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Saturday 30 April 2016
Dog Missing for a Decade Finally Reunited with Human
"I was shocked, overwhelmed. I cried," Dove said in a news interview Thursday. "It's amazing."
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FriendshipCollar Launches Rescue Campaign
On this week's beach trip, we brought along a new FriendshipCollar set that we received for review. The concept is a fun one: a collar for your dog and matching bracelet for you!
I loved our set: the Mucky Pup, one of the many styles of dog (and cat) collars and bracelets. The set arrived in a drawstring bag that contained our matching items:
Both items included a gold plated buckle and are created with vegan leather. FriendshipCollar explains that they are the world's first “PETA-Approved Vegan” pet product brand, using only animal friendly materials. All FriendshipCollar products are 100% cruelty free.
Irie wore her new FriendshipCollar on the beach, and I'm happy to say that it held up wonderfully even in the sand (and a lot of rolling in the sand!) and surf. Every night as we explored the many dog-friendly restaurants in town, Irie and I matched in our fashionable set:
A big paws up for the FriendshipCollar!
FriendshipCollar Loves Rescues
FriendshipCollar is teaming up with rescues and shelters across the USA for FriendshipCollar Loves Rescues. All the pooches involved will be photographed wearing their FriendshipCollar, and the matching bracelet will be waiting with them for their new best friend to come and collect. Each pooch will also have their story featured on the FriendshipCollar website to provide the highest possible chance of adoption.
“We thought it would be a great way to increase the exposure for some of the overlooked lonely pups that are in great need of love and friendship. We hope this campaign will connect people and pets and create lifelong friendships. We believe that every pooch should find their forever home and that every human should have a best friend with paws,” says FriendshipCollar.
For More Information
- visit friendshipcollar.com
- follow FriendshipCollar on Facebook: facebook.com/fcollars
- Twitter @FCollars
- Instagram @friendshipcollar
- pinterest.com/fcollars
We received a FriendshipCollar for review; all statements and opinions are entirely our own.
Friday 29 April 2016
Duchess of Cornwall Marks Animal Hospital's 30th Year
Just a few days after Queen Elizabeth celebrated her 90th birthday, a small animal hospital named in honor of the monarch's late mother also marked a milestone. On April 28th devoted royal dog enthusiast, Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall paid a visit to The Queen Mother Animal Hospital as the facility celebrated its 30th year.
A pet parent to Beth and Bluebell, two rescue Jack Russell Terriers from Battersea Dogs and Cats home, Her Royal Highness proudly holds the tile of patron to several animal welfare charities, including The Royal Veterinary College Animal Care Trust (ACT). On April 28th the Duchess met staff and four-pawed patients at The Queen Mother Hospital for Animals in order to see firsthand how funds from ACT are helping to create a better future for animals in need of medical care.
During her tour she became fast friends with Kingy. The regally named 13-year-old terrier, who recently had a tumor removed, was at the hospital to receive a blood transfusion:
Camilla also found a new pawed pal in a fashion forward Fido named Max, who was recuperating from injuries sustained when he was struck by a bus:
To commemorate the hospitals' 30th anniversary year, the Duchess also cut a birthday cake festooned with Fidos, felines and rabbits:
The Duchess's visit also included a look at the new Hamling Garden, which was created thanks to a donation from ACT. The space provides a peaceful place for pet parents to visit as their four-legged loved ones undergo treatment.
The specialists at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals in Hertfordshire provide lifesaving and life-enriching treatment to more than 7,000 companion animals each year. In recognition of its 30th anniversary, the hospital has launched an appeal to raise money for both a new computer tomography scanner and an upgrade for a MRI.
For more information:
The Duchess of Cornwall's visit to The Queen Mother Animal Hospital was captured on camera in the following clip from BOB FM:
Photo Credit: Getty Images; BOB FM
Thursday 28 April 2016
Fido + Fluffy's #FreebieFriday Returns from the Beach!
Hooray…after last week's weather delay, we were able to make our quick beach getaway this week! We just returned home after three nights in Port Aransas, Texas, definitely one of Irie and Tiki's favorite getaways.
And, if you're a blogger with a pet-related giveaway, be sure to link up! Please link directly to your giveaway, not to your home page. (Please don't link to non-giveaway posts.) We post a new blog hop every Thursday afternoon at 4pm ET.
Disclaimer: Each giveaway has its own entry rules. CatTipper, To Dog With Love, and DogTipper assume no responsibility for the legality of the rules governing the listings on other sites and giveaways that are posted here. We simply provide this forum as a gathering place for pet product giveaways to be offered. Fulfillment of each giveaway is done by the blog conducting the giveaway, not by the hosts of this giveaway hop; please contact the giveaway host with any questions regarding a giveaway or giveaway prize.
