Honor the Men, Women, and Dogs Who Have Served to Ensure Our Freedom

Many thanks from our family to the many men and women who have fought for our freedom. Many thanks also to the highly-trained dogs that serve and have served as working "soldiers" in the military.

Fun with crayons today, 5/30/11

"The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree." -- Thomas Campbell

From The United States War Dogs Association:

"Military Working Dogs have been used by the U.S. Military since World War I. American families donated their dogs to the military to aid our troops during wartime. Dogs, along with their volunteer handlers, trained in teams as scouts, trackers, sentry, mine/booby-trap/tunnel and water detection of hostile forces. Dogs were used in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq.

It has been estimated that these courageous canine heroes saved over 10,000 lives during the conflict in Vietnam.

Today all branches of our Armed Forces are utilizing Military Patrol Dogs specializing in Drug and Bomb/Explosive detection. There are approximately 600-700 of these canines in the Middle East in such places as Kuwait, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. They are being used to patrol Air Bases, Military Compounds, Ammunition Depots and Military Check Points. They are guarding and protecting our Military Personnel as they were trained to do, with Courage, Loyalty and Honor."

Other links:
Play Santa Claus to Canine Heroes this Memorial Day (and Beyond)


Dogs of war: Bin Laden operation piques interest in their adoption

Every Dog Deserves a Waiting List

Some of you already know that Omega has an adopter already! I am so happy for them both. Turns out that due to the power of a little Facebook love, he had others who were also seriously interested in him as well. During the two weeks that he stayed in our home, Omega developed a waiting list at the Roanoke Valley SPCA.

This is exciting news!

A sobering statistic, though, is that about 4,000,000 unwanted pets are euthanized each year. Where is the waiting list for each one of those animals? It seems to me that each one of those beings should have had people lined up waiting for them to join their homes.

The study where I found this information is located online:
Survey Finds Americans Underestimate Homeless Pet Numbers


The title of the article leads to another interesting discovery. 76% of respondents surveyed underestimated the number of pets that are euthanized every year in America by 75%. The respondents thought that 1,000,000 or fewer unwanted pets are euthanized each year. Being a pet foster parent, I realize the importance of my volunteer work. But I have to admit, I wouldn't have guessed as high as 4,000,000 either. FOUR MILLION. FOUR MILLION. Unbelievable.

The study found that 76% of new pets were acquired from a source other than animal shelters. WHY? Why is this happening? What do people not understand about this problem? I cannot believe that so many pets were "bought" from puppy mills, pet stores, and breeders...when there are so many pets (FOUR MILLION...FOUR MILLION...FOUR MILLION) killed each year.

Every dog I have had in my home deserves to have a waiting list of potential adopters. Maybe I am taking this a little too personally, but I would be lying if I said that each dog that I have had in my home has not influenced me in a positive way. As a foster mom, I realize the importance of helping as many pups as possible...I can't adopt them all (or I'll end up on that Animal Hoarders show). But you bet your buttons I would be standing in line to hang out on the couch with any one of them again.

Please spread the word to your friends and family to consider adopting a shelter pet before EVER considering the "purchase" of a pet store animal. I would consider it a personal favor.

A heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS to my new friend Josh and his sweet baby, Omega.

Doggie Bathtime: Omega

Doggie Bathtime: Yeah, its a fun job.

You hold the dog's collar with the left hand, and grab the shower nozzle with the right. You hose the dog down. He shakes and sprays water all over you. You turn off water with right hand, careful not to let go of collar. With the right, you grab the shampoo, open with one hand (so thankful for my right thumb). Dog has at this point wriggled into a pretzel tie, so you put your dukes up and wrestle the dog. You let out a yelp, scream out "NO" one hundred times, regain control, pour the shampoo, drop the bottle. Bottle is leaking soap all over the bathroom floor. You get the water back on, hose the dog down again, and cry when he bends your arm backwards. The rascal gets away and jumps out of the tub, on you, soaking wet. You get the dog back in the tub, finish hosing him off, lose a contact lens, and presto!

The dog is clean.

You stand up, slip in the puddle of shampoo, and land on your head. Sweet puppy comes over to check on you, and just when you think he is going to take it easy on you, another shake to dry off, all over your face.

You get the towel. You cuddle the baby. Doggie bathtime is all done.

The photo here is of my foster baby, Omega, right after tonight's bath. The events listed before are actual events, only slightly exaggerated.

Omega: This Guy is an Attention-Getter!

