Win A Portrait Of Your Pup Contest
One of our favorite artists, Kathryn Beals, is back and offering up another of her gorgeous portraits for a Dogster contest. We had a contest with Kathryn back in April and had over 126 entries!
Along with painting, Kathryn has been very busy working on her website and blog since the last contest. You can go to her How I Paint blog and watch her while she painted Dogster member Jolanda, a 
very talented service dog. She even has an entire section just of the Dogster dogs she painted, they’re great, go check them out.
The amazing thing about Kathryn is that she’s self taught. Her portraits are a great gift to give yourself or one of your dog loving friends. It’s also a wonderful way to memorialize your dog, something special you’ll have long after your best friend is gone.
One of the best things about Kathryn’s work is that she guarantees it. If for any reason you are not happy you can get your money back. How many artists offer that deal? I can tell you, not many.
We’re offering up a free 16″ x 20″ head-shot portrait. Plus, any Dogster members who place an order by October 31st get $50* off any size portrait. Since this is American Humane’s Adopt-A-Dog Month I’ve used that to come up with a contest. To enter the contest leave a comment in the comment section sharing what you are going to do to celebrate Adopt-A-Dog Month. It can be something special for your own pup, or volunteering at a shelter, donating a few dollars, giving a shelter something on their wish list, or even walking the dogs like mentioned in the article yesterday.
The contest runs today through Friday, October 16th when Bo will choose a winner.
*To get the $50 discount please email Kathryn beforehand, or order and then get her to issue a partial credit.
For the past 5 months i have been working with an 8 year old former fighting pittie named Angel. She is a beautiful white/cream colored girl with some browning around her muzzle. She is a people happy dog who is going to be featured in a novel being written about another dog from that shelter who was a bait dog (who i also worked with and was happily adopted in June!).
I am celebrating this month by watching Angel move on from her past. She is being adopted!!!! She is living as a foster in her hopefully adoptive home! It is a very special adoption. We worked very hard for her to no longer be aggressive towards dogs… we made a lot of progress and she can ignore other dogs while on a walk as long as they are on opposite sides of the sidewalks and when she aggresses she is able to quickly recover and focus on her human. We also had to work on some cage rage–she was almost un-”showable” because she would attack the cage door whenever anyone walked near. She won the hearts of an adult only family who have no other pets (and per the adoption contract, can not have other pets) and no close contact with children, whose former dog was a challenge so they have a behaviorist they already know and are committed to continuing to work with Angel.
I’m celebrating dog adoption month by celebrating the adoption of a very special girl who has won the hearts of many people!
I’m going to spend this month doing the usual: curling up on my bed, playing disc in the back yard, going for training walks, and learning how to be more relaxed when new things happen.
[Human's note: We adopted Willy from a rescue when he was 3 months old thinking that since he'd been born there he'd be easy to socialize to the many things and people he'd encounter as our recreational companion. He's actually a very fearful dog, and we're learning a lot about adapting our expectations to his ability as he learns slowly to be braver. We're also learning that being a forever home applies in times of difficulty as well as in times of perfect behavior!]
I have 7 rescued dogs of my own, plus two dogs, Daisy and Mae that I rescued in July. They were dumped in the woods and left to fend for themselves. When I found them, they were nearly starved to death. Today, they are happy, healthy girls.
I’d love to celebrate Adopt-A-Dog month by finding the perfect furever home for Daisy and Mae. These two beautiful girls so deserve a loving home of their very own where they can share all the love they have in their furry hearts!
Scooter and I are going to go through the several boxes of dog items (bedding, collars, leads, and gently used toys) that were accidentally brought abroad with us and donate them to one of the no-kill shelters that Animal Rescue Korea visits on a regular basis. I know the collars and especially the heavier leads are much needed.
Kathryn, you have done a fabulous job – Jolanda was so happy to get to know you. I thank you for taking the time and looking at her in real life. The painting is fabulous and like another dogster member, Ollie, already mentioned – it seems like you can touch her coat and feel her fur.
You captured her most beautiful feature, her eyes, wonderfully.
I can’t tell you how grateful we are.
Jolanda is a rescue. She used to work cattle on a farm. She already had puppies when she was younger, before she came to us. Unfortunately she developed breast cancer twice. She is a two time survivor and we go walk for the cause every year. People love her.
She is a wonderful, caring girl with a huge heart.
She and her sister Josephine make our lives complete.
Kathryn – thank you..
Love, sonja
that’s Jolanda, sorry, I forgot to fill the “website” space.
Josephine is Jolanda’s sister. We rescued her when she was about 4 month old. Jojo’s and Jojo’s prior owner’s living condition were awful. Long story short, she came to me, because nobody wanted her, not even ACC. She was so stressed out, she did not want to be touched by anybody. Her eyes were so strong and graving for touch and love, though. I sat on a patio with her for a good hour. She stared at me, rolled into a ball and I read a book. At some point she came closer and closer, I held out one of my hands without looking at her. She finally put her head into my hand and relaxed into it. I put the leash on, she got into my car and was home. She settled in right away and within no time she recovered.
Today she works for me as a SD. Three weeks ago she injured her leg so bad, we had to do a very expensive surgery to replace ligaments. She has a new knee pretty much. Now she is recovering and doing very well. Jojo is a fun dog but a serious worker. She has given me so much independence and confidence like nothing and nobody else. She is my rock.
She was supposed to be with us. She will be forever.
Love, sonja
I will never learn *sigh* Now you can click on it.
To celebrate Adopt-A-Dog Month I wanted to adopt a doggie, but Mommy says this is not a good time to do so. Mommy still has not found a way to get over Stormy B. Naughty and the recent lost of my 15 year old sister, Sadie Boo, has broken Mommy’s heart. She needs time to heal.
Since I have 3 laundry baskets filled with tons of toys and nylabones that I have never played with, I shall pack them all up and donate them to a shelter in our area so all the doggies have something to play with and cuddle while they wait for their fur-ever homes. I only play with the same 4 fuzzy toys and I have 2 new rescued kittens, they are much better then fuzzy toys.I will also be donating the many softly used collars that are no longer used. A doggie has to have some fancy bling.
Wags & Butt Wiggles, Sophie Bean
My human has worked for a no-kill shelter for the past ten years – it’s where she first laid eyes on the adorable ball of chocolate fluff that was me! In honor of “Adopt a Shelter Dog” month she will do what she always does – devote her time and energy to making sure the dogs (and cats!) in the shelter are clean, happy, and comfortable and find them their furever homes! A furever home is a nice thing – I can say that from experience.
)
Hi Bo
It’s me Dottie Lee, my furmily and I are pals of yours and grammom is supposed to be getting your book in a couple weeks (she can’t wait).
