Whenever I walk our dog around the block, I often get inspired by a neighbor's landscaping, more so lately because California is in a drought situation and I'm finding beautiful flower pots filled with succulents. Who says you can't marry practical with pretty?

If we let her, our dog would happily help with the composting. Here in San Francisco it's required to compost your food waste, and if there ever was an upside to having a senior dog, it's that at thirteen, our Cleo is no longer able to counter surf. We can leave a milk carton filled with food scraps in the sink without fear that she'll leap up and sneak it off to the bedroom for an afternoon snack.

Rainy and cool fall weather on the horizon has us thinking about indoor projects, and various ways we can reduce our dog's carbon footprint as well as our own. Are there ways that we can be more green in the winter? I looked around the house and saw quite a few projects, starting with making my own shampoo for Cleo! She has always had sensitive skin.

In 2002, Family Dog Rescue’s founder Angela Padilla was diagnosed with a very aggressive, high-risk case of breast cancer. Angela’s two rescued dogs became her devoted caretakers.

Family Dog Rescue's Cancerversary: Angela's Story

Angela had rescued Mollie and Hooch from local Animal Control Centers when they were 5-months old and 6-years old respectively and their bond was unbreakable. Never leaving her side, they would snuggle close to her after treatments, their love and unspoken support helping relieve the nausea, exhaustion, and pain of the therapy. Angela recalls:

“When my hair fell out and I was bald, Mollie would sweetly lick my head, as if to tell me that she knew I was still beautiful. She seemed to know that my bald head hurt and needed love."

It's hard to believe she was surrendered to a county shelter. When I look at my dog today, it feels like we were given an unexpected gift from the San Francisco SPCA all those years ago. I didn't expect to find such an amazing dog. I was hoping for a buddy, and instead, found my best friend. 

This holiday is every day at our house but August 26, 2014 is officially National Dog Day and we're spending it with our favorite senior dog Cleo! How will you celebrate? An extra meaty bone or maybe if you've an older dog like we do, lots of quiet cuddles...

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There are some older dogs out there who remind me of my grandfather in the most wonderful way. Grey and white hair with the loving thoughtful gaze of someone who knows what life is all about. This is how I'd describe Cutty Sark, an adoptable older Shepherd-Lab with a twinkle in his eye, and a spring in his step [...]

Some people and animal welfare groups will position dog adoption as "saving a life" and on one hand, that is true, but should it be the sole reason you choose to have a dog? Not for me. Bringing a dog into my life means risking my heart, and that is serious business for me.

Because I don't respond well to this kind of dog adoption campaign, do I lack empathy? Am I cold and indifferent to their plight?

The Grouchy Puppy motto is, “Give Fearlessly Influence Positively” inspired by people like Sandy and dogs like Shiloh. Together they spent six years as a therapy dog team in Tennessee visiting nursing homes and a children’s grief camp. They positively influenced hundreds of lives over the years by fearlessly giving their time and presence. The following is a first person essay about their experiences [...]

It's no secret that we adore old dogs around here. Through my time and experience with my senior dog Cleo, I've increased my appreciation for senior citizens, in particular my aging family members and neighbors. Both have contributed a lot to my education. If you have older people or senior dogs in your life, August 21 is National Senior Citizens Day, when we all can recognize and celebrate their role in our lives.

Pet guardians are advised by the San Francisco SPCA to keep animals off of escalators or purchase booties.

The San Francisco SPCA is seeing far too many escalator-related injuries at their hospitals. Please spread the word! These are preventable injuries [...]

Love you giant hay eating doggy!

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I love dogs, but especially old ones. They can communicate their needs, wants and desires more clearly and often more quietly than a puppy. I've noticed with my own old dog, our time spent together is about quality rather than quantity. I focus not on her life winding down, but on the time we have together right now. I try to create keepsake moments for my future without her.

One way we spend quiet time bonding is when I groom her, or as I like to say, "who wants a brushing party?"

Dog lovers, you're in luck! Here is the cutest yet practical little tote! Don't you love it when you find necessary (sometimes boring) items, like a doggy bag, constructed with soft, eco-friendly material, while still looking fresh and adorable?

Some older dogs have this special ability to look straight into your heart and see the real YOU.  Casey is one of those dogs. She is an adoptable Bearded Collie with the biggest heart and gentle spirit.

Get your tickets to this pug-filled extravaganza on August 17 benefiting Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, hosted by Pug Wine and Dogpatch WineWorks in San Francisco’s Dogpatch Neighborhood.