It's time to meet our newest older dog looking for her new forever family. Get to know Gracie, a sweet petit basset griffon vendeen blended girl, in a new interview by Calvin our canine correspondent. You'll fall in love with this adoptable girl, who happens to be blind.

Photo credit: J'adore le chien

Learn all about this 10-year-old senior sweetheart in a charming and candid conversation with Calvin the mischievous terrier from small club: big adventures for small dogs.

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Via WOSU Public Media

Union County Dog Warden: Rescuing, Fostering Dogs ‘Feeds My Soul’

It might seem that Mary Beth Hall has a thankless job. As Union County’s dog warden, Hall is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But for Hall it’s been the most rewarding job of her life.

Mary Beth Hall does have an office just outside Marysville. But most days she’s in a county animal control truck, out on patrol, responding to complaints or rescuing lost pets. She visits nursing homes and hospitals with therapy dogs. She presents programs about dog safety at schools and churches.

Read or listen to the full inspirational story

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Having an older dog is new for me. It has been a rewarding adventure. Sometimes scary, but always gratifying. I don't remember the dogs from my childhood growing old enough for me to notice any difference in their needs or behavior. The two dogs who were the oldest, we rescued as adults when I was six. Living with my dog today and experiencing her life from adolescence to mature lady and now senior dog, has been the best journey I've ever been on. I learn something every day.

What can we all learn from having an older dog in our life?

Gabe the babe, we like to call him!!

This is one funny, darling little man. He gives gentle kisses and enjoys both the company of other dogs and humans.

Gabe is a real charmer, even after his body completely shaved due to horrible matting. He was in pretty gnarly shape when he was brought in but you can tell that at one time, he was loved. 

He is a tender boy with enough energy for a good walk but loves to lay in your lap, too!!

Gabe is not a barker, about 10 years old and weighs 15 pounds. He's the whole enchilada and perfect little package. What a babe.

http://www.muttville.org/mutt/gabe-1814

Did you know that some common household items found in our medicine chest and first aid kits work well for both human and pet? On the flip-side, besides certain foods there are common medications that are actually dangerous for your pet. It's important to know the difference, especially in the event of an emergency when your emotions are running high and your home might be in disarray if you've been through a natural disaster. 

What goes into a pet first aid kit?

If you have pets, having a first aid kit just for them is a great idea. You won't have to worry in the moment that you are using something inappropriate or even dangerous. Nowadays you can buy pet first aid kits but it's highly likely you'll still need to customize it to fit your particular needs. If you are like us, I think you can create your own without spending more money than you need.

Start with basics like these common household items LIFE+DOG shares on their website. In addition, you should have an eye dropper, gauze, self-adhering tape, non-stick bandages, and tweezers. You'll want to have an extra leash and collar. Include copies of your pet's vaccination history and veterinarian information in a sealed plastic bag protection from the elements. What did we miss? Check out this great resource from AVMA.org and this valuable information about emergency preparedness for pets from PetSmart Charities.

Safe Household Medications (via www.lifeanddog.com)

From The Magazine | L+D Health (c) LIFE+DOG Five safe household human medications for dogs We treat our dogs as members of family. We prepare their meals alongside ours, and we incorporate their exercise into our own routine. It makes sense that…

 

I believe spaying and neutering our pets is important. Neutered dogs have fewer prostate problems and no testicular cancer. It can help prevent aggressive behavior towards other animals. It helps control stray and unwanted animals in the community. 

Cleo makes friends at Fort Funston

Last May I shared this story of an Oregon clinic that had begun a trial of zinc neutering, an inexpensive and non-surgical castration for male dogs. Here in the city today, the San Francisco SPCA is offering this same non-surgical sterilization in their clinic. The SF/SPCA continues to offer individual San Francisco residents free spay/neuter for pit bulls and pit mixes.

Don't live in San Francisco? Need more convincing why spay/neuter is safe and necessary for our pets?