Adorable adoptables in northern Virginia: Gulliver & Muncie

Posted on March 11, 2012 by Pup Fan

Every week, I’ll be featuring adoptable pets from local rescue groups. This week, I’m sharing adorable adoptables from Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA). Ready to meet this week’s pups, Gulliver & Muncie? Here we go…

First up, meet Gulliver! This handsome Lab mix is approximately three years old. I met him at an adoption event this weekend, and he’s even cuter in person! Here’s his bio from FOHA:

“Gulliver is a little bit shy right now and may not do well with children because of his fear. He does absolutely love other dogs and likes to play rough.”

Gulliver seemed like quite the sweet pup when I met him over the weekend – check out his bio to see more photos of his adorable mug.

Up next, meet Muncie! This Shepherd mix is another pup that I had the chance to meet this weekend. Here’s his bio from FOHA:

“Do you know what it means to dog-ear a page in a book? Well, that’s what my ears look like! Bent over just a bit on the top – it helps you notice me, and remember me. I’m Muncie, a middle-aged man, with a very pettable and soft coat and warm eyes. I’m a casualty of a divorce – which isn’t the easiest thing for a loving and easy-going guy like me to understand. But, I’m hoping you’ll come by for a visit and that’ll help. I’m shy at first with some folks, but I’ll warm up and be sitting confidently by your side in no time.

I like other dogs, and don’t mind cats – but may be a little too shy for a house with young children. My human friends here at FOHA say I will need a human committed to helping me get safe, frequent exercise and a healthy diet so I can shed some pounds… I say it’s just my big coat, but I know they are right. Who doesn’t like an extra treat now and again? So, come say hello, see my dog-eared ears, and who knows – maybe we’ll hit it off and you’ll win yourself a very loving and loyal forever friend.“

If you’re interested in adopting Gulliver or Muncie, visit the FOHA website for more information, or email doginfo@foha.org. To view the other pets available for adoption at FOHA, click here.

FOHA also has a monthly adoption event at the PetSmart in Gainesville and at the Treasure Hound in Chantilly. To find out more info on these events, click here.
(If you have your eye on a specific pet, please email for information
first – not all pets will be at the monthly event. However, there are a
lot of awesome pets in need of homes, so if you’re in the neighborhood,
stop by and meet some of them!)

Do you have room in your home (and your heart) for one of these cute canines? Then contact FOHA. If you know someone else who might be in the market for an awesome companion, please share this post. Let’s find some homes for Gulliver and Muncie!

Bios and photos from the FOHA website. This post is not on behalf of or officially endorsed by the group.

Adorable adoptables in northern Virginia: Willis & Tucker

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Pup Fan

Every week, I’ll be featuring adoptable pets from local rescue groups. This week, I’m sharing adorable adoptables from Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA) Ready to meet this week’s featured pups, Willis & Tucker? Here we go…

First up, meet Willis! This happy guy was my buddy for an adoption event last weekend at PetSmart. He’s a Border Collie mix and is about one year old.

According to his bio from FOHA, he’s dog friendly and very active. I was very lucky to meet Willis last weekend. I spent the day with him during an adoption event at PetSmart, and I can tell you that he is indeed an active guy and one of the friendliest pups I’ve ever met. He’s a total love bug – I think he gave almost everyone in the store a hug. He was great with the other dogs there too. Willis is just a friendly, happy pup, and I can’t wait for some lucky person to take him home!

Up next, meet Tucker! This Lab mix is approximately 3 years old. Here’s his bio from FOHA:

“Hey everybody! I’m a cool guy named Tucker! I’m very friendly and affectionate, and I love to sit by your side and give you sweet puppy kisses while you give me hugs and cuddles. I’m real smart too! I already know how to ‘sit’; I’m already house trained; and I walk very nicely on my leash. I’m fabulous with other dogs and love making new friends. I’m happy to meet every dog I come across and am always disappointed when they don’t want to play. BUMMER! I love to get treats! But seriously, who doesn’t? And, I take them really gently! I’d be great in a home with other dogs and we’d have a great time playing together. However, when it’s time to eat, I really don’t like it when they are all up in my business, you know what I mean? Sheesh! I’m all like, ‘don’t bogart my food dude’! But you better be ready, ’cause once I’ve finished my meal, it’s on like Donkey Kong! Oh yeah, I’m a pretty cool guy, so come and meet me and see all the fun you’ve been missing.“

If you’re interested in adopting Willis or Tucker, visit the FOHA website for more information, or email doginfo@foha.org. To view the other pets available for adoption at FOHA, click here.

