Cats & pit bulls to benefit from low-cost spay/neuter surgeries

You, my beloved readers, can help put an end to a tragic situation…

Each year, thousands of kittens and puppies wind up in shelters as you know. Many are euthanized as a result of accidental litters from pets that are not spayed or neutered.

In fact, 11,000 pets in this country are euthanized daily – that’s half of the 8 million pets that land in shelters each year, according to a PetSmart Charities study.

Not all of these pets start out homeless.

Half of U.S. pet owners who’ve had a pregnant dog or cat say the pregnancy happened “by accident.”

Spaying/neutering at an early age is the best way to prevent unplanned litters and also has health benefits for pets. Many people don’t realize that operations as early as 8 to 10 weeks is safe for most pets – and waiting longer puts you at risk for an unplanned litter.

So I’m helping PetSmart Charities spread the word about early spay/neutering because it’s one the best ways (in the top three) to save homeless pets and curb the pet overpopulation problem in the US.

PetSmart Charities, the nation’s largest funder of spay/neuter initiatives, recently announced a NEW $1 million national grant program to fund high-quality, affordable spay/neuter operations to save the lives of pets that are at the highest risk for euthanasia: cats and pit bull terriers-these guys have that high risk due to overcrowding in shelters, which is due to overpopulation, etc.

Do you see how the circle works? If I were a graphic artist I would make an infographic but I’m not so I can’t. I did find one that’s to the right though from Pawesome.net.

The new PetSmart Charities grant program builds on the group’s efforts to:

- improve spay/neuter rates

- reduce shelter overcrowding

-increase pet adoption

Since 2007, PetSmart Charities has provided $26.3 million in grants that have subsidized almost 1 million spay/neuter surgeries in the United States.

Today, this year, the new grant program will help 65 nationwide non-profit spay/neuter clinics provide high-quality, affordable spay/neuter surgeries for more than 23,000 cats and pit bull terriers, ultimately reducing the homeless pet population by tens of thousands of at-risk cats and dogs that would otherwise wind up in shelters because of unplanned litters, according to Susana Della Maddalena, executive director of PetSmart Charities, Inc.

Four million adoptable pets are euthanized every year in the United States because they aren’t adopted.

“Approximately 34 percent of dogs and cats in U.S. households are not spayed or neutered yet the procedure is one of the most effective ways to reduce the homeless pet overpopulation,” said Della Maddalena. “With our new national grant program and our ongoing efforts to make affordable spay/neuter available to the public, PetSmart Charities is addressing the root cause of pet homelessness and this will have a national impact on reducing shelter intake and, ultimately, the euthanasia of adoptable pets.”

Lori Redmon, president/CEO of the Kentucky Humane Society in Louisville agrees.

“Shelters do their best to find forever homes for all of their cats and dogs that are loving pets, but unplanned litters quickly lead to overcrowding, and tragically, too many wonderful pets are at risk for euthanasia. With the grant from PetSmart Charities, we will be able to perform 200 more spay/neuter surgeries and give some much-needed help to cats and pit bull terriers that are especially at risk.”

“Beat the Heat” and “Primp Your Pit”

PetSmart Charities’ new grant program will support two spay/neuter campaigns:

·         “Beat the Heat” was held in February 2012 to spay female cats before they go into heat, and prevented 17,000 unplanned litters during the “kitten season” spring months.

·         “Primp Your Pit” will be held in August 2012, giving clinics resources to spay or neuter pit bull terriers. This breed, in particular, ends up in shelters in large numbers due to the myths and negative media and public perceptions that are associated with pit bulls. Search BSL or pit bulls on ThoughtsFurPaws.com for more information on that (don’t get me started about myths on these sweet, gorgeous, loving dogs…)

Through these special campaigns, spay/neuter clinics receive:

1. grant funds to help lower the cost of spay/neuter for the public
2. professionally-developed marketing materials to educate the public
3. funding and support to advertise and promote the campaigns in local communities

To find high-quality, low-cost spay/neuter services locally, the public can go online here to access a free searchable database made possible through a partnership between PetSmart Charities and the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®).

How to Donate to Save Pets’ Lives

Donations allow PetSmart Charities to offer these types of grant programs and resources that support local clinics and shelters across the nation. Members of the public can join the fight to end pet homelessness by making a tax-deductible donation online, by email at gifts@petsmartcharities.org or via phone at 623-587-2826.

Stay up to date on the lives that are being saved through PetSmart Charities’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/savehomelesspets.

About PetSmart Charities®

Established in 1994, PetSmart Charities, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. The largest funder of animal-welfare efforts in North America, PetSmart Charities has provided more than $134 million in grants and programs benefiting animal-welfare organizations and has helped save the lives of nearly 5 million pets through its in-store adoption program. To learn more about how PetSmart Charities is working toward its vision of a lifelong, loving home for every pet, visit petsmartcharities.org or call 1-800-423-PETS (7387).

