This Saturday presents another opportunity to see one of my favorite veterinarians, Dr. Jessica V. of PawCurious, in tears.

I adore Dr. V. because of all she’s done for animals. Not only does she help animals in her professional capacity as a veterinarian, she’s also one of the driving forces behind “Be the Change for Animals,” a grass-roots social media effort that supports animal causes.

A couple months ago, at the BlogPaws West conference in Denver (September 2010), I watched as Mike Arms picked an unsuspecting Dr. V. from the audience to help with his keynote speech (P&G Pet Care—my company—provided both keynote speakers for this conference). I knew Mike would call on someone to help—I’ve seen him do this before. Over breakfast that morning I had strongly requested that he NOT pick ME! Mike had told me he always picks the person who seems the most empathetic and in tune with what he’s saying. He chose the right person when he picked soft-hearted Dr. V.

Mike asked Dr. V to read a very powerful and emotional letter written by a shelter worker in charge of his shelter’s once-a-week euthanizations. This letter underscores the horrendous emotional price our shelter workers pay each time an orphaned pet is uselessly destroyed. By the time Mike told Dr. V. that she could stop reading (she never finished the letter), we were all of us in tears.

(SIDEBAR: Dr. V later said to me that among the lessons she learned during Mike’s keynote address is NEVER SIT IN THE FRONT ROW!)

Dr. V at BlogPaws:

It is appropriate that Dr. V. again help Mike out by reading a letter. This time, it will be during the HOPE Telethon* to benefit the Helen Woodward Animal Center. And it’s a different letter.

So here’s an opportunity to see our favorite Dr. Jessica V. in tears. And be sure you’ve got tissues handy, because she won’t be the only one crying! This will be a cathartic moment for everybody watching, so be sure to tune in to the livestream of the event!

• WHO: Dr. V of Pawcurious and the friends of Helen Woodward Animal Center
• WHAT: The HOPE Telethon, to benefit the HWAC.
• WHERE: Livestreaming over the interwebz at www.AnimalCenter.org
• WHEN: Saturday November 13 from 10am to 2pm, Pacific time. (1pm to 5pm EST)

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*What is the HOPE Telethon?

H=Helping people with special challenges

O=Orphaned cats and dogs finding safe haven

P=Parents and children learning about sharing the earth

E=Educating shelters about “the business of saving lives”

According to the website:

“Each year Helen Woodward Animal Center reaches 10,000 animals and 50,000 children and adults with our unique programs, but we need your help to make it happen. The HOPE Telethon will be broadcasted live on KUSI – TV 9/51 on November 13th, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. to raise funds for the Center’s many beneficial programs. Tune in or come visit us at the Center.”

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Today is the last day of Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week, and I have three wonderful Fluffs–all from Small Paws Rescue, all with challenges–that I want to tell you about. Take a look, because one of these sweethearts might be your furever dog!

Gentle Petunia

Little Petunia is a sugar-challenged dog: She’s diabetic and gets one injection each morning.

She’s an old girl who’s  former owner could not take proper care of her any more.

She’s very clever. Her eyesight is not so good, but once she learns her way around the house it’s not a problem.

Like many older dogs, she comes to you already housetrained. She likes her crate. She enjoys riding in the car and walking on her leash. She enjoys the company of other dogs. And she knows how to do the “Bichon wave.”

This little girl enjoys people. She’s and affectionate bundle of fluff who only wants to be petted and loved. Is she the dog for you?

Mayo Small Paws

This is Mayo.

He’s a little guy–he only weighs 10 pounds. He’s a little lover–a master at snuggle and cuddle.

Mayo is ear-challenged.

Before Mayo entered Small Paws Rescue, he suffered through a botched ear canal removal! He has a badly infected ear that needs ear drops and an ear flush every day. It’s possible that this condition may continue for the rest of his life.

You may have notice Mayo’s tongue hangs out. That’s because he has no teeth.

With all he’s had to suffer, it’s no wonder he has a little separation anxiety.  And yet, he still enjoys life. He gives kisses, enjoys his food likes to play in the backyard with his foster siblings. He even enjoys the company of cats! What a wonderful, discerning pooch!

How can you resist his adorable face? Mayo is being fostered in Texas, and because of his ear troubles he cannot fly. But he’d love you furever if you’d drive over to his foster home and adopt him.

Southpaw

Southpaw is simply the most adorable gentleman pooch you may ever meet. He’s a little tiger in a Bichon/Poodle body, with peach-tinged hair and a delightful face.

Southpaw has got some serious hair going on!

Southpaw is sight-challenged: he has cataracts. But the dogtors say that this can be fixed with surgery. This has not stopped Southpaw from learning his way around his foster home and having a good time. You’ll notice in his photo that he also wears a belly band. Southpaw is slightly incontinent.

