via cuteoverload.com

 

Cassie was the best dog ever. I don't want to tell you about all the bad things that happened in my childhood. But I will tell you that if it wasn't for Cassie, I wouldn't be the person I am today. When people at school made fun of me, Cassie was always happy to see me and loved me no matter what. Whenever I was depressed, she was there to lift my spirits. She played with me during the day and comforted me at night. She was my constant companion since I was 10 years old and lived until I was 23 years old.

~ Dawn Ross

 

This tribute to Cassie, and how her presence alone comforted Dawn, brought us to tears. If you have a story to share, please email us. We will be sharing your stories through February 14, St. Valentine's Day.

In honor of St. Valentine, we're spreading the love across the internets, while giving recognition to these dogs we love and who love us.

Learn more at Dogs Positively Influence Campaign

when this video would have been me at mealtime. This puppy shows just how much he loves food and how strong he is already! Check out these eating muscles...

These cuties were found at a senior home, providing the love and pets of a professional pet therapist. One actually lived at the home, while the other was just visiting some elderly friends. I believe their skills at making the older folks happy, was 100% natural talent.

Trained or not, dogs are natural caregivers, in my dog opinion.

Dogs for the PAWS and Missy's stunning artwork have been featured in numerous printed and online publications From FIDO Friendly, DogTipper, Lowcountry Dog Magazine, Indy Tails, Wadsworth News, and PeoplePets Online. She is a contributing writer for Life+Dog Magazine. Missy lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her husband, Jim and their 5 dogs, (4 of which are rescues) Lake, Gun, London, Schooner and Wyatt Earp. They volunteer with the Carolina Basset Hound Rescue.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?  My perfect happiness would be to see a solution to the flood of unwanted animals across our country and beyond . The ultimate happiness along with the perfect one, would be to have my art used as a resource for pet groups and organizations to promote their adoptable pets, promote  their dedicated work helping animals in need and raise funds using my designs on their event items, promotional materials and fundraising. Also having the opportunity to work with groups all across the country and travel to the different cities with a fun and unique exhibition to show the pet groups how to use my work as a resource would be a dream come true!

What is your pets most treasured possession?  My 11 year old dog, Wyatt Earp loves his very worn and much used quilt my Sister made him. I took some of my artwork and uploaded it to a site that prints custom designer fabrics. I had a few yards made and she created his quilt that he uses everyday. My Sister recently passed away so it is very cherished.

Your proudest achievement so far? An idea to raise awareness for the great work shelters and rescues do everyday helping animals in need, and it's called Dogs for the Paws. It was really a personal challenge to get me back into doing some fine art portraits and such but is now growing into reality with a purpose of raising awareness for  fuzzy friends in need. I would never have thought some pet art, Facebook and Twitter would change my life forever but it has. What a journey these last few years have been!  I am humbled and blessed and look forward to the future.

Who are your heroes in real life?  I have a few that make me go WOW! Rescue/ shelter groups such as the Marion County Shelter in South Carolina, that have no resources but maintain and work for the animals first and foremost is very inspiring.  Artists like international marine painter Robert Lyn Nelson uses his art to help protect the oceans and its inhabitants. Also Winter the dolphin, now made famous in the movie "Dolphin Tale" is helping adults and children with handicaps. I am also a huge fan of the international pet rescue " Puppy Rescue Mission". Through Dogs for the Paws I was honored to paint Target the Hero dog's portrait and it was PRM that saved Target. Such an incredible group doing awe inspiring work!  

Another favorite is " The Teddy Bear Project " created by a talented girl named  Maria and her sweet dog Stacey Mae. They take donations of stuffed animals and hand them out to seniors in nursing homes as well as kids who are sick in the hospital. They are Rock Stars in my world and Dogs for the Paws donated 112 stuffed animals that they handed out. So proud that we participated in this amazing project. I would love to meet Maria and Stacey Mae someday so I can thank them for their friendship and inspiration they have given me.

Dogs Positively Influence Campaign Everyone knows that at dog shows, judges give out ribbons for best in show, best in breed etc. However what about the dogs that positively influence? Don't we deserve a ribbon? A little recognition?

Dogs Positively Influence Campaign

Send your photos in to me, with a note about who you positively influenced.

Don't forget to include your information too. We want to give you mad props for being such a good dog!

I'll be sharing your photos and stories starting next week and through St. Valentine's Day, because I'm all about the love.

Put "Dogs Positively Influence Campaign" in the subject of your email, so my PL shows me.

Be sure and tell us all about who you influenced positively, and how you did it. You deserve the recognition!

Address your note to me, Cleo, and send to: grouchypuppy@yahoo.com

This is going to be great and so much fun to share across the internets. Think about it. You and your story could positively influence communities across the globe!