My Give Fearlessly Story: Are dogs magic? How do they know when you need them?

It has been a tough week made more difficult because I missed my weekly volunteer session with the senior dogs of Muttville. 

"You can always tell about somebody by the way they put their hands on an animal."

~ Betty White

I stopped at my neighborhood Chinese restaurant to see my friend behind the counter and get some vegetables and fish with black bean sauce. To my delight, a man who was already at the counter getting food had a black retriever on a leash standing behind him. I waved my fingers lightly at the dog. She gave me a slight wag of her long tail in reply. Mentally I wished the man to keep chatting and ordering more food, so I had enough time to approach his dog slowly. She gave me encouraging signs to keep up my sidling. 

How do dogs know you need them?

Image from grouchypuppy.com/blog

Quickly dropping to my knees, I crouched next to her. She pushed as close to me as she could on her leash. She had a thin piece around her muzzle to keep her from picking up garbage from the sidewalk. She couldn't kiss me because of it, but I still put my head down and let her sniff my hair. She agreed I was worthy of her efforts to get closer and allow me to snuggle her body. I did.

Continue reading "My Give Fearlessly Story: Are dogs magic? How do they know when you need them?" »

Subscribe to the blog here and never miss a post!


Self care and calming older dogs

In my experience, a dog can be a natural bridge between two people. I cannot count the times my big adopted dog did her part, making sure I knew my neighbors and local shopkeepers. Sometimes it was her extra-large size that prompted a conversation with a stranger. Sometimes her unexpected presence in a room allowed me to escape a knot of people. She didn't know I needed saving or how she was helping me, but my lowered anxiety was tangible.

Image from grouchypuppy.com
Mind if I join you for a bit?

A dog's natural ability to diffuse a room is powerful and effective because I have also experienced it in the doggy loft at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. I have watched an agitated person walk into a room, spy an old dog doing anything from being cute while they nap to being cute as they trot across the floor, and see their limbs and expression visible relax. I imagine their blood pressure is lowering as their face transforms into soft eyes and maybe a smile.

Continue reading "Self care and calming older dogs" »

Subscribe to the blog here and never miss a post!


Dog adoptions: There is a pot for every lid

One of the joys of living in San Francisco has been discovering Muttville Senior Dog Rescue and its many volunteers and staff members. They are not only dog lovers but all are deeply dedicated towards the wellbeing of older dogs. The moments I have witnessed in the doggy loft are inspiring, always heartwarming.

Recently I read about the successful fostering and adoption of a Muttville mutt, Quigley. The story shared by MW Moses is told below, in his own words. It’s a wonderful example of the Grouchy Puppy motto, Give Fearlessly * Influence Positively. I hope you enjoy it and share your takeaways, or your own experiences dog fostering in the comments below...

19D32B25-73A4-4144-895A-B1668F4FDFFA

Continue reading "Dog adoptions: There is a pot for every lid" »

Subscribe to the blog here and never miss a post!


Dogs give you a reason to look up

Dogs enrich our lives. The Grouchy Puppy blog celebrates the unique bond between humans and dogs.

Having a dog in your home and family is itself a gift, but living in a community that welcomes dogs is equally comforting. It has been many years since our dog passed away. I have been unable to volunteer weekly with the sugar faces at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue for a year since the pandemic forced them to shift to remote adoptions. To keep everyone safe, the new oldsters do not stay in the doggy loft but immediately transition them into a foster home.

A saving grace for me has been the many dogs in my San Francisco neighborhood. Since the need to work from home, and the quarantine, I see so many more dogs playing outside or just walking down the street. The occasional encounters with these pups of all ages and sizes have been a tonic.

E050D74F-9E13-417C-9C0A-A4AC4C503878

Growing up with a dog trainer for a mom, I recognize when I see puppy socialization training when I am out for a walk. Taking my cue from both ends of the leash, I either stop for a visit or take a hard pivot away. I appreciate both experiences. It is nice to see someone recognizing the lifelong value of early socializing their puppy. If I get to be a part of that for a minute, great!!

When you need a reason to look up:

  • Adoptable dogs demonstrate resilience and eternal optimism
  • Dogs have an incredible ability to show forgiveness time and again for our errors in caring for them
  • Older dogs remind us how to let go of the past and embrace the present
  • All dogs show how to savor every expression of love and compassion, no matter how small

That dogs can mirror our expressions, body language, vocals and even share our personality traits, according to many dog owners, is something extraordinary. Who hasn't shared a yawn with their dog? I have had dogs match my stretch with their own. I remember the many mornings I heard my dog making the same morning groans as my husband and me as we woke up.

