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….!”

This is borrowed from a few friends on Facebook, but was originally posted by American Humane Association awhile back….

VOICE OF THE VOICELESS

I am the voice of the voiceless,
Through me, the dumb shall speak;
Till the deaf world’s ear be made to hear
The cry of the wordless weak.

From street, from cage, and from kennel,
From jungle and stall, the wail
Of my tortured kin proclaims the sin
Of the mighty against the frail.

For love is the true religion,
And love is the law sublime;
And all that is wrought, where love is not,
Will die at the touch of time.

And Science, the great revealer,
Must flame his torch at the source;
And keep it bright, with that holy light
Or his feet shall fail on the course.

For he who would trample kindness
And mercy into the dust –
He has missed the trail, and his quest will fail,
He is not the guide to trust.

Oh shame on the mothers of mortals
Who have not stopped to teach
Of the sorrow that lies in dear, dumb eyes,
The sorrow that has no speech.

Oh, never a brute in the forest,
And never a snake in the fen,
Or ravening bird, starvation stirred,
Has hunted his prey like men.

For hunger, and fear, and passion
Alone drive beasts to slay,
But wonderful man, the crown of the plan,
Tortures, and kills, FOR PLAY.

He goes well fed from his table,
He kisses his child and wife,
Then he haunts a wood, till he orphans a brood,
Or robs a deer of its life.

He aims at a speck in the azure,
Winged love, that has flown at a call,
It reels down to die, and he lets it lie;
His pleasure was seeing it fall.

The same force formed the sparrow
That fashioned Man, the King;
The God of the Whole gave a spark of soul
To each furred and feathered thing.

And I am my brother’s keeper,
And I will fight his fight,
And speak the word for beast and bird,
Till the world shall set things right.

*** This is my second official post on the fabulous and fantastic We Are Pet Nation. Please guys, come and check it out: awesome site, no bull**it, real news, funny stories, and lots of great animal welfare updates via, who else… ME?! *** Here goes….

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Animal welfare advocates should pick a passion when it comes to fighting for our favorite four-legged friends… I guess a better way of saying “pick a passion” is, “choose your battles.”

Yes, I mean battles– plural.

Fellow bloggers and I (on right) at BlogPaws, learning to advocate!

One step at a time, you can do it.

Whether you are waging a campaign to overturn BSL, are arguing with Council for stiffer animal cruelty penalties, or are going to a state /national level with a fight like the one I discussed about puppy mill legislation, you have to focus on one thing; it’s imperative to do this first. As much as we want to run out and change all the laws, save all the animals, get every pet “fixed,” and put every cat and dog into a home, we must take small steps if we want to change the world. (And I firmly believe that one person can change the world because I have seen it.)

Call me a believer; call me an optimist. But if you’re going out there to fight the “fat cats” (no pun intended), particularly ones with deep pockets, you should be, too. Otherwise, you may get knocked down the first week… So – hone in on one thing to achieve first. Also – set realistic goals, even if you take baby steps.

And remember – always, always believe in yourself. Do not yield. To anyone. To any statement made against you. To anything. Carry courage in conviction everywhere you go. Now read on and then you’re ready to roll…

To be successful in advocating for animals in your city or area:

1. Find supporters who are willing to walk the line… find some who are super-intelligent and can talk politics, some who have connections (and, if you’re indeed trying to pass/overturn legislation, find some who are willing to strongly voice opinions to ANY audience). You’ll need volunteers and campaign coordinators willing to stand in the snow carrying signs, getting signature on petitions, and some to “pester” locals by handing out brochures, getting more signatures on petitions, and approaching people who are attending pet shows, conferences, & gatherings or going into pet stores/malls.  (Please see number 4 before completing this.)

To read the other nine tips, and some more great information about animal welfare advocacy and how to achieve success in doing it locally where you live, check out this link.

