I am not the only dog with a blog of my own. Lots of my friends have blogs too. I love reading them with Mom. I know you will too. Here are some of my favorite blogs by and about dogs and other critters.
Take Paws: The official pet travel blog of GoPetFriendly.com. Their latest post is announcing their weekly Friday Pet Photo Challenge.
Healthy Pet Food Guide: Written by my friend Paul at Nature's Select Pet Food. Mom and I read their latest post on Dogs and Thunder. I HATE thunderstorms and we get a lot of them here in Arkansas.
Best Bully Sticks Healthy Dog Blog: Best Bully Sticks are some of my favorite treats. And I love their blog. This week, they introduced a new treat that I can't wait to try - Pet Greens Snacks. Yum!
Just Meowin': Written by my friend Brewskie Butt, who is a cat, but I love him anyway. His latest post is one of my favorites because it talks about an issue very important to me and Mom - pet adoption. Stop by and read "It Really Sucks Being an Only Pet."
4PawsforAbility: 4 Paws for Ability is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to place quality service dogs with children with disabilities and veterans who have lost use of limbs or hearing; help with animal rescue, and educate the public regarding use of service dogs in public places. Their blog keeps you up to date with all of their programs - like their 7 day cruise for 4 Paws families.
Aspen the Yorkie: Aspen is a Yorkshire Terrier, just like Austin. She writes a great blog with pet care tips and advice. We loved her recent post on the Calm and Happy Cat Pheromone because anything that keeps our cats calm is a good thing!
The Critter Connection: I discovered guinea pigs this year and absolutely love them. I wish Mom would adopt one but she says 4 dogs, 9 cats, 2 raccoons, 1 possum and an aquarium full of fish are enough. So I have to get my guinea pig fix by reading this blog. Their latest post about what mites can do to a guinea pig almost made me cry.
Kansas Humane Society Blog: Meet Ember. And Peaches. And Grace and Martha. And all the others looking for forever families at the Kansas Humane Society.
A Humane Nation: Few are in a position to speak for the animals like Wayne Pacelle. His most recent post is about the campaign against gestation crates. I'm not sure what they are exactly, but I know I don't like being in my crate. When Mom explained these to me, it sounded BAD.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Sunday, October 7, 2012
There's No Place Like Home
I want to tell you a story about a little dog. This dog was a good little dog.
Yes, he chewed on shoes and piddled on the floor. But he didn't mean it. He was
just a puppy after all. He wanted to be good. But the man and the woman who
lived with him and his 4-legged mom said they had too many dogs already and that
the little dog was too much trouble. So they took him to the animal shelter. The
little dog was put in a small cage with no friends to play with and no one to
pet him. He had food and water and sometimes he got to go outside and walk
around, but most of the time he was in the cage - alone. It was very scary!
Sometimes the people who worked at the shelter would come and get a dog for a
walk - and the dog would never come back. The little dog heard that they were
put to sleep. Sleep was good, but somehow sleeping and never coming back didn't
seem right. The little dog worried that might happen to him and he was afraid.
Sometimes, people would come in to the shelter and take a dog from the cage.
These dogs also never came back. But the little dog heard that this was
different. These dogs were going to new homes where they would be loved and be
part of a family. The little dog wished every night that someone would take him
home.
One day a man and woman came in to the shelter. They stopped at the little dog's cage and talked to him. The little dog sniffed at the woman's fingers as she reached through the cage. She asked if she could hold the little dog. When she picked him up, the little dog reached up and kissed her on the chin to say thank you for taking him out of the cage. The woman cuddled the little dog, looked at the man, and said, "I want him." That's was all it took! The little dog couldn't believe it. Someone was going to take him home.
In case you haven't figured it out, the little dog was me and the story is how my Mom and Dad found me at the shelter. I was lucky. I have lived here for 15 years and I am loved and cared for every day. I have food, and a bed, and toys, and playmates - I even have a cat. Mom helps me write this blog and holds me and takes me for walks and plays with me. I have a great life. But there are thousands of dogs and cats who aren't so lucky.
October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. So this month, I am asking you to think about adding a furry friend to your home. If you have room in your house and your heart for one more thing to love, please visit your local animal shelter and adopt a dog. Go to your local shelter, find the perfect dog for your family and give another little dog a forever home.