I have walked nearly all of my foster dogs out in public, and I have become accustomed to people stopping to pet the puppy. I have a speech for each person when they stop to pet the puppy. The speech usually goes a little something like this:

"Omega is a foster dog from the Roanoke Valley SPCA. He's available for adoption in about a week. Tell everyone you know!"

At this point in the speech, nearly every time, the person tells me how they could never foster dogs, because they would keep them all. I respond with a valid point, that this dog does not belong to me, and that I am "babysitting" the dog for the Roanoke Valley SPCA. I cannot collect dogs in my home, and I am doing a good thing for as many dogs as possible by fostering puppies before their adoptions.

I wonder if any of the strangers I have met out in the park have looked into foster parenting when they went home. Maybe they checked out the Roanoke Valley SPCA website, or maybe they called their local humane society to see how they can help.

Omega is such a handsome, uniquely colored dog that he gets even more attention than the others, even from afar. Everyone wants to know: "What is he?
"

He has blue eyes, like a Husky. His face is shaped more like a lab. His blue coloring, maybe Chow Chow or Pit Bull (?) or back to possible Husky...

He is simply gorgeous. He is a major attention-getter. If I was single, I would have the phone numbers to half the single man park-goers in Roanoke. Let's face it...people want to see Omega again. (And I am totally hot... HA! I am just kidding.) Omega is a sweet, easy puppy. He does well with the children we meet at youth sporting events. Spread the word about Omega, and share this posting with your friends, neighbors and associates. I like when my foster dogs are practically adopted once they get back to RVSPCA.

For more information on pet foster parenting, please check the RVSPCA website or call Ann Marie Sweeney at 540-339-9505. Tell her that the crazy blog woman sent you!

Black Friday at Roanoke Valley SPCA

You've thought about it... Do It! Polly needs a foster home

You've been thinking about fostering a dog. You've read some of my posts. Your next two weeks are available, with no vacation plans. Do it! Sign up today to foster the beautiful "Polly," who needs a foster home and some TLC.

Call the lovely Ann Marie Sweeney at 540-339-9505 if you are interested in fostering this sweet little girl.

Our new little boy: Omega

It is Lindsay's turn to name the foster puppy, and she named him Omega.

Lindsay didn't know this before today, but the word Omega (Ωμέγα ...the last letter of the Greek alphabet) is commonly used to describe the last of a set, in contrast to Alpha, the first letter of the Greek alphabet.

Omega certainly will not be our last foster pup.

The term "omega" is also used when referring to the low guy on the totem pole as far as a pack of dogs. While this guy is clearly not an alpha dog, I hate to refer to him as the weakest of the pack.

Nevertheless, his name is Omega. I hope you get to meet him. He is precious.

Please join me in welcoming our new little foster guy, Omega.

Roanoke Valley SPCA receives top rating

Great job to the Roanoke Valley SPCA for receiving this top rating, click here:

http://www2.wsls.com/news/2011/may/12/roanoke-valley-spca-receives-top-rating-charity-wa-ar-1034962/

So hard to say goodbye

I think most pet foster parents would agree with me...it is so hard to say goodbye to your foster pet.

You've bonded with the pet, even after just a two week stay. Every time we bring a puppy back to the RVSPCA, my kids and I agree that this one was the best foster pup we ever had.

The truth is...EVERY FOSTER PUP IS OUR FAVORITE.

Kate went back to the Roanoke Valley SPCA yesterday, and we miss her so much. She is a bright little pup. She loves the other dogs and the kids. She loves to be held. She loves laying down on your feet on the couch. (My feet haven't been cold for two weeks).

I can say nice things about every one of my foster puppies. In an awards ceremony, Max would have been "Most Playful," Jackson would have been "Easiest Pup," Rosalina would be ribboned the "One Who Touched My Heart (the most)," and Kate would be the "Genius."

What a sweetie. I wish her the best. It is so hard to say goodbye.

I Rescued a Human Today

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels.
I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.
I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage.
I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today.
Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.
Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.

A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms.
I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side.
I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.
I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor.
So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors.
So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

Rosalina is available at the Roanoke Valley SPCA today. Adopt her...you won't know how you lived without her in your life.

Special thanks to Planned Pethood--Franklin County Humane Society for permission to share this posting.



"I Rescued a Human Today." Web post. Planned Pethood--Franklin County Humane Society on Facebook. 11 May 2011. Web. 11 May 2011.