We plan on doing what we always do, getting loving from mom/grammom and dad. Plus we got all kinds of stuff to send to our favorite shelter. We collect from people we know old towels, sheets, blankets, rags, and if they have any gently used collars, leashes, harnesses, and stuff. I know I have several outgrown things that we are sending. Boy there sure is a lot of stuff to send.
Well we participated in our local event last Saturday, See Spot Walk, it’s a great way to raise money for the humane society and see all our furry friends. While I, Hannah wasn’t able to participate (as I’ve passed over the bridge) I’m happy to see that my girls Remi & Lulu were able to go!
I work at a local Veterinary Clinic/Shelter in Southern Maine as a graphic designer, putting up pictures and bios of cats and dogs for adoption.
We’ve received some new recruits for homes, including a pitbull and two english bulldogs. I’d like to celebrate by helping them get loving homes that they deserve!
okay, I’ve been entering contests since I was still new, and not a single win, (except for that cd, but unfortunately it cannot be sent) I guess I’ll try again.
I’d like to foster or maybe help other dogs, but we don’t have an adoption center here, instead, I use my stuffed toys and practice if I’m ever going to America some day.
Well, I’m spending most of my time with Bessie, her treats, and her little tricks. I could call that Me and Pet day? maybe. So okay, maybe I’ll see if I can hook up a few playdates or something for her, ’cause she never has the chance to smell or play with other dogs.
Well, all 4 of us were either rescued or came from Charlotte Mecklenburg Animal Control.
I, Gracie, was destined to be an outside dog on a farm never knowing the comforts of the couch. Now, as we all know, I am the Pasha!
I, Louie, was latterly rescued off of Death Row from Char Meck. It was my last day to be adopted & Mom told them to “Wrap Me Up”, I’m going home! Although I never fully overcame all my issues I knew true love & a good life & home.
I, Mozart, came from Char Meck with a lingering case of Kennel Cough. Mom is so proud of me because I’ve gone from an “unwanted” by my previous family to a happy healthy boy. I have Titles in Rally-O & Agility & have even made the cover of a National Magazine with the help of a super photographer. She says I make the perfect “Poster Boy” for rescues.
I, Wolfgang aka Psycho Dog, also came form Char Meck. I was there not once but twice. On my second trip in my previous owners were contacted & never even responded. Mom once again said “Wrap Him Up” he’s going home! I’ve gone from being a very frustrated hyper young man to actually competing in Rally-O. She says I could be a Poster Boy as well.
Mom spends time helping North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue, a no kill center. They have several dogs that may never find furever homes because of their special needs but will always be welcome at NMAR. She & Mozart have helped with some of their Fund Raisers & Mom is always going through our “stuff” & taking things to them to use at the shelter. She & Dad have been there for Work Days & she helps walk the dogs when she can.
We all support the “Don’t Shop, Adopt” motto & spread the word to anyone that will listen to us. And, of course, we wish we could do more!
I’m spending this month volunteering at our local pet center. I’m assisting with puppy training classes. We (max and I) have been through the trainings and figured this is a good way to give back to our community.
My two malamutes, Sebastian and Cinnabar, and I started early. We volunteered to be a part of the annual Tails of the Tundra Siberian Husky Rescue, Tails on the Trails event.
This magnificent annual event showcases many of the things that people can do with their dogs, especially sled dogs.
For the second year, we put on the weight pull demo and tryout. We harnessed up at least 25 “newbies” to give weight pull a try. All of the Siberians took to it so naturally. With their sweet temperament, they were a joy to harness. Other breeds gave it a try as well, many successfully. We were able to open some eyes that it’s a fun sport and can give a dog a job to do that’s fun while spending bonding time with their human parents.
I’d say we were successful in that, as we’ve had offers to do other demos at other shelter and rescue events.
We already have two pantings by Kathryn, so we don’t want to enter the contest. I just wanted to say thanks for offering this portrait- I can’t wait to see who is picked, and what their portrait looks like!
I was the lucky winner in Kathryn’s contest in the spring so I’m not enterin in this one.
It is gettin momma & I thinkin tho. The end a this month will be my 3rd annifursary since momma adopted me.
I think momma an I are gonna have ta gather up a nice care package ta take ta the humane society.
I also wanna say that what Bo an udder pups are sayin bout Kathryn is so true. Momma is almose as in luv wif my portrait as she is wif me….tho she says the portrait is less work, snort, snort.
This is a furtastic opportunity so c’mon pups!!!
this year my mommy works for a famous pizza chain, she has been donating between 5 to 10 pizzas to the local shelter to help feed the humans that care so deeply for all the animakls. They even had a ferrel feline lockdown weekend where they stayed 24 hrs and caught and nuetered or spayed the cats then released them back to their environment. She trys to help out the community where ever she can. This shows me how much my mommy really cares. I know she loves me too. Im a rescue, she spent lots of money and time on me, but look at me now, all you see is LOVE!
All throughout the year mommy gives cases of cat food and bags of dog food to our local animal shelter. She also collects linens, blankets and towels from surrounding neighbors and businesses to wash and repair for the shelter. Once to twice a year she goes to the dollar store and buys enough cat & dogs toys for each animal to have a new toy. She also does many fund raisers to help those who love their pets and don’t have the funds to have them treated with the medical needs they have. She also donates monthly to the ASPCA and rescues that have animals that are special needs victims.
I founded Sheree’s Dog Rescue and my rescue partners and I have been rescuing, training and adopting out dogs for many years. My days are generally going on the road to pick up strays, dogs released to rescue by families who don’t want them anymore, going to the vet several times a week. We foster these animals in our homes and give them all the love and care they deserve.
We will be celebrating Adopt-a-Pet month by continuing to take furry babies in our homes, loving, caring, playing, training, meeting adopters, crying when a dog we have been working with for awhile comes out of his shell and gets adopted by a wonderful family, because we will miss them and we are happy for them at the same time.
We will continue to feel overwhelmed at times, worried about our sick ones, worried that we will always have the finances to keep on giving them the best food and care that they need, and blessed that we had the chance of to have these wonderful pets in our lives and that they decided to give us their trust. We feel very blessed that we have found homes for over 500 dogs so far and we will continue to find homes for more.
I was rescued from a the Popcorn Park Animal Shelter last year on October 12th. So, I will be celebrating a special day – the day I found my fur-ever home!
Momma is doing lots of special things for me – special walks, special food, the works. She is also spending time with a local family who is having some behavior problems with their dogs so that the dogs don’t end up in a shelter somewhere!
Plus, she always sends Reiki to all the special pups at Popcorn Park – after all, that’s how we became best furiends!
