• Home
  • Blog
  • Causes & Programs
  • PORTFOLIO
  • SHOP

Her & Her Dogs

PLUS THE CAT - RESCUES ADVOCATING FOR RESCUES

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • CONTACT
  • Shop
  • MAKING A SPLASH

SOI DOG, CANADA

June 14, 2019 | 16 Comments

MUTT MARCH – A HUGE SUCCESS IN TWO PROVINCES

In our previous post, we introduced you to SOI DOG FOUNDATION, an incredible organization dedicated to caring for the street dogs and cats of Thailand, and persistently advocating for much-needed change to animal welfare legislation.

Soi Dog, Indy

On June second, the Vancouver chapter of Soi Dog, Canada, held their very first Mutt March fundraiser, followed by the Ontario march, in Erindale Park, Mississauga.  I am happy to report both events were hugely successful. The funds raised from Ontario’s walk nearing ten-thousand dollars!  This money will help with the spay/neuter program at Soi Dog in Thailand, and a portion of the funds will assist the following initiatives:

  • Alberta Spay and Neuter Task Force – Helping People, Helping Animals
  • Northern Spay and Neuter Campaign in Ontario – Working with remote First Nation communities to assist with animal management and health issues
  • The Canadian Animal Assistance Team in British Columbia – Help Give Them Access To The Care They Need

Close to eighty participants pre-registered for Ontario’s first-ever Mutt March, with more people registering on the day. Over one hundred people turned up to support Soi Dog; including, many Soi Dog rescues, and two partner rescues!

Proud Participant

Even the weather cooperated; the sun shone the whole day. One of the event organizers, and Soi Dog volunteer, Sondra, agrees:

In all, we feel that for a first-time, it was a success. We hope people enjoyed themselves

Weather appropriate attire

Fun contests followed the walk, included:

  • Best dressed dog
  • Dog & owner look most alike
  • Waggiest Tail
  • Best Trick

Lookalikes

Best Trick

Waggiest Tail

Sponsors for the event included:

  • Green Shift
  • Canisource Gran Cru
  • Zyderma
  • Pet Love4Charity
  • Smith Werks
  • RC Pets
  • Island Veterinary Hospital
  • Bonnie & Clyde Premium Pet Food
  • Walks and Wags Pet First Aid
  • Earth Rated
  • Bosley’s, New Westminster
  • Tractive
  • The Kindergarten Class of Pineview Public School

these little kids raised almost five-hundred dollars, through their own initiative!

Sondra strongly agrees children will set the best example, and lead the rest of us to a more humane future for our animal companions. We need to educate young people first.

Vendors and exhibitors included:

  • Pet Love 4 Charity
  • The Bowtail
  • Ren’s Pets
  • Mobile Canine Care
  • Barker and Snouts (doggie ice cream)
  • Pets in Motion Chiropractic
  • Party Painterz (face painters)

I scream, you scream…

Pet Love 4 Charity

Adds Sondra,

We are grateful to the City of Mississauga, our vendors, and exhibitors, Cindy Cherry our MC, and, of course, we appreciate the support, and efforts of our volunteers. Much appreciation to everyone who came out and participated, helping to make the day a success. A special thanks to my team lead, Bev Cartright; an outstanding volunteer, in so many ways

I had the privilege of speaking with several attendees, all of whom agreed it was a day of fun for people and pups!

Pooped Pups

Once again, I am grateful to share the incredible work done by this organization.

Thank you, Soi Dog team,

 

 

 

 

Soi Dog Canada is a not for profit corporation run entirely by volunteers.

Categories: ADOPTABLES, RESCUE GROUPS & SHELTERS Tagged: For a Cause, Fun, International Rescue, Walk

LEASH AND THANK YOU

June 14, 2016 | 28 Comments

THE ETIQUETTE OF DOG WALKING

Have you ever had someone cross over to the other side of the road with their dog(s) when they see you walking toward them with your dog(s)?  That is a clear indication they don’t want the dogs to interact.  Or, maybe they don’t like other people.  Either way, we should respect the overt gesture.

Photo taken by Oak & Myrrh Photography

Photo taken by Oak & Myrrh Photography

As a pet parent to a fearful, special needs mill dog, I deeply sympathized when I learned of a friend’s dog walking experiences.