FOHA also has a monthly adoption event at the PetSmart in Gainesville. For the address and to find out more info, click here.
(If you have your eye on a specific pet, please email for information
first – not all pets will be at the monthly event. However, there are a
lot of awesome pets in need of homes, so if you’re in the neighborhood,
stop by and meet some of them!)

Bios and photos from the FOHA website. This post is not on behalf of or officially endorsed by the group.

I’m not very musical, but this post is quite Seussical

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Pup Fan

Thanks go to Kolchak Puggle for inspiring today’s theme – I just hope that my bad rhymes do not make you scream…

Today’s punny pet name has both brains and good looks – it’s Fleaodor Seuss Geisel, author of many great books! (If you have the time and are feeling quite able, you might want to check out this Lorax dessert table.)
Speaking of books, not to be quite contrary, but I don’t think I’ll fit in this little library.
I hear that the ’80s are making a sartorial comeback – will fashion soon be inspired by volumes in my childhood book stack? (It seems that everything comes back around, from clothing to music, such cycles abound. This fashionable news fills me with neon-colored dread, but I suppose I should just be thankful we aren’t chasing the ’70s instead.)
If fonts were cats, would they wear hats? By that of course, I mean the thing called a serif – that a letter sometimes wears a pair of.
This next link will mess with your head and your brain – it’s inspired by Escher, and it’s right up my lane.
Now, Bella gets carsick and can’t go too far, but if she could travel I’d want this plate for my car.
Last week I took the adorable Willis to an adoption event as my friend – although he did like to hug, I’m lucky he did not try to fully ascend.

Before I must go, I shall whisper a secret. It should fully explain the final thing in this link set. Dr. Seuss isn’t the only one who entered the world on this day – a certain pup-obsessed blogger also came out to play.

Now that you know of this Seussy connection, perhaps you will realize upon further reflection, that the puns and the parodies are fully explained, and my all-around goofiness was no doubt preordained.Anyway, if you’re feeling inspired by this meandering post, and wish your blog had a similar rhyme scheme to host – sit down at your keyboard and let the creativity pop, then head on over to join up with this Seusstastic blog hop.

A salute to cinematic canines…

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Pup Fan

Well, the Academy Awards are on Sunday, so I bet you can guess today’s theme… movie madness and dogs on film! (Sing that last part like you’re Duran Duran… that’s how it sounded in my head just now.)

First up, your punny pet names: Billy Grrr-ystal, Barkin’ Scorsese, and Meryl Cheep (for a bird).
Throwing an Oscar party? You could make some punny dishes inspired by the nominees and then decorate with these fun printables.
At your party, you could reenact scenes from past winners. Just be careful which role you let this guy play. (In a moment of synergy, I just saw an ad for the re-release of Titanic in April. I’m so there. Be proud, 17 year old me. I’ll never let go.)
If that’s not your speed, you could discuss the greatest movie quotes of all time. The first category? Legal movie quotes.
Whatever you do, just make sure you’re comfy – it’s a long show.
I could watch this funny clip of Oscar nominee Jean Dujardin auditioning to be a villain all day. No joke.
I usually try to watch as many Oscar nominees as possible before the big night. What’s your favorite? This year, maybe I should try to catch some of the nominated shorts too.
It’s the year of the dog on the red carpet. I just have to smile every time I see Uggie, the canine star of The Artist (and a former rescue pup, like our pal Chopper). Check out this great interview with his trainer, and then get a glimpse behind the scenes with Uggie and Cosmo (star of Beginners).
Uggie’s far from the first four-legger to rock the red carpet – enjoy this slideshow to see more. (Sadly, Uggie won’t be on the red carpet on Sunday. He would have totally upstaged all of the starlets. However, I hope he’s enjoying his recently announced retirement and that he’s doing well.)
Why stop there? I’m totally into the Golden Collar Awards. Most adorable nominees ever.
What’s your favorite dog movie? (Here are some of mine.)

Finally, this video made me smile… and laugh… and cry… and cringe a little. (In any event, I had to share it just for the punny name near the end.)

Get More: TV Shows, Full Episode Video, Reality TV Shows

(via Best Week Ever)

Will you be watching the Oscars?

