"What Fostering is Not" from www.fosterdogs.com

Check out "What Fostering is Not" on www.fosterdogs.com if you have ever considered fostering a pet. There are plenty of dogs and cats that need temporary homes for the holidays! What a way to give back during the Christmas season!

Click here: www.fosterdogs.com "What Fostering is Not"

Go to RVSPCA or Franklin County Humane Society for fostering opportunities in the 540 area.

Billy Currington - Like My Dog

Grateful for My Eight-ful

I currently have eight foster puppies living in my home. I also have two "permanant fixture" dogs and a bird. We could qualify as a small zoo.

I'm so grateful for my time with this litter of pups.

Meet my eight little lovies:

Aaron

Abe

Archer

Aubrey

Augie

Austin

Axel - this is the puppy who was attacked by a larger dog at his last home

Arnie - this is the puppy with the sore on his cheek. He is on antibiotics to fix his precious face.

Huge thanks to my mom, who has spent countless hours helping me with this sweet group of pups.

Bless the Beasts and the Children

I am lucky to add a sweet little litter of eight foster pups to my home today. They have no reason to believe that they are now in a safe place, but I'm going to use my two weeks with them proving that home is indeed where the heart is. It is not a place to be neglected. The pups are skinny and hungry. Some are mangled and need medication for injuries to their faces from larger dog attacks in their old place of residency. The human beings that owned the place of residency didn't feel it necessary to spay their female dog, and certainly didn't feel it necessary to care for her offspring.

Bless the beasts and the children
for in this world they have no voice
they have no choice

from The Carpenters "Bless the Beasts and Children"(1971)

I Am One Seventh of the Foster Parent

All week, I've thought about how lucky I am to have a supportive family that I can count on to help with my puppy fostering adventures. I gave a virtual shout-out to Kevin, my husband, on Facebook:

I'm sure he appreciated my shout-out, but let's face it. Fostering dogs takes work. Work from the dog fosterer, work from any roommates/spouses/kids/other family members, etc.

Kevin wakes up earlier than I do, and with that, he lets the dogs out to potty first thing in the morning. I suppose I could wake up at 4:00 a.m. (before Kevin wakes up for his factory job), but I don't. Kevin starts the day as the puppy foster parent. He talks to the pups as he makes coffee, because often I am not nice enough to have it ready for us to brew the night before (although wouldn't that be organized of me?) He has been known to set a pup on the counter with him while he prepares his morning cup of joe.

During the day, I have others in my life who help me.

As the kids are getting ready for school, it is not entirely uncommon to hear me yell through the house, "Will someone open the door for the pups?" or "Lindsay, check on the puppies!" The kids are a huge part of the equation, walking the pups in the park and playing with them tirelessly. You should hear my daughter's sales pitch when people ask about fostering dogs for Roanoke Valley SPCA or the Franklin County Humane Society.

While I'm at work, my mom often stops by and checks on my foster babies. She lets them out and cuddles them and often feeds them again. Puppies eat a lot. She lays out blankets for them. When my kids get off the bus, my mother is there to greet them. The kids play with the puppies and throw tennis balls and squeaky toys from the patio to the yard.

The permanent dogs in our home, Sammy and Gracie, take part in the foster process. They set the stage for behavior modification. I bet you think I'm crazy. You're right; I am crazy...but in this case, I have a valid point. Sammy and Gracie let the foster pups know what is "allowed." The pups follow their lead. The teeny pups learn quickly to potty outside, not inside. They eat together, but from their own bowls. They cuddle together and sleep close to each other. My dogs "train" the foster dogs. It is truly amazing to witness.

When I come home from work in the evening, I feed them again (generally a feeding frenzy of piranha-like crazy pups) and let them out into the yard for some exercise. I get a lot of credit for fostering dogs, as my name is on the foster contract, and as I manage the online presence of our fostering family. Really though, I am only about one seventh of the "foster parent." My husband, my two kids, my mom, my two dogs, and I are all part of the "foster parent" to these pups.

It is the week after Thanksgiving, but I can be thankful now for the support system I have at home when it comes to fostering these puppies.

Fostering pups is so dear to me, and it is a huge blessing in my life.