Following the loss of their beloved Yorkshire Terrier, Skeeter, just before Christmas, Tammy and her husband decided to fill the overwhelming void by providing a loving home to a rescue dog. They fell in love with a bonded pair. Brothers Manny and Nico.

As is the case with some rescue dogs due to difficult and uncertain pasts, a vast amount of patience is required, and there is an adjustment period for dogs and their new owners.

Tammy admits Skeeter did NOT walk perfectly but was easy to scoop up and remove from a threat.

People would tell me don’t worry about my dog he is very friendly and I would say well mine isn’t always friendly so let’s not take a chance

Tammy adds: ‘I had someone who came all the way up my driveway with their dog all the while I am telling them hey my dog isn’t that friendly, and he’s behind me snarling and barking and guess what ended up happening? Yes, my dog bit her dog. GO FIGURE! She never brought her dog up my driveway again. And the thing is I had never even met this woman before!’

Unfortunately, that is one of many incidents where a dog is put in a dangerous situation by an irresponsible owner. These situations can be easily avoided.

Tammy now has both hands full (two leashes) and is dedicated to socializing and training her new pack members.

If my dog is acting like a goof and barking like crazy and pulling at his leash because he sees your dog, could you please walk quietly on and not try to talk to me as I am trying to get my dog or dogs under control.

If I tell you I have a rescue dog; I’m not sure how my dog will act with yours, and I would like to keep them separate, please respect my wishes and not try to argue with me and tell me how friendly your dog is. Your dog is agitated, barking and lunging at my dogs. Do not force your dog on mine because (you think) your dog really wants to meet my dogs. It’s only making the situation worse.

I believe that I am a responsible pet owner and am trying to educate myself on proper dog etiquette. I also try to educate myself on dog behaviour. When I see something that is causing my dogs to act out, I will try to remove them from the problem. It is hard enough trying to keep my dogs under control and watch for cars, etc. without having to worry about you approaching me with your dogs.

I know you mean well but please LET US BE! Once my dogs are more socialized and settled and better behaved, we can try to have our dogs meet!

There is often more to people’s situation than can be assumed when you see someone out walking their dog. Even if the dog is not a new, puppy, the dog might be new to those people. If it IS a puppy, the people might be working on training and similar to a rescue situation, still figuring out the dog’s personality! It might not even be THEIR dog.

Tricia Soulier of Pawsitive Approach Pet Services and her team provides dog walking services for pets while their people are working.

Some of the frustrations Trish has encountered are:

Children walking dogs and dogs that are off leash.

Children are not emotionally mature enough to respond to potential dangers

My team and I have ended up in the middle of such situations, and we have been injured! None of us want to hurt a dog, but it is our responsibility to ensure the safety of the dogs we walk.

Often, dogs that are off leash on someone’s property run towards dogs being walked along the road. The situation could quickly escalate into a fight. I would not want to see a child in the middle of that.

Flexi leashes are another concern as they do not allow adequate control, and they break. Too much can happen before the handler can reel them in – especially when you add traffic to a scenario.

Oblivious parents is another issue. Trish had in her care a Bernese, lab cross puppy. As she walked by a picnic area, the parents sat at a nearby table and watched their toddler run, arms outstretched towards the dog.

PUPPY, PUPPY, PUPPY!

I started to lose my voice warning the child not to approach before the child’s mother finally put her phone down and came to collect the youngster.

One paw from this large, energetic young puppy would have hurt the child!

Leanne started volunteering in 2002 in the Youth & Animal Program at the OSPCA walking and clicker training dogs.

More from Leanne:

I volunteered at the OSPCA for eight years. The last couple of years I joined a group of volunteers who developed a program to orient and train new dog walkers. It was called BuddyUp. Collectively we oriented over 300 new dog walkers in approx. Three years.

In January 2011 I started volunteering at GAC. There was no orientation program for dog walkers at the time, so I offered to start orienting new dog walkers. Fellow volunteer Ruth and I started offering the Canine Communication Workshop for the shelter’s dog walkers AND the public. We run the workshop every four months or so.

I have an interest in training dogs using positive reinforcement, and I have attended many seminars over the past 14 years with some of the world’s most respected positive-reinforcement trainers like Kathy Sdao, Dr. Sophia Yin, Yvette Van Veen, Nicole Wilde, etc. I’d guess 15-20 seminars. I also completed a 6-month dog trainer program through the Karen Pryor Academy.

