“Enlightenment doesn’t care how you get there.”

I know I have not blogged much these days, and I am betting many have not even noticed. In a world where we are bombarded with so much information, it sometimes seems hardly worth the effort. But there is a post I have wanted to write for a few days now, I have just been looking for some inspiration.

Lately, it has been brought to my attention that a trio of radio hosts at NJ 101.5 have created a hostile environment for man’s best friend through their careless and thoughtless comments about pit bulls, an abused Cocker spaniel named Sammy and his supporters, the tragic and shocking death of a dog that had belonged to one of the host’s and her subsequent Tweet on her Twitter Account (which was shut down quickly after this was widely shared) where she shared her belief that animals do not feel pain or have emotions (I have a copy of it if anyone cares to see it).

For the record, Styles, the pittie in the picture above is a beloved family member, rescued from a Bergen County Shelter by my sister’s family.

To be fair, I did call the station twice and spoke to their receptionist. When she heard why I was calling, she reminded me that things had been taken out of context (apparently she had gotten a lot of these calls). I replied that this might be the case, but if they would supply me with clips, tapes or transcripts, I could write a blog post that was honest and direct. I left two messages for the Station Manager but never received a return call or response of any kind.

Next, the station issued a statement where miraculously they were able to conjure up some positive statements from hosts Judi Franco and Dennis Malloy. Interesting to note that they could so easily find these outtakes (let’s not take them out of context, though) but no record of Judi referring to the supporters of Sammy, the abused dog, in vulgar terms or telling them to get a life. Again, I can’t give a complete account because the station refuses to supply what has been requested of them.

There is more to this story, and I too, was called a jerk (gasp!) by one of their “top commentators” on their Facebook Page during a thread that included comments related to my husband’s military service. I am not going to go into detail here, and if you would like to hear more about what went down, you can contact me directly. It was only after I contacted a group of Navy Corpsmen who then contacted the station directly, that my husband received an apology for comments made. A general statement was then posted proclaiming that the station supported those who served in the Military.

The way I see it, we have a bunch of well-paid bullies hiding behind the comfort of their glass booths making fun of those who show up to support a horribly abused dog in a court room and allowing posters to bully others on their Facebook page.That’s basically what it comes down to. Another host by the name of Ray Rossi treated a caller so horribly that he issued an apology to the animal advocate. You know it has to be bad when that happens.

On a final note, I did receive two messages from this radio station via private messages on Facebook. At first, it appeared that they truly wanted to sit down and talk with me and to perhaps make a donation to a shelter. They also apologized for allowing that top commentator (yes, the one who called me a jerk) for mocking my husband’s service as a Navy Corpsman. In issuing apologies and trying to establish some kind of contact with me I truly had hope that they were willing to try to make amends.

And about that search for inspiration. Today, while visiting a patient in a medical center I happened to read a quote posted on a wall. It read, “Enlightenment doesn’t care how you get there.” It was credited to Thaddeus Golas, a man of colorful history. (I will let you do the research). I realize that we all make mistakes and sometimes say things without thinking, I have the greatest respect for those who understand and recognize this, and then take the steps to make the necessary corrections with the end result of settling things right.

I like to think I am enlightened enough to admit that have a long way to go before I, “get there.” So, how about it Judi, Dennis and Ray? Have you begun your journey? No one really cares how you get there…many of us just hope you arrive. Every time you say something in jest to get an audience riled up and bring in advertising revenue you are selling out. How will you describe your legacy to your families?

Here’s to those who use the power of words to actually make a positive difference in the world. I do know of other radio stations that have a positive vibe and actually try to make that kind of difference. More on that to come!

Sometimes Life’s Circumstances ask us to make Difficult Decisions…

Teddy strikes a reflective pose

Before I present some special guest posts, I just wanted to relay that our dog, Teddy, the foster who came to stay, is settling in just fine. This sweet little dog has brought us so much joy. Teddy is a three year old shih poo who was surrendered by his owner. Some people upon hearing this ask, “How could someone do that?” I prefer to think that someone made a difficult decision and cared more about their pet’s long term care and made the right choice.

Today I was watching a segment on a local cable news station called, “The Pet Stop.” Its host, Dr. Brian Voynick, was interviewing a guest who had brought in an adorable dog in need of a home. He took this opportunity to suggest that someone might want to foster this little dog until his fur-ever home was found. It was nice to hear this option presented to his viewers. Hats off to Dr. Voynick.