If you and your family would like to foster pups, I know of a few great organizations who could use your help. Fostering dogs is a free volunteer opportunity, and it only takes a couple weeks.

Click on either link below for more information about Roanoke and surrounding area fostering opportunities:

Roanoke Valley SPCA

Franklin County Humane Society

You won't regret it.

BIG THANKS to Danny Meyers of K92

BIG THANKS to Danny Meyers of K92 for Shout Out to Franklin County Humane Society today! I heard him on the radio this morning bragging on the Purrfect Treasures store at Franklin County Humane Society. He also talked about Columbo, who has been at Franklin County Humane Society waiting for his furever family for WAY too long!

Columbo - LOVES people! Wiggly, mellow goober of a dog!
Contact Info:
Franklin Co. Humane Society/Planned Pethood Clinic & Adoption Center, Rocky Mount, VA

•540-489-3491

Comic Relief

Too funny!

Not sure where this photo came from, or I'd credit someone for being HYSTERICAL!

Cutest Dog EVER

Okay okay, I know I say this every time, but this puppy seriously is the Cutest Dog EVER!

It is Lindsay's turn to name the pup, and she decided to name her "Lillian." Lillian is a sweet 7-week old baby with a precious face. She is so lovey, and she falls asleep right on your lap within seconds of arriving there.

She might be the tiniest pup we have had so far, with the exception of another Franklin County Humane Society pup, Rose, who we kept for two weeks earlier this year.

Of course, leave it to me to get the ruler out and take photos for y'all to see.

Today's lesson for my 7-week old pup was about food. I petted her face, back, and head the entire time she was eating. I want her to know that I will not take her food, and that there is no need to be food-aggressive. I'll keep you posted.

Adopt Lillian at Franklin County Humane Society...for info click here

Lillian playing with my hair on the couch

Our newest foster pup, Dumpster Dudley

Our newest foster pup came home with us today. We will only have him for a week, since a wonderful rescue group is stepping up for him. Fostering Dudley opens a den at Planned Pethood Franklin County Humane Society for another dog, which of course, saves at least one dog life.

Dudley is the black pup on the left.


Dudley was found near dumpsters in Franklin County, Virginia. Makes me wonder who "dumped" him there. Instead, perhaps someone let him roam with no food, making him look for trash to eat.

I'm blessed to have this baby in my house this week. Dudley is about four months old, and black with pretty white paws and patterned toenails.

He's good with kids and dogs; I've observed him with both today.

Click here to find info about how to adopt or foster pets from Planned Pethood Franklin County Humane Society:

http://www.plannedpethoodrockymount.com/

Last chance! Hop in the car NOW to support the RVSPCA Spay-Ghetti Event!

Today the RVSPCA Spay-Ghetti event lasts from 11:00 to 7:30 p.m. (Let's face it, you didn't want to cook dinner tonight anyway!)

Location:
Jefferson Center
541 Luck Avenue
Roanoke, VA

This event benefits the spay/neuter efforts at the RVSPCA.
Serving lunch from 11am-1pm, supper from 4:30-7:30.

Eat in or get it to go.

Tickets: JUST $8.00

AWESOME blog posting "Shelter Dog Smiles"

You gotta check out this blog posting on Ashley Owen Hill's "Lucky Dog Rescue Blog." She is one of my inspirations. What an amazing woman!

Lucky Dog Rescue Blog: Shelter Dog Smiles

Color-Coding Puppies

In the world today, people use color codes like they are going out of style. If we're not stopping at a red light, we're going at a green light. Colors tell us what file to pull and what emails to read first. Our teams have colors. Our schools have colors. We use colored highlighters and subject dividers. Pharmacists use colors to differentiate between drugs and drug strengths.

Apparantly, I use color code to identify puppies.

I'm one of the luckiest girls in town. Franklin County Humane Society called on me the other day to take care of four precious lab puppies in my home. When my new friend Michelle met me with the pups, we put them one in a time into my car, and I realized that I am completely unable to tell the pups apart. They all look very similar. They have a few unique qualities, but to the new foster mom's eye, it is tough to differentiate between any of them.

