Category Archives: adorable adoptables

Revenge of the nerds… and the nerdy cats

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

  1. 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.)
  2. 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.
  3. Do you ever watch The Soup?  If so: (a) we should hang out; and (b) you will likely enjoy this Cat Soup parody.
  4. That last clip was a bit irreverent.  This koala was shocked.
  5. You know I love a good shelter photography story. This awesome collection of adorable adoptables is no exception.  
  6. This slideshow of pets on furniture is too cute.  (This one is my favorite.)
  7. 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.)
  8. 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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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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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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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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A holiday bonus for you & for the animal charity of your choice

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As I mentioned the other day, I’m taking part in a fantastic event this holiday season – Social Media for Social Good.  (Thanks to Two Little Cavaliers for the opportunity to be involved!)

The winner of this event will win cash and the chance to donate cash to the animal charity of his or her choice.  Pretty cool, right?  (For more specifics, check out my earlier post or visit Two Little Cavaliers.)

Today, I’m here to share another opportunity to enter.  Have a Twitter account? All you need to do is follow me on Twitter using the Rafflecopter below.  (If you’re already a follower, you can still earn an entry by confirming that you already follow me – just click on the Rafflecopter for instructions.)  You can earn additional entries by following the Twitter accounts of the other bloggers participating in this great event or doing the other items listed in the Rafflecopter.

Don’t have a Twitter account?  You can also enter using your Facebook account – please check out last week’s post to do so.  (Even if you have a Twitter account, feel free to do both!)

I loved hearing about the organizations some of you wanted to donate the prize to, and I’d love to hear from more of you.  If I won, I’d donate to a great local rescue like Friends of Homeless Animals. Check out some of their adorable adoptables looking for homes this holiday season in the video below, then scroll down to enter!

Such an adorable group…

Ready to get your entries on?  Here you go…


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Cash for you AND for animals in need? Yes, please!

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As you may remember, a few weeks ago I mentioned a holiday blogging event created by Two Little Cavaliers to help animals in need.  Well, the time has come… the Social Media for Social Good event is here!

So, what’s in it for you?  You can enter to win a cash prize – if you win, forty percent will go to you and sixty percent will be donated to the animal charity of your choice.  It can be any 501(c)(3) that helps animals (or a properly recognized charity in your country if you’re not in the U.S.). 

Good for you AND for animals in need – what more could you ask for?

All you need to do is Like this humble blog on Facebook using the Rafflecopter below (after the jump).  Just scroll down to find I Still Want More Puppies on the list and click “Do it” for instructions.  (If you already Like our page, you can still enter – after you click “Do it” you should have the option to enter as well.)

For more entries, you can Like the other great bloggers participating in the event as well.  Check out the list via the Rafflecopter or through the Linky at the end of this post.  (You’ll have more chances to enter in the upcoming weeks using Twitter and Google+.  Check back on December 18 for another chance to enter.)

I’d love to hear about the organization you’d send the donation to if you won.  If I won, I’d send the money to a local rescue to help adoptable pets like this adorable guy, Riker.  He’s currently at Friends of Homeless Animals and is looking for a home in the Northern Virginia area.

What about you?  In the comments, tell me a little about the organization you would like to donate to if you win.  (As you can see from the Rafflecopter, commenting on this blog post will earn you another entry… so go for it!)

Good luck to everyone – hope you have a great Wednesday!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Meet the other participating bloggers…

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Adorable adoptables in northern Virginia: Desi & Ringo

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Every week, I’ll be featuring adoptable pets from local rescue groups.  (I usually post this feature on Sunday, but a combination of holiday parties and a stomach bug resulted in a delay 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, Desi and Ringo? Here we go…

First up, meet Desi!  This cute Chihuahua is approximately 7 years old.   Here’s his bio from A Forever Home:

“Hello! My name is Desi and I am a purebred Chihuahua and
weigh only 7 pounds. I was rescued from a place called a puppy mill. I lived in
a cage 24/7. I received little to no socialization so I need a lot of patience to understand that people are okay. I just learned what toys are and I LOVE to
play with my foster brothers and sisters. My foster mom and her dogs are
teaching me what it is like to be a family dog.

In time I am sure I will
overcome my fear of people and the outdoors, but I am going to need a family to
show me lots of patience. I will need a family to continue my socialization, to
teach me that I do not need to be so fearful with strangers. I am going to need
someone to keep me on a schedule so that I know what to expect and help me get
house trained and crate trained. I am looking for a family with older or no
children, as the little kids are very noisy and intimidating for a nervous guy
like me. I’m hoping my family will have another small dog as they could help
show me the ropes.

Can you be that family, to help me learn what it is like to
be free and live without always being in fear? It may take me time, but I
promise once I learn to trust you I will be able to return your love ten fold.“

If you think you have the perfect home for Desi, 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 Ringo!  This handsome pup is a Husky mix looking for a home.  Here’s his bio from HSFC:

“Ringo is a star for sure! This beautiful boy is only a year
old and already a favorite of our farm.

He’s very sweet, loves to play, is
wonderful with other dogs and has personality plus. His longhair coat is tan
and white and he knows he’s handsome.

Come and meet Ringo and make him the star
of your home.

Attributes: SUPERSTAR!”

 



Is this star the one for you?  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 Desi and Ringo!


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

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