I don't know what the new year holds, but I know that I will appreciate each time a dog gives me a reason to look up.

CDEEBA0D-580B-41EA-9993-78204CD6C586

Subscribe to the blog here and never miss a post!


Thoughts on appreciating the similarities between old dogs and aging parents

Ever since my own dog became elderly and went through her final journey along the aging process, I’ve written about senior dogs and their similarities to elderly people. (Why do older dogs sleep so much?) During her final years, she helped me learn valuable lessons that I was able to apply to my relationships with my parents before they passed away. (Letting go, being grateful, and seeing an old dog as a bridge)

I recently read a column called, “Care of aging dog, much like that of elderly parent.” This in particular stood out to me;

In Elder World, we told each other, “If they were dogs, we could be merciful and end this.” Now it is a dog, and we can’t pull the plug. Which makes me think of the old people again, and how insistently the will to hang on demands respect. And another thing they taught me: that although caregiving feels endless, it always ends, though the empty space after doesn’t.

Carol writes that she “couldn’t have imagined that senior dog care would prove a weird resurrection of the demands of elder care” and let me say, that is valuable insight.

I think of this when I volunteer at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. I bring up the similarities between elder parents and the sugar faces with other volunteers, fosters and potential adopters. Managing expectations are so important.

I’ll do everything that I can to give a dog the best chance at a wonderful life. Telling my stories about how living with an aging dog gave me insight into my father’s diabetes, and my mother’s fierce need for routine, so that other’s realize the emotional transformations can have a positive impact, now keeps my dog’s memory alive.

One key to having an old dog is to value every moment with them, to let go of your immediate fears or frustrations and see the finite time you have left together. When we learn to appreciate the little everyday habits of our close elderly family, those are the impressions that will return day after day when they are physically gone. This is something incredibly important whether we’re talking older parent or older dog.

F04E3A47-4E53-447D-B4A1-3DA1C1B6AA0F

I am eternally grateful that my own dog, living her life, set me on this journey of understanding and growth. Our days together, to the very end, left me with immeasurable resilience to handle my parents sudden passing a year after hers. 

If you have aging parents and need some insight, look to senior dogs. After volunteering with the oldsters at Muttville for the past four years, I can reassure you that the teachings my dog started me on continue. Every week I feel lucky when I left my shift feeling like I had a Continuing Education class in the elderly, both human and canine.

And please, don’t let your fear of the eventual physical loss of a dog stop you from experience life with them. There are so many incredible unique lessons dogs offer, and in particular, older dogs. If you can’t adopt, then consider volunteering at a animal shelter, sanctuary, or senior dog rescue.

Read more of my thoughts about old dogs, and my own muse here.

Source: Heraldnet.com

Subscribe to the blog here and never miss a post!


Thoughts about old dogs, and a few special dog stories from 2019

As 2019 closes, I’d like to share a few dog stories from the doggy loft I visit every week on Rescue Row, in San Francisco. From my earliest years, dogs have been my favorite teachers, and best friends. This year, I’m particularly thankful for the optimistic attitude of dogs, in addition to their ability to be both simultaneously silly and affectionate. If I’m being honest, I’m still recovering from the massive invasion we had during the summer from Boston Terriers. Mostly though, I have finished many a volunteer shift with the oldsters feeling more inspired and calm than when I started. 

Enjoy these dog stories, and at the end, I’ve added a short list of inspired thoughts that came from another year helping in the doggy loft. Please share your own in the comments, and any special dog moments from your year, I’d love to read them - Sharon Castellanos 

Ay Chihuahua! Since I began volunteering in the doggy loft at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue three years ago, I have met more chihuahuas than I can count! They have been funny, scrappy, scared, fluffy, fat, skinny, silly, and shy. Boys and girls have expressed patience, frustration, crankiness and an unstoppable flow of affection. One little lady I met in January this year, Ginger Rogers, grabbed my attention and compassion all at once. She began her time with Muttville wanting attention while being left alone. She’d snap at people and other dogs alike if she felt like it. But she also could make you laugh out loud. I was on hand to help feed her breakfast several times and she would take turns eating, and lifting her tiny lip to snarl at me. When she was done, I would often be offered her butt for a brief soft scratch. This exchange brought me so much joy.

