Blog the Change- Military Working Dog Adoptions

Today is Blog the Change!

Four times a year bloggers and caring individuals band together and blog about animal related causes and how we can make a difference.

Today, I'd like you to meet Debbie Kandoll, of Military Working Dog Adoptions. I recently had the pleasure of speaking to Debbie. She's full of energy and compassion, and is devoted to helping dogs. I can't imagine there are more than two seconds a day that she's not working tirelessly on someone's behalf. I know so many dogs are helped because of Debbie.

Military Working Dog Adoptions helps connect retired military dogs with their forever homes. These dogs have devoted their lives to serving us and they need a well-deserved retirement in a loving home. They often drive long distances to pick up and rehome these heroes.

Debbie also trains military dogs to help soldiers with PTSD. Here is the story of Bino. Debbie says, "Bino is a hero, because after serving for 11 years, after braving the hot sands of Iraq, after always giving and never saying "no" to anything that was asked of him, he leaves no comrade behind."


Thank you Debbie for the great work you do!

Check out these blogs joining us at Blog the Change.

Want more positive pet tips, good news, and special offers? Fetch my free newsletter, Pawsitively Pets. Kelly and Ike hope to see you there!

 

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Wednesday Pet Roundup- July 10 2013

Hi and welcome to Wednesday Pet Roundup!

* A pit bull terrier named Smoke, who went missing from California, was found all the way in Florida and soon will be reunited with his owner!

*  Lentil the French bulldog with a cleft lip, inspires children with similar conditions. Check out his Facebook page!

* Congratulations to winners of the Frosty Paws travel pack: Parenting Furkids, Benny and Lily, Bren L. Dawn R was also chosen as a winner but since she already won one on another website, she graciously offered for her prize to be given to someone else. So the new winner is Cheryl C! If you haven't already sent me your mailing addy, please let me know so I can get your prize to you. Thank you to everyone who entered and I hope the winners enjoy their travel kits.

* Another prize winner: dogIDs collar with laser engraved tag: HufflePup! Please send me your address and we'll get the prize right out to you! Thank you to all who entered :)

*Remember, Monday is Blog the Change Day. Write about an animal cause near and dear to your heart, and be sure to link up!

Want PAWsitive pet tips, good news and special bonuses? Content not already on the blog? Fetch our free newsletter! Kelly and I can't wait to see you there!

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Blog the Change- Meet Awesome Teen Volunteers

Today is Blog the Change, which is great timing--because it comes just before National Volunteer Week, April 21st- 27th. Because of that, we're blogging on a theme, to highlight amazing volunteers who help animal causes.

Caring for animals is everyone’s duty, yet we can’t help but be inspired when we hear about youth who are going above and beyond to take care of our furry friends.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is recognizing some remarkable young women who were named among their states’ top youth volunteers of 2013 for their work keeping animals safe.  

Shaylee Rizzo, 17, of Kenai, Alaska, a senior at Nikiski Middle/High School, started a public service campaign called the “Missy the Moose Program” to raise children’s awareness of the dangers of cars hitting moose on Alaska’s highways, a common occurrence in her area during the hazardous winter months. “Every year hundreds of moose are killed by vehicles, sending people to the hospital and costing hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage,” explained Shaylee. “I believe the solution is empowering children to help adults drive with greater caution.” 

Shaylee wrote and illustrated a children’s book. Wearing a moose costume, she then began visiting elementary school classrooms as Missy the Moose, sharing her book with the kids and offering ideas on how to encourage their parents to watch out for Missy and her friends. With the help of her father, she wrote a theme song, recorded radio announcements urging children to get their parents to slow down. Currently, she is trying to gain state approval to post Missy the Moose signs in high moose-traffic areas to remind motorists to drive with care. “The incident that made me realize I was having an impact was when a parent told me they were driving down the road on a cold winter night when they heard their first grader exclaim from the backseat, ‘Mom! Watch out for Missy!’”

Devon Rodriguez-Cayro, 14, of Mechanicsburg, Pa., an eighth-grader at Mechanicsburg Middle School, has raised more than $12,000 for homeless pets by participating in the Harrisburg Humane Society’s annual river plunge and selling homemade treats at school and craft shows. When Devon heard about the Humane Society’s New Years Day “Penguin Plunge” in the Susquehanna River four years ago, she wanted to get involved. “I have always loved animals and thought this would be a great way to have fun with others who felt the same,” she said. She began by creating her own fundraising page on the society’s website to solicit donations in advance of jumping into the icy Susquehanna.

Then she started making and selling a variety of treats to students and teachers at her school while dressed as a penguin to draw attention to her fundraising mission. Later, Devon produced a song and video about homeless animals. The money she’s raised has helped the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area add onto its building and pay for animal care. “You need to find your passion and volunteer for what you believe in,” said Devon.