I received this email from Kyla Duffy, Founder of Up for Pups, and Happy Tails Books; see how you can contribute by purchasing a new book on Herding Breeds! Here goes… ( I made a few additions…)

Add dog breeds are different. Most owners of specific breeds know that, and cherish the particulars of their own dog breed.

In honor of Happy Tails Books’ latest products to promote rescue and adoption, I wrote this headline somewhat in jest, but I do mean to make a point.

At our local shelter, we are inundated with herding-breed dogs. Why? Because they are generally extremely intelligent and driven; this may also mean ‘destructive’ in the wrong household…

Scroll down to see how you can make the money you spend on your Happy Tails Books herding-breed item purchase go even further this month! It’s double-donation days!

Now, we have a very good local shelter, and I’m sure the volunteers eye people down carefully when they say they want to adopt a herding-breed dog, but this is not the case everywhere, thus, causing many herding-breed dogs to be adopted and returned multiple times before they eventually find someone who understands them and can provide them with what they need, or they meet an untimely end simply for being misunderstood.

What’s a herding-breed dog? Here are some examples: Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Collie, Corgi, Sheltie (Shetland Sheepdog), etc.

It is our hope that our new book, t-shirts, and stationery will help educate people on herding breed dogs’ unique needs in order to reduce the number who find themselves displaced or on death row. These dogs make wonderful companions for people who are looking to participate in dog sports or who can at least provide their dogs with a significant amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation, but they are not for everyone.

If you are one of the aforementioned people, please consider adopting a herding-breed dog; you, too, are a unique breed, and these guys need you!

In addition to a great book, Happy Tails Books has developed select herding-breed stationery and  T-shirts to help you start the conversation about rescue and adoption!

For any stationery purchased before May 1st, we’ll double our donation to your rescue of choice.

So head on over to HappyTailsBooks.com and check out the selection; it’s going to a good cause!

The Royal Canin dog food team, like many others, attended the mega-pet conference Global Pet Expo in Orlando in late February.

There, in celebration, the generous dog food company partnered with a local Orlando rescue organization, Florida Little Dog Rescue featuring its small, adoptable dogs, to launch a new product,  Royal Canin X-SMALL BREED dog food formula.

Florida Little Dog Rescue helped Royal Canin at the show by bringing attention to them and their new X-SMALL Breed dog food, made for dogs under eight pounds; Royal Canin, in turn, helped the group by featuring their dogs for adoption.

* If you’re interested, you can see pix (and read about the seven rescue dogs adopted at the Expo) on their Facebook page. * (Here is the Royal Canin USA Facebook page.)

1. Global Pet Expo attendees were asked to participate in short five-minute trainings to learn about the innovation and nutrition behind these new foods.
2. For each training session completed, Royal Canin donated a bag of food to Florida Little Dogs Rescue.
3. The result? In three days, attendees raised a donation of more than 2,500 bowls of food for the rescue! Cool, huh?

So why am I telling you this, besides the facts that this kind-hearted pet food brand is so helpful and generous, and that they’ve launched a new dog food product?

Well, to celebrate the launch of the new X-SMALL dog foods (formulated specifically for dogs weighing less than eight pounds), ThoughtsFurPaws.com is hosting a super-valuable giveaway with them. I’m giving away two “Doggy Day Spa” gift packs specialized, like the brand’s new food, for little dogs.

Each, including the last item that ThoughtsFurPaws added itself, is valued at over $100 and contains:

- A small bag of Royal Canin’s new X-SMALL dog food
- Oatmeal and baking soda shampoo
- Grooming lead (for easier bathing sessions)
- Natural grooming wipes
- Microfiber Pet Towels (pack of 5)
- Grooming brush
- Toothbrush and toothpaste combo pack
- Nail trimmer
… And for good measure and since I’m a proud supporter of PetArmor® and since this fits with the theme, I’m throwing in a pack of PetArmor® so you can properly arm your pet’s cute little rear end (and whole body!) against fleas and ticks this season.

So how do you enter and win?

Well, I’d like you to tell me in the comments below why you think your dog would benefit from this interior and exterior makeover, and/or why he/she needs it most.

You can also write about it on your blog and then come back and leave me a link to your link in the comments…

… Or you can Tweet about it and leave me a link to your Tweet in the comments.

Don’t forget to support Royal Canin!

Results will be posted on ThoughtsFurPaws.com in three weeks on Friday, April 27th.

As you all know, two weeks back we lost Henry the Basset Hound. My sister, Henry’s Mom, was (actually is) beside herself with grief – you guys know what I’m talking about.

Nothing hits you like the loss of a pet that’s been by your side every day through EVERY THING, whether for a year or 11 – as in Henry the Peanut’s case.

So yesterday Ashly again accepted a foster from Ohio Basset Rescue in Columbus (and did some transport on the way!)

PLEASE WELCOME ROM the BASSET!

As far as we know, here are the details on “Romney:”

- He is about 4 or 5-years-old

- He was abused at some point as he totally cowers, puts his head down to the ground when a voice gets loud or when he hears a loud noise, and he has multiple gashes/scars; he also puts his back end down and drags when he feels scared (tail btwn legs, etc.)

