Kindness...

via

Animals Do Speak....

via

DANGER! Leaving Pets In Your Hot Vehicle = DEATH!!!

via

Hi Everyone. Usually, I have already posted about this subject by now (as I do every year) but life has been crazy busy for me. The summer is here and we still have a few months of really warm weather ahead of us. I am reminded of the dangers of owners leaving pets in vehicles every year and this year is no exception. I just read a horrifying story about two dogs that died a few days ago because an owner left their dogs in the vehicle "for only a few minutes." A few minutes is all it takes to kill an animal in a vehicle. It enrages me and saddens me to hear of these stories as it could all have been avoided. There are a lot of smart people out there that do really dumb things. It is NEVER okay to leave a pet in a hot vehicle....not even for a minute! A minute is all it takes to kill an innocent animal. Please, Please, Please....leave your animals at home if you are going to run errands that require you to get out of your vehicle. I can't stress this enough! I have witnessed, on more than one occasion, where animals have been trapped in hot vehicles. I have also called the police on all of those occasions to report it as you all should do as well if you see this happening. Sadly, by the time the police get there it is too late and the pet has already passed away. Thank goodness that South Carolina (where I live) has finally passed a law that says that you can break a window or forcibly enter a vehicle (if the owner is not around) to rescue an animal in need/danger. So now, more animals can be saved. I think that very strict laws should be put in place for pet owners that do this sort of thing to their pets. Maybe then more people will realize the very real dangers of leaving pet's in vehicles.

Here's a post that I did on my blog a few years back....PLEASE READ and Pass Along!

The "dog days" of summer are here. The heat can be very dangerous and deadly to dogs. I can't stress enough to people the dangers of leaving an animal in a parked vehicle with the windows cracked. A parked vehicle on a mild or warm day (much less a hot day) can reach temperatures of 100 - 130+ degrees in a matter of a few minutes.

If anyone doesn't believe me then test it out for yourself (in the sun and the shade) on a hot day (on you NOT your animal). I did and I was floored at the results. Go to a store parking lot and turn off your vehicle, crack a window slightly (as you would do for your pet) then sit and wait. Sit in the vehicle as long as you can possibly stand it before you feel like you are going to pass out. It won't take long before you get out of the vehicle. Sadly enough, animals can't open the doors and escape like we can.

Dogs don't sweat like we do. They pant to try and cool themselves off (which isn't very effective in a vehicle). We must also take into consideration that animals have fur and we don't, which makes them heat up even faster than we would.

Every year, numerous animals die from being left in hot vehicles as their owners shop, eat lunch, run errands, etc. People don't realize how long they are in a store. The familiar words I've heard..."Oh, I was only in the store for a minute." Sadly, I have actually seen an animal killed by the heat of a vehicle from an owner who said those exact words. I walked by the vehicle after it was too late to save the dog....he was already gone.  It was tragic, heartbreaking and completely unnerving to see.

So many people want to take their animals with them on shopping trips but some stores (most food stores) due to regulations won't allow an animal in the store. The pet owner then leaves the animal in the vehicle sometimes unaware of the dangers. Please do you and your beloved pet a favor and leave them home. They will be much happier. You can always take them for a "joy ride" later on in the day.

via

Another option (which I sometimes do) is to bring along a pet stroller for your pet to go in air conditioned stores with you (if allowed). A word of caution, only air conditioned stores. Places like Plant Nurseries or Garden Centers that are outdoors get too hot for animals even in strollers.

If you see an animal left in a vehicle and in distress then please do the following things: take down the car's color, model, make and license-plate number, have the owner paged inside nearby stores and call the police or local humane authorities/animal control. Have someone keep an eye on the animal. If police are unresponsive or too slow and the animal's life appears to be in imminent danger, find a witness (or several) who will back your assessment, take steps to remove the suffering animal and then wait for authorities to arrive.

I found a great website that is dedicated to the dangers of animals being left in hot cars. It is called My Dog Is Cool. It has so much wonderful information and tools to help you better understand the dangers of animals and the heat (especially in vehicles).

Please take these few simple steps to insure your pet's safety and well-being so you will be able to enjoy your beloved pet for years to come. Thanks and Happy Summer! :-)

Self Control

via

Compassion for Animals....

via

Hope For Paws

I came across this video on Facebook. After watching it, I just had to do a blog post about it and the wonderful organization that rescued sweet Fiona called Hope for Paws. This story hits close to home as Alex (my husband) rescued our little Macy Gray in sort of the same way.

This video made me cry harder than I have in a long time but definitely worth the watch. They were tears of sadness and happiness as sweet Fiona was rescued and now has a wonderful, loving home. Thank God that there are people out in the world like this. They are angels and true heroes of the world in my eyes.

Please take a moment to watch the video -- with a box tissues I might add. Also, please visit Hope For Paws to see what else this amazing rescue is doing. They are now added to my "favorite rescue to donate to" list. Hopefully, they will be added to your too.  ♥

 “Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight.” - Albert Schweitzer

A Charity Auction To Help The Animals Affected By The Oklahoma Tornado

via

It breaks my heart to hear stories like this one -- the Oklahoma Tornado Disaster. Prayers and love go out to all of those affected by this deadly storm.

