My Fire Hydrant

From the bottom of my heart I want to thank every veteran out there for their service to our country! God bless all our service men and women—active and retire—and keep them safe.

Veteran’s Day is the perfect time to mention two groups that provide amazing services for our vets Canine Companions for Independence/Wounded Veteran Initiative and America’s Vet Dogs. Both groups offer assistance dogs to veterans free of charge.

Hug a vet today! And consider sending some donation dollars to Canine Companions and/or America’s Vet Dogs, in honor of our vets.

More from America’s Vet Dogs:

More from Canine Companions for Independence:

The last week of October we had a celebration at the office for Iams Home 4 the Holidays. And omidog did I have a great time!

It started as I was walking from my car to the building. Just outside the door I recognized my first celebrity of the day: Munch! Yes, Munch, that gorgeous Bulldog featured in Iams commercials was just returning from a walk on his way inside to the party. Unfortunately, I didn’t have Tyler with me. However, I had the next best thing—Flat Tyler!

Munch is such a character, and seemed to enjoy meeting Flat Tyler!

Moving into the celebration area, I ran into one of my most favorite people (also my hero), Mike Arms! Mike came to us from his home base at the Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego.

I’ve been very lucky these past 2 months to be able to spend some quality time with Mike—first at BlogPaws West, and now at our celebration.

In case you’ve never heard of him, Mike Arms is the founder of Home 4 the Holidays, and a major force in pet adoption. In some respects, he’s turned the traditional shelter upside down by re-thinking how a shelter should be organized and funded. Be sure to check out:

• The ACES workshops where shelter workers and volunteers can learn how to apply business techniques to pet adoptions—for free.
• Club Pet Boarding a great hotel destination for San Diego’s canine, feline and exotic family members.
• The Pet Grooming Salon, for the pampered pet needing a day at the spa!
• AniMeals bringing pet food to the homes of the elderly or disabled.
• Educational programs that teach children and families about animal welfare, and nurture the human-animal bond
• A beautiful Equine Hospital
• And so much more!

But back to our celebration……

Nearly everyone was seated as Munch strutted his stuff down the audience aisle. He got loads of applause!

Everybody wanted to get their photos taken with Munch. But first, Munch had to show his support of pet adoption by putting on an Iams Home 4 the Holidays Adoption Advocate hat.

Munch was first on the list of celebrities at our celebration because he had an appointment at a Bulldog Specialty Show being held to the south of us in Kentucky. He spent quality time with everybody—and lots of photos were taken.

Just before Munch had to leave, Krissie and Ryan Newman arrived! Are you a NASCAR fan? If you’ve never heard of NASCAR all you need to know is that Ryan drives the #39 Chevy for Stewart-Haas Racing and he is awesome on the track! Krissie is vice president of the Ryan Newman Foundation, and one of the Foundation’s interests is animal welfare.

So with all of our celebrities present, it was time to take some photos. Munch seemed to be having a little trouble focusing until we realized that he was looking at Flat Tyler, who was on the seat next to me in the front row. Once we put Flat Tyler behind the photographer’s head, Munch was eager to look at the camera!

After the photos we all settled down to listen to what our visiting friends had to say. First, Michel Brousset said a few words of welcome to our guests, and then introduced Mike Arms.

When Mike was finished, we heard from the Newmans–they have SIX dogs! All of them are shelter/rescue pooches. Ryan and Krissie have been vocal advocates for animal welfare for the past few years. Krissie told us about a recent Foundation fundraiser for spay/neuter, a book titled “Pit Road Pets: NASCAR Stars and Their Pets.” This book is way beyond cute! It’s got all kinds of photos and stories about your favorite NASCAR driver and the pets who share their lives. A second book has also been published titled “The Second Lap” which expands into the pets of the fans, and the behind the scenes folks involved with NASCAR. The second book is also a fund raiser for animal welfare.

Their passion for pets and pet adoptions makes the Newman Foundation a natural fit with Iams Home 4 the Holidays. Krissie told us how Mike Arms had been an inspiration for her and her work with the Foundation. In fact, she told us that Mike has been advising her on her visions and goals for their Foundation.