Later, I received an e-mail from Jan Todd, a very dedicated foster dog-mom from the state of South Carolina. She asked if I might share this note from her friend Rhonda Sims from the Freedom Train Rescue Transport. http://www.freedomtraintransports.com/
It reminds everyone that many times life presents us with difficult circumstances and we have to make tough decisions. I said I would be happy to share Rhonda’s story.

Here is what Rhonda wrote.

Sometimes a person has no choice but to surrender their pet.

Meet Shiloh. Her dad is a young guy who lives near me. I’ve seen this 20-something young man on many occasions with his dog Shiloh, and I know he loves her dearly. I’ve also had him [Shiloh’s owner] come to me after catching a feral kitten and taming it so that it wouldn’t die, and ask that I place it.

Well, he came to me the other day in a panic. Several months ago he had decided to serve his country and they had called him to come the following week. He said he was sorry, that he didn’t mean to wait until the last minute to try and place Shiloh. I knew why…it was because he loves her and didn’t want to say goodbye.

And what was I supposed to say to this great young guy who wanted to do the right thing by his dog and his country?? On many occasions I would have had to say the unthinkable, due to there never being enough FOSTER HOMES. But, thank the good Lord, last week one of my wonderful Freedom Train volunteers said that she was ready to foster again after having to say goodbye to her beloved dog.

I was going to send Martin [another homeless dog] to her, but as it turned out I was able to transport him this weekend and he didn’t need a foster. So I called Stacy [another volunteer] and she agreed not only to foster Shiloh until I could place her, but to meet this guy at my vet’s office that morning to pick her up.

God is so good. He always provides when we trust in Him. I promised Shiloh’s dad that she would be in great hands, and thanked him for serving his country. My country. Taking Shiloh, who is a real sweetheart, was nothing compared to that.

On a final post note, my friend Judith Ayn Sobel, of Poway California, wrote to say that a portion of a previous National Dog Week blog post had been shared in Paw Prints magazine published by the folks at the incredible Baja Animal Sanctuary. http://www.bajaanimalsanctuary.org/

That made my day. Thank you Judith! Here is the excerpt:

“When you foster a dog or a pup (or cat), you become the CEO, administrator and head bottle washer of your own personal shelter. No cages, no stress, no loneliness. You are offering the most home-like sheltering situation possible for a displaced, scared animal.

Through your time with your foster pet, you can see them blossom. You help with their training, assess their temperament and give them emotional and physical care they cannot receive in a crowded shelter facility and their placements in their adoptive homes work because they are the result of good matches. By taking a dog or pup out of one of those facilities, you are freeing up a spot so that another pet can have a second chance at life.”

Remember that transporting, fostering and adoption are rewarding ways to help homeless Companion Animals, but we need to also find a way to reduce their population through the implementation and support of Spay and Neuter Initiatives and to encourage people not to purchase dogs from retail outlets. Many of those poor dogs find themselves homeless due to poor emotional or physical health. As our good friend animal advocate Willie Wonka of Project Pets – Spay, Neuter, Love, often says, “We can’t rescue our way out of this mess.”

Congratulations to all of those who foster, transport and work to improve the welfare of our homeless Companion Animals. Everyone can offer something. No action or effort is too small.

Barbara Techel’s New Book, Through Frankie’s Eyes, gives Joyful Pause!

Please join us in welcoming award-winning author and advocate for dogs with IVDD (disc disease) and dogs in wheelchairs, Barbara Techel. Here Barbara shares her poignant journey that lead to what she calls her, “authentic self,” with the help of a little dog named Frankie. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Barbara’s new book, Through Frankie’s Eyes: One woman’s journey to her authentic self, and the dog on wheels who led the way.

Although companion animals are at the core of this story, you don’t necessarily have to be an animal lover to appreciate the book’s message. However, you will most likely come to love and value them after reading Barbara’s story. Barbara is currently enjoying a walk in the “blog park,” to promote Through Frankie’s Eyes and answered some questions for the National Dog Week Blog. Please scroll down to find a list of Barbara’s books and Links.

This year’s theme for National Dog Week is K-9s and Kids: Celebrating the Bond between Youth and Dogs. As you have written on this topic, can you share any experiences you have had that exemplify this theme? Kids and dogs are just such a beautiful combination! And yes, I can speak to this having had done 400 school and library appearances with Frankie, my little dachshund who was in a dog wheelchair. While all dogs have wonderful lessons to offer kids in so many ways, the fact Frankie was in a wheelchair added a special facet to it.