7A7DE3E0-A79A-4F22-A7CD-3F735FD96DD6

Seeing her figure out how to be close to me, to show me her version of affection so soon, was heartwarming. Over many months, Ginger slowly blossomed, in her own unique way. I was on the receiving end of several tiny kisses, and a quick snuggle or three, before she fell in love with a member of the Muttville staff and went home. I’m so thankful she found a place like Muttville filled with people who gave her the chance and space to shed her worries and welcome in all the love and care she deserved.

A66197FA-E792-407E-8716-8E5277F1CD5C

Fluffy dogs come in all makes and models. Having had the experience of living with, loving and caring for a small dinosaur, also known as a shepherd husky dog, I never really knew what Pomeranians, miniature poodles, papillons or corgis were all about. We get many of these dogs or blended fluffy versions coming through the doggy loft. Who knew fluffy dogs came in so many types and sizes? What has been a gift this year is getting a chance to experience these dogs. You get some really beautiful examples of true sugar faces from the darker fluffs. Also, I can’t tell you some of the funny expressions on these dogs faces just because of a little contrasting hair! If you ever watched Seinfeld, I’m describing some dogs who could give Uncle Leo’s eyebrows a run for their money. My dog had three layers of fur to shed, which gave me a chance to use many different types of grooming tools. I am happy to report that I have been fortunate enough to get a chance to have my share of brushing parties this year after breakfast, with many satisfied customers.

E9DCD431-6F27-4A13-B772-C53A5C87FED2

The blind and wobbly. How endearing is it to have a dog get up and teeter over for some love from a stranger, first thing in the morning? I am astonished every morning I walk into the doggy loft and a blind or vision impaired dog works their way towards the sound of my voice and greetings. I mean sure, the smell of breakfast or the sound of metal food bowl would be one sure way to get any dog’s attention, but a loud lady chirping “good morning” and “how did you sleep” to mostly dogs she has never met, is a crap shoot for getting a blind dog to respond. All year I have been thankful for periodic reminders from these dogs to never give up, to persevere and to keep my sense of humor. They show me how to live each day to the fullest, and taking it slow is not a bad idea or anything to be embarrassed about. I love their joyful expressions, and appreciate their fierce displays of optimism!

7CF680B2-54EB-413B-B158-03B3475BC8A9

I am reminded this year that dogs are still one of my favorite sources of life lessons! Here are some thoughts and inspiration gained from dog encounters (mostly in the doggy loft) in 2019:

- Dogs are really good at teaching you how to take every ounce of compassion and affection that crosses your path.

- These incredible companions of ours show us what is important, and to move towards your goals one small step at a time.

- No matter how old or impaired you get, never lose your sense of humor!

- Don’t let distractions, like the sounds and smells of other dogs, get in your way. 

- Even if you can’t see exactly where you are going, keeping moving forward.

Oh, also naps are your friend, and learn to delete really old dog photos from your smartphone because no one needs over 15,000 of them at any given time.

B8496832-E85F-40FF-9156-277810794121

A final inspiring note from 2019: This adorable fluff came into Muttville and immediately showed us all why senior dogs really do rule. If you get a chance, stop by their website, visit them in person, or subscribe to their newsletter. You will read more dog stories and discover more about how to live life to the fullest by these sweet sugar faces and grey muzzles.

 

 

Subscribe to the blog here and never miss a post!


Wow 😳 It’s been ten years since an adopted dog inspired the launch of Grouchy Puppy

A walk in nature, an art exhibit, the autobiography of an inventive person? Where do you draw inspiration? Have you ever been inspired by a dog?

8CB8EA82-7F9E-4A5D-890D-A4E7E4334643

Ten years ago, a big, older dog, who found her way from the country and into our hearts, inspired the creation of Grouchy Puppy. To many, this may not come as a surprise given how popular dog pages are on Facebook, in Twitter feeds, and how many dog Instagram stars and influencers there are today. However, ten years is a long time ago in dog years and definitely in social media years!

November 9 is Grouchy Puppy Day

Continue reading "Wow 😳 It’s been ten years since an adopted dog inspired the launch of Grouchy Puppy" »

Subscribe to the blog here and never miss a post!


Celebrating dog adoption, big adult dogs, and a Grouchy Puppy muse

On the fifth anniversary of her passing, and ten years after we adopted her from the San Francisco SPCA, I’ve written a letter to my Grouchy Puppy muse. November is a big month here. November is Adopt A Senior Dog Month, in addition to these two auspicious anniversaries. Dog adoption, and adopting a big adult dog in the city changed my life in such a profound way, it felt right to send a virtual thank you to the shepherd husky responsible. 