After the Newmans spoke, our guy Michel got back up and asked Mike Arms to join him.

Mike had no idea that he was about to receive the “Iams Lifetime Hero Achievement Award” in recognition of his commitment and extraordinary contributions to enhancing the lives of homeless animals for more than 30 years. In addition, Michel announced the creation of the annual “Mike Arms/Iams Hero Award.”

Every year, the Mike Arms/Iams Hero Award will be presented to a person or animal organization that exemplifies the commitment and passion for the lives of orphaned animals similar to what Arms has been doing for so many years.

Next, Michel presented a contribution of $50,000 to the Ryan Newman Foundation and announced a partnership between Iams and the Foundation to further animal welfare issues on and off the race track—how cool is that!!!

After the presentations were over we had time for photos and some “meet and greet.” What a perfect way to celebrate Iams Home 4 the Holidays 2010!

I LOVE these PSAs–I think they’re the best ones we’ve ever done! And my experience with Tyler this past June really showed me that these PSAs are a very true representation of what it’s like to bring a new furry family member home for the first time.

Enjoy!

and

[note: I mistakenly referred to these lovely videos as "ads" instead of what they really are--"PSAs," so I've made a correction in my post. ---Bev 10/15/10]

More Small Paws Sunday reading.

This month, in memory of Bailey, I am working with Romeo the Cat to raise money for Small Paws Rescue.

Just FOUR days left to our online Bichon Bash for Small Paws!

It’s important that everyone who donates money to our online Bichon Bash fundraiser understands just how much of a difference their donation makes in the lives of these little fluffy dogs. As Bonnie Ferguson (Director of Adoptions for Small Paws) says,

“Small Paws provides care to needy Bichons that would otherwise not be helped. Small Paws has saved the lives of homeless Bichons, Bichons people no longer want for various reasons, puppy mill Bichons, Bichons scheduled to be euthanized at shelters and many more. Small Paws often takes in the ones that other rescues won’t help because of illness or old age… Knowing that we do the best we can each day and have given it our all, in any situation, puts a smile on my face.”

RELIEF FOR PUPPY MILL DOGS

No matter what position you occupy in the dog world, you know what a puppy mill is. Unscrupulous people wanting to invest the least amount of time or money with the intention of making the maximum amount of dollars house their dogs in disgusting conditions. Their dogs do not receive adequate veterinary care. They breed their dogs indiscriminately without thought of congenital health issues, and at every opportunity. Puppies are sold away, when they should still be nursing. And none of the dogs are socialized.

Small Paws makes a point of rescuing Bichons from puppy mills by purchasing them.

The mighty warriors of Small Paws regularly attend puppy mill auctions—sometimes in disguise. They have developed relationships with some millers, so that they can get the dogs out of the system. Some rescues do not see the value in purchasing dogs that they rescue. But Small Paws members know that pulling the “livestock” out of the puppy mill system might ultimately lead to fewer dogs being bred. It certainly means that the little souls on the auction block will eventually have better lives if Small Paws is there to purchase them. And the membership has never hesitated to contribute money when the word goes out that there’s an auction coming up.  

It should also be mentioned that Small Paws has acquired much expertise in the rehabilitation of puppy mill dogs. Their adoption process is a proven success.

Dogs who come into rescue from a puppy mill situation nearly always have health issues because of lack of veterinary care. Their teeth are always bad and in need of a major cleaning. Many times they have congenital issues that require surgery. Sometimes they have heartworms. By far, the biggest bill that Small Paws pays each week is the veterinary bill.

THE VETERINARY BILL

Every week, Small Paws diligently pays the vet bill and then reports the spending to the membership through the Small Paws Newsletter. Each Newsletter includes a detailed accounting of where the veterinary money is going, including a “Transaction Detail By Account” bookkeeping form and an explanatory update on each dog currently receiving medical assistance. The vet bill is (to my knowledge) where most of the money goes that is raised for Small Paws. As an example, for the first 22 days of March Small Paws averaged $1,284.49 per day in veterinary costs.