One story that I’ve told oodles of times and which is also in my new adult nonfiction book Through Frankie’s Eyes is about a little boy named Jackson who has a form of Cerebral Palsy. His mom had happened upon my children’s book Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog and bought it hoping it would help her then three-year-old son.

He wore braces on his legs during the day, but had recently gotten a night brace and was having a hard time accepting wearing it. She wrote me to tell me that after reading Frankie’s book to him, he took to understanding that his brace would help him, like Frankie’s wheelchair helped her. From that moment on he began calling his brace, his “Frankie brace.”

We were able to meet Jackson a few weeks later as I happened to be traveling with Frankie to the state of Illinois where he and his family live. To this day he still talks about Frankie. They have a very special bond.

Visiting schools with Frankie was always so special too. Kids loved seeing that a dog can be happy in a wheelchair. They accepted her as she was. Frankie taught many kids to be positive, be brave, and to be happy no matter what their obstacles. I have a huge box of notes and pictures that children have sent me over the years telling me how much they love Frankie and what they learned from her.

I’m hoping my new little love dog on wheels, Joie, will follow in Frankie’s paw prints and tire tracks and enjoy doing some school visits to carry on Frankie’s legacy of helping kids be positive despite challenges they face. We are scheduled to present at a school on May 10th so this will be the big test!

Tell us a little about National Walk and Roll Dog Day, which occurs the first day of National Dog Week this Year! I love that National Dog Week begins on the day of National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day (NWNRDD)! It does not get any better than that, now does it?

NWNRDD honors and celebrates dogs in wheelchairs who teach us to embrace each day with love, hope, and joy. I founded it in August 2012. I came up with the idea in April 2012, as I knew Frankie and I were in transition. She was getting older and beginning to slow down. I set a date to fully retire her from her work in June 2012. For six months prior she was semi-retired and doing limited appearances. But I wanted to be able to carry on her mission that dogs in wheelchairs can live a long, happy, quality life when the day came she would no longer be here.

At the time I was taking a course on building my author platform. I loved the class because it was all about being authentic and leaving a legacy. I was struggling through the course because I knew my work with Frankie, as I knew it, was ending. It was a hard place for me to be because I truly enjoyed everything we were able to accomplish and do together. During one of the sessions the idea of this day came to me. It helped ease my mind.

Though I had planned to begin the day while she was still living, that was not meant to be, as she passed away one week after I retired her. When her fans heard of her passing I had an outpouring of love and support–so many wanted to honor her and her work. So I first established the Frankie Wheelchair Fund. This fund helps dogs who need wheelchairs that are either from a family that is in financial stress or dogs in rescue. To date the fund has helped fourteen small dogs get a wheelchair.

The Frankie Wheelchair Fund and NWNRDD were a natural fit, so I officially announced NWNRDD in August of 2012. The day is celebrated every September 22. Our first celebration last year had LoveyLoaves Special Needs Animal Sanctuary in Florida and a Veterinary clinic in Puerto Rico embracing the day and celebrating in their own locations with special events.

Can you share some of the events that have celebrated this day or plans for this September? Our first year in bringing awareness to NWNRDD and the Frankie Wheelchair Fund, I had special t-shirts created that I sold through our website so people could wear them in honor and help spread the word on September 22… as well as all year long when they wear their special NWNRDD t-shirts! I also ran a photo contest and had people enter their dogs who were either in a dog wheelchair, or supported NWNRDD. Each dog had to pose with a special sign I had made and they could print from their computer. A winner was chosen at random, as it was too hard to pick just one cute photo! A prize was given to the winner donated by LoveyLoaves and myself. You can see everyone who entered on our special Pinterest board.

This year I’m still in the thinking stage and giving thought to ideas in which we can celebrate the day. But I do welcome any veterinarian clinic, rescue, dog organization, etc. to jump on board and help spread the word in their own unique way on September 22, which was my hope when I established this special day. Anyone interested can follow along on our Facebook page for updates, as well as some adorable and fun dogs in wheelchair photos that I love to share. And if you have a dog in a wheelchair, by all means, please post on our wall as we would love to see them!