In honor of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, Mom has helped me with a new design for my store. And if you purchase one this month, we will donate 10% of the price to local animal shelters. Visit http://www.cafepress.com/travelwithbob/9405409
One day a man and woman came in to the shelter. They stopped at the little dog's cage and talked to him. The little dog sniffed at the woman's fingers as she reached through the cage. She asked if she could hold the little dog. When she picked him up, the little dog reached up and kissed her on the chin to say thank you for taking him out of the cage. The woman cuddled the little dog, looked at the man, and said, "I want him." That's was all it took! The little dog couldn't believe it. Someone was going to take him home.
In case you haven't figured it out, the little dog was me and the story is how my Mom and Dad found me at the shelter. I was lucky. I have lived here for 15 years and I am loved and cared for every day. I have food, and a bed, and toys, and playmates - I even have a cat. Mom helps me write this blog and holds me and takes me for walks and plays with me. I have a great life. But there are thousands of dogs and cats who aren't so lucky.
October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. So this month, I am asking you to think about adding a furry friend to your home. If you have room in your house and your heart for one more thing to love, please visit your local animal shelter and adopt a dog. Go to your local shelter, find the perfect dog for your family and give another little dog a forever home.
In honor of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, Mom has helped me with a new design for my store. And if you purchase one this month, we will donate 10% of the price to local animal shelters. Visit http://www.cafepress.com/travelwithbob/9405409
Monday, September 3, 2012
Make the Promise!
Are you a responsible dog owner? Take the AKC Responsible Dog Owner Pet
Promise!
1. I will never overlook my responsibilities for this living being and recognize that my dog’s welfare is totally dependent on me.
2. I will always provide fresh water and quality food for my dog.
3. I will socialize my dog via exposure to new people, places and other dogs.
4. I will take pride in my dog's appearance with regular grooming.
5. I will recognize the necessity of basic training by teaching my dog to reliably sit, stay and come when called.
6. I will take my dog to the vet regularly and keep all vaccinations current.
7. I will pick-up and properly dispose of my dog's waste.
8. I will make sure my dog is regarded as an AKC Canine Good Citizen® by being aware of my responsibilities to my neighbors and to the community.
9. I will ensure that the proper amount of exercise and mental stimulation appropriate for my dog’s age, breed and energy level is provided.
10. I will ensure that my dog has some form of identification (which may include collar tags, tattoo or microchip ID).
11. I will adhere to local leash laws.
Post your name and your dog's names in the comments if you are a responsible dog owner.
SIGN THE PET PROMISE ONLINE AT http://www.gopetition.com/online/9290.html
For more information visit www.akc.org or call 212-696-8228.
1. I will never overlook my responsibilities for this living being and recognize that my dog’s welfare is totally dependent on me.
2. I will always provide fresh water and quality food for my dog.
3. I will socialize my dog via exposure to new people, places and other dogs.
4. I will take pride in my dog's appearance with regular grooming.
5. I will recognize the necessity of basic training by teaching my dog to reliably sit, stay and come when called.
6. I will take my dog to the vet regularly and keep all vaccinations current.
7. I will pick-up and properly dispose of my dog's waste.
8. I will make sure my dog is regarded as an AKC Canine Good Citizen® by being aware of my responsibilities to my neighbors and to the community.
9. I will ensure that the proper amount of exercise and mental stimulation appropriate for my dog’s age, breed and energy level is provided.
10. I will ensure that my dog has some form of identification (which may include collar tags, tattoo or microchip ID).
11. I will adhere to local leash laws.
Post your name and your dog's names in the comments if you are a responsible dog owner.
SIGN THE PET PROMISE ONLINE AT http://www.gopetition.com/online/9290.html
For more information visit www.akc.org or call 212-696-8228.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
It's AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Month!
People have embraced the joys of dog ownership for centuries. Maybe even longer! All sorts of people have owned dogs. Presidents. Celebrities. Athletes. Scientists. And people like my Mom and Dad.
Many dogs were originally used as hunters or workers. We tracked game, fetched the kill, herded livestock, and guarded our master's family, home and possessions. Today we also act as service dogs for the disabled, search and rescue dogs. We help detect bombs and drugs, and serve as members of K9 police units. But we mostly serve as companions for families.
The American Kennel Club - the nation’s largest registry and leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of purebred dogs – recognizes that canine companionship is not only a right but also a privilege that must be respected and nurtured. In return for this privilege, dog owners need to respect reasonable, enforceable, non-discriminatory legislation governing the ownership of dogs,
such as local leash laws, curbing policies and licensing regulations. And this is true not only for the families of purebred dogs, but for all dogs - even little dogs like me!