Wednesday 27 April 2016
Kristen Renton Promotes Dog Therapy Appreciation Day
The TV star was among the group that gathered at the hospital's outdoor dining terrace on April 11th to celebrate the inaugural Dog Therapy Appreciation Day, which recognized The American Family Foundation Dog Therapy Program's 365 consecutive day commitment to providing cheer for patients, their families, and hospital staff.
Attendees had the chance to meet 20 of the program's tail-wagging participants, step into a photo booth with one of the kind-hearted canines for a souvenir snapshot, and collect therapy dog trading cards, while the four-legged honorees enjoyed special treats and went home with a Spot-themed swag bag.
Launched 15 years ago, today the American Family Foundation Dog Therapy Program has 117 volunteers and 107 therapy dogs who help to lighten the hospital stay of young patients like 13-year-old Erika Daniels.
“It was really hard to be in the hospital for five weeks,” said Erika, who recovered from brain surgery that resulted in partial paralysis and speech loss thanks in part to the dog therapy program. “When the dogs would come to my room, of course I wanted to pet them and play with them and in order to do that, I had to start moving. I got stronger and learned to walk again thanks to them. Someday I hope I can be a dog therapy volunteer with my dog Patches.”
An average of four of the dog therapy program's pooches visit CHLA every day, and in the past year the dogs and their volunteers have spent one-on-one time with per 10,000 patients. Approximately half of the dogs in the program are rescues.
To find out more about the American Family Foundation Dog Therapy Program:
Photo Credit: CHLA
Tuesday 26 April 2016
Shelter Tuesday: April 26
Mother's Day is just around the corner, and in animal shelters across the country homeless dogs are hoping that they will get to celebrate the holiday with a forever fur Mom to call their own.
One easy way to help the approximately 3.9 million homeless dogs who find themselves in the U.S. shelter system turn that dream from reverie to reality is by sharing shelter photos via social media. Following are a few of the adoptable dogs we highlighted recently on Twitter. For a look at all of the adorable adoptables we've showcased, and to read the latest news of animal-loving luminaries who have chosen to shine a spotlight on paws causes, follow us at @HollywoodDogs.
Arizona
Marley, a 6-yr-old Lab mix at a shelter in #Mesa, #AZ, needs a home https://t.co/zK2ile4caL URGENT #AdoptableDogofDay
- Hollywood Dogs (@HollywoodDogs) April 24, 2016
Nelson, a 1-yr-old Pit Bull mix at a shelter in #Mesa, #AZ, needs a home https://t.co/6hcxvparnF URGENT #AdoptableDogofDay
- Hollywood Dogs (@HollywoodDogs) April 22, 2016
California
Rosie, a 3-yr-old Pit Bull/Great Dane at a shelter in #Downey, #CA, needs a home https://t.co/axHE1IkoUe URGENT #AdoptableDogofDay
- Hollywood Dogs (@HollywoodDogs) April 21, 2016
Rhett, a 2-yr-old Pit Bull mix at a shelter in #Downey, #CA, needs a home https://t.co/fvzY2sFOvv URGENT #AdoptableDogofDay
- Hollywood Dogs (@HollywoodDogs) April 25, 2016
Mobley (A461039), a 3-yr-old Chihuahua mix at a Moreno Valley, #CA shelter, needs a home https://t.co/I3JwxdjZsF URGENT #AdoptableDogofDay
- Hollywood Dogs (@HollywoodDogs) April 22, 2016
Abe (A460888), a 7-yr-old Chihuahua/Beagle at a Moreno Valley, #CA shelter, needs a home https://t.co/N1V4hqK1yp URGENT #AdoptableDogofDay
- Hollywood Dogs (@HollywoodDogs) April 26, 2016
North Carolina
Hadley, a hound at a shelter in Whiteville, #NC, needs a home https://t.co/fi47Ka0SAx URGENT #AdoptableDogofDay
- Hollywood Dogs (@HollywoodDogs) April 21, 2016
Ohio
Zeke, a 2-yr-old Pit Bull mix at a shelter in #Lisbon, #OH, needs a home https://t.co/HzYmo5xxzh URGENT #AdoptableDogofDay
- Hollywood Dogs (@HollywoodDogs) April 26, 2016
Tennessee
Nun, a Chihuahua at a shelter in Elizabethton, #TN, needs a home https://t.co/j1Dre9vHlm URGENT #AdoptableDogofDay
- Hollywood Dogs (@HollywoodDogs) April 22, 2016
Texas
Champion, a Chihuahua mix at a shelter in #Odessa, #TX, needs a home https://t.co/G904ArpGk5 URGENT #AdoptableDogofDay
- Hollywood Dogs (@HollywoodDogs) April 24, 2016
Calvin, a Chihuahua mix at a shelter in #Odessa, #TX, needs a home https://t.co/5IkKMcIsk6 URGENT #AdoptableDogofDay
- Hollywood Dogs (@HollywoodDogs) April 18, 2016
