How to Help Patrick

Patrick, the now well-known dog who was starved to near death, then scooped into a plastic bag and thrown in the garbage, is in good hands now. The guardians now watching closely over him, Garden State Veterinary Specialists, believe he stands a great chance of pulling out of this. For a dog that should weigh around 50 pounds to be down to a paltry 20 pounds, he undoubtedly has a way to go yet. His story pulled at the heartstrings of so many around the country, the world, that GSVS has been inundated with donations to help offset the cost of his care.

Photo source: GSVS

It's no surprise that such a dramatic story would capture the attention of so many, or that it would pull open pocketbooks in mass numbers. What is surprising, though - at least to me - is that GSVS just posted that they will no longer be accepting donations.

They state that they have received plenty to ensure Patrick's care. Further, they suggest that those wishing to donate to instead direct their funds to local organizations. It's not often you see anyone, individual or business, turn away donations!

Kudos to GSVS! What Garden State Veterinary Specialists is doing, though, is wise. And for those who wish to do something for the plight of animals in dire situations, it is also wise.

Very often, when we hear or see a heart-wrenching story about an animal, we're quick to run and donate to what is usually a large organization that is broadcasting this animal's plight. There is nothing wrong with large organizations, at least in general. But very often, most of the money you send them will never make it to the animal or animals you intended - if it ever sees the light of day in the first place. It might very well get snatched up in the business-end of expenses in that organization.

Some organizations and groups are notorious for spending most of your donations on "operating expenses", a nice and fancy euphemism that could represent just about anything. Larger businesses in particular are in a position to work some very complicated footwork in their accounting practices. Not so with smaller organizations; their sheer lack of size makes them more transparent from the start. And the larger organizations have so much more in opportunities for promoting the stories they are involved with. You may not hear about the ones smaller groups are working on even though they may have the same stories to tell.

So what do you do when you see a story about animals that makes you want to donate, to help change their circumstances? If you recognize that their story is but one of millions, that they are in effect a symbol or poster-child that represents so many, many others - look up a local organization, and donate to them. Most even allow for donations to be given in the name or in honor of someone. You could donate to them, on behalf of the animal that brought you to want to give in the first place.

All animals in need deserve our attention and help, not just the famous ones. And Patrick, dear sweet boy - we're all rooting for you! xo




Not aware of Patrick's story?

 

Further links about Patrick:

Patrick's Shutterfly site

The Patrick Miracle (on Facebook)

Patrick's Law

Garden State Veterinary Specialists Patrick Update

Bubba

Every year on this date, our family has one very special cat on their minds. For each of us, memories from over the years occupy our thoughts, bringing smiles to our faces and warmth to our hearts.

On March 27, 1982, a very tiny black kitten came forth into this world. He was the "runt of the litter", last one out and smallest by a mile. His parents, and their humans, lived in the apartment next to mine, and I'd come to know them well. Although I already had a couple of cats, they talked me into giving this poor little guy a home; no one else would take him. He was, after all, all black - "boring" apparently.

He didn't have the striking looks of his white siblings, or the uniqueness of the one albino sister, or the rich coloring of the tortoiseshells. He was JUST BLACK.

My first cat ever was black, and to this day she holds a big part of my heart in her paws. I had no issues with a black cat. I just thought we were fine with the ones we had, thank you very much. But...they talked me into taking him. Not like that would be hard to do - a tiny little boy with no one who wanted him went straight to my heartstrings. And then, so did this kitten. We named him Bubba - after Bubba Smith, the football player - pretty much as a joke at first. Bubba was so tiny, his entire body fit inside my small palm. But the name stuck, and he will always be Bubba.
Simply, plainly, Bubba.

A year after he was born, we moved into our own house. By then, we'd lost the other cats, so he was the lone pet. A year after that, our first daughter was born. Bubba loved all the baby things - you could always find him snoozing in the bassinet, the baby swing, the rocking baby chair, the crib. He made it clear: he was my first baby, and there was no way I was going to forget that. We'd also gotten a dog by then as well, and the two furkids got along well. But it was Bubba who was unbelievably wonderful with the baby.