 *The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States’ largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service. Since 1995, more than 345,000 young Americans have participated in the program. Each year, the program’s judges select 102 State Honorees to receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. where, on May 6th, 10 of them will be named National Honorees. Watch a live webcast of the May 6th event.

Like the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards on Facebook
follow on Twitter and check out YouTube.

Congratulations Shaylee and Devon! And let's hear it for all our young people who care about animals and are taking steps to Be the Change.


Want more, pawsitive pet tips, good news, and special bonuses? Content not already on the blog? Subscribe to my free newsletter.  Kelly and I can't wait to see you there!

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Blog the Change and Me

Kelly and Brooks

This is part of Blog the Change.

On Be the Change for Animals I've written about many inspiring people and organizations, but recently I started thinking, what does it really mean, to someone like me, to "be the change for animals without spending a single cent." How do I fit it into my busy life, limited finances, family schedule, and other issues? What if I'm not one of those with the energy, vision, passion, resources to do big things? How can I Be the Change?

1. Get Personal- As a blogger, I often promote various causes. But if I'm really busy, on deadlines, rushing to get things done, I might get out the facts, but I don't always put my heart into it. Taking that extra step, telling why it's important, how I really feel about it, might encourage others to relate in a more personal way. I can't necessarily be in the jungle with the tigers or at the puppy mills, but taking extra care in sharing their concerns is something I can do.

2. Think Local- I don't have time or money to travel to help all the great causes I often write about. But there are plenty of local groups that could use my time and efforts. I've joined a few walks that benefit animal causes. I've helped a few local rescue groups. But there is more I could do. I will commit to finding my place locally--where I can use my talents to the best of my ability, and do something that will make a real, tangible difference. Walk dogs at a local shelter? Start a bi-monthly pet food drive? I'm not sure what it will be, but I can do more.

3. Speak Up--Maybe this is the area in which I have fallen down the most. I have witnessed instances while, not specifically abuse, represents irresponsible behavior on the part of the pet owners. In my neighborhood, I often hear a dog barking endlessly. The owner occasionally opens the door and yells at the dog to shut up. Do they ever stop to consider why the dog is barking? Is he overheated? Thirsty? In pain? Lonely? Every time I hear the owner yell at his dog, and not try to understand the dog's needs, I get so upset. It would take a lot of nerve to speak up and say something (since I don't even know this person) but it would be one way of being the change for this dog.  Another woman in my town stands in her doorway and lets her dog out on a leash, and the dog only has the length of the leash to use to "do his business." Maybe the woman is infirm. Maybe not. But if so, I can think of a million different ways to let this dog out than this. The poor dog, who is obese, simply stands there looking morose. I can only imagine that, if he doesn't get the job done outside, she lets him back inside, he has an accident inside, and then she scolds him for making a mess in the house. This breaks my heart. It's not his fault! I'd like to say something to her. But do I dare? There are the dogs left in cars when it is hot outside. The dogs chained up in the yard night and day. The cats left to roam outside all day and yowl in the rain because they are cold and wet, and no one lets them back inside. Can I Be the Change for these Animals? I hope so.

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Blog the Change with us

Won't you Blog the Change?

Monday October 15 is our next Blog the Change Day. What does this mean?
It means that on this day, bloggers all around the world join together to share something meaningful to support people helping animals. And we'd love to have you join!

You can write about:

*an animal cause near and dear to your heart

* a way you've been helping animals

* a special animal in need

* an issue you'd like to raise awareness for

* a person who has been helping animals and deserves a pat on the back

* anything related to animal advocacy

Here's all you do:

Grab the badge.

Post your blog entry on the 15th

Add your link on Be the Change for Animals. Linky list will appear after 12:01am on the 15th.

That's it! It's also extra cool if you read some of the other posts, comment and tweet about Blog the Change. Thank you for helping spread the word.

I can't wait to learn what you're blogging the change about this year. See you there!

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Blog the Change- Bloggers Unite for Dog Rescue

 











Brooks and Kelly (above) were once both homeless and unwanted.  I can't imagine why anyone threw them away. But lucky for us, we adopted them and they are not a wonderful part of our family. Because pet overpopulation is a dire problem, we support pet adoption. We can spread the word about helping homeless pets. Won't you join us on July 23rd for:

FOR DOG RESCUE

 

On that day, bloggers are uniting to blog about pet adoption. Millions of dogs are euthanized each year while waiting for their ”forever home”. We can make a difference. Visit Be the Change for Animals  and Dog Rescue Success for more information.

• Blog about a Dog Rescue related topic on July 23rd, 2012
• Add one of the badges below to your blog and help spread the word
• Interested in adopting a companion? Visit Petfinder or The Shelter Project. 
• Donate to a local dog rescue organization
• Foster a dog
• Volunteer at a local shelter or rescue organization
• Share this post across all forms of social media and encourage others to participate!

Post one of these badges to help promote this event. Copy and paste--help yourself!