My friend Caroline and her famous cat blogger Romeo, who runs the show around the CB, just told me some kewl news…

Shelters and rescues across the U.S. will be receiving an unusual holiday gift this year – a HUGE donation of healthy, nutritious holiday meals from a 15-year-old girl….and a very well-known talk show host, comedienne, and animal-lover. Who else, but the one-and-only Ellen DeGeneres….?

Some of you might not know this, but Mimi Ausland of Bend, Oregon is the founder of FreeKibble.com, a website she started in 2008 at the age of just 11! (Reminds me of one of a famous BlogPaws founder’s young relative, Chloe D…!, who tirelessly helps out at every conference).

FreeKibble’s visitors answer a trivia question about animals every day; each answer earns 10 pieces of kibble for homeless pets.

As of last check, the site gets 100,000 visitors every day, which is a dream for any blogger or website owner; and keep in mind, this was achieved by a caring, humane, smart 11-year-old whom many of us adult pet bloggers now look up to!

Also, there’s a running tally on the blog, and when I checked it noted that over 675 million pieces of kibble have been donated since the site’s inception.

After learning about the young philanthropist, Ellen DeGeneres and Halo, the pet food company that she partly owns (mentioned earlier here - AWESOME stuff), became the “Official Kibble Sponsor” of FreeKibble.com. HALO and Mimi are now donating the popular Spot’s Stew Formula to pets nationwide.

FreeKibble.com Founder, Mimi

The two organizations are embarking on their first ever FreeKibble.com “Koast-to-Koast Kibble Drop,” where shelters and rescues up and down the both coasts will receive 400,000 meals of all natural Halo Spot’s Stew for the holidays. Ellen’s pet food team and Mimi have chosen 40 shelters and rescues to receive the donations during this 11-city, bi-coastal tour, taking place December 13-22. They’re sending two Semi-Trailer trucks up each coast, each packed with 20k POUNDS of food for pets in need!

Doesn’t everyone deserve anextraordinary holiday supper? The initiative helps rescues and shelters feedthe pets in their care the highest quality food possible. Organizations that have access to all natural food like Halo say they can tella notable difference in their pets’ well-being and demeanor – and even their adoptability (which could be these dogs and cats’ greatest holiday wish of all).

Ellen DeGeneres reflects the company’s commitment to helping pets in need eat the healthiest and most nutritious food possible, saying, “Helping animals has always been a passion of mine. At Halo we want to promote healthy living for pets and eating good food is a big part of that. I mean, imagine, an animal in a shelter, in a cage, lonely – a good meal is kinda all they have to look forward to, until you adopt them!”

Providing high quality, nutritious food to shelters and rescues is also a critical part of the Freekibble.com mission. “I am so excited that we’re delivering two full truckloads of kibble to thousands of homeless dogs and cats this holiday season… I know it will make their holidays a bit warmer and more special,”said now 15-year-old, MimiAusland.

Shelters on the Kibble Drop route were selected from among submissions sent to Freekibble.com and each of more than 40 organizations will receive a substantial donation based on the number of animals in their care. At each designated “Kibble Drop,” several area shelters and rescues will come to pick up their food.

Check out FreeKibble.com to play the trivia game, to read more, and for any other information.

When a local animal shelter rescues an animal from an abusive or neglectful living situation, there is often a large movement from the public to get it adopted into a loving home. It is not uncommon to see shelters setting up adoption clinics in malls and pet stores, and it’s hard to pass by without stopping to pet an adorable cat or dog in need. While many people want to take these animals in and shower them with love, the new owners of a formerly abused pet must be prepared to care for their pet’s lingering, and potentially permanent, psychological damage.

Your first reaction when hearing about a case of animal neglect or cruelty may be to adopt the pet to give it the life it deserves, but AnimalSheltering.org reports that potential adopters must ask themselves whether they truly want a pet, or are simply acting out of sympathy. If you don’t actually want a pet, but do want the best for the abused animals, it may be best to make a donation to the animal shelter or write to legislators in support of anti-cruelty bills.