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Kathryn on a portrait of Mokie and Monte; and can’t say enough good things about her. She is a pleasure to work with and does amazing work.
Good luck to all entering dogsters, and thanks to Kathryn for offering another great contest.
for a few yrs i have been trying to get my trixiemae marshmallow ears drawn.
it is one thing or another that prevents me.
I have also been told doing a white mini poodle is boring.
well how dare they tell me that.
mylittle beauty is everything to me and she is gorgeous not Boring.
hopefully you will consider her for the contest .
such beauty should not ever be called boring should it.
love your work
Audrey W
I adopted Miles from the Humane Society, and it was the best thing I’ve ever done. I worked at the shelter at the time and have an on going relationship with the organization. Miles and I work together to promote shelter pets every day. As a St. Bernard, he attracts tons of attention, and we make it known that he is a former shelter resident wherever we go. He is the current Mid-Missouri Pet Idol, and for his first television appearance, we worked to educate the public on spaying and neutering. Miles comes to work with me and helps put nervous college students at ease. The head of my house is the one with a tail, so we have dog parties all the time where fellow shelter pals come over to be spoiled as much as possible. IT’S A LIFESTYLE!
my name is puppie the wing maker. i lived to be 19 yrs young. but one day i was called to the bridge to help out with things.
mom was so heart broken.someone made wings for me and it healed moms broken heart-well at least helped begin that process.so mom learned how to make wings and me and her have made so so many over the past few yrs.
I would love to be considered for your portrait.. mom has only 6 pictures of me sure would be amazing to have a portrait to honor all my life and all i have done since my passing.
hugs
Puppie the wing maker
i’m a lil girl in case you wondered
My Dogster boy Walker (dachshund) passed away this morning. He was recently diagnosed with an enlarged heart and put on heart medication. Even before then, we knew he had a big heart. There was never a dog more loving and happy to be with humans or dogs. Always a perfect gentleman, Walker was a beautiful soul. I can’t think of a better tribute to a tender and loving boy than a portrait. He will be in our hearts forever. He would have been 10 in November. Thank you for your consideration of my lovely boy. Kim
As much as I would LOVE to have another dog, my house is full with two dogs, two cats, and our first baby on the way. Now that it’s Adopt A Dog Month, I wanted to do something for the animal shelter that services our area, the Mesabi Humane Society.
It would be hard for me to volunteer, as it is an hour away, so I went and bought some items on their wish list: cat food, cat toys, cat treats, raw hide bones, Milk Bones, and dog toys. I also made a dozen patchwork “Snuggles” for the cats there, so they may all have something soft to sleep on! The lady who took my donation was just shocked that I was bringing all that in, and that I didn’t want a tax deduction for it. I just told her to keep good care of those babies!
This week I sent in my registration and donation to become a member of the human society, and reaffirmed with my husband that we will ALWAYS adopt/rescue our pets. I try to spread the word of adoption and rescue as much as possible through email and Facebook, and any other way I can!Three of our animals have come from that shelter, and they have brought more joy than one can imagine into our home!
This Saturday Binx and I are volunteering for an event here in Orlando called Pet Palooza. It benefits a local animal shelter here. I am very excited about this because I am disabled and Binx is my service dog and this is our first time doing anything like this! So please enter me in the contest, we will be working very hard this weekend. Thank you. Binx and Susan
I have been active in animal care and rescue for almost a decade. I currently volunteer in the recovery room of a low-cost spay/neuter clinic. Plus i am a volunteer and the webmaster for an exotic animal rescue.
I am celebrating Adopt-A-Dog Month with my new rescue. Tyke is a 16 year old Chinese Crested Powderpuff dog. He was recently surrendered to rescue for the second time. He is the sweetest little dog and is now living happily with my 3 senior Chinese Crested hairless dogs. I was purposely looking for a senior dog to adopt, as they are much more difficult to place. Although I never dreamed I would find a 16 year old dog in rescue, I feel blessed to have found Tyke – for whatever time we have together.
Adopt-a-Dog month has already been busy for me. My mom and I recently rescued seven puppies from the side of a dirt road. I have been fostering three and she has been fostering three and she kept one. At the very beginning of the month the little pup named Connor got adopted to a very happy couple. Last week the fluffy clown, Charm got adopted and is living with a wonderful couple and their beautiful pups. Just a couple of days ago the big ‘fraidy cat Cooper found his forever home with some nice little girls to play with.
We still have Chance, Charlie, and Carley to find homes for and hopefully this month will be good for them as well. We are planning on taking them to Petco with other adoptable dogs from local humane societies and shelters. They will also be attending our local nursing home’s Fall Festival and wearing their halloween costumes.
Generally speaking, we’ll be doing what we do every month. If we meet anyone who is interested in a pet, we will recommend an adoptable pet we know and tell them about websites where they can see even more adoptable pets.
Huskies Lily, rescue from San Diego area and Skye, from Husky Camp, are furever in our home, along with Maddie the Beagle rescued from a not-so-caring neighbor, and Bear the Terrier rescued when tossed out in the neighborhood to fend for himself. My former 3 dogs, Nikki, Reggie and Tina were all rescued from various at deaths-door scenarios. We give food or blankets regularly to local no-kill shelters. The goal this month is go a step further for a special no-kil shelter.
My dog is Buck. i got him when he was a little puppy. I absolutely love him!!! he’s got such a great personality haha. I’m celebrating adopt-a-dog month with him. I think he’s a golden retriever mix. He loves spending his days chewing on squeaky toys and hanging out with my other dogs.
He’s the best dog EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!! well, to me he is. I know he isn’t a service dog, or a hero, but I love him no matter what!!
For the past two-and-a-half years I have volunteered at a local no-kill shelter (Save the Animals Foundation) with the dogs. I also make and sell handmade purses and pet accessories at the shelter open houses and other fundraisers. On October 10th Seamus and I will participate in our shelter’s first Annual Pawty in the Park – a walk to benefit Save the Animals Foundation.
Dear Bo,
For Adopt a Dog Month we did a Pampered Chef Fundraiser for a Dog Rescue organization called, “Stickney’s Toy Breed Rescue & Retirement Sanctuary” out of Courtland, NE. (www.maryshouse.petfinder.com) We (mom & I) raised about $45.00 – which will almost pay for a spay or neuter for one of Mary’s rescued pooches. Mary Stickney rescues dogs from puppy mills & kill shelters.
We are also voting for Stickney’s daily on The Animal Rescue Site’s Shelter challenge & she is # 12 in the nation and #1 in Nebraska! Every week we send out reminder letters to vote EVERYDAY for Stickney’s. Trust me, I am hounding people! Oh, and readers, if you are not voting for a favorite shelter or rescue, please vote for Stickney’s in NE, everyday! Pass it on!
