Pets as Christmas Gifts

One of the most endearing commercials you will see at this time of year is the one with the little girl, dressed in the Christmassy red night gown, who rushes down the stairs Christmas morning to find the gift she has wished for with all of her heart. A very cute puppy in a basket wearing a big red bow.

While the wishing for such a gift may well be true (not to mention a great marketing technique!) it certainly is not a practical portrayal of real life. First of all no puppy is going to voluntarily stay in a basket waiting for that child to wake up! And lets not even get into what shape the rest of the Christmas packages, that were under the tree, now look like!

I have a number of friends that work with shelter groups and I have agreed to post this message on behalf of homeless pets everywhere. Let me state at the beginning that the thoughts expressed below are simply that, ideas to consider and does not apply in all cases. Just please consider them if you are thinking of adding a pet at this time of year.

If your child/family is looking to get a pet, experts suggest that Christmas is not the ideal time to purchase one. Christmas is such a hectic time, with people coming and going, bright lights, strange and exciting new objects around. This can be overwhelming to a new member of the household. A puppy  for instance, will require a lot of attention to acclimate him/her to the new family, new routines, obedience and potty training. An adopted pet will have the same issues as a pup does but may also have some anxiety getting adjusted to the new family let alone all the visitors. Understandably you will want to get your new family member started off on the right paw!

If you are really set on a puppy as a gift experts suggest that you get a stuffed dog with a note attached, and place it under the tree in a basket letting your child/family know that as soon as the festivities is over the new puppy will be arriving or that you will be taking a trip to the local shelter to pick out your new friend.

As for giving a puppy or dog to an adult, while this maybe a very thoughtful gift, most of the time it doesn't work well for a variety of reasons. The recipient may very well want a dog but may desire different traits, characteristics, breed type, etc. Again, another way to handle this would be to give a gift card or basket with some doggy toys and a note that you would be willing to help locate or purchase a dog of his/her choosing.

The key here is that there are so many dogs (and cats for that matter) that end up in shelters, instead of a home were they are truly wanted and matched to that family's expectations and lifestyle.

Ok, I hear someone else needs the soapbox for awhile, so with that being said, I am probably preaching to the choir here in any case but I did promise to post this information!

Happy DOT's everyone,

Tina, HoneyDew and Sampson too!

A Dog Named Christmas

I have to say I am a big softy when it comes to Christmas movies. I know I have watched A Christmas Carol, A Christmas Story, and of Course A Charlie Brown Christmas probably more then a 100 times each.

I do not care for the remakes of A Christmas Story by the latest rising Hollywood star. Or any of the latest Hollywood spins on Christmas. In fact I was just commenting the other day that originality must have gone out the window that no one can come up with another great movie like the ones listed above that seem timeless to me.

Until one morning this week. I saw a movie called A Dog named Christmas that I believe was released in 2009. (As usual I am 2 years behind the times.) It was a Hallmark special.

I.Loved.It.

It combined two of my favorite things, Christmas and Dogs (lots of them) while also raising awareness of the plight of many shelter dogs and that mentally challenged individuals can contribute to society in suprising ways when given the opportunity. And then I found that the movie is based on a book and everyone knows books are better! (Guess what book I will be looking for on my next trip to the Library!)
You can read about the movie here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Dog_Named_Christmas

And if you haven't seen the movie, I think you will find another Christmas favorite or at the very least another reason to show your dog some love and attention. If you have seen it please leave a comment of two of what you thought about the movie.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy Howliday,

Tina, HoneyDew and Sampson too!

Thankful November...

A STUMP FOR A TAIL


You can't buy loyalty, they say
I bought it though, the other day;
You can't buy friendship, tried and true,
Well just the same, I bought that too.
I made my bid, and on the spot
Bought love and faith and a whole job lot
Of happiness, so all in all
The purchase price was pretty small.
I bought a single trusting heart,
That gave devotion from the start.
If you think these things are not
For sale, Buy a brown-eyed puppy with
a stump for a tail.
--- author unknown ---

Happy DOT's,
Tina, HoneyDew and Sampson too!

Puzzle site you may want to try...

99 Walk11

Happy DOT's,

HoneyDew, Sampson, and Tina.

Dog Days of Summer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_Days is a great source of information about this subject. What do you and your hounds do to avoid the heat but keep their interest up.