And he was great with the three babies that followed...and the ones who came each day for daycare, and the friends and playmates that followed down the road. Bubba was fun, he was loving, he was gentle with little ones and up to the challenge with the energy of older ones. He tolerated so much, I sometimes thought it might be bordering on animal abuse - the girls loved to dress him up, "fix up his hair" with barrettes, corral him into a room for "tea parties", push him around in a doll stroller, give him tight hugs, and talk to him for hours on end. The boys chased him, played  hide-and-seek, included him in their games and action toys, squirted him with water-guns. He put up with it all.

Over the years, he was the single fixture of continuity in a household that was ever-changing:
kids growing older as new ones arrived, a constant influx of friends who wanted to "pet the


kitty", dogs that came and went, eventually the trauma of a divorce and all that goes with it. He was an unfailing source of emotional support, for anyone in need.

If you ask any of the kids about a childhood pet - they'll tell you about Bubba. Any of the other pets are a distant second.


He loved to snuggle, to be lavished with attention, to lounge on the Barbie bed linens. To this day we don't know what the magic is of those sheets and quilts - every animal we've ever had here finds a special affinity to them. And yes, we still have them! But Bubba, who eventually grew to a size more fitting of his name, always produced giggles and smiles with his preference for Barbie.

Eventually Bubba became older, showing afflictions of age. In late 2000, we helped him over the bridge, to ease his suffering. I don't think I ever had a harder decision to make, and at that I had to have someone else take him in. But I wanted Bubba to be carefree again, pain-free and happy. I know without a doubt he's waiting there at the bridge, and there are so very many people he'll greet there. If ever there was a black cat who made a lasting impression on people - it would be him.

Becky, the oldest, was not only his biggest torturer (with all those dress-ups, play parties, squeezing hugs) but also always his biggest fan. Today she said to me, "I always, always think of him on his birthday!! So funny how a little black cat can have such a hold on you. I miss him."

Happy Birthday, Bubba! We love you! xoxoxoxoxo

Follow Friday Fill-In Fun Blog Hop - Week 5

Hilary, of Feeling Beachie, not only has a consistently wonderful read to offer at her site, but now also hosts a Friday blog hop. Fridays are a great day to kick back, take it easy - and have some fun!

So this hop includes four fill-in-the-blank statements each week, and here are this week's picks:



1) I can’t help it, but every time I see _____ I smile.

2) Every time I smell ______ I am immediately transported back to my childhood.

3) When I was little I wanted to be a ______________________.

4) If I had to eat only one meal for the rest of my life it would be ________.



CindyLu's answers:

1) I can't help it, but every time I see Lizzie, I smile.
She was my first "mom" - she's the one who brought me home here. She's a cheerful human, and I love her, so every time I see her I'm so, so happy!


2) Every time I smell french fries, I'm transported back to my childhood.
Okay, that might sound a bit weird coming from a dog, but Lizzie used to take me everywhere she went - and that included stopping at fast-food drive-thru's for her favorite snack, french fries!
I loved going in the car with her, and I suppose it's no surprise I made such an impression on the cashiers at the windows that when I wasn't with her - they would ask Lizzie where I was!


3) When I was little I wanted to be a cat . Let's face it, there were six cats around here, and they could do all these neat things like jump up high, fly from one thing to another, sit on the couch...I wanted to be just like them. Took me a little while to realize that I didn't quite have what it took to do the same things.


4) If I had to eat only one meal for the rest of my life it would be chicken and cheese.
There's just nothing like the smell of chicken cooking! Well, one thing - eating it! And let's just say I'm a cheesehead. I'll do a dance for it, it's so worth it!

Hope you have a light-hearted, fun Friday - and enjoy some of the great blogs listed below as well!

Wordless Wednesday: That Kind of Day

Thunder Phobia

It’s raining, it’s pouring….the old man is – crying?

Yeah, that’s what we got goin’ on here. Chester’s howlin’ away, hyperventilating and drooling from it all. He’s afraid of thunder, and there’s some serious bowling games goin’ on upstairs! 

