The votes are tallied – as of 5 pm EST today the voting was closed and we are ready to announce the winners of the Valentine’s Day Doggie Photo Contest!

Bailey

First, thank you SO SO much to our sponsors: the dog photo and cute story contest was generously sponsored by the following brands: Stella and Chewy’s®, Spring Naturals™ and Lickety Stik® by PetSafe®!

Of course, the ThoughtsFurPaws team is throwing in some additional matching gifts as we:

* had a tie and

* an Honorable Mention in honor of Henry “the Peanut” Dartt-Smith, who passed away last Thursday, February 16th of cancer (please leave your words of comfort for my sister here…)

Calvin

THE WINNERS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1st Place: BAILEY

2nd Place: TIE between CALVIN and CHANCE!

Honorable Mention: HUNTLEY

Chance

** If you see your name, you received a TON of votes – and you have a darn cute pup!**

Please email your full name and address to thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com (though I will be contacting you separately as well to get that info.)

Huntley

CONGRATS to all who entered – keep your ears peeled for more contests — a kitty photo/story in April and an any-pet one this summer

♥ Thanks and Congratulations again ♥

We loved every single entry and are so happy to have you all as readers and followers of ThoughtsFurPaws.com

Yesterday our family’s beloved Basset Hound Henry, who just successfully finished the Eukanuba Challenge, had to cross the Rainbow Bridge – he had a huge tumor behind his liver – the size of a golf ball – that was cancerous and inoperable. He would not have made it long.

My sister Ashes (my personal sisters-only nickname for her), Henry’s forever Mu-ther (our family ‘animal word’ for mom), made the world’s hardest decision (or one of them) to put The Peanut down so he would not suffer any pain or discomfort. (He had already been throwing up blood that morning.)

* Ashes, like me with Theodore, had barely been over the passing of Tucky the Pittie mix three years ago. *

** Keep in mind this is at 7 am the morning after our mother had SERIOUS Rotator Cuff surgery; Mom was in the worst condition we both had EVER seen her in in our ENTIRE lives – we were already hysterical at one hospital Wednesday and practically inconsolable. (No one should have to see their mother cry or in that kind of pain.)

Henry in His Fave Chair - Graphic Courtesy Zoolatry

Anyhow, Ashes slept at our house with my Mom Weds night so my Dad could get some rest – she was up all night taking care of her, rubbing her feet, putting lip balm on her, getting her throat lozenges, moisturizing her face, getting water, and everything else you can think of that someone needs in the immediate PAIN after a surgery that serious. She’s naturally caring and giving like that – always worried about everyone else…

◊ Ashes returned home at 7 am Thursday am to find Henry in horrible condition – barely able to move. I had JUST SEEN HIM Wednesday myself while we were waiting for Mom to get into recovery — I chocked his slowness, labored breathing and odd behavior up to typical stubborn Peanut/Basset behavior and/or old age/tiredness/laziness – imagine the uselessness (and mis-education – yes that’s a word) I feel right now (but this is not about me).

Ashes is in horrible condition. I wish I knew how to help my sister. I cannot explain how awful it feels to not be able to do something.

She came over with Franklin, the rescue Basset she saved from Ohio Basset Rescue (thanks to Amy B., who saved him from a puppy mill in Ohio’s Amish Country – the WORST offender), all day yesterday and “Mr. Frank N Beans” wouldn’t leave her side.

He knew something was wrong…. like all animals do when something of this magnitude happens.

Peanut was one of the first animals I wrote about when I started ThoughtsFurPaws — I nicknamed him “Henry the Horrible” because he was comically stubborn, slow, LOUD and obstinate – similar to Marley, the proclaimed World’s Worst Dog!

You could not train it out of him – neither Cesar Milan nor Victoria Stilwell (spelling?) could have… ♥ ! And we loved him for it

Henry inspired me beyond words, and I have many a poem and short story about him that I will slowly share in a series over the next couple months.

♥ ♥ Henry:

Your family will love and cherish you and our blessed memories of your “hilarities” forever. We will always think of you when we see a Hound of any type. You adopted your Mother as much as she adopted you and you will never know how much you gave to her — or how much you enriched all of our lives. I feel at ease knowing you were greeted at the Bridge by your older brother – Ashly’s Tux – plus our family’s Nickodemus and Gibson and my Theodore…. all of whom have passed from cancer.

