Harley's Mission

Bringing a Pet Home for the Holidays

2009-11-30T20:26:00.016-05:00

This will be the first holiday season that I get to spend with my new family. I am so excited to be apart of a loving family, during a time of the year when family is oh-so-important. Although I am so grateful and happy, it is hard not to remember all the other dogs and cats out there that desperately want a loving home like me. I was so lucky, but sadly so many dogs and cats are not. But you can help (see below)!

On thanksgiving this year we were en route to our thanksgiving dinner, all stressed out and running behind [as usual], when all of a sudden a stray dog jumped out into the middle of the road. My mom freaked [and I think she cried a little] and stopped the car immediately. The dog quickly ran into the neighborhood and my Mom called animal services. It was so sad to know that this cute dog was not going to be in her forever home for thanksgiving, when I so luckily was going to be. I am thankful for my family, but I am sad to know other dogs out there are not as fortunate as me. But you can help (see below)!

Harley's Mission and Iams Home 4 the Holidays (IH4TH) are teaming up to put 1.5 million pets into loving homes by JANUARY 4, 2010! Our goal at Harley's Mission is to help spread the word behind the importance of pet adoption and to assist Iams in achieving this attainable proposition. We know we can do it, but only with your help!

Harley looking for squirrels - 2009

ADOPTION FACTS

As many as 8 million animals are homeless in the U.S.
Nearly 4 million orphaned dogs and cats will be euthanized this year due to shelter over-crowding and lack of awareness about the importance of pet adoption.
More than 25 percent of all dogs in shelters are purebreds.
IH4TH helped 1,202,751 pets find homes last year alone.
In Oct. 2008 Hilary Swank adopted Rumi through IH4TH at a Los Angeles shelter.
Over the past decade more than 3 million pets –1,638,515 dogs, 1,505,690 cats and 134,062 “other” animals – have been adopted through IH4TH.

ABOUT IH4TH

IH4TH.COM is a great resource for anyone who wants to get involved with helping homeless pets - offering tips about adoption, volunteering at a shelter and important information for new pet parents.

Every family that adopts a pet through IH4TH will receive an adoption kit and a DVD loaded with important information including: bringing a new pet into your family training tips, pet care, nutrition information and coupons.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Iams Home 4 the Holidays (IH4TH) needs your help to place 1.5 million pets into loving homes by January 4, 2010!
With nearly 8 million homeless animals in the U.S. today, and almost half scheduled to be euthanized this year alone, our help is needed now more than ever.
You can help by adopting a pet this holiday season at IH4TH.com and receive a complimentary adoption kit to help with your new family member.
Can’t adopt? Join our “Feed Pets in Need” program and help bring much needed food to your favorite IH4TH shelter by simply casting a vote at IH4TH.com.
Stay updated & be a part of the journey! Every week we’ll be sharing updated adoption numbers on Facebook and Twitter.

Harley sleeping on his first day (forever) home, from the animal shelter, adopted February 2009.

PLEASE HELP PETS BY CLICKING HERE!!!!

You’re the Sweetest Potato in My Dreams

2009-11-25T12:37:00.008-05:00

Today was an oh-so-delicious day filled with rich aromas, alluring tastes and blissful treats. It began early as my mom called for me that our thanksgiving dinner was ready. Little did she know I was waiting for her right under her feet, “oh you’re right there, you must be hungry” she said with a giggle. Boy, she wasn’t joking, I was starvinggggg.

As family and friends gathered at the thanksgiving table to celebrate love and thankfulness, we all sat together, going one-by-one speaking of what we were most thankful for this year. I was thankful for my new family who brought me in from the shelter and for a sweet end-seat at the dining room table!

Finally, it was time to eat, thank goodness because there was enough drool on the table to fill a small bucket! We passed around large dishes of sweet potato pie, Tofurky roast, green bean casserole, salad, stuffing, homemade bread, cranberry sauce, shepherds pie and so much more! Each bite was more savory then the next, delectable, enduring and mouth-watering. The thanksgiving dinner filled our home with a scrumptious aroma that could drive any canine crazy. As I sat there, at the table, chowing down on my Tofurky roast, I heard someone calling my name really loud…Harley! Harley! Harley! WAKE UP, its time for dinner…

I peeled my eyes open, yawned and ran full speed for dining room table. My mom giggled and said you’re not sitting there; you’re a dog and then placed my bowl of dog food on the ground. [Sigh] That’s when I realized that I was only dreaming…

Despite Harley's VIVID and delicious DREAMS, he knows that he is allowed to only eat his dog food and dog treats. During the holidays there are all kinds of wonderful dishes that you may feel inclined to feed your pet, but it’s very important to remember that dogs should never eat table scraps or human food. Even though many dogs will eat just about anything and seem like they “need” or “want” human food it could be extremely dangerous.

A dog’s digestive system is very different then our own, which means that dogs are unable to tolerate certain ingredients and processed foods. Some foods are so dangerous they could be potentially fatal, i.e. chocolate, raisins, onions, coffee, avocados, mushrooms, sugar, corn syrup, fruits and so much more.

Please note: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435.

US Poison Control Center: (800) 222-1222.

Many dogs can tolerate veggies like carrots, spinach, green beans, kale, which I like to sauté for Harley frequently. Some vegetables are very healthy for dogs, in which many times they crave green veggies. It is very important to consult with your vet before you give your dog anything other then their specially-formulated dog food.

All-in-all even if your pooch is begging for a tiny taste of your thanksgiving feast, please use extreme caution, do not give in and opt to give your him/her a dog treat instead. If your dog seems like he/she will go crazy from the delicious smells that will fill your home this holiday season, then try to distract your pooch with either a chew toy, treat or one of Harley’s Fantastic Cool-tastic Icey Treats. Remember a healthy pooch is a happy pooch which = happy pet parents!

On behalf of Harley and Harley’s Mission we want to wish you and yours a
HaPpY aNd FuRrY ThAnKsGiViNg!!!!

Black Dog Syndrome is raising awareness across the US

2009-11-17T17:04:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago Harley posted a very important article about the Black Dog Syndrome, a major problem in the sheltering community, which forces shelters to take undesirable action. This problem results in more unwanted dogs, leading them to the death chamber by the thousands. Many local communities are fighting back and reaching out to educate the community about the heartbreaking syndrome.

"Walk your black dog Nov. 28 to help other black dogs find homes." (Location: Idaho)

In an effort to raise awareness of "black dog syndrome," a condition where black dogs (and cats) are overlooked in area shelters, 150 elegant black canines will don their holiday finest and scamper their way along the holiday parade route in Downtown Boise on Saturday, Nov. 28.

To walk your black dog in the parade, contact Spay Neuter Idaho Pets (SNIP) at 968-1338. Entries are limited to 150. A $10 tax-deductible donation is appreciated and will help spay/neuter large black dogs whose owners can't afford it and who meet low-income guidelines.

Participant check-in will be at 7:30 a.m. The first paraders leave BSU's Morrison Center parking lot at 9:45 a.m.

