Reading about dogs is something I never tire of. These amazing creatures comfort us, protect us, and make us laugh. Sometimes it seems without effort. Dogs don't hold grudges. If a dog loves you, they love you with no filters or hesitation. This year we've seen and read stories of dogs saving lives, comforting weary travelers, helping kids learn to love reading, and helping veterans live a good life. Whatever we ask of them, dogs step up again, and again. 

Let's look back at some of my favorite stories from 2013 featuring dogs, being the amazing creatures that they are [...]

Whether a puppy or a senior dog, exercise has a calming effect on dogs. I'll admit that it works both ways because when I get back from outdoor exercise with my dog, I'm more calm. It's true even now with  my senior dog. We may go at a slow pace together but that time outdoors breathing fresh air, sometimes pausing to briefly visit with a neighbor, has a positive influence over me.

Living in San Francisco is the best. I'm surrounded by beautiful urban and wild landscapes, gorgeous architecture, and a diverse population of people and groups who care about those less fortunate than themselves, animal and human. Muttville is one group who cares giving older dogs a second chance at a forever home.

Helping promote Muttville Senior Dog Rescue's mission and share adoptable senior dogs with potential new families has been a small way for me to contribute, and increase the odds that sweet old dogs like Riggs, will get their second chance at a loving home. It's my compassionate response since learning about how many senior dogs were being overlooked at shelters, and since experiencing life with my own elderly dog.

I look forward to 2014 and helping more senior sweethearts find their new forever family. Now, meet our final weekly adoptable senior dog of 2013, Riggs [...]

This has been a special holiday season for many reasons, starting with the large serving of holiday cheer our senior dog Cleo gave us. As you see here, she still wants to wear her festive scarf on walks.

Another reason this time is extra special, our Cleo is still with us. Earlier this year and a couple moments this summer we weren't so sure she'd still be here for the holidays.

I'm off now to lead Cleo around the block so she can release more holiday cheer with a few neighborhood kids and others.

Instead of Cleo, there are days when our dog goes by the name of Joy...

And for anyone who received our holiday cookies, any short hairs you see are hers...hohoho

 

 

Have you ever wondered what a love bug looks like? Here's your chance, with this gentle tiny quiet Chihuahua. John Deere (or Honey or Darling) is ready to snuggle up with you.

John Deere is a 3.5 pound, 7 year old, lap buddy. He's from the Central Valley of California and ready for his forever family. 

He's housetrained, walks well on a leash, and yet is ready for some play time! He also gets along well with other dogs! He's the perfect package and waiting for you at Muttville.

Get a sneak peek of his adorability in this video:

 

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When we love dogs, we love them all the way. The experience is all-encompassing as you enjoy the highest highs, the lowest lows, and everything in between, during your time together, however long. This much I've learned to be true.

For about two years now, I've been dealing with anticipatory grief but recently it has been particularly bad. My dog appears to be reaching a point when it will be time for us to let her go.

Our dog must inspect every bag and package that enters the front door. She pushes her way past your body, your legs, and hands to stick her snout into a bag or around every side of a box. 

Her nose and sense of smell is a 3-D printer for her brain. No wonder her blindess today doesn't bother her that much, as long as we don't move the furniture.

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Best Barkday Gotcha Homecoming Day Yet! #Cleo8

When you love a dog, trust the hole in your heart will heal after they leave

In 2009 Cleo steps through the digital curtain and into dog lover's hearts

If they're anything like Cleo, it must be sugar and spice, and all things nice - with a dash of fluff.

Are you looking for a good read over the holiday break? Maybe you need something to read on that long flight home, or have ready for the unexpected snowy delay at the airport. Never fear, Facebook friends are here!

All this year it has been a goal to engage dog lovers across social media, whether on this blog, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Wherever you are, you'll find us sharing various content related to the power of the human-animal bond. You might notice we also are a curious bunch and like to ask all sorts of questions of fellow animal lovers. Thank you to all who take time to answer us. 

Last week we asked the question, "What's your favorite non-fiction dog book this year?" and Grouchy Puppy followers shared four books available in paperback and on Kindle. We love them all and think you will too! Let us know in the comments if you have another for our reading list, we're always looking.

You may recall meeting this sweet little senior dog during #Cleo8, the epic homecoming party I gave on November 9th for my own senior girl Cleo. The folks at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue shared eight adoptable dogs in honor of Cleo's eighth year with us, with Willy von Stickleback being one of them. It's hard to believe with his great name, and mellow personality - especially around cats - this adorable Jack Russell Terrier isn't  adopted already.

What I also personally love about this guy is that like my Cleo, he's blind, but the blindness hasn't stopped him from being a dog. A 10-12 year-old dog who'll happily remind you when it is breakfast, dinner or snack time - and do little donut circles of joy in the kitchen. 

 

Get to know Willy a little better in his interview with Calvin below, and help us find him a forever family. 

Having a senior dog for the first time will leave a mark, but I wasn't expecting the repeated bruising from our time together. I don't like roller coasters but I swear I have been living on one of these wild rickety machines for years now.

Giant Dipper. Don't get me wrong, I expected both happy and sad emotional bumps from having a dog in my life, but the deep love I have with my dog has been met with scary lows, the type usually experienced in an amusement park. A place I avoid. 

Winter blues? Just add puppies...no prescription needed.