Everyone deserves a puppy!

Someone sent this to us today- I thought it was adorable! You can watch these puppies live and see what they are up to :)

Check out this link: http://gawker.com/5077450/america-deserves-a-new-puppy-too?autoplay=true

Hope you all had a nice Halloween!

Dogs love Halloween, too!

Today's gothamist.com blog posted a story about the Times Square Dog Day Masquerade. Attached were the most adorable pictures of puppies dressed up in various costumes. Feel free to check out the blog post yourself, but with Halloween right around the corner, I thought this would spark some puppy costume ideas! Feel free to post a comment with links to your doggie costume.

SparkPeople is keeping you and your dog healthy

SparkPeople.com is a great website that I came across a few months back. It is a website dedicated to health and fitness, allowing users to create profiles, network, and learn about health and wellness. I received this e-mail from SparkPeople yesterday that I find wildly appropriate for our blog!

Happy Workout!




Your Four-Legged Workout Buddy

Just as it would be hard for you to go out and jog for 45 minutes if you haven't worked out in 6 months, it's also hard for your pet. Be sure to get your veterinarian's okay before beginning your pet's exercise routine. After you get the go-ahead, here are some tips to help you get started:

* Start slowly, gradually increasing the time and intensity of the activity. This will safely strengthen your pet's muscles, aerobic capacity, and footpads.

* Pay attention to how your pet is feeling. Signs that your pet needs to slow down or stop include drooling, stumbling, trouble breathing, and a long, droopy tongue. Take a break and consider making tomorrow's workout shorter. Also remember that in hot weather your pet can't sweat like you do to keep cool.

* Concrete and asphalt are tough on your friends' paws--especially on hot days. Try to walk or run on dirt paths (or grass) as much as possible.

* The longer you work out, the more water Fido needs. Bring along a collapsible water dish to help your pet stay hydrated.

* Be realistic about your pet's limitations. Many smaller breeds love going for a brisk walk, but you'll probably have to carry them on a strenuous hike. Animals with a thin coat will not tolerate cold weather very well, whereas dogs with thick coats don't do well in the summer heat.

* You should avoid strenuous exercise with your pet until they are finished growing (after 9-12 months for most dogs).

Time Involved: At least 10 minutes every day

Body Benefit: Healthy heart and lungs for both of you

Foster Pup Blog

We'd like to share with you one of our favorite, new blogs. Kelly was featured on our blog before and she has decided to share her fostering experiences through a brand new blog. We are excited to share these experiences with her!

http://fosterpup.wordpress.com/

Cute picture from a forwarded e-mail!

A Dog's Life Memphis wants to wish you all a safe and happy weekend!

Memphis Flea Market looks out for animals

This article was featured in the Commercial Appeal today. I am very thankful that this happened--it is great to see people active in our community, keeping our animals safe.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/jun/24/all-pupped-out/

Flea market halts sale of dogs, cats after taint of 'puppy mills'

By Linda Moore (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal

Tuesday, June 24, 2008
No more puppies or kittens will be sold at the Memphis Flea Market, The Big One.
Vendors were told last weekend about the new policy, which is already in place at other flea markets operated by Buffalo, N.Y.-based American Park & Swap. Birds and other small animals still will be sold.


On Saturday, about a dozen vendors were given a written notice from general manager Sandy Hembree.
Hembree referred questions to owners American Park & Swap, where officials declined comment, referring to the written notice as their official statement.
It said the new policy is based on media reports and discussions with animal welfare groups regarding the "alleged" improper care of animals outside of the flea market.
There have been no concerns raised about how flea market vendors care for animals, but the company believes "closer regulation of cat and dog vendors at the flea market would have now been required in light of the off-site concerns."
Earlier this year an alleged puppy mill was raided in North Shelby County. Also, The Oprah Winfrey Show featured puppy mills in an April show, raising awareness.
In conjunction with the new policy, the flea market will advise patrons to visit the Humane Society, area shelters or rescue groups for pets.
Not all vendors are puppy mill owners, said Donna Facemire, who with her husband, Bud Facemire, owns Wanna Puppy in Mansfield, Mo.
It was their first time at The Big One.
"I'm all for shutting down puppy mills, but I don't think reputable breeders ought to be subject to the same bad publicity," Facemire said. "I don't think everybody ought to be punished for a few."
Tim Morris has sold puppies there for 12 years.
He and his partner, Jamie Sellers, operate Ponderosa Pups in Pontotoc, Miss., and sell 10-20 puppies a month in Memphis.
"This is an ungodly good business for us," said Morris, who resents the puppy mill implications. "If there's a problem with one of our babies, we'll take care of it."
Customer Tina Matthews of Memphis was upset as well. She and a friend have between them bought four dogs from Morris and another vendor. They've all been healthy.
"I don't understand it. I don't think it's fair. These puppies are clean, had their shots and have been wormed," Matthews said.
Regardless, Cindy Sanders, a volunteer at the Memphis Animal Shelter, has for months been pushing the flea market owners to end puppy sales.
Sanders said she was shocked at the number of vendors. She has seen puppies under a tent at the flea market during a cold rain, puppies that looked sick and others that were too young to be weaned.
"I think this is a positive for the flea market," Sanders said.