"This will give tremendous exposure to all the local black dogs who are in need of loving homes right now," says Diane Ayres, president of SNIP, Inc. "In addition to black dog owners, we've invited area shelters and rescue groups to join the parade and showcase their black adoptables. Black dogs have every bit of charm and joie de vivre as any other beloved dog."

To watch the parade, find a vantage point along the route on University Drive and Capital Boulevard north towards the Statehouse, then west to 9th Street and back to University Drive.

SNIP was formed in 2008 to end animal overpopulation in the greater Treasure Valley by providing affordable, accessible spay/neuter services.

- - Idahostatesman.com

Q & A with Adopt-a-Pet.com

2009-11-16T21:18:00.001-05:00

Common Questions About Pet Adoption

Q: Although there are literally millions of pets in shelters, pounds and other ‘temporary housing’, many pet-owners-to-be don’t think about pet adoption when they’re looking for their new four-legged friend. Why do you think this is, and what can be done to turn that around?
A: Many people who want to get a pet just are not aware of how many pets are available at shelters. They might also have the misconception that pets are shelters might be there because there was a problem with the animal. In fact, most pets end up in shelters not because of any problem pet behavior, but because an owner died, moved, or simply didn't have the time or money to care for the animal. In some cases animals are lost and never found by their owners. These animals are healthy and very eager to please. Rescues pets are wonderful- just ask anyone who has one.

Some people are seeking purebred animals or puppies and think these are not available in shelters. In fact, nearly a quarter of all animals in shelters are purebred. Often someone buys an expensive purebred animal and then attempts to breed that animal to recoup their money. Often these puppies or kittens are not placed in homes, and end up in the shelter. Puppies and kittens often up in shelters as well, but it is important to note that your animals, especially puppies, require a lot of work and training and can be quite destructive (peeing on the carpet or chewing shoes). Puppies are great but often people are much happier getting a dog who is older, and whose size and temperament is a known quantity.

With Adopt-a-Pet.com and without even leaving their home, people can search all their local pets and see pictures and descriptions of the animals. This way, they can find the exact pet they want, call the animal shelter or rescue group, and get information on how to adopt that specific animal.

Q: What are the 5 most important things a potential adopter should consider when choosing their new pet?
A: We actually have a blog post on this highlighting the top 10 things we believe are important when adopting. Here are five, the rest can be located by visiting this page http://www.adoptapet.com/public/guides/permanentpets.html.
1. You need to make a real commitment to care for your pet for its entire life.
2. Verify in advance that you’re allowed to keep a pet where you live.
3. Never adopt a pet on a whim or because you feel it’s love-at-first-sight
4. Provide sufficient exercise and stimulation during the first few weeks, this will help the pet adjust.
5. Make any necessary modifications to your yard and fence to provide for your pet’s safety.

Q: What are 5 positive aspects of pet adoption, and why it’s a good option?
A: 1. When you adopt an adult animal, you can see his/her size and temperament. This helps ensure that the pet is right for you and your family.
2. It feels great to know you have saved an animals' life and everyone you meet will give you kudos for that for years to come.
3. Adopted pets are very loyal and know they have been given a new home.
4. Adopting a pet can be an important lesson to teach your children-- both about the value of life, and also about civic responsibility and even recycling- in this case recycling a living and loving animal into a new home.
5. Choosing a mixed breed animal can help avoid many of the genetic health problems that have developed in purebred animal due overbreeding and inbreeding.

Q: If someone reading this isn’t in a position to adopt a pet right at this time, but still wants to help homeless pets, what are 5 things they can do to get involved?
A: 1. People can do Social PETworking! They can run a search on Adopt-a-Pet.com, find a pet they want to help get exposure for, and use the share tools on our site to post the pet link on their Facebook, Twitter, MySpace or other social network page. Or, they can email the link of a pet in need form our site to their friends.
2. They can place a link/grpahic or even a search widget for Adopt-a-Pet.com on their personal website to encourage they users to see pets in need at local shelters. (hyper link "link" to our links page where we have graphics to be used as links)(hyper link "search widget" to our search module page which itself is a link form our links page)
3. People can add their info to our volunteer database (link) so shelters who need volunteers can find them.
4. People can search Adopt-a-Pet.com to find a local shelter, and make a cash donation to that shelter to help them with the costs of housing, feeding and medical care of shelter animals.
5. People can encourage other pet owners to spay or neuter their pet (link to our spay neuter page) to help prevent unwanted births.

Harley is one silly and ticklish dog!

Adopt-a-Pet.com is not your average adoption agency - - its MORE!

2009-11-16T21:11:00.001-05:00

Harley's Mission is dedicated in teaching the community about dog adoption and responsible pet care. We were honored when Adopt-a-Pet approached us to feature a guest post on their website. We are delighted to contribute to their great cause, with the hopes that our joint efforts will broaden the awareness and education about the importance behind pet adoption. Adopt-a-Pet.com has provided us with some pertinent information and we want to share. Read below and check out Adopt-a-Pet.com for your pet adoption needs!

What is Adopt-a-Pet.com

Adopt-a-Pet.com is the world's largest non-profit pet adoption website. We are like an ad agency for shelters and shelter pets. Sadly there are 4 million healthy adoptable companion animals killed in shelters each year due to overcrowding. We do our best to relieve that problem and put pets from shelters in the homes of pet seekers all over the country.

Our website makes it easy for anyone with an internet connection to find profiles and pictures of adoptable animals by location, breed, gender, age, size, and color. Over 8,000 shelters posts pets on our website displaying over 125,000 pets available for adoption at any given time. We also help volunteers connect with shelters, and currently host over thousands of people listed in our volunteer database for shelters.

What Makes Adopt-a-Pet.com Unique:
- On our website, people can use something we call “Search Saver.” This feature will notify users by e-mail when a particular pet of their specifications in available for adoption. For example, I can tell “Search Saver” where I live, and what type of breed I am looking for. When that animal is available, I am notified the next time a pet matching my search is added on Adopt-a-Pet.com.

- As of this summer we have now made it easy for our visitors to find pets and then recommend them to friends and family via Facebook, Twitter and other social applications. We are calling the idea “Social Petworking.” Here is how it works; once you have searched and found a pet in need, on the pet details page simply hover over the button labeled “SHARE,” there you can send the pet details page to any of your friends. For more information CLICK HERE.

- In addition to dogs and cats, we now feature all kinds of pets for adoption, including rabbits, farm animals, ferrets, hamsters and other small animals, horses, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and even fish. This was a major initiative that took many months to research and program into the site, and it is being well-received within the shelter community.

- By teaming up with the renowned street-artist Shepard Fairey, who designed the iconic Obama "Hope" image, we have available a number of stylish ways to promote pet adoption. Shepard was able to translate his work with Obama to an image that can be used to represent pet adoption support. CLICK HERE

- We have begun blogging and created a Twitter Page along with a Facebook Page. Check out our blog by clicking here there you can join our Facebook Group, or follow us on Twitter.