Chester the Cheeto

Mom says she doesn’t understand it, when he was younger it didn’t bother him at all, not even fireworks. Now, though, he’s plain scared to death of boomies. Usually Mom makes sure to give him some medicine before anything starts up, she gets this Benadryl stuff from the store that helps Chester feel better. But today is one of those days she didn’t. And we’re all goin’ deaf here, with him goin’ crazy. He even gets hysterical sometimes to the point of clawing at walls and knocking stuff over!

My ears are hurting. My ear flaps are burning. Chester only has one volume setting, and it’s LOUD! Heeeelp! Anyone know of something that would help a scaredy-cat???

Kisses,
CindyLu

Twiggy

Adopted!
An adorable kitten, rescued off the streets, finds a home. She spends a few years in cat-heaven; the best of food, treats, catnip, toys and comfy beds. Not to mention the absolute adulation of her human, the man who gave her a home.

Fast-forward after those few years, and tragedy strikes. Twiggy's human suffers a massive stroke, and remains in a nursing center for specialized care. Twiggy's beloved human can no longer care for her. And his family members and friends are unable to give Twiggy a home. They contact her former foster dad, the very human who rescued her from the mean streets, and he provides a temporary home for her a second time.

Her story exemplifies the need to make arrangements for our pets, should the unthinkable ever happen. At the least, you should arrange for someone who would take over the care of your pet(s). Twiggy's life has changed drastically on two fronts - she has lost her favorite human, and she has lost her home. Amazingly, she is open to attention from anyone; she just adores humans!! A big lover of a cat, Twiggy prefers to follow you around, spend all her time near you, be your constant companion. She'll "talk" with you, too! What a purrfect kitty!

Now, Twiggy waits for her life to change once again. This gentle, sweet, loving, adorable little girl needs a home, and people, to call her own. Today, she went to a new home, under the arrangement of foster-to-adopt; if all works out well with the other cats in the home, Twiggy will have found her forever home. There couldn't be a cat more deserving of the very best!

Twiggy, we love you, and hope you have found your new home!

Our pretty girl is available through Friendly & Feral Cat Rescue, a group that works to find homes for strays that are not feral, as well as provide support for TNR programs for feral colonies; you can find more information about them on Petfinder.com

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Today is a very special day - yeah, humans go crazy with silly green stuff and even drink green beer...here in Chicago, they even make the river green! All I know is, Mom freaks out if green stuff comes out of me anywhere, so I don't understand why humans would want to put it in them!

Today is a very special day also, not because of the green stuff and that human St. Patrick, but because it is Becky's birthday! Yeah!! So, in honor of her auspicious birthday, her dog (and my cousin), Vedder, actually let her dress him up. Haha. Oops - sorry, Vedder, really I'm not laughing at you. You look amazing, as always.

Here's the thing. Vedder and I wanted to throw a big party, with lots of green stuff, just for Becky. But she lives far away from me. I don't even get a chance to play with Vedder! But know what would be really fun? We could have a virtual party. Pretty cool, huh? I'm a sophisticated internet-savvy dog, no?

So here's what I would like....if you would hop over to Becky's blog (she's the artist, remember?) and just wish her Happy Birthday. I'll bet we could bring a smile to her face with a bunch of those! Now, I'm thinking that making someone smile is a gift. So we'd be wishing her Happy Birthday, AND giving her gifts!

Thank you for taking the time for her - and Vedder says Thank You, too (he really can't wait til the day is over and he doesn't have to wear the crazy green stuff anymore BOL). I hope you have a really good day! p.s. - Becky doesn't know about this - it's a SURPRISE! :)

And don't forget to stop by Peggy Frezon's blog - it's her birthday, too! Don'tcha just love these Irish women? ;D

Paws for Japan

Updated:

We've all heard the news, viewed the frightening images - and so many of us have felt helpless, being so far away from the people and animals in need. Well, the opportunities are beginning to arise!

In the midst of rubble, damage and destruction, death and fear, the Japanese are struggling to not only dig out and begin their lives again, but now must deal with the terrifying possibilities of effects from the unstable, damaged nuclear reactors. Could life be any harder? Oh, yeah - throw in some cold weather and snow, with no electricity hampering heat, light, and transportation! Considering we are all a part of this planet, we are all brothers and sisters, it only makes sense that those who care about animal welfare would be concerned about the animals suffering from the earthquake, tsunami and now possibly radiation threat as well. Our hearts are hurting for our Japanese friends!