For HoneyDew, Sampson and I we take walks morning and/or evening, preferable in a well shaded area. Also one of their favorite treats is a ride in the car with the windows open and a stop at the local Tasty Freeze. Other than that, they both think a nice fan and lounging about the house is just about right (of course they would rather have air conditioning but we do not get enough hot days here to make it worth while).

So how are you and your pal beating the heat?

Happy DOT's,
Tina, HoneyDew and Sampson too!

Arroooooooo! Calling all DOT's

Prayer

Every evening as I'm laying here in bed
This tiny little prayer keeps running through my head
God bless my mom and dad and bless my little pup.
And look out for my brother when things aren't looking up
And God, there's one more thing I wish that you could do
Hope you don't mind me asking but please bless my computer too?
Now I know that's not normal to bless a mother board
But just listen a second while I explain to you 'My Lord'

You see, that little metal box holds more to me than odds & ends
Inside those small compartments rest a hundred of my 'BEST FRIENDS'
Some it's true I've never seen and most I've never met
We've never exchanged hugs or shared a meal as yet....
I know for sure they like me by the kindness that they give.
And this little scrap of metal is how I travel to where they live.

By faith is how I know them much the same as you
I share in what life brings them from that our friendship grew
"PLEASE" Take an extra minute from your duties up above
To bless this scrap of metal that's filled with so much love!

Unknown

To all our doggy friends out there, we are trying to keep this blog up and running. Life is complicated and busy for all of us, so if you also would like to get this blog to a weekly basis again, please email me to thegardener63@aol.com and let me know which Thursday of the month you would like to have. I will email you back with instructions and sure would appreciate the help!

Happy DOT's,
Tina, HoneyDew and Sampson too!

Happy Dog 2
I’m a happy dog in a car
Hope we’re not going far
I walk up and down the back seat
At each corner I’m rocked off my feet
I’m a happy dog in a car

I’m a happy dog in a car
Zooming down miles of tar
Sniffing around everywhere
I know where we are by scents in the air
I’m a happy dog in a car

I’m a happy dog in a car
I’m feeling well above par
On the window I’m sniffing near
My nose leaves a slimy wet smear
I’m a happy dog in a car

I’m a happy dog in a car
We’re on our way, hurrah
Happy thoughts run through my mind
As I stare and wag at the car behind
I’m a happy dog in a car

I’m a happy dog in a car
And going slightly gaga
Too excited to lay down and nap
I’ll look out the window and let my ears flap
I’m a happy dog in a car

Flying Lemming

Happy DOT's
Tina, HoneyDew and Sampson too!

Wow, where did everyone go?

Sorry for the long hiatus! Life happens. And around here lots of life has been happening! HoneyDew, Sampson and I have missed you all and hope to catch up on all of your happenings real soon. We will be posting some spotlights on new pups who have found their forever homes, memorable milestones, and some rememberances soon.

I leave you with a cute pic from one of my favorite sites http://dogs.icanhascheezburger.com/


see more dog and puppy pictures

Happy DOT's,
Tina, HoneyDew and Sampson too!

My Dog by Robert William Service

'Twas in a pub just off the Strand
When I was in my cups,

There passed a bloke with in his hand

Two tiny puling pups;

And one was on me with a bound,

Seeking to lick my face,

And so I bought him for a pound

And took him to my place.

Three acres by the shore I own,

A hut, a pint wood;

And there for fifteen years alone

He shared my solitude.

It was his own, his only world,

And when with hunting spent,

Each night beside my bed he curled,

And slept in sheer content.

My dog is dead. Though lone I be

I'll never have another;

For with his master-worship he

Was closer than a brother.

My foot is frail and I am old,

Yet how my heart can pity

Pups straining on a short leash-hold

And pent up in the city.

From all thought of self above,

And purged of sex emotion,

I know no form of living love

So deep as dogs devotion.

I have no hope at all of heaven,

I've lived in sin and strife;

But thank God! I at least have given

One dog a happy life.

Happy Dog's On Thursday!

Orangutan and the Hound

Orangutan and the Hound



Happy DOT's,
Tina, HoneyDew and Sampson too!

A dog owns nothing, yet is seldom dissatisfied. ~ Irish Proverb

And Happy Dogs on Thursday!

The things we do for our pups...