The final “leg” of our three pronged approach is that we have been saving & collecting aluminum cans. Tomorrow is the big day when we turn them in for money to send to Mary. I’m driving! Oh… maybe not.
We are NOT going to be able to adopt another dog as we have nine dogs total: 3 rescues, 3 shelter dogs and 3 found dogs. We won’t go into the cats & rabbits stuff here…it takes on zoo-like qualities.
So, that’s what we are up to! We’re always looking for ways to raise money for Mary or the local shelter. We have to help our less fortunate furry friends.
Basset Love, Schnooks
This is amazing! I have painted pictures of my dogs! I am also an artist, I love art! I also love art with dogs!
I volunteer at our local shelter, doing our Petfinder page and being the volunteer coordinator. I’m currently fostering a dog from the shelter that was going to be euthanized because of kennel cough. We’re hoping to find him a home and would LOVE for it to be during adopt-a-dog month!
I’m also pitching an idea to write a children’s book about our shelter’s resident dog. The book would be used in our community outreach to teach kids about the shelter, about adoption and proper pet care. If it gets finished and goes over well, we may even try to get it published and have the proceeds donated to the shelter.
After adopting two dogs from a shelter, I can certainly say that adopting has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in my life. However, I feel that rescuing a dog (or any animal) is important and inspiring enough to move us to celebrate the action beyond the month of October and follow us throughout the year. I am in school right now to be a professional dog trainer and my focus is on rehabilitating shelter dogs. I would like not only to help deserving pups find their forever homes by volunteering with them, but I would also like to teach obedience classes and courses on responsible dog ownership to prevent more dogs from ending up in shelters.
I am going to go out in the community where there are people that are ill and find it difficult to play with their dog anymore. I am going to bring each some treats and a dog toy that is approiate for the dog to play with. I am going to offer each dog a bath, and just a play day. I have an uncle with myasthenia gravis, and he finds it hard to go to the store and buy new toys for his dog and treats. He likes rubber squeaky toys that can be thrown and fetched. Another uncle is dying with cancer, I am determined to bathe his dog, give her a soft toy as she enjoys cuddle time and maybe I can arrange for his dog to be next to him in bed for a while, he adores that dog, he just needs someone there for support that can remove the dog if he gets tired. It is so sad when things get really tuff, and the good times with your animals are sorta put on the back burner. Dogs are great therapy for depression. I know a lady that would love to walk her dog, but she feels that she may not have enough stregnth to hold the leash and feels as if her precious dog got away, she certainly couldn’t run to get him. I will walk her dog and if she gets some confidence with a few daily walkings, I will just be there, just-in-case she lets the leash go. People do love their animals and when they are ill, may spend more time with them, than anyone else. This will be a celebration for the love they have for their dogs. These dogs a lot of times are their family. They have had the loyalty the dog has given them for years and it hurts them that they can no longer treat their dog like they used to. I am going to find alternate ways to get the dogs active in their lives again. I really think this will lift their spirits and lift some depression that these people must be feeling.
I have 5 dogs, 3 of which I have rescued. Faolan was at the human society for a long time due to her anxiety and submissive urination, Thor was feral for over 4 months at a dump and Dharma was found as a puppy under an abandoned house. Each had their issues but are all wonderful now and could not imagine life without them. This month I have just applied and been accepted as a volunteer / foster home for a Chihuahua rescue organization. Plus I always drop of food at the rescue where we got Thor.
Each month we donate to a group picked by fellow dogster in the group Doggie Do Gooders. We always feel good afterwords!
This is a month with our favorite event called Chiesta! It is an event that the proceeds go to Chihuahua Rescue and Transport! We are a vendor there and we just love the event! They have donation buckets, raffle tables galore and all sorts of adorable dogs!!
It’s a lot of fun and we are always happy to donate goods for their raffle as well as buy tickets!!
I would be so honored to receive a portrait of my angel Luke Skywalker. I lost my Luke almost two years ago, he was five years old . He was an inspiration to anyone who met him. At 5 monthes old we discovered he had a genetic disorder causing his legs to turn out, he was a small Boston Terrier, but let me tell you I went to 11 vets to get opinions they tried everything but surgery, I am disabled and didn’t have the money for surgery. Luke had casts put on his little legs and he loved to go in the kitchen on the tile and click his casts , we called him “Little Pony.”
Luke loved to go to the beach, for when he was there, he could run and not hurt. Plus he loved the water. Hence we had a swimming pool, which I filled for him each time he used it with warm water for his legs.
I miss him so much, still , I know it has been two years , but he was with me and went thru a lot of bad health times for me and never left my side.I am a Boston Terrier lover, absolutely love the breed, although we recently added a pug who is soo sweet. anyway, I probably have not won anything by this comment but at least you all know how great my little guy was, and he can be seen on dogster any time. there are so many many wonderful dogs and their stories out there. Thank you for taking the time to listen about my precious Angel Inks’ Little Luke Skywalker, if you missed meeting him , well you missed a blessing. God Bless all the dog owners for their love of dogs..Debbie and Luke
Adopt A Dog for the month of October is a really wonderful way for pups to get noticed, but I believe every day should be adopt a dog or cat day. We’re proud supporters of the animal shelter and volunteer on Saturday mornings. We have a rather large canine family and all have been from the shelter, rescue, or from a family that could no longer keep them. I normally don’t enter contests but we recently lost Tara (in 2007 but still very recent in my mind and my heart) and this is a prize I would absolutely love to have done of her. This is a wonderful contest and very generous of Kathryn to donate her time and talent.
My little mini schnauzer Gryffin did not come from a hard knock life like a shelter dog, but he may have if I hadn’t adopted him. Gryff was born with one leg a whole two inches shorter than the other… (sort of like club foot in human babies). Operation to repair was not recommended by my vet and he gets around like there is nothing different about him. When I met with the breeder to look at all of her pups, she mentioned his deformity like I should’nt evey bother looking at him, but going on the sage advice that you should always “pick the dog that picks you” I knew I would consider him… Gryff immediately walked up to me and showed intense interest in me while the other pups played with each other and stayed by my side just watching me and wagging his tiny tail. I would not have taken a “perfect” puppy home after he introduced himself to me for a million bucks. I literally thank God every day for sending our little doggie soulmate my way. He has the most beautiful loving, and companionable personality of any dog I have ever met. He is very smart and loves to learn new tricks and picks up on them amazingly quickly. Because of his gentle and friendly personity, I am training him to get his “good citizenship” award so that we can go to hospitals and work with children with limb deformities or amputees so that they can see how well HE gets around with one leg 2 inches shorter than the others… and encourage them to not give up because if he can do it, they should try too! I can’t imagine anything more rewarding. We will keep posted on his progress. I know that Gryff is here for a reason and not just to make my life fuller, but as many people as he comes into contact with!