Vote for Petfinder.com!

Check this out! Petfinder.com has been listed as one of the top 50 websites by Time Magazine. We know a lot of people who have found their pets this way--or found their pets a nice home this way! Please vote for them- it is such a great cause!

Below is the e-mail I received, as a Petfinder.com member:

Dear Petfinder. com members,

We were thrilled to learn that Petfinder was named one of the Top 50
Websites by Time Magazine. It is a real honor and a tribute to the
hard work you do every day on behalf of the pets in your care. Every
Time reader is now a potential adopter or supporter.

You can vote for Petfinder by going to: http://www. time.
com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1809858_1809952_1811311,00.
html

Under the screenshot of Petfinder, you will see a ratings bar. Grab
the bar and rate Petfinder on a scale of 1 to 100. You know that I
said your pets deserve the full 100! We are currently ranked 10th . .
. but not for long. Use your vote to let everyone know that homeless

Here is the text from their website:

"Need a little love in your life? Skip the online dating sites and head to Petfinder instead. The Web's largest pet-adoption site lets you choose from more than a quarter of a million animals, searchable by age, location and gender. Each listing includes at least one photo and tells you whether the animal is house-trained and has had its shots. Many of the available pets come from a local branch of the Humane Society or a local rescue group, which will screen potential owners to make sure they can take care of the animal. Because only nonprofits are allowed to post listings, you won't find pets sold by breeders or pet stores, and many animals are fully grown. With so many pets to choose from, it may be tough to settle on just one."

Link to this article:

http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1809858_1809952_1811311,00.html

CNN offers tips on how to keep our homes clean...

I know this is always a challenge for most of us- we love our pets, but we also love to keep our homes clean. This article posted on CNN yesterday offers us many helpful tips on how to manage! Be sure to check it out by clicking on the link below or visiting CNN's homepage.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/homestyle/05/08/pet.cleaning/index.html

Happy Spring Cleaning!

Helpful hints for the heat!

As the weather warms up, we'd like to share some helpful weather tips that we found on vetmedicine.com. It is really important to be aware that you need to look out for these things--we don't want our dogs to get sick!

Below is a link to the article:

http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/summerinfo/a/summersafety.htm

It is pretty long, but we have pulled a few of the hints that we think are MOST important!

• Avoid heat stroke- don't leave your dog in the car!


• Be careful when your dog is near water- not all dogs can swim!


• If you are jogging with your dog- make sure you take frequent water breaks!


• If you are traveling with your dog- make sure you find a local vet in case of emergency!

Many thanks to vetmedicine.com for providing us with all these helpful hints--take care of your dogs!

Fostering a dog: interview with reader Kelly M.

We decided to reach out to one of our readers, Kelly M. and ask her a few questions about fostering dogs. Read our interview with Kelly below and be sure to check out the pictures of Daizy and Sammie, the two dogs that Kelly has fostered in the past few months.

1. Why did you decide to foster dogs?
I’ve always loved dogs…and since getting my own place, I’ve missed having a puppy around! I know that there are so many dogs in need of good homes and knew that by fostering, I could help get a puppy one step closer to a permanent, loving home.

2. What has been the biggest challenge of the fostering process?
Dogs can have a hard time adjusting to a new atmosphere. Getting the dog acclimated and comfortable in my home and with a bunch of new faces can be tricky.

3. What happens if a foster dog is not a good fit for the foster family?
I’m sure that every rescue organization is different, but if I have a serious issue with the “fit” of a specific foster dog in my life, I’m able to return it to my lab rescue organization in hopes that a different home might be a better solution. So far, it hasn’t been a problem though.

4. Does fostering mean you have to adopt the dog?
Absolutely not. By agreeing to foster a dog, you’re agreeing to provide care and love only until the dog finds a permanent home. Many times, rescue organizations will provide necessities like food, crate and toys to ensure that you aren’t out a bunch of money too!

