Tag Archives: in which I get serious for a moment

Post-Puppum Anxiety Disorder

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I hate to admit it, but I’ve come down with a case of Post-Puppum Anxiety Disorder (PPAD). Obviously, it’s not a real disorder, so I just made up a name for it. (I did do a quick search, and found a few discussions of post-puppy depression online, actually. I guess mine is slightly different variation on that one.)

Anyway, I’m a bit mortified to be writing this post. After all, the name of the blog screams my desire to have more puppies, and my longstanding motto has been “Puppies = Serenity Now.” Well, that just shows what I know. At the moment, more puppies = unjustified anxiety and a serious case of PPAD. So, if you’ve got your judgy pants on today, I suggest you hop on over to another blog. I can’t take the stress, and this post is turning out to be a long one. Continue reading →

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A dog in a hot car’s just not right…

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Today, we’re going with some vintage Bella from 2007 combined with a PSA from the pup herself. (She totally wrote this song.)

Hot dog, summer in the city
Whether a Beagle, Yorkie, or a Pitty.
Why can’t I just nap like a kitty?
It isn’t getting any cooler in the city.

All around people being brain dead
Even though that car is hotter than a match head.

But it’s not hard to be a pearl,
Be smart about the world.
Come on, come on, and see the light
A dog in a hot car’s just not right.

And babe, don’t you know it’s a pity,
Some people just aren’t all that bright
In the summer, in the city
In the country, or the city.

Stay cool, no need for that pity
Just remember this little ditty.
Sure enough, you’ll be sitting pretty
Looking out for dogs in the country and the city.

I’m already filled with dread knowing that the usual hot car stories are just around the corner… as usual, I’m sure the news cycle will bring out my Hulk-ian tendencies. (As in, “Hulk smash idiots who leave their dogs in hot cars.” Hulk smash a lot.)

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Dangerous? Only if you’re afraid of puppy kisses.

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You may remember when I shared a great post from Oh, Corbin – “You call me a Pit Bull like it’s a bad thing.” Using that post as inspiration, Corbin has organized a special event today – Blogville Pitty Post Day! The mission is simple – share a positive post about Pit Bulls.

The timing couldn’t be better for me, actually. This weekend, I had the pleasure of spending a few hours with a fantastic Pit Bull in need of a home, and I’m delighted to introduce her to you today. Continue reading →

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Adorable adoptables in northern Virginia: Back in black edition

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Timber from FOHA

This week, I have a special edition of my Adorable Adoptables feature for you. In the month of May, Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA) in northern Virginia has been running a “Back in Black” promotion to showcase black cats and dogs looking for a home. The promotion is part of the Best Friends Animal Society’s Back in Black 2 national adoption event.

Oreo from FOHA

We’ve talked about black pets on the blog before as part of Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week. My motto is “appreciate, don’t discriminate” – it’s crazy that black pets have a tougher time getting adopted, considering how awesome they are. I mean, how could anyone find the sweet faces accompanying this post anything less than fantastic?

Gulliver from FOHA

So, check out some campaign info from FOHA. Then swing by the FOHA Twitter account and Facebook page, where they’ve been sharing black pets all month! There’s even a special Black Cat Ball section on the FOHA website. It’s a pretty great campaign, and there are lots of cute pets up for adoption, including the ones featured in this post – Timber, Oreo, and Gulliver. Finally, don’t forget to spread the word about these sometimes overlooked (and amazingly awesome) adoptables!

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It runs in the family

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I just had to share this photo today, in spite of my tragically high-waisted skirt. (I initially thought it was shorts, but I believe it’s actually a skirt. Though either way… still not my best look.) It’s a photo of my mom, some of our dogs and me.

My mom was a wonderful lady. I miss her today and every day. One of the things she instilled in me was a love of animals. I was looking through old photos earlier today – when I saw this one, I just had to smile.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the fantastic moms out there, and a big hug to anyone else who is missing their mom today.

 

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Dogs and (not in) space!

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We’ve already covered dogs (and rocks and Corgis and Ryan Gosling) in space on this blog. Today, we’re just talking about dogs… and then talking about space.

First up, a Bella glamour shot. (Better than these glamour shots, right? Fun fact: I used to work in a one-hour photo joint and occasionally helped out with glamour shoots in our small town portrait studio.)

Anyway, I just love this photo of Bella. I think it’s the ears…

Speaking of photos, it was a big day in DC yesterday. The space shuttle Discovery was flown over DC on the back of a 747 before landing at Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia. The shuttle will soon be on display at the the National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center. It was a bittersweet day, but it definitely made for a cool photo op.

People all over the DC metro area were outside, trying to catch a glimpse of Discovery. Here’s one of my photos from the big day – if you want to see more, check out my set on Flickr.

 

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Caption this: Easter Bunny training program

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I think Bella is getting a little too into this whole Easter thing. Although I must admit, she does have the ears for it.

 

Also, I said it last year, but it bears repeating… rabbits are not Easter toys. Spread the word and encourage people not to give live bunnies (or chicks, ducklings, etc.) as Easter gifts. Stick with chocolate or a snuggle-worthy stuffed animal. As you can see, Bella has approved the content of this message.

 

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Saint Howlentine’s Day & Pillars for K

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Today, I join several other bloggers for Pillars of Strength – A Special Day for K.

K is the canine star of many gorgeous photos over at Romping and Rolling in the Rockies, as well as the beloved companion of my blogging friend KB.