My focus with the shelter dogs is to mark and reward all the behaviors they offer that I find desirable so that they will repeat those behaviors.

I strive to avoid positive punishment and negative reinforcement in my dog training and the use of aversives or corrections. My goal is to keep the dogs feeling safe and treat them with respect.

When working with reactive dogs, my favourite protocol is CARE (Counter Conditioning and positive Reinforcement are Essential for Reactive Dogs). Identify the dog’s triggers for reactivity, work at a distance at which they are not reacting to the trigger, pair the trigger with something they REALLY like and create a conditioned positive emotional response to the trigger, decrease the distance from the trigger, repeat, repeat, repeat. Also, mark and reward all the behaviors you’d prefer the dog to be doing rather than reacting like checking in with you, holding eye contact, sitting, etc. That’s over simplified so folks should check out the protocol for a detailed description.

When introducing new dogs to each other, I prefer to take it slow and go for a nice walk with the dogs. Alternating walking ahead and behind each other, then parallel to each other, then around each other all the while watching their body language to assess whether they seem comfortable and interested in meeting each other. If they seem uncomfortable or are avoiding each other, I’ll stop the intro there. If they seem comfortable, we’ll do a brief face to face intro and encourage them to circle around to the bums. Greetings tend to go best if 3-5 seconds and then the dogs are encouraged to separate. The humans can help create a smooth greeting by keeping their leashes loose and moving around with their dog to ensure leashes don’t get tangled, and the dogs can go through their natural greeting routines.

Photo taken by Oak & Myrrh Photography

Photo taken by Oak & Myrrh Photography

Thank you, Leanne, for this great information and thank you, Tammy and Tricia, for sharing your experiences.

Also, a huge thank you to the ROVER team of dog walkers, for suggesting the need for this information.

Dogs react to people’s energy. If I become nervous or stressed in a situation, I notice my dogs act accordingly. By looking ahead for potential situations (dogs loose on property), I am better able to avoid stressful situations. If we behave as responsible dog owners and respect others everyone will be safe, and no one will be hurt – person or dog.

Check back soon for our post addressing ‘leash aggression.’

Main signature

 

 

Categories: TRICKS, TREATS & TRAINING Tagged: Bonding, Fun, Safety, Training, Walk

NOT MY FINEST MOMENT

May 16, 2016 | 48 Comments

I’m not proud to say, I lost my sh*t.

Well, technically, it was Reese’s sh*t, and it was tossed not lost.

The incident, though short-lived, and (thankfully) without consequence, still weighs heavily on my mind.

Henry, Reese and I were on our way back from a lovely walk. The sun, combined with a gentle breeze made it the perfect temperature. The dogs, noses to the ground, were enjoying the smells of spring while I was taking in the view of the lake. It is a beautiful walk, and although the road is not wide and there aren’t sidewalks, driver’s are, for the most part, respectful of pedestrians. Most will slow down and even move over to give extra space. Bikers, who don’t need to give the extra space will slow down to quiet the sound of their exhausts. We’ve had groups of bikers pass us on the road many times and neither dog has reacted in the slightest.

The enjoyable moment was soon shattered by a raucous, high pitched scream. I looked up in time to see the flashy red car speeding toward us. My guess is thirty kilometers over the posted speed limit of forty kilometers. Throwing the poop bag at the car was a knee jerk reaction.

I swallowed my rapidly beating heart back down from my throat to my chest and comforted Henry and Reese, who had both found refuge in the bushes alongside the road. Once recovered, I noticed a neighbour standing at the end of his drive shaking his head in disbelief at the crazy young driver – not me (I’m sure).

‘What was that’? He asked – referring to the banshee on wheels.

I had just responded that I had no idea when we heard a second, shorter scream followed by a third before she disappeared out of range.

‘Maybe she won the lottery’ I suggested. ‘Good for her.’

Again, he shook his head, collected his newspaper and made his way up his drive without any mention of my reprisal.

Henry, Reese and I continued walking, and as we headed home, I replayed the incident over again in my mind. Thankfully, at the time of the incident, the bag only contained a Reesie poop. Had there been a hefty Henry nugget, it might have connected with its intended target instead of fluttering to the ground like a para pooper.