Each year the AKC® hosts Responsible Dog Ownership Days in September to educate the dog-loving public about the importance of being a responsible owner. Nearly 600 AKC affiliated clubs and other organizations around the country participate by holding events in their local communities throughout the month of September.
Whether you are looking to add a puppy to your family for the first time or are a lifelong dog lover, Mom and I encourage you to “bone up” on responsible dog ownership. We invite you to celebrate AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days with us in September. We'll be posting lots of fun and educational information for dogs and their families. Come. Sit. Stay and learn what it takes to be a responsible dog owner. Your best friend is counting on you!
For more information about AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days, contact Stephanie Smith, Club Communications Manager.
Many dogs were originally used as hunters or workers. We tracked game, fetched the kill, herded livestock, and guarded our master's family, home and possessions. Today we also act as service dogs for the disabled, search and rescue dogs. We help detect bombs and drugs, and serve as members of K9 police units. But we mostly serve as companions for families.
The American Kennel Club - the nation’s largest registry and leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of purebred dogs – recognizes that canine companionship is not only a right but also a privilege that must be respected and nurtured. In return for this privilege, dog owners need to respect reasonable, enforceable, non-discriminatory legislation governing the ownership of dogs,
such as local leash laws, curbing policies and licensing regulations. And this is true not only for the families of purebred dogs, but for all dogs - even little dogs like me!
Each year the AKC® hosts Responsible Dog Ownership Days in September to educate the dog-loving public about the importance of being a responsible owner. Nearly 600 AKC affiliated clubs and other organizations around the country participate by holding events in their local communities throughout the month of September.
Whether you are looking to add a puppy to your family for the first time or are a lifelong dog lover, Mom and I encourage you to “bone up” on responsible dog ownership. We invite you to celebrate AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days with us in September. We'll be posting lots of fun and educational information for dogs and their families. Come. Sit. Stay and learn what it takes to be a responsible dog owner. Your best friend is counting on you!
For more information about AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days, contact Stephanie Smith, Club Communications Manager.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Packing for a Trip
We are getting ready for a trip to Hannibal, MO. Dad is all packed but Mom and I are still working on it. Dad is laughing at Mom saying she always packs twice as much as she needs. I don't know if that's true, but Mom does always have the biggest suitcase. Maybe she should make herself a packing list like mine. Everything I need to travel fits in one suitcase, except my food and water. Mom puts that in a separate box. What's in my suitcase? Here's my list!1. My Leash - almost every city has some sort of leash law so bring it along unless you want to spend the entire trip in your crate in a hotel room.
2. My Collar with ID Tags - just in case you get lost, your ID tags should help you get home. Mom got me a microchip, but if you don't have one, you definitely want the collar and tags.
3. Food and Water - who knows what the local food and water may be like. Bring your own!
4. My Dishes - you'll need something to eat and drink from. Bringing your own dishes will also make strange places seem more like home.
5. My Blankie - I always sleep better with my favorite blankie!
6. Pooper Scooper - it's just polite to clean up after yourself.
7. My Favorite Toy - sometimes traveling can be stressful. Having my favorite toy along with my favorite blankie is comforting.
8. Copy of Pet Health Certificate or Shot Record from your Dr. Karen - just in case you do get sick or hurt, this will help the vet give you the best care.
9. My brush - so I always look my best!
10. Carpet deodorizer or Cleaner - just in case. I'm a good dog, but accidents do happen!
That's it! Sometimes she brings some extra things like my carrier, or my toothbrush, or some treats. But this is the basic list. I even have my own little travel bag to pack everything in. Put together your own list using mine to give you some ideas. Then tell your mom and dad that you're packed and ready to hit the road!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Kansas Humane Society Has a True Vision for the Future
To end the euthanasia of all adoptable animals by
2014. That's the vision of the Kansas Humane Society. Wouldn't that be wonderful? A world where no little dogs (or cats) had to worry about being put to sleep?
We had the opportunity to visit them while we were in Wichita. They provide a wide range of services dedicated to helping homeless animals. Mom and I were pretty impressed and we want to share their story with you.
The Kansas Humane Society is a private, non-profit organization that receives nearly 17,000 animals each year from citizens unable or unwilling to care for them. They receive no local or state tax dollars, United Way funding, or support from the Humane Society of the United States and depend entirely on private donations and adoption fees. They are Wichita's largest, privately-funded, non-profit animal shelter. Not only do they provide adoption services, they also provide spay/neuter services, dog training classes, education programs, and programs for kids.
