tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81371488451252889432024-02-19T08:18:14.799-08:00Life of DroolSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205193144051243527noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-7275239676487613352013-12-05T09:06:00.004-08:002013-12-05T09:07:15.372-08:00Dear Santa<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #006600; font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dear Santa,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Hi, my name is Lennon. You and I have not met before, but my mom told
me all about you. She said you are a jolly old elf and if I write a letter to
you, you could make my dreams come true. So here I am…writing a letter.
Actually, I can’t write so my cat sister is writing it for me (cats are very
smart, you know!). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Let me start by telling you about me. I have been a really good boy
this year. In fact, I have been a good boy my entire life, it’s just that
nobody was around to notice. I lived chained in a backyard for a long time. Food
was scarce; love, even more so. It was a good day if I found some sticks or
rocks to fill my empty tummy. For a long time, I fought hard to survive, but I
have to confess, I eventually lost hope. Destiny dealt me a terrible hand and I
began to believe that I deserved my deplorable situation. I was going to enter
and exit this life unloved and unhappy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Then, one rainy day in August, a Christmas miracle happened. A nice
man came and carried me away from that hell. It was the first human contact I’d
had in months and it felt soooo nice. I closed my eyes and tried to absorb the
snuggles, praying he’d never let me go. Well, he did let me go, but it was to
an even better place…my foster Mom and Dad’s house! Let me tell you Santa, life
here is great. I get to sleep inside on a big comfy couch and they make sure
that my food bowl is never empty. They give me lots of toys and even more love
and cuddles. I even have dog and cat siblings, and they are pretty great too! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The sad thing about my story is that it’s not unique. Many animals
suffer worse torture than I incurred; and many of them never make it to their
happy ending. I am one of the lucky ones. Because a group of strangers opened
their hearts to me, I get to spend my first Christmas in a loving home. I get
to awake in a warm bed on Christmas day, feast on beef tenderloin, and play
with all my new squeaky toys. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So, below is my Christmas wish list. I truly hope you can help…because
dogs need Santa too!</span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Lots of love,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Lennon</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #006600; font-family: Gabriola;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Wish List</span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #006600; font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-fareast-font-family: Gabriola;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">1.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: Gabriola;">Loving
families for all homeless animals </span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: Gabriola;"><span style="color: #38761d;">(I realize that you cannot do this all at
once, but perhaps you could use your Christmas spirit to inspire just one
person to open their hearts and home to a rescue dog)</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #006600; font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-fareast-font-family: Gabriola;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">2.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: Gabriola;">Toys
for all shelter dogs</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #006600; font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-fareast-font-family: Gabriola;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">3.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: Gabriola;">Extra
cookies for all of the rescue humans</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #006600; font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-fareast-font-family: Gabriola;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">4.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: Gabriola;">A
very special rescue dog to keep you and the reindeer compa<span style="color: #38761d;">ny </span></span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: Gabriola;"><span style="color: #38761d;">(Blitzen told me
to ask for that)</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #006600; font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-fareast-font-family: Gabriola;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">5.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: Gabriola;">A
forever <span style="color: #38761d;">home for me </span></span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: Gabriola;"><span style="color: #38761d;">(It’s no rush, but I’d love to find my happy ending!)</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #006600; font-family: Gabriola;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Gabriola; line-height: 115%;">Merry
Christmas!!</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205193144051243527noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-28123197340491321722013-11-20T05:08:00.000-08:002013-11-20T07:10:09.191-08:00Ringo the Newfoundland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843250025152272335noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-2205506563671244232013-11-19T06:51:00.000-08:002013-11-19T06:53:12.628-08:0010 Reasons We Are Thankful<span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>om has been spending a lot of time this month telling us why she is thankful for us. I don't know why she feels the need to to do this every year at this time, but to be honest, I don't know why she does a lot of things (i.e. bathes regularly, eats lettuce, goes to work, pets the kitty...I could go on forever). <br />
<br />
I think her random expressions of gratitude must be related to this human holiday called "Thanksgiving." That is a day when all of your human family comes over, cooks food, and yells at each other. Then, after a long day of napping and watching football, everybody says "thanks" and gives us lots of yummies. Last year, I got a whole heaping plate of sausage stuffing, corn casserole, pumpkin pie, and turkey (I would have preferred roast kitty, but beggars can't be choosers). It was sooooooo delicious!<br />
<br />
The problem is, last year, I got so caught up in finishing my treats (and begging for more) that I forgot to say thanks to Mom. So this year, my brothers and sisters and I decided that we would say thanks ahead of time...just in case we get wrapped up in the excitement of the feast again. Plus, we want to make sure that we are in Mom's good graces when she doles out the turkey!<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
-Harrison</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><u>So here are 10 reasons that we are thankful this year:</u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1</span>. <strong>"I am thankful that we don't have all of those puppies this year...more attention for me!"</strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-Harrison</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2</span>.<strong> "I am thankful that there are lots of squirrels in our yard."</strong> -Layla</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">2b. "...and I am thankful that Layla chases them away." -Harrison</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3</span>. <strong>"I am thankful that Harry is so gullible."</strong> -Miss Kitty</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">4</span>. <strong>"I am thankful for cheese."</strong> -Lennon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"No Lennon, you have to list things that <em>really</em> matter and make your life better...duh!" -Harrison</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Fine. I am <strong>REALLY</strong> thankful for cheese." -Lennon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">5</span>. <strong>"I am thankful that I am allowed on the furniture."</strong> -Layla</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">6</span>. <strong>"I am thankful that the weather is getting colder."</strong> -Ringo</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">7</span>. <strong>"I'm thankful that we only have one kitty."</strong> -Harrison</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">8</span>. <strong>"I am thankful that Mom and Dad rescued me."</strong> -Lennon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">9</span>. <strong>"I am thankful for my clean litterbox."</strong> -Miss Kitty</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">10</span>. <strong>"We are thankful for our Mom and Dad and the warm loving home they give us!"</strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-Harrison, Layla, Ringo, and Lennon<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">My post feast nap on Mommy's lap </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(she says my snore is really cute)</span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205193144051243527noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-91034761040793848622013-11-13T13:02:00.000-08:002013-11-13T13:02:11.607-08:00A Poem For All Rescue Moms<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My mom says I'm a hero, but I'm not sure that's true.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My mommy is my champion. There's nothing she can't do.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She took me from a scary place and brought me to her home.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She offered me some comfort, more love than I had known.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She lay there on the floor with me and gently rubbed my ears.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She kissed my nose and sang to me to chase away my fears.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She cared for me and kept me warm and nursed me back to health.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She gave me everything I wanted, without thinking about herself.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now I'm feeling better and running around the yard.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Who knew I'd end up happy after life had been so hard?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do my best to snuggle her and kiss her when she's down.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She's done so much to help me that I hate to see her frown.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She says my smile and wagging tail brighten up her mood.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I only wish I could do more to show my gratitude.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She found me sad and hungry, and missing spots of fur.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She saved my life and rescued me. I owe my life to her.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My mom says I'm a hero, but I'm not sure that's true.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My mommy is my champion. There's nothing she can't do.</span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205193144051243527noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-10899129271898647602013-11-07T07:41:00.000-08:002013-11-07T07:41:37.662-08:00Cat vs. Dog
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli";">Dear Diary,<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli";">Day number 836 of Operation Canine Torture:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Harrison has proven to be more difficult to
break than initially anticipated. Again this morning (at approximately 0300),
under the cloak of darkness, I attempted an ambush on Harrison’s sleeping head.