- Took a dog warden in Dayton around 5 months to catch him; he was literally like Duffy on “Pit Bulls and Parolees”

- He weighs just 34 pounds right now – that’s how sick he is… don’t worry, we will fatten him up

- He LOVES Ashly, he loved me, and he loved my parents – so he is ABSOLUTELY a LAMB and will recover from all of the above

- He likes walks already, is good on a leash, is good with cats, and was cozying up to Franklin all day yesterday so he likes other dogs; we believe he will do BETTER with another dog actually and not alone

So welcome Rom with open arms as we have; and say a prayer for him & that Ash (et al) can turn him around like she did with Franklin, the former puppy mill stud Basset, who now runs the show at the Smith House… !

We love you Rom and you are forever safe and loved now Thank you Amy at Ohio Basset Rescue for doing what you do!

Yesterday our family’s beloved Basset Hound Henry, who just successfully finished the Eukanuba Challenge, had to cross the Rainbow Bridge – he had a huge tumor behind his liver – the size of a golf ball – that was cancerous and inoperable. He would not have made it long.

My sister Ashes (my personal sisters-only nickname for her), Henry’s forever Mu-ther (our family ‘animal word’ for mom), made the world’s hardest decision (or one of them) to put The Peanut down so he would not suffer any pain or discomfort. (He had already been throwing up blood that morning.)

* Ashes, like me with Theodore, had barely been over the passing of Tucky the Pittie mix three years ago. *

** Keep in mind this is at 7 am the morning after our mother had SERIOUS Rotator Cuff surgery; Mom was in the worst condition we both had EVER seen her in in our ENTIRE lives – we were already hysterical at one hospital Wednesday and practically inconsolable. (No one should have to see their mother cry or in that kind of pain.)

Henry in His Fave Chair - Graphic Courtesy Zoolatry

Anyhow, Ashes slept at our house with my Mom Weds night so my Dad could get some rest – she was up all night taking care of her, rubbing her feet, putting lip balm on her, getting her throat lozenges, moisturizing her face, getting water, and everything else you can think of that someone needs in the immediate PAIN after a surgery that serious. She’s naturally caring and giving like that – always worried about everyone else…

◊ Ashes returned home at 7 am Thursday am to find Henry in horrible condition – barely able to move. I had JUST SEEN HIM Wednesday myself while we were waiting for Mom to get into recovery — I chocked his slowness, labored breathing and odd behavior up to typical stubborn Peanut/Basset behavior and/or old age/tiredness/laziness – imagine the uselessness (and mis-education – yes that’s a word) I feel right now (but this is not about me).

Ashes is in horrible condition. I wish I knew how to help my sister. I cannot explain how awful it feels to not be able to do something.

She came over with Franklin, the rescue Basset she saved from Ohio Basset Rescue (thanks to Amy B., who saved him from a puppy mill in Ohio’s Amish Country – the WORST offender), all day yesterday and “Mr. Frank N Beans” wouldn’t leave her side.

He knew something was wrong…. like all animals do when something of this magnitude happens.

Peanut was one of the first animals I wrote about when I started ThoughtsFurPaws — I nicknamed him “Henry the Horrible” because he was comically stubborn, slow, LOUD and obstinate – similar to Marley, the proclaimed World’s Worst Dog!

You could not train it out of him – neither Cesar Milan nor Victoria Stilwell (spelling?) could have… ♥ ! And we loved him for it

Henry inspired me beyond words, and I have many a poem and short story about him that I will slowly share in a series over the next couple months.

♥ ♥ Henry:

Your family will love and cherish you and our blessed memories of your “hilarities” forever. We will always think of you when we see a Hound of any type. You adopted your Mother as much as she adopted you and you will never know how much you gave to her — or how much you enriched all of our lives. I feel at ease knowing you were greeted at the Bridge by your older brother – Ashly’s Tux – plus our family’s Nickodemus and Gibson and my Theodore…. all of whom have passed from cancer.

♥ We also know that all of our pet friends in the blogosphere who have lost a beloved animal to cancer OR ANYTHING are greeting you, sniffing around, letting you follow your nose as you always did, romping and playing, doing your famous squawk, and jumping around like you are 1-year-old again, probably stepping on your own ears like you did on your first few walks (remember — Ashes carried you halfway through Long Beach because you got tired and kept stepping on your ears!) ♥

Henry our “Perpendicular Peanut,” our Rebellious Basset, our first family Hound who started a forever tradition –

♥ ♥ we will forever miss you and can’t wait to see you again ♥ ♥

Ash, my sister in blood and water, love and friendship, and in every other way possible:

I LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER, AND WILL DO ANYTHING –

- I WILL MOVE THE HEAVENS, GO TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH, OR REACH UP AND GRAB THE MOON AND STARS -

“You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down”

TO HELP YOU THROUGH THIS HARDEST OF TIMES IN YOUR LIFE…

Hi every-doggie! Hooray for puppy love because we have some more wonderful, adorable puppy and dog pictures to show you – some posed just for doggie Valentine cards or Valentine dog photo contests like ours!

