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)! ♥ ♥

♥ ♥ 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! *

 

— *** —         — *** —-

 

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.

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

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!

 

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

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.

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 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: 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!)

 

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!)

 

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?

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….!”

So here are two BIG Super Bowl ads you simply cannot miss this Sunday as they have our four-legged friends as the main attraction…

Funny Super Bowl ads from years passed featuring dogs and cats (or other animals as the main performers) have always been big hits! The past performers have always big big passed performers!!

So you must check out the just-released video link to the highly anticipated follow-up to the Darth Vader VW commercial:

“The Dog Strikes Back” (had tears of laughter from this one – first part is WAY funnier than second part)

 

 

According to Todd Wasserman’s post on Mashable Business, where I got it: “A chubby dog gets in shape to chase a Beetle in Volkswagen’s long-awaited sequel to its “The Force” Super Bowl ad from last year.

“And don’t worry, there’s a shout out to Star Wars as well.”

Is He a Bit Chubby? YES. Adorable? YES. Wanna Take Him Home? YES. Hilarious? YES!

Keep in mind, the #1 Most Shared Super Bowl Ad this year is “The Barkside:” VW’s 2011 Tribute: “The sequel to the most-shared ad of last year’s Super Bowl, and of all of 2011 for that matter, is leading the pack this year. Volkswagen released this video last week showing dogs barking to the tune of Star Wars’ “The Imperial March.” So does that mean there will be dogs in this year’s ad? More Star Wars? We’ll know soon enough,” Wasserman said on Mashable.

——- ***** ——-

♦ ♦ ◊ ◊ Now there is also THIS hilarious (and SUPER-CUTE!) one to watch out for – from the animal-loving ‘wilderness’ car company, Suzuki ◊ ◊ ♦ ♦

For the second year, Suzuki is throwing its ad/marketing hat into the ring during the Super Bowl with “Sled.”

The stars of Suzuki’s commercial (in addition to its Kizashi sports sedan, of course) this year, however, are of the four-legged variety Our favorite kind ∞

The sled dog team featured in “Sled” are actual snow dogs that Suzuki found at a touring company in Alberta, Canada, near where the ad was shot. The actor dogs were coordinated/handled by Flo Krisko, one of the most respected animal coordinators and trainers in the Motion Picture Association of America. All dogs were securely harnessed in while in the vehicle and a representative from the American Humane Association’s Film and Television Unit attended the “Sled” shoot.

“Sled“

 

 

 

American Suzuki Motor Corp. today premiered the final version of its 2012 Super Bowl commercial – entitled “Sled” – on its Facebook (www.Facebook.com/SuzukiAuto) and YouTube pages. After previewing its big game ad last week, Suzuki upgraded the music in its television spot with a music track by well-known rapper 50 Cent. The artist’s song “Movin On Up” is fitting for Suzuki’s “Sled” advertisement, which illustrates the exhilaration one can receive from upgrading their ordinary daily driver with a more entertaining mode of transportation. In the ad, an Eskimo trades in his dog-powered snow sled for an all-wheel-drive 2012 Kizashi sport sedan. 

Developed by El Segundo, Calif.-based advertising agency Siltanen & Partners Advertising, Suzuki’s “Sled” television spot is set in an isolated mountain location. “Sled” opens with an early morning scene where an Eskimo and his dogsled team ride off into the horizon. As the landscape changes from morning to evening, the quiet still of the frozen tundra gives way to vibrations and a hint of something new in the distance. A Kizashi – accompanied by 50 Cent’s “Movin On Up” – comes driving into view with one of the Huskies’ heads sticking out of the front passenger window enjoying its owner’s new mode of transport. The spot then cuts to the interior of the vehicle, revealing the other sled dogs buckled into the back seat and the Eskimo behind the wheel of the Kizashi – all of whom are digging the lavish accommodations and warm interior of the car, while bumping their heads and tapping their paws to the song’s beat. The Eskimo pulls up to his igloo and his wife comes out to greet him. With a puzzled look on her face, and in her native Inuit tongue, she asks, “Where’s the sled?” The man replies, “I traded it in,” (the conversation is subtitled in English).

 

Suzuki’s 2012 Super Bowl spot will air both in 60-second and 30-second formats in the company’s top retail locations across the U.S. “Sled” will continue to run following the Super Bowl in conjunction with a new Suzuki advertising campaign scheduled to debut in March.