As he snored peacefully, I leapt from the bed, scampered across the room, and
landed one well-placed swat on his nose before rapidly retreating to my safety
zone beneath the bed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli";">Although successfully executed, with the intended goal of scaring
the daylights out of Harrison achieved, my human minions were not at all
pleased. Mom minion scolded me and then allowed Harrison to assume my position
on the bed. Subsequently, I spent the remainder of the night sleeping on the
couch. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli";">It has become apparent that these nighttime ambushes are highly
frowned upon. Perhaps I will have to rethink my approach. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli";">I will keep you posted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli";">Sincerely,</span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli";">Miss
Kitty </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(aka
Guinness, aka Night Terror, aka Midnight Operative, aka Canine Torturess)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span> </div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205193144051243527noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-23320983181621053342013-11-06T07:19:00.002-08:002013-11-06T07:19:28.213-08:00Wordless Wednesday<div align="center">
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<a href="http://imgur.com/A0I7ffy"><img height="265" src="http://i.imgur.com/A0I7ffy.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" width="400" /></a><br />
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This is Napoleon, he is as sweet as can be. <br />
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<a _mce_href="http://www.blogpaws.com" href="http://www.blogpaws.com/"><img _mce_src="http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad127/cokiethecat/BlogPawsWedButton.jpg" src="http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad127/cokiethecat/BlogPawsWedButton.jpg" /></a>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843250025152272335noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-94889767663600842013-11-05T08:12:00.001-08:002013-11-05T08:12:11.593-08:00Lennon Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cnL7ToEfTsqXWfhFBuwYOZpiZawCweJ4tPeTKEOwJnf0Zd2JHndq0IwSPNbXFqN_X89ioqvU4lGmBHLfAxYv2qfTCJhmHYaHFkbkrdhvmFO7PfsQz2dDxgYVJwOM9y6WS10KpuJgJ9E/s1600/Lennon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cnL7ToEfTsqXWfhFBuwYOZpiZawCweJ4tPeTKEOwJnf0Zd2JHndq0IwSPNbXFqN_X89ioqvU4lGmBHLfAxYv2qfTCJhmHYaHFkbkrdhvmFO7PfsQz2dDxgYVJwOM9y6WS10KpuJgJ9E/s400/Lennon1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For several weeks, Lennon has been having hair loss over his feet and abdomen, and despite numerous tests, the cause of this issue has remained a mystery. Luckily, we are fortunate to have an excellent veterinary dermatologist (one of only 200 in the country) here in Kansas City so I took the afternoon off work yesterday to take Lennon to see him. <br />
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Lennon really enjoyed his afternoon outing. He was quite the hit at the vet's office. He made friends with two couples in the waiting room and charmed them into rubbing his belly while he waited for his appointment. Both couples commented on how handsome he was and I described how emaciated he had been and showed them pictures of what he looked like when he came to us. When the vet tech came to the waiting room to weigh Lennon, all six of us cheered when we discovered that Lennon had officially <u><strong>DOUBLED</strong></u> his starting weight (weighing in at a whopping 63 pounds). With that, Lennon said goodbye to his new friends and headed back to see Dr. Senter.<br />
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Lennon really turned on the charm for Dr. Senter. He rolled over on his back to try to encourage a belly rub, and when that didn't work, he jumped up and sat on Dr. Senter's feet to get his attention. Lennon sat quietly while they did two skin scrapings and plucked hair out of his tail to send for fungal culture. His good behavior was rewarded with several lamb jerky treats. <br />
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All in all, it was a successful visit. Dr. Senter felt that allergies and years of poor care may be the culprits behind his hair loss. He expects Lennon's skin issues to improve with just a little TLC. The skin scrapings were negative for mange (good news!) and we are awaiting the fungal culture results. In the meantime, Lennon was started on another course of antibiotics to clear up a superficial bacterial infection. <br />
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After returning home from the vet appointment, I took Lennon outside so I could get a few updated pictures of him. He is getting progressively more difficult to photograph because he never stops moving! He is always climbing into my lap, investigating the backyard smells, or chasing after falling acorns. So out of almost 200 photos, I got about 10 pictures of him sitting relatively still. <br />
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With the good news from Dr. Senter and the updated photographs, Lennon can now be officially listed as "available" for adoption. Now we begin the process of finding the perfect home for sweet Lennon!!<br />
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*****</div>
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Life of Drool would like to thank our awesome friends Joel and Laureen for sending a hugely generous donation to go toward Lennon's care. We are so grateful to have such wonderful friends. We love you guys!!!</div>
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We would also like to thank Dr. David Senter and all of the wonderful people at Veterinary Allergy and Dermatology Clinic (<a href="http://www.vetallerderm.com/">www.vetallerderm.com</a>)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWz9D15DX5-wsWU-3BM9MJFYFNd3Nc-41ObivyqzcyWhO2zk85_IMzS77D-fremhgoErec6tSzhp1Gn-pLr0vMPIdqUnZMT8x5zS3E1jlnn4JxPRUNhEVjynGsQ1gejbCe94qYIUewDdg/s1600/Lennon7.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWz9D15DX5-wsWU-3BM9MJFYFNd3Nc-41ObivyqzcyWhO2zk85_IMzS77D-fremhgoErec6tSzhp1Gn-pLr0vMPIdqUnZMT8x5zS3E1jlnn4JxPRUNhEVjynGsQ1gejbCe94qYIUewDdg/s400/Lennon7.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lennon is available for adoption through Missouri Pit Bull Rescue.<br />
His page can be viewed at: <a href="http://www.mprgroup.net/dogs/lennon.html">http://www.mprgroup.net/dogs/lennon.html</a><br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205193144051243527noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-84878107342836139762013-11-04T19:00:00.000-08:002013-11-05T06:31:32.647-08:00Snuggle Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdwtZNacc4ytGK9PexSWczQ910Yl52G_8H8unpEDrePuN1eZwn0ML8YL3jxRpIPg6TjgmWNfPYqRZgDaa6qfDYokUQoVw06gJQcvPW5O63nvieSggkxk-MmXXCffWGvZSiPcjpvAJrm0/s1600/1456049_256582907828574_1565989511_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdwtZNacc4ytGK9PexSWczQ910Yl52G_8H8unpEDrePuN1eZwn0ML8YL3jxRpIPg6TjgmWNfPYqRZgDaa6qfDYokUQoVw06gJQcvPW5O63nvieSggkxk-MmXXCffWGvZSiPcjpvAJrm0/s400/1456049_256582907828574_1565989511_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of my favorite things about pit bulls is their need for constant physical contact. They aren't happy unless they are sitting ON you...and if they can't get to you, they settle for snuggling with each other. I snapped this picture of Harry and Layla the other night. They must have slept like this for over an hour! </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205193144051243527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-18411502098492889382013-11-01T12:18:00.001-07:002013-11-01T12:18:30.628-07:00Happy Friday!<div style="text-align: center;">
The Drool Crew is resting up for an exciting weekend!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uUhw1PYOtuUapXa5CHj7NgYrwiIEyOON6BxCy0FcR-zTK-jtdTfSxeoM6efUv63H4yJW17mam_9PtXEV-r6oSLBeUEiNjAA7BlfVTJqVvoJmlhvdiSSvRHzXe_DxlKQ0Jo0whJATRgM/s1600/3pandk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uUhw1PYOtuUapXa5CHj7NgYrwiIEyOON6BxCy0FcR-zTK-jtdTfSxeoM6efUv63H4yJW17mam_9PtXEV-r6oSLBeUEiNjAA7BlfVTJqVvoJmlhvdiSSvRHzXe_DxlKQ0Jo0whJATRgM/s400/3pandk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205193144051243527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-44737131654889957662013-10-31T08:46:00.001-07:002013-10-31T09:11:42.492-07:00Product Review: Your Dog's Diner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This week "Your Dog's Diner" (<a href="http://www.yourdogsdiner.com/">www.yourdogsdiner.com</a>) sent us some of their delicious treat mixes to sample and review. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh75pqkxSwXjYazrnr4H0fSkVykI1nE0YIsXJS_1NElHzvzdZMC3-Pq1OMi4M2rriOqq5gAqpvy5CNW0zGuGgpbhJUVyjfWVIbHAsD7x1qNdkHaOAcsd2an9EXClTGfgh0FKCbX3G-yVY/s1600/logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh75pqkxSwXjYazrnr4H0fSkVykI1nE0YIsXJS_1NElHzvzdZMC3-Pq1OMi4M2rriOqq5gAqpvy5CNW0zGuGgpbhJUVyjfWVIbHAsD7x1qNdkHaOAcsd2an9EXClTGfgh0FKCbX3G-yVY/s200/logo.jpg" width="200" /></a>Rachael, the proprietor at "Your Dog's Diner", is also the human behind the blog <a href="http://2travelingdogs.com/">2travelingdogs.com</a>, a website dedicated to the adventures of her two rescue dogs, Brickle and Digby. After a few years of successful blogging, Rachael and her husband made the jump to small business owners. They combined their love of dogs with their lifelong love of cooking to bring us "Your Dog's Diner".</div>
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The premise behind "Your Dog's Diner" is the concept that cooking for your dog is a rewarding, loving and healthier way to give your dog treats. Because you can control the protein source, you can be assured that what you are feeding your dog is safe. By combining "Your Dog's Diner" treat mixes with a few other basic ingredients, you can easily cook nutritious and delightful snacks for your dog...right in your kitchen!<br />
