MOLLIE & ME - It's a Dog's Life

Sunrise River Dog Park, North Branch MN

2012-10-24T06:35:00.000-07:00

Hey folks, the Sunrise River Dog Park will be open 3 month in Mid - November. What a great place to take your 4-legged friends and crunch through the leaves!

If you would like to become a charter member, please email NorthBranchDogPark@gmail.com

We need more grass roots fundraising for the park fencing and have had folks ask about fencing in the low land which some dogs love to muck around in. It's a budget thing right now!

So, come out use the park, donate to our citizen funded park and enjoy the Minnesota FALL!

We are located inside of Checkerboard County Park, east of North Branch, Minnesota, just off of Highway 95!

Best Pet-Friendly Restaurants In Minneapolis « CBS Minnesota

2012-08-06T20:30:00.001-07:00

Best Pet-Friendly Restaurants In Minneapolis « CBS Minnesota

2012-07-18T06:15:00.000-07:00

Ticks,Fleas, Dog Bed Bugs, Mosquitoes and anything else out there!

Why can't we just have a normal summer without all of these creepy crawly bitey things? Make sure and treat spray and frontline your pets!

When I think of the time and money spent on this... just say it ain't so!

2012-06-06T07:14:00.001-07:00

Walker emerges victorious in Wisconsin recall

2012-06-03T17:33:00.000-07:00

Dogs in the City on Ch 4 WCCO on Sunday nights at 7pm.

Mollie & Como "Rock On" Doodles

2012-06-03T16:35:00.001-07:00

The Doodle Craze (Big Mollie - the real Mollie) and Little Mollie (AKA Como). They are both Golden Doodles one standard poodle and one small poodle. They are SO CUTE!

Goodbye too soon!

2012-06-03T16:21:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Tooooo Soon to Mr. Yoon,

It's been fast, it's been great, and pretty soon
I will look for you in your room
                   and it will be toooo late.

We loved having you here,
the time for you to go home is near
so let's give you an American Cheer!

You're the best
Better than the rest
You came to us with lots of trust
and now, if you must
     leave us a part of your heart and come back again
     We're always your friends!


Go home and remember, we're always here, your family in Minnesota
Call, write, skype, email and keep us close and remember us the MOST!

Love Suzanne, Woody IV & Amanda Jean

It's a Dog's Life - At the Governor's Mansion!

2011-09-23T06:17:00.000-07:00

When politics gets hard in the State of Minnesota (for all of us), we can go home to our 4-legged friends!

Pitbull vs kitten - Offbeat

2011-07-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

Pitbull vs kitten - Offbeat

Fireworks are not a dog's best friend...

2011-07-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

I Love Family Reunions!

I remember my Dalmatian lab mix, Pal, I had when I was around 10 years old. Pal did not like fireworks, firecrackers, bottle rockers, storms or anything that went boom. He didn't grow up with the loud noises being a regular occurrence, and when I got him, it was probably too late to retrain him.

When I bred hunting labs, when they were young we would expose them to many things very early, trips in the car to the bank, or to the McDonald's drive through, or to run an errand, water, noise, people, kids, other animals, cats, more people and so on, and as many noises as we could. Normally labs aren't gun shy or water shy, but it happens.

If you get a pup at a younger age, you can work on anxiety issues early. The more you can expose a puppy to before the age of 16 weeks, the less it will fear things when it's older. This is a key time for socializing and introducing new things. If you get a dog from a breeder you can ask if they've socialized the pup or introduced them to different things, but if you get a dog from a rescue or another place, you'll find out what they're afraid of as you get to know them. You can retrain a dog by doing the same thing 31 days in a row. That means if you want them to lose a bad habit, you have to prevent them from doing that bad habit that many days in a row while introducing the good habit for 31 days.

Here's how to work on noise issues, have one person by the pup petting it, or just talking to it. Have another person farther away, bang pots and pans, let off some firecrackers, run the generator in the garage, the house vacuum, or shop vac, and have the person by the pup just act calm--not react to the noise and act like nothing happened. It doesn't always work, but if you get pups used to all kinds of noises when they're young, they won't fear them when they're older.

There's also the magnetic force field that comes with a storm, some dogs sense it before the weather person even knows it's coming and they're in the closet, under the bed, or just shaking their little boots off with fear. Those dogs may need a dogie medication from your vet. Talk to your vet about how extreme their fear of storm is and your options.