Duchess Catherine of Cambridge - Photo Shoot

Our Kate had a photo shoot today. She was a dignified little royal as I shot pictures. Check out the little beauty:

Brad Pit wants to live with YOU

From www.artanimals.org:

Brad Pit
Bull terrier / Pit bull mix

male, 3, 60 lbs.

Neutered, Current on shots, Current on heartworm prevention, Housebroken

This handsome dog just appeared in someones backyard. He jumped over their privacy fence. He was in good condition wearing a nice collar.He knows how to sit, lie down, roll over, give you his paw, and loves to go for car rides. He came with these skills. Someone really loved him. He spent several weeks at animal control waitng for his owner to claim him. Signs were put up around the neighborhood. No one came. The good neighbor called us to save Brad Pit. He is an awesome dog. Strong and Sweet are the two adjectives that best describe him. He gets along great with female dogs. He has nice house manners. He does not mind a crate. He loves people. Especially people that will take him for a walk or ride. He clears 6 ft fences with ease so actually no fenced yard is required. But he MUST be kept on a leash at all time. Not too worry about excercising him. He knows how to jog on the treadmill. A trainer started to teach him and soon found out Brad knew all about treadmills. For more information email caring4paws@cox.net

Contact Info:
757-404-6032
caring4paws@cox.net

HELP request

The Roanoke Valley SPCA is trying to help a family whose mama dog died after a surgical procedure leaving behind 9 pups.

The family is willing to keep them and bottle feed for 8 weeks; however, they need puppy formula (puppy milk replacer). If you can help donate a can, that would be AWESOME as this is cutting into the family's budget. You can drop off donations at the Roanoke Valley SPCA.

Click here to buy this product online

Image from Google Products

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all foster moms, and to those who are considering fostering a pet. Foster pet motherhood, like human motherhood, is not without bloopers, blunders, and headaches.

Waking up to a howling pup in her crate is not unlike waking up to a newborn baby's cry.

Housebreaking a puppy is similar to pulling diaper duty.

Breaking a pet's bad habits ( nibbling, etc.) reminds me of teaching important lessons to a human child.

Like the experience of mothering our children, foster pet parenting rewards outweigh the annoyances tenfold.

Happy Mother's Day, foster moms. Thank you for providing your motherhood skills to the animal community.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Saturdays are youth sports days in our family.

We brought Duchess Catherine of Cambridge (aka Kate) out to meet all of our fellow flag football and softball families today. Kate was wonderful with the people; she truly is a social butterfly.

We met about 3,000 kids that would love to adopt Kate. Even better, we met one adult who seems to be VERY interested in Kate. I can't wait to see if she adopts Kate once I have returned her to the SPCA.

My sweet, shy girl

At this time, Rosa is still available at Roanoke Valley SPCA.

I have heard that she sits quietly, waiting for the perfect family to come along and choose her. As you may have read in previous blog posts, Rosa is my sweet, shy girl. She was fearful at first, and I thought I was in WAY over my head. Then, in just a few days, Rosa came around. She slept on my chest as I laid on the couch. She mirrored my other dogs' actions. She gently took food morsels from my hand. She touched my heart.

She loves Sammy and Gracie (my two doxies). She loved them from the start, even when she had to warm up to me.

I bet she misses my couch. My couch is great...totally comfortable and will fit my entire family (including Kevin, Lindsay, Alex, Sammy, Gracie, myself, and any given foster pup).

I hope she finds a family with equally as impressive a couch.

I have been thinking of Rosa often, watching the RVSPCA website, waiting for the celebratory moment when I realize that she has been adopted. When I find out that a lucky person has taken Rosa home, I will throw a party! We will drink champagne and laugh about all of Rosa's silly ways.

You think I'm exaggerating, and I can assure you that I'm not. You're all invited. Come one, come all! Watch the website with me, and let me know if you notice her adoption before I do!

Southwest Virginia’s Largest Pet Event

Straight from the Pet Ex website:

PetEx 2011 is all about you and your pet. It’s two days packed with programs that provide information that can create and improve “forever families.” PetEx happens Friday, May 6th from noon until 8pm and Saturday, May 7th from 10am til 6pm at the Roanoke Special Events Center at Roanoke Civic Center.

http://www.petexpova.com/

First 500 visitors receive a gift bag! I hope to see you there!

Carlo DeVito's book: "10 Secrets My Dog Taught Me"

My five-year-old and I stopped by Barnes and Noble over the weekend. Alex insisted it was "Alex day," which is not related to any real holiday or birthday, and just means that he wants me to buy him something.

