PAALS (Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services) and the Heartworm Project are once again teaming up for the third annual dog walk & reunion. This event will held Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, SC.This year the dog walk has expanded; and the decision was made that a big name was needed to match the big fun!! POOCHAPALOOZA was the perfect fit! The day consists of a one mile dog walk styled poker run with the chance to win fabulous prizes; where a dog and his human walk a preset course stopping at each of the five sponsor checkpoints to receive a playing card. The best poker paw wins! There will also be an auction & dog show starring your pooch with lunch and goodie bag included. Families are welcome, and if you prefer not to bring your own pooch, you can Rent-a-Rescue Rover at the park for a nominal donation! The goal of PAALS and The Heartworm Project for hosting these events is to educate and enlighten the community on both a local and state level about their missions, goals and the unique services provided; as well as communicate the variety needs these nonprofits face and can fulfill. The various costs incurred to raise, train, house, transport and lend service dogs for adults and children with physical disabilities and special needs are as vast as are the costs of saving strays that have treatable medical conditions from being euthanized. “We’re so excited and grateful to be partnering this year with another worthy cause, The Heartworm Project. Both of our groups provide invaluable services in our community and are able to join forces with the help of our sponsors and our volunteers. The word really needs to get out about the differences our loving service dogs have made in the lives of the disabled, as well as the number of pets that have been saved by The Heartworm Project,” said Jen Rogers, Founder and Executive Director of PAALS.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Poochapalooza Nov.7
Ah, here's a nearby event! And if you don't HAVE a dog, you can rent one! (What a cool idea) I'm up for it, now, if my 'dog van' will just make it to Columbia ....
PAALS (Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services) and the Heartworm Project are once again teaming up for the third annual dog walk & reunion. This event will held Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, SC.This year the dog walk has expanded; and the decision was made that a big name was needed to match the big fun!! POOCHAPALOOZA was the perfect fit! The day consists of a one mile dog walk styled poker run with the chance to win fabulous prizes; where a dog and his human walk a preset course stopping at each of the five sponsor checkpoints to receive a playing card. The best poker paw wins! There will also be an auction & dog show starring your pooch with lunch and goodie bag included. Families are welcome, and if you prefer not to bring your own pooch, you can Rent-a-Rescue Rover at the park for a nominal donation! The goal of PAALS and The Heartworm Project for hosting these events is to educate and enlighten the community on both a local and state level about their missions, goals and the unique services provided; as well as communicate the variety needs these nonprofits face and can fulfill. The various costs incurred to raise, train, house, transport and lend service dogs for adults and children with physical disabilities and special needs are as vast as are the costs of saving strays that have treatable medical conditions from being euthanized. “We’re so excited and grateful to be partnering this year with another worthy cause, The Heartworm Project. Both of our groups provide invaluable services in our community and are able to join forces with the help of our sponsors and our volunteers. The word really needs to get out about the differences our loving service dogs have made in the lives of the disabled, as well as the number of pets that have been saved by The Heartworm Project,” said Jen Rogers, Founder and Executive Director of PAALS.
PAALS (Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services) and the Heartworm Project are once again teaming up for the third annual dog walk & reunion. This event will held Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, SC.This year the dog walk has expanded; and the decision was made that a big name was needed to match the big fun!! POOCHAPALOOZA was the perfect fit! The day consists of a one mile dog walk styled poker run with the chance to win fabulous prizes; where a dog and his human walk a preset course stopping at each of the five sponsor checkpoints to receive a playing card. The best poker paw wins! There will also be an auction & dog show starring your pooch with lunch and goodie bag included. Families are welcome, and if you prefer not to bring your own pooch, you can Rent-a-Rescue Rover at the park for a nominal donation! The goal of PAALS and The Heartworm Project for hosting these events is to educate and enlighten the community on both a local and state level about their missions, goals and the unique services provided; as well as communicate the variety needs these nonprofits face and can fulfill. The various costs incurred to raise, train, house, transport and lend service dogs for adults and children with physical disabilities and special needs are as vast as are the costs of saving strays that have treatable medical conditions from being euthanized. “We’re so excited and grateful to be partnering this year with another worthy cause, The Heartworm Project. Both of our groups provide invaluable services in our community and are able to join forces with the help of our sponsors and our volunteers. The word really needs to get out about the differences our loving service dogs have made in the lives of the disabled, as well as the number of pets that have been saved by The Heartworm Project,” said Jen Rogers, Founder and Executive Director of PAALS.
No Westmuttster this year :-(
In case you hadn't heard ... (and I hadn't. til I went by the SPCA
today and then saw it on Facebook...) No Westmuttster this year.
Bummer. DB,Banshee,Snoopy,Ginger and I were looking forward to it! And it's such great PR for the SPCA. Oh,well.
From the Aiken Standard .
SPCA nixes 2009 Westmuttster show
And no Halloween carnival at Odell Weeks, either .....
There is a Halloween costume contest on Newberry st tomorrow at 530 PM (sponsored by PetSmart I think), but I dont dress my girls up in costumes (a bow or bandana, perhaps, but that's it). I just like to give them the chance to socialize with other dogs (and people) .... and we sure are lacking in events around here. Well, maybe once the Aiken dog park opens Dec.12 (and there is supposed to be a grand opening) more will start happening!
today and then saw it on Facebook...) No Westmuttster this year.
