Her & Her Dogs

PLUS THE CAT - RESCUES ADVOCATING FOR RESCUES

2016 A TO Z CHALLENGE REFLECTIONS

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I SURVIVED!!!

a to z survivor 2016

I can’t say ‘I survived’ as there was no danger or hardship. This process was a challenge, though. I enjoyed the journey very much, and I look forward to doing it again next year! I already have a theme.

The hosts, co-hosts, helpers and assistants share plenty of information before launching the challenge. I was able to find the answer to most of my questions in a post. However, I did send two email messages and each time received an informative response promptly.

The participants and the organizational team were very positive and supportive of one another leading up to, and following the challenge.

Things I would have done differently:
•although I did plan ahead and had an idea of what each letter would be subject wise, I did end up changing a few when, at the last minute I found animals with the corresponding name, which were in need of homes. I chose to create portraits and feature them instead of going with my original idea.
•expanding on the above, by planning ahead and being a bit more organized I will have more time throughout the challenge to visit the sites of other participants. This challenge is not over for me; I plan to visit everyone on the list before I call it a complete success.
•I had a difficult time working so quickly even though that was my goal. I generally take too long to work on a portrait. The artwork throughout this project was meant to be somewhat whimsical and done WITHOUT all the detailed work I typically exhibit.

Successes:
•there are fabulous sites belonging to other participants. I enjoyed visiting these and look forward to reading more of their posts in future.
•artwork for twenty-six posts created (plus two: original intro. and re-do shown above).
•getting comfortable to work quickly did not take too long. I am pleased with the look of these portraits and will continue to produce work in this style.
•some of the artwork will be printed on note cards, and these cards will be available for purchase. Which do you think should be made into cards?
•a significant portion of proceeds from the sale of the note cards will support various causes including the organization that inspired my theme: Pilots N Paws Canada. The remainder covers the cost of printing and art supplies.
•To further support the efforts of various rescue organizations, I will be donating custom portraits at silent auctions or as raffle prizes to help raise funds.

I hope you enjoy the gallery I created to include the challenge pieces. Thank you, everyone, who visited and for your words of encouragement – I truly appreciate your comments.

Thank you,
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Z – ZULU

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BLOGGING FROM A TO Z

And finally, here is Zulu, an adult male American & English Spot Mix Rabbit. Zulu is waiting at Fur Angels Animal Sanctuary Aurora, IL for his forever person to find him.

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Fur Angels has this to say about Zulu:

Zulu is so handsome. He already has his grey and white camouflage on, ready for adventure. Like soldiers before him, he is not afraid to venture out. Sometimes unaccompanied -he has jumped over his enclosure. Zulu pines for the wide open space of your home. That being said, he is also a Digger. His favorite toy is a box with newspaper to burrow in. He needs things to do to keep his mind sharp! Very people friendly. He is looking for someone to help him on his recon missions. Next mission: seeking favorite treat- bok choy. Will trade state secrets for treats. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

 

This marks the end of the Blogging from A to Z challenge – I SURVIVED!

Thank you for joining me on this creative journey. I hope you enjoyed the posts and will consider supporting one of the many causes mentioned throughout.

Kindest regards,

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Y – YANKEE

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Our friend Spencer is a Dandy, Yankee Doodle!

This is Spencer’s story and a few facts he would like you to know about Doodles:

My mom (Reno, a Golden Retriever) and my dad (name unknown, a Standard Poodle) were both living in a North Dakota puppy mill. Along came Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota – RAGOM, who rescued my parents along with other dogs from this puppy mill. They were then placed in foster care. While in foster care, RAGOM found out my mom was pregnant. My mom was surrounded by loving and caring volunteers throughout her entire pregnancy and delivery process. On January 31, 2008, my eight litter mates and I entered this world. In Spring 2008, I was adopted to my forever family in Southern Minnesota and the rest, as they say, is history!

One of my goals on my blog is to educate people about Goldendoodles and break some of the myths out there.

Here is the biggest misconception of Goldendoodles:

Myth: Goldendoodles don’t shed.
Fact: F1 Goldendoodles CAN shed. Half of my litter mates shed, and some shed a lot. It all depends if they get more of the “shedding” attribute from the Golden or the Poodle.

Here is the brake down of Goldendoodles:

First Generation (F1) Goldendoodles have one parent which is 100% Golden Retriever while the other parent is 100% Poodle. In my case, my mom was a Golden Retriever and my dad was a Standard Poodle. F1 doodles split the attributes of their parents 50:50. Most of the F1 Goldendoodles either don’t shed or shed lightly.