In the five years of Alex's life, he has not yet realized two important things about Barnes and Noble.

1. Mommy WILL buy herself a beautiful hardcover book EVERY TIME we go to Barnes and Noble, even though Mommy owns a Nook.

2. Mommy WILL buy Alex a book at Barnes and Noble(whether or not it is a REAL OR FAKE holiday.)

I am equally obsessed with books as I am with fostering dogs. You get the point.

While Alex was encouraging me to buy into his "Alex day" story, I was immersing myself in the hardcover display books in the center of the store.

I found a book, "10 Secrets My Dog Taught Me," by Carlos DeVito. The author explores the lessons he has learned from his dog, Exley, in only 172 pages. A must-have quick read, this book reinforces a few simple rules known by all dog-owners.

Pick up the book at your local book store. It is a good one.

DeVito, Carlo. 10 Secrets My Dog Taught Me: Life's Lessons from a Man's Best Friend. [Emmaus, Pa.]: Rodale, 2005. Print

Children Should Learn to Volunteer

Kids learn from the adults in their lives. We, as adults, are responsible to teach children how to live successful and rewarding lives. The kids we teach don't have to be our own kids...they can be our nieces, our nephews, the kids next door, and our friends' kids.

One thing that I try to teach my children is the importance of volunteerism in the local community. The way I see it, fostering pets is one of the easiest ways to give back. Kevin and I make fostering dogs a family responsibility.

The kids spend time with the foster pup, hold the foster pup, and teach the foster pup not to nibble their hands. We all participate in crate-training the puppy. The kids insist on being the "treat-givers."

I feed the puppies, lay on the couch with them, give lots of kisses, and clean up the messes (if applicable).

I'm pretty sure Kevin does stuff, too. I just can't think of anything right now. (ha ha ha)

eHow has a cool article on getting your kids involved in "giving back" to the community. Check out this article, "How to Teach Your Children to Volunteer", by christieo1, an eHow user.

In this article, she says,

Getting your children excited about volunteering and helping others is easiest when it is personal and something that they can get excited about.

What child can't get excited about puppies? Teach the kids in your life to volunteer their time. If you are interested in volunteering in the Roanoke area, contact the Roanoke Valley SPCA to find out about their foster program. We are so happy that we did! Foster applications are available online at www.rvspca.org.

Introducing... Catherine "Kate", Duchess of Cambridge

Introducing... Catherine "Kate", Duchess of Cambridge

Kate is our new foster pup. She was named Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in honor of the beautiful new wife of Prince William.

Our pup is such a princess. I love her already. Keep checking my blog for Duchess Kate updates.

The Perfect Dog - Adoptable in Franklin County

Franklin County Humane Society has the perfect dog... well, he seems perfect to me!

Think of all the time you'll save... Dino is trained in the following:
-Sit/Stay (and he stays for one minute)
-Wait
-Down/Stay
-Leash-trained (does not pull)

Dino is:
-Dog friendly
-Cat friendly
-Kid friendly

HUGE THANK YOU to Trainer Tatiana Braine (The Perfect Pooch: www.dogcarewithlove.com), who has worked with Dino.

Dino is more than ready to be adopted. Do you have a place in your home for the Perfect Dog?

Franklin County Humane Society Adoption Center hours are Wednesday-Friday, 2-5 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. More information is available by e-mailing Donna at donna@plannedpethoodrockymount.com.

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/18063224

Don't Play the Odds with your Dog's Heart

In many cases, my blog will be about a dog's heart. As a foster mom, I'd rather not ever see a heartbroken dog lying in a cage somewhere, in need of a family. I'd rather never hear of a dog's heartbeat stopping because there is "no more room" in the shelter.

But today, my heart conversation shifts to a preventable disease in dogs that we've all heard of...Heartworm Disease. Most of us have heard that heartworm disease can be prevented by regular dosing of preventive medication.

IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE SO YET, PLEASE GET YOUR DOG(S) TESTED FOR HEARTWORM, AND GET THEM ON PREVENTIVE MEDICATION IMMEDIATELY. Don't play the odds with your dog's heart.


From American Heartworm Society: "Recently infected dogs may exhibit no signs of the disease, while heavily infected dogs may eventually show clinical signs, including a mild, persistent cough, reluctance to move or exercise, fatigue after only moderate exercise, reduced appetite and weight loss."


More information can be found here:
American Heartworm Society
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/hartworm.html