The Kansas Humane Society has a good adoption record. Part of the reason is their Meet Your Match program. By evaluating the personalities of their adoptable pets and then matching it to potential forever moms and dads, they increase the chance of successful adoptions. This program is available for both dogs and cats.
I know - not everyone is a dog or cat person. Hard to believe, but it's true. But you are in luck because the Kansas Humane Society also has small animals for adoption. There are rabbits, guinea pigs (my new favorite pet), rats (?), and even gerbils. Something for everyone. Even rats need love.
One of their education programs got Mom's attention. They have a Pet Pals Patch program for Scouts. My mom used to work for the Girl Scouts so she was very interested in this program. She said she wished our animal shelter here had something similar. Maybe she could help them start one. Wouldn't that be a great idea?
A world where no homeless pets are euthanized. Or better yet, a world where there were no homeless pets. That's our dream. But until then, I am glad there are places like the Kansas Humane Society watching out for us. Please visit them, support them, and adopt a forever friend from them today.
We had the opportunity to visit them while we were in Wichita. They provide a wide range of services dedicated to helping homeless animals. Mom and I were pretty impressed and we want to share their story with you.
The Kansas Humane Society is a private, non-profit organization that receives nearly 17,000 animals each year from citizens unable or unwilling to care for them. They receive no local or state tax dollars, United Way funding, or support from the Humane Society of the United States and depend entirely on private donations and adoption fees. They are Wichita's largest, privately-funded, non-profit animal shelter. Not only do they provide adoption services, they also provide spay/neuter services, dog training classes, education programs, and programs for kids.
The Kansas Humane Society has a good adoption record. Part of the reason is their Meet Your Match program. By evaluating the personalities of their adoptable pets and then matching it to potential forever moms and dads, they increase the chance of successful adoptions. This program is available for both dogs and cats.
I know - not everyone is a dog or cat person. Hard to believe, but it's true. But you are in luck because the Kansas Humane Society also has small animals for adoption. There are rabbits, guinea pigs (my new favorite pet), rats (?), and even gerbils. Something for everyone. Even rats need love.
One of their education programs got Mom's attention. They have a Pet Pals Patch program for Scouts. My mom used to work for the Girl Scouts so she was very interested in this program. She said she wished our animal shelter here had something similar. Maybe she could help them start one. Wouldn't that be a great idea?
A world where no homeless pets are euthanized. Or better yet, a world where there were no homeless pets. That's our dream. But until then, I am glad there are places like the Kansas Humane Society watching out for us. Please visit them, support them, and adopt a forever friend from them today.
Friday, July 6, 2012
It's 100 Degrees in the Shade!
It's been so hot here lately, I haven't felt like doing anything. Mom says it's been 100+ degrees. I don't know what that means. I just know it's hot! Thankfully, I am an inside dog (most of the time) so I can relax inside where it's cool. I've spent the last few weeks just laying on my bed or sometimes out on the porch when Mom is trying to keep the garden from getting all dry and brown. But Mom decided yesterday that I had been lazy enough and so we went for a walk. That's when we saw the others - two dogs that had been left outside in the heat. These dogs had been abandoned when their owners moved out of the house we passed. They were just left there with no food or water. I'm sure they probably caught a squirrel or rabbit or bird to eat. But Mom says all the time there is no water out here. That's why we keep bird baths and saucers of water outside when the summers are extra hot.
These dogs were left behind and were in pretty bad shape. I know most of my friends wouldn't do that to their four-legged family members. But just the walk got me hot enough that Mom carried me part of the way back home. I didn't realize just how fast a dog can get into trouble from the heat. And so I decided I needed to remind everyone that extreme heat can be dangerous to the fur babies! Every year dogs tragically die in hot vehicles or end up at the vet with sunburn or heatstroke. Please don't let your dog be one of them.
Here are some tips for helping your dog survive the summer heat:
1. Don't leave your dog in the car. You know I go almost everywhere Mom goes. But not now. It's just too hot. Mom said that on 100 degree days, her car can reach 120 degrees or more inside. That's like an oven! Even if you are only planning to leave your dog for a few minutes, don't. Leave them at home.