Some people are fit to be pet parents to a formerly abused animal. If you’re ready to handle the responsibility, there are health and behavioral issues that you should be on the lookout for. Whether intentionally physically harmed by its previous owner or severely neglected, your new dog or cat may suffer numerous medical problems that may require special veterinary attention. Specialty pet meds such as digestive aids or cures for respiratory medications, may be necessary to treat common ailments experienced by animals left in abusive situations. Owners should be prepared for these costs and the potential need to administer certain veterinary care themselves when needed.

Many rescue cats and dogs have been deprived of food and water for a long time, which can lead to the development of eating disorders. They may gulp down their food quickly and throw it up, or refuse to eat in front of anyone. Check with your vet to make sure there are no underlying diseases affecting your new pet’s appetite. You may need to give small portions of food over an extended period of time to help your pet eat at a normal pace.

The psychological effects of abuse are some of the worst, and can cause a dog or cat to be forever timid, so it probably will not be possible to conduct normal activities such as walks in crowded areas. Animals in abusive situations are usually deprived of proper socializing opportunities with other animals, so special care must be taken to restrain unsocialized dogs since they may run away and act in fear. Reassure your new pet that its new home is a happy and safe one by rewarding positive behavior with treats.

Ensure that you’re prepared to take the proper steps to care for a special needs pet before you find yourself in a situation where you feel overwhelmed by the responsibility. With time and patience, you’ll find that these pets can make a great addition to your household.

Pet Community Joins Together To Raise Awareness About Pet Adoption:  Organizer Petside.com To Feature Event Hub at www.Petside.com/PetNet2011

Today, Wednesday, November 16, Petside.com, the A-list online destination for pet owners & pet enthusiasts, is dedicating its 4th Annual Pet ‘Net Event to pet adoption awareness. To drive awareness of adoption and its positive effects, the day-long 2011 Pet ‘Net Adoption Event will feature a hub page of related content from a consortium of the web’s top pet-focused bloggers and a social media donation campaign in partnership with Iams^© that will make it easier than ever to support local shelters and pets in need.

“Adoption is a cause near and dear to Petside’s heart,” said Wendy Toth, Editor of Petside.com. “We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to revisit our inaugural topic and dedicate this year’s event to pet adoption, giving it the attention it so desperately deserves.” Since 2008, Petside.com has gathered over 50 pet-centric bloggers to highlight important issues like safety and family with its annual Pet ‘Net Event. Today’s event will draw awareness to pet adoption with the following features:

♦Hub Page – READ AND LEARN about shelter adoption on Petside.com’s comprehensive one-page hub (www.Petside.com/PetNet2011). With links to the web’s top pet blogs/websites, visitors can easily navigate from site to site & read articles on topics ranging from the benefits of adopting a senior pet to personal stories of strength.

♦Blogger Competition – VOTE for your favorite Pet ‘Net article with a new voting tool on the hub page.  The blogger who garners the most votes will receive a $500 donation from Petside to the shelter of their choice!

♦Social Media Campaign – SHARE AND DONATE with Pet ‘Net’s interactive social media campaign.  To show pet lovers that there are many ways to support local shelters, Iams^© Home 4 The Holidays and their Bags 4 Bowls initiative will donate 25 bowls of food to local shelters for every mention of the Pet ‘Net hashtag (#iheartshelterpets) and @IAMS handle on Twitter.  Users can also “Like” Petside’s Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/Petside) for an additional donation of 25 bowls and share a personal adoption experience on Petside’s wall for a chance to be featured on Petfinder.com as a Happy Tail story!

Want to help? Want to donate? DO IT FOR THE  HOMELESS PETS THAT NEED IT MOST!

————————————————–

I’m honored to again be a part of Petside.com’s Annual Pet Net Event – a day in which we pet bloggers come together to call attention to those fur-kids we all so adore, admire and appreciate.