Blog Paws Be the Change, our wonderful group that provides endless support for pet bloggers, has called for all bloggers to spread the news today that just as there are search-and-rescue crews combing through rubble in hopes of saving people's lives, there are also groups of people who are heading out on search-and-rescues for the sake of the animals stranded after all that has occurred in Japan. What a relief to know!! Japan is known as a country of people who have great respect for animals, and who absolutely adore their pets. Their reverence for cats is exemplary. Remembering Hurricane Katrina, and all the people who didn't want to leave their homes because of their pets, I can only imagine how much that is also true now in Japan.

According to the article on Blog Paws, there are at least several different groups looking to rescue animals, treat them, shelter them - and then feed and house them until they are in their former homes or a new one. And just like the foreclosure crisis we've had here, there are people who cannot care for their pets and must relinquish them; that would add a tremendous toll to the rescue groups in the country! Not to mention, the cost of the vaccinations, medicines, IV fluids (wonder how many animals will be found dehydrated?), food, water, and the purchase of things they can use to house the animals that are rescued.

World Vets, a 501c3 organization run by Dr. Cathy King, has been coordinating with other groups and officials to ascertain what will be needed - and will be on the ground in Japan themselves with vets ready to care for animals. Fundraising is needed for the untold expenses that will be incurred in rescuing, treating, and in general helping the animals that have been exposed to all that the disaster involves. As such, the organization has set up a ChipIn site for ease of donations. Feeling helpless to do something about the crisis in Japan? This is one way you can most definitely help. Just click on the ChipIn at the upper right here. (As I write this, World Vets is experiencing a server overload; be sure to use the ChipIn link for your donation).

On the Blog Paws site, there is a listing of various groups that are working to help save and treat the animal victims in Japan. Please visit this page for details. Perhaps one very wonderful bonus of helping with the rescue and care of the animals is that it would undoubtedly be helping the people of Japan as well - especially the pet owners who have lost their pets, are frantic to find them, and worried sick over the welfare of their beloved pet.

Update: An article in CNN details the possible magnitude of just what these rescuers are facing, and interviews Dr. King about the work of World Vets in Japan.

Image source: World Vets (Facebook)

Adopt the Internet: Cats

In honor of Petfinder's Adopt the Internet day, not to mention the 15th birthday of an online resource that has helped 17 million pets, we share a few kitties with you here -

These cats are all looking for their forever homes, and would make wonderful pets. They're all in the Chicago, IL area, vaccinated, spayed/neutered and tested for the usual; in other words, ready to go home! Please share with others, and help us to help them!

Krista

Hi I am Krista, A sweet little kitty looking for a safe, warm home with plenty of love and food for me. I have no Mom, I was rescued and brought in from the streets and mean animals that wonder in the night.

I am very soft and pretty.

Do you have room at your home for me?

I hope to see you Saturday at the cat adoption show!

If you are interested in adopting this cat please click here for information and frequently asked questions: http://www.almosthomefoundation.org/infoFAQ.html If you are interested in adopting this cat please call 1-847-439-4118 or Email us @ sswansonil@aol.com or visit us at the next adoption show: http://www.almosthomefoundation.org/adoptionshow.html

Carolina

Carolina came to Almost Home as a young abandoned stray and shortly thereafter surprised us with 3 little kittens named Tennessee, Georgia & Virginia.

Even under these stressful conditions, Carolina has proved to be an excellent and nurturing mother. Her babies are now well on their way to new lives and Carolina needs a forever home of her own.

She is a petite tan/brown tabby with big green eyes. She would do well in a home with a patient caregiver that is willing to allow her the space and time she needs to feel comfortable and learn to trust.

Carolina will reward you with the sparkle in her big green eyes that seems to say "thank you" every time she looks up at you. Please stop by to meet this gentle and sweet girl who just needs a family to call her own.

If you are interested in adopting this cat please call 1- 630-582-3738 or Email the Foster Home: fostercathouse@cs.com

Skeeter (Sweeter!)