We also must immediately give you a MAJOR pup-date as there have been MAJOR pup-dates emerging in the voting for the contest entrants this past 36 or so hours! We wanted to show and tell you who the latest entries are &, respectively, who the leaders are! Right now, here are the current ties and/or leaders:

Calvin/Chance – TIED

1. Sandy

Bailey /Scout  – TIED

Simba – Welcome to the running Simba!!!!!!

*Not in order (or are they?) of the ThoughtsFurPaws Doggie Photo Val Day Contest*

** FYI — there will not be Honorable Mention if the now TWO ties aren’t broken before voting ends.

Here are the most recent entries to the Valentine’s Day Dog Photo Contest on ThoughtsFurPaws.com!

If you do not see an accompanying story, it’s because you did not send one! You are NOT required to, but if you would like to tell voters/readers why to vote for your Valentine-pooch, please do share some info about the picture and/or the pup!

Please remember the rules: the rules for the Valentine’s Day Dog Photo Contest MUST BE followed or you will be disqualified.

1. 

   2. Frankie

   CONTEST RUNS NOW thru Feb. 13th, 6 pm EST. Please send a dog picture accompanied by a brief story about the dog or photo, explaining why he/she should win, why you chose this particular photo, etc. It should obviously be one of your funnier/cuter dog photos ♥

2. No more than two votes per person (per email address if you email your vote and per name/email if you “comment in” your vote). *** If you leave a fake email address on your comment and/or otherwise attempt to comment-stuff the voting, your votes will be completely discounted entirely.
3. No more than three persons PER IP ADDRESS – and we HAVE BEEN and WILL CONTINUE TO test emails. BE HONEST!
4.  YOU MUST ENTER A DOG! (Kitty contest coming this Spring:)
5. Send your readers HERE to vote in their comments; you, of course, are free to post your dog’s featured pic on Facebook, but any votes on Facebook are not counted. Again, votes must be left in comments section on the actual post or emailed to thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com.

See original Announcement post here…

See Feb 7^th entrants here...

See Feb. 9^th entrants here...

1. Sandy: Sandy is my Golden-Doodle that has kept me full of life.  She full of personality, like wanting to chase the Volkswagen that drives pass the house beeping.  She has had two litters, each time she pre-warned us by

3. Maddie

walking around with a stuffed toy in her mouth for days prior to us actually realizing that he was pregnant. One of her lovely pups flew all the way to Massachusetts to his new home.  The other ones were part of a Golden-Doodle rescue and flew across the states.  She even had two of her most recent pups get in the local news of Wilmington.  Sandy’s so special, it’s catching.  She like burping after eating, just to get an extra nibble.  Most of all, she a bundle of love, and can’t wait to jump down the stairs and cling to my thighs as she’s doing in the picture.  We love our “Sandy.”

2. Frankie: This is my Yorkie Bishon mix, Frankie.  He is the love of my life. He is a thief… he stole my heart and he will steal yours, too. Here he is on my bed – nestled among the rose pedals, hearts, and roses.  Frankie is a pint-sized Casanova who loves playing with his friends at the dog park, greeting  everyone in the neighborhood (both canine and humans) during his daily walks and snuggling with me…his mommy.  Watch out…Cupid’s arrow has just struck!

3. Maddie: This is a photo I took of my dog, Maddie, to make homemade Valentine’s day cards this year.  I arranged some of my Valentine’s decor for her to sit with.  Maddie always

4. Murphy

makes people smile and lift their spirits if they are sick or having a bad day and I thought taking a photo for the cards would be extra special.

4. Murphy: This is Murphy my Old English Sheep Dog.  This photo was taken when he was 16-weeks-old; he is now 1-year-old.  This is my favorite picture of him because he just looks so sweet and innocent.  Murphy is the most loving and pure-hearted dog I have ever had.  He loves to give kisses and snuggle. He is a true joy!

5. Huntley: Huntley is 14-weeks-old and was adopted from a rescue just one week ago. This is Huntley’s first Valentine’s Day in his forever home! WELCOME HUNTLEY

5. Huntley

Hi all! I know you’re dying to know:

6. Ubi and Kiah

Here are the current leaders before we move on with the Valentine’s Day Dog Contest entrants!

1. Bailey/Chance – MAJOR TIE – we’re talking neck to neck EVERY SINGLE DAY to the point that I had to triple-count and start emailing back voters and commenters — I think these guys are sharing prizes with rescues locally
2. Calvin/Scout – TIE – Don’t forget that Calvin said he is SHARING his “winnings” with other rescue dogs, too, if he places

A close third is Scout….. there will be an Honorable Mention for 2^nd place if the tie for 1^st and 2^nd  isn’t broken before voting ends (see RULES); otherwise we are still having two winners. Don’t forget, there are pet brands generously sponsoring this contest like Spring Naturals, Stella and Chewy’s, etc. Plus I’m throwing toys in and stuff from PetSmart, & a few surprises.