Pet adoption is a highly under reported “tail” in today’s tech-savvy world of “pet purchase” or “obtainment…” So many people turn to the Internet to look for a breeder instead of turning to the Internet to look at Petfinder.com or a breed rescue. So many people are STILL so uneducated about the woes of homeless pets, the outstanding and heartbreaking euthanasia rates, and other classic tales of the homeless pet “trade…”

♥Anyways, the story I’m going to tell you is about adoption of a puppy mill dog and his rescue. I believe adoption and rescue go hand-in-hand; you simply cannot have one without the other. And you may just have heard tidbits about this tale in years past on ThoughtsFurPaws – it’s about Franklin – the rescue Basset Hound. And I’m going to warn you right now that this is a lengthy post because I want you to hear every single detail of one puppy mill dog’s struggle from an abusive, hellish environment to rescue, redemption and rehabilitation.♥

My sister decided back in 2009 she and her boyfriend were going to foster Bassets, as she has always loved the breed – ever since the day an old boyfriend gifted her with a baby Basset in 2000 – his name is Henry. (I have nicknamed him Henry the Horrible because he is always getting into trouble and NEVER listens – typical stubborn Hound!)

I, as a pet blogger and rescue advocate (plus as a writer and frequent donor/volunteer to/for animal welfare organizations) made the drive to Columbus with her and Matt – the boyfriend (at the time!). We first met Franklin at Ohio Basset Rescue – Ohio’s biggest and only breed rescue for these precious, droopy-eared darlings.

Franklin unwillingly came around the corner with his tail between his legs, nose down to the ground, uncertain look in his deep brown eyes. He was pretty much attached to the side of Amy Barnes, the wonderful woman who helps run OBR. Frank was scared to leave her side or look up. We brought Henry along for moral support, figuring Frank might respond better to another dog than to an unfamiliar human. He slowly came around and sniffed us. We stayed in that OBR housing building for an hour before making it outside; we let Frank keep sniffing us and Henry, who was being very gentle the whole time. After HOURS of this, it was time to go, and after getting as much info as possible about Frank, Amy released Frank into Ashly’s foster care.

Amy told us OBR obtained Frank because “a family turned him over.” An Amish family. Most puppy mill owners have their own heartless reasons for getting rid of the studs or females that I won’t get into; regardless, it’s apparent to us now that it was fate that Frank survived and that Ashly decided to start fostering when she did.

Amy and the vets that treated him were able to figure that Frank was born at and lived for his first four or so years at a puppy mill in Amish Country, in Holmes County, Ohio. He was a stud dog. That means he was the “go-to” male; he was used and abused repeatedly to churn out litter after unhealthy litter of Basset Hounds. He was forced – sometimes physically, sometimes even with substances – as well as were the females who carried his litters – to produce puppies. That’s all he was good for. He was forced into mating as many times as possible.

Frank spent this time having no human contact except to be thrown, pushed, forced or otherwise pressed into mating. He lived behind a wire cage that he could barely move in. He was given only enough food and water to eke by most weeks. No one ever pet him, talked to him, scratched his ears, housebroke him, gave him a bone or a treat, or did anything remotely close to an act resembling love. It’s immediately apparent to any rescuer that he was repeatedly bred as his “man parts” were so abused and over-used that they, to this day, hang to the ground, missing it by about two centimeters… (not to be graphic, but it’s true)

Thank God we got to OBR when we did. We took him as soon as Amy gave the okay.

A Demure Franklin at First...

Frank sat on Ashly’s lap in the backseat of the SUV the ENTIRE drive home from Columbus to Cleveland, a 3-hour drive. It took forever to get him in the car. He shook like a leaf. He jerked every time one of us moved or turned or did anything.

When we got home, he wouldn’t walk up the driveway, much less go in the front door. I don’t think he knew what a house was. (OBR had a bigger facility where he was kept.) It was a horrible struggle. We didn’t want to scare him, but he would not budge from the edge of the driveway. He sniffed all around, still with his tail between his legs. After an hours-long struggle in the snow in 22-degree temps, we finally ushered him inside.

That was a whole new experience. He followed Ashly everywhere she went.

When he realized what the doggie door was and that he could go outside, we couldn’t get him to stay in. Ashly and Matt would sit outside for hours while he hid himself behind a picnic table or the shrubs.