As I let go of the bag, everything began to move in slow motion.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO, what did I just doooooooo(do)?

I remember looking directly through the open passenger window as I launched that torpoodo. Perhaps, with a bit more weight, the bag would have landed square (and, a bit squishy) in the lap of the driver. Did I mention she was wearing shorts? Apparently, your attention to detail becomes heightened when your adrenalin is pumping!

That would have given her something to scream about – or shut her up!

Only two days before, I was speaking with another neighbour about speeding, careless drivers on this road.  I learned that her little Jack Russel had been hit by a car. The driver had not been paying attention, texting perhaps, and came off the road. The little dog who had been sitting off to the side was struck and killed.

Carelessness kills and incidents like the above mentioned can be easily avoided.

I was angry. I’m only human – not perfect by any means. I’d love to know I’m not the only one. What is your ‘less than perfect’ moment?

Thanks,
Main signature

 

 

Categories: EDUCATION Tagged: Mischief, Safety, Walk

“if you can’t fly then run,

January 8, 2015 | 14 Comments

if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

– MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

Role models - Claire and Monty show us how it's done!

Role models – Claire and Monty show us how it’s done!

Who says running can’t be fun?
Especially, when your best friend is your running partner.

I always enjoyed walking; a form of physical exercise that can also have a mentally calming, and a mind-clearing effect.  I would walk forty minutes to work and back home at the end of the day.  I would walk with my husband in the evenings and with friends and friends with dogs on the weekends.  Now, I enjoy daily walks with my dogs.

Even though he’s small, Henry has an abundance of energy, and he loves to run, full throttle along some of the beautiful trails we have in our area.  Unfortunately, he is not so good at recall (that’s me being kind; HE CAN NOT BE TRUSTED).  So, for Henry to be able to fly like the wind, one of his people has to be at the end of his leash!

Anyone, who has attempted to become a ‘runner’, knows this title is not assumed overnight.  It takes time to build speed, and stamina, and proper technique so as not to injure yourself.

I started out by joining a running group and met new friends in the process.  Such groups are becoming quite popular; if there’s not one in your area, why not start your own?  Guides and other tools are readily available online.

One such group is The Running Room.  Although dogs are not invited to participate, there are several groups you and your companion can join later.  When you’re able to keep up with your dog!

For information about upcoming workshops, visit http://www.runningroom.com/

Our friends Claire and Monty, are great examples of teamwork and as you can see from the video, both truly enjoy the experience.   Claire shared with us the following sentiment;

We have been running canicross for about 14 months now. We run as part of Ashridge Canicross Club and we run on a Wednesday night (in the dark) and Sat mornings when my shifts allow. We have competed quite a few races in 2014. 

All our runs are on the trails and many normal running races are now allowing Canicrossers to take part as it is becoming so popular.

The photo and Video is from Ashridge Club race weekend. As a club it was our first race that we had organised and it went really well. We love it because it keeps us both fit, great socialisation for Monty and the bond between us since we started running together is something I can’t really describe.

I thought we had a great partnership before but since being involved in this our friendship has gone up another level. He gives me his all when he is running and when he sees the harness coming out, he goes bonkers! And if he is happy I am happy.

https://herandherdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/ClaireandMonty2015-01-04-10.38.32.mp4

Well done Claire and Monty; you have set a great example for the rest of us!

Photograph courtesy of Houndscape Photography – thank you Vicky Stipetic
http://houndscape.co.uk/

Ashridge Canicross Club
http://ashridgecanicrossers.org.uk/

 

 

Categories: HEALTH & WELLNESS Tagged: Best Friend, Dogs, Enjoy Life, Fun, Play, Run, Walk

ready, steady, go

September 24, 2014 | 3 Comments

Mount Albert-142

I wrote my first book, at the age of 6, while sitting at my Grandparent’s kitchen table.  I should say I illustrated my first book, and dictated the story to a friend and member of my grandparents church – Jeannette Reome (sp?).  My Grandmother never minded me going to the cupboard and taking out her ‘fabric painting pens’ to use during visits.  I would spend hours squeezing measures of paint out of the tubes, and working the paint across the paper into whatever images came into my head on the day.