Hi! I'm Skeeter. You should feel how soft my pretty multi-colored fur is. Of course, I need you to do it gently, otherwise I get nervous. Once I know you better, I get so excited to get your attention. I hear people say that I have quite a story to tell. I know most of it, but I was a baby when the story happened so I'm just glad it's way in the past for me now and I don't remember it.

My mother had three babies I'm the only one left without a forever home now and she was the best mom I could have hoped for. But she wasn't treated well, that's for sure. There was a very mean person who used her as target practice with his bb gun. She ended up with an eye that couldn't see. Then he chopped off her tail with a machete, and buried her alive. My brothers and I were frantic to find Mama, we were trying desperately to get to her. But we were very tiny kittens, our little paws didn't make a dent in the dirt above her. There was a hero who saw us, though, and saved Mama. Thank you, Hero!

Almost Home Foundation was our second hero. All of Mama's medical needs were taken care of, and they kept us together so my brothers and I could be normal kittens with a mother. I've had a hard time trusting people, but I'm proud to say I've worked very hard on that and I'm doing very well. I love my foster home, but now I'm looking for my forever home. Thank you, Almost Home!

If you are interested in adopting this cat please click here for information and frequently asked questions: http://www.almosthomefoundation.org/infoFAQ.html

If you are interested in adopting this cat please call 1- 630-582-3738 or Email us at cats@almosthomefoundation.org

or visit us at the next adoption show: http://www.almosthomefoundation.org/adoptionshow.html

Satin

EST DOB: 04-18-2005

Satin was rescued from a high kill shelter.

Special Needs: Satin is completely deaf.

Are you looking for that purr-fect combination of beauty, intelligence, and tons of kisses and love? Then please allow us to introduce Satin! Satin is a silky white domestic shorthair with striking green eyes and a personality that just will not quit. She was found as a stray by a local police department, who turned her over to Almost Home Foundation for socialization work and adoption to a forever home.

After being checked by a vet and vaccinated, Satin went to a foster home that specializes in special needs cats for socialization and introduction work. The foster mom couldn't understand Satin's complete dislike of other cats, and her habit of sometimes nibbling on toes. Then a major discovery was made: our sweet Satin is totally deaf. Once that was discovered, Satin became a loving cat whose only hope is to give and receive love 24 hours a day.

As a special needs cat, she cannot be placed in a home with other cats or dogs. She had to fight for whatever she could get when she was a stray, so her total lack of trust with other animals cannot be changed. She is, however, extremely loving with humans and she sure does love her Turbo-Scratcher and laser pointer toys!

Satin will quickly steal your heart...she is a very special girl!

Do you have room in your heart and your home for this wonderful cat?

If you are interested in adopting this cat please click here for information and frequently asked questions: http://www.almosthomefoundation.org/infoFAQ.html

If you are interested in adopting this cat please call 1-630-582-3738 or Email us @ cats@almosthomefoundation.org

or visit us at the next adoption show: http://www.almosthomefoundation.org/adoptionshow.html

Sparky

Male, DSH Orange Tabby

Boy, when you look at my picture.....can't you see that gleam in my eyes from a mile away?????

That's because I, Sparky, am lover of all things fun, a very curious guy, a lover of toys that I can chase, a supreme window bird watcher and best of all, a very handsome boy!

I was abandoned to the outside world at a young age but my Foster Mom says I have come sooooooooooo far and now I am an exceptional cat looking for the purrfect Forever Home. I have a lot of energy so keep that in mind when it comes time to play! I am also, however, a very good snoozer! I have a lot of love and good times to give....won't you please consider me to share your life and home? I promise to be a very good boy.......cross my heart!

Do you have room in your heart and your home for this wonderful cat? If you are interested in adopting this cat please call 630-582-3738 or Email cats@almosthomefoundation.org

Rocco

This is written with love from Rocco's Foster Mom.......

NAME: Rocco (aka Rocco Boy, LoveBug)

VITALS: Gorgeous, smooth, silky coat in black, white and pearly grey, eyes that sparkle with love and sometimes mischief, a voice that can say "I did NOT have enough attention today", four feet that run and play and chase and hurry to wherever you are.....

FAVORITE TOY: Whatever you have in hand or is near where you're sitting..

FAVORITE LOOKOUT SPOT: The window above the couch...