After months of coaxing and gentle confrontation, Frank started to come around. We had to hand-feed him every morning and night. If you made even the smallest move during feeding time, he ran and hid, tail between legs. And he wouldn’t come back for more. The first time I gave him a bone – he ran outside and hoarded it until he was done — six hours later!! He refused to have a treat, cookie or anything special in front of his adopted brother. He was afraid it would get taken or that he was being teased with it. It was heart-breaking…:(

Famous Franklin on Halloween 2010 as Elmo

It would be a year before he acted like a regular dog, but despite that, he still has his moments. No one can yell or raise their voice around him, and you definitely cannot make unpredictable or fast-paced movements around him.

Franklin, despite his horrible beginnings, has become a champion rescue model. He is the most popular dog in the neighborhood along with his Basset brother, Henry. They take walks together and every child on the street wants to stop and pet them. Frank loves children. He wags his entire body while getting stroked from ear to end.

Franklin transformed over a period of two years from a fragile, afraid, abused and confused animal into a loving, giving, LOUD and hilarious gift that is cherished every day by all who know him.

We don’t know if he remembers the abuse and neglect he suffered at the hands and heartless beings at that God-forsaken puppy mill. I personally think he does, and that’s what has made him into the friendly, giving, kissy-face, “barrugala,” dog that he is today.

That reminds me, the first time he barked — he scared the crap out of himself. He didn’t do it again for 6 months! But now, thanks to help from his squawking brother Henry the Horrible, Frank has realized that using his howl and Basset-typical “bark-baruuugala” sound, which is a belly-howl that lasts for minutes and can pierce ears, can get him all the attention he wants!

Franklin is the most loving dog I have met. He will unconditionally give and give, follow you and follow you, and absolutely insists on sitting ON TOP of you on the couch or bed… not NEXT to you — ON TOP of you. It’s adorable and you can never push him away.

I have said before that animals that come from hard beginnings have a special way about them.

They have seen humans at their worst. They have seen and felt the worst fear, the most horrible sense of abandonment, the worst type of loneliness.

And then they are saved. Something — or someone — intervenes.

That’s why we all need to support groups and organizations that rescue animals. It’s groups like Ohio Basset Rescue, the Helen Woodward Animal Center, BODA, and the smaller, local groups who take in these animals.

Franklin lives a blissful life these days. But he still has challenges. You cannot make a quick move around him; you cannot suddenly stand up after you put his kibble down — you must sit down on the floor until he finishes. And he requires a bit of extra attention – but of course, NO ONE in the family has ANY problem with that!

♥This Year’s Event to Shine a Light on Pet Adoption!

♥ On November 16, 2011, Petside.com, the premier site for pet owners and pet enthusiasts, will host its 4^th Annual Pet ‘Net Event to

raise awareness of pet adoption.

Check out my 2010 Pet Net post here, my 2009 0ne here, and the first one in 2008 here... to read ALL past blog posts for Petside.com Pet ‘Net Events, click here!

I’ve been a part of this esteemed group since the first year! I have great respect and admiration for not only the folks over at Petside.com, but also for my fellow Pet Net bloggers. I’ve been lucky enough to write beside and in partnership with such beloved and leading bloggers as Caroline G. of Romeo the Cat. We’ve written about pet safety, pet rescue and more. This year we’re going back to our roots and posting about pet adoption… we all know this is a topic that cannot be publicized, featured on TV, written about, talked about, or blogged about enough:)

But this year’s event is bigger than ever, and features:

- a comprehensive hub page of adoption-related articles from the web’s very best pet-bloggers

- a social media donation campaign to engage the pet community at large

- a blogger competition with the winner receiving a $500 donation from Petside to the shelter of their choice

♥ Petside.com’s Pet ‘Net Event maintains its commitment to educate people and honor the pets who love them. While revisiting its inaugural topic from 2008, The 2011 Pet ‘Net Adoption Event marks the first in a partnership with IAMS on a social media donation campaign.