Here are the most recent entries to the Valentine’s Day Dog Photo Contest on ThoughtsFurPaws.com!

If you do not see an accompanying story, it’s because you did not send one! You are NOT required to, but if you would like to tell voters/readers why to vote for your Valentine-pooch, please do share some info about the picture and/or the pup!

Please remember the rules: the rules for the Valentine’s Day Dog Photo Contest MUST BE followed or you will bedisqualified (I’m accusing no one of anything; however,  people HAVE tried to take advantage in the past b/c ThoughtsFurPaws.com is known for its CRAZY-GOOD prizes:))

7. Rusty Riley and Roxy

1. CONTEST RUNS NOW thru Feb. 13th, 6 pm EST. Please send a dog picture accompanied by a brief story about the dog, explaining why he/she should win, why you chose this particular photo, etc. It should obviously be one of your funnier/cuter dog photos ♥
2. No more than two votes per person (per email address if you email your vote and per name/email if you “comment in” your vote). *** If you leave a fake email address on your comment and/or otherwise attempt to comment-stuff the voting process, your votes will be completely discounted entirely.
3. No more than three persons PER IP ADDRESS – and we HAVE BEEN and will CONTINUE TO test emails for replies.
4. NEW RULE: Due to extenuating circumstances over the past 7 days, if you do not just hit reply and say “okay” or “yes”, etc., to our email reply, your email vote may not be counted. People, again, may be trying to “email stuff” the voting.

♥ COME ON GUYS! BE HONEST! ♥

6. YOU MUST ENTER A DOG! (Kitty contest coming this Spring!)

“]

1. Sooby [Sic

7. Send your readers HERE to vote in their comments; you, of course, are free to post your dog’s featured pic on Facebook, but any votes on Facebook are not counted. Again, votes must be left in comments section on the actual post or emailed to thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com.

See original Announcement post from a couple days ago here.

♥ Get your entries in fast — contest is ending early next week ♥

1. Sooby [Sic] Doo and Mom: Comment: Not sure if you meant Scooby Doo…!

2. Kate and Viper the Autism Assistance Dog: Kate is 11 and has Autism.  Viper is Kate’s Autism Assistance Dog Guide; he is 2 yrs old.  They have been a team now for 1 year.  Before Kate received Viper… Kate would repeatedly hurt herself when the world around her was too hard to understand.  She would sneak out to play in the middle of the night while others were sleeping.  She would bolt from us towards water and into the roads and was hit by a car. She would jump out of our vehicle at stop signs into the traffic.  She would hide under tables or in SMALL areas under things when noises were too loud.  When people would talk to her she would withdraw, cover her eyes, cover her ears and scream.  She was on the maximum amount of Anti-Psychotic drugs and sleeping pills.  After she received Viper within 3 months all this behavior came to an end. When hurt or upset she seeks Vipers attention calmly.  When noises scare her she seeks Vipers attention.  She is calmed by his presence and is now on the min. amount of drugs and no more sleeping pills.  One night she got out of our house despite having audible alarms on the doors and Viper alerted us to her leaving the house and she was found immediately.  Via a special harness attached to Viper while we are out Viper stopped her multiple times from running in the road as he is trained

2. Viper the Autism Assistance Dog

to lie down when Kate bolts.  Viper has definitely saved Kate’s life and given us our little girl back.  He has helped her come out of her locked in world.

3. Ziggy: This is Ziggy and the picture is titled “I need a hug.” Ziggy is a Lhasa-Poodle mix and we adopted him from PAWS Animal Shelter in Atlanta last August. He was dropped off at PAWS with such long matted hair that he had to be shaved.  We love his short coat and his wonderful personality! This picture was taken after a rain & Ziggy likes to play in the dirt! Needless to say he has had a few baths since he has come to live with us.

3. Ziggy

4. Unnamed Shih-Tzus: My five little Shih Tzu (dogs) are unbelievable in what they will do for me! People can’t believe that the’ll pose like this for photos. I’m not a photographer & I don’t know anything about photo shop [sic]. I just pose, point, and shoot. I love this picture because it shows how willing and patient my “Tzu Kids” are to happily have their photo taken, & how well they have learned to get along with each other. They love to do this, and get real excited when I say we are going to take their picture. They are so much fun, and make life so much better. They are always happy, willing, fun little dogs.

4. Unnamed Shi Tzus

5. Simba: This picture is of Simba with his best ‘stuffed’ friend. He’s in love with this lion and travels everywhere with it! Simba even looks like him!

6. Ubi the Xoloizcuintle and Kiah the Chinese-Crested:My name is Eidel Ricano and I think my picture is perfect for Valentines because it shows [that] LOVE exists everywhere at any time and is shared in the simplest ways which, in the case, is by my dogs during their sleeping time. The black one is Ubi, a Xoloizcuintle, and the white one is Kiah, a Chinese Crested. [The picture] also shows how love has no moment, no race, no gender nor color….it’s for everyone ALL the time. They both are wearing a red robe since they usually get cold because they are hairless, even in Miami, and by accident are creating the shape of the heart with their bodies. Thanks and a have a great day!