Remember, dog's sense how you feel and react from you, just like children.

1st Annual No Kill Walk for the Animals, Como Lake, 4-30-11

2011-05-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

There were lots of people that came out in spite of the rain, we had our big, little and medium size dogs, a 9 year old Beagle, 4 month old border collie/terrier mix puppy, and 3 year old Golden Doodle to help us raise money for our favorite Rescue, Happy Hound Rescue. Visit their website at http://happyhoundrescue.org

This Video is how you feel when you rescue ONE dog!

2011-05-03T20:49:00.000-07:00

This video is from Dogwork.com. It's "More than a Feeling!" Click on the title to see the video. Enjoy & thanks Lorelei!

Begging for SPRING

2011-03-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

New School, new clothes, new shoes, new books, how about a new rescue pet?

2010-09-22T06:46:00.000-07:00

It's time for everything new, fall is a fresh and school is just starting. How about helping one of the many rescue organizations by adopting a new family member. Please please please look at rescue dogs before you look into purchasing from a breeder. These dogs are in rescue through no fault of their own, they aren't bad dogs, dogs with issues, dogs that nobody wants, they're just dogs that lost their home due to foreclosure, family finances, illness and other various reasons.

Go to HappyHoundRescue.org and find your new study buddy, shopping trip escort and "walk in the park exercise friend!"

Prayer of a Senior Rescue Dog

2010-08-27T08:44:00.000-07:00

Peanut & Romeo

One by one they pass my cage,

Too old, too worn, too broken, no way.

Way past his prime he can't run and play,

Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way

A little old man, arthritic and sore,

It seems I am not wanted anymore.

I once had a home, I once had a bed,

A place that was warm, and where I was fed.

Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail,

Who wants a dog so old and so frail?

My family decided I didn't belong,

I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.

Whatever excuse they made in their head

Can't justify how they left me for dead.

Now I sit in this cage, where day after day,

The younger dogs get adopted away.

When I had almost come to the end of my rope,

You saw my face and I finally had hope.

You saw through the grey, and the legs bent with age,

And felt I still had life beyond the cage.

You took me home, gave me food and a bed.

And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.

We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low,

You love me so dearly and want me to know.

I may have lived most of my life with another,

But you outshine them with a love so much stronger.

I promise to return all the love I can give,

To You, my dear person, as long as I live.

I may be with you for a week or for years,

We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.

And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,

I know you will cry and your heart will grieve.

And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,

My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.

And I will brag to all who will hear,

Of the person who made my last days so dear.

Author Unknown

Top 10 Dog Books for KIDS!!!!!

2010-07-22T06:31:00.000-07:00

Books about dogs have entertained us for decades. Here are some favorites!

1. The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey

2. Clifford the Big Red Dog Scholastic Series

3. Biscuit Storybook Collection by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

4. Henry and Mudge: The First Book series by Cynthia Rylant

5. A Day in the Life of Murphy by Alice Provensen

6. Walter the Farting Dog by William Katzwinkle and Glenn Murray

7. Sally Goes to the Vet by Stephen Huneck

8. Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight

9. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

10. The Call of the Wild by Jack London

ENJOY SOME SUMMER READING!

Reunion Time

2010-06-22T15:46:00.000-07:00

Flash got to meet one of his ancester's owners. This is my Aunt Joan and Uncle Warren, who had a cute little Pom named Foxy when I was growing up. I got to see him every time I went to their house and I got to go camping

with him. I thought it was sooooo cool to have a dog in the camper because I was from the farm where dogs certainly don't belong inside. I took a picture of them and Flash for a trip down memory lane...

Ask the AKC Animal Behaviorist - My Dog Pulls Too Hard on His Leash

2010-06-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

Ask the AKC Animal Behaviorist - My Dog Pulls Too Hard on His Leash

Happy Hound Rescue Adoption Event SATURDAY

2010-06-08T12:49:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm

Location: Lexington Park, Roseville Minnesota http://www.ci.roseville.mn.us/index.aspx?NID=210

Visit http://www.happyhoundrescue.org/ to see available dogs, fill out an application and see beautiful pictures of our waiting dogs!

"When the Tick Bites"

2010-05-06T12:17:00.000-07:00

Ya know when that "TICK" bites, with his teeth, babe

Scarlet billows start to spread
Fancy gloves, though, wears old MacHeath, babe
So there’s nevah, nevah a trace of red.