♥♥♥ Calls to action on Twitter this year will yield food donations as part of Iams Home 4 the Holidays Bags 4 Bowls initiative. For all information related to the social media donation campaign, please visit www.Petside.com/PetNetDonations. IAMS has been holding Home for the Holidays for decades and has made such a huge imprint on the issues of homeless animal populations, shelter donations, food donations and more. The program is championed by Helen Woodward Animal Center President, Mike Arms, my personal hero.

♥ Petside.com is ranked among the top 5 Pet Websites & offers unique editorial features, expert Q&A’s, tools and how-to videos. And, they are a great resource for all types of information on all types of animals. Petside.com carefully and personally (or corporate-ly??? lol) chooses the bloggers who represent their quest to inform the animal-loving public about related issues, and thus, participate in each yearly event, so please be sure to stop by and check it out next Wednesday

Don’t forget:

Franklin Smith, from Ohio Basset Rescue, survived appalling conditions at a puppy mill before his rescue.

WHEN:       Wednesday, November 16, 2011                    

WHERE:      http://ThoughtsFurPaws.com and www.Petside.com/PetNet2011

Next Wednesday when I post, I will give you a list of the other bloggers involved! 

And…. just as a little teaser, on my blog, you will be hearing a very special adoption story — and an adoption angle not often taken. I will be telling, at length, the story of Franklin Smith, the rescue Basset Hound who is a former puppy mill stud. My sister and I (and her man at the time) drove three hours to go visit him & ended up taking him home after he got along with our other Basset, Henry the Horrible.(You gotta’ click on that link and read about Henry– he is a devil dog, counter-surfer, howler, squawker dog!)

Franklin went from surviving day to day in a hellish cage not even big enough for him to stand in — to living in my sister’s free, fun and fabulous, no-rules home environment where he is wholly loved and absolutely cherished…for the first year-and-a-half I was the dog-sitter, coming about twice a week spending about 5 hours a night.

Franklin, though so happy that you would think he actually forgot his atrocious beginnings (!!), still faces a long road, and big bumps (for sure) and debilitating detours may still remain…

STAY TUNED…

You guys know that I tell it like it is, right? So I checked out these videos on YouTube, which is rare for me because I’m not really a video type of girl.. But I was lulled in as soon as they all started!

The kitty video is so cute! (Check out this one and this one too!)

These videos are funny and send a great message to the world… that getting a pet, and owning a pet just makes life great! The benefits of pet ownership are hard to explain to those who’ve never experienced it. You get unconditional love, support, companionship, and so much more.

My Rescue Sasha, From a Neglectful Owner...

Pets Add Life is pretty much just awesome. They promote responsible pet ownership and adoption. This is my type of organization!! I can’t even count the cats I’ve rescued and adopted or fostered in my lifetime, but I guarantee it’s a large number. Having an animal that gets to know your routine and your personality is a situation that is always rewarding. Its like having a person who loves you no matter what you do or don’t do…it’s like cuddling at bedtime for however long you want and however you want… it’s like having a best friend.

I have a habit of talking to my animals. I’ve found that they respond often to my tone… and they are certainly tuned into my emotions. When I am sad, our rescue Golden Retriever, Benson knows it — he will come and lay on top of me. Sasha will follow me around until I pick her up and cuddle her for awhile. They try to cheer me up… they do all they can to make the tears go away or, on the other hand, dramatically increase the “happiness level” in the household. They add glee, bliss and joy to all who come through (except the bad ones — Sasha knows the bad people and will avoid them:))

Franklin the Puppy Mill Rescue and Gracie the Rescue

Animals have a 6th sense you know — they can SMELL fear, sadness, happiness, etc. Humans emit pheromones that the animals smell with their amazing little noses and powerful sense of smell!

So I want you guys to go and check out PAL, Pets Add Life. I absolutely back this organization and think you guys will too. I hope you can check out the videos and the PAL website to learn more. They have AWESOME stuff going on all the time and a great blog, too!