Best I can do is a poem about my adoption of
Smilin Penny
Here they come again
pulling me out of my pen.
Ive been here many a night
I’m just too tired to fight
They are looking at me
passing me around for all to see
I try not to get my hopes up
I’m bigger than a tea cup
They always say I’m too big
and toss me back in the breeding rig.
Ignoring them is how I cope
But I can’t help but hope
One day the visitor will pick me
and a whole new world I will see
I’m so sad sometimes I scream
But still I can dream
Soon I feel a strangers hand
grabbing me where I stand
OOO what a gentle touch
These hands don’t feel rough
She’s placed me on her arm
I’m filling with alarm
Gently she pats my ear
pulling me softly near
She’s carring me out the door
This is too scary to ignore
I shiver and shake
My whole body seems to quake
She’s putting me in her truck
is this good or bad luck
Softly she speaks to me
I’m so scared I pee
Wait she isn’t yelling
soon I start sniffing and smelling
round the old truck seat
I don’t think I’ll be beat.
Wait! we are stopping
My heat is throb throb throbing
She’s grabbing me
holding me out for all to see.
I’m being sniffed and licked
I’m getting a bit ticked
But wait
these 3 dogs seem great
I’m starting to feel
this ladys love is real
She will feed and care for me
Gently pet and love me.
I start to shiver and shake
a deep breath I take
I pull my lips back not full of fears
and a pretty little smile appears
The lady is happy
The other pups yappy
and I recieved a name
Smilin Penny and here I will reign!
ooooops sorry I goofed the link up.
I am a very special Japanese Chin. Although we are very photogenic and would make a great painting Chins are not seen on various Pet products as are other breeds. I am special because I am sable and white. Most Chins are black and white, and I have Kewpie Doll eyes and look like Kewpies Dog; I roll my big eyes from side to side. I can dance on my hind legs. One more trait I have is that I have never once barked although the Vet says that I can. Japanese Chins were once royalty dogs and the white spot in the front of our foreheads is called the “thumb print of Budda.
Hi! I am one of Mom’s rescue dogs. I was going to be euthanized because my previous owner had beaten me and I was very timid. Mom saved me!
Ever since Mom (&Dad) adopted me, she has held collections for the South Bend Animal Care & Control where I was adopted. For over 5 years, mom had collected toys, food, blankets, money and toys for other dogs in need. This October, we are taking a car full of donations to the shelter.
God Bless all who help shelter animals!
Thanks for listening1
-Trinity
Miya, Zoe and I are going on a run/walk for the local Humane society. You pay a fee to register and all of the money goes to help the animals at the facility. I am so excited, I already have 2 dogs, but I have found a way that I can help those in the shelter and give myself and my dogs excercise all at the same time!
I have two “rescued” dogs.
First I have Buddy.
He was a stray. He was all alone outside constantly. His “owner” beat him and cut his tail half way off when he was about 2. I saw him walking on the side of the road scrawny and with worms with some sicknesses.
We brought him to the vet. I love my Buddy.
Then I have Rascal
How I got Rascal:
There was a breeder walking around a fleamarket. She told me she was going to be put down. I don’t know if that’s true but, I may have saved her. I love her and hope she lives a long time. ♥♥♥
hi bo me and mommy are going to go through all my toys i don,t play with anymore and take theam to are shelter here in mcminnville and give them to the doggies that don,t have a forever home or a toy to play with it will make me fill pawsome to give toys i don,t play with and give them to dogs that need them more then i do love nicolas
Very beautiful work and great details. I have always wanted to be able to even draw animals. The only drawing or painting I can do is flowers buildings and land scapes but would never be able to do such detailed work like this. Excelant work and the colors and markings are very true for each breed.
Lori and Adam Chewbacca
Hi, my name is Kinsey and tomorrow (10/10) will be my 4th adoption anniversary with my mom. She rescued me from a rescue group that had gotten me from a very bad situation. She even had to fight to get me because I had been promised to another family. I have very long hair (Pekingese) & when she got me I didn’t have any. It was so bad I had to be completely shaved but Mom loved me anyway. She didn’t know how beautiful I was going to be when my hair came back. Mom loves to help any dog (or kitty) in need. Right now she is trying to help a friend to get a pittie to Best Friends in Utah because if they don’t, she will be put down later this month. And she is a good dog but didn’t have a very good owner. She also helped to clean up my cousin, Izzy, a Lhasa Apso that was so tangled up she could barely move around. If Mom could, she’d have her own rescue & that is what she would be doing with her life if it were financially possible. Mom would so love a portrait to remember me always because she doesn’t know how long I will be with her since I was a little older when she got me & I was sick a little while ago & it scared Mom. She took me right in & got me fixed up & got the meds I needed & I’m feeling a lot better. I just wish every dog & kitty could find such a wonderful furever home!
Love, Kinsey
My name is Sherri. I have to admit I do not own a rescue dog but I do own a small kennel of rare breed dogs and I am very involved in promoting what it means to be a responsible dog breeder, dog owner, and dog caretaker and not just with my kennel but in the community as well.
I am involved with two different programs. One is the local spay/neuter program, which helps people who are low income spay and neuter their cats and dogs as well as feral animals. Since I am disabled and cannot write any longer, I do not fill out the paper work but have the wonderful job of speaking with the people as they wait to be seen by the other volunteers. I hand out the applications and keep everyone from getting bored. What better time than to talk about responsible dog ownership and care taking. You would be surprised the questions people have no one ever answered for them before, some of them are so simple. I often bring my service dog in with me and educate people on what is expected on the dos and don’ts when they approach some one with a service dog.
The second place I volunteer is very new they are hoping to open a no kill shelter in my area and hold local adoptions once a month and fundraisers just as often. We hope to have a building to house the shelter in the next year or so.
During the Spring my service dog and I will be going back to school where we will be visiting the second and third grades. I have had so much trouble with people not understand not to touch her in stores; I decided to fight this ignorance by educating the public stating with the children.