♥ We also know that all of our pet friends in the blogosphere who have lost a beloved animal to cancer OR ANYTHING are greeting you, sniffing around, letting you follow your nose as you always did, romping and playing, doing your famous squawk, and jumping around like you are 1-year-old again, probably stepping on your own ears like you did on your first few walks (remember — Ashes carried you halfway through Long Beach because you got tired and kept stepping on your ears!) ♥

Henry our “Perpendicular Peanut,” our Rebellious Basset, our first family Hound who started a forever tradition –

♥ ♥ we will forever miss you and can’t wait to see you again ♥ ♥

Ash, my sister in blood and water, love and friendship, and in every other way possible:

I LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER, AND WILL DO ANYTHING –

- I WILL MOVE THE HEAVENS, GO TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH, OR REACH UP AND GRAB THE MOON AND STARS -

“You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down”

TO HELP YOU THROUGH THIS HARDEST OF TIMES IN YOUR LIFE…

We are so excited because (the big-hearted and animal welfare-aware) Lawrence Kasdan, Academy Award-nominated director of films like “The Big Chill” and “Wyatt Earp” is bringing audiences the bacon this spring with a full-length feature film about –

guess what-?

A DOG RESCUE! Hooray!

(Well it’s about other things, too, but of course we wanted to focus on the rescue aspect and the reward of that part. Even the director has feelings about that — see below section*)

“DARLING COMPANION” is a Sony Pictures film starring Academy Award winners and nominees up the ying-yang –big-time stars like Diane Keaton, Kevin Kline, Dianne Wiest, Richard Jenkins, Elisabeth Moss, Mark Duplass, Ayelet Zurer, Sam Shepard, and…. BUM BUM BUM…

Kasey the Dog!!!

Diane Keaton and Kevin Kline with Kasey the Doggie Star

“Darling Companion” is a movie that’s about something my family would do– and probably yours too if you frequent ThoughtsFurPaws.com. Check out the preview here.

… It goes like this:

—-

This is where the film takes a turn: the preview, obviously, won’t give you ending details — but does portray the awesome ensemble cast seriously turning up the humor, heartache, & heartiness in the feature film.

In a nutshell, the Sony Pictures rep told me: “On the side of a busy freeway, a woman finds the love, devotion, commitment, and courage she needs – all wrapped up in a bloodied stray dog who becomes her “darling companion.” When the beloved canine goes missing, a ‘shaggy-dog’ search adventure plays out, drawing together friends and family and rekindling a lifelong love.”

Watch the preview and you’ll be hooked! It’s classic Diane Lane – she’s at her best with emotions, laughter and that sassy yet classy ‘tude she always carries on-screen (a la “Something’s Gotta Give”) that we ladies all love and respect!

Kasdan, in the press kit, had this to say about the dog rescue-aspect of the film… I think it’s something I will forever respect, remember and know him for, and something that we ALL can relate to:

“Anyone who’s ever had a dog knows they live in the moment. That fact of their behavior can have a revivifying effect on the people around them. While humans worry about the future and mull over the past, dogs bring us back to the present with the uncomplicated joy they take in the here and now – getting outside with us for a walk, having their meal, being stroked.”

* “The movie probably began the day my wife Meg and I rescued a mutt named Mac from a cacophonous dog shelter in Los Angeles. After taking that dog into our lives and affections, he was lost during an outing in the Rockies. We spent three weeks searching, calling his name up and down mountain trails, enlisting our friends and family. The whole town was on the lookout. Just at the moment we had given up hope, a stranger who had seen our flyers found Mac playing with her dogs by the river. Mac was dirty and thin, but uninjured. Friends and searchers around town and across the country celebrated his recovery,” he said.

“We converged in Utah to shoot our movie with a limited budget and a tight schedule, helped along by some very remarkable dogs and their equally remarkable trainers… “Darling Companion” became one of the most gratifying film-making experiences I’ve ever had,” Kasdan added.

Crying yet?

Kasey the Dog, "Freeway" - Image Courtesy ExpoSay.com

You will in the movie – I can guarantee it. You’ll even cry happy tears in the preview!

Another notable tidbit about this movie… featuring our four-legged furry friends? (The doggie actor is Kasey – beautiful and smart, typical movie star right? – According to edhat.com, he was the only star at the premier that “drew ahhs from the hardened and professional press on the sidelines. He is one very cute pup.”

♥ ♥ On that note – for the record: ThoughtsFurPaws.com WHOLE-HEARTEDLY disagrees with the poo-poo review on the Montreal Gazette website’s blog “Cine Files” here saying, “the trailer is not at all promising.”

Growl, grrr, boo-hiss to that writer.

