Pupdate - Long Weekend ends soon

Hey everyone -- just thought I'd post a quick update. As you all noticed, I took this weekend as a long weekend. We have three new fosters (two cats and a dog) that arrived within the last week and we're a bit overwhelmed right now with that PLUS the family commitments of "the season". Finding time to blog in the last few days has been nearly impossible since my extra time has been filled with the animals. I will return to my regular blogging schedule in the next day or two (I'm hoping tomorrow, but we will see). Hopefully I'll have some nice pictures to share with you! In the meantime, take your dogs out for a run or a play date. Have fun, play with your dogs and cats, and enjoy time with family.

Training Rant - Holidays are Stressful!

This is going to be a short post ... I hope. I just wanted to post a reminder that though we may love our dogs, there is a possibility that your Aunt (etc.) who is coming to visit doesn't or perhaps she likes your dog but your dog doesn't like her. It is a fact of life. Please remember that the holidays are a very stressful time for your dog.

You have changed your routine and redecorated the house (and possibly moved furniture around to compensate). You may be caught up in the Happy Holiday Spirit that makes everyone smile or you may be a big grouch who doesn't want to talk to any of those Happy Holiday-ers. Believe it or not, most of you don't go around your house the same way throughout the rest of the year (smiling, singing and/or humming) ... well, some may go around grumping, but that's not what I'm getting at here.

The point is that your dog is probably pretty stressed out. You may have people come over for the holidays and you need to understand that your dog may not be able to deal with the people, excitement and hustle-bustle of this time. During these times, watch your dog.

If he or she looks like he's uncomfortable with a person or situation, than why wouldn't you give your dog a little quiet time in a bedroom or in his crate? Take some time to do a little Internet searching and learn how to read the body language of a dog; this is a good article from Modern Dog. Keep in mind that each and every dog is different and will display different language and these are only basic guidelines. There are actually hundreds of different signs of stress, but these are the most common.

Take some time to get to know your own dog and his or her signs so you know what things you need to work on. You will end up with a better rounded, happier dog.

I am sure I don't need to tell you how many dog euthanasia's I used to see working at the veterinary clinic during December. Most of them were in because the dog had bitten a relative and the owners couldn't deal with it.

You Can Help - Spare Shelter Dogs From the Winter Chill

Here's a neat idea that was posted on a blog "Help Spare Shelter Dogs From The Winter Chill"... taking old sweaters and making them into dog sweaters. This particular group of people decided to make these dog sweaters for all the dogs at their local shelter being held in outdoor runs! Pretty neat, eh?

NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!

This was something the shelter had not thought of doing ... it took some ingenious creativity to come up with this.

Here's something you can do for your local shelter this "Howliday Season". Contact them and find out if they are interested in home made items like this (or blankets, towels, etc). Then take some of your old clothes and make something!

Alternatively, if you are not the 'crafty' type (like me ... I sewed my sleeve by accident once ... and I also ironed my hand ... homemaker I am not - I'm far too accident prone), than you can send this group your old sweaters and THEY will make it for you!! Check it out ... the following is copied and pasted from their blog:

"Here’s how you can help:

Send us your old sweaters and we will recycle them and distribute them to animal shelters all over the US so that dogs just like the ones we’ve already helped dont have to suffer through the cold winter (the smaller the better). Im sure if you dig around your closet you can find a sweater or two that you never plan on wearing again.

Send your old sweaters to the following address:

PO Box 19071

Hattiesburg Ms

39404

If you DONT have any old sweaters:

Then pass this blog to someone who does!

Do you have a friend or family member who has a passion for animals besides yourself? Then simply copy and paste the url below in an email and ask a friend or family member to visit this blog so they can help too!

http://bignutshell.com/blogs/dogproject/

Here is your chance to give back for the holidays and help save thousands of dogs from a freezing winter!"

Featured Rescue - Coco the Rottweiler

I've known many Rottweilers and I laugh to myself when people tell me they are afraid of them. Most I've met are big teddy bears once you get to know them. Unfortunately, they are generally aloof and often display body language that make people uncomfortable.

Since we had a Rottweiler in the video yesterday, I thought I'd feature one today for our rescue. This is Coco. She is 8 months old, is housebroken and has lived with children. The rescue has requested that she not be adopted to a place with small children since she is a large breed dog (sounds like she might be clumsy, but what would you expect at 8 months?).

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=14034471

News Reel - A Dogs Unending Loyalty

Here is a great video for the holidays. It is an older news story, but is quite inspiring. Note - it has a happy ending. Check it out! You do have to wait for the advertisement to finish before the video starts.




Watch CBS News Videos Online

Featured Rescue - Sampson the Affenpinscher

Today's featured rescue is inspired by the recent Guess The Breed post. Sampson is an 8 month old Affenpinscher. He was removed from a puppy mill (DDF IN ... not sure of the circumstances on that one). He's a cute little guy, don't you think?

The rescue Sampson is staying with does have a specific limit on where they will adopt to (which is unfortunate). Their cachement area is "OHIO, KENTUCKY, AND INDIANA. WE WILL ALSO CONSIDER CERTAIN AREAS OF MICHIGAN, WEST VIRGINIA, AND PENNSYLVANIA." If you are in any of these areas and are looking for an Affenpinscher, take a look at Sampson.

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=14058952