I bought collars for the babies on the first day.

For photo ID purposes, I will give you my color code:

Blue: Caine, our biggest pup and the only boy. He is such a lovey dovey. He is the Alpha. He is very gentle and sweet. He likes to be held. He climbs into the bowl of food when he eats.

Pink: Cassie, or we call her "Ears." Her ears are beautiful, and look like those of a Shepherd. She is funny and playful. She is also sweet and best on the leash, so far.

Green: Carrie, our sweet little human (in a dog's body). She does not want to go outside. She is a couch potato. She gives soft kisses and wants to be held. She is such a cuddler.

Purple: Charity, our little teeny puddin pie. She is precious. She also likes to be held. She is so little compared to her brother Caine. She enjoys long walks on the beach and sleeping in on Sundays (just kidding).

These pups are available for adoption from Franklin County Humane Society.

Handsome 1 year old yellow lab - please crosspost widely

A friend of mine needs to find a home for a pup that he welcomed into his home a few months ago. The pup is actually doing great...but the dog that already lived in my friend's house wasn't as welcoming as they thought he would be. "Dakota" is a handsome 1 year old labrador pup, about 70 lbs now. My friend says he is good with kids and other dogs. I don't believe Dakota has any experience with cats. He is FREE to a good home. Call Bryan if you are interested in meeting Dakota for adoption, 540-526-4613. Please do not hesitate to cross-post.

"Muffin" the foster pup & Muffins for Dogs

If you've followed my blog or Liked the FosterDogz Facebook page for any length of time, you know that our family members rotate the coveted responsibility ofr naming our foster dogs.

My 5 year old, Alexander, named our new little sweetie "Muffin." He didn't offer up an explanation, and we didn't ask. She's sweet, and she has chocolate chip spots all over. She looks remarkably like our last foster dog, "Oreo," but I don't think they are related.

Muffin

Muffin has a cast on her foot. I wonder sometimes what happened to her little foot. Since she is temporarily in need of "Get Well" wishes and treats, I have decided to pamper her with some homemade goodies. Tomorrow I will be making the Banana and Oat "Mutt-fins" (see link below) for my little Muffin.

I found lots of links to share for pampering your pups with muffin goodies.

Find great doggie muffin recipes here:
Thepoop.com
Dog Treat Kitchen
All-Natural-Dog-Treat.com
Pumpkin muffins
Banana and Oats "Mutt-fins"

Our "Oreo" has blossomed into a "Lilly"

I am so happy today to report that I found out that our little hound mix, "Oreo," has been adopted by a sweet lady named Michelle and her family. "Oreo" has been named "Lilly," which is ironically a name we considered for her in the first place.

Congratulations to Michelle for scoring such a beautiful new "Lilly" for her life.

Kitties are in Good Hands with Allstate agent Crystal Dillon

I am touched by the way people reach out to help animals in need. Roanoke's Allstate agent Crystal Dillon took in some kittens recently at her office at 5983 Cloverdale Rd. She has found homes for all kittens but one...little Ivy is still available for adoption.

Looks like I will be switching my car, home, and life insurance over to someone who truly cares. I know that I'll be "in good hands" with Allstate Crystal Dillon.

View the Allstate website

Crystal Dillon's contact information

Crate-Training Video

Oreo is crate-trained! So proud of our girl

When I foster, I usually only have about two weeks with the pup.

When the pup goes back to the SPCA to be available for adoption, I want her to be as "adoptable" as possible. I am pleased to report that Oreo is now crate-trained. I open the door for her, and she runs into the crate. Crate-training a puppy is easy, especially if the pup is treat-motivated.

The most important things about crate-training are:

* The crate must always be a "happy" place for the dog
* The crate can never be used as punishment
* The crate is viewed by the pup as her "den." The crate also should be viewed by the human as the pup's "den."
* The crate is great for when you are out of the house (as long as that time is limited), or when you are sleeping. Never crate for extended periods of time.

Oreo is happy in her crate. She runs in there, gets a treat, wags her tail, and lays down for a quick nap. She is so precious!