Small Paws is a “no-kill” organization and will go the full measure to make sure that any Bichon entering Small Paws Rescue receives the medical help needed. If the health issue can be fixed, it’s done. If the health issue has progressed to the point that it can’t be fixed, the Bichon is placed in “hospice” where it will live comfortably until quality of life dictates that it’s time to cross the rainbow bridge.

Any Small Paws dog up for adoption has been fully vetted and is in the best health possible.

TEETH

Why do clean teeth matter?

Teeth grind up food, which make them important in the digestive process. But (as with people) if teeth are not brushed and cared for, plaque builds up which leads to tartar. Tartar builds up below the gums and bacteria grows which causes inflammation. The bacteria causing the inflammation can enter the dog’s bloodstream and cause or aggravate lung, kidney, liver and heart problems.

Nearly every dog that comes into rescue, but especially the Bichons from puppy mills, need a “dental.”

HEARTS

Patent Ductus Arteriosus is a congenital heart defect in dogs. Before a puppy is born, it gets it’s oxygen from mom. The fetal heart pumps blood, but the blood is not oxygenated by the fetal lungs so there is an opening called the Ductus Arteriosus that bypasses the lung. After the puppy is born and starts breathing on its own, the Ductus Arteriosus is supposed to close. And when it doesn’t, it causes a heart murmur. There is a really good explanation of this is on the Veterinary Partner web site.

Puppies with PDA heart murmurs don’t live very long. So far, Small Paws has saved the lives of 67 Bichons who were all born in puppy mills and had severe PDA heart murmurs.

EXAMPLES OF SOME OTHER VETERINARY EXPENSES

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SO WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
The money goes to the Fluffs–mostly for their vetting. There are some rescues that will not invest money in a dog that needs extreme medical care, but not Small Paws! Saving Fluffs is what it’s all about! Making sure that they have the best possible start on their new life is the goal! What a great investment!

More Small Paws Sunday reading.

This month, in memory of Bailey, I am working with Romeo the Cat to raise money for Small Paws Rescue.

Just 10 days left to our online Bichon Bash for Small Paws Rescue!

Over the years I’ve seen many before and after photos on the Small Paws web site and in Small Paws newsletters, and often my mouth drops open in amazement at the difference in the Fluff–once Small Paws takes him or her into Rescue. So this week, I thought you might like to see how the money we’re raising this month will be used.

 

Now, isn’t that money well spent?

More Small Paws Sunday reading.

This month, in memory of Bailey, I am working with Romeo the Cat to raise money for Small Paws Rescue.

Robin Pressnell is Executive Director of Small Paws Rescue. She is an incredibly busy lady, but recently she graciously gifted me with some time so that I could interview her by email. She has devoted her life to Bichon rescue since she founded Small Paws in 1998.

BEV: In your own words Robin, could you please give us a brief overview of Small Paws?

ROBIN: There is so much more to Small Paws Rescue than meets the eye. Yes, we do rescue Bichons, nationwide. But we are also a family. Our volunteers and Team Leaders have become close to each other after working on rescue situations, together, for almost 12 years now.

Yes, we are much more than an animal rescue organization. We are also an International prayer ministry, active in 28 countries. With over 6000 members, we want people to know that God loves them more than anyone else ever has and more than anyone else ever will. And that no matter what, they are never alone. We believe in the miracle healing power of prayer and we reach out to people across the world, of all faiths. Small Paws Rescue! It’s a God thing!

BEV: Why is Small Paws important?

ROBIN: Without Small Paws, thousands of Bichons would have died over the past 12 years. We’ve rescued over 8500 Bichons since 1998.

The love that these little ones have shared with human beings would have all been lost. People’s lives wouldn’t have been enriched as they have been by giving and receiving love with their adopted Bichon Frise from Small Paws Rescue.

Many people wouldn’t have the close personal human relationships that they enjoy today, without Small Paws Rescue!

BEV: Where do you fit in the Small Paws organization? What do you do?

ROBIN: I’m the co-founder and the Executive Director. I’m the one who keeps the members informed through our newsletters. We let them know about medical emergencies, foster needs, fundraising needs, and updates on previously rescued and adopted Bichons.