First Generation Backcross (F1-B) is where you mix an F1 Goldendoodle with a 100% Poodle. These dogs have a higher success rate for non-shedding.

Second Generation (F2) is where you mix two F1 together.

Multi-generation: Here you mix Third Generation (F3) or higher (F3+) with an F3 or F3+.

Thank you, for sharing this information, Spencer.

Far too often, people purchase Doodle puppies with the misconception that anyone with allergies will not react. There is no such thing as allergen free. Hypoallergenic means “below normal” or “slightly” allergenic. Although I feel sorry for those who suffer from allergies, my heart aches for the dogs who end up in a shelter due to lack of proper research!

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X-RAY

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BLOGGING FROM A TO Z 

Have you ever needed to have your companion X-rayed?

X-rays are used to determine medical concerns such as but not limited to ACL (Anterior cruciate ligament injury), breathing problems, concerns over a lack of appetite; not eating due to a lodged foreign body, chest infections, the possibility of small or enlarged organs and the fear of cancer.

Although I have not had to book any of my companions in for an X-ray, I spoke with my veterinary clinic here in Ontario, Canada to find out the cost of doing so. The cost of services may vary from Province to Province and State to State.

Our clinic, the Barrie Veterinary Hospital charges:
$107 + tax per consult plus
$80 per view.  A second comparative view is often required.
$80 (second view)

If the condition turns out to be chronic, you can expect to be billed for additional X-rays.

Of course, we worry when our pets are not well. Waiting for the results of an exam creates additional stress. The cost of these tests doesn’t have to be part of the equation. Having Pet Insurance gives pet owner’s financial relief.

Trupanion team member Kathryn confides that she has experienced the process of X-rays.

The X-rays could cost $200. Having Pet Insurance means I can say ‘JUST DO IT.’ It’s comforting to know I can pay $20 (vs $200) to be sure the condition is not serious or life threatening.*

*cost of insurance based on age, breed, species, cost of care in members residential area.

Her and Her Dogs have not been compensated for sharing the information in this post. The Parker Park are insured by Trupanion (Canada). As a Pet Parent, I can’t know what medical issues might arise. However, I value the peace of mind Pet Insurance provides.

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V – VICTOR

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BLOGGING FROM A TO Z 

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About Victor

Hi my name is Victor! I am six months old and ready to go to my forever home. I am litter trained, up to date on my shots, neutered and tested negative for FeLV-FIV. My adoption fee is $100 but please ask if we currently have any Adoption Specials ! For more information please call 810-987-4357 Tuesday through Friday 9:30-4:30 or Saturday 9:30-3. Sorry, no out of state adoptions for kittens.

Cat • Tabby – Grey • Young • Male • Small

Blue Water Area Humane Society Clyde, MI

Victor is such a cutie pie and he’s waiting for someone to lavish him with affection.

Could that be you?

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T – TANGO

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“Trusty Tango”

Tango comes to Canadian Chihuahua Rescue and Transport by way of a shelter where he was surrendered by his owner. The raucous shelter environment was too stressful for this sweet and loving boy (as it is for a lot of small dogs) and he is now quite comfortable in his CCRT foster home.

Tango’s foster parents report that he is very sweet and loving! He is curious and always interested in what you are doing. He gets along with other dogs and cats; however, he is scared of larger dogs even when they are friendly. His foster family is working on his nervousness.

The CCRT vet has confirmed that this otherwise healthy boy has a heart murmur, but he is asymptomatic and does not require any medications at this time.

Tango uses pee pads and he is working on potty training. He is starting to indicate when he needs to go outside. He is easily trained with treats. This is a great opportunity for a person looking for a friend to bond with through accomplishing things together.

Tango is looking for a fresh new start with the right companion(s). This amiable boy would be a wonderful addition to any home!

Reese has a grade four heart murmur, is ten years old and could play fetch 24/7!!!  Just sayin’

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S – SIERRA

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Sierra Monet is a very special girl looking for a special home. This amazingly sweet girl is 8-10 years old and recently has had both of her eyes removed. In spite of her new world of darkness, she is finally enjoying her life.