Ok, sharing time...What is some of the things you have done for your pups that your friends say "only a crazy dog person" about you?

Want to share your stories/pictures? Link In!

Happy Dot's you all,
Tina, HoneyDew and Sampson too!

Whew what a month!

Whew, what a month!

I am so sorry about the non-posting but I have been under the weather, with a bad case of the flu that my hubby brought home with him after an archery trip. I told him I really prefer chocolates!

Anyway we hope you are all doing well and HoneyDew, Sampson and I can't wait to catch up with all of you!

Happy DOT's,
Tina.

Happy Valentines...

To all our furbuddies and their people...

Sending love your way for Valentines Day!

Another lesson we could learn from our pets. They shower us with unconditional love everyday, so to them every day is Valentines Day!

Brrrrrrr....

All across the nation we have had some wild winter weather and it appears that we are in for another artic freeze in the next seven days (depending on where you are located, you may be experiencing this now!). Hang in there furbuddies, spring is on it's way, according to a local source in Puxatawney! But until then it might be a good idea for a refresher (and for some folks who don't usually have the frigid temps ice and snow!) some doggy winter care tips listed here...

http://www.dogchannel.com/dog-news/cold-weather-solutions-for-dogs.aspx

Staying warm here in PA,
Tina, HoneyDew and Sampson

It's Official...

Headlines today in our local paper read...

"Labrador Retriever named most popular dog in U.S."
...for the twentieth year in a row!
Second place goes to the German Shepard, Yorkshire Terry is third, Beagle is fourth and the Golden Retriever is ranked fifth. Congratulations to all those breeds!

However HoneyDew and Sampson feel there just may be a conspiracy going on due to press publication, and at the very least we all should just take turns! ;-)

I mean really how cute is this...

Happy DOT's!

Ode to a Faithful Dog

Came across this poem on the internet and thought it would be fitting in light of the passing of one of our DOT friends;

Oh faithful dog, thou most blessed creature!

That hath constant loyalty as thy finest feature.

It seemeth to me most wondrous fair,

To mark th'intelligence in thy thoughtful stare;

And to note the fiercenees in thine eagle eye,

Which thy calm repose upon my hearth doth belie.

Thy bounding eagerness, in thy play -

Showing thy delight in each new day -

Is in an instant by utmost dignity followed

Whene'er we meet another upon our lengthy road.

With dauntless courage and a ready bark,

Thee defends thine ancient post against the dark.

Alas! that thy life should prove less long than mine;

But by all in my power, I do swear to make it fine.

Never shall I see thee want for any thing,

Nor once be forced to endure winter's icy sting;

Victuals shall thee be served, to make thy mouth water,

And I vow to hold thee to me as a son or daughter.

Yet, when thy weary end inevitably draws near,
I shall, with heavy heart, help thee to meet it without fear.

~Published by Arelle Farmer

On Yahoo Associated Content 

It is with a sad farewell that we say goodbye to Bucky Butters November 5th, 1995-January 18th, 2011. As Vivian expressed, "Now he's finally painless, chasing butterflies". RIP Bucky.






Give your puppy extra snuggles today,
Tina, HoneyDew and Sampson too.

My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am. ~Author Unknown

We would like to congratulate Amanda and Joe on the new addition to their family, Rocky, a pitbull puppy rescue from the shelter. Amanda says they just absolutely adore the little guy and that he is a very smart puppy with housebreaking and getting along well with two older cats in the home.

Also if you missed last weeks posts/comments or sign in, Vivian and family also adopted a little guy named Rascal, and you can read about him here. Congrats to all!

In PA news, HoneyDew, Sampson and I are just trying to hang in there for spring! Quite a bit of snow here and frigid for sure. So we are enjoying Basset snuggles!

Happy DOT's everyone,
Tina, HoneyDew and Sampson too!

Happy New Year!

Ever wonder where you'd end up if you took your dog for a walk and never once pulled back on the leash?

~Robert Brault, www.robertbrault.com

Happy howling New Year!

We are so excited to be starting out the New Year with all our Dogs on Thursday friends! Over the Holidays have been so busy and we have really missed out on catching up with everything, everyone has been upto.

I am not sure who all is still contributing to this blog, so if you are or if you would be interested in doing so could you please contact me thegardener63@aol.com?

Have a good week,
Tina, HoneyDew and Sampson too!