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I have to say, that the Drool Crew and I thoroughly enjoyed our first experience! Below are the complete reviews for both the Mutt Meatballs and the Mutt Soup. Enjoy!<br />
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<u><span style="color: black; font-size: x-large;">Mutt Meatballs</span></u></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWCDkBZUuQFWcysHTwaOYuc1ZhWZHfassJuWjN_NdXdgpaf-YJlfrG8o_PE0oEeETv64nqUjPRMxWEsKAMfhKXbapmmbWXfMose9HECmsr4Hfjm9urkVEHjSvcCB_SZGA0JdLJjLnfHY/s1600/MB1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWCDkBZUuQFWcysHTwaOYuc1ZhWZHfassJuWjN_NdXdgpaf-YJlfrG8o_PE0oEeETv64nqUjPRMxWEsKAMfhKXbapmmbWXfMose9HECmsr4Hfjm9urkVEHjSvcCB_SZGA0JdLJjLnfHY/s400/MB1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Grab the meatball mix, 1 egg, and 1 pound of ground beef (or protein of your choice)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUiKoSI49_zIOmOtXLbcgF0T_DtSe2hEKn62zGAPLVJ0crgHVLUd3EbwbFRopHbJas7KPzXCNWSNHhH2cgUJ_QtaP6XZn3wedsDHgdiUGibrOqcXJN2irVNl-pP4MbMQkd8j56IeWmYEc/s1600/step2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUiKoSI49_zIOmOtXLbcgF0T_DtSe2hEKn62zGAPLVJ0crgHVLUd3EbwbFRopHbJas7KPzXCNWSNHhH2cgUJ_QtaP6XZn3wedsDHgdiUGibrOqcXJN2irVNl-pP4MbMQkd8j56IeWmYEc/s200/step2.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. In a large bowl, combine meatball mix, egg, and uncooked meat.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglt5MgF1dSkAUdDhYxL0gg6pR-RS6b9XK7oa5tcsssvw5oOFeBd0jAMG75iukgW2OfNdSNvM9s3E_m9WaRB1PhlcOkk30qrepNo-4jJrLksSrVlfbJFXiF3MUTDrlOEv_eB0AqaGTcU7Q/s1600/step3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglt5MgF1dSkAUdDhYxL0gg6pR-RS6b9XK7oa5tcsssvw5oOFeBd0jAMG75iukgW2OfNdSNvM9s3E_m9WaRB1PhlcOkk30qrepNo-4jJrLksSrVlfbJFXiF3MUTDrlOEv_eB0AqaGTcU7Q/s200/step3.jpg" width="141" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Mix well with hands</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVsskBTH-nUJtW6HPwXrnEtMS2w8jqY8mxTy65syz_WDnnmYBQYnk22T34Dvkzd-_tFagaxD_CD7UpaNayXmxDHtDHcwlJBQagxRA_9n0dn7RqJ54xJWblRh1kH9t8shq2QfxoyiTY2M/s1600/Step4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVsskBTH-nUJtW6HPwXrnEtMS2w8jqY8mxTy65syz_WDnnmYBQYnk22T34Dvkzd-_tFagaxD_CD7UpaNayXmxDHtDHcwlJBQagxRA_9n0dn7RqJ54xJWblRh1kH9t8shq2QfxoyiTY2M/s200/Step4.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. Form into bite sized balls with a teaspoon or melon baller and place into a greased oven-safe pan.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtrLTxxU8rQnMj-9AiXimmqqjE8ioqvgjLWwBy1zv8uGbrzlKTBkDj-oQf6yPtlmrZzJoahk_LjCyNDdkIndT2NnXRUcHmlwpPVvf8Z4sJKzT5_coFj7Irtgscw8ZQodNgjDxp4R6Afo/s1600/step5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtrLTxxU8rQnMj-9AiXimmqqjE8ioqvgjLWwBy1zv8uGbrzlKTBkDj-oQf6yPtlmrZzJoahk_LjCyNDdkIndT2NnXRUcHmlwpPVvf8Z4sJKzT5_coFj7Irtgscw8ZQodNgjDxp4R6Afo/s200/step5.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5. Place meatball in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30-45 minutes.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMeSebi_Rv0gLleguWvbo6rM_aO4rAVpeOsBW_Em_cwOx57L81PglymTkozT78B6Ra09j4r5MeL7Cw17styoSvBtk9d7_fGJRgRMZalEoOOGN-7LlYwyYc3CsLCwtABF2plzNJCzb0GU/s1600/step6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMeSebi_Rv0gLleguWvbo6rM_aO4rAVpeOsBW_Em_cwOx57L81PglymTkozT78B6Ra09j4r5MeL7Cw17styoSvBtk9d7_fGJRgRMZalEoOOGN-7LlYwyYc3CsLCwtABF2plzNJCzb0GU/s200/step6.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtrLTxxU8rQnMj-9AiXimmqqjE8ioqvgjLWwBy1zv8uGbrzlKTBkDj-oQf6yPtlmrZzJoahk_LjCyNDdkIndT2NnXRUcHmlwpPVvf8Z4sJKzT5_coFj7Irtgscw8ZQodNgjDxp4R6Afo/s1600/step5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6. Allow meatballs to cool fully before serving (probably the hardest step!)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrj7qpQp8nFB2l1RsDuWjfrxuLe78st22svVZ7n7rIvQVuHeI793-jwA_0kD-C_2GobjndV2BJIdSo-fsy1esh9jMISL111zM7dZBYyyvOoJvKBufKFbNxdNgeQELcVhfEfBsAz3sZ1g/s1600/soupmix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrj7qpQp8nFB2l1RsDuWjfrxuLe78st22svVZ7n7rIvQVuHeI793-jwA_0kD-C_2GobjndV2BJIdSo-fsy1esh9jMISL111zM7dZBYyyvOoJvKBufKFbNxdNgeQELcVhfEfBsAz3sZ1g/s400/soupmix.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Grab the soup mix, olive oil, water or chicken broth, and ground beef</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Brown and drain the hamburger.</span><br />
(This step is optional, however because I had a slightly fattier ground beef on hand, I decided to brown it and drain the grease prior to adding it to the soup mix)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRv8cqw2nC-yFWArjjooSJ8rH6ODLbBxYKjXEEITxVsxwWZHu62wpOrerss440_RJd8BZ_2hq0twAAfbG0rPITdSdY8Eeg5-TlsMMA4S5AEqtA7-HAdQBSD735E5chi1ZJUDlZ5PB1yc/s1600/step4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRv8cqw2nC-yFWArjjooSJ8rH6ODLbBxYKjXEEITxVsxwWZHu62wpOrerss440_RJd8BZ_2hq0twAAfbG0rPITdSdY8Eeg5-TlsMMA4S5AEqtA7-HAdQBSD735E5chi1ZJUDlZ5PB1yc/s320/step4.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Bring the ingredients to a boil and then lower the heat to simmer. Simmer, while stirring occasionally, for 30-45 minutes.</span></div>
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I think the above picture says it all...the Drool Crew was very excited to try their new treats. After allowing the treats to cool, I put a small scoop of the soup on top of their dinner. I was lucky to survive this exercise as I was nearly trampled in their scramble to get to the bowls!! Even Ringo broke into a jog on the way to the kitchen!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkrk9hr9Te5MgIRK4UP-5elCHt3gcrNkH_7Dn9VO2xwyP4N2eax_GuURrA1lzI6FJhHOHyKetYPbQbIy0A5lCoYFdvkYc5fi2cM6tqqkvt1VQ1OZqCqZyVaW1NnGe5iVN3JJty-Ob7Zc/s1600/wildebeest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkrk9hr9Te5MgIRK4UP-5elCHt3gcrNkH_7Dn9VO2xwyP4N2eax_GuURrA1lzI6FJhHOHyKetYPbQbIy0A5lCoYFdvkYc5fi2cM6tqqkvt1VQ1OZqCqZyVaW1NnGe5iVN3JJty-Ob7Zc/s400/wildebeest.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from "The Lion King"</td></tr>
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From a human standpoint, "Your Dog's Diner" treat mixes are <u>AWESOME</u>! Even if you are the worst cook on Earth (which I might very well be), your dog will love you for making something special just for them. The added perk is that, unlike human children, they won't complain when you feed them leftovers for several days!!<br />
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I also waited a few days before finishing my review because I wanted to see how the Drool Crew's stomachs reacted. My dogs don't get a lot of rich treats, so I was slightly worried that we would experience some gastrointestinal distress. Thankfully, we have had no problems...even after 3 days worth of special dinner treats. As if these treat mixes weren't great already, this finding definitely pushes them into the totally amazing category!</div>
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I will definitely be purchasing more from "Your Dog's Diner" and I can't wait to see what other recipes Rachael comes up with in the future. So if you are looking for something new to try with your dogs, stop by <a href="http://www.yourdogsdiner.com/">www.yourdogsdiner.com</a> to order your treat mixes today! </div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><strong>SHOPPING TIP: </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><strong>These treat mixes would make a great holiday present for any dog lover!!</strong></span><br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205193144051243527noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-41246337380192609342013-10-30T08:00:00.000-07:002013-10-31T09:09:21.138-07:00Wordless Wednesday! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is Guinness. She was very excited about her birthday. Now normally we are a dog blog, but who can deny the cuteness of this photo? </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843250025152272335noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-89713493258586032052013-10-29T07:14:00.000-07:002013-10-29T07:14:08.243-07:00Dog Aggression FAQ's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.bahhumpug.com/">Bah Humpug</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #8064a2; mso-themecolor: accent4;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #8064a2; mso-themecolor: accent4;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">What is
dog aggression?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8064a2; mso-themecolor: accent4;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the purpose of this blog post, we will define “dog
aggression” as any circumstance in which a dog displays an undesired behavior
toward another dog. This behavior could be as simple as excessive barking or may
be a more severe reaction such as snarling, snapping, or biting. There are a
number of triggers for these behaviors, but they all fall under the umbrella of
“dog aggression.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #8064a2; mso-themecolor: accent4;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">What
causes dog aggression?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #8064a2; mso-themecolor: accent4;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A common misconception people have about dog aggression is
that it is purely a result of poor socialization and it can be “cured” with training/dog
parks/play dates/etc. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cause of dog
aggression is actually multifactorial; a combination of nature and nurture. Sure,
poor upbringing and lack of socialization play a part in the development of dog
aggression, but so do genetics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just
like humans, dogs’ personalities are highly variable. Some are born to be
outgoing and universally dog friendly while some are born to be more reserved
and dog selective. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The age of the dog also plays a role in dog aggression.