I am adopting a new dog this month. I pick her up tomorrow on October the 10th. Two days after my birthday. What a birthday present! She is a sable and white rough collie that spent the first year of her life chained in the back yard. Never had a bath, never played with toys, slept every night in the dirt, no one ever spoke to her and she did good to get fed everyday. She developed heart worms and was surrendered by her owner. Maddie made the long trip from the Arkansas animal shelter to Texas and tomorrow will be making a four hour car drive from her foster home to my home. She is heart worm negative and her coat that had to be shaved from all the mats is now growing back. She will be joining me and my other rescue dog Westie. No more long days alone chained to a tree, no more loneliness not understanding what she did wrong. Our goal as a pair is to become obedience trained and then I will be speaking to local nursing homes and the hospital about implementing a therapy dog program and maybe her and I will make a trail where there isn’t one.
Early this month I met a very special pooch through my job at the animal clinic. Her name was “Beauty”, even though she was anything but. She had been aquired by our client who was a counselor (of some sorts) for the original owner. She was dropped off to us with a bullet hole in her neck for a spay and vaccines by our client. She was petrified and shy but let us do whatever we needed to her with no protest, frozen in fear. Through a comedy of errors she ended up staying three nights with us and I fell head over heels in love with her. The day after her surgery (and with the help of dozens of convincing cookies and maybe a french fry or two) it was like a new dog emerged and I decided to allow be one of the priviledged few animals to be able to free roam the clinic with me. Always with a wagging tail and a big smile on her face, she literally never left my side. (And frequently got tangled up in my feet.) I was happy when her new owner came to pick her up but was shockingly surprised at Beauty’s response. As I opened the door to hand her over to her new owner she took one glance at her and then tried with all of her might to pull me back to the kennel room. I bent down and she ran into my arms and laid her head on my shoulder. I told her it would be okay and that she had a new home that would love her and take care of her. Reluctantly I helped the new owner get her in my car as this scruffy little dog looked at me wide eyed begging me to let her stay with me. I shut the door to the car – and that was that. Or at least, it was supposed to be. The results of her heartworm test the next day came back positive. I thought to myself, “How lucky this girl is to have such a great home! If a heartworm positive dog ever needed a home – this is the home to find!” Boy, was I ever wrong. It quickly came to my attention that euthanasia was the only option the new owner wanted to consider. My heart sank into my stomach and for the two days proceeding I compiled tons of research on low-cost clinics and desperately tried to find a home for such a placeable dog. (I even offered my 40% employee discount plus paying 50% of the cost after that of treatment to the new prospective owners.) I knew there had to be a home out there for such an incredibly loving placeable dog – and tried to figure out some way to take her myself all the while knewing I could not. All of the prospective owners fell through – but I had mounds of research and other options for the owner. I came back from lunch one afternoon to see a paid euthanasia form sitting on the counter with her name on it and her sitting in a run wagging at me. That afternoon she was on the table with me bawling at her side and my boss looked at me and told me to put her back up, just incase she called to change her mind. I thought to myself that I had certain victory and he would call her and say that we would not do this to such a placeable dog. However, the next morning, the dog nobody wanted was taking out of her run, tail wagging, and taken back up front again. I stayed in the kennel and cried, not wanting to say a final goodbye. A second thought passed though and I found my way to her side dropping tears on her gorgeous black fur hugging her and and getting the privledge to have the last soft kisses that that sweet girl would ever give. My co-workers couldn’t understand for the life of them why I would “put myself through so much pain” to see her go – but I was quick to explain to them that it wasn’t about me. For two years, nobody bothered to love this dog, but in a weeks time span had me smitten and head over heels with her. She deserved to have somebody there who loved her in her last day. Her collar remains a staple item in my purse and hardly an hour goes by when I don’t go digging though it and smile thinking of her tripping me up and her wagging smile. I may have failed to save her, but the information I gathered while trying to save her I have no doubt will soon enough save another precious life. Rest in peace, my silly Beauty.
My puppy Kai is everything to me. I’ve always had a thing for shelter dogs, especially rescue German Shepherds, so when the perfect female German Shepherd mix puppy showed up at the shelter on my birthday, I knew that there wouldn’t be another dog in the WORLD like her. For the October Adopt-a-dog month, I took exclusive photos of shelter dogs at the BVHS(My local shelter), and posted giant posters and “Won’t you adopt me?” letters all throughout my school. I left several papers on each poster with the address of the BVHS and the name, breed, age, and gender of the dog. All most all of the dogs I posted were adopted from people and their families from my school. I’m still doing that today, and almost 14 dogs have been adopted since the first of October. Plus, I’m writing essays and making small “shows” with my puppy Kai to promote positive dog training, teaching tricks and manners, and investing in dog sports like Agility and Fly Ball. Kai means the world to me, there is no other dog that exists, existed, or that will exist that will ever be like her. She has taught me so much in the short time together, and has made a major improvement in my life, and she has made me what I am today. Though Kai may be young, she has made a difference in this world already, and proves to everyone that Age, Species, Gender, or size doesn’t matter, that when you think what your doing is right, you most often are.
~~*Harper & Kai*~~
For the past 3 years I have volenteered at the local animal shelter. This year we have been gitting lots of dogs at the shelter because people can’t afford them anymore. This young boy he was only 8 years old and his mom came up to me last year with there dog named Jerry. The mom Told me that they where moveing and coulden’t afford there dog any more. By this time the little boy was watery eyed and I knew he was going to start crying and I felt a sad feeling I hade never felt before that made me want to cry. than the mom sayed can you please find Jerry a great home he meenes alot to us. And I sayed of course then the boy was crying in to the shoulder of his dog Jerry and then I knew how spechel this dog was to that boy. So I was determaned to give jerry a great loving home. well 3 monthes went by and no one hade tryed to adoupt Jerry. Jerry was gitting Depressed he woulden’t eat and he dident greet people when they came to him. Jerry was a very sweet dog and wouldn’t hert a fly so this behavor was very strange. one day I was looking at Jerry and I knew he needed a home fast so I called up my mom and asked if we could get this dog. My mom came down to look at Jerry and feel in love with him. so we adoupted Jerry and he now lives with us and is no more depressed. Later on We adouped Addy our other dog too. I still to this day work at the shelter and help dog find there f & f’s there Forever Familys
This month is the 11th anniversary of saving “Troll” a little black and white Shih tzu, that came into the Veterinary Clinic where I worked, to be put to sleep at 11 months of age for biting a child who had hurt him! I immediately volunteered to adopt him, as I live in a child free household. Troll, has been a mircale dog in my family. The day Troll came in, and I adopted him, ended up being the last day I would work. I had been ill, and was finially declared totally disabled. Troll was a funny, but bad tempered if told ‘no’ little dog. Kissy galore… just wanted his way. I had grown up in a very dysfunctional family… my relationship with my Dad, almost non-existant. Later that year, my Dad came to see me, and help me adapt to life being disabled. He fell in love with “Troll”…….and as I had 5 other dogs, he adopted him and took him back to his home in Kamloops to live with him and my Brother. For the next 9 years, Troll became the bond that kept us communicating on the phone many times a week, stories of his sometimes outrageous behaviors, were exchanged, and with that a sense of ‘family’ developed. My Dad Died two years ago, I inherited “Troll” back……and with him came my Brother.. a year older then me, but with problems of his own. Through “Troll” we were able to establish a close relationship, and now share a house, which Troll rules. Troll isn’t a mean dictator, he just doesn’t share toys, food, or like to be told what to do by mere people! He will do what you ask, but not what you order. He is funny and a comedian… both my Brother and I give Troll a voice….he talks back to both of us. His big beautiful, bug eyed, snorting face staring at us and growling/rumbling in time, as he dances back and forth on his front feet, telling us he wants something now ! He is a wonderful Uncle to the occasional Bichon Frises puppy, and tolerant of thier puppyness, while looking like he is going to gag any time! So October..is time to gather the fabrics I have been collecting all year long, sew them into dog beds, and donate them to the local SPCA. Troll and our other dogs, allow us to share the queens size beds with them, so they certainly don’t need them. Troll is my Brothers Best Friend in the World……. So he is donating a box of canned food and treats in Trolls name.. typical Male he thinks first of food.