Dear Cleo:

Thank you. It has been five years since you went on ahead, and though we miss you every single day, I have gained so much insight about people and dogs since your passing.

Image from GrouchyPuppy.com
Best Big Dog Ambassador Ever

I am so grateful we chose to adopt you. Our life together forever positively changed my views on dogs, what you can expect from life with a dog, and I realize that loss is not something to avoid or be afraid of.

Continue reading "Celebrating dog adoption, big adult dogs, and a Grouchy Puppy muse" »

Subscribe to the blog here and never miss a post!


Free Giveaway: Celebrate National Dog Day + 10 Years of Grouchy Puppy 🐶

We can’t think of a more fun way to celebrate National Dog Day, and a decade of celebrating how the human animal bond is demonstrated by dogs and those who love them than with a free giveaway!!

Starting August 26th, visit Grouchy Puppy on Instagram to enter, and one lucky winner will get a sweet picture book about puppies by animal activist and amazing photographer, Seth Casteel. 

A2891368-EC6B-4714-8530-4794E519E1E1

[From Amazon] Follow several irresistible puppies as they play, go for walks, eat, sleep, and romp about adorably. Readers will be captivated by the incredible photography paired with witty text to illustrate a day in the life of a dog. Although written especially for young readers, this book will appeal to kids and adults of all ages, from tweens and teens to hipster parents and doting grandparents. 🥰

 

WINNER WILL RECEIVE:

A hardback book edition of It’s A Puppy’s Life by Seth Casteel

.

Continue reading "Free Giveaway: Celebrate National Dog Day + 10 Years of Grouchy Puppy 🐶" »

Subscribe to the blog here and never miss a post!


Muttville Cuddle Club: Where Older Dogs Give Love Get Love(d) by Seniors

There are more older people who are life long dog lovers than ever before! These folks are positively influencing senior facilities and retirement centers to accept dogs either as residents, or at least as regular visitors, and I’m here for it!

Another important issue is that as we age, a dog lover may reach a point when they can’t take care of a dog, but they still enjoy giving and getting the canine affection. They intrinsically appreciate the human dog bond.

A very sweet way to access the love and affection from a dog is cuddling and for those in the San Francisco Bay Area, Muttville Senior Dog Rescue offers Cuddle Club!

 

Continue reading "Muttville Cuddle Club: Where Older Dogs Give Love Get Love(d) by Seniors" »

Subscribe to the blog here and never miss a post!


Dog lovers in Denmark and Danish “hygge”

To many of us, actually millions of people according to trade associations, dogs mean everything. We love them more than most people. We spend more on our dogs than we do on ourselves. We care about their wellbeing and spend tons of time and money making sure they live their best lives with us. After spending a week in Denmark recently, I can confirm the Danish feel this way too.

661F67F2-06E9-41EF-BE39-997E9DEE1809

Last month, I went to Copenhagen and experienced the best of Scandinavia. Spring was beginning with longer hours of blue skies, fewer wool layers, and many people riding their bikes with their dogs! I saw dogs on walks, in cars, inside department stores, and at cafe tables. I even watched one wait patiently until his person returned from having a drink inside a bar. 

3B0A8011-3B29-47A1-B13F-B73D46B88901

Continue reading "Dog lovers in Denmark and Danish “hygge”" »

Subscribe to the blog here and never miss a post!


GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND'S GRADUATIONS OFFER UNIQUE EXPERIENCE FOR ALL

Do you live in the Bay Area? Do you have an animal lover or dog person who loves to see how dogs positive influence our lives? There are free graduations happening this fall at Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael.

These moving events are open to the public and are inspirational and family-friendly for all ages. I think they make for a wonderful weekend excursion and a great way to learn more how dogs give fearlessly!

D5B78769-20D0-4E77-8DA4-B98CBB8D044E

 

Continue reading "GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND'S GRADUATIONS OFFER UNIQUE EXPERIENCE FOR ALL" »

Subscribe to the blog here and never miss a post!


How the human animal bond motivates us: Creating a lap bed

Readers and followers of Grouchy Puppy know that we celebrate how the human dog bond is demonstrated. The examples we find are a wonderful testament to the enduring positive influence dogs have on us. This inspiring story came out of wanting to soothe both her dog and cat while undergoing painful radiation treatment for breast cancer.

Five years ago, at one of the lowest points of her life, Tammy Olley came up with the idea for a unique pet bed.