POTTY TRAINING: Completed with a Grade of A...

GOURMET FAVORITES: Likes both wet and dry food, is neat about eating and eagerly drinks water from the fountain available in our home....

UNIQUE HIDING PLACES: Loves empty boxes and sleeping in the Cat Tree..

UNUSUAL CHARACTERISTICS: Can give you one look with his eyes and you absolutely melt and do whatever it is his heart desires...also able to tell you that he needs love right this minute or he will surely perish....

GROOMING HABITS: Cleans himself well, no trouble with pedicures (nail trims)....

WHAT MAKES ROCCO "THE BESTEST BOY": A heart of gold, an endless will to please, more love inside than one cat needs in a lifetime, the ability to answer when you call, a willingness to just be by you so you know when he is close and last but not least...a knowledge of when you need a hug....

Rocco is just one of those very special cats who had a tough time before he came to Almost Home, but once in Foster, forgot all the bad things and turned into a loving, charming and handsome boy who has so much to give to the right Forever Home. As Rocco is a male and likes to be "Top Cat", he would probably do best in a home with a female cat or a very young male cat. He has not been exposed to dogs in his Foster Home so his ability to interact with dogs at this point, is unknown. If you are looking for a cat who will return all the love you give in kind, Rocco is the boy for you. It has been a joy to have Rocco in our lives and we hope with all our hearts to find him the "purrfect" Forever Home where he can live and love for the rest of his life.

If you are interested in adopting this cat please click here for information and frequently asked questions: http://www.almosthomefoundation.org/infoFAQ.html If you are interested in adopting this cat please call 1-630-582-3738 or Email us @ cats@almosthomefoundation.org or visit us at the next adoption show: http://www.almosthomefoundation.org/adoptionshow.html

Tennessee

Turn off the TV, because you won't find any finer entertainment than Tennessee and his sisters!

Running and jumping and pouncing and hiding and wrestling and climbing, and for a special treat- try some catnip and a laser pointer.

This is real family fun! To meet this feline family full of Southern hospitality- email the foster Mom or stop by the next adoption show.

If you are interested in adopting this cat please call 1- 630-582-3738 or email fostercathouse@cs.com

Charlie

Who is that handsome shy kitty in the corner? Thats Charlie!

There is no beating around the bush when describing Charlie. He is a very, very shy cat in need of a quiet and patient forever home. Charlie is very jumpy and just is not sure what to make of people. Can they be trusted? He still needs some convincing, but with the right family, he is sure to blossom.

Charlie is quiet, well-behaved, gentle, and very smart. He is one of the most observant and alert cats out there. Although he is shy and hides a lot at first, Charlie really likes to explore. He is an expert at being in the middle of things while avoiding being noticed at the same time! He also loves sleeping in cat beds.

The wonderful thing about Charlie is that he absolutely adores other cats. He has a playful side and has lots of feline friends in his foster home. His best friends in his foster home are named Carolina and Tippy. Charlie can often be found curled up next to or even on top of his cuddly friends! If you are looking for a companion for your current cat, Charlie would probably be a great choice.

Charlie is also a very gorgeous cat. His fluffy orange-and-white fur is marked with a magnificent mane, a tall puffy tail, and long, curly tufts of fur in his ears and between his toes. He also has the most adorable white toes on his orange paws!

Charlie was born in September 2008 and is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and litterbox trained. He would do best in a home without kids or dogs, and will need a few feline friends. If you are interested in adopting Charlie, you can contact his foster family at cats@almosthomefoundation.org.

Sienna

Sienna is a fluffy brown female cat born in March 2009.

Almost Home Foundation has rescued this beautiful cat. Change a rescued cats life - adopt and make it part of your family. The rewards will be countless. Email: cats@almosthomefoundation.org

Source: petfinder.com

Adopt the Internet Day, Petfinder

Petfinder is hosting Adopt the Internet Day, today - which is also the 15th birthday of the hugely successful pet adoption online resource.
It's easy to participate:

Simply donate your Facebook status to one of the many pets in need of a home that are listed on Petfinder; you can also donate your profile photo - the website offers a gallery of pets in particular need, as designated by shelters and rescues. Include one of these messages with the post -

- More than 320,000 pets are waiting for homes on Petfinder.com. Help Petfinder Adopt the Internet today and find forever homes for as many as possible!
-I adopted my pet from Petfinder and now I want to help get this pet adopted! If you want to help pets in need of forever homes, please repost this!

