GrouchyPuppy® Blog | Dog Lovers Source

Why do we support PAWS? Ask the Vet

Since adopting a dog, and managing her care over the past eight years, I'm aware of how costly veterinary care is and how many questions come up every month or so. Though much of our elderly dog's care is typical, we've had a few surprise vet visits. We do our best because we love Cleo very much and she deserves our best efforts. We're fortunate that we have the resources and energy to care for her, and get her the excellent veterinary services when something comes up.

Given how much we do, and would do for our dog, I couldn't imagine what it would be like if we couldn't.This is one of the many reasons I support Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS). They provide their clients free veterinary consultative services every month. 

PAWS clients are low income seniors, people living with HIV and the disabled. For many, their animal companion is their only family and confidante - their reason to get up in the morning. Like me, they would do anything for their best friend. Like me, they can have questions about lumps and bumps on their pet, skin allergies or maybe behavioral changes in their aging dog. These are all issues I've talked extensively with my vet about.

If you know what I'm talking about then consider lending a paw and join me in supporting PAWS. Read more about this special clinic, and think about making a donation to help them keep programs like this going.

ASK THE VET - KEEPING PETS HAPPY & HEALTHY

More information on Ask the Vet Clinics.

Give a Gift to support PAWS  and vital services like Ask the Vet Clinics.

Rescue Shepherd Completes Dog Family of Vietnam Veteran

Via Military.com

Long after serving in the Army during the Vietnam War, a quiet, unassuming veteran became a hero to a death row dog.

From 1961-1964, Roger served in the 25th infantry division in Hawaii in preparation to deploy to Vietnam. He was discharged before his division was sent overseas, and used his time in Hawaii to travel and marry. Eventually he and his bride left for the mainland, where Roger worked for a time as a military training instructor in Indianapolis.

Unlike his fiery, Colombian wife, Jacquie, Roger is a soft spoken man, but the pair is identical in one respect: their love of dogs. The couple hoped to add a big dog to their family because Jacquie always had them as pets on her farm in Bogota, Columbia growing up.

"Lots of dogs – big dogs," she says.

The Army couple already had two Yorkies, Sleepy and Skippy, but felt a large breed dog would make their "happy dog" family complete. They learned about a German Shepherd mix who was on death row at a local shelter, deemed aggressive when she snapped at a worker hosing down her kennel.

Read the full sweet story

Buy Gear at Sports Basement Support SF Aid for Animals

San Francisco Aid for Animal's (SFAfA) is a local animal charity raising money to help people pay for life-saving vet medical care. They are included in Sport Basement's March Madness Challenge.   

Starting March 16th when you and your friends shop at the Sport Basement mention San Francisco Aid for Animals at the register - 10% of your purchase will go to helping those who struggle to pay for their vet care.

If you're planning on buying new bike accessories, replace worn out ski equipment, getting outfitted in new exercise clothes or equipment for that summer camping trip - now is the time to stop in to Sports Basement.

Happy Birthday Broadway Barks Co-Founder Bernadette Peters!

 

 

Bernadette Peters and Stella (photo credit: broadway.com)

Tip of the top hat today for Ms. Peters on her birthday! How does she look younger every year? Is it the singing and dancing? Having a dog? Whatever it is, we salute Ms. Peters and wish her loads of birthday wishes! 

Learn more about Broadway Barks, see great images from last year's event (LIFE+DOG was a media sponsor), and read this cute interview where we learn which famous person Stella looks like.

Drawing Hope Project | Help Countless Kids Imaginations Come to Life

Help the Drawing Hope Project Help Countless Kids' Imaginations Come to Life! (via www.lifeanddog.com)

Web Exclusive We love the work of photographic artist Shawn VanDaele, especially his uplifting project that is bringing hope and smiles to children fighting serious diseases. His charitable endeavor, The Drawing Hope Project is in the semi-final round of voting in the Aviva Community Fund Competition…

Feb 8-10 San Francisco SPCA Annual Be Mine Adopt-a-thon!

The San Francisco SPCA is hosting the second annual Be Mine Adopt-a-thon weekend, February 8th - 10th. Adoption fees will be waived all weekend for animals from the SF SPCA and select rescue partners, including SF Animal Care & Control, Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, and Family Dog Rescue.

The festivities will kick off Friday evening with a FREE Be Mine Tattoo Cocktail Party, 4:30pm - 9:00pm, at the SF SPCA's Adoption Center (250 Florida Street).

Beer, wine, cocktails, and snacks will be complimentary. Flexx Bronco's Voodoo Van and Manna Japanese Comfort Food will also be on site serving up tasty treats from their food trucks.