37681022-14C9-46E8-A16B-F9D62B7B6DC9

Every day after work, I would go to my radiation treatment and then drive an hour and a half home. My days were long, and the radiation made me so tired and sore. My cat had always slept on or against my legs, but at that time I was so sleep deprived and achy that as much as I loved her, I just wanted her off of me.

While laying on the radiation table I came up with the MYLAP pet bed design method, which allowed adding scent to the bed. After I had my prototype made, I began testing it out on my cat and I noticed that my dog, who has every kind of anxiety including separation anxiety, was starting to steal the bed. I realized it calmed him as well, and I began finding him sleeping on it more and more...

This unique bed allows you to add your scent to the fabric of the bed while providing your little buddy with the comforting shape of a warm lap. 

Innovational Pet Product LLC is women-owned small business, with Tammy as the only employee at this time which means all of these beds are proudly assembled in the USA.

Learn more about how the love for her pets, even in her darkest hour, inspired Tammy, and where to buy this homey little bed > here <

 

Subscribe to the blog here and never miss a post!


Want to feel good about helping give an older dog a second chance at a happy life?

Whenever I volunteer at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue there always seems to be Kodak moments with the dogs. These sweet adoptable dogs caught my eye last year with their loving manner, soft and welcoming expressions, and ability to make me laugh.

Do you need a dose of oxytocin, or a shot of endorphins? Want to feel good about helping give an older dog a second chance at a happy life? Have a few hours in your week to offer?

 

You’ll get love, when you give love (and a little elbow grease), each time you help Muttville mutts! 

Learn more here.

Foster. Adopt. Donate. Volunteer.

Subscribe to the blog here and never miss a post!


Hey! It's National Grouchy Puppy Day!

November 9th is a big day around here! Today is the day one fluffy, large, adult, husky-shepherd dog changed our life forever. Thanks to her mere presence, Grouchy Puppy was conceived, slowly blossoming over the years into an incredible community of dog lovers!

In 2013 we threw a fun virtual party that is still whispered about. In 2014 our beautiful muse passed away and November 9th that year turned into a tribute.

This year, we invite you to celebrate with us again, in a way that embraces all the ways dogs give fearlessly and influence positively!! We invite everyone to share the spirit of Grouchy Puppy this weekend by contributing a six word story about dogs, a dog you know, a fictional dog, or your own dog(s). 

 

image from www.grouchypuppy.com

Share Six Word Stories Celebrating the Dogs We Love All Weekend Long

Tell a story consisting of just six words. Inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s famous challenge and first six word story, “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.”

What: Share a six word story about dogs, a dog you know, a fictional dog, or your own dog(s).  

How to join in the fun? Email us at [email protected] your stories and photos, we'll share them across our social media channels. Leave a comment below. Tweet us @grouchypuppy your photo and story, or message us on Facebook.

Giving Tree: November is Adopt a Senior Dog Month. We've had a soft spot for the oldsters for years, and since the passing of Cleo we've been spending hours every week helping the sugar faces at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. If you buy anything from our Zazzle store until the end of the year ALL proceeds will go to Muttville as our way of paying it forward

image from www.grouchypuppy.com

Join us! It's easy! Above are two stories that are endearing and funny six word stories reflecting our grouchy puppy muse. We hope you'll contribute your own six word stories in celebration.

We'll close with our deepest thanks for sharing these years with us and for your steadfast support!

Subscribe to the blog here and never miss a post!


When you have a dog what is your responsibility?

What is the number one responsibility when you have a dog? This can be answered with specifics but also with general notions such as setting them up for success. That was the mantra we heard when we adopted our dog from the San Francisco SPCA.

2446EFF4-8105-4E8B-A479-6B396D0655E9

We posed this question to our Facebook community and their big concern was safety which I couldn't agree more with! When you choose to have a dog you're taking on the role of guardian. This means you guarding them, as much as they may be guarding you.

Keeping a dog safe includes have secure harnesses and leashes that don't break. It means being watchful and insuring your dog can't bolt out into a busy street or charge through an unsecured screen door. Good training as well as safe barriers protects everyone from tragedy.

Safety means watching out for chicken bones on walks, keeping toxic foods away from inquiring snouts, and making sure they get regular vet check ups. 

Setting a Dog up for Success

Keeping your dog safe is tops, because that includes their health and wellbeing for as long as you are their guardian. But we'd add to that the notion that it's your responsibility to set them up for success.

Continue reading "When you have a dog what is your responsibility?" »

Subscribe to the blog here and never miss a post!