Sierra Monet was turned into a shelter in North Carolina. Her appearance resembled a dirty mop made of dreadlocks. One of those cases where you wouldn’t even know she was a dog and not a pile of garbage. The shelter had trimmed back her hair to discover a half pound tumor, literally dangling down from between her two front legs (tumor tested cancerous but was completely removed). This was an unexpected surprise but not as horrible as what they found next. She had to be sedated for her face to be trimmed and as they removed the hair around her eyes, they expressed their astonishment at the severe infection that they had revealed. Her right eye, along with all the tissue surrounding it, had an oozing, bleeding, infection and keratitis in both eyes. Sierra had a long-standing condition whereby the eyes can no longer produce enough tears to lubricate her eyes. As a result, her eyes became dry and irritated, and eventually, inflamed and infected. The damage was irreversible. Her pain levels were off the charts. There was no doubt the final solution for a pain free life was to remove both her eyes. Prior to surgery, her vision was limited to shadows only. Most of her sight was already gone.

Sierra’s recovery was painful but she was made as comfortable as possible with a cocktail of pain killers, anti-inflammatories, etc.

Now, Sierra is doing very well! Her staples are out, her hair is grown back in and she’s learning her new world of fumbling in the dark. She is a super sweet girl who is so extremely relieved to be free of her long-term pain and neglect!!! It’s very sad that she had to wait until her senior years to know what love is.. but it’s better late than never!!!

Sierra is great with other dogs, cats and I would think, all other animals. She is a relaxed girl who LOVES to sit on your lap and cuddle! She learns her way around quite quickly and is cautious in a new environment so she doesn’t hurt herself.

Because of her blindness, we, of course, would want her to be in a calm home without toddlers or any commotion that could harm her.

She did seem house-trained prior to her blindness and then we had a set back. Now, she just needs to learn where the outdoors are and what her “potty spot” smells and feels like so she knows to go there. She is doing GREAT in her foster home who is showing her a spoiled amount of love !

If you have room in your heart and home for this sweet girl who is new to love, please contact Dogs Unlimited Rescue.

Adoption Requirements:
Stable/Calm Environment
No Small Children
Her own yard (no apartment living)
Someone who is home often
As routine life as possible

Note: Sierra is not a dog to be taken on walks

I can’t wait to hear that Sierra Monet finds her home – she reminds me so much of my Reese

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R – ROMEO

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A lover not a fighter

Hudson – a lover not a fighter

O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?

If he’s a ‘Pit Bull’ type dog, he’s most likely not in Ontario due to BSL – Breed Specific Legislation!

In August 2005, the Ontario government enacted the Dog Owner’s Liability Act (DOLA) outlawing the possession, breeding, importing and transferring of pit bulls in Ontario. The legislation replaced regulations that permitted pit bulls as long as they were muzzled and leashed in public, spayed or neutered, and euthanized where there was a possible threat or following an attack. Ontario’s pit bull ban was intended to reduce the frequency of dog attacks. Breed-specific legislation is problematic. It incorrectly attributes violent behavioural traits to certain breeds rather than focusing on insufficient or inadequate or negative training and unfairly generalizes across the breed based on the actions of a few when all dogs are capable of biting.

Hudson, along with two of his siblings were found NAILED by their paws to a railroad track. Sadly, one of the puppies died shortly after being discovered. Despite the horrific act suffered at the hands of a human, Hudson is a well mannered, loving dog. In fact, he is a therapy dog!

We look forward to sharing the full story of Hudson, the Railroad puppy with you soon.
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P – PAPA

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Almost two years ago we shared the story of Stu, a duck in need of relocation.  His two sisters were killed assumedly by a predator and his owners feared for his safety.
 
We are happy to update you with some special news; Stu is a PAPA!  It seems he has settled in at the farm and is doing quite ‘ducky.’
 

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O – OSCAR

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Weiner dogs are adorable!  Whenever I see them, a song starts playing in my brain and for the remainder of the day, I find myself humming the Oscar Mayer hotdog song.  Why?  When I was little, I was given a book of piano music for famous commercials (yes, this was many years ago now).  I practised and practised those tunes and apparently, have not forgotten them.

Oh, I’d love to be an Oscar Mayer wiener.
That is what I’d truly like to be.
‘Cause if I were an Oscar Mayer wiener,
Everyone would be in love with me.

Oh, I’m glad I’m not an Oscar Mayer wiener.
That is what I’d never want to be.
Cause if I were an Oscar Mayer wiener.
There would soon be nothing left of me!

If I adopted a pair of weiners, I would have to call them Oscar and Mayer (or Mya).

ADORABLE!

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