This sweet boy is very playful and an excellent snuggler. He enjoys playing with his toys. His blindness does not stand in the way of a walk on a leash, if you will help to guide him. He has a HUGE personality! He enjoys the company of other dogs–but he needs to get comfortable with them first due to his blindness. And play, play, PLAY! This little man is a playboy!!

He loves to snuggle with his human, but he also will play or nap by himself. He enjoys sleeping under the covers! This boy has got it all! Don’t you need a playful cuddler?

This week, Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet!

See more Small Paws Bichons ready for adoption.

Michele and Cooper

My friend, Michele, has been going through some hard times with one of her dogs. Her story is very appropriate for this week, because in addition to being Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week it’s also Deaf Pet Awareness Week. A while back I suggested to her that she start blogging to help her organize her feelings and get perspective. The following is something she recently shared with me. Though it’s a long post, it’s worth reading. And it’s a true story.

“Hi, is this Cooper’s mom?” This is how it all began, when I picked up the phone that day. A friend of a friend involved in fostering contacting me because I was indeed the Mom of Cooper.

“There is this Boxer, he’s about 14 weeks old, named Marley and he’s about to be surrendered to a shelter. His family doesn’t want him anymore because he’s deaf.”

I said, “What can I do to help you? Are you looking for me to talk to them about deaf Boxers?” Being deaf is such a small piece of what being a dog is about.

“No. Marley’s family had already decided he was not what they had planned for when they picked him out.”

STOP and REWIND!!!

That’s what my brain did: stop and think Michele! There was a reason I was called and a reason the first question they asked was, “Is this Cooper’s mom?”

Cooper is my 6 ½ year old Boxer who was born deaf. I met him when he was just 2 days old and he was the only boy out of a litter of 5. I picked him up and held him in my hands. That moment was the day I fell in love. I visited him 3 times before I brought him home and every time I went, I thought he seems so laid back, nothing seems to bother him at all! The reason he seemed so calm, which I discovered the day he came home with me, was that he was totally deaf. At that time, I also had a 9 month old female Boxer named Bailey who was instantly smitten with him. When I called the breeder, I said, “Are you aware that he is deaf?” She replied, “Would you like to bring him back?” I was so angry! Not because Cooper was deaf, but because they thought he was a piece of merchandise to be exchanged for a better or newer product! I said, “Absolutely not! I’ve loved him for 9 weeks and he’s mine now!”

Cooper is one of the best gifts I’ve ever gotten. Good ole’ Coop! Momma’s boy from the start! Gangly legs, patch on his eye, following me everywhere and learning everything I could teach him! We taught him sign language, how to ring a bell to go outside, how to come in when we flashed the back porch lights. Heck, he listens better than my hearing dogs!

He taught us, how to be patient, how to love unconditionally, how to accept life is not perfect and how to be grateful for the gifts God gives us!

One more thing he’s teaching us… it’s how to let go.

You see Cooper has Stage III mast cell cancer. He was diagnosed on March 10^th, just one day before my 40^th birthday. He had a tumor removed from his back end the week before in which we almost lost him while under anesthesia. But he’s a fighter! We’ve also tried some alternative therapies to slow things down. Unfortunately, the tumors keep coming.

My vet (who’s amazing!) and I have decided that it’s time we let Cooper tell us when he’s ready to cross the Rainbow Bridge. He’s a sensitive guy, and we’re doing everything to keep him happy and comfortable. I’m still not prepared to think about the fact our Cooper will leave us when his time is up.

So the call I got about a new puppy who nobody wanted because he’s deaf inspired a mix of emotions. How could I possibly bring a deaf puppy home, and not feel like I was replacing my Coop?

I offered to foster Marley with the intention of finding a family to adopt him who would appreciate how much a deaf dog could be taught and how much love they could give. So food in hand, puppy in arms, and my mind thinking I was absolutely crazy, I brought him home.

Marley came home to Bailey, my seven year old Boxer, Cooper m y six year old Boxer and Geddy my three year old Boxer. That first night, I grabbed my pillow and blanket and settled into a night on the couch hoping his crate training would allow me a few hours of sleep. The other boys went to their crates; Bailey went to her pillow upstairs, leaving just me and this little guy. Looking at me like he’d lost his last friend, the howling began! Oh boy! He cried for about 10 minutes, which is about how long it took me to move Cooper’s kennel right next to his. I figured, hey it’s not like his howling will keep Cooper up and maybe it will comfort this pup some. Cooper got in his kennel stuck his big old head in the gap and out came Marley’s tongue to give him a kiss! That night we all got 4 hours of sleep! Amazing!