Often puppies are very dog friendly, but their dog tolerance can change as they
reach maturity (around 2-3 years of age). </span></div>
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<span style="color: #8064a2; mso-themecolor: accent4;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">What
triggers dog aggressive behaviors?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aggressive behaviors can be triggered by a variety of
circumstances and the purpose of the aggression can range from protection of
resources/territory (toys, food, spot on the bed, etc) to formation of a social
hierarchy (establishment of alpha dominance). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #8064a2; mso-themecolor: accent4;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">My dog
gets along with some dogs, but not others. Does that mean that he/she is dog
aggressive?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bad Rap has a wonderful article about dog tolerance levels.
They describe four tolerance categories (dog social, tolerant, selective, and
aggressive) and explain that these categories are constantly in flux. A dog
that was previously dog social can lose tolerance as they mature and ultimately
fall into a more dog selective category. I think it is important to figure out
where your dog’s tolerance level falls. When you understand your dog’s
preferences you can better prepare yourself to manage the situations to which
your dog is exposed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwJUVRtPb4iMu6F06z5DwLgnQkXlpjBBxwsg-BlS5N3QA9VO7n2700FIODgCXGXVLibRY_pSAYkwlBEF8W33BgagNgTMzjoshDNc7Bd0GADetFj8nTxa_YRo7HN6WFyVTO3kvQhkouPI/s1600/bellcurve2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwJUVRtPb4iMu6F06z5DwLgnQkXlpjBBxwsg-BlS5N3QA9VO7n2700FIODgCXGXVLibRY_pSAYkwlBEF8W33BgagNgTMzjoshDNc7Bd0GADetFj8nTxa_YRo7HN6WFyVTO3kvQhkouPI/s320/bellcurve2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.badrap.org/dogdog-tolerance"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.badrap.org/dogdog-tolerance</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #8064a2; mso-themecolor: accent4;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What can
I do to improve my dog’s behavior with other dogs?</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First and foremost, the best thing you can do for your dog
is to set him up for success. Don’t put your dog in situations that result in
the undesired behavior. Avoidance of triggers is the easiest and most effective
way to manage dog aggression. For example: is your dog possessive of his toys? Then
pick up the toys when other dogs are around. Do your dogs fight over food? Then
feed them separately. Does your dog hate strange dogs running up to him? Then
the dog park is not the ideal setting for him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once you learn to avoid triggers, you will be 75% of the way
to a happier household. The remaining 25% of your energy can then be spent on
training and behavior modification exercises. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #8064a2; mso-themecolor: accent4;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Why do I
need to manage my dog’s interactions?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you ever met a person that you don’t like? Perhaps that
person is too rude, too bossy, or too awkward. Whatever it is, you’d just
prefer to avoid any future encounters with that person. It doesn’t mean that
you hate <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all people</i>, it just means
that there are certain personalities that don’t mesh with yours. The upside for
us is humans have the ability to alter their situation. We can control our
level of interaction with people we don’t like. Dogs can’t. They rely on us to
do that for them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #8064a2; mso-themecolor: accent4;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What are
some training exercises to help with dog aggression?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The best training trick you can teach your dog is “focus.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ability to gain your dog’s focus despite any
surrounding chaos can help in a wide range of situations. Imagine you are
walking your dog when he suddenly sees a squirrel. Without a second thought,
little Fido jerks the leash from your hand and takes off running. He is just
about to run into oncoming traffic when you shout a stern “Fido!” and he stops
dead in his tracks and turns to look at you. All of that “focus” training just
totally paid off, didn’t it?</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JpE8jknQ7t2Yn7J7EP9aA0fw5P7-F_ilWGIOLE9xP8ix7NExke9y9SmB92SkB21MfqYiFEASI_0mV7LWfyPL90XYwDMPaJl7AEOYZeTeslhWGFKLcVZ3wbB5LN-r7pW_2bEtqzTqUTA/s1600/focus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JpE8jknQ7t2Yn7J7EP9aA0fw5P7-F_ilWGIOLE9xP8ix7NExke9y9SmB92SkB21MfqYiFEASI_0mV7LWfyPL90XYwDMPaJl7AEOYZeTeslhWGFKLcVZ3wbB5LN-r7pW_2bEtqzTqUTA/s320/focus.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harry practicing his "focus" while Layla<br />
watches squirrels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To practice gaining focus, start in your house with a low
level of distraction. Keep a few tasty treats on hand and watch your dog as he
goes about his business. As soon as his focus seems to be away from you, say
his name once, in a happy tone. If he turns to look at you, reward him with a
treat. Continue practicing, increasing the distractions as he learns.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The “focus” in response to verbal command generally works
great at home, but sometimes once you are outside amidst the excitement of a
walk the verbal recall is not as effective. In these situations, I find that
bringing my dogs’ favorite squeaky toy is a miraculous replacement for my
voice. Here, I give one squeak on the toy alongside my verbal command and “POW!”...
I’ve got their attention again. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When you notice your dog’s attention turning negatively
toward another dog, use the “focus” trick as a tool to get your dog’s attention
back onto you. Once you regain focus, remove the trigger as quickly as possible
to prevent any further negative behaviors.</span> </div>
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<span style="color: #8064a2; mso-themecolor: accent4;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Our dog
does well with other dogs outside the home, but he/she is not adjusting well to
the new dog we brought home. What can we do?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I highly recommend a process called “crate and rotate”
whenever you bring a new dog into the home. “Crate and rotate” is an exercise
where for a set period of time (generally 1-2 weeks) you keep your
resident dog and your new dog completely separate from each other. This means
that only one dog is out at a time. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This period of separation allows your resident dog to accept
the fact that there is a new dog in the home and that this dog is there to
stay. At the same time, it allows the new dog time to adjust to his new
surroundings without the added stress of having to meet and interact with his
new canine sibling. </span></div>
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<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJJLg0MJ4hssw0VQwL2TIdKEVKFAabFq3Y_VJCRshYfcujL2OV_USVW1dnweO5KjGqBzTEd1dMq4ajRcDjHIFcZ04XCk-Vnc-oMCvKpeMWBmZ5Z-BeoNTHCTA3Oz_edA9ixK9DLC7xvw/s1600/walk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJJLg0MJ4hssw0VQwL2TIdKEVKFAabFq3Y_VJCRshYfcujL2OV_USVW1dnweO5KjGqBzTEd1dMq4ajRcDjHIFcZ04XCk-Vnc-oMCvKpeMWBmZ5Z-BeoNTHCTA3Oz_edA9ixK9DLC7xvw/s320/walk.JPG" width="289" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ringo and Crosby practcing side-by-side walking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know that “crate and rotate” is not ideal. Taking dogs
outside to potty separately and having to spend time with each of them
individually is time consuming and exhausting! But trust me, giving both dogs
time to adjust before forcing an introduction will make a world of difference
in how well they are able to get along. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another trick I often resort to when things seem a little
tense between the Drool Crew members is side-by-side walking. This exercise is
best when there are two people (one to walk each dog). Walk the dogs side by
side, first with the dogs on the outsides of the two humans. As the walk
progresses, allow the dogs to walk side by side, between the two humans. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Side-by-side walking allows the dogs to exercise
and bond as pack members all while reinforcing the humans as their pack
leaders.</span> </div>
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<span style="color: #8064a2; mso-themecolor: accent4;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Every dog
should get to go to the dog park and have doggy friends. Don’t you think avoiding
these “triggers” is unfair to my dog?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Absolutely not! It’s not unfair to avoid situations that
make your dog uncomfortable. It is, however, unfair to continue to put him into
situations in which he cannot succeed. His well-being is dependent upon you, and
being forced outside of his comfort zone is not in anybody’s best interest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oftentimes people project their wants/needs onto their pet.