5. Do you ever want to adopt the dogs you foster?
It crosses my mind with every single dog I foster! It may turn out that one of these days, I decide to keep one of my foster dogs. In the meantime, the longer I foster, the more dogs I can help!

6. Have you had any extreme behavioral issues with the dogs you have fostered?
I’ve been pretty lucky because the dogs that I’ve had so far have been wonderful. I’ve had both adult dogs and puppies---and each come with their own set of minor behavioral challenges! While the dog is in my care, I need to make sure that I’m training/disciplining him or her as if it was my own dog.

7. Have you ever been reluctant to give up a dog after fostering?
It’s definitely hard to say goodbye to an animal that becomes part of your home (even if it is only for a short time!)…but the thought that the dog is going to a pre-approved, good home is enough to make the goodbye process easier. Most rescue organizations have an adoption process and the foster parent is able to have a strong influence (or in my case, total control) over the home that the dog ends up in. You can take what you learn about the dog’s temperament and personality and make sure the new family is a good match!

8. What has been the best part of the whole process?
Knowing that I’ve helped take animals from high-kill shelters and place them with loving families. It’s so rewarding to hear from a dog’s new family that they are doing great and having fun in their new environment.

Sammie, black lab

Daizy,
vischla lab mix

Here are a couple of local animal shelters in Memphis. We hope Kelly's information has inspired you, as it has inspired us!

http://www.memphishumane.org/
http://www.blogger.com/www.germantown.petfinder.com
http://www.blogger.com/www.petfinder.com/shelters/AR61.html
http://www.blogger.com/www.guardianangelpetrescue.com/
http://www.blogger.com/www.houseofmews.com/

Safe Humane Chicago and Best Friends make a difference

This is a great story- Safe Humane Chicago (SHC) teamed up with Best Friends to make a different in the community. I think there is a lesson here to be learned...it is a bit long, but I wanted to share with our dog-loving readers. :)
*************************************************************************************



Last fall, 20 Walter Payton College Prep High School students in Chicago signed on for the Youth Leaders for Safe Humane Chicago seminar, where they are learning about animals, learning to become teachers and hoping to help lead a movement to replace violence with kindness.
Best Friends is offering its support. Last week, we stepped up to become the sole national sponsor of Safe Humane Chicago (SHC), which is designed to end dog fighting and violence toward animals and people.

SHC is an unprecedented community-wide alliance of government organizations, schools, faith-based groups, law enforcement members, and animal rescues and shelters dedicated to combating violence by promoting compassion and caring for people and animals. It will be introduced in Chicago neighborhoods where violence is most prevalent and resources most scarce.

“With the Best Friends alliance, Safe Humane Chicago will greatly expand its programming of education and caregiving to reach all population segments – kids, teens, and adults, especially in at-risk communities,” says Cynthia Bathurst, SHC’s principal director.

The Youth Leaders program is an elective at the school and the first SHC youth seminar offered in the city. It teaches teens kinder pet ownership practices, humane treatment of animals, the dangers and unlawfulness of dog fighting, and ways to avoid dog bites and potentially aggressive dogs.

The seminar also prepares the high school students to introduce another SHC program – Kids, Animals and Kindness – to grammar school students.
“We all work so hard during the week; that’s why we always look forward to seminar day,” says Andie, a Youth Leaders participant. “I didn’t know what I was in for when I signed up for this, but I’m glad I did. We have been practicing and learning about stopping violence. In the bigger picture, if we stop violence against animals, we won’t have violence against humans.”

Early on, the students learned their seminar had become an official program under Safe Humane Chicago. An official curriculum needed to go along with it. Seminar teacher Michelle Mowery asked the students if they’d be willing to take on the responsibility as co-creators of the training materials that will be used by the participants in future Youth Leaders programs.

“Encouraging students to invest themselves in this project is an important aspect of Payton’s mission to nurture tomorrow’s leaders,” Michelle says. “As a teacher, I have the unique opportunity to share my love of animals with my high school students and also to foster kindness and to demonstrate respect to their younger peers across the Chicago public schools.”
Each week, Cynthia Bathurst meets with the students for a session that’s part brainstorming and part training.

For the training component, she often brings in experts in the field to give presentations. Susan Robinson, from SHC’s Humane Education Oversight Committee and community outreach manager for PAWS Chicago, gave a slideshow explaining ways to read a dog’s body language, the importance of spay/neuter, and the link between violence against animals and violence against people.