Jack, a Cattle Dog mix at a shelter in #Odessa, #TX, needs a home https://t.co/6QNMnrdK8F URGENT #AdoptableDogofDay
- Hollywood Dogs (@HollywoodDogs) April 25, 2016
Sarah, a Lab mix at a shelter in Copperas Cove, #TX, needs a home https://t.co/4WFfQCaVA0 URGENT #AdoptableDogofDay
- Hollywood Dogs (@HollywoodDogs) April 23, 2016
Luna, a 1-yr-old Lab mix at a shelter in Lancaster, #TX, needs a home https://t.co/1zfzAY9Kf5 URGENT #AdoptableDogofDay
- Hollywood Dogs (@HollywoodDogs) April 21, 2016
The Awful Case of Kristen Lindsey
In April 2015, Kristen Lindsey, DVM, shot a cat through the head with an arrow and then posted a picture on Facebook with the following caption:
“My first bow kill … lol. The only good feral tomcat is one with an arrow through it's [sic] head! Vet of the year award … gladly accepted.”
These facts are not in dispute. Why she did it, however, is. This is why she is currently testifying in an administrative hearing in order to try and keep her veterinary license. At its heart is the question, “Is there any justifiable reason for her to have done that?”
The answer is no. It is an unequivocal no.
I have avoided commenting on the topic because once the image went viral, the reaction was swift and potent. She has received death threats and her family has been harassed. What she did was horrific and wrong, and sending death threats is also horrific and wrong, and I didn't want to embolden the sentiment that might encourage one more person to do so.
I have yet to read a single sentiment from the veterinary community that attempts to defend Lindsey. What I have read, and it reflects my own views, is that her actions are utterly condemnable and she needs to be removed from the profession. Physically attacked or threatened? No.
But Please, Please Go Away
The reason I am speaking on this now is to clarify the position that just because many of us have not clamored to do the same to Lindsey as she did to (what most presume to be) Tiger, this does not mean we want anything to do with her in the profession.
This was a career-ending action. There is no place in this field for a colleague who thinks it is 1. appropriate to do this in the first place and 2. post it on social media. There just isn't.
Had she simply disappeared under the radar and gone on to find a job in a non animal-related field, I would never have even written about the case. But she didn't. She is fighting to keep her license. The VIN News Service is sharing the testimony on Facebook and it is alternatively sad and horrible and infuriating.
She is continuing to try and justify her actions based on what she thought the cat was (feral, intact, rabid, it keeps morphing.) There are no justifying conditions.
She is arguing that if she loses her Texas license, she will not be able to get licensed anywhere else, that she is unemployable. That is a consequence she brought upon herself. The only remorse she has expressed is for herself.
She has forced a hearing at which the presumptive owners of Tiger have to come in with lawyers, be cross-examined, and again view what happened to the cat. She is continuing to cause distress to these people by forcing them to participate in this hearing.
I will continue to state forcefully and with great passion that I do not think violence, or even threats of violence, are an appropriate response to a violent act. But I will also state forcefully and with great passion that Dr. Lindsey, we do not want you in our profession representing what we work so hard to do every day to better the lives of people and animals.
It doesn't really matter what the board decides in terms of your license, I highly doubt you will ever practice again. So please, for the sake of everyone involved, please- stop this fight to stay within the field. You've already shown yourself out.
Monday 25 April 2016
Tampa Bay Pet Expo, April 30-May 1 #AmazingPetExpo
Floridians are their canine companions are invited to enjoy two days of tail-wagging fun at the Tampa Bay Pet Expo– a celebration of the joy that dogs, cats, and our other pals with paws and claws bring to our lives!
- Your barking buddy can run after a bogus “bunny” during play on a Swift Paws lure course.
- Spot can show off his special skill in the Pet Talent Contest.
- Cheer on the dogs who will get decked out in disguises in a bid to win prizes in the Pet Costume Contest.
- Play Pet/Pet Parent Musical Chairs, a Rover-fied rendition of the beloved childhood game, with your fur baby.