5. Simba and Best Friend

7. Rusty, Riley and Roxi: You can hear from these guys at Chasing Squirrels With Rusty, which is hilarious and beloved by many in the doggie blog world!

♥ Good luck to all and everyone get your votes in ♥

Here is the second part of the posting for the Valentine’s Day Dog Photo Contest…

♥ ♥ Please see the first entries here (along withe the RULES THAT MUST BE FOLLOWED)! ♥ ♥

1. Abby and Service Dog Olivia

♥ ♥ You can read the Contest Announcement post here ♥ ♥

* And you can read the corresponding story for each picture in this post; pictures have numbers in the caption – check the number in the  content to read that cute or funny or heart-warming Valentine’s dog picture story! *

— *** —         — *** —-

2. Donna and Service Dog Sawyer

1. Abby and Service Dog Olivia:Here is a photo of me & my service dog, Olivia. I love the way she naturally posed next to me with our faces touching. When I look at this photo I see love and enjoyment in both our faces. This photo was taken Mother’s Day 2011 in Florida. It was one of the best days we have had in a long time….my sister lives in RI & I live in FL along w/ our parents. Our mother didn’t know of any Mother’s Day plans that year… I told her I needed something at her house & would be stopping by. When the door opened my mom said  “Hi Abby!” It took about 2 minutes for her to realize that it was my sister, Heather, standing in the living room. Surprise!! She was crying & squeezing my sister. We took this photo aboard a Water Taxi.

3. Dudley the Coton du Tulear

Olivia provides medical assistance for me & has given much independence & freedom to me. You know I don’t like getting old, but as we do, it’s nice to know we can do wonderful things for the Mom that put so much love and dedication into raising us..

Comment – BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTE to a Mother… mine is my hero, too!

2. Donna and Service Dog Sawyer:My name is Donna I’m 42 years old and — I have Muscular Dystrophy, and am confined to a wheelchair.  My best friend is my handsome Blonde-Golden Retriever service dog Sawyer. I don’t know  how I ever made it without Sawyer. He can alert if I have a seizures, he turns my lights on and off, he opens and closes doors for me, he picks up things if I drop them, he can even dial 911. My husband says Sawyer watches me at night while I’m sleeping; he wakes us up if I’m breathing shallow. He changed my life forever; I

4. Sadie Getting Her Nails Painted

can go places and do things & never be afraid that there will be no one to help me if I need assistance. Even small things like pushing my arm back up on my arm rest with his nose, It’s like he just knows what I need him to do. You don’t get to pick your service dog, the dog has to pick you… Sawyer picked me and we bonded instantly.

Comment: OK, let me stop crying now!

3. Dudley the Coton de Tulear:Dudley the Coton de Tulear has been in our family for one year. He is pure love! His smile lights up the room. My husband has just gotten home, and he was so glad to see him!

5. Kash and Jesse

4. Gabriela Painting Sadie’s Nails: Sadie our 3-year-old Rottweiler gets her nails painted for Valentines – a beautiful hot pink – by my 10-year-old daughter Gabriela! We thought this picture was Valentines worthy since she doesn’t really like her feet touched!!

5. Kash and Jesse:This pic was taken by my sister, Michelle – it was just before Christmas and the red you see behind the dogs is a red tree skirt. Kash (female) is on the left and Jesse (male) is on the right. We adopted Kash from a local shelter here in Dallas; she was found with a puppy and since puppies are more likely to get adopted out we choose her. She

6. Lola

was only $25! She already had her ears clipped. Jesse and Kash get along very well and love each other as boyfriend and girlfriend.

Facebook question to Jennifer (owner): I don’t understand why you said you took her since puppies are more likely to get adopted…? Wouldn’t that make you want to take a dog that’s a bit older…? I mean no offense, I just don’t understand the explanation I guess…

6. Lola:This is Lola, she’s been the light of my life every since I lost my Border Collie to cancer back in 2010. We have the same birthday (Feb 7th) and I received her on my birthday. She will be 3 this year, and she’s such a blessing who has mended a broken heart.

7. Scout

Comment: HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRLS!

7. Scout: W-xoxo-f!… My beautiful Westie, ‘Scout,’ who has the biggest heart and loves everyone! Scout will share his prize with our local APL.. wxoxof! Thank you and blessings!

8. Tygeta

8. Tygeta in Her Condo!: This is my perfect little girl Taygeta [sic] in her condo. Tayeta [sic] was named after a star because she has brought such a bright shining light in to [sic] my life. I am sick & she has brought such joy to me it is amazing but all my dogs have! Tata is her (nickname) is  a angel in every way and is  always a winner even if she doesn’t win the contest! She will always be a winner in my eyes; she is treated like a princess and always will be along with the rest of my furry kids! Only a animal will love you for who you truly are.