Harley: My beautiful, adopted best friend - - 2009

Blog Highlights:
Adopt-a-Pet.com has recently begun blogging, and every week we publish posts from two separate columns. On Tuesday we blog about pet care tips, and on Fridays we do our best to find heartwarming stories about adopted pets all over the country.

Check us out on (DOG)spired

2009-11-12T20:59:00.001-05:00

As many of you know I am a contributing author on (DOG)spired.com. Recently a fellow (DOG)spired member posted a very interesting article, "Should You Have More Than One Dog" that I think you will greatly enjoy. Check out my commentary for the article!

(DOG)spired

Furry Kisses,

Harley & Janel

The Dog behind the MISSION

2009-11-10T18:14:00.011-05:00

One day my Mom and I were walking in our neighborhood when we were suddenly approached by an something rather odd. There was a tall woman and her companion was a very tiny [and may I say adorable] Beagle. The woman was friendly and her little dog was oh so cute. But this was not the unusual part. What was odd was the little dog had a very hurtful choke collar on!! I knew exactly what my Mom was thinking. Is that necessary? Does the woman know how inhumane and hurtful a collar like that is? Probably not, because she never wore one.

As we passed the woman and her dog, my Mom and I were in shock and thought the woman was probably thinking that she was "training" her dog or doing what was "best" for her friend. We knew it was wrong. Choke collars are a very inhumane way of training, which teaches dogs through violence, furthermore these collars are not successful, the way some owners may perceive them to be. I doubt anyone would want sharp, poking, metal prongs digging into their throat just for making a behavioral error.

When we passed, we desparately wanted to say something like, " why do you have a choke collar on your dog, especially a dog that probably doesn't weigh more than 25 lbs.?" Or "what? you can't control your dog?" Or "have you ever thought about actually training your dog, instead of opting for violence?" We had a lot to say, but said nothing.

Another day, we were walking in our community when we saw a woman smack her dog across the face for barking at us. Sure, it wasn't nice her dog was barking, but dogs are going to bark. If you don't want them to, then it is mandatory that you train them otherwise with positive reinforcement with treats and praise versus violence anger. It makes perfect sense. I was taken back by how nasty her smack was, but would you believe that my Mom actually yelled out "you aren't going to stop your dog's violent behavior by being violent toward your dog!!!"

These stories, along with MANY others, give birth to our mission, Harley's Mission. My Mom and I go on a lot of walks, hikes and dog parks so we see a lot of leader-dog relationships. But sadly, the relationship that we see between the leader and the dog is heartbreaking all to often. Initially people have good intentions when they choose to get a new friend, for reasons like loyalty, friendship, exercise buddy, responsibility and more, but somewhere along the line forget about all the necessary training, dedication, support that it takes to make a happy relationship. Harley's Mission is to rectify this relationship by teaching the community about being responsible for both you and your dog's well being and happiness. There is a lot to consider to ensure that this relationship is positive, but do not worry that is why you have Harley's Mission. Your go-to for all things relating to your dog. We are an open, supportive team here to be a resource for the betterment of canine-kind and the relationship between all humans and their dogs.

EDUCATION is the fundamental backbone to my story and to so many dogs. My story starts out as a sad one, but with a very happy ending. Although I couldn't be more grateful for my new home and new family, I feel its important to tell you about my past.

I was surrendered to the animal shelter because my former-family got evicted from their home and did not take me with them. Instead they left me in the evicted house, where the landlord found me and then brought me to the shelter. It was scary and unnecessary for my former "family" to get rid of the me this way. I feel that if these people were educated on being responsible, then perhaps my life would have been a little bit easier.

This is the basis behind HARLEY'S MISSION. We value our readers and hope to provide you with a educational resource that benefits the bond between leaders and dogs alike.

Facts about Harley:

I am a pro at the following commands:

Sit
Lay down
Stay
Shake [with both paws]

I was rescued from the animal shelter on February 27, 2009, by my parents Janel and Ari
My guilty pleasures are cheese and carrots
I take Burdock Root, a natural herb, that relieves my sensitive skin
I love to laugh, a lot
I am jet black, but have a couple of extra colors: shades of chocolate and vanilla
I love to sleep in
My parents tell me "good boy" when I jump on the bed, because they love me
I love jumping into lakes, especially dirty ones
I love to lean against anything that isn't flat, i.e. walls, beds, chairs, desks, books etc.
I am working to become a Pet Therapy dog, which starts very soon
I love people especially kids
I hate rubber toys and tennis balls
I am obsessed with shadows and flashlights

Stay Tuned for forthcoming, "The Human behind the Mission."

"Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle"

2009-11-04T09:05:00.003-05:00

This week we are discussing the importance of dog adoption and rescue. This is a beautiful and heartwarming story about true animal hero. A solider who rescued an injured dog in Iraq, only to bring him home to the U.S. This story brought tears to my eyes, reminding me of all the good in the world. I am thankful for people like Major Brian Dennis and his effort to help animals in the most unexpected way.

Maj. Brian Dennis and Nubs today.
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

When Maj. Brian Dennis of the United States Marine Corps met a wild stray dog with shorn ears while serving in Iraq, he had no idea of the bond they would form, leading to seismic changes in both their lives. "The general theme of the story of Nubs is that if you're kind to someone, they'll never forget you -- whether it be person or animal," Dennis tells Paw Nation.

In October 2007, Dennis and his team of 11 men were in Iraq patrolling the Syrian border. One day, as his team arrived at a border fort, they encountered a pack of stray dogs -- not uncommon in the barren, rocky desert that was home to wolves and wild dogs.

"We all got out of the Humvee and I started working when this dog came running up," recalls Dennis. "I said, 'Hey buddy' and bent down to pet him." Dennis noticed the dog's ears had been cut. "I said, 'You got little nubs for ears.'" The name stuck. The dog whose ears had been shorn off as a puppy by an Iraqi soldier (to make the dog "look tougher," Dennis says) became known as Nubs.

Dennis fed Nubs scraps from his field rations, including bits of ham and frosted strawberry Pop Tarts. "I didn't think he'd eat the Pop Tart, but he did," says Dennis.

At night, Nubs accompanied the men on night patrols. "I'd get up in the middle of the night to walk the perimeter with my weapon and Nubs would get up and walk next to me like he was doing guard duty," says Dennis.
The next day, Dennis said goodbye to Nubs, but he didn't forget about the dog. He began mentioning Nubs in emails he wrote to friends and family back home. "I found a dog in the desert," Dennis wrote in an email in October 2007. "I call him Nubs. We clicked right away. He flips on his back and makes me rub his stomach."

"Every couple of weeks, we'd go back to the border fort and I'd see Nubs every time," says Dennis. "Each time, he followed us around a little more." And every time the men rumbled away in their Humvees, Nubs would run after them. "We're going forty miles an hour and he'd be right next to the Humvee," says Dennis. "He's a crazy fast dog. Eventually, he'd wear out, fall behind and disappear in the dust."

