This life I've had with my first senior dog has been the best. My gratitude for every moment runs deeper than I can say. Even now as she rests after a minor seizure, I still see our life together as a glass half-full.

Academy of Art graduate students created an emotional video sharing what a new beginning looks like for the older dogs of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. Bravo! and they should all get an A-plus.

While the debate continues over off leash areas for dogs in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, sadly someone has decided to go rogue and plant poisoned meatballs in a popular area of San Francisco. Again. These meatballs look very familiar and killed a little doxie we knew:

"Last July, a 7-year-old dachshund died and another dog was seriously sickened after eating meatballs the police believe were filled with strychnine. Police never located the person responsible for the deadly meatballs."

Even on leash, it's easy for people and dogs to get distracted when you have city streets and stairways like this one to hike or walk up.

[One of my favorite routes toward Twin Peaks is via these otherworldly steps]

Oompa loompa!!! No kidding, he's from the Lollipop Guild. This little Shih Tzu blend is too adorable!

Easy going, calm and cuddly, Lollipop's Mom passed away and this little guy ended up in a pretty bad place in Southern California with no hope. But Muttville came to the rescue and brought him north!

Now he is marching around Muttville with his tail up and wagging. They say he is 14 years old, but he may be younger. He has lots of energy and a big grin.

Lollipop would be great in most households so come on down to Muttville and get your own smile on!

If only dogs weren't so good at these jobs, this cartoon wouldn't be so funny.

Have you ever fantasized about having puppies with your rescue dog? Even for a millisecond? 

Editor's Note: This is a guest post from Maggie Marton, of Oh My Dog Blog. Maggie continues where she left off last week, in "Take off your Judgey Pants: Let's Discuss Pet Adoption". Today she discusses how we all might benefit (the community, the owner, and the animal) if shelters and rescues concentrate more on helping a pet owner keep their adopted animal, rather than blaming them for surrendering the animal.

[Photo credit: petsadviser]

Maggie writes...[...]

Having been significantly involved with Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) in San Francisco for three years, I have seen first hand the power of the human-animal bond at work between low income seniors, the disabled, and their companion animals. It breaks my heart to imagine anyone having to choose to feed themselves or their beloved furry (and often only) family member. 

Today, thanks to an anonymous donor, a new partnership begins between the Helen Woodward Animal Center's AniMeals Program and The Angel's Depot, a San Diego county nonprofit serving the nutritional needs of seniors.

Is it because they are goofy? Is that why dogs seem to inspire the worst puns, lame alliterations and bad poetry? I'll admit that I'm guilty of these crimes.

Are dogs uniquely capable of getting us humans to let our guard down and act like fools in front of them? I have not seen anyone talk like a baby to a cat, but I've seen plenty go nuts over a dog - from a puppy to a senior cutie. You know what I'm talking about. The person in question speaks in a silly voice and then some...

Meet this week's adoptable senior dog, Sally. She is the perfect blend of Shepherd and Chow Chow, ideal for someone who needs to just mellow out and savor some quality time. 

Learn more about Sally from this fun interview by Calvin, the leader of small club: big adventures for small dogs. It's a grouchypuppy.com exclusive. Warning! Be prepared to fall in love, Sally is a little flirt [...]

Photo credit: Suszi Mcfadden

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Editor's Note: This is a guest post from Maggie Marton, of Oh My Dog Blog. This is a topic that I'm interested in, and I'm thrilled that Maggie wrote about it. Some folks may not know that Grouchy Puppy is a place for people to have lively debates about sensitive topics. In the past we've discussed breed specific legislation, and the question "is animal advocate a kinder, gentler activist?" Our mission here is about education and elevating conversations, how can you do that without healthy debate? Now let's hear from Maggie...

Recently, two things happened at once that got me thinking about how we treat pet adoption, and Sharon was kind enough to let me tackle it here.

Still searching for the perfect valentine? Then come meet Ernie, the sweetest senior dog...

Ernie is a handsome and elegant blend of Chinese Crested dog and Spaniel.

What a looker this little love bug is! Ernie is about 9 years old and 14 pounds. He is gentle and a little shy. He has a soulful way about him, wanting so much to connect with someone.

He is fine with other animals and he’s looking for a calm home where he can blossom and show all the love he has to give.

Come make a love connection with Ernie at Muttville.

Get struck by Cupid's Bow in the best possible way, by stopping by the San Francisco SPCA’s Third Annual Be Mine Adopt-a-thon celebration February 13th to 16th! Last year over 140 animals found love and forever homes during this happy celebration. Come down and make a love connection that's honestly, better for your heart than dark chocolate. Just saying...

The celebration will include fee-waived adoptions all weekend, an open bar cocktail party, tattoos, food trucks, free dental health checks, a book signing, and animal behavior workshops.