Did you know?

Most all humane societies and dog shelters accept donated items?  And in turn, they often give out the overload for free.   Thus you can pick up a used kennel, leashes, collars, bowls, toys, grooming equipment, beds, safety items, and food (cats and dogs) for free if you need it. Shout out to Cornelius Humane Society in NC for letting me take a few items for my new foster (rescued from shelter).

Thus please DONATE any unused items. Please do not throw them away even if used. People need them and something is better than nothing for these animals. Many rescues (my own included) will accept your items also.

Most veterinarian hospitals accept donated wheel chairs (usually when a dog passes) and will give them out free or low cost to those who need one.  It is very common now to see a handicapped dog or aged dog that needs help to walk.

Please consider donating items, time, or money and spread the word!

Thank you!

Another interesting artist...Lori Portka

I saw this print on a friend's facebook page that is also an artist and loved it. Love all animals. Surround oneself with love.  I am sharing with permission from the artist (can order prints if you like it or check out her other works).  I found this image peaceful and uplifting.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/99762754/print-surrounded-by-love-always-8x10

Deafness

Deafness is not always noticed by we humans.  I have fostered a deaf dog (white boxer), and I have had older dogs go deaf over time. I read, and notice sometimes, that people complain or give up their dogs because they will not listen when in actuality they are deaf.  It is easy to test them to be sure.

Case in point, my Shanti.  She is not old (just turned 10) and is now completely deaf and I did not notice. She has never really "listened" and always ignored me (lol she is a trip), but lately it just seems worse.  I tested her a couple of ways and she couldn't hear anything, yet is not startled when I touch her from behind, and things like that. We have a routine and she follows it daily so it was hard to notice until my mom pointed it out.  Shanti hid it well (watches me closely), follows me everywhere, uses her sense of smell to find me, etc.

I am working on a few hand signals that I use with all dogs (they respond better) and continue to love on her big time.  With deaf dogs, the hardest part is when they are not watching (or get too far away) so you need to make sure they stay close.

Thus remember your puppy/dog could be deaf, partially deaf, slowly going deaf, etc., and watch for the signs : startled when you come in, follows you more, bewildered, won't listen to verbal commands, doesn't hear things (drop a loud object behind them), etc.  And be on the lookout to help others who may have a deaf dog and not know it. It happens more than you think.

Love on.

Dog food recalls and top 25 brands to buy

Dear Fellow Dog Lover, Because you signed up on our website and asked to be notified, I'm sending you this special recall alert. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please click the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of this message. Hill's Pet Nutrition is expanding its recent recall to include one lot of its Prescription Diet dog food due to elevated levels of vitamin D. Very high levels of vitamin D can lead to serious health issues in dogs, including kidney dysfunction. To learn which products are affected, please visit the following link:Hill's Prescription Diet and Science Diet Dog Food Recall Expands Important Best Dry Dog Foods Update We've recently updated our Best Dry Dog Foods page. Here are 7 of The Advisor's Top 25 Best Dry Dog Foods for May 2019: Instinct Original Dry Dog Food Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food Dr. Tim's Dry Dog Food Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food Victor Classic Dry Dog Food Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Canidae Grain-Free Pure Dry Dog Food Click here to see all 25 best dry dog foods for May 2019.   Please feel free to share this recall alert with other pet owners. Mike Sagman, Editor The Dog Food Advisor P.S. Not already on our dog food recall notification list? Sign up to get critical dog food recall alerts by email. There's no cost for this service. No spam. Cancel anytime.

Walks in the woods...

I was in the lead, and stopped to take all the Spring greenery in view.  Samson and Shanti didn't quite feel the moment but let me enjoy some peace.

Buddy. Just Buddy being Buddy.

Buddy- he lives in excitement