On one trip to the border fort in December 2007, Dennis found Nubs was badly wounded in his left side where he'd been stabbed with a screwdriver. "The wound was infected and full of pus," Dennis recalls. "We pulled out our battle kits and poured antiseptic on his wound and force fed him some antibiotics wrapped in peanut butter." That night, Nubs was in so much pain that he refused food and water and slept standing up because he couldn't lay down. Dennis and his team left again the next day, but Dennis thought about Nubs the entire time, hoping the dog was still alive.

Excerpt, "Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle,"
Little, Brown for Young Readers

Two weeks later, when Dennis and his team returned, he found Nubs alive and well. "I had patched him up and that seemed to be a turning point in how he viewed me," says Dennis. This time, when Dennis and his team left the fort, Nubs followed. Though the dog lost sight of the Humvees, he never gave up. For two days, Nubs endured freezing temperatures and packs of wild dogs and wolves, eventually finding his way to Dennis at a camp an incredible 70 miles south near the Jordanian border.

"There he was, all beaten and chewed up," says Dennis. "I knew immediately that Nubs had crossed through several dog territories and fought and ran, and fought and ran," says Dennis. The dog jumped on Dennis, licking his face.

Most of the 80 men at the camp welcomed Nubs, even building him a doghouse. But a couple of soldiers complained, leading Dennis' superiors to order him to get rid of the dog. With his hand forced, Dennis decided that the only thing to do was bring Nubs to America. He began coordinating Nubs' rescue effort. Friends and family in the States helped, raising the $5,000 it would cost to transport Nubs overseas.

Finally, it was all arranged. Nubs was handed over to volunteers in Jordan, who looked after the dog and sent him onto to Chicago, then San Diego, where Dennis' friends waited to pick him up. Nubs lived with Dennis' friends and began getting trained by local dog trainer Graham Bloem of the Snug Pet Resort. "I focused on basic obedience and socializing him with dogs, people and the environment," says Bloem.

A month later, Dennis finished his deployment in Iraq and returned home to San Diego, where he immediately boarded a bus to Camp Pendleton to be reunited with Nubs. "I was worried he wouldn't remember me," says Dennis. But he needn't have worried. "Nubs went crazy," recalls Dennis. "He was jumping up on me, licking my head."

Dennis' experience with Nubs led to a children's picture book, called "Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle," published by Little, Brown for Young Readers. They have appeared on the Today Show and will be appearing on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien on Monday.

Was it destiny that Dennis met Nubs and brought him to America? "I don't know about that," says Dennis. "It's been a strange phenomenon. It's been a blessing. I get drawings mailed to me that children have drawn of Nubs with his ears cut off. It makes me laugh."

-Helene Sung www.pawnation.com

Dog Adoption Series: Factors Influencing the Adoption of Animals

2009-11-03T19:00:00.009-05:00

This week is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. In honor of shelters and animal adoptions we are focusing on a very important discussion about the importance of dog adoptions in our society and the crisis that surrounds it. There is a lot to discuss and encourage YOU to be part of the discussion.

Factors Influencing Adoption of Animals. Animal shelters are a positive place to find an animal to take into your life. Shelters provide a safe and temporary home for many dogs (and cats) of all ages and breeds. The shelter works like a homeless shelter, in the sense that it provides essential needs like food, water, shelter and veterinary care. Although this home is temporary, there are many dogs that remain at the shelter for very long periods of time (and at no-kill shelters, some dogs could remain at the shelter for years). The pervasiveness of homeless animals at the shelter is directly linked to many consequential factors. These factors result in some dogs being adopted at a faster rate than others, which pose a problem for animals that remain at the shelter for long periods of time. Furthermore, the adoptability of dogs is based on many factors, including its age, breed, health and temperament.

The most influential factor in the adoptability of sheltered dogs is the animal’s age (Normando, Stefanini, Meers, Adamelli, Coultis and Bono 2006). According to Normando et al. (2006) younger dogs are consistently adopted faster then older dogs regardless of the puppy’s behavior or other temperament issues. This illustrates that puppies are a popular choice for customers interested in adopting and causes undeniable consequences that still needs further investigation (Patronek, Glickman and Moyer 1995) (Scarlett, Salman, New and Kass 1999) (Normando, Stefanini, Meers, Adamelli, Coultis and Bono 2006).

Other important characteristics that contribute to adoption are the demographics of potential adopters. In one study, researchers concluded that adopters were typically highly educated (according to national average), owned their own home and were primarily female, between the ages of 26 to 55 years old (Marston, Bennett and Coleman 2005). In addition, approximately 82 percent of adopters had dogs as children and 85 percent were previous dog owners as adults (Marston, Bennett and Coleman 2005). According to Normando et al. (2006), the majority of customers adopting dogs were women; however gender did not play a crucial role on the success of adoptions. In these aforementioned studies, these demographic factors contributed to the rate of dog adoptions and the likeliness of these adoptions to occur.

Adopters with children are another vital factor that may lead to dog adoptions. In Marston et al. (2005), the majority of adopters had children between infancy to 18 years old. The frequency of parents to adopt may be because of the powerful effect animals - - specifically dogs - - have on children. Current studies indicate that dogs teach children empathy, compassion, responsibility and emotional support (Tissen, Hergovich and Spiel 2007) (Daly and Morton 2006) (Kotrschal and Ortbauer 2003).

The positive influence of dogs on children also results in affecting children’s social behavior, conduct, self-esteem and ability to socialize (Tissen, Hergovich and Spiel 2007) (Daly and Morton 2006) (Kotrschal and Ortbauer 2003). According to Kotrschal et al. (2003), they suggest that children that grow up with dogs develop more competent social skills as adults. These studies indicate that children usually respond well to dogs and benefit from their company in amazing ways. In sum, parents may adopt more frequently then non-parents due to the powerful benefits that dogs can provide the development of their children.

“Millions of 'consumers' initially decide to adopt a dog, only to later abandon that animal because it is inconvenient or no longer suits their needs” (Frank 2004: 108).

Finally, there are many factors that influence the adoption of dogs. According to the researchers outlined in this post, it is clear that the problem has many underlining layers. However, many people seem to disagree with these allegations and do not seem to know that dog adoption is highly important. Do you think that these people are unaware of the problem or are just disinterested in it? What do you think? Do you agree with the factors that influence dog adoptions?

Dog Adoption Series: The Problem

2009-11-01T14:31:00.009-05:00

In honor of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week we will be discussing the importance of dog adoptions and the crisis that surrounds it. Animal adoption is one of the key basis for which Harley’s Mission was founded on. Here at Harley's Mission we strive to provide our readers with information about pet "ownership" through education, while providing helpful and informative resources for pet parents. We feel that an entire week [and more] should be dedicated to the discussion of animal adoption and encourage our readers to take part in the conversation.

The Problem. Each year in the United States millions of dogs are killed due to the overpopulation crisis of companion animals (www.petpopulation.org). According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, approximately six to eight million dogs (and cats) enter animal shelters and about three-and-half million dogs (and cats) are euthanatized each year (www.petpopulation.org). These figures illustrate a heartbreaking reality for millions of companion animals nationwide. Perhaps this information may assist in a better understanding about what factors may cause pet-overpopulation and why adoption should be mandatory.