Click this link for more information about crate training, from The Humane Society of the United States:
Crate Training a Puppy

My precious girl, "Oreo," on the patio

Sweet Oreo

Oreo's are Milk's Favorite Cookie. They are arguably the best cookie in the entire world.

Kevin and I have spent hours on the couch devouring boxes of Oreo cookies with big huge glasses of milk. If we don't pay attention to what we are doing, we can each eat a row of Oreo cookies in one sitting. They are scrumptious!

This blog is not about cookies, though.

This blog is about Foster Dog(z). Kevin and I picked up the sweetest little cookie...er, I mean, puppy...the other day. She is a beautiful black and white hound mix. She has funny little freckles on her legs and belly. She is absolutely precious!

It is Kev's turn to name the pup, and he thought long and hard about it. The rest of us chimed in with names..."How about Daisy? How about Ruby? How about Macy? HOW ABOUT PENELOPE?"

My husband was not swayed by our continuous name request chatter. Consistent with his steadfast personality, he was thorough and detailed in his thought process in this important decision.

The next day (after our poor little cookie remained nameless overnight), he announced the name mid-morning. He must have been hungry for a delicious snack. "Oreo," he said. And so she is "Oreo." Our sweet little Oreo.

Here is our foster baby:

Like Oreo Cookies on Facebook

Oreo Cookies website

Some info used was pulled straight from http://www.nabiscoworld.com/oreo/

TOMORROW: Applebee's Dining to Donate

Stop in for lunch or dinner at any of the 4 ROANOKE/SALEM Applebee's restaurants and 10% of your food/beverage order will be donated to the Roanoke Valley SPCA to help with the care of the animals. You must present your registered swipe card or the attached flyer when paying for the RVSPCA to receive the donation.

Noon-9pm
Salem, Tanglewood, Valley View, or Bonsack Applebee's

APPLEBEE'S DINING TO DONATE FLYER

Look at those eyes! Foster needed in Roanoke area

Repost from Roanoke Valley SPCA:

This little guy is about 3-4 months old, pit mix and under 20 lbs. He was seized... as part of a neglect case and to top it off the little guy had parvo. He was treated and as you can see, recovering nicely. He is shedding parvo and a home without other dogs or a home that has had parvo is ideal. He is shy, well mannered and needs some TLC. He is currently at animal control and needs a 2 week foster. If you can help, please call (540)339-9505 or email asweeney@rvspca.org. The foster coordinator doesn't always get on FB to check responses but does check vm and email.

Please call my beautiful friend, the angel Ann Marie Sweeney at Roanoke Valley SPCA, if you would like to learn more about fostering opportunities. (540) 339-9505

FosterDogz featured in The Roanoke Times SwoCo this morning

FosterDogz Blog was featured today in the SwoCo section of The Roanoke Times!

Anyone who knows me knows that I eat, sleep, drink, and breathe marketing. I am so happy that this article came out today! My wish is that at least one person in this area will read the article and be inspired to make the decision to become a pet foster parent for Roanoke Valley SPCA or his/her local shelter.

Foster Parents Needed: 757 area

Friends in Virginia Beach and surrounding areas:

Animal Rescue of Tidewater is an organization near and dear to my heart. I have always looked at my cousin Debra as a role model. She is my inspiration for fostering pups in my home. Debra is the Founder of Animal Rescue of Tidewater (ART).

Debra is an amazing woman. Her bio from www.artanimals.org:

Debra founded ART in 1999 because the Virginian Pilot wrote an article about the individual rescue efforts of her and her husband, Steve Ballard. That article provoked others in the community to call her and share that they, as individuals, were also dedicated to saving homeless animals in the community. Believing in the power of association, Debra invited everyone to a meeting in January of 1999, and ART was born. Debra is extremely proud to be associated with an organization that recognizes the importance of working closely with area shelters, SPCAs and other rescue groups, creating collective successes that would be unattainable by any singular group. Debra is also passionate about the importance of advocacy in generating change, and spends a great deal of time networking with policy makers at the local, state and national level. She was the founding Chair of the Animal Welfare Coalition of Hampton Roads, a regional body of service providers who work collaboratively to address the needs of animals. Debra serves as Treasurer of the Board of the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies, a state body whose Strategic Plan aims to end the killing of healthy, adoptable dogs & cats in VA by 2016. She is also on the Animal Welfare Review Board for the City of Norfolk, a City Council appointment. She is a top Real Estate Broker with RE/MAX Allegiance, serves on the Board of the Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association and leads her own real estate team proudly known as “the Housedogs”! In her spare time, she is happy just sitting on the deck with her husband Steve enjoying their beloved dogs.