Pledge to tell one person about pet adoption; this will enter you for a chance to win a Pet Hair Eraser Vacuum from Bissell. The pledge literally takes seconds to complete. Telling someone about adoption - you could be providing an entire lifetime of happiness for a pet and its people!

Tweet about one of the Petfinder pets at the hashtag #Adopttheinternet.

Add a link to Petfinder's Adopt the Internet page to your Facebook, Twitter, or blog.

Include the Adopt the Internet badge on your website.

Happy Birthday, Petfinder! May many pets continue to find their forever homes, thanks to all the work you do and support you provide!

BtC4animals, B.O.L.Weekly, BAD RAP and The Honest Kitchen

Breaking News!! And quite a mouthful!

Our favorite advocate for animals, Be the Change for Animals, has joined up with Bark Out Loud! Look out world; there is no stopping us animal-lovers now!

B.O.L. Weekly began with Twitter, and now provides weekly podcasts featuring current issues of interest to animal welfare. An online community, B.O.L. is working to improve the lives of animals through joint efforts of like-minded people. Sounds just like #BtC4, right? You bet – and now they’ll be working together. This is so exciting; I apologize in advance for all the exclamation points here!! BOL ;)

Be the Change for Animals is well-known to us pet bloggers; the quarterly Blog the Change for Pets event is regularly participated in by approximately 100 bloggers. Each week, BtC4animals proposes a weekly call to action, which never involves any cost or lengthy time commitment. It is a way for animal lovers worldwide to DO something to improve the lot of animals.

This week, BtC4’s weekly challenge involves the awesome pet food company, The Honest Kitchen. THK is a natural pet food company, and donates a portion of their online sales profits to charities. This month, the chosen charity is BAD RAP, Bay Area Dog Lovers Responsible About Pit bulls, the organization that helped rescue Michael Vick’s victims. BAD RAP seeks to improve the lives of dogs, and specializes in pit bulls and their issues. They are virtual experts on pit bulls! It is this group that has successfully rehabilitated, rehomed, and re-oriented the dogs who suffered at the hands of Vick and his cronies. They know a thing or two about pit bulls.

So…here’s the scoop. If THK gets 40k “likes” on their Facebook page by the end of the month, they will DOUBLE their donation to BAD RAP! This is doable!! For each of us, it’s a piece of cake. Just go to 

The Honest Kitchen on Facebook and like their page – please?! 

And while you’re at it, like BtC4animals, B.O.L. and BAD RAP, too. They’re all fabulous causes, and full of important information. And listen to the B.O.L. weekly podcast tonight – Monday nights  at 9:15 EST every week! (also archived: if you miss the podcast, you can still listen!)

Penny the Jack Russell and Modest Internet Star

Folks, I just have to introduce you to one of my dear, dear friends – Penny, the Jack Russell and Modest Internet Star. She’s got quite a long name, no? Penny and her dad, Gary, are someone’s you just have to know!!

Gary writes a blog called Klahani, in which he declares that he is challenging his inner critic. He’s a radio star! And he made no bones about it on the air, either, that he struggles with a mental illness. He wants the world to stop treating mental illnesses the wrong way, and to start looking at all the positive stories that are involved. Being a rather pawsitve girl myself, I totally agree with him! I, for one, have also been pretty tired of people looking at this subject from the wrong angle.

It always amazes me, too, that people can’t comprehend that dogs can suffer from mental illness as well. Humans don’t have a claim on it, you know, people! Dogs and cats both, and I’ll betcha other animals, definitely suffer from anxieties, depression – and Mom says she even had a cat once who was bona-fide schizophrenic. If you get educated about mental illness, you find out it’s a brain disease, just like you can have the sickies in other parts of your body. Often it’s sickies that make everyday living very hard for people or animals who are afflicted. We need to learn, understand - and celebrate all the accomplishments that have been made in dealing with these illnesses, or the successes in overcoming the obstacles!