This went on for a week. Then one morning I woke up early. It was so quiet. I could only hear the faint sounds of Cooper and Marley snoring. I got all my Boxers up and out back for a potty break when it suddenly hit me:   When I signed for Cooper, Marley came too! I sat on the ground and cried. What a cry I had! It was like the gates opened and all my emotions about Cooper and this puppy came rolling out of me!

Cooper was not being replaced; he was leaving a piece of himself behind in this pup. With every step, with every sign, with every patient look he gave this pup, he was telling me “Mom, this is where Marley belongs.” I laughed at that moment thinking, “Well I guess it’s a good thing you are deaf, because you sure don’t look like a Marley!” That’s when Marley became Mason; I figured he deserved a new life and a new name.

I called that Monday to ask his former family if they were sure they did not want him. I was afraid to hear what they would say because it’s pretty easy to fall in love with a Boxer’s smooshy face! They seemed relieved that they would not have to find someone to take him. They were focused on the new puppy they were planning on getting. That was the last day I spoke to them.

I’m not involved in the Boxer rescue groups, although I support them wholeheartedly in the work they do to foster and care for so many unwanted Boxers. I’m just a Boxer lover.

I shared my news with just a few people when I brought Mason home–I mean if I thought I was crazy for doing this, wouldn’t my friends, coworkers and extend family think that too?

But I don’t believe there are any coincidences in life and sometimes the path you’re on doesn’t take you in the direction you expected. I began journaling my thoughts about Cooper and Mason at the advice of a good friend who said it would help me, and it has. I know there are going to be days in the future that are going to be hard. I know that Cooper will not always be here to teach me things. However, the biggest gift Cooper gave me is what I want to share with you.

Don’t ever give up on a pet because they are not perfect, because no matter how imperfect we are, they don’t give up on us. Love is what you get when you give it unconditionally and it doesn’t matter if they can hear you say “I love you” or not…they will love you back.

Mason and Coop

This week, Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet!

And celebrate Deaf Pet Awareness Week!

PetFinder recently did a survey among the adoption groups that are part of the PetFinder site. They found:

• 33% of the adoption organizations have orphan pets who have been waiting for 1 to 2 years for their furever family to find them.
• 27% have orphan pets who have been waiting for OVER TWO YEARS!

Which furry buddies has the hardest time finding their furever home?

Fluffy Mickey

• 30% senior/older pets
• 15% pets with medical problems
• 13% victims of breed prejudice
• 10% shy pets
• 10% those who need to be the only pet

Today’s Fluff is Mickey. He is a bit portly, but he’s working on trimming down to a more healthy weight–he’s recently lost 8 pounds!

This sweet senior boy is sight challenged–but that’s OK. He’s very smart with a great sense of smell and really good hearing, so being blind does not stand in the way of being a great dog.  He LOVES to go for walks!

Mickey is house trained (one of the advantages of an older dog!). He is truly an excellent companion and a charming little gentleman.

Is there room in your life for this sweet, chubby boy?

This week, Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet!

See more Small Paws Bichons ready for adoption.

Meet Mr. Cody Small Paws!

This is Cody. He’s had a harsh life.

He was attacked by his previous owner’s big dogs, and his jaw was broken in several places. Surgery and a steel plate repaired his jaw. Cody also has had some mild seizures since he came into rescue.

The good news is that the Dogtor says Cody’s heart is good! And his foster mom says Cody’s heart is warm, loving and ready for a new family!

Meet Cute Cody!

Little Cody is a survivor!

This cutie pie is 13 years young. He knows all kinds of different tricks and commands. He knows how to dance! He loves walks. He loves people. He’s a little guy–a bit over 10-inches tall. He’s eager to please and could probably adapt to all kinds of different living situations. After so many bad things, he’s still a very happy little fellow.

Be Cody’s hero! Add him to your family, and give him a furever home!

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This week, Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet!

See more Small Paws Bichons ready for adoption.

Sweet Dalilah

Sweet Dalilah used to have a home, but her owners could no longer take care of her, so Small Paws took her in until her new family finds her.

Dalilah is like my Bailey–she has had bladder stones and she sometimes gets bladder infections. But, like Bailey did, she eats a special food which helps keep the stones from forming.

She’s an older girl, and that means she knows about walking on a leash, how to snuggle, and how to sit for treats. She’s quiet, but she’s been known to do a very Bichonly wiggle dance when confronted with a treat or the possibility of a walk. She also enjoys puttering around in her foster mom’s fenced in yard.

The seasons are changing from summer to autumn, and nights are starting to get cooler. Sweet Dalilah is ready to snuggle up and help keep the chill away! What are you waiting for?

This week, Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet!

See more Small Paws Bichons ready for adoption.

Kobe is a sweetheart!

Little 8-year old Kobe is so sweet he’s sugar-challenged.

So he gets 2 insulin shots every day.