To remove an attached tick, use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers or special tick removal instruments. These special devices allow one to remove the tick without squeezing the tick body. This is important as you do not want to crush the tick and force harmful bacteria to leave the tick and enter your pet's bloodstream.

Grab the tick by the head or mouth parts right where they enter the skin. Do not grasp the tick by the body.

Without jerking, pull firmly and steadily directly outward. Do not twist the tick as you are pulling.
Using methods such as applying petroleum jelly, a hot match, or alcohol will NOT cause the tick to 'back out.' In fact, these irritants may cause the tick to deposit more disease-carrying saliva in the wound.
After removing the tick, place it in a jar of alcohol to kill it. Ticks are NOT killed by flushing them down the toilet.
Clean the bite wound with a disinfectant. If you want to, apply a small amount of a triple antibiotic ointment.
Wash your hands thoroughly.

Please do not use your fingers to remove or dispose of the tick. We do not want you in contact with a potentially disease-carrying tick. Do NOT squash the tick with your fingers. The contents of the tick can transmit disease.

Rescue Dogs Need Homes Now!

2010-04-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

Visit http://www.happyhoundrescue.org/
to find a new spring addition to your home!

Time for the monthly pill

2010-04-09T07:58:00.000-07:00

It's time to remember to give your dog their Iverhart or Heartworm pill monthly. Some of us do year around, but if you don't now is the time you really need to remember this and the frontline for fleas and ticks.

You can go to Remind My Pet.com and sign up for monthly reminders for free!

http://www.remindmypet.com/

This is Chevelle, a lab/great dane rescue dog. She's just hoping for that monthly pill - can you tell?

Abandoned or Lost Dog--How to Help

2010-03-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

Rescue Tips

This is a dog rescue article from dogsonly.org, but we think it applies to most domestic stray animals.

You're in your car, driving down the road. You have a long list of things to accomplish, and you are already running late. Suddenly, you see him - a dog! There! By the side of the road! With a sinking feeling, you realize he's alone. You're coming alongside him now. You have only seconds in which to act. What should you do?

This is a gut-wrenching scenario for everyone who cares about dogs. Once you've seen the dog, it's too late to avert your eyes and drive on, even if you want to. After all, what if that were your own dog standing there? You, Good Samaritan that you are, make the decision to stop, but do you know what to do?

Here are some guidelines for assisting stray dogs safely and effectively.
What to do if you see a stray dog alongside the road . . .
Be ready to rescue . . . If you know in your heart that you're a rescuer, equip yourself to do the best possible job. Here are some things to have in your car at all times: Phone; phone numbers for the local animal control, animal rescue organizations, a shelter, and a 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic; collapsible dog crate or cardboard box; collars and strong leashes; a heavy blanket; water bowls and water; yummy foods, such as canned tuna (don't forget the can opener) or Healthy Delites; and an animal first-aid kit. Think about your safety first . . . You cannot help a dog if you become injured in the process. Look in your rear-view mirror before braking, signal your intention, pull your car completely off the road, turn off the ignition, set the parking brake, and put on your hazard lights. If you have emergency flares, prepare to use them.
Consider the safety of the animal . . . A strange, frightened, and possibly sick or injured dog may behave unpredictably. A sudden move on your part, even the opening of your car door, may spook him, causing him to bolt - possibly right onto the highway. If the dog looks or acts threatening, or if for any reason you feel uneasy about the situation, remain in your car.
Use caution when approaching the dog . . . Should you succeed in getting close enough to capture him, you stand a good chance of being scratched or bitten. Even a small dog can inflict a painful wound, and if a dog whose vaccination status is unknown bites you, you will be advised to undergo preventive treatment for rabies. When approaching the dog, speak calmly to reassure him. Make sure he can see you at all times as you approach. Entice him to come to you by offering a strong-smelling food such as canned tuna or dried liver.
If possible, restrain the animal . . . Create a barrier or use a carrier, leash, piece of cloth, or length of rope to keep the dog from leaving the area. Signal approaching vehicles to slow down if you cannot confine the dog, or divert traffic around him if he appears to be injured and is still on the roadway.