Adorable adoptables in northern Virginia: Igor & Abner

Posted on February 19, 2012 by Pup Fan

Every week, I’ll be featuring adoptable pets from local rescue groups. This week, I’m sharing adorable adoptables from Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA) and A Forever Home Rescue Foundation (A Forever Home). Ready to meet this week’s featured pups, Igor & Tasha? Here we go…

First up, meet Igor! (Awesome name, right?) This handsome guy is approximately 2 years old, weighs about 55 pounds, and is a Shar Pei mix. Here’s his bio from FOHA:

“Ivy is my sister. Someone abandoned us and another little black dog alone in the woods when we were just puppies. The little black dog took care of us as best he could. Someone gave him a sandwich to eat and he didn’t even touch it. He brought it over to the woods and gave it to my sister and me. True story!! He didn’t eat any of it.

We were found by some people who took care of us and helped our hair grow back. Then a nice couple fell in love with us and took us home. We thought it was going to be our forever home, but boy were we fooled. Two years later they had a baby and our family abandoned us again. They didn’t have time for us and didn’t care about us. The people I thought loved me…well, they didn’t care about us at all. I love food…and I love that I get 2 meals a day now….every day, without fail. Life is looking up. Now….if I could just find a REAL forever home….”

If you’re interested in adopting Igor and/or his sister Ivy, visit the FOHA website for more information, or email doginfo@foha.org. To view the other pets available for adoption at FOHA, click here.

Up next, meet Abner! This Lhasa Apso mix is approximately 5 years old. Here’s his bio from A Forever Home:

“I’m Abner, a Lhasa Apso mix. I was dropped off at a shelter in Cumberland, Maryland in the middle of the night on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, along other dogs and poodle puppies. I was on the news! A Forever Home rescued me! Let me tell you – it’s the BEST thing that’s ever happened to me. In my 5 years of life, I have not known what I feel now at my new foster’s home. I’m still trying to process why these people – who never met me before February 1, 2012 – act so different towards me than the person(s) who dumped me at the shelter.

Where I am now, they tell me they “love” me, but I don’t really know what “love” means. I do know that their voice is soft, I get held tight, scratched behind my ears and all over. That makes me feel so good. I get brushed daily and I have my own food three times each day! Guess all these things means ‘love’ – I could get use to this. I think I stayed outside all the time in my previous life, but my mom makes sure I’m not alone. I sleep with her and get extra scratching. She holds me so tight that I can hardly breathe, but I like it.

I walk funny from an old back injury and my hind legs don’t act right. I ‘gimp’, but it doesn’t stop me from walking. I’ve only known walking in a square or rectangle because that’s what I’ve been use to. When I got to my foster home, they took me out to do my business but, to my surprise, when I was done, I got to go inside, where it’s warm. I like everyone here, except what they call ‘cats’. Don’t know what they are but they don’t seem to like me. I try to get them to play, but they don’t respond, except to yell at me.

I’d love to be your everything. I need someone who won’t force me to be anything but what I want to be. I don’t need to be taken to a dog park. I just want someone who will understand where I came from, and that, with my bad back legs, I can’t do a lot of steps or run – just let me be me. Make me feel good every day, scratch me, feed me, and want to be close to me. That’s a lot to ask, so maybe I need someone who can dedicate themselves 24/7 to me. Oh, and it would help NOT to have cats or young children. Do you need companionship? Can you dedicate yourself to me? I might be the one for you.“

If you think you have the perfect home for Abner, visit A Forever Home for more information or email Info@aforeverhome.org. To view the other pets available for adoption at A Forever Home, click here.

A Forever Home also has a weekly adoption event at the PetCo in Chantilly. For the address and to find out more info, click here.
(If you have your eye on a specific pet, please email for information
first – not all pets will be at the weekly event. However, there are a
lot of awesome pets in need of homes, so if you’re in the neighborhood,
stop by and meet some of them!)

Do you have room in your home (and your heart) for one of these cute canines? Then contact FOHA or A Forever Home. If you know someone else who might be in the market for an awesome companion, please share this post. Let’s find some homes for Igor and Abner!

Bios and photos from the FOHA and AFH websites. This post is not on behalf of or officially endorsed by either group.

Very special adoptable: Thumper (northern Virginia)

Posted on February 12, 2012 by Pup Fan

Today, I want to introduce you to a very special adoptable pup named Thumper. This handsome guy is a long-term resident at Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA). He recently had surgery, and he’s in need of a foster and a forever home!