Animals as a Social Problem. A social problem is defined as a “condition that (1) is widely regarded as undesirable or a source of difficulties; (2) is caused by the actions or inactions of people or of society; [and] (3) affects or is thought to affect a large number of people” (Farley, 1987:2). Pet-overpopulation is a serious and overwhelming social problem, which has created many difficulties in the animal shelter community. The results to this problem depict a sad and disheartening fate for many homeless animals. The social problem of unwanted pets is associated with our morals as a human society (Arluke and Sanders 1993; Hines 2003).

According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, for every person that is born each day, there are 15 puppies (and 45 kittens) that are born in the

United States

. The remaining animals are abandoned to the streets or end up in an animal shelter (www.petpopulation.org). Each day 10,000 humans are born in the

United States

and 70,000 puppies (and kittens) are born. In order to keep up with the current flood of puppies (and kittens), every person would have to own two dogs and six cats during their entire lifetime, (assuming people live for 75 years and dogs and cats for 10). A household of 5 would have to harbor 10 dogs and 30 cats! In addition, only one in five puppies (and kittens) remain in his or her original home for his/her entire lifetime. As long as these birthrates continue to exist, there will never be enough homes for all of the animals (www.spayusa.org).

These statistics represent the intensity of this crisis and proposes that pet-overpopulation is a national disaster which seems to be only getting worse. If animals were to exceed the human population, the possibilities and consequences would be tremendous. Given the prevalence of this social problem and our affinity for companion animals, the ramifications could become too great to control if this problem is not ameliorated (Patronek, Glickman and Moyer 1995). As the birthrate continues to rise there could be a more serious problem at hand pertaining to pet-overpopulation. Finally, the overwhelming amount of animals will be euthanatized at a staggering rate and pet-overpopulation could become too great to control if this crisis is not rectified soon.

How can you help?

Adopt a dog only from your local Humane Society, SPCA or animal shelter.
Consider animal rescue (available locally and/or breed specific rescues).
Never buy or purchase a dog for any reason.

Important questions to ask your animal shelter and/or animal rescue:

Where do the dogs come from? Are they surrenders, strays...?
Are the animals well cared for?

Important questions to ask yourself while thinking about adopting a new friend

Do we have the time to properly care for a dog?

Remember dogs need plenty of exercise and socialization.

Do we have the financial means to pay for requirements for dogs?

Vet bills, vaccinations, food, pet fee (for some residences)

Are we moving or are changing our living situation in the near future?

Moving to a new house, out of state or even out of the country is never a good excuse to surrender your animal. Please keep in mind that if you are moving in the near future, perhaps you want to wait till after you move to adopt a dog.

Do you travel a lot?

If you travel a lot and will be unable to spend adequate time to care for your dog, maybe now isn't the best time to adopt a new friend. It is never healthy for a dog to live in a unstable living condition. Dogs depend on consistency and routine and by traveling a lot and not being available for your dog is not healthy for your new friend.

Are you will to put the time into training your new friend?

All dogs must have manners. This is executed by proper training and socialization repeatedly through the dogs life. Potential pet parents must include a plan to train the dog so he/she is able to have manners in many situations. Whether you train your dog yourself or get your dog professionally trained, either way it is something to think about before you adopt a new companion.

Cuteness is not a characterisitic to look for when searching for a canine companion. Breed, temperment, age and size should be the deciding factor when looking for a dog.

Puppies need a LOT of work and a LOT of training. Are you willing to invest your money, time and belongings that your puppy will inevitably chew, for a puppy?
Adult dogs are easier to maintain and may not require as much supervision as a puppy. Consider an adult dog for a variety reasons: You know how big the dog will be, you know the dog's temperament, you may have to train the dog less...etc...
When looking for the right temperament consider your lifestyle and what you are able to handle. If you choose to adopt an active dog, you must conform to his/her needs, especially if you lead a sedentary lifestyle. However, a new pooch is a wonderful way to start a new exercise routine, shed the pounds and get in shape!

Conquering the Black Stereotype with Style

2009-10-23T18:59:00.026-04:00

When I was adopted this past February, I knew that fate brought my family and me together. When I first got to the shelter, I thought: "I'm sure to be adopted quickly, after all I'm well trained, out of the puppy phase, know my manners and excellent with kids." So as nervous and scary as going to the shelter was, I thought my chances of getting out quick were pretty good.

Upon my arrival there were many things that I learned at the shelter. Things I had never considered before. I was black, big, roughly 65 lbs. and sure I was older, but there had to be someone that thought that my features made up a great dog. But to my despair, it wasn't that great. In fact, my characteristics deemed me as "unadoptable" and not what most humans go after in a canine companion. Many potential adopters would at look me and then play with my kennel-mate, a cute, blonde young puppy. I tried to be on my best behavior, but there was something that was drawing the humans away from me. Let me explain.

Many humans are becoming very aware about the importance behind adopting and rescuing dogs versus buying them from breeders, puppy mills and pet stores. Although it is a great service to "canine-kind" to adopt, there's a somewhat unknown phenomena that exists within the shelter system. Shelter employees and volunteers alike are aware of this phenomenon, but are unable to curb the problem. This quandary is deemed as the Black Dog Syndrome.

This syndrome is a complex issue that affects most black dogs in the shelter system. There are many factors that make adopting certain dogs difficult, like age, temperament, size or weight, but black dogs are by far the hardest to get adopted and many shelter employees would agree. Although I am cute, cuddly, loving and affectionate, humans associate "fur-color" with temperament and personality, i.e. "black = dark, aggressive, angry, or ugly" and "blonde = sweet, loving, affectionate or happy." This could be further from the truth. Many dogs conquer this stereotype and although there are exceptions to every rule, it seems as though, the Black Dog Syndrome is a challenging conundrum to break.

"The emotions of humans play a huge part in the Black Dog Syndrome related cases - when it comes to a cute, cuddly puppy versus a bigger, but already trained dog, the puppy will win the human over 80% of the time," according to Rachel Aycock, Public Relations Director for the SPCA of Lakeland, Florida.

When searching for the right canine companion for your family, there are many factors that must be considered. For example, you should examine yourself and lifestyle and how adopting a dog plays into the scenario. Do you live in a big house or a small apartment? Do you have children? A fenced in yard? Do you work long hours? Do you have the time and financial capabilities for a pet? These are only a few questions to consider when deciding on a dog for your home. Unfortunately, it is all too common for humans to choose pets based on looks, animal "trends" or whatever aligns humans with a social status. Although there are many considerations regarding a potential adoption, why would a human only care about aesthetic appeal versus personality, temperament or behavior?

"The biggest offenders we see are people who pick puppies because they are cute and cuddly, not thinking about training, time and expense this pet will require or the fact that the puppy may group up to be a big pet," said Laurie Hoffman, the Director of Development and Communication for the Human Society of Greater Miami Adopt-a-Pet.

