Humphrey's Monster Truck Dreams

Cavalier Machine?

The Shelter Pet Project

  

Today, I received an email from a fellow animal lover regarding a very special program,  The Shelter Pet Project.  Although our blog is about the Cavaliers, our family is also owned by a shelter pet.  Her name is Rosie.  She's been part of our family since she was 4.  Her former family gave her to the shelter because she had seperation anxiety.  Rosie has been a perfect addition to our family.  There is always someone home to take care of her, and Rosie no longer suffers from the fear of being alone.

The Shelter Pet Project is the result of a collaborative effort between two leading animal welfare groups, The Humane Society of the United States and Maddie’s Fund, and the leading producer of public service advertising (PSA) campaigns, The Ad Council. The goal is to make shelters the first place potential adopters turn when looking to get a new pet, ensuring that all healthy and treatable pets find loving homes.

Adopting a pet is a life-changing and enriching experience.  When adopting a pet, people are obtaining companions that give them unconditional love, affection, and attention.  Adopting a pet from a shelter not only saves an animal's life, but is also good for our own well-being as research shows that owning a pet has many positive psychological and physical health benefits.  The animals rescued from shelters know you’ve saved their lives, and they typically treat their rescuers with lifelong loyalty and affection. 

Please visit www.theshelterpetproject.org, to find out more information about how to adopt a pet from a shelter. The website was very user friendly.  Type in your zip code, and voila!  Pictures of pets, both dogs and cats, available in your area are right there at your fingertips. 

 “A person is the best thing to happen to a shelter pet. Be that person. Adopt.”

Thank you to The Humane Society of the United States, Maddie's Fund, and the Ad Council

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to check out a Coonhound named Hudson.

Rosie age 10

Don't forget to 'Like' on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/ShelterPetProject  

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Big Trouble with Loose Leash



 Everyday we get one day closer to the Canine Good Citizen test. That means one more day of struggling with loose leash walking. We thought that was going to be the easiest part of the test. Humphrey just doesn't want to do it.

We couldn't be doing this at a more difficult time of year, too. Anyone who has a Cavalier knows what I'm talking about. It's the time of year to chase the forever blowing leaves that swirl around Humphrey as we try to keep him loose leash.

This happens to be one of my favorite things about Cavaliers. I love to watch Brando and Humphrey chase butterflies, leaves, birds, and pollen. I wouldn't change that for the world. It's magical.

"Hey, what's down there!"

My favorite thing, turns out to be the one thing I don't think our team can fix before the test. My husband and I have tried everything. Walking near a wall, body blocking (which, by the way, is completely silly with a small breed dog), luring with food, and the newest thing walking around the house with Humphrey leashed to the belt loop on my pants.

I'm ready to throw in the towel, but my husband has that never give up attitude. He keeps saying, "Come on! We've come to far to quit." I know he's right. I'd be quitting myself, Humphrey, and my littlest guy, Ian. If it weren't for Ian we'd have never started this. In the long term, it would be nice if Humphrey could be there for Ian.

Luckily, Humphrey's trainer is extending CGC training an extra two weeks, due to the fact we spent one whole day discussing the handbook. So, I guess for now, I will keep my chin up, shoulders back, and walk with confidence, as we continue to walk on a tight leash.....chasing leaves.

Scoop the Poop! Keep the Rio Grand!

Our family enjoys the time we spend walking the Cavaliers.  We are so lucky to live in a place that has beautiful foothills, and many paths to stroll.  Even if we walk the same path more than once, we always notice something new.  

 The only nuisance on our walks is the fact that humans neglect picking up after their pets.  In Albuquerque, there are more than 43,000 licensed dogs.  If the waste is not disposed of properly, that waste can make the water in the Rio Grande unsafe, infect children and adults with disease causing bacteria and parasites, and spread diseases between pets. 

Pet waste left on the ground can wash into storm drains, and end up in the Rio Grande.  Once in the river, it uses up oxygen when it begins to decay, harming fish and aquatic life, and making the river unsafe.  Pets and children who play in yards or parks where pet waste is not picked up are at risk for infection from disease causing bacteria and parasites.

Even though the focus of this post is the Rio Grande, we can all help make the world a healthier place, no matter where you live. 

When walking with your pet, take a plastic bag or paper bag along and pick up its waste. It's the right thing to do.

 I'd like to thank the Mid Rio Grande Stormwater Quality Team for providing Albuquerque residents with this information.  If we all do our part, maybe we won't have to check the bottom of our shoes before we walk into the house, and we will help the Rio Grande.

Wordless Wednesday The Sky is Falling!