Tag Archives: rescues

Sealed with a kiss

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Today, we’re talking about seals… or as I like to call them, “the puppies of the sea.”  They even call their little ones pups (well, humans call their little ones pups… I imagine that the seals have not adopted our terminology, but I digress).  Anyway, in case you hadn’t already guessed, I find seals pretty irresistible.  (Proof: I used to be obsessed with this animated version of Rudyard Kipling’s “The White Seal” and had a stuffed animal to back up that claim.)

Anyway… I have a pretty wonderful seal video to share with you today.  Recently, two seal pups that were rescued and rehabilitated by the Pacific Marine Mammal Center were released into the wild.  Their farewell scene was perfection:



(via Jezebel)

Could those two get any cuter?

Sadly, even as illustrated in the cartoon I linked to above, the topic of seals is not without a sad component.  To learn more about the dangers faced by seals and what you can do to help, click here,  here, and here.

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Cat scratch fever

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Although the blog has a very pro-puppy name, I love all sorts of animals (cats included… you may recall my weakness for sleeping kittens).  So, today’s No Frown Friday post is dedicated to the big cats out there…

  1. As always, we begin with a dose of punny: Leopardo DiCatrio, Cheetah Rivera, Jaguar-ren Beatty and Puma Thurman.  (P.S. Apparently my punning abilities qualify me for a job naming crappy wine. Who knew?)
  2. Those big cats must be born with good PR skills.  They know how to make the rounds on the talk show circuit and ambush us with epic cuteness.  Don’t believe me?  Check out this fuzzy leopard cub on Letterman… and this baby cheetah (with bonus puppy BFF) on the Today Show.
  3. Speaking of cheetahs, this little guy could have quite the career on the talk show circuit doing bird impressions.
  4. The cheetah cubs at the National Zoo make me smile.  That is all.
  5. Baby tigers!  Lion cubs! A dog named Lion!  I’m swooning.
  6. Tigers plus lions equals… ligers!  Liger cubs adopted by a dog equals more cuteness than you can shake a stick at.  (Where did that expression come from?  Who is going around shaking sticks at everything? I had to find out.)

Never fear, I saved the most ferocious for last…

Hmmm… I guess I let the roar fool me.  Or perhaps the fact that the kitten decided to hang out in a boot just wiped out my ability to think logically.  Either way, I can’t fight the cute.  Besides, I bet most house cats think they’re king or queen of their “jungle” anyway.  (Seriously though, if you want to learn more about big cat conservation, go here.)

I’ve got a busy weekend ahead, but I do plan to catch the Tony Awards on Sunday.  Anyone else?  Whatever your plans for the weekend, I hope you’re more successful than this guy.

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A different kind of rescue dog

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There’s some synergy in the air, it seems.  We were just talking about Jack Russell Terriers on Friday… and today I have a very special JRT story to share with you.  Meet my new hero, Steve Porter.

For more on this amazing story, go here.  You can also see photos of the rescue.  Although Jessie ended up with a cone of shame, this story has a pretty happy ending.

As you may know, JRTs are very brave and are built for hunting below ground.  Some JRTs even compete in events called Go-to-Ground, which simulate and test a JRT’s ability to hunt underground. 

When I was a kid, my Toy Fox Terrier (Scotti) would show off these skills as well.  She’d chase squirrels and other animals all over the yard, including chasing them through a small drainpipe that was back there.  We were lucky – she never got stuck, although the habit did result in quite a few baths for my muddy mutt.  The frequent baths never proved to be a deterrent, however.

It appears that Jessie’s ordeal hasn’t stopped him from following his instincts either.  Those terriers are incorrigible.  In a good way.

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On Memorial Day…

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Memorial Day… a time to remember those who have given their service to our country.  Words really aren’t enough to describe this sacrifice and to truly honor those who have made it so that we can be free.  So these simple words will have to do instead: thank you.

Last year, I shared my tribute to human and canine heroes alike.  (I hope you’ll take a moment to revisit that post if you haven’t read it before – and even if you have – as it contains some fantastic links and information about War Dogs and Military Working Dogs.  Also, if you are in the market for something to make you cry today, I have a feeling that post will provide what you need.)