- A happening with heart, the expo is also a mega-pet adoption event featuring adorable adoptables from the following rescue organizations and shelters: A.C.T. Animal Coalition of Tampa, AnimalLuvr's Dream Rescue Inc., Big Dog Ranch Rescue, Boston Terrier Rescue of Florida, BRAF- Boxer Rescue Angels of Florida, Inc., Echo Dogs White Shepherd Rescue, Florida Boxer Rescue, Florida Cocker Spaniel Rescue, Florida Shar-Pei Rescue, Frankie's Friends, French Bulldog Rescue Network, Hardee Animal Rescue, Innovate Animal Rescue, Lucky Ones Rescue, Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue, Phoenix Rising Animal Rescue, Pitbull Happenings Rescue, Polka Dogz Pet Rescue, Pug Rescue of Florida, Rescuing Unwanted Friendly Fidos (RUFF Rescue), Rugaz Rescue, Inc., SPCA Florida, SPCA Tampa Bay, Tampa Baya Beagle Rescue, Tampa Bay German Shepherd Rescue, The Pixel Fund, Ture & Faithful Pet Rescue Mission and more.
- Plus prize giveaways, free nail trims, discounted vaccinations, microchipping and heart worm and flea preventatives, a look at the latest pet products, and much more!
Admission: Free
When: April 30 – May 1, 2016
Where: Florida State Fairgrounds at 4800 Highway 301 North in Tampa, Florida
For more information:
Photo Credit: Amazing Pet Expos
Sunday 24 April 2016
#PawPromise Adoptable Dog of the Week: Victoria
Hi! My name is Victoria, which means “victory.” I'm hoping to win the heart of a forever pet parent. Will you help me?
Please tell everyone you know that I'm a three-year-old Foxhound mix who started out the year as a stray. I was starving when I was found, and I'm still trying to pack on a few pounds. I also had to have an operation for a large hernia after I was rescued, but now I'm all better! Do you know anyone who is looking for a sweet fur baby who loves children?
Spayed and up to date on her vaccinations, Victoria is just one of the many adoptable dogs, puppies cats and kittens cared for by The Humane Society/SPCA of Nelson County. Located in Lovingston, Virginia, the non-profit was established in 1981 and today offers homeless company animals a new lease on life through its Almost Home Pet Adoption Center (a no-kill facility), a network of foster families, and its Kitty & Puppy Rescue/Transport Programs.
Help the Adoptables of the Week with Your PawZaar purchases!
Ten percent of the week's proceeds from purchases in our PawZaar store will be donated to help the adoptable cat and dog of the week. Help with your purchases of our pet-friendly jewelry, bags, cookie cutters, and more!
Photo Credit: The Humane Society/SPCA of Nelson County/ PetFinder.com
Friday 22 April 2016
Win a $50 Prize Pack from Pet Qwerks (4 winners!)
We've been having day after day of rainy weather here lately–and you know what that means for our dogs. With only very abbreviated dog walks, we've been looking for ways to entertain our dogs in the house–so imagine our interest when we learned about the interactive toys by Pet Qwerks that entertain and challenge your dog with an assortment of animal or talking sounds!
Indoor fun also involves chews–and a great way to make that chew last longer are the made in the USA Flavorit Nylon Bones. Like the name suggests, these chew toys are already flavored but you can ramp up the fun by adding your dog's favorite flavor on top for extra fun! Flavorit bones have tiny pockets where you can add cheese, peanut butter or whatever food your dog prefers. The little pockets hold the food in the bone for a delicious treat topper without adding many extra calories. Flavorit bones come in four sizes and five flavors: Chicken, Peanut Butter, Mint (for breath), Berry and Sweet Potato. They're also available in Nylon for aggressive chewers and Flex for moderate chewers.
Pet Qwerks was founded with the introduction of the Babble Balls in 2004, and the company's first product remains its flagship today. The company's focus has always been innovation and enriching the lives of pets. While the heart of Pet Qwerks remains in the interactive category, they have grown to manufacture plush, rubber toys and now an exceptional line of Made in USA Flavorit™ dog chews. You can learn more about these products featured on petqwerks.com and in the company's newly-opened online store, adogstoy.com.
Enter to win a prize pack of both Flavorit Nylon Bones AND Babble Balls to keep your dog entertained!
Prize Pack!