I also deal directly with veterinarians daily, all across the country, discussing various treatment options, and of course trying to get the best price possible.

I’m also the Small Paws media consultant, dealing with the press and appearing on cable shows like Animal Planet dogs 101, and Fox and Friends from the Fox News Network in New York City.

I travel each year to several cities, attending Small Paws functions and raising funds. Our vet bills run $30,000-$50,000 a month so fundraising is always a priority.

BEV: What do you love the most about your work with Small Paws?

ROBIN: I love the feeling that comes, knowing that I have helped to bring love into the lives of people. Once anyone has experienced having a Bichon Frise, they will never ever be the same. And I got to play a role in making that happen!

I also love knowing that our organization is there for Bichons who have no one else to be an advocate for them. Bichons in danger of being killed in shelters, instead, come into a place of love with Small Paws. What could be better?!

BEV: What do you wish every foster dog parent came automatically equipped with?

ROBIN: A veterinary degree. HA!

BEV: I supposed you say that because of all the veterinary bills that Small Paws takes care of. If we could take a photograph of Small Paws right now, with would it look like?

ROBIN: It would look like love. Smiles on all of the people and the Bichons from over the years, living and loving together!

BEV: What is your perfect day?

ROBIN: If one of our foster dogs has gotten away from its foster home, and we find the dog, safe and sound. We have had over 100 Bichons go missing in the last 11 years. All have been found. Two didn’t survive but everyone else is doing well. When I hear the words, “WE GOT HIM!” that’s a great day.

When I learn that a particular Bichon has survived a difficult surgery, that’s a great day!

BEV: What keeps you awake at night?

ROBIN: Two things. Will there be enough money to pay the vet bills and wondering if I have forgotten anyone in a shelter. Did I contact everyone I was supposed to? Did I make sure that no Bichon is going to be euthanized and did I get someone there in time?  Every night before I go to bed I play the day back like a movie. Sometimes I have to get back up and turn on the computer to make sure no one was left to be killed.

BEV: What is the most difficult thing you have to do in your work with Small Paws?

ROBIN: For me, it’s the need for constant fundraising. It’s not easy for me to ask our members for money. I’d almost rather be hung by my thumbs in a major intersection than ask our members for financial help again! But I realize I am their voice. These Bichons in need of medical care can’t type, so I am their advocate, explaining the situation, sharing which vet is caring for the dog, including their name and phone number.

We post our bills each week in the newsletters so that our members can know where their money is going and who was helped!

BEV: As Robin has mentioned, one of the ways she raises money for Small Paws is through the newsletters that are emailed out to all the members. Depending on how badly funds (or prayers) are needed, sometimes the newsletter comes every few days, sometimes it comes several times a day. Always it’s a message of hope, in Robin’s own ‘stream of consciousness” style. Her personality comes through with every word—you know this is a woman who cares deeply about the Fluffs and about the members of the organization. Robin answered my last 2 questions in one of the more recent newsletters.

ROBIN: The other day, one of our members (Bev!) asked me to do an interview for her Blog, where she is currently doing a really neat fund raiser for Small Paws.

I will send out a mailing about it soon. It’s a very interesting personal blog.

Anyway, one of the questions in the interview was: “What is the most difficult thing you have to do in your work with Small Paws?”

This was my answer.

‘For me, it’s the need for constant fundraising. It’s not easy for me to ask our members for money. I’d almost rather be hung by my thumbs in a major intersection than ask our members for financial help again! But I realize I am their voice. These Bichons in need of medical care can’t type, so I am their advocate, explaining the situation, sharing which vet is caring for the dog, including their name and phone number.

We post our bills each week in the newsletters so that our members can know where their money is going and who was helped! “

It’s times like these when we fall short of raising what they truly need that I dread coming and asking for help again.

I try to think of something new and exciting to say.

I look up and ask Him to please inspire me. HA! (I think He’s probably pretty busy right now with things much more important than sending me something brilliant to say.)

The last question in the interview was this one.

“What inspires you?”