I did want to share some links with you today:

  • As you probably know, a dog helped in the raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound.  This amazing dog, a Belgian Malinois named Cairo, has received quite a bit of press (and even met the President).  Ever since, it seems like hero dogs have been all over the news.
  • Countless dogs have served our country over the years.  Check out the history of war dogs in these two amazing photo . (Thanks to and Phetched for the tip.)
  • As always, The Dog Files has a moving and visually stunning saluting Military Working Dogs.
  • I also urge you to visit FiveSibes for a touching tribute and some fantastic videos that are just perfect for today.
  • Check out this great post from Bocci’s Beefs about dogs of war and what would have happened if cats were helping us out instead.  (Just kidding… after all, there are some truly patriotic cats out there too.)
  • Last year, the National World War II Museum honored some four-legged heroes in an exhibit.  You can learn about some of these heroes here.
  • Can’t get enough of these fabulously furry heroes?  Read about five more here or watch a movie about some heroic dogs or horses..
  • Not all heroic dogs are on official duty, as illustrated by this tale of a unit in Afghanistan that was saved by some local strays.

As I mentioned last year, when these hero dogs retire from service, they need homes.  After Cairo’s participation in the bin Laden raid,  inquiries about war dog adoption have increased, but these heroes will need homes even after the initial rush slows.  If you are interested in giving a home to one of these retired heroes, learn more at Fido Friendly and then head over to Military Working Dog Adoptions.  (You can also check out the Department of Defense’s Official Military Working Dog Adoption Website.)    

If you have any stories about Military Working Dogs (either in action or in retirement), click on over to Dogster and read about Maria Goodavage’s new book project, Soldier Dogs.

Take a moment to remember today…

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Jack of all trades

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Although Bella’s exact specifications are unknown, I suspect (and many of you agreed) that she has some Beagle and Jack Russell Terrier in there (sometimes known as a Jack-a-Bee), and maybe a little Corgi too.  Since we’ve done No Frown Friday tributes to Beagles and Corgis, it’s time to complete the trifecta!

  1. First up, your punny pet name:  Jack Russell Crowe.
  2. Speaking of names, do you know how the Jack Russell Terrier got its name?  Once you know its origin story, click over to Dogster to learn more about this feisty breed or watch this clip from Dogs 101.
  3. In the epic battle of JRTs vs. sprinkler, who wins?  We do.
  4. Sprinkler defense aside… prepare for your heart to melt when you watch this video of a JRT mix nursing some abandoned kittens.
  5. JRTs can also play soccer and fly through the air with the greatest of ease. They really can do it all – remember Jesse?  (Sometimes, perhaps, they should be a bit less ambitious.)

The video below reminded me of Bella… she does this every morning and often additional times throughout the day:

(via The Dog Files)

It seems like I’m always seeing JRTs in pop culture – which famous cutie is your favorite?  I’m partial to Wishbone (portrayed by the awesomely named Soccer), followed closely by Eddie from Frasier (played by the equally awesome Moose).

Think you could handle one of these adorable balls of energy?  Then get out there and rescue a Jack Russell!

 

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Bella’s Bunnies

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First, have you read yesterday’s Blog the Change post about Make Mine Chocolate?  As you may know, I’m spreading the word about that cause to advocate giving chocolate bunnies instead of real bunnies for Easter this year.  However, there are lots of wonderful bunnies looking for a home – so if you have done your homework and think you’re really ready to become a bunny parent, then today is your lucky day.  All Things Dog Blog has gone to the bunnies, and is hosting an Easter Rabbit Adoptathon.

Allow me to introduce you to a few beautiful bunnies (click on their names for more info):

Meet Stella and Natasha in Virginia.  Both of these cutie pies may have been handled a bit too much in their previous homes, and can be a little wary or shy around humans.  However, they have been making a lot of progress while living with their foster mom.  Stella is 4 years old, and is looking for a home with a patient person who will work to earn her trust.  Natasha is 2 years old, and is looking for a “loving, patient, permanent home with someone who will let her run and explore and shred some papers and boxes.”  (Loved the description, so couldn’t pass up using it.)

Next up, meet Felt in Washington, DC.  She’s a 4 year old mini Rex rabbit who loves to be petted.  Due to a sinus infection, Felt does have some special needs, but if you have lots of love to give she may be the one for you.