Bummer. DB,Banshee,Snoopy,Ginger and I were looking forward to it! And it's such great PR for the SPCA. Oh,well.
From the Aiken Standard .
SPCA nixes 2009 Westmuttster show
And no Halloween carnival at Odell Weeks, either .....
There is a Halloween costume contest on Newberry st tomorrow at 530 PM (sponsored by PetSmart I think), but I dont dress my girls up in costumes (a bow or bandana, perhaps, but that's it). I just like to give them the chance to socialize with other dogs (and people) .... and we sure are lacking in events around here. Well, maybe once the Aiken dog park opens Dec.12 (and there is supposed to be a grand opening) more will start happening!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old)
Going around the Net today ....
A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old).
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.
He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?''The Six-year-old continued,''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
'Animals come into our lives as gifts from God, for companionship, to teach us, and to heal us. They deserve our very best efforts in caring for them'....Dr. Ihor Basko, DVM
A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old).
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.
He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?''The Six-year-old continued,''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
'Animals come into our lives as gifts from God, for companionship, to teach us, and to heal us. They deserve our very best efforts in caring for them'....Dr. Ihor Basko, DVM
Power to the Pet People!
Great news from Susan Thixton (see yesterday's blog post)....
"In less than 24 hours, four pet food companies [The Honest Kitchen Pet Food,Wysong Pet Foods,Nature’s Logic Pet Food,Mulligan Stew Pet Food] and one pet treat company [Complete Natural Nutrition] have agreed to participate in Pet Food Recall First Alert Program!
Unbelievable progress in less than one day! My thanks go out to all of you! Please keep sending your letters, telling your friends and family, and if you can write your newspaper and or TV stations please do. The more news about this the better!
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton Truth about Pet Food Petsumer Report
SpokesPerson for Pet Food Recall First Alert
"In less than 24 hours, four pet food companies [The Honest Kitchen Pet Food,Wysong Pet Foods,Nature’s Logic Pet Food,Mulligan Stew Pet Food] and one pet treat company [Complete Natural Nutrition] have agreed to participate in Pet Food Recall First Alert Program!
Unbelievable progress in less than one day! My thanks go out to all of you! Please keep sending your letters, telling your friends and family, and if you can write your newspaper and or TV stations please do. The more news about this the better!
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton Truth about Pet Food Petsumer Report
SpokesPerson for Pet Food Recall First Alert
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Silent Killer of Pets
"In 2007 melamine was the killer of countless dogs and cats across the U.S. and Canada. In 2009 there is a new killer of pets; silence..... There is a GAPING HOLE in the pet food withdrawal and recall system that everyone of authority seems to be ignoring; Notification of pet owners.... We can no longer wait for FDA reform; it might not ever happen. Silent recalls ARE making pets sick! .... Let’s take matters into our own hands and ask (ok, perhaps demand nicely) Pet Food Companies initiate a notification system for pet food withdrawals and silent recalls! ....Please take a few minutes, copy a letter and email it to your Pet Food Company. Click Here for the very simple instructions.Wishing you and your pet(s) the best…And, hoping you help us Stop Silent Pet Food Recalls."
Susan Thixton Truth about Pet Food Petsumer Report
Susan Thixton Truth about Pet Food Petsumer Report
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Tip: Preventing shock
Did you know ... you can prevent a dog (or person) from going into shock by firmly stroking their ears from base to tip. (Thanks to Cricket of The Pawsitive Dog for this tip!)
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Ginger and I go to the races
Ginger (my Irish setter) and I were invited to help out at the Aiken Junior SPCA 'paddock playground' at the Aiken Steeplechase today. (This was the18th Running of the Aiken Fall Steeplechase.) It was raining this morning, but cleared up around lunchtime. Ginger was a big hit with the hordes of children who came by the booth to have their faces painted ... she was supposed to also do some 'serious' pet therapy work by having the kids read to her, which she has done before at other events ... inside. The combination of lots of kids, other dogs, horses, and the smell of food and treats, well, Ginger wasnt particularly interested in laying down quietly. (Though the kids weren't interested in reading, either:-) But oh, she does love children, from babies to teens, and is so very gentle with them, licks babies faces, nuzzles little girls necks, play bows to little boys. We walked around the track several times, and she was a perfect lady, met several folks who told me their "Irish setter stories', everyone commented on how beautiful she is (well, she is). She could have been adopted out a dozen times (I was wearing my SPCA Tshirt) ... I explained she was mine (or I am hers, actually) and told her story (Ginger is my girl who kept escaping from prior owners and ended up down the road from me at All God's Creatures old location... where she jumped the fence and made it to my front gate, where she waited til my husband came home and jumped into his truck and rode regally into her 'chosen home'.) That was a little over a year ago, and she has been a joy and a delight, a welcome addition to my little pack. We got home around 5PM, the rest of the girls were impatiently awaiting our return, and got a nice long run before dark.
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