Tag Archives: rescues

Adorable adoptables in northern Virginia: Handsome & Coaster

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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, Handsome & Coaster? Here we go…

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

“Handsome is a cutie pie. He is a gorgeous boy and not quite a year old. He has some sad stories to share and may take a while to tell you all about his past. He was a stray for many months and is very shy. He needs some special TLC with someone who will be patient with him while he learns to trust again. He is gentle and great with other dogs, but he is slower to show his wonderful spirit and fun side with humans. If you really want to help a special dog, come and meet Handsome. He has already shown great improvement, however, being with a family who will love him will make his progress go so much faster.

Attributes: Needs a special friend!”

 

Have you been waiting for a friend like Handsome?  If so, visit the HSFC website for more information.  To view the other pets available for adoption at HSFC, click here.


Up next, meet Coaster!  This lovely Cocker Spaniel is approximately 10 years old.   Here’s her bio from A Forever Home:

“Hi my name is Coaster. I am a healthy Cocker looking for a new home. I have a sad story to tell: you see my human mom died unexpectedly and my sister and I got dumped at our Vet’s office. I am very confused and don’t know what is going on. I know I need a new home. I am very sweet and would love to find someone to love me like my mom loved me. In typical cocker fashion, I love to play with toys and I love to snuggle next to you (or on you). Some nice lady is letting me stay with her until I find my own forever home. If you want she will let you come over and meet me.“

If you think you have the perfect home for Coaster, 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 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 Handsome and Coaster!


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

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Adorable adoptables in northern Virginia: Goose & Mia

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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, Goose & Mia? Here we go…

First up, , meet Goose!  This Boxer mix weighs approximately 40 pounds and is ridiculously adorable.  Here’s his bio from HSFC:

Update: It looks like Goose has been adopted! He’s no longer listed on the website.

 

Have you been waiting for a pup like Goose?  If so, visit the HSFC website for more information.  To view the other pets available for adoption at HSFC, click here.

Up next, meet Mia!  This lovely lady is approximately 4 years old and weights 65 pounds.   Here’s her bio from A Forever Home:

“Mia is a pure-bred English bulldog. She is very friendly. Very low-keyed and lovable. She enjoys walks and playing. She is good with other dogs as well. She is looking for a new home because her family is moving to a new home with limited space. Mia loves to play with a ball and was named after famous soccer star, Mia Hamm, because she’s so good with moving the ball around with her nose and front feet! Mia is a typical bulldog in the fact that she is low maintenance and enjoys relaxing, but she is athletic too and loves a quick play in the yard or doggy park. She loves to fetch tennis balls and enjoys walks. But not too far! She is a bulldog after all. When she was only 3 lbs, she loved carrying around and chewing on plastic water bottles and she still does to this day. She makes you feel protected in your home, and she is so sweet and loyal. We expect there to be a lot on interest in her. If you would like to meet her, please fax an application and e-mail.“

If you think you have the perfect home for Mia, 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 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 Goose and Mia!


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

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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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Meatballs: the way to a dog’s heart?

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Today’s video features George Clooney.  Why, you might ask?  First, he’s nominated for a Golden Globe for his role in The Descendants.  (Confession: I still need to see this one. I’m so behind!)  Second, because he rescued a dog (which earns instant awesome points in my book).  Finally, because it’s hard not to giggle when he talks about his unconventional technique for making sure that his rescue dog chose him…

(via PetSugar)

I secretly hope that George Clooney is like the Swedish Chef, happily making meatballs in his kitchen to keep Einstein happy.

Who else will be watching the Globes tomorrow night?  I’ll be tweeting away, so feel free to join me if you’re also a pop culture/movie nerd.  I can’t wait!

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I have a crush on the Travelers Insurance dog

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I don’t know how I missed this ad during the holiday season (after all, I am mildly obsessed with the life and times of the Travelers Insurance dog).  I realize it’s a bit late to be sharing a Christmas ad… however, it made me smile, so I’m posting it anyway. You know you don’t mind…

There are even more ads online that I just discovered – one with a soapbox car and another involving a cat burglar. How am I not seeing these when I watch TV – have they been aired in your area?