After all, filmmakers took inspiration not only from Mac’s three-week-long, outdoors-lost-rescue “tale,” but also from his sister-in-law’s very dramatic rescue of a dog on a busy Detroit freeway.

“She pulled over and scrambled up the embankment, just like Diane in the movie. It’s amazing how the instinct to protect an animal can galvanize you,” says Meg Kasdan, wife of director Lawrence. Her sister named the dog Freeway, and the name stuck to the movie’s canine character.

Another cool tidbit: the involvement of an entire mountain town in the search for a dog is true, including the participation of a friend who offered psychic clues to Mac’s whereabouts!

The “Darling Companion” movie opened at the  Santa Barbara International Film Festival and opens in LA and NY on April 20, 2012; it’s rated PG-13 and is just over an hour-and-a-half.

Living in the Front Range of Colorado is a special thing. I know: I did it from 1997-2001 in Fort Collins and from 2004-2005 in Denver.

In this very special area of the country is a very special family. And K is their very special animal. His people are beautiful people.

If you don’t know of K’s blog, Romping and Rolling in the Rockies, K is a faithful canine companion on all of her owner’s adventures.

Unfortunately, today K is now facing some extremely challenging health issues… her next round of chemotherapy is this Friday, February 17. 

K belongs to KB, a blogger who does amazing work chronicling her life in the Rocky Mountains. KB posts videos and pictures of mountain lions, bobcats, elk, my personal fave – the Canadian Lynx (which I worked tirelessly to re-introduce to the area when I lived there with NRDC), and other Rocky Mountain wildlife, plus some of the most amazing mountain views we’ve ever seen. If you have never found her blog, we strongly recommend going to visit it.

Any animal lover who has faced cancer or a similar situation knows what a difficult time it is. It’s a time you can’t even put into words really…

So a group of us bloggers have “conspired” (not my words but those of one of my fave pet bloggers who is ALWAYS helping others…) to be “KB’s Pillars of Strength” — as her family goes through this tough time.

We hope you all – whether readers, writers, media or fellow blogger can join us in a BlogHop there.

Do any of you have any experience with how awful cancer is?

Have you had experience with a successful recovery in a pet (or person)? What about your dog?

Please join us in offering prayers or tell us what your fave part of KB’s blog is. Please offer some pleasant form of prayer or wish or banter – or another pillar of strength — to offer strength to KB – thus the name of our trek and the KB Pillars of Strength BlogHop.

Here are the most recent entries to the Valentine’s Day Dog Photo Contest on ThoughtsFurPaws.com!

If you do not see an accompanying story, it’s because you did not send one! You are NOT required to, but if you would like to tell voters/readers why to vote for your Valentine-pooch, please do share some info about the picture and/or the pup!

Mr. Beaner

Please remember the rules: the rules for the Valentine’s Day Dog Photo Contest MUST BE followed or you will be disqualified.

1. CONTEST ENDS NOW: NO MORE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED  
2. No more than two votes per person (per email address if you email your vote and per name/email if you “comment in” your vote). *** If you leave a fake email address on your comment and/or otherwise attempt to comment-stuff the voting, your votes will be completely discounted entirely.
3. No more than three persons PER IP ADDRESS – and we HAVE BEEN and WILL CONTINUE TO test emails.
4. Send your readers HERE to vote in their comments; you, of course, are free to post your dog’s featured pic on Facebook, but any votes on Facebook are not counted. Again, votes must be left in comments section on the actual post or emailed to thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com.
5. You have until next Monday night at 5 pm EST to vote.

See original Announcement post here…

Benny

See Feb 7^th entrants here...

See Feb. 9^th entrants here...

See last night’s post here...

Mr Beaner: Mr. Beaner will be 8 weeks old on the 20th . He’s a very curious puppy that loves the company of other dogs. “Beaners” is the best Blue Merle Chihuahua out there; I wouldn’t trade him for the world. Happy valentines Day, Beaner and to all you puppies

Benny: THIS IS BENNY. WE PUT A NEW MAILBOX UP IN OUR YARD. THEN TOOK A PICTURE OF HIM IN IT… SPECIAL DELIVERY!

Hi every-doggie! Hooray for puppy love because we have some more wonderful, adorable puppy and dog pictures to show you – some posed just for doggie Valentine cards or Valentine dog photo contests like ours!