Thumper is approximately 7 years old and weighs about 60 pounds. (Also, as you can see from the photo at right, he’s absolutely adorable.) Here’s his bio from the FOHA website:

“You’ve all heard about how bad the housing market is, and I, unfortunately, am one of the casualties. My family lost their home; therefore, I did as well. It’s pretty bleak out there for many, but I’m just glad to be alive! I’m fun and playful, and sometimes I dont know my own strength so I’d be better with older kids. I’m a bit picky about my dog friends, and I’m not a big fan of cats, unless I’m chasing them. That’s pretty fun, but only for me, not for the cat! I’m already housetrained and love going for walks on the leash. I’m looking for a second chance at being someone’s best friend.”

FOHA has put together a special campaign to find this sweet guy a home. To learn more about Thumper, check out his campaign poster, which I encourage you to post around your community if you’re in the DC/northern Virginia area. (I also encourage you to check out the super adorable photos on the poster – I can’t believe this lovebug doesn’t have a home yet!) You can also watch some video clips of Thumper in action.

For more information about adopting Thumper, call 703-709-6186 or doginfo@foha.org. (For information on donating to FOHA to help cover the medical costs of Thumper and others like him, click here.)

I’d also appreciate if you’d share this post with others via email, Twitter, and Facebook – maybe someone you know (or someone who knows someone you know) has the perfect home for Thumper!

Bio and photo from the FOHA website.

Adorable adoptables in northern Virginia: Belinda & Mac

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Pup Fan

Every week, I’ll be featuring adoptable pets from local rescue groups. This week, I’m sharing adorable adoptables from the Humane Society of Fairfax County (HSFC) and A Forever Home Rescue Foundation (A Forever Home). Ready to meet this week’s featured pups, Belinda & Mac? Here we go…

First up, meet Belinda! This Beagle/Plott Hound mix weighs approximately 35 pounds and is looking for a new friend. Here’s her bio from HSFC:

“This is one beautiful girl you won’t want to miss meeting. Belinda is incredibly sweet and loving. She was picked up by Animal Control as a stray with injuries. It was suspected she had been hit by a car. As soon as they realized how wonderful she was, they called us right away to help save her from euthanasia. And they were so right! She is not only adorable but too sweet to describe. She has gone through a very successful surgery to repair a dislocated hip, but healing beautifully. You’ll just have to come and meet her for yourself to see exactly what we’re talking about. She’s 3 yrs. old, likes other dogs and all ages of people. She is so ready to find a new family who will give her the love she deserves.

Attributes: Too Sweet For Words!”

Do you have a home for this lovely lady? If so, visit the HSFC website for more information. To view the other pets available for adoption at HSFC, click here.

Up next, meet Mac, a handsome Beagle/Labrador Retriever mix. Here’s his bio from A Forever Home:

“Hi, I’m Mac short for Paul McCartney. I am a gentle, slender small version of a lab but I am actually a 3-year-old lab/beagle mix. I got all the lab coloring and none of the beagle. I am very gentle and sensitive. I quietly love being with my foster family after being with my old family. For some time, their schedule was sooooo bad that I was in a crate with my brother Lenny as they said for about 20 hours a day! I am one of those dogs that curl up in a little ball and just love to lean against my foster. I also like being out of my crate unless it is bedtime or they go out, which isn’t often that they both go out. I love people and enjoy pets. I can get scared a little but them all I want is a pet to know it’s ok. My foster thinks it is very funny that after two days with her, all she has to do is whistle and I come right to her! I can do my commands of sit, down and shake. I am very gentle and have a very light touch. I am looking for a new home where I can be out of my crate most of the day. Please come and meet me at the adoptions. I really love the pets from big people and the kids!“

If you think you have the perfect home for Mac, visit A Forever Home for more information or email Info@aforeverhome.org. To view the other pets available for adoption at A Forever Home, click here.

Do you have room in your home (and your heart) for one of these cute canines? Then contact HSFC or A Forever Home. If you know someone else who might be in the market for an awesome companion, please share this post. Let’s find some homes for Belinda and Mac!

Bios and photos used with permission from HSFC and A Forever Home.

A weekend of puppies & football lies ahead…

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Pup Fan

It’s Super/Puppy Bowl weekend! I’m sure today’s theme will not surprise you…

Your punny pet name: Meowrio Manningham. (I had some trouble coming up with one today – so here are some more punny football names.)
He’s no football player, but Ozzy the balancing dog is the most impressive athlete I’ve seen in a while.
Hello… is it blending you’re looking for? If so, you’ll enjoy this Super Bowl commercial from Toyota. (The obsession continues.)
On a loosely related note, here’s a Mister T tea set.
Moving on… I’ll be making some cupcakes for our annual Super Bowl party. (One of these days, I’ll also update my baking blog again.) I hope mine turn out better than these.
Puppies predicting the Super Bowl? I hope they are wrong, but I can’t deny the cute.
Something else important is happening on Sunday too – the Puppy Bowl! Who is your favorite player? (See them in action!)
Another great thing about the Puppy Bowl? It’s encouraging adoption!
No need to focus solely on the puppies – this year, you can check out the equally awesome Elder Bowl!
Don’t worry… there’s a little something for the cat lover too. Here are your 30 cutest moments from the kitty halftime show.

