Reblogged: Words on Wednesday – How to Help Oklahoma

I’ve been thinking about blogging about how to help after the tornado devastation in Oklahoma, but this blog says it all…

RUMPYDOG blog: Words on Wednesday- How to Help Oklahoma

Pets for Patriots: Helping Military Service Members in Transition and Adult Shelter Pets

I love my pets and generally adopt adult pets from shelters. Why? Because…

• That pet has landed in a shelter through no fault of their own.
• Adult pets are frequently overlooked by folks wanting to adopt a cute kitten or puppy.
• Many folks don’t realize how much adult pets have to offer: Love, companionship, comfort.

What if we could help adult shelter pets get adopted into loving homes and provide comfort to U.S. Military personnel in transition, as well? What if that synergy of causes could reap results far beyond either cause alone?

That’s the calling of Pets for Patriots, a nonprofit organization founded by Beth Zimmerman:

• Facilitate hard-to-place shelter animal adoptions by military personnel, working with our network of member shelters, veterinarians and other pet care providers
• Improve the well-being of service personnel through companion pet adoption, a humane way of easing the stresses of military transitions as service members return from deployment, re-enter civilian life or retire
• Foster education and awareness of the causes, conditions and numbers of animals relinquished to shelters each year in the United States, enjoining individuals around the country to our cause
• Educating the military community and the public about the numerous benefits of adult shelter pet adoption

I’ve felt powerless reading stories of returning service members and the stresses they can endure. I’m happy to support Pets for Patriots in their work helping our service members while also helping to get adult (and special needs) pets adopted into loving homes.

If you are a U.S. Service Member in transition interested in adopting an adult pet, you can read more here and then apply for the program here. You can review participating shelters and participating veterinarians. Note that member Patriots are also eligible for special discounts on pet products and services.

If you haven’t heard of Pets for Patriots, I encourage you to visit their web site and read about their fine work. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to this 501(c)3 organization. If you cannot afford to make a donation, please spread the word to help others learn of the services offered – by doing so, you’ll be helping two very deserving populations!

Just a few things I’ve learned from my dog

My dog, Jack, makes it his mission in life to love every person he meets, complete with big sloppy kisses. I got to thinking, what if people lived their lives more like dogs?

Here are just a few things I’ve learned from my dog:

 

 
Sometimes it’s good just to rest quietly

 

 

 

 

       

  It’s nice to share time  with good friends

 

 

 

 

 

It feels good to trust, and to be trusted

 

 

 

 

It’s important to stop & smell the roses (or grass)

 

 

 

 

 

   It’s okay to be a little cranky at times

 

 

 

 

Sometimes our friends are a lot like us, and at the same time, very different

 

 

 

Be yourself

Book Review – Katie Up and Down the Hall: The True Story of How One Dog Turned Five Neighbors into a Family

I ran across this lovely nonfiction book by Glenn Plaskin when browsing Amazon last Friday night. Little did I know, I’d find it so absorbing I’d stay up very late to finish it.

It’s a simple yet beautiful story about a single man who adopts a dog, although he’d been afraid of dogs as a child. Little by little, he learned how to care for and train the dog. He benefitted from coaching offered by his friends with dogs.

Through his dog’s interactions with others, this man built strong bonds with his neighbors. Neighbors who’d formerly been strangers became part of his extended family. When the author encountered some of life’s inevitable speed bumps, the love of his newfound family and little Katie helped him get through it.

I loved this book. It resonated strongly for me, and in many ways mirrored my experience with Jack. I have formed relationships with so many neighbors, and my neighborhood now offers a strong sense of community for me. I love how people enjoy interacting with Jack. And I get a lot more walks in than I had before!

I strongly recommend Glenn Plaskin’s Katie Up and Down the Hall: The True Story of How One Dog Turned Five Neighbors into a Family, especially if you are a dog lover.

Adopt a dog and change your life (for the better)… October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

A year ago this month, I crossed off an item on my bucket list and adopted a 2 year old toy poodle. He had some health problems but his most serious problem was that he needed a home.

Little did I know then, by adopting him my life would change forever (in a good way).

I’d never had a dog or even taken care of a dog before. I had always adopted cats. I was completely clueless! I had no idea how often he might need to go out, or how to tell if he wasn’t feeling well.

When I adopted Jack, he looked much older than a 2-year old dog. During our initial visit to the vet, I learned he had juvenile cataracts (breed-related) and severe allergies. Thankfully, we have a great vet who monitors Jack closely and helps me ensure he’s doing well. I’m also thankful for friends with dogs who helped me learn what I needed to know to give him a good home.

What I didn’t realize when I adopted him, was how great an impact he’d have on my life.

• I now know *all* of the neighbors who live within several blocks of my house. Going out for walks with Jack daily has cultivated my sense of community. I’ve made some wonderful friends, and it’s so gratifying to see Jack connect with other people and dogs. He’s a sweet dog and people seem drawn to him.
• When I get home, it’s always an event! The cats might sneer, but Jack is always thrilled to see me come in the door…. even if I only left 5 minutes before.
• Because I adopted him as an adult, I had no “raising a puppy” issues. He was already house trained and understood how to tell me he needed to go out.
• He is very sweet and also very smart. What a great combination! He learns quickly and is very affectionate.
• It feels great knowing I gave a sweet dog a safe and loving home.
• I gained a loyal friend. I never really understood why dogs were called “man’s best friend” until I bonded with Jack. Now, I know I’ll always have a dog in my life.

Don’t take my word for it. Go to your local shelter, rescue group or visit petfinder.com, and meet a new friend. He/she will change your life as well!