If you're not able to safely restrain the dog, call the local police or animal control agency . . . Do this whether or not the dog is injured, and whether or not he appears to be a stray or to be owned (meaning he is wearing an identification tag or flea collar or has recently been groomed). If you have a phone in your car, call the local animal care and control agency (in rural areas, call the police or sheriff) and report the situation. Leave your phone or beeper number with the dispatcher and try to get an estimate of how long it may take someone to respond. If possible, stay on the scene to keep an eye on the dog until help arrives. Make sure you report to authorities precisely where the dog is. For example, say "one mile north of McCain Mall on Highway 167 on the east access road in front of . . . " or "between markers 65 and 66 on the I-40 on the north side."

Try to lure the dog into your car with food, close the door, and wait for help . . . But do this only if you are certain someone will come to get the dog very soon. In most cases it is not a good idea to attempt to drive somewhere with a strange dog unrestrained in your car; he may become frantic or aggressive once you're in the car with him. However, a word of caution, don't leave the dog alone in the car. One of the volunteers at DogsOnly can tell you all about the sweet pitbull that ate the inside trim off his car door and shredded his favorite straw hat when the dog was left alone in his car for five minutes.

If you are able to transport the dog, take him to the nearest animal rescue (or shelter if none are available) . . . Or, if you plan to keep the dog in the event no owner is found, notify animal control that you have the dog or that you have taken him to a veterinary hospital for treatment. You can usually place a free "found" ad in your local newspaper. Keep a copy of the ad to prove your good intentions should any questions arise later.
Some things to consider . . .
Don't assume you are dealing with an irresponsible owner . . . Good Samaritans who have never lost a cherished companion animal may conclude that the owner of the found dog callously abandoned him or, at the very least, neglected to keep him safely confined at home. But accidents can happen to anyone. The frantic owner may be looking everywhere for their beloved pet.
Understand the limitations of animal care and control agencies . . . Once you have taken the initiative, time, and trouble to rescue a dog along the highway, you may be surprised to find that the rest of the pet care community may not necessarily rush forward to do what you see as its part. For instance, you may take a badly injured stray dog to animal control, only to learn that the agency is unable to provide expensive surgery to treat the dog's injuries and, to relieve him from his suffering, euthanizes him instead. Virtually all animal control facilities have severe budgetary or space limitations and must make painful decisions on how best to allocate their inadequate resources.

Familiarize yourself with local laws regarding ownership of animals . . . To check on any relevant laws in your state, county, or town, contact your local animal control agency, humane society, or SPCA. Many times, the dog you find along the highway will turn out to be unowned, unwanted, and unclaimed. Even so, the person finding the stray dog does not automatically become the owner or keeper - as in "finders keepers" - until he has satisfied certain state and/or local requirements. In almost every state, the animal is not "owned" by the finder until the holding period for strays (as specified by state or local laws) has expired and the finder has made an attempt to reunite the animal with his original owner and/or has taken steps - obtaining vaccinations, license, collar and identification tag - to prove he is now the owner.
Before you take an injured animal to a private veterinary hospital for treatment, be willing to assume financial responsibility for the animal before treatment begins . . . Good care is not cheap, and many veterinarians have many Good Samaritans in the waiting room every year. Anyone who is committed to trying to save injured stray animals should discuss these issues in advance with the veterinarian.

A final word of advice . . .
If you're uncertain about whether or not to assist or keep an animal you see alongside the highway, think of what you would want the finder of your animal to do were he found and his collar missing. You'd want him to take your pet to a veterinarian, and you'd want him to try to find you. At the same time, be reasonable about how much you can afford to do for that animal if no owner shows up. Are you willing to add him to your household? And, will you be willing to return him to his original home if the owner turns up after you've started to form an attachment? Thinking these issues through in advance may stand you in good stead the next time you see that wrenching sight at the side of a road.

Support a North Branch, MN Dog Park

2010-03-05T10:47:00.000-08:00

Support a North Branch, MN Dog Park

Dog Park North Branch, MN

2010-03-01T09:10:00.000-08:00

We're working on a grass roots start up for a Dog Park in North Branch, MN. The organizer has found possible sites, been approved by the city and now at the crucial point of needing volunteers and money. If you can help contact us at NorthBranchDogPark@yahoo.com.

There is also an information box at Peterson's in North Branch.

If you have friends that may be able to help with set up, supplies, or donations please forward this information to them!

Thanks and here's hoping for Happy Dog Parking in North Branch sometime soon!