I can’t wait to watch the game and cheer for the Giants. However, I doubt there will be any instant replays that use slow-mo as well as the video below…

(via Paw Nation)

So what are your plans for the big game? Are you participating in Super Dog Sunday? Bella did last year, and we’ll be joining in the fun yet again.

Adorable adoptables in Northern Virginia: Janai & Tasha

Posted on January 29, 2012 by Pup Fan

First up, meet Janai! This lovely lady is approximately 4 years old, weighs about 40 pounds, and is a Plott Hound mix. I actually had the pleasure of meeting her when I visited FOHA for dog walking training last weekend. She and I enjoyed a lovely walk together – Janai is an absolute sweetheart. Here’s her bio from FOHA:

“Janai was given up by her owner when she had a litter of puppies. The owner simply couldnt take care of her anymore and was overwhelmed by all the new dogs on her property. A lady was contacted who held onto the dogs until they all got rescued. The puppies went to a rescue organization in Richmond, but unfortunately they didnt have room for the Momma Dog. Friends was contacted and we did have space for her!!

Janai loves to play with other dogs. She is a medium-high energy dog who would love to run around in the dog park or just go on some nice hikes. She was a little nervous when she came in, but is coming around nicely! She is not very comfortable riding in the car, but thats probably because every time she enters it, her world is turned upside down (being surrendered by her owner, going to the vet, going to a shelter, etc). She would probably learn to not be afraid once she gets taken to the dog park! Janai would probably do well with an active family who doesnt have cats!”

Have you been looking for a lady like Janai? If so, visit the FOHA website for more information, or email doginfo@foha.org. To view the other pets available for adoption at FOHA, click here.

Up next, meet Tasha! This Anatolian Shepherd mix is approximately 5 years old. Here’s her bio from A Forever Home:

“Tasha was originally given up because her family relocated to California. She is housebroken, crate trained and leash trained. She is good with other dogs but due to her size she would be best with a medium or large playmate. She has been through obedience training and has her canine good citizenship certificate. She is still growing and very strong. Tasha needs an experienced large breed dog owner. She will not be placed with young children as she does not realize how large she is. Tasha is somewhat shy when you first meet her but warms up quickly.“

If you think you have the perfect home for Tasha, visit A Forever Home for more information or email Info@aforeverhome.org. To view the other pets available for adoption at A Forever Home, click here.

Bios and photos from the FOHA and AFH websites.

Revenge of the nerds… and the nerdy cats

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Pup Fan

It’s Friday… time for some linkage to send you into the weekend with a smile!

Your punny pet names are for a turtle and dog duo: Shelldon Cooper and Amy Farrah Howler. (Continuing on the nerdy theme, you could also get a bird and name it Stephen Hawking – no punnification required.)
Speaking of Mayim Bialik, did you ever watch Blossom? If so, enjoy this story about Jenna von Oy (a/k/a Six) and her pug.
Do you ever watch The Soup? If so: (a) we should hang out; and (b) you will likely enjoy this Cat Soup parody.
That last clip was a bit irreverent. This koala was shocked.
You know I love a good shelter photography story. This awesome collection of adorable adoptables is no exception.
This slideshow of pets on furniture is too cute. (This one is my favorite.)
Have you ever wanted to attend Hogwarts? Well, I can’t get you in there (I’ve already called in all of my favors), but perhaps you should check out the Hovawart School of Witchcraft & Wizardry instead. I hear the Care of Magical Creatures class is fantastic. (Also, I can’t resist a Harry Potter pun.)
You know, I always wondered what made the Angry Birds so darn angry. Now we know.

Anyway, today’s video is cat-related (it’s been a cat kind of week, apparently). Honestly though, my first thought was that this is exactly what it would be like if Stephen Hawking were a cat instead of a human (hence #1 above).

(via Best Week Ever)

As a cat, he’d still be smarter than any of us (and we probably would have already welcomed those feline overlords I keep hearing about).

That’s all for today. Have a great weekend, nerds! (I consider that a term of endearment – I’m kind of nerdy myself, after all.)

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Tag Archives: rescues