2. Don't let your dog sunbathe. Our dog Beauty was a sunbather. She loved nothing more than laying out in the warm summer sun. But dogs can sunburn just like people. Mom did not know this when we first moved here. And so Beauty was left to enjoy her sunshine. Only Jack Russell's don't have thick fur and she got a nasty sunburn. I have seen Mom wince when she had one so I can imagine it was just as painful for poor Beauty. Beauty is gone now, but Mom learned the lesson. If we are going to be outside for a long time, she puts sunscreen on our most vulnerable areas, just like she does Carter, Morgan, and Reid. In fact, we use the same sunscreen. I guess if it's good enough for the dogs, it's okay for the grandkids. Mom puts it on our ears and on the bridge of our noses and around our eyes. Sometimes she even puts it on our tummies, but that usually means we are going to be outside for a LONG time.
3. Provide plenty of fresh, cool water. Mom has several big jugs she fills with water and then turns them upside down in our water bowls. Automatic waterers, I think she calls them. These hold enough water for me, Austin and Oscar, and the cats for the whole day. Nothing tastes better than cool water on a hot day!
4. If you must take your dog outside for exercise, avoid the hottest part of the day. Mom and I go for walks or out in the garden either early in the morning or later in the evening after she has fed Dad. Stay out of the midday sun.
5. Consider giving your dog a haircut. I am a short haired boy so I don't have a problem. But Austin is a Yorkshire Terrier and has lots of long hair. In the summer, to help keep him cool, he gets what Mom calls his "puppy cut". (That means she cuts his hair short like mine. He looks a little funny but he sure seems happier - and cooler).
6. Watch where we walk. You wear shoes. We don't. Have you ever burned the bottom of your feet? It hurts! Don't make us walk on hot sidewalks, driveways, or sand.
Summer is here. That means lots of BBQs and trips to the beach and days out in the boat. We want to share it with you. Just follow these simple tips and we can enjoy the "dog days" so summer too!
These dogs were left behind and were in pretty bad shape. I know most of my friends wouldn't do that to their four-legged family members. But just the walk got me hot enough that Mom carried me part of the way back home. I didn't realize just how fast a dog can get into trouble from the heat. And so I decided I needed to remind everyone that extreme heat can be dangerous to the fur babies! Every year dogs tragically die in hot vehicles or end up at the vet with sunburn or heatstroke. Please don't let your dog be one of them.
Here are some tips for helping your dog survive the summer heat:
1. Don't leave your dog in the car. You know I go almost everywhere Mom goes. But not now. It's just too hot. Mom said that on 100 degree days, her car can reach 120 degrees or more inside. That's like an oven! Even if you are only planning to leave your dog for a few minutes, don't. Leave them at home.
2. Don't let your dog sunbathe. Our dog Beauty was a sunbather. She loved nothing more than laying out in the warm summer sun. But dogs can sunburn just like people. Mom did not know this when we first moved here. And so Beauty was left to enjoy her sunshine. Only Jack Russell's don't have thick fur and she got a nasty sunburn. I have seen Mom wince when she had one so I can imagine it was just as painful for poor Beauty. Beauty is gone now, but Mom learned the lesson. If we are going to be outside for a long time, she puts sunscreen on our most vulnerable areas, just like she does Carter, Morgan, and Reid. In fact, we use the same sunscreen. I guess if it's good enough for the dogs, it's okay for the grandkids. Mom puts it on our ears and on the bridge of our noses and around our eyes. Sometimes she even puts it on our tummies, but that usually means we are going to be outside for a LONG time.
3. Provide plenty of fresh, cool water. Mom has several big jugs she fills with water and then turns them upside down in our water bowls. Automatic waterers, I think she calls them. These hold enough water for me, Austin and Oscar, and the cats for the whole day. Nothing tastes better than cool water on a hot day!
4. If you must take your dog outside for exercise, avoid the hottest part of the day. Mom and I go for walks or out in the garden either early in the morning or later in the evening after she has fed Dad. Stay out of the midday sun.
5. Consider giving your dog a haircut. I am a short haired boy so I don't have a problem. But Austin is a Yorkshire Terrier and has lots of long hair. In the summer, to help keep him cool, he gets what Mom calls his "puppy cut". (That means she cuts his hair short like mine. He looks a little funny but he sure seems happier - and cooler).
6. Watch where we walk. You wear shoes. We don't. Have you ever burned the bottom of your feet? It hurts! Don't make us walk on hot sidewalks, driveways, or sand.
Summer is here. That means lots of BBQs and trips to the beach and days out in the boat. We want to share it with you. Just follow these simple tips and we can enjoy the "dog days" so summer too!
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