It is <u>YOU</u> that wants to go to the dog park. <u>YOU</u> want your dog to
get along with your friends’ dogs. <u>YOU</u> want to bring home a second dog. <u>YOU</u>
think your dog is missing out on a great experience, but I can assure you…he is not. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your dog doesn’t want anything beyond your love and affection.</span></div>
<br />
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</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205193144051243527noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-67374288259953305522013-10-25T12:11:00.000-07:002013-10-25T12:11:08.165-07:00It's Friday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNSPhQOIBDyVjo8CVDI-wd0hyphenhyphensD0CmyURVyRILZXfsKza9AV-k4yoCcDQdAvyz11508zERprAyIP_jK-uDB0KxO6LfO-xktFz38guGALKDi-KniJk5MmXniEAWAMi-gmVxoz3RQSumkc/s1600/Peach1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNSPhQOIBDyVjo8CVDI-wd0hyphenhyphensD0CmyURVyRILZXfsKza9AV-k4yoCcDQdAvyz11508zERprAyIP_jK-uDB0KxO6LfO-xktFz38guGALKDi-KniJk5MmXniEAWAMi-gmVxoz3RQSumkc/s400/Peach1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205193144051243527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-12007871775059659452013-10-24T11:32:00.000-07:002013-10-24T11:45:45.305-07:00Top 10 Worst Foster Moments<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I started this blog, my intention was to share my
rescue experiences; both good and bad. I get an extraordinary amount of joy
from fostering pit bulls. As a result, I could blog forever about my wonderfully
happy home, but that doesn’t mean that there haven’t been difficulties along
the way. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I would say that every foster dog has resulted in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">at
least</i></b> one breakdown (and some have caused waaaay more than one). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every dog is different, and when you have a
revolving door of new dogs entering your home you are bound to suffer the
occasional hiccup.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the interest of full disclosure, I have decided to share
my top ten most emotionally trying foster moments. Each of these moments was
short lived and the old adage “time heals all wounds” is certainly applicable
here. So feel free to laugh and enjoy my stories of exhaustion, frustration, panic,
and despair. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKhrET0ud9cK5j_Sm6pIvYuzaNARgEjYlPMqd6YTw1MM_uHpnBG3TJvlkxuSNUMpqkzCU8otvEeTk5n8aNLIkwCRx28lXunO_B2yaz0rCOKLhujj94CPhcVpw8QsQmUcPqGt15PxD1o7C/s1600/LaylaBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKhrET0ud9cK5j_Sm6pIvYuzaNARgEjYlPMqd6YTw1MM_uHpnBG3TJvlkxuSNUMpqkzCU8otvEeTk5n8aNLIkwCRx28lXunO_B2yaz0rCOKLhujj94CPhcVpw8QsQmUcPqGt15PxD1o7C/s200/LaylaBlog.jpg" width="173" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Layla (our first foster fail) has terrible
separation anxiety. In our attempt to find a solution, we tried leaving her uncrated
in the basement with a baby gate at the top of the stairs. We quickly
discovered that she could crawl under the baby gate. Our next genius idea was
to put two 30-pound dumbbells in the gap beneath the baby gate. They were heavy
enough that she wouldn’t be able to push them out of the way and escape…so we thought.
We came home from work that day to be greeted at the front door by Layla. With
a feeling of dread, I slowly moved toward the top of the basement steps. As I
turned the corner, I screamed. The giant floor to ceiling mirror had fallen to
the floor. The baby gate had been pried off the wall. And, at the bottom of the
basement stairs sat two 30-pound dumbbells; the tile floor beneath them
shattered. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>EPIC FAIL! (Please do not
judge our stupidity. We realize now that this was one of the most terrible
ideas ever conceived)</span></div>
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<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnj7KVke9ia1tICmgshymUcBqNV1-8kTiXJ-JtFic1hhPwniDCLur4pNwlbaVIre7jIc2pxdEWTiRNNsH5Bc3a79OuL7r6LZdoGUXSvDR4heb4BqP0KXOLj4-KekXqWogtkGuAwphQQfCo/s1600/AutumnBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnj7KVke9ia1tICmgshymUcBqNV1-8kTiXJ-JtFic1hhPwniDCLur4pNwlbaVIre7jIc2pxdEWTiRNNsH5Bc3a79OuL7r6LZdoGUXSvDR4heb4BqP0KXOLj4-KekXqWogtkGuAwphQQfCo/s200/AutumnBlog.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our foster Autumn (mother of the 7 puppies that
we also took in) had separation anxiety. She destroyed 6 metal wire crates
before we finally started just leaving her loose in the house. Once we started
leaving her loose, her anxiety improved immensely. So much so that she began
redecorating our home in her spare time. It was Christmastime and we had
decorations everywhere. We came home one evening to quite the surprise. She had
removed our stuffed snowmen from the living room shelf and placed them gently
on the floor of every bedroom and bathroom. She had also carried the low
hanging Christmas ornaments upstairs to our bed and tucked them beneath the
pillows. This happened almost every day in December. Although completely
adorable, scouring the house and cleaning up scattered decorations did get a
little tiresome. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJLbbb9Tzd05IMvxj8ViguEjxXnbmxEMe4CfdBPWpCZVIlN7n7ICxFwh8NbbGTAXCVVQuWpnfBRwRyE2DPu5sWUFaAKKlb7B8HZfZBElQQUGX6vmJK9Ap1XtEZQzIdBJl9QNUidl5UfGU/s1600/BennyBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJLbbb9Tzd05IMvxj8ViguEjxXnbmxEMe4CfdBPWpCZVIlN7n7ICxFwh8NbbGTAXCVVQuWpnfBRwRyE2DPu5sWUFaAKKlb7B8HZfZBElQQUGX6vmJK9Ap1XtEZQzIdBJl9QNUidl5UfGU/s320/BennyBlog.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Several years ago we took in a momma dog and her
two 3 week old puppies. Those tiny puppies could not have been any cuter! Unfortunately,
those tiny puppies grew and turned into bigger puppies, and the bigger puppies
were poop machines! All of my free time was devoted to cleaning up their potty.
Usually while I cleaned up, the puppies pranced around, pottyed more, and tap
danced in their messes. I lasted almost 2 months before my husband found me
sitting in the puppy room, covered in puppy poop, crying hysterically. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If I clean up one more puppy mess I may lose
my mind!” I whined between sobs. Well guess what? I cleaned up more messes and
still had some sanity to spare. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinczegW5OCR7NRCNeXdH2fHNPwWNYw8BFY-6Ari2CM2OvmwVv6_Eh1Rtux5Byj4NPF_lS1MBPeFJiQ3BarW8VpxTfzphYpdSY3XInygfEiQDdMKl-tS0NLORZXU6ySDNL5Hw-rFcbgsGM2/s1600/BogieBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinczegW5OCR7NRCNeXdH2fHNPwWNYw8BFY-6Ari2CM2OvmwVv6_Eh1Rtux5Byj4NPF_lS1MBPeFJiQ3BarW8VpxTfzphYpdSY3XInygfEiQDdMKl-tS0NLORZXU6ySDNL5Hw-rFcbgsGM2/s1600/BogieBlog.jpg" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bogart (the momma to the puppies mentioned in #3)
was nursing when we got her so we couldn’t spay her until the puppies had been
weaned. Unfortunately for us, Bogie went into heat before we could get her
spayed. I won’t go into graphic detail, but I will say that the puppies (and my
furniture) were constantly covered in blood. The puppy room looked like a crime
scene. I can safely say that this was my husband’s least favorite fostering moment.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6bRJwdZQoGnII6wmNAtUP7Wf9vyOc4_B1165gyrvWYvp7r4_k_eEL3_Yi8dlW8ymQvHt00YFqxjGPBgUyXSN3CibChKbqJ2N9QcbQh85ZweSEOdNDSXc2yCxUgqg3r-hNjxuqa4c0Zuf/s1600/PuppiesBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6bRJwdZQoGnII6wmNAtUP7Wf9vyOc4_B1165gyrvWYvp7r4_k_eEL3_Yi8dlW8ymQvHt00YFqxjGPBgUyXSN3CibChKbqJ2N9QcbQh85ZweSEOdNDSXc2yCxUgqg3r-hNjxuqa4c0Zuf/s320/PuppiesBlog.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last Thanksgiving we had a litter of 7 puppies
(Autumn’s babies). By this point, the husband and I were puppy pros. We put
down plastic painters tarp and confined them into a puppy pen. Things went much
more smoothly than they did with the previous litter, however, it wasn’t
without incident. I went downstairs one morning to discover that the puppies
had worked together to move the pen across the room and had eaten a large hole
in the baseboard and an even larger hole in the drywall. To this day, I still
can’t comprehend how a puppy could eat a hole in a flat wall, but some things
are meant to remain a mystery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 6.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Teddy was another foster with a talent of moving
his crate across the room. We had to crate Teddy in our bedroom because he
needed to be near his dog siblings. One day, Teddy managed to scoot his crate
(with him inside) across the room to the bed. He pulled the down comforter off
of our bed and into his kennel (another feat that remains a mystery) and
shredded it. There were goose feathers EVERYWHERE!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUT_LCSb_1p60mvDVh6_ExsNSaFxpyjEF7g7o6vevdF78HXXefHx8IZ8eKyM5_Jlm_iaBmEjoCaIGEWs4SvIa6C6TWWuf0-uJ-uGXGcIc4olbrRezYRNcaikz0dJKNuVx8BlPEVJCDzKfe/s1600/CrosbyBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUT_LCSb_1p60mvDVh6_ExsNSaFxpyjEF7g7o6vevdF78HXXefHx8IZ8eKyM5_Jlm_iaBmEjoCaIGEWs4SvIa6C6TWWuf0-uJ-uGXGcIc4olbrRezYRNcaikz0dJKNuVx8BlPEVJCDzKfe/s320/CrosbyBlog.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 7.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sadly, our bed seems to be a recurring theme in
this list. I was napping one Saturday and Crosby climbed onto the bed and I was
awoken by the sound of him tinkling all over it. Needless to say, there was A LOT
of yelling. Crosby’s combination of tinkle and disruption of my nap made this
one of my angriest foster moments. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 8.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A couple of years ago, I brought home a puppy
the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. As soon as I got her settled into our house, I
got a phone call to tell me that she had parvovirus. I spent the next 5 nights
sitting next to her crate, forcing fluids and food into her mouth, and taking
her outside to potty. The sleep deprivation combined with the stress of our
visiting family made this foster experience truly exhausting. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxhf-fIMRUkBtiw6B1ukw_7krF-AeK6vbQUeSovidQfqErGSBE8ZSm8eS2bdUKm9ADLbMaHnPos3MfVj_zXXDWLNMOzEZcs0IBg59vLfO6hDDJRK8_iICLKOorsywEh5Lm_yeyNqWDRmd/s1600/VioletBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxhf-fIMRUkBtiw6B1ukw_7krF-AeK6vbQUeSovidQfqErGSBE8ZSm8eS2bdUKm9ADLbMaHnPos3MfVj_zXXDWLNMOzEZcs0IBg59vLfO6hDDJRK8_iICLKOorsywEh5Lm_yeyNqWDRmd/s320/VioletBlog.jpg" width="308" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 9.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anybody that knows me will tell you that my
favorite foster of all time has been Violet (luckily, Violet was adopted by my
parents so she is a permanent member of the Iowa Drool Crew). Violet was
impossible to potty train. She would go outside to tinkle and then come back
inside and tinkle again. We checked her for medical issues and tried a million
different cleaning solutions, but nothing worked…she kept doing it! She would just
squat on my white shag rug, look at me defiantly, and tinkle. Thankfully, she
eventually improved, but not before I was forced to buy 3 new rugs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 10. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lennon howls…ALL NIGHT. I think he might be part
coyote. Enough said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205193144051243527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-281624315675758882013-10-23T10:14:00.004-07:002013-10-23T10:14:39.864-07:00Wordless Wednesday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843250025152272335noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-68204004991871628372013-10-22T10:04:00.001-07:002013-10-22T10:04:08.872-07:00Get Out There!