This was my answer.

“The reaction of our members to this organization inspires me! The love and commitment from perfect strangers, willing to help a Bichon in need inspires me! The love they have shown over the years to me, taking me in as a member of their family, touches me deeply.

Seeing a Bichon come from the depths of despair, to being a loving family member, inspires me!

More than anything else though, the miracles we have seen over the years, miracles that happen from what I believe is the power of prayer, inspire me! We have climbed mountains that were too tall! Don’t tell our members that something is impossible! They will prove you wrong! Each new day working with this organization is a total inspiration to me! I love this organization, the people involved, and the little ones we save, day after day, with my whole and complete heart. I am the luckiest person in the world.”

And those of you who know me, know, that really is how I feel.

At times I wish we would win the lottery and never have to ask for vetting funds again.

But then I think, (I know. That can be dangerous.) if we won the lottery and never had to ask for help again, none of you, the people who ARE Small Paws Rescue, would ever have a part in changing the lives of both the Bichons and the people who love them, ever again!

Whether a person gives $5.00 or $5000,00, they are both a part of changing lives, changing the course of events as we know them.

You all are a part of eliminating pain and bringing love into the hearts and homes of those who needed it desperately.

I want for all of you to know that you ARE what makes Small Paws go round and round, over and over again.

In a perfect world, I’d never have to come and ask for help for them.

But in a perfect world, we wouldn’t be in the situation we are in.

Of rushing to keep precious balls of fluff from being killed in a shelter, sometimes, from being shot by a puppy miller who no longer has need for an aging dog who isn’t making much money for them anymore.

I get letters every day from people. People who have adopted a Bichon from Small Paws.

They tell me how much their adopted Bichon means to them and their families.

Sometimes they actually tell me they were so depressed before he or she came into their lives, that they were even thinking of things that are unspeakable.

These little ones have amazing abilities to help, to love, and to heal broken hearts.

You know that I’ve always said that God loves each of us, more then anyone else ever has and more than anyone else ever will.

Well, when we send a formally homeless Bichon, to a new adoptive home, it’s sort of an extension of that Love.

Our hope is that the new adoptive family will share a love with that new Bichon, reminiscent of God’s love for all of us.

Well, I know I’m rambling here and I probably need to start packing.

I’m leaving soon to be attending the Suncoast Bash in Florida. It’s a pretty large Bash and people come from all over with their Bichons. We try to sign up new volunteers for the Florida team, as Florida is such a large state.

I need to tell the Team Leaders and foster parents of these four babies, Gideon, Serena, Prissy and Scarlett,that we can go ahead and authorize their vetting or not.

Thanks for reading the ramblings of a sometimes silly, blond woman in Oklahoma, who loves each of you more than you will ever know. All My Love, Robin

BEV: Robin, all my love right back at’cha. You are an incredible woman and one of my heroes. Thank you so much for all you do for the Fluffs.

BICHON BASH?

A Bichon Bash is when you get a bunch of little white fluffy dogs together and have a party. Just imagine a sea of white pooches! OK, if you’re into Labrador Retrievers you might not appreciate the cuteness factor. But if you like little dogs, it’s an overdose of cute!

Over the years, Bailey and I attended several Bichon Bashes here in Dayton. And that’s where we first learned about Small Paws Rescue.

This month, I’m working with my friend Romeo and we’re having an online Bichon Bash to raise money for Small Paws Rescue.

WHAT’S SMALL PAWS RESCUE?

Small Paws Rescue was started by Susan Sebring and Robin Pressnall (Executive Director) eleven years ago when they were turned down by an already existing Bichon rescue group because they were “not been suitable for rescue work.” Robin and Susan decided they would form their own Bichon rescue and Small Paws was born.