The photography of K and her furry brother R takes my breath away on a regular basis.  It’s a constant reminder to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds me.

K has been diagnosed with cancer (osteosarcoma in one of her front legs) and will be undergoing another round of chemo next week. Today, many pet bloggers are joining together to send support and encouragement to K and KB during this time. I’m joining in to send lots of hugs their way.

I also thought I’d send a few smiles their way, with a special Valentine’s Day edition of No Frown Friday, dedicated to K and KB.  Enjoy these links from the heart, after the jump:

  1. It wouldn’t be a pseudo No Frown Friday without a punny name.  We’ll go with Saint Howlentine.
  2. I want to celebrate Valentine’s Day at the zoo… how do I get invited?
  3. Check out these adorable Valentine’s Day cards – they’re cute and for a good cause.  (No shame in sending a belated valentine, after all.  Shouldn’t we celebrate love every day?)
  4. Here’s one for the legal nerds, or maybe those who just like Mad Libs – sign a Valentine’s Day contract this year.  (Don’t worry, other nerds – I’ve got you covered too.  Enjoy Valentine’s Day for Math Nerds.)
  5. Need a last minute (or belated – see #3) Valentine’s Day gift?  Here are some great gifts for every budget.  Want to see more?  The cute continues… 
  6. You could always make a gift.  Perhaps a cupcake with a heart inside?  (If that’s not your style, just celebrate Chocolate Eating Day instead.)
  7. Don’t forget to make a treat for your pup too… yum!
  8. Here’s a history lesson about those conversation hearts.  I don’t love the taste, but I do love the idea.  What’s your favorite Valentine’s Day candy?  
  9. I can’t argue with this lovely message from 24 Paws of Love – everyone needs a Snoopy.
It wouldn’t be a link roundup without a video… so here’s one I found just for K.  Don’t worry, the only actual chocolate in the video is the Lab:

Please join me and these other fantastic bloggers to send hugs and good thoughts to K and KB today…

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Dear Congress: Don’t break the Internet

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I know I said I was planning to post every day for a month.  However, I’m making an exception tomorrow for a very important reason.  I’m going on strike, along with many other sites, to protest two proposed bills with some very scary implications.

These bills, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA) have flashy titles that sound good on the surface.  Piracy’s bad, right?  Not so fast – these deceptively simple titles hide some truly scary provisions that could cripple online security and chill freedom of expression.

Don’t get me wrong – protecting intellectual property rights is important. However, the measures taken to protect these rights need to be balanced with the need for freedom of expression.  A process needs to be in place to ensure due process for those accused of infringing upon someone else’s intellectual property rights.  These laws take innocent until proven guilty and turn it on its head – under a regime like that, freedom of expression won’t just be chilled. It will be frozen.

Want to learn more?  First, watch the video below for a quick primer.  Then, head to Stop American Censorship to learn more and to find out how you can join the strike tomorrow.  Check out this infographic.  Learn more in this great (yet terrifying) article.  Write your Senator and Representative.  Whatever you do, don’t let Congress break the Internet.


(Via Fight for the Future on Vimeo)

Thanks to my friends at Something Wagging This Way Comes and Will My Dog Hate Me for alerting me to tomorrow’s protest.

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Blog the Change for Animals: Helping pets through photography

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Blog the ChangeFor this edition of Blog the Change, I decided to write about a subject that’s near and dear to my heart – shelter pet photography.  I’ve written about this subject often over the past few months, but I feel like it’s a message that just can’t be shared enough. Better photos help shelter pets find homes… period.

Today, I want to tell you about a nonprofit called Second Chance Photos.  This great organization aims to help shelter pets through photography by encouraging people to donate their time to take personalized photos of animals in need of a forever home.  The founder, professional photographer Seth Casteel, does more than just encourage – he even teaches workshops to help aspiring shelter pet photographers get started.  I attended one, and it was great!

Ernie 24
Shameless plug – adopt Ernie!

The right photo really can make a difference – check out some of these before and after photos and see for yourself.

Do you have a camera and love to take photos of your own pet?  Turn that hobby into a volunteer opportunity!  I contacted several local shelters, and ended up going to take photos for one of them in the fall.  (Don’t be discouraged if it takes a little while to get your foot in the door or find a shelter who is interested in your services – I’m heading back to the shelter soon for general volunteer training, and hope to take more photos for them soon.)

I’ve rounded up some info to help you get started.  Check out the links below:

  • The Second Chance Photos website, which includes tips for getting started and a wealth of other information.
  • A list of upcoming Second Chance Photos workshops – maybe there’s one in your area!  (If you’re wondering what it’s like to attend a workshop and interested in some tips, you can read my recap here.)
  • Even if there’s not a workshop near you, don’t worry!  Here’s a PDF full of tips from Second Chance Photos to get you started.  It covers everything from approaching shelters to taking photos and beyond.
  • For more info, you can keep up with Second Chance Photos on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Here are some more inspiring photos – don’t you just want to adopt them all?
  • I recently interviewed Seth Casteel of Second Chance Photos – to learn how he got started and pick up a few tips, click here (Part I) and here (Part II).

Have you ever taken photos for a shelter before?  Are you considering giving it a try?  Go for it – you’ll be glad you did!

I encourage you to visit the other great blogs participating in this event today- so many fantastic causes being highlighted. Check out the list after the jump!

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