We also must immediately give you a MAJOR pup-date as there have been MAJOR pup-dates emerging in the voting for the contest entrants this past 36 or so hours! We wanted to show and tell you who the latest entries are &, respectively, who the leaders are! Right now, here are the current ties and/or leaders:

Calvin/Chance – TIED

1. Sandy

Bailey /Scout  – TIED

Simba – Welcome to the running Simba!!!!!!

*Not in order (or are they?) of the ThoughtsFurPaws Doggie Photo Val Day Contest*

** FYI — there will not be Honorable Mention if the now TWO ties aren’t broken before voting ends.

Here are the most recent entries to the Valentine’s Day Dog Photo Contest on ThoughtsFurPaws.com!

If you do not see an accompanying story, it’s because you did not send one! You are NOT required to, but if you would like to tell voters/readers why to vote for your Valentine-pooch, please do share some info about the picture and/or the pup!

Please remember the rules: the rules for the Valentine’s Day Dog Photo Contest MUST BE followed or you will be disqualified.

1. 

   2. Frankie

   CONTEST RUNS NOW thru Feb. 13th, 6 pm EST. Please send a dog picture accompanied by a brief story about the dog or photo, explaining why he/she should win, why you chose this particular photo, etc. It should obviously be one of your funnier/cuter dog photos ♥

2. No more than two votes per person (per email address if you email your vote and per name/email if you “comment in” your vote). *** If you leave a fake email address on your comment and/or otherwise attempt to comment-stuff the voting, your votes will be completely discounted entirely.
3. No more than three persons PER IP ADDRESS – and we HAVE BEEN and WILL CONTINUE TO test emails. BE HONEST!
4.  YOU MUST ENTER A DOG! (Kitty contest coming this Spring:)
5. Send your readers HERE to vote in their comments; you, of course, are free to post your dog’s featured pic on Facebook, but any votes on Facebook are not counted. Again, votes must be left in comments section on the actual post or emailed to thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com.

See original Announcement post here…

See Feb 7^th entrants here...

See Feb. 9^th entrants here...

1. Sandy: Sandy is my Golden-Doodle that has kept me full of life.  She full of personality, like wanting to chase the Volkswagen that drives pass the house beeping.  She has had two litters, each time she pre-warned us by

3. Maddie

walking around with a stuffed toy in her mouth for days prior to us actually realizing that he was pregnant. One of her lovely pups flew all the way to Massachusetts to his new home.  The other ones were part of a Golden-Doodle rescue and flew across the states.  She even had two of her most recent pups get in the local news of Wilmington.  Sandy’s so special, it’s catching.  She like burping after eating, just to get an extra nibble.  Most of all, she a bundle of love, and can’t wait to jump down the stairs and cling to my thighs as she’s doing in the picture.  We love our “Sandy.”

2. Frankie: This is my Yorkie Bishon mix, Frankie.  He is the love of my life. He is a thief… he stole my heart and he will steal yours, too. Here he is on my bed – nestled among the rose pedals, hearts, and roses.  Frankie is a pint-sized Casanova who loves playing with his friends at the dog park, greeting  everyone in the neighborhood (both canine and humans) during his daily walks and snuggling with me…his mommy.  Watch out…Cupid’s arrow has just struck!

3. Maddie: This is a photo I took of my dog, Maddie, to make homemade Valentine’s day cards this year.  I arranged some of my Valentine’s decor for her to sit with.  Maddie always

4. Murphy

makes people smile and lift their spirits if they are sick or having a bad day and I thought taking a photo for the cards would be extra special.

4. Murphy: This is Murphy my Old English Sheep Dog.  This photo was taken when he was 16-weeks-old; he is now 1-year-old.  This is my favorite picture of him because he just looks so sweet and innocent.  Murphy is the most loving and pure-hearted dog I have ever had.  He loves to give kisses and snuggle. He is a true joy!

5. Huntley: Huntley is 14-weeks-old and was adopted from a rescue just one week ago. This is Huntley’s first Valentine’s Day in his forever home! WELCOME HUNTLEY

5. Huntley

Superior Health Options for Your Senior Dog; PSCPets.com Helps Dogs Get the Most Out of Senior Years

Pets deserve the best, but even more so as they approach their golden years. At PSCPets.com, pet parents will find many innovative pet products designed to promote the optimal health of furry senior companions…

Choice PSCPets senior products that ThoughtsFurPaws really likes include:

-  PSCPets Aging Support

PSCPets.com Healthy Dogs!

- PSCPets Daily Maintenance Soft Chews

- PSCPets Joint Assist Treats with Probiotics

What is the difference between a dog treat and a dog chew you ask?

So did we!