FOUR lucky readers will each win a $50 prize pack of assorted made in the USA Pet Qwerks chew toys! You can choose your prize based on your dog's size and interests from amont the collection of the Flavorit™ nylon bone dog chews, Flavorit Flex™ dog chews, and Babble Balls including:
- XL – Flavorit Nylon Bone/Flex Bone Dog Chews (all flavors) – $11.99
- L – Flavorit Nylon Bone/Flex Bone Dog Chews (all flavors) – $9.99
- M- Flavorit Nylon Bone/Flex Bone Dog Chews (all flavors) – $7.99
- S- Flavorit Nylon Bone/Flex Bone Dog Chews (all flavors) – $5.99
- Large Babble Ball (Talking / Animal Sounds) – $11.99
- Medium Babble Ball (Talking / Animal Sounds) – $10.99
- Small Babble Ball (Talking/Animal Sounds) – $9.99
How to Enter
As always, you'll enter in the widget below. You may return to the widget any time during the giveaway period for more entries. Good luck!
This giveaway is sponsored by and fulfilled by Pet Qwerks.
Thursday 21 April 2016
Fido + Fluffy's #FreebieFriday Postpones a Trip
Well, this week did not go as planned.
Our plan was to head to the beach for three days with Irie and Tiki to celebrate our anniversary. We had a few photos we needed to shoot for a freelance assignment but, otherwise, the time would be all our own and we could just hang out on the beach, enjoy some of our favorite dog-friendly restaurants, and relax.
The weather, however, had other ideas. Days of storms brought six inches of rain and a creek that quickly jumped its banks. We were very lucky, though, receiving far less rain than areas between Austin and Houston.
And so our trip has been postponed. In all, though, it has been a good reminder to be more like our dogs: living in the moment, enjoying every day with the people we love, no matter what we're doing and where we are.
And, if you're a blogger with a pet-related giveaway, be sure to link up! Please link directly to your giveaway, not to your home page. (Please don't link to non-giveaway posts.) We post a new blog hop every Thursday afternoon at 4pm ET.
Disclaimer: Each giveaway has its own entry rules. CatTipper, To Dog With Love, and DogTipper assume no responsibility for the legality of the rules governing the listings on other sites and giveaways that are posted here. We simply provide this forum as a gathering place for pet product giveaways to be offered. Fulfillment of each giveaway is done by the blog conducting the giveaway, not by the hosts of this giveaway hop; please contact the giveaway host with any questions regarding a giveaway or giveaway prize.
Wednesday 20 April 2016
Mother's Day Gift Guide: PawZaar Necklaces for Dog Moms
Mother's Day is fast approaching so we wanted to create a special gift guide of PawZaar products just for dog moms! (You'll also find a gift guide for cat moms over on CatTipper!) Save 25% on any PawZaar purchase with coupon code DOGMOM at checkout - and know that your gift is giving back, too! As always, ten percent of the proceeds from every purchase are donated to the week's featured pet rescue.
We've divided the gift guide into several sections, starting with necklaces for dog moms!
“All My Children Have Paws” Tag Necklace: Celebrate the love of the fur babies who have left paw prints on your heart with a fair trade necklace made by metal smiths in Taxco, Mexico.
Adopt Necklace from Taxco, Mexico: As animal lovers we are known for wearing our hearts on our sleeves, and with this delicate design of Alpaca silver and brass our passion for compassion can also be worn around our necks.
Live Love Adopt Necklace: A powerful statement for a statement piece of jewelry, the dog tag-influenced pendant (which also features a paw cutout) is a fair trade product.
Gold Paw Print Necklace: A golden opportunity for dog Moms to show the world their love for our barking buddies, this small paw print charm is made of .925 sterling silver with a 14 karat gold plate.
Paw Angel Pendant or Charm: Handmade by artisans in Taxco, Mexico, animal lovers can wear this pendant in memory of four-legged friends who have crossed Rainbow Bridge.
Sterling Silver Dog Pendant: Handcrafted in Mexico, this playful puppy pendant will add charm to any outfit.
Silver Dog Photo Pendant or Charm: A picture of your pup can peer out from this tiny sterling silver dog house charm.
Sterling Silver Happy Dog Necklace: An anonymous fan of Fidos once said “It came to me that every time I lose a dog their take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough all the components of my heart with a dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.” This smiling, sterling silver Spot who wears his bronze heart on his collar will put a smile o the face of any dog lover.
Taxco Puppy Pendant: Created by artisans in Taxco, Mexico, a brass background showcases the face of a friendly Fido.
Sterling Silver Paw Heart Pendant: Declare your passion for paws causes when you wear this delicate pendant.
Sterling Silver Paw Print Charm or Pendant: Resembling a family crest, this silver charm can be paired with PawZaar's sterling silver paw signet ring.
Taxco Paw Print Necklace: A brass disc highlights a silver-tone paw print cutout for a stunning effect.
Tuesday 19 April 2016
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