I am a member of a local no kill shelter. I always save a few dollars every week to purchase either food, supplies or toys for the cats and dogs at the shelter. Instead of purchasing gifts for our family at Christmas I take a check to them to buy whatever they need the most. They do a fantastic job taking care of these babies and finding homes for them. I plan on donating monthly to foster one of the critters that cannot be adopted and needs medical care!
I will celebrate Adopt a Dog month by helping my human mom find me a playmate. Human mom is going to have me be the deciding factor on a dog to add to the family. I am so excited and hope to do my best at finding a dog compatible with my family. Not every dog is a good match due to my high energy and prey drive. We will take are time knowing that our newest family member is out there. He or she has no idea how their life is going to change for the better.
Update on our entry! Binx and I just got back from volunteering for the Pet Palooza. It was a festival type event to benefit a pet food pantry here in the Orlando area. It was about 100 degrees out and thankfully lots of water and shade! They liked us so much that they want us to help with other events they will be at. Binx did a great job by my side all day with everything that we did. He has truly turned into an amazing service dog for me! That is how we celebrated Adopt A Dog Month by volunteering for a pet food pantry.
Oh my, what beautiful work! If I don’t win I’d love to have a painting done of my furbabies. I lost Miracle to AIHA last August, lost Sheba to liver cancer this past March and now my precious boy Spike is fighting sarcoma. He turned 10 today so we are celebrating his barkday like no other.
I collect towels and blankets for my local shelter and make monetary donations. My Kota is kind of a rescue herself. I would dearly love to have her immortalized as JoJo was. Kota too, is a PSD and is invaluable to me. She is my life and without her I’d be dead. I would love to have Kathryn paint her!
Losing my service dog in training, Nari (who was a rescue) to antifreeze poisoning along with two of my other rescue dogs in one day was absolutely heart wrenching. Only those who own rescue dogs know how much they mean to us.
When I was walking around school with my new service dog in training, Ando, to get him familiarized with the territory, a teacher came up to me and asked where she could get a good dog. She listed what she wanted in a dog, I listened. And I didn’t even think of a breeder. Although Ando came from a breeder and I am very happy with him, I recommended the Humane Society right off the bat to the teacher. I told her that they had wonderful dogs there… rescues, who needed homes. I remembered my Joey, Jake, and Nari, and missed them, but remembered how much joy they had brought to my life and how much they had changed me.
So, for October Adopt-a-Dog month, I will be recommending the Humane Society to everyone I know and continue to not promote puppy mills. Ando, of course, will help- along with Joey, Jake, and Nari in spirit.
I have taken over 300 dogs off the street and placed them in good homes over the past 10 years. For adopt a dog month my goal is to save and place at least 10 in one month!
Myself and my first ever pug puppy Rocky are going to donate all of his slightly used dog toys, and bed supplies to our local SPCA. As well we are going to support our local shelters in any initiatives that they undertake. We will also continue to spread the word through blogs and emails. For adop a dog month, we will continue to work hard and support others making a positive difference in our communities!!
xoxo
Chantel & Rocky
I have a wonderful little Maltese who is between 13 and 15 years old. I don’t really know. We adopted her after the death of her owner. She is a JOY. OLD Dogs are great. We took her down to a dog event in October and donated a lot of dog food, specially for large breed dogs. The little old dog was happy that she could give back to the BIG dogs. We had a great day, and will do that again.
Our Stella is a rescue dog that we adopted….back in June. We celebrate how lucky we are to have her every day.
Last week I sent emails with photos and updates on Stella to the rescue we adopted her from and the Dog Mama who fostered her down in Louisiana.
I wanted to take the time to thank them for the wonderful work that they do…..and that Stella has made such a difference in our lives…..
I just wanted them (and all folks who run foster homes/shelters) how very much they are appreciated by us lucky adoptive parents!!!!!
Woof! Woof! from Stella!!!!!!
“I like Mississippi.” After looking at dogs that were great, but not for me, I pointed to a dog whose kennelmate my then-boyfriend had liked. We looked at her info. She was the right age, knew some tricks – and we took her out on the lawn.
She pulled on the leash and we ran together, then she climbed in my lap and licked my face. She was my dog.
Miss was 18 months old when I adopted her in April of 2007. Her birthday is right in the middle of Adopt-a-Dog month, and I’m celebrating it the way I celebrate my girl: by encouraging my friends and acquaintances to look in shelters for those gems. I argue for those dogs who were abandoned for reasons their forever families can’t imagine. Sure, Miss isn’t perfect, but I’d never leave her like some other humans did. I let it be known that every dog takes work, and that work is worth it.
For two and a half years, Miss has brought me laughter, joy, love, and tennis balls. She has opened up a new world for me. I suspected I’d be a crazy dog person before I adopted her, but I had no idea. Two and a half years later, I’m a dog food snob. I like talking about training. I tell funny stories about dogs in the office. I offer suggestions to my friends about how better to live with dogs.
I’m celebrating Adopt-a-Dog Month with my birthday girl, who will be four years old. She may not have the most striking markings, but she is the best dog I could have hoped for, and I am constantly striving to be the best human she could have hoped for. We’ve been through a lot together, and we’ll go through a lot more. We’ll celebrate together, because we each gave each other a new chance at life – real, fulfilling life.
Growing up my mom adopted almost all of our dogs from a near-by shelter (8 out of the 10 dogs she had were adopted).
