, but only dogs typically ingest it.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Distention of abdomen, vomiting, disorientation, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, seizure
   
   
7. Macadamia Nuts
   Why: Cause muscle and nervous-system problems.
   Poisonous to: Dogs.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, lethargy, weakness, increased body temperature, tremors.
   
   
8. Avocados
   Why: Contain persin, which damages the heart muscle.
   Poisonous to: Most species―birds are especially sensitive.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea (in dogs), lethargy, difficulty breathing (in birds and rodents)

Real Simple Magazine October 2009

Save a Dog helps find forever homes!

I’ve been trying to beef up my pet lover connections on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook, and as a result, I stumbled onto Save a Dog. Save a Dog is Dogtime’s Facebook application. There was a great story about a cross-country trip to place a dog in his forever home. There are so many things about this story that were just amazing, including the fact that this particular dog has been adopted in real life by the same person who has been virtually fostering him online (virtually fostering a dog has been something that I really have been meaning to start. In honor of Adopt a Shelter Dog month, I believe this is the perfect time).

Another great discovery: Roads of Hope, an organization “dedicated to bringing homeless animals to their forever families.” Check out their Web site. It’s amazing, and what’s even more touching are the people who are always so willing to help. I’m definitely going to be signing up to work in volunteer animal transport.

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month!

Welcome to October. I can't believe I'm saying that! Where has 2009 gone? One good thing about the speedy year is that we can now celebrate "Adopt a Shelter Dog" month.

I'd like to spend the month collecting great shelter dog-related stories. My first one came to me today via Twitter--a contest called "Reading Rufus Rhymes to Rover." Rufus Rhymes is a book by Ron Burns, an artist and dog lover. Ron's work is amazing, and I just WISH I could have him complete a portrait of my pup.

His promotion this month, which encourages shelter pup parents to post a video of themselves reading Rufus Rhymes, is "a way to celebrate fellow dog rescuers and raise awareness for the millions of dogs currently available for adoption at shelters across the U.S." Take a look at his site, then take a video of your shelter dog and win your very own portrait!