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Blog the Change- Canine Assistants

Photo courtesy of Canine Assistants

Pulling a wheelchair, turning on a light switch, retrieving a dropped object...these are just a few of the tasks dogs can perform to help the disabled and increase independence. Some dogs even offer support that people--and even medical science--can't provide.


Recently I was researching an article and had the pleasure of speaking with Jennifer Arnold, bestselling author of Through a Dog's Eyes, and In a Dog's Heart, and founder of Canine Assistants. Instantly I knew that Canine Assistants was the cause I would highlight for Blog the Change.

Jennifer Arnold

Located in Georgia, Canine Assistants is a non-profit organization which trains and provides service dogs, seizure response dogs, and companion dogs for children and adults with physical disabilities and other special needs. About 1,000 dogs, mainly golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers and goldendoodles, have been placed since the organization began in 1991. 

In addition to physical assistance, the dogs can provide emotional support. Often a dog is able to get through to a person in a way that no other human can.

Seizure response dogs provide assistance after a person has a seizure by laying next to the person, retrieving a cordless phone, or even pressing a medic alert button.

Another type of service dog, seizure alert dogs, sense an oncoming seizure and can alert a person before it happens. Because at this point no one really understands what the dogs are sensing, that behavior can't be trained. But Jennifer explained that after a strong bond is developed, 87% of her seizure response dogs were able to alert their partners in this way.

Photo courtesy of Canine Assistants

Choice Teaching
Jennifer uses only positive training methods. The methodology she developed is called Choice Teaching, and involves rewards for positive behavior. This leads to "calm, well-mannered dogs who respect their human partner and enjoy doing as asked."  Throughout our conversation, I could easily sense Jennifer's dedication, respect and love for the dogs she works with.

There is no charge for a dog through Canine Assistants. Recipients attend a two week training class in Georgia to learn how to work with their dog, and for the dog to learn about them. The waiting list for Canine Assistants dogs is from 1 to 5 years.

I wanted to tell you all about this inspiring organization and hope if you might check out their website, or Facebook, and if you know anyone who could benefit from their wonderful work, you might spread the word.

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Blog the Change, Just say NO to Puppy Mills

Blog the Change!

October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month, and Peggy's Pet Place, along with dozens of blogging friends and the rest of the staff at Be the Change for Animals, have decided this is the perfect time to help spread the word about PUPPY MILLS.
 
 We all know that puppy mills are bad and adoptions are good, yet statistics are dire. Recently, I spoke with Betsy Banks Saul, co-founder of Petfinder.com, and she told me that less than 25% of the pets coming into homes in the U.S. come from shelters. What the bark?!

Puppy mills keep dogs in small cages without human contact or socialization, keep females pregnant producing litter after litter, often feed poor quality food and provide inadequate medical care. Puppy mill puppies are more chronically afflicted with disease and socialization issues.We all know that dogs are a part of the family, NOT livestock, or worse.

Knowledge is spreading about the inhumane and horrendous practices of puppy mills, but there is still much work to be done. Here is one way you can help:


 On September 9, Petland Canada announced that they would no longer sell puppies and kittens in their stores. But Petland USA has yet to reach this conclusion. Mary Haight, of Dancing Dog blog, did a little investigative journalism and discovered that,
           "Investigators visited Petland’s breeders to check living conditions and found that most had hundreds of cages of
dogs that were never walked or socialized, stinking of urine,
living lives of desperation."

Please join in and save lives. Sign the petition to ask Petland USA to STOP selling pets! 

All of the dogs pictured are adoptable pets, waiting for their furever home, and can be found on Petfinder.com.

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Pit Bull Healed with Love

www.FlyinFurPetPhotography.com

Recently I read about something that really touched my heart, Harper the pit bull puppy who was deformed, discarded in a trash bag, and literally LOVED back to health.

His rescuer is Erica Daniel of  Dolly's Foundation.
 
Mission: The purpose of Dolly’s Foundation is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome homeless, neglected, and abused American Pit Bull Terriers and other bully breed dogs. As well as preserve, promote, and bring positive awareness to the breed and the negative stereotype bestowed upon them.

The organization is named after a very special dog. Dolly's story will break your heart...and make you cheer. She came to a Florida shelter as a stray and eventually was adopted into her forever home. Months later, however, Dolly was returned to the shelter, dirty, frightened and bloody. She had been used as a bait dog in a fighting ring.

The poor sweet girl was so hurt.

Erica Daniel helped heal her wounds and her heart, gave her love and made her a part of her own family. Now Dolly has her Canine Good Citizen award, has her own facebook page, and is an ambassador to her breed. 

Dolly's Foundation is helping dogs everywhere, changing laws, and making a difference. Check out their dogs for adoption, and spread the word. You can also look for events in your area or find out more about education programs.

And, click here for more information about helping Harper.

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