So, for the Valentine’s Day Doggie Photo Contest — here are the entries (first round). ( See announcement post HERE.)

And, more importantly – here are the RULES for the Valentine’s Day Dog Photo Contest - please read carefully or you will not be qualified!

** CONTEST RUNS NOW thru Feb. 13th, 6 pm EST. The last entrants will be posted Feb 13th (evening) or Feb 14th; you are highly encouraged to get your cute dog pictures in early because voting ends February 18.

Winners will be announced the night of the 18th or on the 19th some time… Prizes will be coming from Spring Naturals, Stella and Chewy’s, Lickety Stik, PetSmart and more

♥ Please send a dog picture accompanied by a brief story about the dog, explaining why he/she should win, why you chose this particular photo, etc. ♥

♥ It should obviously be one of your funnier/cuter dog photos  ♥

RULES:

1. No more than two votes per person (per email address if you email your vote or per name/email if you comment your vote in).

2. If you leave a fake email address on your comment to try to stuff comment voting, your vote will not be counted.

3. No more than three persons PER IP ADDRESS and I will test the emails.

YOU MUST ENTER A DOG – BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE YOUR DOG - please see numbers 7 and 9 in this post and then tell me what YOU think of this rule...  At ThoughtsFurPaws.com, readers RULE; so it’s up to you guys. The Admins and I will also weigh in before the next post and leave a message after we get some COMMENT VOTES!!! (See next two points on voting please!)

4. No voting on Facebook — send your readers HERE to vote in comment. You can post this post on FB – but VOTES on FB won’t count because not everyone has an account there…

5. Remember: Readers can vote by emailing two votes per email address to thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com or by commenting on THIS POST or the ANNOUNCEMENT POST HERE

Please check out the pix below and the stories included therein – each cute dog picture has a number and a corresponding story

1. AVA

2. BAILEY

3. CHANCE

4. FENRIS

5. GEORGIA

6. JACKSON

7. JAKE

8. LIBBYLU and MAX

9. MARIA and TACO

1.AVA: Ava, the Italian Greyhound, is the ultimate snuggle bug and loves nothing more than to be burrowed under covers, sleeping. This picture nails her personality so perfectly. She pops her head out of her ‘nest’ every so often to make sure she approves of what is going on around the house, and then snuggles back in.

2. BAILEY: This is a favorite photo because the three teddy bears are Bailey’s cuddle mates & he seemed delighted to have them get dressed up for Valentine’s Day for photos with him. Bailey wishes everyone a happy holiday!

3.  CHANCE: Chance was tied to a train track and hit by a couple of trains, so he has some back end damage and has to wear a diaper. We were going to a Blessing of the Animals event and my friend Rod didn’t want Chance to be embarrassed so he dressed him up. (Which probably embarrassed him more but he looks so darned cute, who cares!)

10. CALVIN

4. FENRIS:  I love this picture of Fenris because he looks so happy. He is a true treasure and such a good dog. I think the cats would even agree that he is a good doggie… After all, he doesn’t chase them and he will even let them eat dry food out of his bowl. Surely you can’t fault him for being unwilling to share the canned dog food

5. GEORGIA: This pretty girl was a Father’s Day gift for my husband – AND SHE HAS ALREADY MADE THE COVER OF A MAGAZINE! (She was on XXX – see 2nd pic at bottom). Georgia’s Mom didn’t want her at first but realized after taking her friend to multiple 8-hour chemo sessions how wonderful animals are and how helpful they can be (Ahem, hello Sasha!)

5. GEORGIA on Country Roads Magazine

11. OLIVER

6. JACKSON:  Jackson, a Spaniel mix, is “my playful boy who loves nothing more than to be outside running around in the cold!” This picture was taken at the dog park on one of the coldest days of the year. I was in several layers of clothes and still freezing, and Jackson was totally in his element. I swear, he must be part Siberian Husky!

7. JAKE: Jake He 9-years-old and the “best dog I’ve ever seen.”  He is so pleasant and well-behaved.  He likes to sit outside but this day it was cold so his owner puts out a mattress, a pillow and a blanket for him.  He doesn’t even have a leash.  He does not go past the yard.  The entrant said she “just had to take a picture: so I don’t think Jake can win since the entrant doesn’t own a dog. However, Jake did just sit there and pose; and since he is so nice, if you would like to vote for him, we can send the prize to his neighbor and she can take his winnings to him. Let me know what you all think.

8. “LIBBYLU” and MAX: Both rescued from Wisconsin shelters over three years ago… these Golden Retrievers are well-loved by their families and now enjoy the life of spoiled dogs  instead of being behind a cage…

9. MARIA and TACO: Maria, and her dog Taco Bell, are inseparable and go everywhere together. Maria is a professional Salsa dancer in Southwest Florida and Taco Bell has been the designated mascot for her dance troupe for 3 years now! In their spare time, Maria & Taco like to sunbathe in the hammock under palm trees and walk along Ft. Myers beaches.