** PAL includes three YouTube videos, a Facebook fan page, a Twitter page, a blog, regular pet news segments, a brochure, an ad, web links, a poster, and other promotions. The organization is just fabulous. They are totally on the way to increasing pet adoptions and rescues. This means less homeless pets! Yay! **

This post is sponsored by the Pets Add Life campaign and the American Pet Products Association.
I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the benefits and joys of pet ownership. 

Yes, I was one of those who braved out Hurricane Irene and stayed in Washington, D.C. for the length of the BlogPaws Conference… and it was TOTALLY WORTH IT!! (No offense to those who left by the way…)

IT WAS AWESOME! I learned so much, met so many new pet bloggie friends, have a new secret crush or two (ahem, Rescue, Inc guys???) and got to network with awesome companies like PetSmart, Greenies, PetSmart Charities, and Royal Canin. There is so much to say I don’t know where to start.

Me Listening Intently, Photo Courtesy Susan Biddle

But I do want to give a BIG shout-out and thank you to Mike Arms from the Helen Woodward Animal Center for putting on the ACES workshop (Animal Center Education Services) for those of us who got in early and wanted to learn how to help rescues raise more money, increase adoptions and basically function better all-around. And I want to thank all the generous folks at IAMS (P & G Pet Care), too. The pic on the right is of me preparing to ask a question of the panel, which also included Krissie Newman,co-founder of the Ryan Newman Foundation, and Angela Morris from P & G Pet Care’s Office for Animal Welfare. (Yes they have one.)

Mike Arms is one of my heroes, I know I’ve told you guys that before. But IAMS, who sponsored the ACES session, captured these videos for all of you out there who are in a rescue or shelter environment and need some help:
Fundraising Tips:

http://youtu.be/0z48mjViFVU

Community Education Tips:

http://youtu.be/T0sZ2CkzINI

Fostering and Purebred Rescue Tips:

http://youtu.be/fMx5Rf2qQHA

Events and Sponsorship Tips:

http://youtu.be/aKSNu5maVsI

I think the best sessions were the ACES session – I definitely want to go to Helen Woodward and take the full course myself actually. Check out Mike’s new blog at “What Would Mike Say?” The other classes I liked best were on Copyright Law/Photo/Contest Regulations, branding, Be the Change (of course, a longtime fave since BlogPaws the original) and the one I went to that was moderated by Two Little Cavaliers and LifeWithDogs.

ALSO BE SURE to check out OKEY’s PROMISE. You will hear more about this from me in the future for sure. Just go see it watch it all the way through first…

I highly encourage all of you to sign up for BlogPaws 2012 in Salt Lake City — the West is the Best – hee hee! If you’ve never been, it’s like going to a reunion or something; you just see people’s name badges and freak out when you realize they’re the writer of one of your favorite blogs! Plus it’s super fun to drink a glass of wine and bullshit about the politics of pets with people who are just as passionate as you are – I promise, I have been a lot of places, and never have had that anywhere except BlogPaws.

I am so excited to be heading to the national pet blogger and social media conference, BlogPaws 2011 tomorrow! I’m going early as usual to get my bearings, but can’t wait for Thursday evening to re-connect in person with all my friends!!!

And I will be posting live updates via Facebook (ThoughtsFurPaws or under Jaime Lynn Smith [friend me and Ill accept] and via Twitter @ThoughtsFurPaws with #BlogPaws. So stay tuned!

We’re going to hear from Rescue Ink, the famous animal rescue fighters on TV, (which I personally CANNOT WAIT to hear and hopefully meet because I’m in love with them), and also from the renowned Mike Arms at Helen Woodward Animal Center, the “Top Dog” at Camp Bow-Wow, and so much more!!

AND…when I get back – I’ll be telling you about IAMS new natural food for dogs – IAMS Naturals. IAMS is a huge BlogPaws sponsor and obviously the leader in healthy pet food manufacturing. So I’m excited to share their latest formula with you.

Ask any questions you want ME to ask at BlogPaws in the comments section or email me at thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com. You can check out the schedule, speakers and sessions here.