Joyfully,
Barbara Techel
My New Book Is Here! Through Frankie’s Eyes: Sign up for my newsletter and receive my ebook for free: For the Love of Animals, A Collection of Short Stories

Become a fan on Facebook of National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day & help us honor and celebrate all dogs in wheelchairs and the lessons of love, hope and joy they teach us.

Adult nonfiction
Through Frankie’s Eyes: One woman’s journey to her authentic self, and the dog on wheels who led the way

A portion of all my book sales goes to the Frankie Wheelchair Fund.

Children’s nonfiction
Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog
Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House
Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Coloring and Paper Doll Activity Book

http://www.joyfulpaws.com
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K-Nine Ways that Kids go to the Dogs (and the Dogs go to the Kids)

“Hooper the Second”

“But the dog is also an excellent teacher for children, in that he aids in their character building.” ” Will Judy, Founder of National Dog Week, 1949

I would like to thank Project Pets, Spay, Neuter, Love for naming one of their Rescue Pups after my late dog Hooper. In late February I read the story about a box of puppies that had been abandoned in a parking lot in North Carolina. The pups were in need of veterinary care before they could be placed in good homes. Project Pets was allowing anyone who made a donation to the care of these pups to have the chance to name one of them.

One of the pups was black and white and made me think of Hooper (and also of our new dog, Teddy). Most of you know by now we lost Hooper, our Portuguese water dog, to illness last August. So, after I made a small donation I took them up on their offer and asked that this pup be named Hooper the Second. Of course I told them if his adoptive family wanted to use another name, I would understand. I am told he is now called Hoops and has settled into a great new home near Atlanta, GA. Good work PPSNL for all the strides you are making in Spay and Neuter Awareness. To learn more about their work please go to: http://spayneuterlove.com/

Captain William Lewis Judy, a decorated WWI veteran and dedicated dog-enthusiast often wrote about the special bond that exists between kids and their dogs. Inspired by this, we present a fun, yet meaningful theme, that captures this spirit for the 85th observation of National Dog Week; “Kids and K-9s: Celebrating the Bond between Youth and Dogs.”

With National Dog Week celebrated the week of September 22nd, we are just six months away from that very special time that was designated to honor the nation’s dogs in a collective and organized manner. If we all think hard enough, I am sure that each town, county or state of the union can think of just one way we can improve the welfare of our Companion Animals and the nation’s youth in even just a small way.

This September let’s count the ways kids go to the dogs, and the dogs in turn, go to the kids!

Here are K-Nine Ways some of the dogs and their humans have done so already:

1. Early this year, Bocker the Labradoodle, helped to comfort the children of Newtown, Ct, in the aftermath of the elementary school tragedy.
2. Sean Poser, of Kids Adopt A Shelter (KAAS) has continued to motivate young people across the nation to collect supplies for local shelters.
3. Author Barbara Techel of Joyful Paws teaches young people to appreciate the gifts and lessons offered by animals and humans facing special challenges through her writing and the establishment of “Walk and Roll Day,” (which falls on the first day of NDW this year)!
4. Audrey Hendler of A Fair Shake for Youth Harnessing the therapeutic power of therapy dogs to help at-risk youth develop skills and behaviors that will give them a fair shake at a better life.
5. Dogs are trained in lifesaving skills in which they are able alert young people to the onset of seizures and the detection of materials to which children are highly allergic.
6. Nikki Moustaki teaches scout and school groups on how to make cards with her Pet Postcard Project that helps to feed shelter dogs across the nation.
7. Teresa Lewin, and her work with the organization, Doggone Safe, educates children on how to avoid hostile encounters with dogs and to avoid dog bites.
8. Public libraries across America continue to welcome Certified and trained dogs for programs like “Read Aloud to the Dogs,” which allow young children to read to patient dogs without fear of judgement.
9. Dog make great writing prompts for literacy projects. In the 1930s the Humane Society sponsored essay contests for students who wrote about what National Dog Week meant to them. The photo of the contest winner appeared with the winning essay in the New York Times.

We think this is a good start, but we would love to hear what you have planned!
Please remember to LIKE our National Dog Week Page on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/National-Dog-Week/218596591491974?fref=ts

The Spirit of Woofstock Captured with Camera and Captions…

As an experienced blogger, I realize everyone is bombarded with a multitude of items to read each day, so as I am on, “vacation,” too, I will just offer a few words followed by some photos of an event we attended on Saturday. This year, as we have in the past three years, we made our annual visit to the meaningful Woofstock event in Islamorada, Florida. As fate would have it, our rental was in walking distance this year!

