Never Offer a Pet  "Free to good home"

"It didn't cost me anything so I don't care if it dies."

Unfortunately, this was an actual quote from an individual we know and would never have guessed their view of animals to be so inhumane. ~Mel

Why Not Adopt or Foster a Dog? 

“We cannot control the circumstances which brought these animals into this world, but each of us has a moral obligation to ensure the end result is not the end of their existence.” 

"If you can't decide between a Shepherd, a Setter or a Poodle, get them all...adopt a mutt!" SPCA.

Visit your local animal shelter or go online and find a dog rescue group. Both places have dogs, including purebreds, all in need of homes. You'll find that special pet waiting to be a part of your loving family. Most of the dogs on  our website have been rescued or adopted from animal shelters. These shelters also have cats and other pets needing homes.

 Adopt a Deaf Dog 

Cathy rescues deaf dogs - Read why

Help debunk the Deaf Dog myth! There are many dogs with special needs waiting to be adopted. Do you have the heart, time, patience and knowledge to help these often overlooked dogs? There's a special bond that exists between a deaf dog and its owner. You'll receive more love than you ever imagined and a lifelong friend.   

Unchain Your Dog!

You couldn’t invent a worse punishment for a dog than keeping him permanently chained. Dogs are highly social, pack animals. To isolate a dog, providing no outlet for interaction or exercise, is extremely cruel. Chained dogs tend to become anxious, aggressive, neurotic, territorial and dangerous. Visit this site and help others understand why chaining is not in the best interest of the dog.

The Epidemic Killing the Pit Bulls

The Pit Bull, Once the Sweetheart of Dogs in America

So you think you know what a Pit Bull looks like? 

Let's see if you REALLY do  

Want to try again? You MIGHT get it right.

  Find the Pit Bull Puppy

What Is a Puppy Mill?

Avoid unknowingly supporting puppy mills and learn how to obtain a happy, healthy pet from a reputable organization.

Need Help understanding your dog? The  Humane Society  is in the business of caring for and adopting out dogs to responsible individuals.

anthropomorphic

Do Dogs Laugh?

Is it possible? When we say our animals are like us in their actions (Look, she's laughing!"), we anthropomorphize them. But have you ever wondered if dogs really DO laugh? Click on the above link and decide for yourself.

10 Commandments For a Responsible Pet Owner

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation
    from you will be very painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me - it is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock
    me up for punishment. You have your work, your friends,
    your entertainment. I HAVE ONLY YOU!

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words,
     I understand your voice when it's speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll NEVER forget it.

7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could crush
    the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself
    if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food,
    I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart may be getting old and weak.

9. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old.

10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch it",
      or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for ME if you
      are there. Remember, I love you.

"Just a dog"

From time to time, people tell me, "Lighten up, it's just a dog," or "That's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

Because of "just a dog", I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the
pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day. I hope that someday they can understand
that it's not "just a dog", but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man or woman."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog" just smile... because they "just don't understand."

Written by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. From the Therapy Dog Inc. News Magazine

The passing of a friend