10. CALVIN: This is my furry Valentine Calvin, the love of my life. He was born with a heart defect, but will soon undergo surgery to repair his tiny heart, so Valentine’s Day is special for us. There is no guarantee that he will survive the risky surgery, but without it he has no chance at all. I take many pics of Calvin but this is one of my favorites.  Calvin was a little cold at an outdoor event, so he wrapped himself up in his special blanket! His personality is just as it appears in the photo, sweet and innocent with a side of mischief.  I am thankful every day that this puppy came into my life.  He has taught me so much about unconditional love and never losing hope.

11. OLIVER: Introducing Oliver: he is a 5-year-old Wire-Haired Dachshund who is a natural “ham!” He is wonderful in every way. Children and adults alike are always smiling when He is around. Oliver is just a happy, charismatic pup, very much loved by his family!

REMEMBER READERS and VOTERS:

The RULES for the Valentine’s Day Dog Photo Contest  must be followed or you could be disqualified (I am accusing no one of anything illegal contest-wise , but people HAVE tried to take advantage in the past b/c ThoughtsFurPaws is inherently known for its CRAZY-GOOD prize packages:))

CONTEST RUNS NOW thru Feb. 13th, 6 pm EST.

♥ Please send a dog picture accompanied by a brief story about the dog, explaining why he/she should win, why you chose this particular photo, etc. It should obviously be one of your funnier/cuter dog photos  ♥

1. No more than two votes per person (per email address if you email your vote or per name/email if you comment your vote in).

2. If you leave a fake email address on your comment to try to stuff comment voting, your vote will not be counted.

3. No more than three persons PER IP ADDRESS – and we WILL be testing emails.

4. YOU MUST ENTER A DOG – BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE YOUR DOG - please see numbers 7 and 9 in this post and then tell me what YOU think of this rule...  At ThoughtsFurPaws.com, readers RULE; so it’s up to you guys but the Admins and I will also make a decision before the next post and leave a comment after we get some COMMENT VOTES!!! (See next two points on voting please!)

5. No voting on Facebook — send your readers HERE to vote in comment.

6. Readers can vote by emailing two votes per email address to thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com.

See original Announcement post from a couple days ago here.

And get your entries in fast

  ♥ ♥  ♥ ♥  ♥ ♥   ♥ ♥

Thank you so so much to all the kind folks at Eukanuba and Dogtime Media who were able to get Franklin and Henry into the 28-Day Challenge, first of all…

Second, we knew going in that Proctor and Gamble Pet Care Division has an awesome reputation – our kittehs eat only IAMS wet and dry food and eat health treats too.

However… we are eternally grateful because we have seen such an amazing change in the exterior and the temperament of both our precious pooches, Franklin and Henry, with the Eukanuba formulas they are on. Eukanuba asked me to, in 100 words or less, to sum up the best part. Here’s my word-for-word answer:

100 words or less is tough for me, but here goes… Franklin and Henry were never just “good” dogs; they have always been extraordinary. Their health, on the other hand, WAS NOT.

However, as of now:

-          Franklin and Henry are going “number two” three times a day — regularly

-          Their coats are super-shiny

-          Their breath is fresher

-          Their teeth are cleaner

-          They have adapted so well to the food that they eat slower and enjoy it!

Considering they are seriously picky eaters and that Bassets are inherent with problems when not bred right (and that Frank is a former puppy mill stud), this is all fantastic news.

Are you planning to feed your dog Eukanuba moving forward?

Franklin the Former Puppy Mill Stud Dog

Yes, they absolutely love it!!! We can’t imagine going back at this point…

What was the best part of the Challenge?

The best part of the Challenge has been over the last two weeks… oh yeah – also the change in their breath and their coats! These two things are just so obvious that even neighbors (when on walks) and people/friends at dog parks have asked us what’s changed!

We said “Eukanuba” and have been answered in shock with SO MANY “NO WAYS!!” that it’s remarkable!! People just can’t believe a food (what I now call a SUPER FOOD for dogs) like Eukanuba’s Custom Care Joint Formula or Eukanuba Senior Maintenance Formula, which Franklin and Henry are getting respectively, can have so much of an effect! It’s like humans eating kale and almonds and avocado and mangoes or something!!! A little of this helps that part and a bit of that helps this part!! LOL! Do you know what I mean? They are getting EVERYTHING they need in one food – vitamins, minerals, supplements, and special ingredients that help their little bodies prepare for life better.

We also really love the Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge Facebook page the organization put up to document everyone else’s experiences! It’s fun to see pictures and read stories like ours!

 What did you learn about your dog from the Challenge?

We learned that they can actually eat slowly and enjoy their good; that they are smarter than they know; that they are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed no matter what time of day it is, and that they are the most extraordinary dogs and most well-loved animals in the ‘hood ♥ ♥

Would you recommend feeding Eukanuba to others?

♥ ♥ ABSO-FRIGGIN-LUTELY!!!!!!!!!!Any day of any week, any breed of any age. It’s our super power poodle food. (We call all dogs poodles in this family…)

And as the Hounds would say, “Baarrrrugala….!”