To participate, visit All Things Dog Blog for instructions.  To visit other blogs participating in the Adoptathon and see a whole bunch of adorable bunnies, check out the blog hop after the jump…


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Blog the Change: Honey Bunnies

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Blog the ChangeEaster is right around the corner.  So, for this round of Blog the Change, Bella wanted to highlight a bunny-related cause.  After all, she did have a bunny cousin – who she tried to lick during their first encounter.  In any event…

Today, I (and Bella) want to talk about the Make Mine Chocolate campaign (organized by the Columbus House Rabbit Society).  This cause was recently featured on Be the Change for Animals, and it’s a great one.  Just as movies like 101 Dalmatians result in lots of children asking their parents for a Dalmatian, Easter has the tendency to result in requests for bunnies.  While I’m all for adoption, I’m not in favor of families acquiring the pet of the moment and realizing that perhaps pet ownership was not really for them.  If a family is prepared and knows what they are getting into – more power to them.  However, the sad reality is that many of these bunnies end up in animal shelters or worse.

The key here is education – before adopting a rabbit, it’s important to know if a rabbit really is the right pet for you.  (Sound advice before adopting any animal.  Check out the cool Interactive Bun feature at Make Mine Chocolate to see if you’re bunny material.  For those who get the Interactive Bun seal of approval, I recommend visiting All Things Dog Blog tomorrow to meet some wonderful bunnies from Petfinder – it’s an Easter Rabbit Adoptathon!  Go here for details on how to participate.)

So, this Easter season, spread the word about Make Mine Chocolate.  Commit to giving only chocolate (or cute plush) bunnies as gifts.  Visit MMC’s website or the Facebook page to learn more.  (After using that abbreviation, I momentarily drifted off to think about the Mickey Mouse Club.  Anyone else remember The Party?  Okay, back to the serious stuff… focus.) 

Also, I realize it’s not technically part of the Make Mine Chocolate campaign, but I’d also like to take a moment to discourage giving children chicks and ducklings as well.  First, they grow up.  Chicks become chickens, and ducklings become ducks.  Second, unless you’re Chandler and Joey, it’s just not a good idea.

Interested in participating in Blog the Change?  Learn more here.  You can find the list of other participating bloggers (and join the blog hop yourself) after the jump.

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Flashback: To all the dogs (and cats) I’ve loved before

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It’s almost the first anniversary of I Still Want More Puppies, so
I’m sharing some of my favorite posts with you this week.  The post
below originally appeared on November 15, 2010.  Hope you enjoy!

With this post, I reach a bit of a milestone – 100 posts!  For a while, I was stumped regarding what to blog about for number 100.  (I then went on vacation, which resulted in a total post hiatus… more to come on that later.)

While driving earlier, it hit me – the perfect way to commemorate my 100th post.  I’ve decided to dedicate this post to all the pets I’ve loved before.  (Yes, that’s a nod to the Red Headed Stranger – bonus points if you figure it out without clicking on either of the links.)

Anyway, you obviously know lots about Bella, my current fur child.  I’ve also introduced you to some of my past loves – Shadow, Sparkle, Bourbon & Pedro.  Today, I’d like you to meet the rest of the pups and cats I shared my house with growing up…

Each of these wonderful animals (as well as the ones above) really deserves their own post.  So many stories to share – definitely a topic for future discussion.  For now, I’ll just stick with the basics…

I should start at the beginning (a very good place to start).  My first pet was – believe it or not – a cat.  A white cat that I named Buttercup.  (Don’t ask me why… I’d love to ask my three-year-old self the same thing.)

She wasn’t the friendliest of cats to start with, but that’s a story for another day.  She was my first love.

Next, I’d like to introduce you to Kandi, a chihuahua that my dad adopted and brought home one day.  Note – when she got older, her tongue began to stick out all the time.  We used to say that her spring was broken.

Quite the character, that one.

We also had a Norwegian Elkhound named Lady – one of the many dogs that found us over the years.

I loved to cuddle with that gal.

My sister also had a cat – though Tiger joined us when I was much older.  She was once our neighbor’s cat, but decided to adopt my sister instead.  She even decided to have her kittens in my sister’s lap – I believe my sister was around three at the time.  Talk about a surprise!