I don’t even remember what that first book was about; I enjoyed the process, and as my penmanship improved, I continued writing short stories and poems, on my own.

My biggest project to date and the one closest to my heart is a children’s book I wrote to teach youngsters how to introduce themselves to, and behave respectfully around dogs.  It has been a long process (I’m embarrassed to say, more than two years in the making).

I can now see the finish line.  If this lesson reaches only a hand full of children, I will feel victorious!

The following is a link to the campaign I created in order to raise the funds necessary to print the book, and start circulating the message.

http://www.igg.me/at/henrysayshello.com 

Please stay tuned for more stories about the creation and promotion of the children’s book ‘Henry says “Hello”

(random trivia)
Ready Steady Go!
(or simply RSG!) was a pioneering British rock/pop music television programme which used to air every Friday evening from August 1963 until 23 December 1966.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ready_Steady_Go!

Categories: FOR A CAUSE, OUR PACK Tagged: Best Friend, Dogs, Fun, Happy, Henry, Inspiration, Walk

a real doll

March 3, 2014 | Leave a Comment

There are many different stories behind the arrival of a dog to the shelter.  This beautiful girl was a stray.

Loving her new life

Loving her new life

Dolly (found wandering), was emaciated, and although they could not be located there was evidence that she had had puppies.  It was also apparent (based on behaviour), that she had been abused.

It was love at first sight for her new owner – a volunteer at the shelter.  The feeling was mutual.

Dolly is a happy girl, enjoying life as a dog should.

 Happy Girl

Dolly 

A walk by the lake

Thank you Sarah for allowing me to share Dolly’s story, and thank you for giving her the wonderful, loving home she deserves.

Categories: HAPPY TALES & TRIBUTES Tagged: Best Friend, Forever Home, Fun, Happy, Love, Play, Rescue, Safe, Walk

A NEW YEAR STATE OF MIND

February 13, 2014 | 2 Comments

In memory of Mena

It has definitely taken me longer to transition into 2014, than it has any of the (many) previous years.  A great deal of ideas, projects and happenings in 2013 all seemed to bottle neck towards the end.

That said, I’m not one to execute my list of resolutions at the stroke of midnight.  I don’t want to set myself up to fail, and be disappointed.  This Ontario girl has done a few polar dips.  Enough to have learned that I’m a ‘dip the big toe first’ kind of person (and in much warmer weather, thank you).

I used to look forward to going out to celebrate the New Year.  I would dress up and go out with friends, ‘tying one on’ for the last time that year.  I would, of course partake of champagne at midnight vowing however to ‘go dry, eat healthy and workout ‘starting tomorrow’.  Within the first week of the new year I would update my resume, find my dream job and start out ‘gung ho’ to lose X amount of pounds before shorts season.  This would be the year.  Then, inevitably, there were distractions and all good intentions dissolved.

Mena in Times Square

Mena in Times Square

Nowadays, my priorities and the time in which it takes to accomplish a task, has changed.  I still have hopes and dreams, however I am more realistic and choose a more general approach to achieving them; I will continue to make healthy choices – I would like to try to incorporate more ‘raw’ dishes into my diet each week, I will add an extra weight training day to my workout schedule (somewhere in the week), and I will make more time for my hobbies – balance between work and personal life if balanced, is often precarious.  It is important to consider what is done with that time and the quality of time; do I feel I’ve done something because it ‘had to be done’, and do I feel better after it is done?  Sometimes it’s best to focus on something else entirely; read, go for a walk or play fetch with the dogs for an hour.  Resolutions or daily tasks – I don’t want to just cross things off a list, I want them to matter.  What I do, I do with ‘intention’.

On September 11th, 2001, the world watched in absolute horror and disbelief when two planes, filled with passengers struck one each of the two World Trade Centre towers.  Most of us remember exactly where we were – standing helpless as both planes disappeared into the buildings which collapsed to the ground.  In the days, weeks, and months to follow, we watched a nation pick itself up, support its fellow citizens and share miraculous tales of hope and survival, amid heartache.  Movies such as ‘Reign Over Me’ (Adam Sandler, 2007), ‘Not Since You’ (2009), and of course ‘Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close’ (Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock, 2011) to name only a few, have referred to this event; the experience having life altering effects on at least one of the characters – who, ultimately go through a spiritual awakening and in the process, learn a valuable lesson.