Cleo marks National Day of Service

My sweet old dog joins volunteers across the country. She gave to our neighborhood elders a little furry love and companionship today, a project perfect for a dog like Cleo who rarely says no to a kiss or a snuggle..

Holiday Gift Idea: Human animal bond book that benefits Muttville

More people are choosing to spend their dollars at local businesses, and on items that they know are for a good cause. Right now in San Francisco, Mudpie, a children's boutique, is selling copies of the book Walks With Sierra. This sweet story from Muttville volunteer Liz Brooking speaks to the powerful bond between humans and the animals that enrich our lives. The memoir makes a wonderful gift for young and old -- and all book sales will go to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue.

Visit Mudpie in San Francisco

We tip our paw to search dogs and first responders

Living in a state and a city prone to earthquakes, let's take a moment, and thank all the people and agencies who are there to help us during a natural disaster. Anyone remember San Francisco in 1989, during the World Series? I do. I will never forget what it was like during, and after, that devastating quake. 

Today as I watch the newest storm hit the East Coast, it seemed like the right time to stop and recognize first responders and search dogs working post-Sandy. We didn't have a dog in 1989, but I know how easy it is to become separated from your pet in a flash. And how scary.

 

Search Dog Royce in training in Oklahoma

Nov 10 Bulldog Day & Dog Show SF Middle School Fundraiser

James Lick Middle School in Noe Valley is having a dog-themed fundraiser!

Their school mascot is a bulldog. Enjoy this day long event celebrating school spirit, families, and our four-legged friends. There will be dog competitions throughout the day, live music, vendor booths, games, food, a raffle and silent auction.

11 Calif Communities Now Ban Retail Sale of Dogs Cats Rabbits

via www.nohoartsdistrict.com

The NoHo Arts District dot Com team was thrilled to hear the update from Best Friends Animal Society....

On Wednesday of this week, the Los Angeles City Council (by a vote of 12-2) approved an ordinance that bans the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in the city.

With only a formality remaining before the ordinance becomes law, Los Angeles will become the largest community in the United States to enact legislation that puts an end to the flow of animals to pet stores from puppy mills, the large commercial breeding farms that supply pet stores. For the past two and a half years, Best Friends, under the leadership of our Elizabeth Oreck, has been working closely with the offices of the mayor and city attorney, as well as L.A. City Councilmember Paul Koretz and L.A. Animal Services General Manager Brenda Barnette to craft an ordinance that effectively shuts down the city of Los Angeles for the sale of these animals.

Read the full story

Sad Updated News: Body Recovered of Bert the Lost Chihuahua

Until you hear, as a dog lover, my heart always hopes for good news when it comes to lost dogs. Sadly that isn't the case for Bert, the lost Chihuahua. He'd been lost since October 7 near Fort Funston, and his Addison's Disease made his search and recovery all the more urgent. His body was found Saturday October 20. Grateful Dog Rescue just made the announcement:

Our lovely little Bert's body was found Saturday morning in the dunes of Ft Funston by a dog walker. We waited until now to make the announcement until we were able to notify all of the people that were closest to Bert. RIP little guy!

National Disaster Search Dog Foundation Halloween Contest

There are times when we wish Cleo would let us dress her up for Halloween. Boooo. However this senior dog doesn't like it, and now we're at a stage where her handful of tricks get her treats year-round.

Just because Cleo doesn't want to join in the holiday doesn't mean we still can't have some fun this Halloween. Check out this super cute Halloween contest hosted by the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation.

SDF Search Dog Jack-o-Lantern Contest

To enter, go to the Search Dog Foundation's Facebook Page or the SDF's website, and pick your favorite search dog's picture.  

Sweet Justice makes a great model!

Why a Senior Dog Could be Your Perfect Match | It's Petfinder's "Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet" Week

September 17-23, 2012 join in Petfinder's "Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet" Week

Some people seem to believe that there are senior dogs who are "less adoptable." I don't know anyone who has met my old dog Cleo that would say or believe that. However, to promote these senior sweethearts, and other incredibly special animals, Petfinder.com has designated September 17-23, 2012 as “Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week”.

In case you were wondering if I was lying about my sweet and adorable old dog, let me present her photo..

Sleepy sweet senior dog alert!

 

..and after the jump, a few thoughts on why a senior dog could be the perfect match for you too...

Why they foster dogs: Family opens heart and home to shelter dogs

via mywebtimes.com

The family's goal in fostering dogs is to allow potential owners to meet the dogs in a home environment, where they often behave better than they do in shelter kennels.

"A lot of dogs get adopted better after fostering," Alyssa said.

Lauren added that shelter dogs can be the most affectionate pets.

"All of our dogs have had hard lives," she said. "They will just stare at you, and they're so happy to see you. You know they really appreciate having a home."

Read the full story