Mom’s absolute favorite post of Gary’s is a recent one, --------------------. She found it hilariously funny, and oh, so true! I have to say, she loves to read his blog all the time. Gary is spreading smiles around the world J

So…I’m super excited, because lil’  ol’ moi has been granted a prestigious award by Penny and Gary – just hear my paws tapdancin’ -

The Gold Framed Dog Blog Award!

I couldn’t be more humbled, more honored. And Gary is the artist who created this award! Isn’t it beautiful? Penny is such a star; I can’t believe I now have an award from her. I wish I could have dinner with her, but she’s all the way over in England. We have to settle for internet chat.  

Penny, Gary – Muah! Thank you!!

To spread the love, I’d like to present this award to a few of my friends who, in the spirit this award is intended, pawsitively affect the lives of us animals. These honorees are so very deserving of this award, and are truly awesome blogs to visit – they are all my friends from #BtC4 (Be the Change for Animals) -

Kim Clune This One Wild Life 

Amy Burkert Go Pet Friendly

Vicki Cook BunnyJeanCook

Maggie Marton Oh My Dog Blog

Peggy Frezon Peggy Frezon

Shauna Stewart Fido and Wino

Mary Haight The Dancing Dog Blog

If you aren't familiar with them yet, you will love their blogs, I guarantee it! Enjoy!!

And Gary, Penny -- THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for this pawsome honor! Penny - love you, girlfriend!

Petition: Ban Exotic Pets in Indiana

This past week, the weekly cause for Be the Change for Animals has been the Change.org petition requesting the Governor of Indiana to ban exotic pets. Currently in the state of Indiana, licensed owners can have pets as extreme as lions, hyenas, orangutans, anacondas and others. This is ludicrous. It has been well-documented that wild animals such as these do not work out well as pets, and can be dangerous – in fact often are in danger themselves due to the degree of care they require. Many exotic pet owners do not realize what the animals need; this leads to both destructive and dangerous behavior, as well as possible health concerns for the pets themselves.

Simply put, there are animals that just should not be owned as pets. Recently the Governor of Ohio banned exotic pets; please take a moment to sign the petition to ask the Governor of Indiana to do the same – for the sake of everyone, animals and people alike.

Petitions by Change.org|Start a Petition »

Recall Wellness Canned Cat Food

Wellpet LLC, maker of Wellness pet food, has issued a voluntary recall of specific lots of canned cat food. Prompted initially by a single consumer complaint, Wellpet, along with the FDA, conducted testing and found that a portion of the canned products within the date lots listed below were deficient in vitamin B1, otherwise known as thiamine.

Cats that have been fed exclusively a deficient diet (solely the affected lots) may be at risk of a thiamine deficiency. Thiamine is essential to the health and well-being of cats; a deficiency can cause anything from decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting and weight loss to advanced effects seen by neurological symptoms, such as  ventriflexion of the neck (bending toward the floor), wobbly walking, circling, falling and seizures. Immediately contact your veterinarian if your cat has eaten food from the listed lots and displays any of these symptoms. Thiamine deficiency is usually completely reversible; be sure to seek your vet’s advice and diagnosis.

Wellness is known as a premium cat food - quality that consumers can count on. As typical with a well-trusted company, Wellpet has issued this recall “out of an abundance of caution” – not all products within the list below are deficient. If you purchased any of the products, discontinue use immediately, and call Wellpet at 877-227-9587, Monday through Friday 9:00am to 7:00pm EST or visit their website at www.wellnesspetfood.com, to arrange for a return of the product.

The products included in the voluntary recall are:

Wellness Canned Cat Food (all flavors and sizes), best by dates of 14APR 13 through 30SEP 13

Wellness Canned Cat Food Chicken and Herring (all sizes), best by dates of 10NOV 13 and 17NOV 13

“As a pet parent myself I’m concerned for the health and welfare of all pets, and as a company we are committed to delivering the most nutritious natural pet food. Even though the chance of a cat developing a thiamine deficiency is extremely remote, we are recalling all of these lots of our canned cat food as an extra precaution.” – Tim Callahan, Chief Executive Officer, Wellpet LLC, maker of Wellness pet food.

Source: FDA