Like a treat, a chew is highly palatable and can be used as a reward, but it also is designed to help with a specific health/physical element. That being said, according to a PR rep for the brand who sent us a sample, a chew may have specific feeding directions (for example,”Feed 2 chews daily” or “1/2 chew at morning and 1/2 a chew at night”). A treat may have added vitamins and minerals but won’t offer the supplemental/health benefits or results of a chew.

That is the official difference.

“If I had to make a human comparison, a chew is like a gummy vitamin. It’s yummy and sweet but has the added nutritional benefits of a daily vitamin. However, (like a chew) gummy vitamins are not recommended to be eaten by the handful,” she added. Smart girl, eh?

Anyhow, like all PSCPets brand products, the high-quality, premium supplements are vet-formulated/developed & are produced in a state-of-the-art facility in Wisconsin. They’re also affordable – which is important to consumers during these times.

PSCPets.com Soft Chews for Dogs

Pet parents who have a senior dog or a pet that’s approaching the good ol’ golden years are embracing the new site; it offers everything a pet parent needs to help enhance Fido or Fluffy’s quality of life. At PSCPets.com, they’ll discover a number of innovative products designed to promote the optimal health of their senior companion.

Here are, again, a few healthy options for your furry friend.

-          PSCPets Aging Support is specially formulated to help support healthy joints and overall vitality in senior dogs. Available in both a cold-formed soft chew and chewable tablet form, this highly palatable formula includes important ingredients such as Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Perna Mussel and MSM to ensure aging canines have all the support they need to transition into their golden years with ease.

-          PSCPets Daily Maintenance Soft Chews are designed to supplement the nutritional needs of working, active and adult dogs, as well as senior dogs of all sizes and breeds. This scientifically balanced formula contains a powerful combination of essential vitamins and chelated minerals (organic forms of minerals in animals’ food, i.e., forms of essential trace minerals such as copper, iron, manganese and zinc, according to Wikipedia) to help support the health of all adult dogs. These are available in Small and Medium/Large Dog soft chew-size.

-          PSCPets Joint Assist Treats with Probiotics are distinctively crunchy treats with a peanut butter flavor dogs simply love. These lactose-free treats contain Glucosamine to help maintain joint and tissue function as well as strong bones, plus Chondroitin which has been shown to help increase the efficiency of Glucosamine. They also contain beneficial bacteria that help support and maintain dogs’ gastrointestinal health.

Like all PSCPets brand products, these quality supplements are veterinarian formulated/developed, and are produced in a state-of-the-art facility in Wisconsin. Thanks to the website’s Live Chat feature and receptive customer support dept., visitors can get helpful advice from an expert service rep.

To learn more about other senior dog’s options, visit the PSCPets brand senior pet product page here.

According to my pal at the pet PR company, the American Pet Products Association says that 62 percent of US families own a pet… that means up to 72.9 million homes have an animal! The APPA also says that U.S. shoppers spent around $51 billion on their pets in 2011.

So meshing PSCPets pet supplies, supplements, chews and dog treats is a not only smart, it’s commonplace nowadays! PSCPets will make an appearance at the upcoming Global Pet Expo – in Orlando — Feb. 29 through March 2. Check ‘em out!

“The innovative products you’ll… meet [there] will soon be worn, licked or consumed by some of the luckiest pets in the nation,” she said!

Funny PSCPets.com Basset Hound Picture!

Look for PSCPets.com on Facebook; “Like” their new page @ www.Facebook.com/PSCPets.

About PSCPets.com

The PSCPets brand was created to provide customers with a brand they know they can trust. Their premium quality supplements are veterinarian formulated and developed, and produced in a state-of-the-art facility in America’s heartland, Wisconsin. Besides providing PSCPets branded healthcare solutions for your companion animal, pet parents can find a wide selection of health and wellness products from other top pet product manufacturers for sale on the PSCPets.com website. The e-commerce pet store supplies a convenient and economical way for pet parents to find trusted health and wellness solutions from the comfort of their home. For the full story, visit the PSCPets.com website or find them on Facebook at Facebook.com/PSCPets. Additional inquiries are invited to email CustomerCare@PSCPets.com.

Hi all! I know you’re dying to know:

6. Ubi and Kiah

Here are the current leaders before we move on with the Valentine’s Day Dog Contest entrants!