I can’t go to the shelter…it’s too sad.<o:p> </o:p><br />
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I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve heard
that phrase. I’m not questioning the merit of the statement. It’s true. Animal
shelters can feel like some of the most hopeless places on Earth. <o:p> </o:p></div>
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I guess my argument is that that sadness exists whether you
choose to acknowledge it or not. Just because you have not seen rows and rows
of abandoned dogs confined to cold, damp kennels doesn’t mean that they aren’t
there. Just because you haven’t looked into a dog’s eyes, knowing that their
time has run out, doesn’t mean that they aren’t being euthanized to make room
for the newest intake. <o:p> </o:p></div>
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There is a seemingly constant supply of stray dogs and owner
surrenders that enter shelters at overwhelming rates. Many good people come to
adopt a new family member, but no sooner than that dog leaves does another dog
arrive to take his place. There is a serious pet overpopulation problem in
America and until we succeed at addressing this problem, shelters will continue
to be overcrowded.<o:p> </o:p></div>
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That doesn’t mean it is hopeless. You don’t have to look the
other way. You can choose to pull your head out of the sand and face the issue
head on. You can help save lives. Yes, it’s sad, but that does not negate the
reward. <o:p> </o:p></div>
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So stop by your local shelter. Walk or play with the dogs,
pet the kitties, clean some kennels, or help with some much needed maintenance
work. It doesn’t take endless hours of time. That is the nice thing about dogs.
They are happy with whatever you can give them. </div>
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<o:p></o:p> </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205193144051243527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-14368368148773977362013-10-16T07:06:00.001-07:002013-10-16T07:06:48.221-07:00Wordless Wednesday!<div style="text-align: center;">
This is Napoleon (lab), and Lucy (pit). </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843250025152272335noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-14906600327399878782013-10-14T11:27:00.000-07:002013-10-14T12:05:17.896-07:00Life of Drool Road Trip<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Drool
Crew took a road trip last week and enjoyed a few days of vacation. The four
Kansas City dogs made a trip to visit their four dog siblings in Iowa. Everyone had a blast, but the humans are still exhausted. Things were pretty hectic
with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">eight</i></b>
large dogs in the house! </span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The dogs did
a lot of playing, but they also found time to gang up and make some mischief. The
humans went out for the evening and left the dogs in the care of Aunt Shannon.
After listening to a long list of instructions, Shannon seemed confident and up
to the challenge. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Little did she know, the dogs had other plans. </span></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shannon is in the process of making dinner.
She is slicing cheese for a turkey sandwich.</span></i></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Ringo</strong>: WOOF
WOOF (translation: I need to go outside)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Shannon</strong>: You
need to go out right now?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Ringo</strong>: WOOF!
(translation: YES!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Shannon</strong>: Ugh, okay Ringo. Let's go. </span></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shannon goes to the front door to let Ringo
outside. Ringo is a senior dog. He is generally allowed outside off-leash (with
supervision) because he never goes anywhere. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ringo ambles around the front yard and does his business. He then
looks back at Aunt Shannon standing on the front porch. </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></i></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Ringo</strong>: Woof! Woof! (Translation: This is as good of a time as any to introduce myself to the cute poodles up the street.) </span></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ringo takes one final look at Shannon, and with
a gleam in his eye he takes off sprinting, as fast as his arthritic legs can move. </span></i></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Shannon</strong>: Are you for real? </span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br></span></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shannon jogs up the street after the grizzly bear.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i>If you want to imagine what sight the two of them made, just picture a barefoot asthmatic holding her pants in one hand, her braless chest in the other, and a senior citizen dog that just chucked his walker. </i></span></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Lucy</strong>: Hey
guys…this is our chance. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Harrison</strong>:
Our chance for what?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Lucy</strong>: We can
get up on the counter and eat some turkey and cheese! If we’re quick, she won’t
even know we did it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Violet</strong>: Ooh
cheese!! Yum yum yum yum!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Layla</strong>: I think she will notice the cheese is gone when she gets back...and then she will tell mom! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Ziggy and
Napoleon</strong>: Yum, cheese. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Harrison</strong>:
Hmmmm…I don’t know you guys. Aunt Shannon was planning on eating that. It might
make her sad if we ate it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Lucy</strong>: Aunt Shannon just ate a box of fruit loops, a bag of potato chips and a pint of Ben and Jerry's. I think her delicate figure can spare us some food. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Violet</strong>: Who
is going to get up on the counter? I can’t do it…I’m too short. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Lucy</strong>: Ziggy
will do it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Ziggy</strong>: Huh?
Why me?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Lucy</strong>:
Because you are the youngest one here and you have to do what we tell you. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Napoleon,
Harrison, and Violet</strong>: Yeah! Do it Ziggy!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Layla</strong>: I’m
out of here! (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Layla runs upstairs to hide)</i></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ziggy hops up and rests his front legs on
the counter. He grabs the brick of cheese and the bag of deli meat and tosses
it to the floor.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></i></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>All dogs in
unison</strong>: Nom nom nom nom nom! *Crunch, crunch, lick, slurp*</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just then, Shannon returns with Ringo in
tow. </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></i></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Shannon</strong>:
What the hell? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously? You guys
just ate a pound of cheese? Your parents are going to never let me watch you again.</span></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The dogs just look at her, innocently
wagging their tails. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>”We didn’t
do anything.”</strong></span><br>
<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></strong><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixouoRS4YCIKMFCuPDNVdHx5kfSqbFs9MYhsF-qjlB3tSK5JK_qcGXEgMNeixlYNiPEqwfWXhM1g5i2h20OiuxBuDsdmnFqun1wmXllQUDJGEK92nrMy8eBwcf0L0xGcdcAdR2e853l0Q/s1600/LOD1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixouoRS4YCIKMFCuPDNVdHx5kfSqbFs9MYhsF-qjlB3tSK5JK_qcGXEgMNeixlYNiPEqwfWXhM1g5i2h20OiuxBuDsdmnFqun1wmXllQUDJGEK92nrMy8eBwcf0L0xGcdcAdR2e853l0Q/s400/LOD1.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong></strong></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span id="goog_415674610"></span><span id="goog_415674611"></span><o:p></o:p></strong></span> </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205193144051243527noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-20347196750796031982013-10-11T07:51:00.001-07:002013-10-11T07:51:15.180-07:00Feature Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3HKfC1hGCkwzI0dIhbtn09NHqsu_vR9owcb5sDTvoBZN72KdzBD9Ebt0Ryzw7QCfqzpJirQ6xI3Et1ZHm-MhcYRgYm4H-qIiBNxmlhYsd1FqMdedfQGulXaYTloBIZ2jBi97hScFKfs/s400/FF.jpg" width="361" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This week's Feature Friday winners are Dublin, Jessie, and Sammie from Hillsboro, Missouri. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is what their mommy, Morgan, has to say about them:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"We have 3 dogs (1 red pit bull, 1 blue pit bull, and a lab/chow mix). All three dogs are
awesome with our youngest daughter who will be 2 in December.
They are always gentle with both of the kids, super loving, and just generally
awesome. Dublin, the blue pit bull, was found in a city where they outlawed his
breed so we ended up getting him at 6 weeks. Jessie is our lab/chow mix. She doesn't
really do pictures because she is as dark at night and hard to get.