SOME NUMBERS

• Over 800 volunteers, over 6,000 members in 20 countries: Small Paws is the largest Bichon Frise rescue in the U.S.
• Available to take in Bichons in need 24/7/365
• Since September 1998, has rescued, vetted and re-homed over 7,500 Bichons
• 18 experienced Team Leaders oversee rescued Bichons and volunteers regionally
• Typically, 150 to 200 Small Paws Bichons fostered all over the U.S., are available on Petfinder every day
• Typically, 50 to 100 Small Paws Bichons are in various stages of quarantine, heartworm treatment, surgeries, or permanent hospice care every day
• Over 5,000 Small Paws Bichons have been flown to their forever homes without incident
• 25 adoption processors to thoroughly screen each applicant
• Typically between $25,000.00 and $50,000.00 per month is paid out in vet bills (posted publicly on the site)

HOW DOES SMALL PAWS RESCUE BICHONS?

Small Paws is entirely supported by donations and fund raisers. Donations are generated mostly from the membership though a newsletter. Small Paws also raises money through an eStore and on eBay–both great places to shop if you’re looking for Bichon-oriented clothes and accessories.

Small Paws is totally volunteer-driven. It is virtually an army of  foster parents, pooch transporters, shelter-watchers, prayer circle participants, blanket-makers, eBay suppliers, auction attenders, financiers, and emotional supporters. Every member is connected to the group through the newsletter, emails, phone calls, and a shared urgency to help Bichons.

A SIMPLIFIED VIEW OF THE SMALL PAWS PROCESS

• A Bichon–or “Fluff”–enters Small Paws through owner surrender, from commercial kennel auctions, from shelters, or any other avenue that results in a homeless Fluff.
• Each dog’s health is evaluated by a veterinarian, and a medical plan is made.
• For major medical expenses (for instance, surgery), a call goes out to the membership for donations.
• Once the Bichon’s health issues are taken care of (also spay/neuter if needed), the Fluff is placed in a foster home with a Small Paws member
• Often, the foster home is a learning and socialization environment for the orphan Fluff
• Photos are taken, and posted on Petfinder
• A prospective pet parent fills out the application form on the Small Paws site
• Each applicant goes through an extensive and proven screening process that includes an interview with the applicant’s veterinarian.

Small Paws takes lifetime responsibility for the Bichons who enter the Rescue. If an adopted Fluff is ever orphaned, it is returned to Small Paws and a new home is found. The Small Paws Bichon is carefully matched to his or her new home–at a high rate of success. And there are followups done on every adoption.

Sometimes a Bichon will enter Small Paws as half of a bonded pair–two dogs who have bonded emotionally (and often they’re not both Bichons). Bonded pairs are never separated, but are offered at the adoption fee of a single dog. Senior dogs’ adoption fees are always reduced. And puppies are reserved first for people who are grieving for a lost loved one. A home is found for all–no matter what the special needs.

The volunteers of Small Paws operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They are tireless and creative in their missionto help orphaned Bichons find furever homes. At first, they appear to be a loose  gathering of do-gooders. But on further examination, they are a refined organization motivated and motivating people to work together to make this world a better place.

That’s why I love them!

Each month, we (Iams) invite people to vote for their favorite Iams Home 4 the Holidays organization in our Feed Pets in Needcontest. At the end of the month, the two groups with the most votes will win a month’s supply of Iams Pet Food.

This program was launched this past November, and ANH is our first of two winners for that month.

ANH (Animals Need Help) of Bear Lake is located in Montpelier, Idaho. On their very sweet, very musical web site, I found beautiful images of some of the dogs and cats they have available for adoption. I also discovered a truly wonderful video that brought tears to my eyes. Good tears.

My contact at Animals in Need is Lorrie Jensen, and she kindly consented to be interviewed by email:

Please tell us about how ANH operates—do all the pet orphans live under the same roof?
We have a very small facility. When we are full we rely on foster homes to help us out. We work totally on donation and fund raisers. We require a reference to adopt and check every reference to make sure our furkids will be safe and happy. Everyone is spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccinations and socialized before they go home. We are not an open shelter but meet the adopting families at their convenience.