Anyway, I was a bit curious about these ads and the canine thespian therein.  The dog who stars in these commercials is named Chopper.  This former shelter dog makes my day every time I see one of the ads.

His trainer, Sue Chipperton, even has her own blog, called Check the Gate.  (You may have seen one of her videos recently over at Life With Dogs, in fact.)  A few fun facts I learned from her blog:

My crush continues… Chopper is just too cute for words.  That’s all for today… see you tomorrow for the Pet Blogger Challenge!
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Adorable adoptables in northern Virginia: Angel & Chopper

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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, Angel & Chopper? Here we go…

First up, , meet Angel!  This lovely lady would love to be your new best friend.  Here’s her bio from HSFC:

“Her name is perfect for her. Angel really is an Angel! She’s so sweet and loving and the mom of the year. She came in from a kill shelter with 9 puppies and gave them every second of her attention. She knows it’s time to let them go, and she’s excited about having a real home of her own. She’s a small Shepherd mixed with Husky and black and tan in color. She’s very gentle and loves to have attention. She’s only 2 yrs old and has no puppy habits other than loving everyone. Come and make Angel’s Christmas wish come true, by giving her a forever home.

Attributes: An Angel is waiting for you!”

 

Have you been waiting for a pup like Angel?  If so, visit the HSFC website for more information.  To view the other pets available for adoption at HSFC, click here.


Up next, meet Chopper!  This handsome guy is approximately 5 1/2 years old.   Here’s his bio from A Forever Home:

“This is Chopper. He is a 6 year old neutered, Rottweiler (born 06/27/06) with the most beautiful face in the world! He is a very sweet, loving boy that, unfortunately, doesn’t love being around small children. My husband and I have had him since he was a puppy and he has been growling at our 2 year old daughter. Rather than keeping him away from her, we would prefer to find him a loving home where he would get all of the attention he deserves. He plays wonderfully with other dogs, has never showed any aggression towards other dogs and actually he tends to be the submissive dog when playing in groups. He loves to take walks, run and swim!!! He is a fluffy teddy bear that just wants to snuggle up to everyone!!!“

If you think you have the perfect home for Chopper, 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 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 Angel and Chopper!


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

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Interview with Seth Casteel from Second Chance Photos: Part II

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I’m so excited to bring you the second installment of my interview with Seth Casteel, the founder of Second Chance Photos. Through this nonprofit, Seth aims to help shelter pets find homes through photography.  In today’s installment, Seth talks about lighting, his favorite moment as a pet photographer, and how you can save lives using your camera.


If you haven’t read Part I yet, I recommend you click here and check it out before diving into Part II.  Read on for the rest of Part II…


It’s amazing what a difference the right photo can make – you can see it for yourself in the before and after photos on the Second Chance Photos website. When a potential adopter sees a photo of a shelter pet, we want them to start visualizing the relationship that they could have.  As Pamela from Something Wagging astutely pointed out in the (very thoughtful) comments last week, it’s all about emotion. Don’t be intimidated by the technical side of photography – as Seth points out, you don’t have to be a professional to donate your time and skills to help shelter pets this way.

Let’s talk about lighting.  What lighting is best?  How do you deal with situations where the lighting is not ideal?


A very simple question with a complicated answer. My best advice about lighting is to experiment by shooting many photos in many different lighting scenarios. For classic portraits, I prefer cloudy days or the shade though.

Some of my readers asked about videos vs. photos.  Do you think videos of shelter pets are useful?


Absolutely. Any positive images, either photo or video, help increase the chances of adoption.

What was your all-time favorite shoot?


Not a fair question!! 🙂 I have enjoyed every single photo shoot I have done for different reasons. If I have to pick at this very second, I would say an Afghan Hound I met in New York City by chance while waiting for another client. I met this dog for only 3 minutes and did a quick series of photos of him. One of these resulting photos has become one of my favorites because it showcases an expression that I can’t seem to figure out. This is what I love about dogs. They have such an amazing range of emotions and expressions, and in a lot of ways, are just like people. This is why we relate to them and this is why I have dedicated my life to them.

What has been your most rewarding or most memorable experience photographing shelter pets?


To know the work is making a difference. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to help. Not only are photos saving lives, but they are helping to change the image of “shelter pets”, revealing to people that they are wonderful pets and make loving additions to your family.