ART is always accepting foster parent applications.

An interesting tidbit about ART: Foster homes are not required to cover any expenses involved in caring for the animal. The expenses are covered by an ART member who serves as the animal’s financial sponsor.

ART animals may be strays, owner surrenders, or transfers from local animal shelters...they are all HOMELESS, and would love to live in your home.

Some people ask how long they would foster a pet in their home. Through Animal Rescue of Tidewater, a foster animal may spend as little as one week, or as long as six months, in his/her foster home. With prior notice, the ART sponsor will secure a temporary foster home, or board the animal, while you are away on vacation.

If the pet has any behavioral issues, a behaviorist will work with you and the animal, or the animal may be moved if you are not comfortable working with the situation.

Requirements to foster pets for ART:
-your resident pets be altered and up to date on shots (including monthly heartworm preventive for dogs)
-the number of animals in your home (resident and fostered) may not exceed city code
-and if you rent, written proof of permission from your landlord to have pets in your home

For more info: fostering@ARTanimals.org

If you would like to apply to foster for ART, please continue to the foster application.

Titan needs a home!

A friend of a friend needs to find a home for Titan, this gorgeous German Shepherd.

From www.dogbreedinfo.com:

Often used as working dogs, German Shepherds are courageous, keen, alert and fearless. Cheerful, obedient and eager to learn. Tranquil, confident, serious and clever. GSDs are extremely faithful, and brave. They will not think twice about giving their lives for their human pack. They have a high learning ability.

Have you been waiting to find the perfect best friend? Email me for more information, Joanna22va@aol.com.

FOSTERING ALERT!

SEVEN owner-release boxer mix pups were just turned in to Roanoke County Animal Control. Fostering is needed for them as cage space is very tight and the SPCA is full.

Can you help?

If you have been thinking about it, please act on it today!

They will get a full vet check prior to going to foster. Call my friend Ann Marie Sweeney at 540-339-9505 TODAY. Every second counts!

A Market for Puppies

I had heard of puppy mills before I started fostering dogs. Who hasn't heard of puppy mills? I had heard the chance story about inhumane conditions. I admit, though, that I have gone to pet stores and asked to play with the little cuties. They are still so sweet, right? Puppies, from whatever source, are cute and cuddly.

A puppy mill, by ASPCA's definition, is a "large-scale commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs." Consideration is generally not given to genetic quality of dogs, hence there are often hereditary defects.

I've noticed especially that when people come home from the pet store with their new puppies, they are very excited. "I just paid $1,500 for this purebred Lab," they announce proudly. "The pet store let me have a payment plan."

Right.

As I have become more and more involved with the shelter puppies I have fostered, I have to question the problem with puppies and dogs in our country today. We clearly have the means to rescue all of the dogs. People are paying $500-$2,000 in pet stores every day to purchase puppies.

I know of two lab puppies in Dry Fork, Virginia, that have a limited number of days left. I wonder if I can bring them to a little table outside the overpriced pet store and sell them each for $1,500. Obviously I am being facetious. Surely I won't sit outside said pet store...or would I?

The sweet puppies in this picture are the 8-10 week old pups that find themselves with numbered days at the pound in Dry Fork, Virginia:

Are both of these pups not worth every bit of $500 to $2,000?

Why fight puppy mills? What is the big deal? I'll tell you why. Dogs are kept in horrible conditions, in small wire cages (to minimize cleanup). The cages hurt their legs and little paws. Little thought is given to comfort of any of the dogs. Often it is too hot, with too little water, not enough food, and zero socialization. And the poor breeder dogs are harnessed, then they are raped and raped over and over again to produce as many "cash crop" offspring as possible in the shortest possible amount of time. Frequently overused, spent females are put to death early when they are no longer able to reproduce. This is what we are supporting when we buy a sweet little "Storefront" puppy.