The students were also treated to a visit from Best Friends dog trainer John Garcia. “These kids really get it,” John said. “It’s inspiring to see young people so enthusiastic and well-informed. They’ll make great animal ambassadors.”
During brainstorming sessions, the students decide what to include for future seminars and also develop source materials for their own teaching endeavors.

The class breaks into small groups to work on creating coloring books, workbooks, individual lesson plans and educational games. They also design promotional materials like T-shirts, nametags, bracelets, pins and logos. Cynthia circulates from group to group gathering their ideas.
In a few weeks, the class will have their first chance to see how they do as teachers when they take their presentation to students at Manierre Elementary School. There, with help from dogs Boomer and Max, the seminar participants will lead their first class on proper petting etiquette and offer a few pointers on compassion and kindness toward animals.

“It’s clear – and very exciting – that these young people will be role models for younger children, as they are forming life habits,” Cynthia says. “There’s no doubt they are part of a revolution that will change the way people relate to animals, nature and each other.”
On May 8, the Youth Leaders students will graduate and become the first official Safe Humane Chicago presenters.

On another SHC front, Best Friends plans to establish a community animal hospital that would offer low-cost veterinary care and spay/neuter procedures as well as education and recreation programs to further the agendas of compassion and kindness toward animals and people. It would also serve as the hub for all Safe Humane Chicago programs and initiatives.
“No one is building animal hospitals in at-risk communities,” said Best Friends chief executive Paul Berry. “This has never been done before. And it’s time. We want to offer these important services and community programs to those who need them the most.”

Best Friends intends to adopt the Safe Humane Chicago model for other cities.
You can read more about SHC in the Chicago community on the Best Friends Network or listen to this podcast of a radio interview with Paul Berry.

link to article:
http://news.bestfriends.org/index.cfm?page=news&mode=entry&entry=35CB2EF5-19B9-B9D5-9DBE8E9F036895DA

If you are wondering what we are up to...

...wonder no longer!

A Dog's Life Memphis will be participating in TWO exciting and upcoming events. I will post the links to both of the sites and I encourage you to check them both out. We will provide some updates as the events happen! These are both GREAT causes and we hope to see you at both!

The Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County is holding its annual Trot for Spot and Canine Carnival Sunday, April13 from noon to 6 p.m. at 935 Farm Road in Shelby Farms. Trot for Spot is a fund-raiser for the society. Attendees can walk with or without a dog. Lunch is provided. For
more information, call 251-5186 or 251-5151.

http://www.memphishumane.org/


Earth Day-Down to Earth Celebration
April 20, 2008
http://www.shelbyfarmspark.org/sfpc/content/earth_day_2008

A forward that I would like to share...

This was sent to me by a friend, I thought it was a cute poem that you might enjoy.

If I Didn't Have Dogs...

I could walk around the yard barefoot in
safety.

My house could be carpeted instead of tiled and
laminated.

All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and cars would be free
of hair.

When the doorbell rings, it wouldn't sound like a
kennel.

When the doorbell rings, I could get to the door without wading
through fuzzy bodies who beat me there.

I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted, without
taking into consideration ho w much space several fur bodies
would need to get comfortable.

I would have money ...and no guilt to go on a real
vacation.

I would not be on a first-name basis with 6 veterinarians, as
I put their yet unborn grand kids through
college.

The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit,
down, come, no, stay, and leave him/her/it
ALONE.

My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates
or barriers.

My house would not look like a day care center, toys everywhere.

My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats and
an extra leash.

I would no longer have to Spell the words B-A-L-L,
F-R-I-S-B-E- E, W-A-L-K, T-R-E-A-T, B-I-K-E, G-O,
R-I-D-E

I would not have as many leaves INSIDE my house as
outside.

I would not look strangely at people who think having ONE
dog/cat ties them down too much.

I'd look forward to spring and the rainy season instead of
dreading "mud" season.

I would not have to answer the question "Why do you have so
many animals?" from people who will never have the joy in
their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally by
someone as close to an angel as they will ever get.

How EMPTY my life would be!

Oprah promotes pet adoption

In the spirit of saving the lives of dog's, I want to share this article.

Oprah supports pet adoption too!  Enjoy!

Your time to shine has arrived!

While surfing the web, I came across this contest. I know we all have those moments that we wish we had our camera handy to snap a picture or a video of our dog doing something funny, cute or memorable. Keep those cameras handy my friends, because your dog could be the new face of Milk-Bone!

Other doggie blogs!

This article HAD to make it onto our blog: http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/03/21/dog.blog/index.html

We aren't the only ones blogging about dogs...or doggie blogging should I say?

ENJOY!