My point is this; why does it take such tragedy to create perspective?  Perhaps the families who lost friends and loved ones to tragic circumstances will find a small amount of comfort, in knowing that we have not forgotten, and although there is evil in this world, we are reminded there is also much good.    The events of that day, and countless other seemingly pointless tragedies stay with me.  I try not to take for granted the opportunity I have to make a difference; somewhere, somehow regardless of the degree.  ‘A little at a time, however possible’.

In 2014, I learned of Christine B. and her blog projectlighttolife.com.  I was inspired by Christina and her many acts of kindness – ideas that, at the very least make people smile. I haven’t created my bucket list yet.  I decided to start with a ‘sand pail’.

                ‘A single grain of sand is barely visible to the human eye – buckets full will build castles’.

NYC Sandcastle

 

A work of art by sand sculptor Matt Long

A work of art by sand sculptor Matt Long

 

Sand Pail List

Donate time, supplies and/or financial support to a local shelter(s):

-Think of fun ways to ‘fundraise’; bake cupcakes or cookies to sell at the office, knit toys and blankets, sew blankets and jackets.  Are you, or do you know anyone who is a consultant for Scentsy, Pampered Chef, Lia Sophia, Stella & Dot etc.?  If not perhaps you could host a party and raise some money for much needed items.  Most shelters and rescue organizations will have a wish list posted on their site.

–Cat cuddling; some shelters are full of residents, and the attendants don’t have the extra time for more than a quick pat on the head or stroke under the chin.  Cat cuddlers provide socialization, stimulation and much needed love required. Why not go the extra mile and offer to brush some coats and trim nails.  Some cats are lucky to have play areas with scratch posts – most are not.

–Dog walking; This could mean the difference between a dog being adopted or overlooked due to having ‘too much energy’ for a family.  Often, it’s very hard during meet and greets for families to properly determine if a dog will be a good fit because they have not had as much exercise as a dog their size requires.  That extra half an hour you can spare could make such a difference.  It also helps socialize the dogs.

–Taking photos; again due to time restrictions, the photos you see on such search engines are often ‘quick snaps’ taken by shelter staff, in an effort to put a tail to a name.  If you have a camera, and are able to spend some time with the animals, you can help them relax and take a photo capturing their true beauty.

–Sponsorship; a number of rescue organizations are raising funds to cover medical bills for animals in their care, or simply to pay for food and basic costs of living.

–Transport; organizations such as Pilots N Paws (Canada and U.S.) organize the transport of animals in order to keep them safe and find permanent homes for them.  As well as individuals qualified to fly aircraft, ground transport is also required.  Even offering to take an animal from a local shelter to a veterinarian appointment would be helpful.

–Foster; unfortunately not all shelters are ‘no kill’, and offering to care for an animal until a permanent loving home can be found, may be the difference between life and death for that animal or another.  It’s not always easy to see them go, but in my opinion, it’s much easier than considering the alternative.

–Support a Cause; unless you are part of the rescue community, there are MANY issues and concerns that are not generally discussed, and most people are completely unaware of.  For example; the laws and restrictions regarding Pitbulls and other breeds in different Provinces and States, Puppy Mills and sales of pets in pet stores, Over-population – in part due to ignorance about the importance of ‘spay/neuter,’ different organizations that are desperately trying to number inline, and how they hope to do so.  Embrace the opportunity to learn something that will benefit the community and share the information.  Some things are difficult to hear but again if you don’t know you can’t help.  Then….

–Talk it up; Share the information you learned with others.  SHARE THIS POST!  Also, keep an eye out for ads posted online or posters regarding lost pets or others looking for a new home.  Recommend visiting a shelter or rescue organization.  You would be surprised at how love connections are made.

Someone read somewhere that this dog needed a home and then heard from someone that ‘so and so’ was ready to adopt a new dog…….

–Be Vigilant/Take Responsibility; Please don’t ignore a situation if you have a feeling something isn’t right.  Any cruelty and neglect isn’t always obvious.  Do we not have a moral obligation to report it?  Control Officers would rather check something out and find it to be nothing rather than arrive too late to a situation.  Do you have a neighbor that seems to always be giving away free kittens, or selling litter after litter of puppies?    Be aware of stray cats and contact your local shelter for information about Feral Support.  Unaltered pets contributing to over-population is a huge concern leading to the large number of shelter animals being euthanized because homes can’t be found for them.  What about a dog that appears to be injured and/or covered in cuts.  Please don’t look away.  Make a difference.