Although adoption is a huge part of the Syndrome it didn't stop there. As soon as I got to my new home, with my new family, it was obvious that our neighborhood treated us differently. I was different then the other dogs, while the majority was small and white. When we would go on walks, humans would shield their dogs away from me and walk in the grass to not get close. I often wonder do I smell bad or is there something wrong with me? This bothers my Mom a LOT because she wants me to socialize with other dogs and people, but if they try to get away from us, this task of socialization makes it hard. The frustrating part is that I appear to be very friendly, always wagging my tail and excited to say hello to new butts and kiss new humans, but they are afraid of me.

The Syndrome is not a disguise for "our problem" but rather it is a phenomenon that affects the majority of black dogs in and out of the shelter system. I propose this because there are other dogs in our community who are large, albeit not black, and are not treated as "ferocious beasts." Furthermore, there are many organizations that are working hard to expose the discrimination against black dogs, how it affects the shelter system and the innocent black dogs. Finally, the pervasiveness of this national problem forces shelters to take on the challenge without much support. In order for the shelter to take on the challenge [and others] they have to use euthanasia to move the "unwanted." This is the devastating part and without my Mom and her ability to adopt me when she did, this may have been my unfortunate fate.

The good folks at Start Seeing Black Dogs and Black Pearl Dogs are committed in educating humans about the Syndrome and trying to erase humans' misconceptions about it. In addition, there are books, and grassroots organizations that are trying to spread the word that black does not mean something dark or negative, but rather it is the PERSONALITY that defines the dog, as is with humans.

When my parents came into the shelter to adopt me, they were certain of one thing and one thing only: to adopt a dog that really needed them, someone who wasn't so easily "adoptable" and someone with "unfavorable" qualities like being older, black and big. I was sure lucky because that was me. Here at Harley's Mission our goal is to educate humans about responsible pet "ownership," what that means to society and how to make the most humane choices. We strive to eradicate dog stereotypes, by focusing on important problems that necessitate much discussion, like the Black Dog Syndrome. Even though I may be DARK in color, I am BRIGHT in spirit and in heart. As my Mom and I take on the challenge to educate humans about their dogs, we know with combination of a great temperament, disposition and personality, we can teach the world that black dogs are the friendliest of the canines!

DID YOU KNOW?

Black

Black is associated with power, formality, death, evil, and mystery.

Black is a mysterious color associated with fear and the unknown (black holes). It usually has a negative connotation (blacklist, black humor, 'black death'). (www.color-wheel-pro.com)
White

White is associated with light, goodness, innocence, purity, and virginity. It is considered to be the color of perfection. White means safety, purity, and cleanliness. As opposed to black, white usually has a positive connotation. (www.color-wheel-pro.com)

Won't you try to erase the stigma of the Black Dog Syndrome?

Pet Shelter Project

2009-10-19T19:36:00.004-04:00

Harley's Friends Edition Rescue Dogs Come in ALL Shapes and Sizes

2009-10-12T18:44:00.003-04:00

Sure, most people think that if you rescue or adopt a dog they are mixed breed or a "mutt." Many dogs are qualified as this, although it is not a negative thing, it is not necessarily the case. Many people choose to have a specific breed because of their size, behavior or temperament. Did you know that there are hundreds of pet rescues that are breed specific? Of course there is not a rescue for every breed (which means you should start one today!) but for the most popular breeds there most certainly are. Here are a few examples: Boxer, Great Dane, Pit Bull, Yorkie, or Maltese just to name a few!

There are millions of dogs that need a home right now, that are packed full at your local (or not local) dog rescue or animal shelter. In later posts I will discuss the importance of adopting and rescuing a dog versus buying, but for now, I just want to illustrate that all breeds need rescuing, even very popular breeds. Just take it from our good friend Baxter, who had a not-so-good childhood.

There is no doubt that Baxter isn't adorable, which is why I am sure his previous owners brought this little guy into their home. But as time passed the family was unable to care for him. They neglected him (abused him?) and did not provide him with essential care and love.

POP QUESTION: WHY would anyone accept a dog into your life and home, but not be willing to care, train and love him/her? If anyone has the answer to this question, please e-mail me ASAP.

So sadly, little Baxter was dropped off at a a local dog supply store, where he waited until someone would adopt him. His soon-to-be Mom instantly feel in love with Bax (as his Mom calls him) and decided that it was the right time for her to bring a dog into her home. She decided then and there that she would care for this pooch and make sure that not only his essential needs were met, but that he would be supplied with endless quantities of love. The canine community is so grateful for stories like this. We need to teach people the importance of rescuing dogs, in general. Whether you prefer a specific breed, size or temperament, please consider what you are "getting" yourself into. Dogs tend to live about 10-16 years (depending on the breed, size, health of dog) and must have all essential needs met, including but not limited to training, love, socialization and anything else that will promote a high quality life for your companion.

According to Bax's self-proclaimed "over protective" dog-Mom, he is the happiest little guy who continually brings so much joy and love to his family.

If you have a happy story with a happy ending about your rescue or adopted pooch and would like a feature on Harley's Mission, please e-mail us at HarleysMission@gmail.com

Animal-Assisted Therapy is MORE than just seeing your therapist

2009-10-11T11:08:00.038-04:00

Whenever I tell people that my dog Derby and I do Pet therapY they give a perplexed look. The look is followed by numerous questions which leave me clarifying that we are not spending time reclined in a chair discussing my childhood with a therapist; but rather it is Derby that is providing the therapy. I recall watching an episode of an animal series on television when I was a child. The episode was about a woman and her beloved companion who spent time volunteering in a hospital cheering up patients with a visit from her big fluffy white dog. The story stayed with me over the years. When I adopted Derby from the animal shelter I thought pet therapy would be the perfect volunteer opportunity for us. Derby's gentle nature and love for people made him the ideal candidate.

Here is Derby with Themla in one of his therapy sessions:
* Visits with a therapy dog helps heart and lung function by lowering pressures, diminishing release of harmful hormones and decreases anxiety with hospitalized heart failure patients (Cole, 2005).

Pet therapy, also known as Animal-assisted therapy (AAT), is a type of therapy that involves an animal with specific characteristics becoming a fundamental part of a person's treatment. Animal-assisted therapy is designed to improve the physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning of the patient. AAT can be provided on an individual or group basis.

After passing a preliminary evaluation and several weeks of training Derby and I earned a certification with the Delta Society and began our pet therapy journey. We spent time visiting nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and the like. Derby shined at pet therapy and people beamed with happiness when we came to visit. His full smile, feathery tail sweeping enthusiastically, and inviting postures made people forget about their pain and discomfort even if only for a short time.

* Presence of a therapy dog can lower behavior distress in children during a physical examination at a doctor’s office and may be useful in a variety of health care settings to decrease procedure induced distress in children (Nagengast, 1997, Hansen, 1999).