Please share information about puppy mills with your friends. If you know of anyone looking for a sweet puppy worth about a grand or two, send them over to the local SPCA. They'll get one heck of a deal.

The Humane Society: Support Puppy-Friendly Pet Stores

Hip to Snip

Why Spay or Neuter your Pet? Because it is totally Hip to Snip!

Grab a seat on the "Hip to Snip Trip" on July 20!

From the RVSPCA website, information on the upcoming "Hip to Snip" trip:

Is your cat's howling driving you crazy? Does your dog use any opportunity to escape the yard and run the neighborhood? Take advantage of this low cost alternative to irritating behaviors, possible health issues, and unwanted litters of puppies and kittens.

Your pet may not be broken, but he or she does need to be fixed! Jump aboard the Hip to Snip Trip and protect your dog or cat from unwanted offspring and certain types of illness. The most important thing to know about spaying and neutering is that it saves lives!

Mountain View Humane is offering transport services to its low cost spay/neuter clinic in Christiansburg from Roanoke on the third Wednesday of each month. Transport vehicle leaves from the parking lot of the RVSPCA.

Appointments are being accepted for the next transport. Call 540-339-9523 or email hiptosnip@rvspca.org for more information and/or an appointment.

The Humane Society of The United States: Why Spay/Neuter Your Pet


Roanoke Valley SPCA is on Facebook!

Now's the Time to Foster! Roanoke, Virginia

Fostering pets is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, right up there with having children and antagonizing my husband.

The pound is full of puppies and kittens that need a 2 week home. Do you have 2 weeks to spare? RVSPCA gives you everything you need; this is only a time commitment. Call 540-339-9505 to speak to Ann Marie for more information.

www.rvspca.org

Teeny Tiny Puppies

I go on vacation in a few weeks, so I was eager to get another two week foster puppy in before I leave. (Addicted? I think so.) To my relief, a call came in from Franklin County Humane Society. They needed a foster mommy to come to the rescue for three sweet foster puppies: Rikki, Rose, and Rita.

I happily agreed to foster the little sweeties.

Wow! I am such a lucky foster mom!

Introducing my three little ladies:

Rikki is a tan brindle baby with awesome dark blue eyes. She is a silly girl, the largest of the three, and the most "puppyish." She is a blast!

Rita is a tan and white little lovie. She wants to be held all the time. She is constantly under my feet. I have tripped on her seventeen times since we got her on Saturday. What a little blessing!

Rose looks nothing like her sisters (maybe a different daddy?) She is the tiniest of all, and she can easily fit in my two hands if I cup them together. She is my most vocal puppy, singing to me about everything! She looks like a beagle puppy.

To find out more about adopting one of these puppies, please call:

Franklin County Humane Society Inc.
Planned Pethood Clinic & Adoption Center
(540)489-3491
http://plannedpethoodrockymount.com/

Schaffer Photography Fundraises for the RVSPCA

Check out the SPCA Pet Project:
Click here to link to the Event Page


Click "Attending" and Schaffer Photography will get in touch with you to set up your portrait session.

From the event page, a letter from Schaffer Photography:

Animal lovers and friends,

I am putting together a coffee table book to raise money for the Roanoke Valley SPCA. If you would like to be part of this book, each page will feature a photograph of your pet, their name, your name and a description about your relationship together written by you! You can purchase a place in this book for only $50 with all proceeds going to the SPCA. With your donation, you will als...o receive a brief pet photography portrait session from Schaffer Photography for use in the book! All pets welcome!! I will be booking pet portrait sessions through the end of the summer so the photo book can be finished by the last week of August.

After the book is finished, you will have the option to purchase a copy for your personal coffee table for an additional $70. I encourage everyone to participate and help out our four legged furry friends when they are unable to help themselves. The SPCA is a certified 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that relies completely on donations to care for thousands of homeless or unwanted animals in our community.

If you are interested in participating, click on the “attending” tab on this events page and I will get in contact with you to schedule your portrait session.

Thank you from Schaffer Photography and all of the animals at the SPCA!