Sammie is almost 8 years old and the best dog. Period. She always listens and just a
joy to be around."</span> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUKEsD3pfK5tLUe3FIMK-e-w9A_CK00EU8E-_b0HcmemYsbAO8k6etQ0MJLjEXggKxfuAKOYC-Xl34Kx04blgieLXBDTixMvnw6gFVv1k38HdSi2OkdyFmQaVz9Uor7a_6RqMeSXoiXo/s1600/FF4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUKEsD3pfK5tLUe3FIMK-e-w9A_CK00EU8E-_b0HcmemYsbAO8k6etQ0MJLjEXggKxfuAKOYC-Xl34Kx04blgieLXBDTixMvnw6gFVv1k38HdSi2OkdyFmQaVz9Uor7a_6RqMeSXoiXo/s400/FF4.jpg" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sammie and Dublin as a puppy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205193144051243527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-70834273359807337292013-10-10T08:51:00.000-07:002013-10-10T09:00:29.606-07:0010 Ways to Help (With Just an Hour a Week)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCa9_svBYdHIOhR5FLo_iwU5-1S89-GfW6b1MATpJIvdhl3KsroEvdPN4XItgQL0KmXrzACuyBo0e5OuUahUNuF9B62-mQHqmLTFyExJUjSWoPWz962F1y-VUb94AzHW8VvItmXtvsJIQ/s1600/mutts-nasa-week-2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCa9_svBYdHIOhR5FLo_iwU5-1S89-GfW6b1MATpJIvdhl3KsroEvdPN4XItgQL0KmXrzACuyBo0e5OuUahUNuF9B62-mQHqmLTFyExJUjSWoPWz962F1y-VUb94AzHW8VvItmXtvsJIQ/s1600/mutts-nasa-week-2013.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Mutts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hear it all the time. So many people want to volunteer in
animal rescue, but they just don’t have the time to commit to weekly shelter
shifts or fostering. That’s ok! There are still many things you can do to help
with just one hour a week. Here is a list of ten ideas to get you started:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="color: orange;">10.</span> Make it a family affair.</strong> Go with your spouse or kids for
a “date day” and walk dogs. Most shelter dogs only get out of their kennel once
or twice a day for just a few minutes at a time. When volunteers show up to
walk dogs, this allows them to get some much need fresh air and one on one
attention. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: orange;"><strong>9.</strong></span> Are you handy with tools or do you have any special trade
skills? Shelters almost always need help with<strong> maintenance and repairs</strong>. This is
often an area overlooked by other volunteers, but a properly functioning
shelter is essential to the animal rescue process. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="color: orange;">8.</span> Are you a photographer?</strong> Whether you’re an amateur
hobbyist or a professional photographer, shelter dogs could use your help
creating a portfolio for them. A good portion of adoptions come as a result of
a family seeing the dog online and “feeling a connection.” Good quality
pictures that capture the animal’s true spirit can go a long way with improving
their adoption potential.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: orange;"><strong>7.</strong></span> Animals in shelters also need short <strong>biographies</strong> written
about them. Spend time with a dog and gather a little bit of information from
the shelter employees and then compose an honest yet endearing biography for
them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="color: orange;">6.</span> Help with transport.</strong> Shelters often need help getting an
animal from one shelter to another or from the shelter to a veterinary
appointment. All you have to do is pick up the dog and drive. You can even
document your mileage for tax deduction purposes!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: orange;"><strong>5.</strong></span> <strong>Fundraise</strong>. Many people are daunted by the thought of
fundraising, but it doesn’t have to be a major project. Start by contacting the
shelter to determine what supplies they may need and then come up with some
ideas about how to get those supplies. Our rescue likes to look on Craigslist
or at garage sales. They search for needed supplies, contact the seller, and
explain to them that we are a non-profit animal rescue and ask if they would
like to donate their dog house/kennel/blankets/etc. Another way to fundraise is
to organize a blanket or food drive with a local business. You’ll find there
are many ways to earn money when you think outside the box. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: orange;"><strong>4.</strong></span> Do you like to talk to people? <strong>Attend an adoption event</strong>.
Adoption events are a great way for shelter dogs to get out into the community
and get exposure. Shelters always need volunteer help with getting dogs to and
from events and interacting with potential adopters. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="color: orange;">3.</span></strong> <strong>Organize a workplace volunteer day.</strong> Does your employer
encourage volunteer activities? Next time you talk to your boss, suggest a
workplace volunteer day (or half-day). It is great PR for your company, an
excellent team building exercise, and provides a crew of free help to the local
shelter. It is a win-win for everybody!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="color: orange;">2.</span></strong> <strong>Be an advocate</strong> for shelter animals. Share shelter
postings on your social media page. Preach the merits of adoption. Support spay
and neuter campaigns. Vote for stricter puppy mill and dog fighting laws. Start
a petition to end BSL in your community. The possibilities for advocacy are
endless. Find an alley that interests you and go for it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="color: orange;">1.</span> Say “thank you.”</strong> Shelter employees are overworked and
underpaid. The horrors they witness can wear on even the most optimistic soul.
These people see some of the most horrific cases of animal abuse or neglect.
They have to endure the sadness of watching a family dog be relinquished to the
shelter. They have to see the emotional toll that shelter living takes on these
dogs; as a previously vibrant dog becomes a frightened and subdued shell of
themselves. These people don’t work for recognition, but a simple thank you
makes the work much more bearable and restores just a little bit of faith in
humanity. Who doesn’t want to know that their work is appreciated and admired?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJn6KQXMndX5dzch4LGhhdI6LjuIfCLyDtxnzHl9luivSc5rr13Uy6nTYQJWCwp1-pTWM9yiIrAv8nVq5ZavF2MuyUdYG9j3tbBo9Z47XFVTzznIIFTa70RiNC4z0CeY29glu89QM_9dM/s1600/stairs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJn6KQXMndX5dzch4LGhhdI6LjuIfCLyDtxnzHl9luivSc5rr13Uy6nTYQJWCwp1-pTWM9yiIrAv8nVq5ZavF2MuyUdYG9j3tbBo9Z47XFVTzznIIFTa70RiNC4z0CeY29glu89QM_9dM/s400/stairs.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have other ideas? Feel free to leave suggestions in
our comment section!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205193144051243527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-74329928770926080122013-10-07T07:02:00.000-07:002013-10-07T07:06:31.451-07:00Grain Free Pumpkin Treats<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lucky Paws Bakery & Unique BARKtique in Lawrence, Kansas is one of our favorite destinations for everything dog related. The owner, Raven Rajani has a passion for rescue dogs and local art. Her store is filled with delicious home-baked treats, locally made dog collars and toys, and beautiful animal artwork. We caught up with Raven last weekend to get the scoop on how she got started:</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I have always loved dogs and have been interested in health and nutrition. In 1990, I adopted my first dog from a shelter in Wichita, Kansas, and my two loves converged. </span></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After reading the ingredient labels on Maggie's food, I decided to start making her food and baking treats to give her. Despite being the 'laughing stalk' of my family, I was concerned with all the chemicals on the labels and I knew that what I would create for her would be much more nutritionally sound! Over time, I added more dogs to my pack, became involved in rescue and I kept baking! I wanted to create treats for others that they could feel good about giving their dogs. I baked treats and sold them locally at The Community Merc, and the local Farmer's Market.</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I rescued Shakti, a blue pit bull girl from a shelter in Arkansas in July of 2011. Shakti became the inspiration for my baking (especially the grain-free treats), became my logo girl, and in April of 2012, I took my dream one step further and opened Lucky Paws Bakery & Unique BARKtique. My store features organic, gourmet treats baked fresh weekly (using LOCAL, sustainable ingredients), and unique, dog-themed art (provided by local artists), organic bath supplies, funky collars, leashes, tags, toys and even our own coffee blend - Lucky Paws BARKfast Blend!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Shakti is the CEO (Chief Eating Officer) and the official greeter. As a bully girl, she serves as a wonderful ambassador for her breed, and we advocate for bullies and rescue! Shakti is a TRUE working girl - Not only does she work at Lucky Paws Bakery, but she is a certified therapy dog and was the inspiration for Loving Paws Animal Therapy Program, Inc., a non-profit organization, which will train and certify volunteer teams (dogs and handlers) to serve those in need throughout Douglas County."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lucky Paws Bakery & Unique BARKtique is located in Lawrence, Kansas at 4 East 7th and is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Raven was kind enough to share the recipe for one of her most popular fall-time treats...Grain Free Pumpkin Treats!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Life of Drool tested the recipe this weekend...and I'd say it was a huge success!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jdqTdqRdA6JVhebEc5KuW2Io15cjWK0FPg_YdXK90fgFz2d3LT1gvpNSKNlyUDBounH0VNfluRcMPXM2-CDeQ0PLQbHVd03gX99SkQGjWRIB1luAsBCktDsLup9mz_7VC2Q4gwkTOJj7/s1600/recipecard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jdqTdqRdA6JVhebEc5KuW2Io15cjWK0FPg_YdXK90fgFz2d3LT1gvpNSKNlyUDBounH0VNfluRcMPXM2-CDeQ0PLQbHVd03gX99SkQGjWRIB1luAsBCktDsLup9mz_7VC2Q4gwkTOJj7/s640/recipecard.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkjQlvh1IUSeoH4W0BsAMkq4uLjV7XY1YlCxeY-Tn5xLIQVlA8wTZoqsYsYtp1BFe2VQnlEkQPao_3tRcjsnjSOCbFD9zXOhk0f8-Gipgwtc041_65h5k-Wr2ZmeNF-1MJNEBJx2kLIhB/s1600/RecipePicture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkjQlvh1IUSeoH4W0BsAMkq4uLjV7XY1YlCxeY-Tn5xLIQVlA8wTZoqsYsYtp1BFe2VQnlEkQPao_3tRcjsnjSOCbFD9zXOhk0f8-Gipgwtc041_65h5k-Wr2ZmeNF-1MJNEBJx2kLIhB/s320/RecipePicture2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Step 1: Whisk eggs, pumpkin and milk together. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Step 2: Add coconut flour, tapioca flour and spices (*can add flax or chia). </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46B68j9lFsMeDiRoTRK_zea4UMLVJhyphenhyphen-CtiwTOAhLiriSC4yz1QwMZ-VIw_AmY-W40tcfKU9-TtSb6KbmQWgJudqEztvQBitxOhXhWy5TQhKZJiyfoR1oCxtR9ONR4GVjb-9NPz_t2f2v/s1600/Recipe+Photo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46B68j9lFsMeDiRoTRK_zea4UMLVJhyphenhyphen-CtiwTOAhLiriSC4yz1QwMZ-VIw_AmY-W40tcfKU9-TtSb6KbmQWgJudqEztvQBitxOhXhWy5TQhKZJiyfoR1oCxtR9ONR4GVjb-9NPz_t2f2v/s320/Recipe+Photo4.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Step 3: Use a melon ball scoop to place dough on cookie sheets or roll the dough onto wax paper and use a cookie cutter to make cute shapes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Step 4: Bake at 300 degrees for approximately 1 hour. Cool and store in refrigerator. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday my sister and I packaged the treats into Halloween treat baggies and set off for Dogtober Fest in Le Claire, Iowa. We were trying to raise awareness for the blog, so if we met you there please comment and let us know if your dog enjoyed the treat!</span><br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205193144051243527noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-1965149905197616902013-10-03T21:35:00.000-07:002013-10-04T08:01:16.556-07:00Feature Friday: TillyTilly has had a rough start to life, but thanks to Even Chance Rescue in St. Louis, MO, she is getting lots of love and snuggles from her foster family and getting the medical care that she so desperately needs. <br />