We went for regular visits to Claire Bridge Nursing Home and made fast friends with a lovely woman by the name of Thelma. Every Tuesday we would chat with Thelma and watch Martha Stewart Living. She would invite Derby to sit on the bed with her and he graciously accepted. Thelma would stroke Derby's glossy coat as we talked and go to know each other. Thelma kept a jar full of milk bones at her bedside for our Tuesday visits and would always sneak extra goodies to Derby when I wasn't paying attention.

Our visits were very special and seeing how much joy my canine companion brought to the people we visited had me gleaming with pride. It is a beautiful thing to do and something Derby and I highly recommend. If you and your companion animal are considering a pet therapy certification please click here and here and here for more information.

* Animal-assisted therapy can effectively reduce the loneliness of residents in long-term care facilities (Banks, 2002).

Derby and I would like to congratulate Harley and Janel on their recent pet therapy certification! Let the healing power of pet therapy begin!

- Posted by Natalie Milshtein and Derby

INTRODUCING...

2009-10-11T10:40:00.011-04:00

Harley and I are pleased to introduce our really good friends: Natalie and Derby. This duo is quite an amazing team. It all started out when Derby was adopted in 2005; when on a volunteer shift at the shelter, Natalie just couldn't bare to see this amazing bundle of joy locked up anymore. And so the journey began...

Natalie and Derby have worked hard to enrich their community about responsible pet ownership, while volunteering and educating anyone that will listen. Their journey does not stop there, Derby is a certified pet therapy dog through Delta Society and is certified as a Canine Good Citizen with AKC, in which they have provided countless therapeutic sessions to both the young and old across Florida. Natalie has worked tirelessly to help animals everywhere, through her choices, lifestyle and everyday habits. She is not just an animal lover, but a true animal hero. Harley and I are so excited for their contribution, we believe that they will be a cornerstone in making our...err...Harley's Mission a great success, while helping canine-kind everywhere!

Request for Commentary & Feedback

2009-10-05T18:41:00.004-04:00

Mom and I are dying to know what you think of our blog. Sure I haven't posted much lately, but I've been exhausted! This is due to my frequent extra-LONG walks that Mom has been taking me on, which have been eating up my time lately. Currently, I am barking up some brainstorming with my pack, so stay tuned because I have some surprises in the works...

Till then, what do you think of our blog? Do you have any suggestions, questions or feedback that you would like to offer? Or have a canine story you would like to share...just e-mail us at HarleysMission@gmail.com

Thanks!

WANTED: The talented, untalented and YOU!

2009-10-05T18:33:00.003-04:00

Do you Love helping animals? Do you believe that animals need a voice? Or do YOU have what it takes to be a filmmaker? If this describes you [or doesn't] then I have an OFFER for you, that you just can't turn down.

Materials:

1. Camera

2. Heart

3. Love for animals

PLEASE participate in this nationwide contest to help animals. Judges include Ben Stein, who will choose the best video via YouTube, contest expires 10/22/09!!!

Coping with the loss of a FRIEND

2009-10-04T17:06:00.020-04:00

The relationship between us and our non-human companion signifies a profound and dynamic bond that many people may not understand. For many of us, we do not want to even consider the possible loss of such a dear friend. However, it's important to discuss this topic because it illustrates the validity of these relationships and their importance to our family and everyday lives.

There is a very special bond between humans and animals. A bond that is pure, honest and free from politics and prejudices. Humans and animals do not share the same language, ways of learning or rules and therefore it is complicated to communicate. However when we do finally understand each other it truly is beautiful.

To many of us our canine companions are more than just a dog, but they are our best friends, our children, our brother/sister or our everything. Our companion walks with us through life, each day, as we purposively take care of their every need with love and responsibility. Our late Max was just that, he was my best friend and was a profound cornerstone to my childhood and adulthood. It is challenging for us to face the loss of such a beloved companion and friend, but this loss necessitates a conversation about friendship, loss and grief.

When our beloved Max was dying, we were lucky enough to have a vet that was experienced and compassionate and who guided our preceding closure with Max. There is a lot of information on dealing with this topic and the grieving process.

When it was time for us to say good-bye to Max, there were no questions or doubt that this was not the best decision for him and for us. Afterwards, I was incredibly heartbroken, sad and cried endlessly. There will always be an empty space in my heart for Max. Although it was so difficult, we felt that we must get another dog. Many people believe if you get a dog after your former dog passes, you are "replacing" them. But for us, Max could NEVER be replaced, but we needed a dog in our lives to make us feel whole - with or without Max. If Max could have talked or understood I know that he would have wanted to us to adopt another dog to carry on his legacy by adopting another one again and again. With that being said we adopted Harley two weeks after Max's passing. It was fate.

Although it is always a personal decision about whether you and your family feel you are ready to adopt another dog, there is an additional component to this conversation. It is our responsibility as human beings to care for animals (dictated by religion, spirituality, faith or whatever you believe in). MILLIONS of dogs [and cats] are killed across the nation [and world] due to overpopulation and therefore it is our responsibility to adopt or rescue a dog for the betterment of "canine-kind" and society. These are two ruling factors that governed our decision on when it was acceptable to adopt after Max's passing. Of course this is always a personal decision and must be the right time and right place to extend one's family and heart.

10 TIPS ON COPING WITH PET LOSS
Points to consider when assessing your pet's quality of life:

1. Pain or serious discomfort when walking or moving

2. Drastic loss of appetite

3. Difficulty in breathing

4. Incontinence or other serious problems with urination or defecation

5. Capacity to see and hear properly

6. Unresponsive, unmanageable or dangerous behavior

This posting is dedicated to dearest Brittany. A special girl who always knew what her mother was thinking and had a lifelong friendship with her sister. Brittany will always be in our heart.

WE may not be together

In the way we

used to be

We are still connected by a

Cord no eye

can see

So whenever

you need to find me

We're never far apart

If you look

beyond the horizon

And listen with your heart

A QUITE UNUSUAL PAIR

2009-09-29T20:37:00.004-04:00

This video is about an unusual, yet remarkable relationship. Animals truly have a lot to teach us.

PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Want to RESCUE animals for FREE?

2009-09-28T14:09:00.002-04:00

If you are like me and want to rescue animals, but looking for a free and EASY way to do it, just click here EVERYDAY.

If Only I Could Do That...

2009-09-24T18:44:00.002-04:00

As my Mom is working on some exciting new activities for me, I am going to impress her with some tricks that I have been working really hard on. Check out Cindy to see what I mean: CINDY.

ALERT: Fight for Tax Break for Pet Care Costs

2009-09-24T16:50:00.004-04:00

We all want to give our animal companions the best care we possibly can, but it seems that pet care costs are always on the rise—and these days, it’s harder than ever to stretch the family budget. That’s why the ASPCA supports H.R. 3501, which would amend U.S. tax code to allow qualifying pet care expenses, including veterinary care, to be tax-deductible.

This means that when you prepare your income taxes, money you spent on pet care that year would count as non-taxable income—and you can deduct up to $3,500 per year!