Last, but by no means least, I must introduce you to the source of my terrier love.  When I was ten years old, I met the most wonderful dog.  My parents had promised me I could get a new dog that would be officially “my” dog.  I considered many breeds, and had my heart set on a Scottish Terrier.  However, when I met this girl, that plan went out the window.  I’d already settled on the most creative name (sarcasm intentional) for the Scottish Terrier I had convinced myself I was getting.  Thus, Scotti the Toy Fox Terrier joined our family.


Take note of the teddy bear in the photo to the right… this is one of the two teddy bears that Scotti adopted and carried everywhere.

Long story short, Scotti was by my side every minute from the time I was 10 until I left for college (as well as every moment I returned home during college and beyond).  Definitely a girl’s best friend.

I have tons of wonderful stories about each of these special animals (as well as several other animals who didn’t live in my house but were responsible for some great memories).  I’m sure I’ll be sharing them over many nostalgic nights in the future.

For now, I just want to say thanks for reading my blog – the first 100 posts have been fun, and I look forward to many more.

In closing, say hi to your puppy for me… and then give him or her a big hug.

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Flashback: Corgi, P.I.

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It’s almost the first anniversary of I Still Want More Puppies, so
I’m sharing some of my favorite posts with you this week.  The post
below originally appeared on May 14, 2010.  Hope you enjoy!

For the first time, No Frown Friday will let one specific breed take the spotlight.  It seemed like I kept encountering Corgis this week.  It’s a fitting breed for my first breed spotlight – although we’ve been told Bella is a cross between a Beagle and a Jack Russell Terrier, we often get asked if she’s part Corgi.  She does have comically large ears and is low to the ground.  So either that combination results in a suspiciously Corgi-like creature, or there’s some Corgi in her family tree.  Anyway, on with the Corgification:

  1. While watching the Daily Show on Monday night, I saw this segment about Britain’s hung Parliament (that’s right, I keep up with non-puppy news as well).  While the Daily Show is reliably funny, this segment had a little something special – punny pet names!  Specifically, Winston Furchill (a Corgi, of course) and Margaret Scratcher.  Classic.  With that in mind, my own punny pet name this week is based upon one of the talented actresses Britain has bestowed upon us: Mischa Barkton.  (I kid, I kid… but did you know she was born in England?) 

  2. If you love Corgis, there’s a cute blog out there called the Daily Corgi where  I found this picture of a Corgi rocking Bella’s signature pose.  Or maybe Bella has stolen a signature Corgi pose?  The plot thickens…

  3. Who am I kidding?  As if I could only post one new punny pet name.  In honor of today’s Corgi focus, I give you Billy Corgi-an and Corgi Cox.

  4. I just learned that a cross between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is called a Cojack (info and plethora of adorable pictures here).  I now have an overwhelming urge to adopt one of these dogs, get him hooked on lollipops, and  train him to star in his own police drama.  It seems to me that their short stature makes them the perfect dog detective – they can sniff out clues while staying under the radar.  Also, they are short enough to simply trip bad guys when they try to make a run for it.  However, in order for this police drama to work, Cojack may need a taller dog as a sidekick so that he doesn’t miss any clues that are higher off the ground.

  5. In honor of the future interim Prime Minister, Sir Winston Furchill, here’s another noble Corgi, showing off his kibble dancing skills:


(via Cute Overload)

If you think a short and adorable dog might be for you and are interested in finding a Corgi of your very own, consider rescuing a Corgi.  I hear they are good sports and won’t be offended even if you constantly make fun of their height.  True story.

Have a good weekend, puppy pals!

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Paws for Japan: How to Help

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Paws for JapanAs you know, the images and stories from Japan in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami are haunting and heartbreaking.  The tragedy has had a devastating effect on both people and animals.  For that reason, I ask you to take a moment today and learn how you can help with animal relief efforts in Japan. 

Today has been dubbed Paws for Japan Day.

What can you do? Please visit Pawcurious and BlogPaws Be the Change for Pets for information how you can donate to World Vets to support its animal relief efforts in Japan.  Huffington Post also highlighted World Vets in this list of ways to help animals in Japan – there are 5 other organizations mentioned as well if you’d like to learn more.

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