Therapy dogs heading to Boston

Sometimes bad things happen and no one knows why. Maybe we'll eventually get more information and we'll know a little more but maybe not. In the meantime, we have to find peace and comfort somehow.

In light of the most recent tragedy in Boston I got to talking with Mom. Well, she was talking and I was listening but I really was listening hard. She said that it's important that everyone has someone to talk to about their troubles and their concerns. The people of Boston, especially those who were at the site of the explosions, need someone who can comfort them and help them through this difficult time of doubt, worry and stress.

The therapy dogs of Lutheran Church Charities are trying to do just that! Five of the LCC K9 Comfort Dogs are being "deployed" to Boston to visit the injured in the hospital, listen as people talk, and give cuddles and kisses to help people feel better. Mom read about them here.

This little guy is Isaiah - he was catching a quick nap before boarding his flight to Boston!

Each of LCC's retrievers has gone through up to a year of service training, starting at the age of 6 weeks. They're specially trained to be patient, calm and comforting especially in times of need. Therapy dogs, in general, are taught how to act in hospital settings, nursing homes and retirement centers so they can bring comfort and happiness to everyone they meet. They work together with their owner to improve the lives of other people.

Keep up on the LCC dogs and their happenings on their Twitter and Facebook pages. Our hearts go out to Boston!

Some dogs have issues

Today we're going to cross the line into a territory most people try to avoid...we're going to admit the fact that some dogs have issues. I mean this in the nicest way because well, so do I! We all have things that make us tick (even you humans!) but sometimes it is just a matter of managing it. I mean, think about it. You don't like the guy in the office who tells really long and boring stories so you turn the other way and avoid him in the hall, right? It's really the same for me too - I don't particularly like some other big dogs I see on walks so mom usually turns me around and takes me another way. I don't mean to insult the other dog because really it's not their fault, it's my issue!

Since posting about playtime last week we've gotten lots of great feedback that it helped. Well since then we've done some more learning and found additional pages that will help you and your humans :)

First up is D.I.N.O.S. which stands for Dogs In Need Of Space:

The general idea is that some dogs just need more space. Maybe it's because they're healing from a recent surgery, or they're in training, or perhaps it's more like my situation where I just don't like dogs who run right up in my face. RUDE!!

Have you seen any dogs with yellow ribbons on their leashes? Me neither but it's not a bad idea!

Last but not least Mom said this article made her feel better. It's from our friends at Dogster who always come up with good resources. The last paragraph of the article, particularly the last line really sum it up:

"He’s not a breed ambassador, but he’s mine, and I think he’s perfect!"

We can't all be perfect but we can try our best. I try to be a good dog every day but sometimes I just get annoyed or irritated and I need to be corrected. Mom and Dad continue to work with me and that's really all I can ask for. I'm so lucky they *get* me and love me anyway. I love them too!

Have you heard the news?

I'm going to be a big brother!!! To a human!!!

 

That's right ... Mom is getting a little fatter every day and she says that is a good thing this time. I'm just hoping this new one likes to chase tennis balls as much as I do so we can be the best of friends!

Friday Fun: Happy Olympics!

Mom has been so eager to watch the Olympic opening ceremonies for weeks and it is finally here! Maybe now she will shut up about it. Maybe.

It seems Mom is not the only one excited. In the spirit of the games, our friends at Tagg posted this on Facebook:

And our friends at the Helen Woodward Animal Center are celebrating each of our individual talents with this image:

Are you looking forward to the Olympics? What is your favorite event?

Happy National Pet Day!

Did you know today is National Pet Day? Neither did we! 

What a great day to celebrate your favorite furry friends with extra treats and belly rubs...

maybe a few toys to chew on, rides in the car, or trips to the beach...

a gift, an award or a day at the doggy day spa? 

What? Did I take it too far?

In honor of today's special occasion, I decided to share this cheesy but totally adorable story of two best friends. Mom found it on Facebook so please excuse me (her) if that means you're seeing this twice...

Every day - at the same time - she waits for him.
He comes... and they go for a walk...together.

Be sure to celebrate the great friends you have today! Friends come in all shapes and sizes but what matters most are the ones who stick by you through thick and thin. 

Happy National Pet Day!

What's better than good news?

If you haven't taken five or ten minutes out of your day to check out HuffPost Good News then you're missing out on some good smiles! It's the best site for finding happy and fun news without all the bummer content you'd read elsewhere.

Of course I love that many of the stories are about dogs doing adorable things like this...

From here

And this...

From here

Now Mom, serious question...can I get an otter?

Friday Fun: And the winner is...

Who will be watching the Academy Awards on Sunday?

 

  

 

 

 

 

The gowns, the jewels, the dogs! Do we think that Uggie, the famous Jack Russell from The Artist will make another appearance like at the Golden Globes? We can only hope!

Friday Fun

I know you're smiling after that one :) Have a great weekend!

Friday Fun

It's National Dog Week and you didn't think I was actually going to let that pass by without mention did you? National Dog Week was started right before the Great Depression with a few simple goals:

1. A good home for every dog.
2. Elimination of stray dogs from the street
3. Better-informed dog owners
4. Consideration for dogs and all animals
5. Emphasis of the dog’s use as companion and protector
6. Fair laws for dogs and dog owners
7. Respect for the rights of non-dog owners

In our efforts to help #1 and #2 Mom and I are bringing you a selection of local dogs whom YOU can adopt and contribute to National Dog Week. This is also Friday Fun and really, what could be more fun than bringing a dog into your life?

First up are the dogs nearest and dearest to Mom's heart, the ones with Pit Bull Rescue San Diego.

 Aren't they cute? Mom's met many of them and says they are very nice doggies. You can also find many other kinds of dogs at the local shelters. Check out these loves:

Right now the San Diego shelters have lowered their fee to just $25 for all adoptions! Only $25??? That's a great deal when you figure you're getting your new best friend in return!!!

Even if you're not quite ready to bring home a new friend this week, consider sponsoring a local dog through a rescue, volunteer your time as a dog walker at a local shelter, or donate toys and food to a worthy group. What a great way to celebrate National Dog Week :)