U.S. Representative Thaddeus McCotter has introduced the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (“HAPPY”) Act, legislation to allow individuals to claim tax deductions for qualified pet care expenses. The bill would allow any taxpayer who legally owns one or more domesticated animals to take an annual income tax deduction of up to $3,500 for pet care expenses, including veterinary care costs.

Pet care can be expensive—and in these trying economic times, families all over the country have been forced to give up their pets because of financial hardship. The HAPPY Act is important because it will help Americans provide their pets with the medical attention and quality of life they deserve, while also ensuring that more pets get to remain in their loving homes and don’t wind up on the streets or in the already overburdened shelter system.

Please help us support the HAPPY Act, H.R. 3501.

Click here to sign the petition: HAPPY Act

UPDATE - A "Sunny" Story

2009-09-22T21:03:00.006-04:00

If interested in participating or learning more about Sunny's fundraiser Sunny Day: Shedding Light on Animal Cruelty, please click here: Sunny Day. Thanks!

Random Adorable Dog Pic

2009-09-22T20:50:00.003-04:00

The Key to a Long and Healthy Life: Exercise

2009-09-22T20:43:00.006-04:00

Harley Loves Exercise. Whew! My mom and I just came in from a very fun and long walk. Lately, we have been walking further and further as the weather gets nicer. I'll admit I really need to walk and the exercise is undoubtedly priceless. We went far today, probably over a mile or two. We always have so much fun. We catch up on stuff and chat, mostly about her day, but it allows us to spend quality time together. Exercise is one of the most fundamental components to a happy life, at least thats what my mom always says. Many dogs and their humans prefer different types of exercise. For example, our friend Derby loves to go hiking and biking with his Mom and our cousin Freddie loves to go running with his Dad. In addition to our long walks, we sometimes go to the dog park, but we never go running, mostly because my Mom's knees aren't that great and my hips are very sensitive, so we walk.

It's a great trade, because humans really need exercise and dogs need the stimulation to burn off all that canine energy (thats usually stored up all day, while your human is at work). But the best part, is that my Mom makes me the best icey treats [see below]. Enough exercise is a vital and necessary component to a long and healthy life. As always my Mom wants to put her two cents in about walking, because I know how important it is to her.

Mom Knows Best. Harley is so right; walking and exercise is vital to both you and your dog's health and sense of wellbeing. Our late dog, Max, who passed away back in February (from natural causes) lived until 16 years old! An old age that is rare for his breed and size (he was a greyhound mix who was about 45 pounds). When Max was young he developed benign tumors, ear infections and all sorts of random health issues that should have put a toll on his health. It never did. When he was about 10 or 11 years old, the vet said that he may only have a year left or so. Boy was he wrong! No one would have guessed that our vivacious dog would have lived so long and beautifully. Was Max's vibrant longevity based on his zest for life, his strong will or some unknown secret?

Our Dear Friend Max and his Secret to a Long Life. Max was born to an abusive home in the early 90s and was adopted by my family when he was six months old. We didn't know much about Max's history, except that it probably wasn't pretty. Upon his adoption we did not know much about his gene pool or his health history or any conditions that he may [not] have had. Many people have the misconception that dogs are "healthier" or live "longer" when dogs are pure bred or you know the health history of the dog, but that is not necessarily true. Max was an excellent representative for adoption and mixed-breed dogs, because he was both and lived such a long and healthy life.

My Dearest Max, 2008

Max's secret was not necessarily his breed or gene pool or maybe it was a combination of both, however we believed that Max lived a long and beautiful life due to the amount of exercise and love that he received regularly throughout his whole life. Even weeks before he passed he was still getting his typical 4-5 walks per day.

During the last few years of Max's life, he went through a lot of transitions because our family moved around a lot. Needless to say, he still received frequent walks, which at that time remained the constant in his life. Max loved to walk, probably more than anything. Some of my earliest memories were taking really long walks with my family and Max. We always walked. Walking always had a dear place in my heart for it was a way for us to catch up, chat and share ideas. Max walked up until the last couple of days of his life, he always wanted to walk and be outside. As you raise your dog, young or old, the most important thing to remember is to take frequent walks [and we do not mean bathroom breaks]. A combination of good exercise, a healthy diet and unconditional love is the secret to living a long and healthy life.

The Difference between Walking and Exercise. There is a lot of confusion on how much exercise your dog needs. Of course it is always best to consult your vet about what is best for your dog, but we wanted to make a few suggestions regarding this topic. First, nothing bothers me more then when I witness pet parents take their dog out to use the bathroom and think that this is "exercise." For example, if you walk from your kitchen to your bedroom this is most certainly is not exercise. Harley gets about 4 walks a day, which are not bathroom breaks. These walks range from 15-30 minutes depending on the weather. Then 2-3 times a week we give him extra, extra long walks (as he mentioned earlier in this post) or he goes to the dog park. Of course, weather is a major factor to consider and could determine how much exercise your dog receives, please click here and here.

Many people wonder how are we able to walk Harley so much. It's simple. We were both very committed to adopting a dog and therefore we arranged our schedules to accommodate his needs. There are many pet parents that are unable to accommodate in this way, which is more typical then our situation. Our suggestions are to find a dog walker, pet sitter or bring your dog to dog day care. If you feel that these suggestions are beyond your capabilities, make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise before you leave for the day and when you come home. Nothing is more depressing then seeing a dog go outside just to go to the bathroom and then dragged back inside to go sit around and do nothing. The problem is that then pet parents wonder why their dog has so much energy, is tearing up the house or going nuts when they aren't home? All I have to say is duh! If you choose to not stimulate your dog, provide sufficient exercise and socialization your pooch will be miserable and so will you. If you make the decision to adopt a dog, then you must understand the responsibilities that go along with the care of this animal. If you do not want to go on long walks, get exercise and participate in many dog socialization activities, then pet parenting is not for you. Finally, I must say that there is so much information on how much and what kind of exercise your dog needs. Please click here, here, here, and here.

Now get off the computer and wrap your paws around a healthy exercise regime for both you and your human!!

Harley's Fantastic Cool-tastic Icey Treats

You'll need..
* ice cube tray or small plastic container
* fresh clean water
* One of the following: peanut butter, canned salmon (Harley's Favorite), small treats, food, milkbones, crunchy or soft treats etc... (please check with your vet and consider your dog's preferences, allergies and health before giving your dog any type of treat).

1. Fill up tray or plastic container with fresh clean water
2. Drop a small amount of one of the ingredients in the water
3. Freeze tray or container for a few hours
4. Exercise or go for a long walk (or anytime you want to reward your pooch)
5. POP out the icey treat and put into a dog bowl
6. Your dog will lick this cool snack until his/her little heart is content

VERY IMPORTANT: These treats are small and slippery, so please supervise your pooch (as you would with any treat/bone) during eating.

DISCLAIMER: PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR VET BEFORE EXERCISING YOUR DOG. NEVER OVERDO ANY TYPE OF EXERCISE. PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR DOG'S HEALTH, PREFERENCES, BEHAVIOR AND ABILITIES BEFORE IMPLEMENTING AN EXERCISE ROUTINE.