1. Bailey/Chance – MAJOR TIE – we’re talking neck to neck EVERY SINGLE DAY to the point that I had to triple-count and start emailing back voters and commenters — I think these guys are sharing prizes with rescues locally
2. Calvin/Scout – TIE – Don’t forget that Calvin said he is SHARING his “winnings” with other rescue dogs, too, if he places

A close third is Scout….. there will be an Honorable Mention for 2^nd place if the tie for 1^st and 2^nd  isn’t broken before voting ends (see RULES); otherwise we are still having two winners. Don’t forget, there are pet brands generously sponsoring this contest like Spring Naturals, Stella and Chewy’s, etc. Plus I’m throwing toys in and stuff from PetSmart, & a few surprises.

Here are the most recent entries to the Valentine’s Day Dog Photo Contest on ThoughtsFurPaws.com!

If you do not see an accompanying story, it’s because you did not send one! You are NOT required to, but if you would like to tell voters/readers why to vote for your Valentine-pooch, please do share some info about the picture and/or the pup!

Please remember the rules: the rules for the Valentine’s Day Dog Photo Contest MUST BE followed or you will bedisqualified (I’m accusing no one of anything; however,  people HAVE tried to take advantage in the past b/c ThoughtsFurPaws.com is known for its CRAZY-GOOD prizes:))

7. Rusty Riley and Roxy

1. CONTEST RUNS NOW thru Feb. 13th, 6 pm EST. Please send a dog picture accompanied by a brief story about the dog, explaining why he/she should win, why you chose this particular photo, etc. It should obviously be one of your funnier/cuter dog photos ♥
2. No more than two votes per person (per email address if you email your vote and per name/email if you “comment in” your vote). *** If you leave a fake email address on your comment and/or otherwise attempt to comment-stuff the voting process, your votes will be completely discounted entirely.
3. No more than three persons PER IP ADDRESS – and we HAVE BEEN and will CONTINUE TO test emails for replies.
4. NEW RULE: Due to extenuating circumstances over the past 7 days, if you do not just hit reply and say “okay” or “yes”, etc., to our email reply, your email vote may not be counted. People, again, may be trying to “email stuff” the voting.

♥ COME ON GUYS! BE HONEST! ♥

6. YOU MUST ENTER A DOG! (Kitty contest coming this Spring!)

“]

1. Sooby [Sic

7. Send your readers HERE to vote in their comments; you, of course, are free to post your dog’s featured pic on Facebook, but any votes on Facebook are not counted. Again, votes must be left in comments section on the actual post or emailed to thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com.

See original Announcement post from a couple days ago here.

♥ Get your entries in fast — contest is ending early next week ♥

1. Sooby [Sic] Doo and Mom: Comment: Not sure if you meant Scooby Doo…!

2. Kate and Viper the Autism Assistance Dog: Kate is 11 and has Autism.  Viper is Kate’s Autism Assistance Dog Guide; he is 2 yrs old.  They have been a team now for 1 year.  Before Kate received Viper… Kate would repeatedly hurt herself when the world around her was too hard to understand.  She would sneak out to play in the middle of the night while others were sleeping.  She would bolt from us towards water and into the roads and was hit by a car. She would jump out of our vehicle at stop signs into the traffic.  She would hide under tables or in SMALL areas under things when noises were too loud.  When people would talk to her she would withdraw, cover her eyes, cover her ears and scream.  She was on the maximum amount of Anti-Psychotic drugs and sleeping pills.  After she received Viper within 3 months all this behavior came to an end. When hurt or upset she seeks Vipers attention calmly.  When noises scare her she seeks Vipers attention.  She is calmed by his presence and is now on the min. amount of drugs and no more sleeping pills.  One night she got out of our house despite having audible alarms on the doors and Viper alerted us to her leaving the house and she was found immediately.  Via a special harness attached to Viper while we are out Viper stopped her multiple times from running in the road as he is trained

2. Viper the Autism Assistance Dog

to lie down when Kate bolts.  Viper has definitely saved Kate’s life and given us our little girl back.  He has helped her come out of her locked in world.

3. Ziggy: This is Ziggy and the picture is titled “I need a hug.” Ziggy is a Lhasa-Poodle mix and we adopted him from PAWS Animal Shelter in Atlanta last August. He was dropped off at PAWS with such long matted hair that he had to be shaved.  We love his short coat and his wonderful personality! This picture was taken after a rain & Ziggy likes to play in the dirt! Needless to say he has had a few baths since he has come to live with us.