In addition, starting on Super Bowl Sunday, Suzuki will give away BARKCODE® tags to the first 1,000 consumers to register on www.KizashiKicks.com/sled.

Each personalized pet identification tag has a scannable 2D code, making it easy for pet owners to be reunited with their four-legged friends when they are lost or even misplaced during a natural disaster.

COOLEST PART????

— With each tag that is ordered through the Kizashi Kicks website, BARKCODE®, on behalf of Suzuki, will donate $3 to the American Red Cross for disaster relief and preparation to help people and pets!!!!

* For additional information on BARKCODE®, please visit www.barkcode.com/.

** A PUPDATE with more previously unseen commercials with pets on the way tomorrow **

 

Hooray for puppy love this Valentine’s Day!

We will be having a small (for ThoughtsFurPaws) contest for the hub-a-bub heart-happy holiday; it’s being generously sponsored by the following brands: Stella and Chewy’s®, Spring Naturals™ and Lickety Stik® by PetSafe®!

Did you know that, according to Business Wire, pet parents are so so enamored with their special furry someones – that as many as 64% of Americans pet owners will spoil their pet with a special gift this love season? They spend as much as $15 billion dollars collectively to celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Well ThoughtsFurPaws and the aforementioned companies are happy to announce the Valentine’s Contest for Pooches for 2012!

Love to shower your pet with kisses? Then you’ll love Stella & Chewy’s® Carnivore Kisses™ Treats! These freeze-dried treats are made with only natural, premium raw meat and will perfectly compliment your pet’s diet. Every recipe is made without grains, glutens, fillers, added hormones or antibiotics, artificial preservatives and colorings. Carnivore Kisses are 100% nutritious and delicious and are available in 100% Angus Beef, 100% Chicken, 100% Duck and 100% Wild Alaskan Salmon.

Spring Naturals™ is a fresh new line of natural dinners and treats designed to nurture the health and well-being of dogs of all ages and breeds. The family of no-compromise recipes is made with real meats, whole vegetables, whole fruits and whole grains – meat, poultry or fish is always the first ingredient. Then whole chickpeas, green peas and eggs are added to offer pets a unique blend of high-quality proteins. And since these products do not contain meat, poultry or fish meals of any kind, they can be formulated without high-glycemic ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, potato starch or rice. Recently recognized by Pet Business in their 2011 Industry Recognition Awards, Spring Naturals was chosen as the year’s top pet food. Available in Whole Grain and Grain Free varieties (Organic line will arrive this March), Spring Naturals dinners and treats are made by a family-owned company in the USA.

For the pooch with model behavior here is a treat as lovely as he is. Lickety Stik® by PetSafe® is a new and innovative liquid treat for dogs that provides a healthy, all-natural snack while on-the-go. Designed with pet parents’ convenience in mind, Lickety Stik® is easy to throw into a purse or keep in your back pocket when heading out to the park or when packing for a road trip. Most importantly, dogs can’t get enough of this treat! With only 1 calorie in every 10 licks, this is a treat both consumers and their pets can feel good about. Lickety Stik® is available in three irresistible flavors – Savory Chicken, Braised Liver or Smoky Bacon. No matter your Valentine’s Day plans, Lickety Stik® is easy to pack, easy to treat and easy to fall in love with.

*** You can enter the contest by sending me a photo of your cute puppy or dog – he doesn’t have to be dressed up or doing anything silly – just send me your fave dog photo and tell me why it’s your fave and a little background behind the taking of the picture.***

 ♥ ♥ Email them to thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com; please put “Valentine’s Day Contest” in the Subject Line. ♥ ♥

 

I was asked politely to post this — and I agreed…

… but I stipulated that I will not be endorsing the author’s point of view.

This post is about (supposed) “mean” things” that pet owners do their animals; some are plain old silly, some are natural, & some, I have no idea why the author wrote what she did…I’m not even giving the link juice out…

I do agree with a few – the actual mean one or two that are in here… the others, well, I just want my readers to see how bat-shit-crazy people are sometimes, and the things they will write to get attention and for the sake of controversy. (Trust me, ThoughtsFurPaws doesn’t need it).

You will notice that after some of these points I have listed a “point” of my own opinion…

Here goes:

“The relationship between a person and their pet is a powerful one, but every once in a while, pet owners take their love to a … new level of absurdity … downright meanness. Even seemingly innocent activities like pushing a cat in a stroller or putting bows in a dog’s hair can be torturous and … cruel. Unless you want your pet to hate you or feel like less of an animal, steer clear of these pet peeves of the pets. (Okay, that’s a cute saying…) Here are the 10 meanest things owners love to do to their pets.”