He’s also a people pooch. He loves being with people–old and young. He’s a very happy fellow who just wants to be loved and to please his people. He also enjoys the company of other dogs.

He’s got a little Poodle in his makeup, but don’t hold that against him because this guy is nearly all Bichon!

Kobe is house trained–which is one of the great things about adopting an older dog. But he’s also versatile because he can use a pee pad when necessary. He’s a cool dude who’s well-balanced and laid back. He thrives on routine and a consistent schedule.

He finds walks especially delightful, because he likes exercise and he loves to sniff out the scents of other doggies. Lately, he’s been polishing his watchdog abilities by monitoring the door for his foster mom.

Are you looking for a buddy who will love and respect you? A soft fluffy buddy who likes to hang out and have fun? A little buddy who needs your help and will see you as his hero? Kobe may be the guy for you!

This week, Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet!

See more Small Paws Bichons ready for adoption.

Ms. Snowball 6

This is Snowball. Actually, she’s known as Snowball6–Bichons, being white and fluffy, can be commonly mistaken for snowballs.

Snowball used to have a family, but they had to give her up for adoption. Thank goodness for Small Paws Rescue! While she waits for her new home, Snowball is being fostered in Colorado with a Small Paws volunteer family.

Snowball knows how to walk on a leash, but she also enjoys a fenced-in yard. She is house-trained. She’s very loving. And because she’s a senior gal, she’s very mellow.

Snowball is also a special girl. She is blind. She’s just a bit shy, until she gets to know you. She needs for someone to schedule her potty times, because she doesn’t know how to ask to go out.

Do you like to stay at home? Snowball will be very happy to keep you company! This sweet girl is just waiting for you to fill out the adoption form and bring her home to become part of your family!

This week, Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet!

See more Small Paws Bichons ready for adoption.

Last weekend I attended the first-ever BlogPawspet blogger conference. I thought I was going to meet some friends (old and new) and learn more about blogging (SEO? FTC?). Turns out I was inducted into a tribe of do-gooders intent on helping each other and every homeless pet they could find.

The most impressive session I attended, the one that resonated with me the most was called “Be the Change You Want To See.” The panel was made up of some of the rock stars of the social media pet world. Moderator Jane Harrell (a rock star in her own right with PetFinder) led Dorian Wagner (YourDaily Cute), Dr. Jessica Vogelsang, (Pawcurious), and Lynn Haigh (the queen of the Pawpawty) to inspire all of us to look inside and figure out what we can do as individuals to help change our world for the better–specifically, our pet world. (Be sure to check out my video interview of Lynn posted just before this post–she’s incredible!)

Their philosophy is that if we all band together, bringing our individual talents to the table, we can achieve huge results. And when it comes to $$$ donations, if we all give just a little bit, together it makes a huge amount.

We’re launching this movement today, with a Be the Changeblog post day. Across the blogosphere, pet bloggers are talking today about how they will be the change.

On April 21, the BlogPawty is on Twitter! We’re raising money for Pets without Parents, a shelter in Columbus, Ohio picked by the group. Please notice the First Giving widget in this post, and consider giving a couple of dollars to help this effort (remember, a little bit grows into a huge amount if we all give). Be the change!

Here’s my list of what I’m going to do to be the change. It’s not complete. But it’s a start.

~ I will continue to hold an annual, month-long fundraiser during the month of March in memory of Bailey to raise money for rescue–most likely for Small Paws. This past March, Caroline Golan (Romeo the Cat) and I raised $2,400.oo for Small Paws Rescue–my favorite Bichon rescue organization.

~ I will make contributions to FrugalDougal’s pawpawties and Romeo’s monthly fundraiser from now on, and I will do it right after I load their First Giving widget onto my blog each month.

~ I will look for more ways that I can blog and tweet to bring awareness to homeless pets.

~ I will continue to contribute to my local shelters–both money and food.

~ I will be the change, and I’ll find ways to encourage others to be the change.

What about you? What will you do to be the change?

Click the comments button. Make your list.

First let me say, Lynn Haigh is charming. Whether she’s bemoaning the fact that she got to Columbus long before her luggage, or telling a room full of people to Be The Change (more about that soon), she is a wonderfully charming woman. With an accent that adds music to her speech (at least to my jaded Yankee ears). And did I mention she’s also rather witty?

I know. I’m gushing. Can’t help it. I get star-struck, and Lynn is most definitely a star of  pet-oriented social media. Frankly, she’s brilliant. And did I mention charming?

I really enjoyed putting this video together–in spite of the problems I had with Windows Movie Maker–because I enjoyed listening to Lynn talk. If you’re interested in the (brief) history of the pawpawty, and how Twitter can be an incredible fundraising tool, you will enjoy it too. And maybe learn something!