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<b>Even Chance Pit Bull Advocacy + Resources + Rescue</b> is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that works to promote pit bull education, counteract sterotypes and misinformation, and rescue pit bull type dogs from area shelters. Even Chance originated in San Diego, CA and recently opened a second chapter in St. Louis, MO. <br />
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For more information about Tilly and how to help, please see the flier below.<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205193144051243527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-34116592809698823502013-10-03T11:06:00.000-07:002013-10-03T11:33:15.144-07:00Lennon Update<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.”</span></div>
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-John Lennon<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">L</span>ennon came to us just over a week ago. At that time he weighed just 31 pounds, after having been found in a backyard by animal control. Lenny had just enough energy to softly wag his tail, but that was the extent of his physical exertion. He could barely stand, barely walk, barely lift his head. He was a skeleton of a dog (both literally and figuratively). </div>
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Being in the medical profession, I have a soft spot for dogs with special needs. I feel like these dogs are my opportunity to use my knowledge and professional experience for the greater good. So, when we saw his picture, my husband and I knew we had to help. We couldn't look the other way and allow him to die in the shelter (as he almost certainly would have done).</div>
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When Lennon arrived at our house, he was in the worst physical shape I'd ever seen. I had serious concerns about whether or not he'd survive. I explained to my husband (the eternal optimist) that he shouldn't get too attached because there was a strong possibility that he wouldn't make it through the night. But each time I got up to feed him, there he was, tail wagging and ready to eat. This guy was a fighter, and he was determined to prove me wrong. </div>
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Lennon gained twelve pounds in the first two days. This was mostly due to rehydration, but it was still a promising sign. Within four days, he was climbing the stairs. And on the fifth day, I came home to find him lounging on my living room rug. He had climbed a flight of stairs and crawled under the baby gate. He was definitely feeling better!</div>
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As Lennon's strength is improving, we are learning a lot about him. He is an outgoing dog. He loves to cuddle in our laps and if we stop petting him, he will gently remind us to get back to it. He likes to play with his tennis ball and he LOVES to roll in the grass. He is a wonderful dog and we are blessed to have him in our home. </div>
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We also got a little bit of information from somebody that knew him before this whole ordeal, he allegedly used to weigh 90 pounds!! We have a long way to go before he is back to that weight...but thanks to all of the thoughts, prayers, and generous donations, Lennon has a great chance of getting there. </div>
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The support Lennon has received during this first week is incredibly heartwarming. It is amazing that one dog can have such an effect on so many people. We hope that his story will continue to inspire people to fight back against animal neglect and cruelty...because sadly, Lennon's story is not unique.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lennon doing the stairs. </span></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205193144051243527noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-20307604798733107122013-10-01T20:41:00.000-07:002013-10-01T20:43:30.954-07:00Wordless Wednesday! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is Ringo! He is a rescue newfie, and just the sweetest bear you'll ever meet!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgxY7iceAohyBiP0T48aYiuKK55WGol5_YTn0ieuZG60YWIIT8tzOAC48BjNlhSM_cnvyeuSMhS4Sa98u4XD4yumqdZu454D3HFcWc2JPxy6r1Q5LaVWzcxdv9ysU78q61utzdplFKEul/s1600/X1hRyOQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgxY7iceAohyBiP0T48aYiuKK55WGol5_YTn0ieuZG60YWIIT8tzOAC48BjNlhSM_cnvyeuSMhS4Sa98u4XD4yumqdZu454D3HFcWc2JPxy6r1Q5LaVWzcxdv9ysU78q61utzdplFKEul/s1600/X1hRyOQ.jpg" /></a></div>
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Learn more about Ringo here! <a href="http://lifeofdrool.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_9668.html">Ringo's Interview</a>!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843250025152272335noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137148845125288943.post-39324838871454681412013-10-01T08:13:00.000-07:002013-10-02T13:53:26.834-07:00Why I Hate Fostering (and Why I Continue to Do It Anyway)<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A question I get from my friends and family is “How can you
give a dog to another family after having them for so long? Don’t you miss them?!?”
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My response is usually a short, canned comment. “Yes, it is
hard but it is nice to see them get their forever home.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is hard to explain
fostering to people who don’t do it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those
that don’t foster look at fostering as a purely wonderful opportunity. They believe
that you simply give your heart and home to a dog <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">temporarily</i></b>. You love and
care for the dog and then send him on to the life he had been waiting for so
patiently. The dog gets his happily ever after and you get to live happily with
the knowledge that you made a difference. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is truth in this view, but it is an oversimplified
truth. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The real truth is far more complicated. Yes, the dog lives
happily ever after, but the foster home doesn’t fair nearly as well. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The foster home is left empty handed and
broken hearted. Every. Single. Time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don’t get me wrong, I fully believe that this is the
happiest moment in animal rescue. And yes, I understand that giving this dog a
chance at a permanently happy life is the greatest thing you can do for him. Finding
a dog his forever home is the ultimate goal, and we have to find homes so that
we can rescue more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I understand all of that…but rationalization doesn’t make it
hurt any less. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, my answer to the original question is yes, I miss them
terribly. And although I am over the moon happy for the dog, I am unbelievably miserable
for myself. I loved that dog when nobody else did. I took care of that dog when
nobody else would. That dog sat in my lap, slept in my bed, and gave purpose to
my mundane existence. And now I am missing a piece of my soul...a part of my
heart went to that new home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love my fosters. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love watching them transform from quiet and reserved to outgoing and confident. I love their energy and mischief. I love when they greet me at the door after a long day. I even love the trail of destruction they leave in my house. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But, I hate goodbyes. I hate the feeling that I am abandoning someone
I love. I hate coming home and having to pack up their things and get my house back
to “normal.” I hate having to watch my dogs wander the house looking for their
friend. And I hate the emptiness and the finality of it all.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, I get happy follow up stories and pictures,
but at that point the dog has moved on to life with his new family. I am no longer an active participant. I have become
a spectator.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So the honest to God, behind the scenes, truth is this: I
cry. I cry all the way home. I cry for days. There are times when I don’t
believe I have the strength to go through it all again. But I keep going...mainly because I know it is the right thing to do, but also because a small
misguided part of me hopes that it will fill the emptiness left behind by the
previous dog. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So the next time you are adopting a dog and are forced to
stand there uncomfortably while his foster mom says her teary goodbye, remember
this confession and don’t judge her too much. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksyo4bq6viTyq4hCmXGDP40NvlIHDJDTL_SXSklLJoUqd8tGc7FbeIzovEwPYfeDH9OsCRLOyl65b_79cgXC0avfRgi7bAqgHm_EmA5cmOHedCzBsZgbBzGF_hoO9lqu28xjzPgseQtU/s1600/fostercollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksyo4bq6viTyq4hCmXGDP40NvlIHDJDTL_SXSklLJoUqd8tGc7FbeIzovEwPYfeDH9OsCRLOyl65b_79cgXC0avfRgi7bAqgHm_EmA5cmOHedCzBsZgbBzGF_hoO9lqu28xjzPgseQtU/s400/fostercollage.jpg" width="575" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My former foster babies</td></tr>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205193144051243527noreply@blogger.com9