There is a great fundraising auction going on right now on Facebook called "OK Save A Dog"

Here's a little info about this great cause that I got from their Facebook page "Auction to benefit the displaced and injured animals that were affected by the tornadoes that went through Oklahoma on May 19th and 20th, 2013. They are are out rescuing and need funds for the influx of animals that is expected .They go out everyday looking through the rubble working to rescue these animals and reunite them with their owners. Most are scared and hungry...some injured. They need horse, dog and cat food, litter and litter boxes, crates of all sizes..and this is the sort term needs.. long term would include vetting for those that are injured."

via

You can donate items for the auction, bid on items that you would like, make a monetary donation or all three. I have donated some items for the auction. Please share with all your blogging, Twitter and Facebook friends and family. Please let's help this great cause raise some much needed money. Thanks! :-)

Click any link above to go to the OK Save A Dog Facebook page or click here.

“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” - Edmund Burke

You got an App for that?

via

This one made me laugh out loud. Enjoy! :-)

Pet's Grieve Too...

Would gladly give credit to the artist but I don't know who it is.

Anyone who has lost a beloved pet knows how devastating it can be. They aren't just animals. They are our best friends, our fur children, our teachers and for most -- the loves of our life. They give an unconditional, pure love that we as humans don't get from other humans. I know, all too well, the pain and emptiness that is felt from that kind of loss, as my Patti Marie (Chihuahua) passed away two months ago and I still hurt.

During our grief most people forget about the other pets in the home. Don't forget, they grieve too, as most pets are very close to each other. We have three other dogs and they have felt the loss too. I have always considered myself part dog, therefore, I think like a dog sometimes. I know that sounds goofy but I am very intuitive to animals feelings and needs.

A great thing to do, if you can, is to allow your other animals the time to say good-bye to the pet that passed away. We were very fortunate in that Patti was able to pass at home. We let our dogs sniff her body and be near her when it all happened. They instinctively know what is going on when it happens and are very respectful of the process. Since our dogs were able say good-bye to Patti they haven't grieved like most other pets do during times like this.

Recently, a family member of mine had to put her dog down a few weeks after Patti passed away. She has another dog who was very close to the one that passed. I mentioned to my family member about allowing time for her other dog to say good-bye. She chose not to do it and her other dog now suffers. He looks for his sister all the time, everywhere. He is very depressed and doesn't want to eat. It's been over a month and he is still hurting and confused as he doesn't know what happened to her. She just left one day and never came back.

Most people don't realize that they can ask their vet to come out to their home so their beloved pet can pass in their favorite spot. Not all vets do it but most will (they just don't advertise it). Doesn't hurt to ask. If you aren't able to have your pet pass at home there are other things you can do for closure. You may be able to bring your deceased pet home and have the other pets say good-bye. If you still can't do that then bring out a picture of the animal that passed, a favorite blanket and/or a favorite toy with the deceased pet's scent on it. Make a little area in a cozy or favorite room and have your other pet's come in and sniff the items. Let them see you cry and talk to them -- tell them that the other pet has passed and give them a few moments with the items. You would be surprised how many animals will instinctively know what has happened after you do this.

Now, I know many of you will think I am crazy to blog about this but I'm not. Animals have feelings and hurt just like we do. I am always very aware and respectful of my beloved fur babies feelings. Like I said before, I could be part dog. Who knows. ;-)

I made this, feel free to use. :-)

There will be those pets who still might not understand and will grieve. Let them grieve. Give them the time that they need to do so. Let them grieve with you -- right beside you. It will strengthen your bond with them. Show them extra love and attention. Take them on more walks, more car rides, more snuggle time and more toys. Toys aren't just for special occasions. Every day that you have with your beloved pet is a special occasion -- a gift.

I made this, feel free to use. :-)

For Anyone Who Has Lost a Beloved Pet

I guess it is about time for me to start blogging again. Tomorrow will be 2 months since Patti passed. Although I have been doing pretty good for the last few weeks (not crying all the time) I have missed Patti terribly. Everything reminds me of her. The first few weeks were the worst. I cried at everything -- her pictures, her spot on the bed, her empty car seat in the vehicle (she loved car rides) and even slow songs (that had no relation to her at all). Most of my tears are tears of happiness as I think back on the extraordinary life that she had with me. I truly believe in an afterlife and that I really haven't lost my connection with her at all. It's just in a different form now. 

I know others grieve as I have -- some maybe worse because of the circumstances of their beloved pet's death. Either way, a loss is a loss and it can be devastating. Below is a great post from the company that cremated Patti. They did such a beautiful job as I have Patti's ashes in a beautiful hand carved wooden urn on my nightstand. The words below just sum it all up for pet lovers everywhere. To see other great posts of theirs click here.

"For most of us who have lost a beloved pet, the pain from that loss is worse than losing a human loved one. We find the grief is much more intense, and many times we carry guilt for that. The bond that we have with our pets is the purest form of love. We have no fear of what they think of us, and they are always there for us - through thick and thin. They are more than happy to see us if we come in the door 50 times a day. We don't get this kind of love and reaction to our presence from humans, and when we no longer have that to count on, we become devastated. It is very normal to intensely grieve after pet loss" - Good Shepherd Pet Services.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes and poems for sad moments. Hope you get as much comfort out of them as I have.

I made this, feel free to use. :-)

(My Favorite!) I made this, feel free to use. :-)

I made this, feel free to use. :-)

 

via

via

via

via

 Also, a great book to read for further help with the grieving process of your beloved pet is Animals In Spirit by Penelope Smith. I read it years ago and picked it back up again after Patti's passing. I got mine at Barnes and Noble but I think you can get it at Amazon too. I have purchased a few copies and gave to friends who have lost pets and they all have really liked the book as well. I did a blog post on it which you can read here.

To all of those who are grieving, like me, my heart goes out to you. You are not alone.