One of the more rewarding aspects of Woofstock is seeing numerous dogs of all shapes and sizes wearing their, “Adopt Me,” vests. As they are paraded throughout the event, they seem to enjoy all the exercise, excitement and the attention from potential adopters.

As Rich and I watched the Lure Course event, we laughed at the antics of the dogs that were partaking. Some are born to it, whipping after a lure at the speed of light. Others, however, decided mid-course it wasn’t worth it and changed course…one stopped and let’s just say he practiced another sort of movement. One adoptable dog named Parker did not truly get the chasing concept, he was just too happy trotting with his handler around the ring. A spectator noted how Parker would make someone a great companion.

But while we watched, the event took a sobering turn for me as I looked down at a posting that informed attendees that only 61 percent of all dogs that enter a shelter come out alive and that 32,000 Companion Animals are put down each DAY due to overcrowding in so many mismanaged and underfunded shelters and of course careless pet owners.

That’s what events like Woofstock are all about. They remind us to value the lives of these animals and to give some a measure of happiness, if just for a day. Next year, we hope to attend once again, this time our newly adopted dog, Teddy, a shih tzu poodle mix will most certainly join us. I would love to see him take on the Lure Course, but I can imagine how that will turn out~

Here are some photos of the event…

A groovy dog gives Peace a Chance at Woofstock!

A patient Portuguese water dog poses for a pic.

A warm Woofstock Welcome!

Some ruff words of warning….”Scoop the Poop.”

This dog is enjoying Woofstock BIG time!

Sandy Tuttle and Kip McManus with some goovydoodles enjoy the scene!

A dog is prepped for the Lure Course event

Some dogs preferred the “carting” course!

Making some Homestead, FL, connections.

Some dogs sought the cooling waters of the public beach.

Travels without Hooper, Travels with Teddy Tomorrow…

The other day at the Key Colony Beach Day event held in the Florida Keys I met a stunning Standard poodle. Her human explained that this beauty had been rescued and was a joy to have.

I don’t recall the dog’s name, but upon meeting her I was reminded of my late beloved Hooper. This year is the first time Rich and I are not traveling with her. She had accompanied us on trips to Florida for almost a decade before passing way too young at the age of ten last August.

The dog also reminded me of John Steinbeck’s classic book, Travels with Charley: In Search of America published in 1962. The book was based on the author’s road trip made in the fall of 1960 accompanied by his beloved black poodle named Charley. The book relayed Steineck’s views on the vanishing “localism” of America and the destruction of our Nation’s environment.

On the same day I met this big poodle, (let’s call her Charlene) I happened to catch an interview with a columnist named Bill Steigerwald who was discussing how he had retraced Steinbach’s journey through America. Steigerwald came to the conclusion that Steinbeck had infused some portions of his cross-country trip with some artful and creative writing inspired by the “characters” he met along the way. To many scholars and those who enjoy the book it doesn’t really matter. They embrace the spirit of a great story teller sharing the road with his fuzzy best friend where every turn of the bend offered a new adventure.

My husband Rich always loved Travels with Charley and called our own road trips with our Portie, Travels with Hooper. I bought him a copy of the Steinbeck book just before we welcomed Hooper into our lives. I thought about all this when I took a run through Founders Park this morning near where we are staying in Islamorada. I found myself walking under a shadow of sadness; the last time I had been in that park was with Hooper during last year’s occasion of Woofstock, a local celebration of the canine.

In our grief over the loss of Hooper, Rich and I did everything possible to discourage the addition of a new dog. We agreed to let a year or so pass before actually considering having another dog. That included planning a vacation that featured a rental with a strict, “no dogs allowed,” policy and flying to our destination instead of taking our annual drive.

Well, that plan went astray when instead of relinquishing our foster dog named Teddy we decided to give him a home. With our travel plans set we were fortunate to have good friends and family members to take care of our Teddy. We hear that he is enjoying himself so much we wonder if he will want to return to us!

Will Judy, in his founding of National Dog Week, urged dog lovers to respect the rights of those who did not feel the same way about dogs. Some places are just not going to welcome dogs and they have their reasons. It’s just good to know we have choices. Even Steinbeck was forced to kennel Charley during portions of his journey.