1. DRESS THEM UP: Today’s pet owners are obsessed with dressing up their dogs and cats in ridiculous costumes and clothing for holidays and virtually any occasion. As if being dressed isn’t humiliating enough, owners have the nerve to take their dressed up pets out in public. Let’s face it: pets hate clothes and accessories, so stop torturing them with such silly costumes.

2. PUT TAPE ON THEIR PAWS: THIS ONE I agree with… Pets withstand a lot of humiliation, but one of the meanest things that owners love to do to them is put office or Scotch tape on their paws. Pet owners have a blast watching cats and dogs squirm and stick to the floor with every sticky step. This seemingly innocent prank is actually just plain mean!

** I have seen this and it’s flat-out animal cruelty for one reason – because it SCARES the animal. They dont’ understand and are afraid. I believe that this factor makes this an actual mean thing to do… ***

3. WAKE THEM UP: There may be nothing cuter than a curled up kitten or a snoring dog, but that doesn’t mean it’s OK to wake them up when they’re sound asleep. Pet owners have no problem waking their furry friends as they catch some Zs, but we hate it when they do it back. Just like you wouldn’t wake a sleeping baby, you should resist the temptation to wake a sleeping pet.

4. TEASE THEM: Some pet owners are downright mean and love to tease their dogs and cats with toys and treats. You might get a good laugh watching your dog search relentlessly for a ball you never threw, but this kind of teasing can come back to bite you big time. Teasing and play-fighting can cause dogs to become aggressive and disobedient.

*** Special note, the author used the famous 2011 YouTube video, Ultimate Dog Tease for an example of this. That video was NUMBER ONE for the YEAR with MILLIONS of hits, and by no real means even teased the animal…. IT WAS A JOKE LADY

5. PUT CATS ON LEASHES: Let’s say it together: Dogs walk on leashes, not cats. Sadly, there are too many cat owners out there who don’t understand this concept. Cats don’t like leashes and probably never will. If your feline wants to walk with you, they’ll follow you without a leash.

6. MAKE THEM DANCE: Unless your dog is related to the salsa-dancing golden retriever on YouTube, he or she probably doesn’t like to dance. And cats? Forget about it. People love to swing around their pets and make them stand up and dance against their will, but this cruel activity often ends in biting, scratching, and a hatred for dancing.

7. PAINT THEIR NAILS: Some pet owners have taken dog grooming to whole other level of wacky by getting their pooches’ nails primped and polished. And the worst part is male dogs are also at risk of having their nails painted. When will people learn that pets are animals and not dolls?

*** While not mean, I kinda think this is a bit too much, but I think I feel that way becuase I had early over-exposure to it when I lived in The OC. All the seriously wealthy women came into Nordy where I worked with their pimped out Pomeranians… getting manis and pedis and I was shocked because the dogs didn‘t like it… ** If your dog enjoys it – by all means, it’s cute as hell - but if she doesn’t, maybe think twice next time about some large thing coming at you with stinky colored stuff and scissors and clippers…

8. PUT THEM IN STROLLERS AND PURSES: Four-legged creatures are meant to walk, not be strolled or carried by their owners everywhere they go. You might think you’re spoiling your dog or cat by toting them in a stroller or bag, but you’re actually humiliating them and taking away valuable exercise time.

*** Um, how else are you supposed to carry a teacup breed in the 21st century – hee hee???? ****

*** And Im sure any dog who is spoiled enough to get a free ride in a Fendi gets PLENTY of exercise….! ***

9. PUT THEIR EMBARRASING MOMEN TS ON YOUTUBE: Pet owners get a lot of entertainment from watching their dogs and cats every day, but that doesn’t mean you should share their embarrassing moments with the whole world. Pet owners love to videotape their animals playing, sleeping, and making complete fools of themselves and put these moments on YouTube for all to see.

*** Are you a… something not smart??? One of the greatest joys of pet ownership is sharing your fur-baby’s silly antics with other pet-lovers – online or where ever – blockhead. ****

10. TAKE GLAMOUR SHOTS: You may love to take photos of your fur babies, but some people go as far as having them professionally photographed. Although some dogs and cats can sit still for a photo session, most don’t have the patience for stillness, bright lights, and the silly props that come with most pet glamour shots.

Let me know what you think… are these things mean – or are they normal and natural? OR BOTH? What’s your opinion?