Thanks to you...we will be featured!

Thanks to all of your support, we have been selected as the PetSitUsa.com "Featured Pet Care Professional!"

I have attached a screen capture of the welcome page, the yellow box is all about us! :)

THANKS AGAIN TO ALL OF OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS!

Cottonelle commercial

I wanted to share this commercial with all of you...how cute is this Cottonelle puppy?! I think we all know what toilet paper to buy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJK3MZL0JOc&feature=related

Pet of the Day

If you are looking to put your dog in the spotlight, check out Excite.com's "Pet of the Day" website. Each day, a new dog is featured with a short paragraph and a picture. Make sure to check it out and nominate your favorite dog!

It has been a while, but we have been busy!

There is always something new and exciting going on with A Dog's Life Memphis. We recently participated the Mardi Dogs Parade in Germantown. Check out this article to see how much fun we had!

Below is the text directly from the article- we even were quoted in the paper!

Pets, owners dress up for Germantown parade, fun
By Natalie Higdon Special to The Commercial AppealSunday, February 3, 2008

The 60-degree weather was just one of the many reasons Germantown residents and their dogs flocked to Cameron Brown Park on Saturday afternoon. The Mardi Dogs Parade also gave pets and their owners the chance to dress up and socialize.

"We're enjoying participating and seeing all the dogs," said Bridget Fitzpatrick of A Dog's Life pet-sitting. "It's nice to be around so many other dog enthusiasts."

Nichole Batson, 14, of Germantown and her miniature poodle Gracie dress up as Dorothy and the Tin Poodle during the Mardi Dogs Parade at Cameron Brown Park in Germantown Saturday.
In costumes and traditional Mardi Gras colors of yellow, green and purple. The Germantown Police Department also was on hand to demonstrate how their narcotics dogs work.

"It's been a great turnout this year, and I think us being here is great for community relations," said Lawson Horton, reserve police officer. "It gives people a chance to see a part of what we do that they don't normally see."

Marcie Cohen, who made a Campbell's Soup outfit for her mastiff, Lilly, to wear in the "Tickle the Funny Bone" category of the costume contest, said the event has not only been fun for everyone, but also educational for some of the families.

"I think it's great for kids to learn etiquette around dogs, like learning to ask before petting, and it's also a great opportunity for the dogs to get socialized."

Gennie Gieselmann just adopted her dachshund mix "Scooter" two months ago, and even though he's still a little insecure, Gieselmann said she hopes entering him in the Mardi Dogs King costume contest will help him feel a little better about himself.

"We wanted to take him to an event to help him be a little more friendly and a little bit more comfortable around people and other dogs," she said.
Rebecca and Jeff Schneider brought their sons -- Sam, 4 and Evan, 9 months -- to observe the festivities.

"We just wanted to bring the kids to see some dogs because we don't have a dog," Rebecca said.
In addition to vendors offering services, tables were set up for rescue groups such as the Germantown Animal Shelter.

"We want to bring awareness and hopefully get some dogs adopted," said Karen Reynolds, volunteer at the Germantown Shelter. "This is just a really fun event for the animals and their owners."

Dog Logic

The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue.
-Anonymous

*Copied from an e-mail forward...Enjoy!

Make your own doggie treats

While doing a google search for dog blogs, I came across this article: http://breanne366.blogspot.com/2008/01/fortune-ate-dog.html. I thought it was so cute...you will have to check out how Breanne made dog treats for her dog.

This is just a peak at the preparation and doggie cookbook that she used:

Make sure to check it out and get some helpful hints on how to save money and have fun by making your OWN dog treats!

Tips for the cold weather...keep your dog safe!

You want to make sure that your dog stays warm this summer, even if you live in a cold climate. We all take our dogs on walks or let them out, but to ensure that our dogs are safe, here are some cold weather tips for pets from petfinder.com.

Pet Tips and Tricks
Cold Weather Tips

• Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep, out of drafts.
• Remove ice or snow from between your pet's toes after a winter walk.
• Pet sweaters are good.
• Thump the hood of your car before starting the engine to scare out any sleeping kitties.
• Make sure your pet doesn't have access to antifreeze. It's poison.
• Have a disaster plan.

For more cold weather tips, visit the Petfinder.com library.

If you are looking to crochet a winter sweater for your dog, check out this website: http://www.crochetnmore.com/dogsweater.htm. Here you will find a pattern and instructions that will allow you to crochet a dog sweater, custom to your dog!

Cutest commercial

Check out this commercial that I found on the Petsmart website! This is adorable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtN4GhlOyBw