 

What is your job at ANH? What do you do?
We are all volunteers at ANH. We each take a turn every day caring for and playing with the animals. Between us we are out to the shelter about 5 times a day. Each of us does something different with the animals. Some just go for a walk, others go for car rides and runs. We try to get them used to as many different experiences are possible. We all help with the cleaning, laundry and daily chores. I do the Petfinder site and our website. I answer calls and emails and screen new potential families to make sure our furkids have the very best homes possible. I also do deliveries when needed. Lots and lots of fund raising time. From vet runs to eye meds, toenails and removing stitches. We are all available for whatever is needed. We have the most dedicated group of volunteers you will find anywhere.

What’s the most important thing that ANH does to help animals?
We make sure our animals are healthy and socialized before they go to a new home. We also care that it’s a good match when we place one of our kids with a new family. If there is ever any problem, we are always very happy and willing to take them back. I think the very most important thing we do is love them. When they leave our shelter, they know someone loved them. They are happy wonderful little guys who are ready to be family members.

What’s the most inspiring thing that happened at ANH during Iams Home 4 the Holidays?
It was so amazing how many people helped us in the voting [for the Feed Pets in Need contest]. We are so small and wondered if we even had a chance. We have a wonderful support team and they all rallied to help. The phone call that we won was fantastic too. I felt like we had won the lottery, actually I could barely talk, I was crying so hard. You will never know how much we appreciated this opportunity and how much it helped us.

What is the hardest part of your job?
I can hardly stand it when I see animals that have been abused and neglected. I wish we could help more. We try to stay as positive as possible. We know after they are with us, they are safe. We have made a commitment to keep our site positive and not always talk about the sadness we see. We like to present our furkids like this is a new beginning.

What do you love the most about your job?
Seeing happy pets with wonderful loving families. We keep in touch with so many of our families.We get to hear and see that they are really safe and sound. Oh and who doesn’t love all those wet kisses and furry hugs.

What advice do you have for anyone who wants to volunteer at a shelter?
Do it. People say that they love animals too much and it would just be too hard. That’s exactly the kind of person shelters need. Someone who will never drop the ball and will fight every single day for these wonderful homeless animals. Besides it’s a way we can each save our little corner of the world.

What can people do to help ANH?
Spay and neuter pets. Speak up for the animals who can’t speak up for themselves. When you see something that needs help. Just help.

What is your perfect day?
[This past] Sunday was a perfect day. We placed two sweet animals in wonderful homes, heard from both families later on that night that all was well and The Saints won Yay!

From Bev: The dogs and cats who’s photos appear here were available for adoption from ANH at the time of this post. They’re cuties, so if you’re interested in adopting one of them you better get busy!

Help your favorite Iams Home 4 the Holidays shelter to win free food: FEED PETS IN NEED (Terms & Conditions)!

The folks at the Helen Woodward Animal Center are holding a “best adoption story” essay contest for the participating Iams Home 4 the Holidays organizations. The finalists have been narrowed down to 5. Between now and the end of February, we are all invited to vote for our favorite!

My buddy (and hero!) Mike Arms says:

“These stories all have happy endings but for some of them it was a long, hard battle. Some make you cry, others make you laugh, they all touch your heart. 

We need help from animal lovers worldwide to select the most heart-warming and most successful pet adoption story from this past holiday season. There are so many great stories about pets that were saved during the holiday season. Now they’re starting the new year with a new, “leash” on life.

We’ve narrowed this down to the top five. Between now and February 28 we’re asking people to vote on their favorite story. The animal shelter or rescue group that submitted the winning entry will receive a $500 donation from Helen Woodward Animal Center.

One vote per person. This isn’t about which organization can convince the most people to vote. It’s about which story touches your heart.”

If you love animals, then these stories will make you cry–but in a good way. I just cast my vote–you should too!!

This is a big weekend for us–and by “us” I mean Eukanuba! This weekend many of our Eukanuba team are in Long Beach, California for the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship.

My buddy, Emily, is there covering the show for our new blog Eukanuba Unleashed. I get to stay home and “cover” some of Em’s work! Which is fine with me because I get to immerse myself in some of the Eukanuba-oriented stuff that Emily gets to do.

So first thing this morning, I took the time to catch up on videos that have been posted to the Eukanuba Channel on YouTube. There’s some really wonderful new ones, but I think my favorite is this one: