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!

My first dog, Bailey, came from a (responsible) breeder. Over the years, partly because of my work on Iams Home 4 the Holidays, I’ve become much more aware of the need that orphaned pets have for homes. After Bailey crossed the Rainbow Bridge, I knew my next dog would come from rescue.

I can never say enough good stuff about Small Paws Rescue, Inc. I have supported them for years, and without Small Paws I would never have found Tyler.

I’ve told this story before, but it’s worth telling again. Tyler was found wandering in the street, nearly comatose and starving. The nice people who found him (and another puppy he was with) to him to the local humane society shelter. The dogtor at the shelter discovered that Tyler (and the other puppy) had parvo. (What’s parvo?) This put both puppies at the top of the death row list.

Someone at the shelter phoned the regional team leader for Small Paws. He picked up the puppies and took them to a veterinary clinic where Small Paws paid for treatment (Treating parvo) and got the puppies well. I got an email asking if I was ready to be a mom again–and I said YES!

Here we are four-and-a-half months later, and I still can’t hardly believe how lucky I am that Tyler came into my life. For all the trouble he had at the start of his life, he is an amazingly sweet dog. He hasn’t met the person–or the dog–that he didn’t like. Though we have some training issues yet to deal with (like coming when I say “come”) he was really fast in being potty trained. He has not chewed up any of my shoes, socks, or undies–nor does he seem to have interest in them.

Best of all, he has formed a strong bond not just with me, but also with my mom. I can’t describe the joy this brings my heart, to see Tyler snuggling up to my mom. My sweet Bailey–much as I loved her–was strictly a one-person dog and never bonded with my mom like Tyler. Goofy as it sounds, we are now a “pack” and our heart is Tyler.

Thank you Small Paws for giving me such a sweet little soul to cherish!

Attention Bloggers!

This week, we’re having the first ever Iams Home 4 the Holidays Blog Hop!

As you may know, a blog hop is a list of blog post links at the end of a blog post, and is usually based on a specific topic or theme–which helps like-minded people find each other online creating a community!

Blogging 4 Bowls

Most important of all, this particular blog hop is a way that participating bloggers can help get 100 bowls of food contributed to a shelter in need. For every IH4tH blog post entered into this blog hop, Iams will contribute 100 bowls of food to an Iams Home 4 the Holidays shelter in need!

How to Participate

Follow these 4 steps:

Read more…

Tyler’s tail is wagging. My tail is mostly stationary, but I’ve got a big grin on my face!

Iams Home 4 the Holidays Weekly Roundup

We’re now two weeks into Iams Home 4 the Holidays, and I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the bloggers out there, plugging away on the interwebz, who have taken the time to write about it. So here is a round-up of all the blog posts I’ve found from October 1 to October 14, that talk about Iams Home 4 the Holidays. (Note: I’ve had some computer issues lately. This post was actually supposed to go live last Friday morning.) If I missed anybody, let me know and I’ll add them to the next “Wagging our Tails” post. All of these blogs will be added to Tyler’s Heroes.

Tyler’s Heroes

I’ve created a brand new blog roll, just below my profile photo and the IH4tH logo that I’m calling Tyler’s Heroes. Since IH4tH is all about getting orphaned pets adopted, I thought I’d name my new blog roll after my own little adopted fluff boy–Tyler comes to me by way of Small Paws Rescue. The listed blogs are our heroes because they care about helping orphaned pets find furever homes. The Tyler’s Heroes blog roll will remain as part of my blog until September 30, 2011 (when I’ll start a new list of Heroes for IH4tH 2011).

The Kick Off!

Our press release announcing the start of Iams Home 4 the Holidays hit the net on October 1, and bloggers picked up on it right away. One of my favorites is What Would a Dog Do–check out the blog’s banner! I love it! Another great site talking about Iams Home 4 the Holidays is If It Breathes…. What a great name for a blog that’s all about animals!

From Houston, we heard from Houston Pet Talk. And out of Austin, Texas, Teeny’s Friends included photos of our Adoption Angels and their new family members. Teeny’s Friends is devoted to providing toys for needy anipals–and the blog makes it easy for readers to participate.

Daisy Mae sent me (PetCareBev) a hello in her post over at Daisy Mae Mause and the Feline Americans–be sure you play with Virtual Daisy Mae Mause!  And–OMIDOG!–we got a mention on PetConnection! To me, PetConnection is like the New York Times/Wall Street Journal of the online pet community–just my opinion.

Too Kool Doggies details some ways you can help. We also got a mention on the PetLvr Blog! And SCAT Adoption Centre is offering Home 4 the Holidays special adoption rates.

More Details

Marcie, blogging over at Pause for Tails (the Helen Woodward blog), gives us a great list of questions to ask ourselves before we adopt in her October 1 post. She posted again on October 7 with details of how Helen Woodward kicked off IH4tH with the help of Mike Tolbert of the Chargers. This football player really loves animals!

I found a very thoughtful blog post over at Reigning Cats and Dogs that talks about the tools Iams Home 4 the Holidays provides to shelters. This blogger lives in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia–and is a big supporter of adoption in that region.

With a blog name like Snorable.org, you know it’s going to be fun! Snorable posted one of our videos–the first time that Jack (one of our Adoption Angels) met Jane at Bideawee.

Paris Grace over at DogTipper.com wrote a very nice article about our campaign–DogTipper has a boatload of information on everything dog! [edit note: I thought Paris made the post, but on closer look it was actually Grace.]

I think my favorite headline this week is “Who are YOU bringing home for the holidays?” written by one of my favorite veterinarians, Dr. Janet Tobiassen Crosby.

Some Furbulous Contests

One of my favorite blogs (and one of the first I started reading with regularity), Thoughts Fur Paws, has 2-count-’em-2 contests going on! I don’t know where Jaime got the prizes from, but they’re HUGE! She’s got gift cards and toys and cameras and one of her contests raises money for pet charities! (Full disclosure: Iams sponsored Jaime at BlogPaws West 2010).

Blog of the Week

Pet News and Views is a blog that I recently started reading. I like this blog because the blogger (Michele) writes like a good, old-fashioned reporter–she checks her facts, she listens to details, she doesn’t “sensationalize” in order to get readers. And she has a passion for pet adoption. Be sure to check out Iams Home 4 the Holidays Challenge and Where We Get Our Pets. (Full disclosure: Iams sponsored Michele at BlogPaws West 2010.)

Coming Up

This round up of Iams Home 4 the Holidays blog posts covers October 1 through October 14. If I missed somebody, please leave a comment and I’ll be sure to include them in my next Wagging Tails post!

WOO HOO!!! Iams Home 4 the Holidays is off and running! We’re gonna help 1.5 million orphaned pets find new homes!!

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]

This month we start something that is very dear to my heart–and the hearts of nearly everybody I work with: Iams Home 4 the Holidays!

• It’s one of the world’s largest pet adoption programs.
• Our goal is 1.5 million orphaned pets adopted over the next 3 months.
• Our partner is Mike Arms, founder of the adoption drive and president of Helen Woodward Animal Center
• There are 3,500 animal organizations worldwide participating!

As Mike Arms says,

“Pet homelessness is an epidemic in our country and many animal organizations look to programs like Iams Home 4 the Holidays to help drive families to our centers to see these amazing animals. We’ve been a part of the adoption drive for 12 years now and have really seen the benefit of what this program can do for animals, our employees and the families who adopt.”

If you’re not in a position to adopt a new furry family member, consider making regular visits to our Facebook page. Our official “Adoption Angels”–Jack in New York and Meaghan in Saskatoon–are two new pet parents who will be posting about their personal journeys of adoption as they integrate their new four-legged family member into the home.

Also, when you visit the Facebook page and “Like” the page itself, or the various messages, photos, videos, etc. posted by the Adoption Angels, we (Iams) will donate up to 100 meals per “Like” or comment to feed orphaned animals. Our goal is 5 millions bowls of food!

Iams Home 4 the Holidays strives to educate about the importance of adoption so that every pet adopted goes to a permanent, loving home. Families who adopt through the program will receive an Iams adoption kit loaded with important information about nutrition, training and proper care to ensure that the relationship with the new animal starts off on the right paw.

Do you work with a shelter or rescue group? It’s not too late to  join our adoption drive!

Iams Home 4 the Holidays has begun! Three short months to get 1.5 million orphan pets adopted!

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!

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?

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 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 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.

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?

• 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.

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!

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.