And to the original author – please take no offense to me calling you a blockhead; but I disagree and believe this is horse-puckey.

 

 

ODE TO TATE, OUR WILD, RESCUE ABYSSINIAN KITTY

 

You have a nose that’s bright pinky

You’re the same color as a Twinkie,

And you’re always a little blinky…

You’re never ever stinky.

 

 

Our “Minian”-Minion- (to your fat ol’ brother) Abyssinian,

You’re the teeny tiny Tater Tot,

you certainly weigh just a little

But certainly love a whole lot

 

 

 

You’re aka the” Sweet Tatey-Potatey,”

Mommy’s beloved orange little baby

Sometimes you’re P-Tootey Scootey,

the teeny auburn kitty with a teeny kitty booty…

 

 

You’re itty-bitty teeny-tiny

Never whiney and always super shiny

 

Waiting your turn at dinner

Avoiding your Mad Maxwell brother – who’s the opposite of thinner…

 

 

You heart doing lovey-doveys

on blankies with your mini-clawless paws

You love rubby-dubbies with your teeny ears,

you heart your “muth-er,” and show it by kissing her nose, cheeks and jaws

 

 

You patiently wait for crunchies

or fabulous dinner tableside-munchies

Like a good-natured little boy

You’re respectful and kind and it’s your rescued life you now enjoy

 

You’re the head and founder of the” itty-bitty-kitty-committee®”

Always polite, never sassy, but seriously witty

So Momma Jaime made up this little ditty

To dedicate to you…,

 

Our seemingly 3-ounce, wild rescue wonder-kitty!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

 

Here is a super-funny picture of a dog seriously trying to avoid a bath!!

Thanks to my friend Jason and his friend, the dog’s owner!

Have your own funny animal pictures? Email them to me and be featured on Wordless Wednesday: see About Page for contact info!

The most-interesting and very inspiring book, Pure Gold, about Holli Pfau, a Golden lover and all-around friend to animals, rescuer, and how she came about having SIX rescues and was able to train them, is enlightening, inspiring, and full of love, hope, and stirring stories that make you laugh, cry and talk/laugh out loud all at the same time. (“Hey – Benson did that SAME thing when we first trained him!!”)

Pfau’s dogs “guided” her to a career in animal-assisted therapy, sending her into wilderness adventures in one of my favorite places on the entire Earth — the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

Her dogs: Nikki, Bodie, Tucker, Sophie, Daisy and Chatter each have their own little personality quarks that will warm your soul as you leaf through the pages – turning each one with more fury than the previous so you can find out what happens next…

Along the way or rescuing and training and bringing up these guys, she decided to add “rally obedience” and agility to the assortment of activities for the dogs. In each and every case, the golden-colored, sweet-hearted and level-headed dogs led her along the way…

Thus, Pure Gold is a tale of the unexpected escapades that come up when you have one (or SIX!) wonderful Retrievers – and it also, in great detail, tells the reader in narrative form and with humor and wit, of the fruitfulness of one’s life who owns rescued dogs…

Pfau totally nails the kinship that is formed between rescuer and “rescuee” if you ask me… although my family and I have rescued mostly cats, and only one Golden (Gibson – the white one), I personally also helped to rescue and recover a puppy mill Basset Hound and have been part of the rescue of many other animals through my volunteer work.

*** Pfau has a blog on the website you should check out: one of my favorite blog posts – “The dogs made me do it.” ***

This detail was taken from the Pure Gold website:

“Inspired by the lives, antics and talents of her six rescued or second-hand golden retrievers, Holli Pfau wrote Pure Gold to support the efforts of Golden Retriever Rescue and other dog rescue and adoption programs.”

Pfau says on the website that she wrote Pure Gold to assist in efforts to rescue and place Golden Retrievers and other dogs in their forever homes. Fundraising for rescue is a special program available to 501(c)(3) non-profit dog rescue organizations, humane societies and shelters across the country. These groups can purchase autographed copies of Pure Gold at the wholesale price, sell the book at list price, and retain all profits for their programs.

BRAVO Pfau… BRAVO.

Some organizations that are supported by Holli and the profits of this book include:

Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) and Land of Pure Gold Foundation…

*** On my account, (coming from a total bookworm here as well as a rescue advocate and Golden-obsessed dog-lover), this book gets a full FIVE STARS!! You guys must got and read it! Check out puregoldbook.com for more information, fun pictures, blog posts, author information and cool stuff about each pooch! ***