3. Ziggy

4. Unnamed Shih-Tzus: My five little Shih Tzu (dogs) are unbelievable in what they will do for me! People can’t believe that the’ll pose like this for photos. I’m not a photographer & I don’t know anything about photo shop [sic]. I just pose, point, and shoot. I love this picture because it shows how willing and patient my “Tzu Kids” are to happily have their photo taken, & how well they have learned to get along with each other. They love to do this, and get real excited when I say we are going to take their picture. They are so much fun, and make life so much better. They are always happy, willing, fun little dogs.

4. Unnamed Shi Tzus

5. Simba: This picture is of Simba with his best ‘stuffed’ friend. He’s in love with this lion and travels everywhere with it! Simba even looks like him!

6. Ubi the Xoloizcuintle and Kiah the Chinese-Crested:My name is Eidel Ricano and I think my picture is perfect for Valentines because it shows [that] LOVE exists everywhere at any time and is shared in the simplest ways which, in the case, is by my dogs during their sleeping time. The black one is Ubi, a Xoloizcuintle, and the white one is Kiah, a Chinese Crested. [The picture] also shows how love has no moment, no race, no gender nor color….it’s for everyone ALL the time. They both are wearing a red robe since they usually get cold because they are hairless, even in Miami, and by accident are creating the shape of the heart with their bodies. Thanks and a have a great day!

5. Simba and Best Friend

7. Rusty, Riley and Roxi: You can hear from these guys at Chasing Squirrels With Rusty, which is hilarious and beloved by many in the doggie blog world!

♥ Good luck to all and everyone get your votes in ♥

Please send prayers out for us today as we are mourning; the two year-anniversary of our loss of Theodore is today, February 8^th. I remember typing this post six months after he passed – my grief hasn’t improved TOO TOO much…. I remember that first post – it got 85 comments.

The Sad Sunday six-month tribute has a beautiful poem called Living Love. I suggest you read it here if you’ve lost a pet… it’s touching and full of truth.

I remember that Monday morning like it was yesterday; I’m so sad just typing this that my fingers are shaking, my hands are unsteady and tears are pouring over my prized Pavilion keypad.

I miss Theodore and STILL don’t understand how I haven’t EVER grieved for anyone or anything like I do and have for him.

It just doesn’t make any sense to me.

Is it because he was the first thing I considered REALLY mine? The first thing/being that I raised, owned, bought (adopted), loved and taught? (Not like a first car or anything like that – almost like a human connection…?)

Am I NUTS or what?

Some of you might call me crazy for saying this; I think the Kitty Gods sent Mad Maxwell down to me to take Theodore’s place.

Max – especially over the last few months – has become SO MUCH like Dora that it’s downright uncanny. He sleeps in the same exact spots, he races me up the stairway at night in the same manner and launches himself from the foyer with the same precision that only a Jaguar has…  

Max also eats and treasures his crunchies and special upstairs (bedroom) crunchy-drawer like Theodore did. (Maybe a rescue cat always will eat like he’s starved…) Max even has the same personality elements – the silliness, the goofball demeanor, the blinky eyes when he’s tired or wants pets, the “I’m going to pretend to ignore you when I want attention” ‘tude.

Yes, I realize many cats have these traits – but Theodore took them “to a T,” no pun intended.

So is this the way that I have raised Max?

Or is it a Higher Power working so that I won’t be so sad in missing Doree (his nickname, which he despised because he told me that’s a girl name…)?

Let me know what you think…

Have you ever lost an animal and then felt like God (or Whom or Whatever you Believe In) sent you something else or someone to replace him/her?  I’m not just talking cats here – I’m talking dogs, horses, beloved friends, treasured fiancées, etc.

 *** The reason I have the Live Strong graphics up is because Theodore died – like so many cats and dogs – of cancer. Theodore had some type of andeocarcinoma, a very rare type of cancer. The vet did not remove all of it when he took the tumor and gall bladder out during the first surgery – as they cannot remove a cat’s entire bile duct. ***

Theodore tried SO HARD to pull through but he just couldn’t make it. I found him that Monday morning lying on my bedroom’s bathroom floor like a TRUE TOUGH-ASS TABBY, a FIGHTER FIRST-CLASS… He was hiding behind the toilet… As many of you know, when cats are really ill or feeling really bad, they hide instead of trying to let you know. They purr to try to comfort themselves. Sometimes, as in Dora’s case, this is a small, unrewarded effort to turn it around, but at least their little motors keep them going. That’s what I tell myself.

I can’t type anymore because I am crying so hard.

I love you Theodore and you will never be forgotten; you will always be missed greatly.

(And to Gibson (Gibby) – who passed just four days later from cancer – we will talk to you Sunday.)