 

the sculptures were carved for the Tunnel To Towers Run held each year at ground zero. The event memorializes NYFD Firefighter Stephen Siller.

the sculptures were carved for the Tunnel To Towers Run held each year at ground zero. The event memorializes NYFD Firefighter Stephen Siller.

 

tthelmet

 

Building sand castles is more fun when working together with friends; on a sunny day at the beach, the sound of waves and seagulls (they can be a good thing), laughing and working together to create something magical.  Who will join me in this challenge?  I have chosen ideas based on ‘Animal Welfare’.  Feel free to grab a spade and scoop some goodness into this pail (cross one or two items off the list if you aren’t up to the entire challenge), or start your own for any other cause.  I’d love to hear about your experiences or ideas to add to the list.

New Year’s resolve, to me is about evolution; strengthening values, learning and developing.  I contemplate what has transpired in the previous years.  I take time to consider what I would like to accomplish over the course of the next few.  What can I do this year that will somehow make a difference?  When I’m ready, I take the first step – with a new-year state of mind.

 

Best wishes for the New Year!

Thank you Matt Long for permission to use images:

www.sandsculptor.com/index.html

www.tunneltotowers.org

Lara Elmayan @ untapped cities photographed the lower manhattan sandcastle:

http://untappedcities.com/2013/07/19/daily-what-18-foot-sand-castle-built-on-water-street-in-downtown-manhattan/

 and last but not least thank you Heather for sharing your photo of Willamena:

http://heather-kovar.blogspot.ca/search?updated-min=2006-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&updated-max=2007-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&max-results=27

Categories: HEALTH & WELLNESS Tagged: Cuddles, Faith, Feline Friends, Goodwill, Hope, Humanity, Selfless Acts of Kindness, Walk

resolutions 2013 – dog lessons for people

January 2, 2013 | 2 Comments

020

I wish I knew the wise person who wrote this;

  • Enjoy the simple pleasures of a walk.
  • Follow your instincts.
  • Never underestimate the value of a belly rub.
  • Be loyal and faithful.
  • Always drink plenty of water.
  • Sometimes it is best to just sit close and listen.
  • Be quick to forgive.
  • Avoid biting when a growl will do.
  • Keep digging until you find what you want.
  • Run and play daily.
  • Accept all of life’s treats with gratitude.
  • Life is short, pet often.
  • Love unconditionally.

Categories: OUR PACK Tagged: Accept, Belly Rub, Dig, Faithful, Life, Love, Loyal, Play, Run, Treat, Walk

Hello!

Welcome to Sadie & Co!

We’re Sadie & Co. (her and her dogs plus the cat). Would you like to share your rescue story or tell us about an amazing service or product? We’d love to hear from you! Thank you for visiting, we hope you’ll stop by often. Better yet, subscribe and don’t miss out on the latest and greatest tips, tricks and treats!

Connect With Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Search

The Knit Show

Categories

Recent Posts

DIY POWDER ROOM FOR YOUR CAT

SPOT CLEAN A JUTE RUG IN 6 EASY STEPS!

EASY DIY SWEET POTATO TREATS FOR DOGS

I made the pledge!

Search

Archives

Categories

Recent Comments

  • Aca Baranton on NINE MINUS ONE LIFE, AND COUNTING HIS BLESSINGS
  • Cathy Armato on DIY POWDER ROOM FOR YOUR CAT
  • Beth on DIY POWDER ROOM FOR YOUR CAT

Connect with us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Recent Posts

DIY POWDER ROOM FOR YOUR CAT

SPOT CLEAN A JUTE RUG IN 6 EASY STEPS!

EASY DIY SWEET POTATO TREATS FOR DOGS

I'm An Artist Helping Animals
Don't Shop Til They Stop!
I Support Rescue Dogs
The Puppy Mill Project

Copyright © 2022 · Elissa Wordpress Theme by Dinosaur Stew

Copyright © 2022 · Elissa Child Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in