Being around all different types of breeds growing up, and being around mostly shelter dogs, not only did dogs become my second favorite animal (next to horses!) but I have always had a soft spot for shelter animals and animals that have a sad story (abuse, neglect, or simply dropped off because they were too old or were one of the few puppies who wasn’t sold).
My fiance and I bought our home in March of 2007, and I knew right away that I had to have a dog. He wanted to buy a purebred, but I couldn’t stop checking petfinder once a week. Even if I didn’t find a dog at a local shelter, I knew that we could rescue instead of buying (I refuse to buy a dog from a breeder or pet store!). On May 1, 2008 I adopted Sue from a local animal shelter. She was 4 1/2 months old. When I adopted her I donated an extra $30 to help them out.
Now that we’ve had her for over a year, I am on the look out for our second dog. Searching petfinder on an almost daily basis for months, I think that I have finally spoted the dog who’s picture “speaks” to me, and caught my eye, the same way that Sue’s did. So, to celebrate Adopt-A-Dog month this year, I am setting up a meet-&-greet with this dog at a dog park. I want to find out if her and Sue will get along, and how she reacts to my fiance and myself. Fingers crossed everything goes well and we will have our second dog, and a sister for Sue to play with.
I have also donated as much and whatever I could to the shelter that I have adopted Sue from. I use to have a cat, but she was hit by a car a few months ago. I knew that I could have either given all of the cat things to friends who had cats, or even sold it for a few extra dollars, but I cleaned everything up and donated it to the shelter. I gave them over $100 in cat things, but it made me feel good inside knowing that they could use everything that I gave them, and that they gained in my loss and I was able to help out. I have also given them Sue’s old things (old leashes, collars, etc), pieces of carpet that were left over from when we put down new carpet in our bedroom, as well as a large ferret cage that I had stored in the garage for a while (they could use it for kittens it’s so big). Anything that I find that I no longer need, I stop and think “could the shelter use this?” before I throw it out or give it away.
Recently I found out about the petfinder shelter challenge, and I made sure to tell all of my friends that they should do something good when they are online everyday and vote for the shelter or rescue of their choice. Most of us get online at least once a day, we might as well do something to help the animals out! Besides, it only takes a few seconds of our time …..
Mom forgot to list my website! I have to keep on top of her all of the time …..
Lucy is a 5 month old Goldendoodle. In July we had to put down our schnauzer Chloe. She gave us 15 years of unconditional love. We vowed no more dogs because the loss was so great.
Well, one month later I fell in love with Lucy’s picture on the internet and just had to have her. She has been my savior. I lost my mom 3 years ago. The same time my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. My dad is now in a care home, where they let me bring Lucy anytime to visit my dad. All the residence love her and she has the best dispostion. Not only has she lifted my spirits, she has lifted the spirits of all the other residence. They thank me each time for bringing her and tell me to hurry back.
My plan is to have her certified as a Therapy Dog once she is old enough, and she is well on her way with her love of people, animals, and children.
We will be celebrating by bringing crates, collars, leashes and dog food to a no kill shelter.
Every month for me seems to be Adopt-A-Dog Month. :] But in particular I plan on educating school children on the proper care of pets, and as always, advocating the adoption of dogs!
My rescued dog (though I have four other rescues), Macie, was adopted after she was seized from her owner for abuse and starvation. My local shelter was shutting down and everyone there was scheduled for euthanasia, but I had save my Macie. I even convinced several people to get there and adopt! :] But when I first saw Macie you could see the extensive scars and EVERY rib on her body. It was sickening. She was so frightened. She only weighed 15lbs, now she is up to 50lbs. She has become the most amazing girl on the planet. I can never say enough good about her. (The whole point of diverging from the education of people on adoption was to add my dog in there and explain the following… haha.)
Macie is ready to pass her Canine Good Citizens test and within this month will be spending all her time with me in order to educate everyone about the plight of shelter dogs. This whole wonderful month I plan on getting out there and sharing with the world a dog who truly is an animal advocate! We will also be setting up a donation jar up at work and a food drive box at our wonderful local grocery store! Macie ALWAYS personally delivers food, toys(though she’d love to keep them herself), and money.
The Cowdogs and I are going to celebrate Adopt-a-Dog Month by fostering Dakota, a 12 week old Blue Heeler puppy. Dakota was shot 3 times with a buckshot and then dumped at a shelter in North Carolina. One of the pellets lodged in his spine so one of his back legs is not working properly.
What amazes me about dogs is their forgiveness. You would think Dakota would have some bitterness toward humans because of this tragedy but he is a very happy, silly, wiggly and outgoing pup that wears a smile 24/7. He will fit right in here with the five rescued cowdogs, where they will be able to “show him the ropes”. Together we hope to find him the perfect forever home!
I have never contributed to the pet overpopulation problem. Most of the dogs I have owned have all been rescues. I have made a pact with myself to never support a pet store or BYB. I will do the research to find a legitimate breeder if I ever plan to get a puppy or dog that isn’t a rescue. I am also posting and sending on the following essay at every chance. (I always send this back to anyone who has sent me a chain email, everyone in the chain gets a copy) I am hoping if the right person see’s it, a life will be saved.
How Could You?
By Jim Willis 2001
When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was “bad”, you’d shake your finger at me and ask “How could you?” -but then you’d relent, and roll me over for a belly rub. My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be anymore perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because “ice cream is bad for dogs,” you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.
Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your home comings, and when you fell in love. She, now your wife, is not a “dog person”-still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy.
Then the human babies came along and I shared you excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a “prisoner of love.” As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves upon wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch-because your touch was now so infrequent-and I would have defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.
There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered “yes” and changed the subject. I had gone from being “your dog” to “just a dog,” and you resented every expenditure on my behalf. Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You’ve made the right decision for your “family,” but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said “I know you will find a good home for her”. They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with “papers.” You had to pry your son’s fingers loose from my collar as he screamed “No, Daddy! Please don’t let them take my dog!” And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.
After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked….”How could you?”
They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you-that you had changed your mind-that this was all a bad dream … or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared,….. anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.
I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured “How could you?” Perhaps because she understood my dog speak, she said “I’m so sorry.” She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn’t be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself-a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place.
And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my “How could you?” was not directed at her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty. The End
A note from the author: If “How Could You?” brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions of formerly owned pets who die each year in American and Canadian animal shelters. Anyone is welcome to distribute the essay for a noncommercial purpose, as long as it is properly attributed with the copyright notice. Please use it to help educate, on your websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office bulletin boards. Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice, and that all life is precious. Please do your part to stop the killing, and encourage adoption.
Bo,
Who did you select for this?
Hello, Bo…are you there?