Love, Mom

Here is the second part of the posting for the Valentine’s Day Dog Photo Contest…

♥ ♥ Please see the first entries here (along withe the RULES THAT MUST BE FOLLOWED)! ♥ ♥

1. Abby and Service Dog Olivia

♥ ♥ You can read the Contest Announcement post here ♥ ♥

* And you can read the corresponding story for each picture in this post; pictures have numbers in the caption – check the number in the  content to read that cute or funny or heart-warming Valentine’s dog picture story! *

— *** —         — *** —-

2. Donna and Service Dog Sawyer

1. Abby and Service Dog Olivia:Here is a photo of me & my service dog, Olivia. I love the way she naturally posed next to me with our faces touching. When I look at this photo I see love and enjoyment in both our faces. This photo was taken Mother’s Day 2011 in Florida. It was one of the best days we have had in a long time….my sister lives in RI & I live in FL along w/ our parents. Our mother didn’t know of any Mother’s Day plans that year… I told her I needed something at her house & would be stopping by. When the door opened my mom said  “Hi Abby!” It took about 2 minutes for her to realize that it was my sister, Heather, standing in the living room. Surprise!! She was crying & squeezing my sister. We took this photo aboard a Water Taxi.

3. Dudley the Coton du Tulear

Olivia provides medical assistance for me & has given much independence & freedom to me. You know I don’t like getting old, but as we do, it’s nice to know we can do wonderful things for the Mom that put so much love and dedication into raising us..

Comment – BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTE to a Mother… mine is my hero, too!

2. Donna and Service Dog Sawyer:My name is Donna I’m 42 years old and — I have Muscular Dystrophy, and am confined to a wheelchair.  My best friend is my handsome Blonde-Golden Retriever service dog Sawyer. I don’t know  how I ever made it without Sawyer. He can alert if I have a seizures, he turns my lights on and off, he opens and closes doors for me, he picks up things if I drop them, he can even dial 911. My husband says Sawyer watches me at night while I’m sleeping; he wakes us up if I’m breathing shallow. He changed my life forever; I

4. Sadie Getting Her Nails Painted

can go places and do things & never be afraid that there will be no one to help me if I need assistance. Even small things like pushing my arm back up on my arm rest with his nose, It’s like he just knows what I need him to do. You don’t get to pick your service dog, the dog has to pick you… Sawyer picked me and we bonded instantly.

Comment: OK, let me stop crying now!

3. Dudley the Coton de Tulear:Dudley the Coton de Tulear has been in our family for one year. He is pure love! His smile lights up the room. My husband has just gotten home, and he was so glad to see him!

5. Kash and Jesse

4. Gabriela Painting Sadie’s Nails: Sadie our 3-year-old Rottweiler gets her nails painted for Valentines – a beautiful hot pink – by my 10-year-old daughter Gabriela! We thought this picture was Valentines worthy since she doesn’t really like her feet touched!!

5. Kash and Jesse:This pic was taken by my sister, Michelle – it was just before Christmas and the red you see behind the dogs is a red tree skirt. Kash (female) is on the left and Jesse (male) is on the right. We adopted Kash from a local shelter here in Dallas; she was found with a puppy and since puppies are more likely to get adopted out we choose her. She

6. Lola

was only $25! She already had her ears clipped. Jesse and Kash get along very well and love each other as boyfriend and girlfriend.

Facebook question to Jennifer (owner): I don’t understand why you said you took her since puppies are more likely to get adopted…? Wouldn’t that make you want to take a dog that’s a bit older…? I mean no offense, I just don’t understand the explanation I guess…

6. Lola:This is Lola, she’s been the light of my life every since I lost my Border Collie to cancer back in 2010. We have the same birthday (Feb 7th) and I received her on my birthday. She will be 3 this year, and she’s such a blessing who has mended a broken heart.

7. Scout

Comment: HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRLS!

7. Scout: W-xoxo-f!… My beautiful Westie, ‘Scout,’ who has the biggest heart and loves everyone! Scout will share his prize with our local APL.. wxoxof! Thank you and blessings!

8. Tygeta

8. Tygeta in Her Condo!: This is my perfect little girl Taygeta [sic] in her condo. Tayeta [sic] was named after a star because she has brought such a bright shining light in to [sic] my life. I am sick & she has brought such joy to me it is amazing but all my dogs have! Tata is her (nickname) is  a angel in every way and is  always a winner even if she doesn’t win the contest! She will always be a winner in my eyes; she is treated like a princess and always will be along with the rest of my furry kids! Only a animal will love you for who you truly are.