If you could offer one piece of advice to someone who would like to start volunteering as a shelter pet photographer, what would it be?


The work you do will save lives. It may not always be easy, but shelter pets need your help. Be patient. Be dedicated. Shelter pets do not have a voice, but you can give them one.

A bit off topic, but I always like to end with a pop culture question.  What’s your favorite TV show?


I don’t watch much TV, but I would say DEAL or NO DEAL! It’s just so exciting!! No deal!!!! 🙂

Thanks again to Seth for answering my questions!  


If you have any additional questions for Seth, please share them in the comments.  I’ll pass them along and see if he is available to answer them.  Has Seth inspired you to get involved?  



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Adorable adoptables in northern Virginia: Chew Chew & Smitty

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Every week, I’ll be featuring adoptable pets from local rescue groups.  (I usually post this feature on Sunday, but I’m a tad late this time around.)  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, Chew Chew and Smitty? Here we go…

First up, meet Chew Chew!  This wonderful Westie is approximately 4 years old.   Here’s his bio from A Forever Home:

“Chew Chew is an adorable Westie who was rescued by one of our AFH volunteers before he was to be dropped off by his family at an animal shelter. He lived with a Maltese and older children. True to his breed, he’s an active boy. Chew Chew has come to AFH in the hopes of finding a family that will give him the attention, exercise and training that his breed requires in order to be healthy and happy. He’s a very smart little boy and is already learning a lot in his new foster home. He now knows to sit/down for a treat. This handsome little dog is best suited for those who love the spirit and playful personality that typifies the terrier mystique. Please send your application in soon, as we foresee a happy ending for this lucky fellow in the very near future!“

If you think you have the perfect home for Chew Chew, 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!)


Up next, meet Smitty!  This handsome pup is an Aussie/Beagle mix looking for a home.  Here’s his bio from HSFC:

“Come and meet your new best friend. Smitty is patiently waiting for someone he can share his life with. He’s a beautiful guy with tan and white fur. He lived his life as a stray for almost a year and is now ready to belong to someone special. He’s good with other dogs, is under a year old, good with cats and housebroken. Today can be your special day and Smitty’s best day ever, if you send in your dog adoption application right away.

Attributes: Handsome and So Sweet!”

 

Are you ready to make Smitty’s day?  If so, visit the HSFC website for more information.  To view the other pets available for adoption at HSFC, click here.

Do you have room in your home (and your heart) for one of these handsome guys?  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 Chew Chew and Smitty!


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

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It’s almost New Year’s Barkin’ Eve…

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It’s the last No Frown Friday of 2011… let’s jump right in, shall we?

  1. Your final punny pet names of 2011 are a nod to a rockin’ New Year’s Eve… Dick Bark and Ryan Fleacreast.
  2. I want this Gizmo cake. A lot.  
  3. Since we’re strolling down Memory Lane yet again, enjoy this collection of ’90s heartthrobs. (I was a Jonathan Brandis girl myself… I wept salty SeaQuest tears when I heard he passed away a few years ago.  On a related note, now I want to write a parody called FleaQuest DSV.)
  4. You know I’m all about all-dog productions, including The Wizard of Oz. Thus, I want to get the pawtograph of these two munchkins.
  5. I bet that most pet lovers can relate to this graph.
  6. It’s no Ham Skillet, but I enjoyed this story about a dog named L.L. Bean.
  7. Speaking of adorable adoptables, did you read yesterday’s interview with my favorite shelter pet photographer?
  8. At this time of year, thoughts naturally turn to New Year’s resolutions. I don’t generally make any, but part of me wants to resolve to enjoy life as much as this cat does.
  9. Maybe you’re just resolving to work out more?  I think this cat would make a good trainer.
  10. This year, I want to do some more decorating around the house. Perhaps I can take some inspiration from these adorable pets in designer rooms.
  11. Ever wonder if dogs make New Year’s resolutions?  Cleo from Grouchy Puppy makes a pretty convincing case against them.
Whatever challenges you may face in the new year, I have four words of advice… 
Be like this puppy.


(via Life With Dogs)

Slay those challenges like a puppy slays a stuffed dragon.  You can do it.

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