In eleven days Woofest will be in full swing over at Founders Park. I look forward to being surrounded by hundreds of special dogs and their humans with all kinds of fun events that involve Man’s Best Friends featuring Search and Rescue Dog and Agility demonstrations as well as Aquatic Pool activities and of course lots of adorable adoptable dogs in search of good homes.

I have come to understand that someone who is a dog lover and writes about them almost daily shouldn’t sign a “no dog” lease…If you enjoy being around dogs, no lease, no fence, no barrier can keep a loving canine out of your homes and hearts and vacation rentals.

When this time in paradise comes to an end you can be sure we will be anxious to begin a new chapter in our lives titled Travels with Teddy: In Search of Dog Friendly Places!

Oh the places we will go…

“They Come and they Go,” Notes from a Foster Mom

Teddy uses a box of chocolates as a pillow!

This will be a quick post and the “last” in the series of fostering begun last month. I am happy to report that Teddy (also known as Ch. Theodore Ruxpin of Midstreams Manor, voted Best-in-Deed by his new family) is adapting to his new home with us. Many of you may know that Teddy came to me as my second foster and never left!

When you foster a dog or a pup (or cat), you become the CEO, administrator and head bottle washer of your own personal shelter. No cages, no stress, no loneliness. You are offering the most home-like sheltering situation possible for a displaced, scared animal.

Through your time with your foster pet, you can see them blossom. You help with their training, assess their temperament and give them emotional and physical care they cannot receive in a crowded shelter facility and their placements in their adoptive homes work because they are the result of good matches. By taking a dog or pup out of one of those facilities, you are freeing up a spot so that another pet can have a second chance at life.

I hope to return to Fostering this summer. I have met some great humans in this process, too, and love to see the “Going Home” photos they post each time a family happily welcomes a new family member. I thank Lynne Fowler and her hardworking group, Oodles of Doodles Rescue Collective, in New Jersey for working with me. If you have become curious about Fostering, please feel free to contact me for referral.

Ruff Ramblings:

The other day I saw a news story about something called, “Thank Dog Boot Camp,” http://www.thankdogbootcamp.com/ where humans and their dogs get a great work out together. I have seen similar programs, but I would love to see that offered here in Brick Township on one of our refurbished beaches or a place like Windward Park.

Recently I saw author Darlene Arden post about the work of scientists who are using dogs to detect cancer in humans. Years ago I interviewed a researcher at the Pine Street Foundation in San Francisco about their own work on this topic after watching a show about Portuguese water dogs that were being trained for cancer detection. Good stuff!

Congratulations to the state of New Hampshire on their progress made on behalf of man’s best friend! http://www.care2.com/causes/new-hampshire-is-a-zero-kill-state-will-your-state-be-next.html

All very exciting and further promoting the rich dog-human bond that benefits both in so many ways~

In closing, I share these words from Foster Extraordinaire, Jan Todd on her sensitive views on Fostering.

THEY COME AND THEY GO
Notes from a Dog Foster Mom

I am constantly being asked the question,” how do you foster dogs?” “I would have to keep them all.”

After fostering about 50 dogs in the past 4 years, I can truthfully answer, it’s not easy but it is so very heartwarming. I treat each foster as if they are my own. I love them but do not fall in love with them. Sometimes I’m a nurse for a doggie with a cold, sometimes I’m helping rehabilitate an abused dog, socialize traumatized pooch, or nurse an injured dog back to health. The length of fostering time varies per dog. I have had some for a week, others for months. Whatever the reason they are visiting with me, it’s to save a life. If foster parents didn’t step up many lives could be lost.

Have I ever been a “foster failure?” (A foster failure is what the world of fostering refers to when you adopt your foster.) I did adopt my once foster, Macie. She was paralyzed and all broken up, thought to never walk again. After months of surgeries, patience and most of all love, Macie now runs like the wind! Sometimes, there is one you just can’t let go.

When it is time for them to go, tears are always shed. These are tears that I do not regret shedding. Most all of time my fosters are on their way to their new adoptive homes so, a very large smile is always added to the tears. When my job is done, I’m ready for the next dog as there is always another one waiting for help.

They come and they go.

Thank you Jan.

A Happy Valentine’s Day from National Dog Week.

My little dog – a heartbeat at my feet. ~Edith Wharton

The season of love and dog shows intermingles once again this February and we are again reminded of how passionate the human dog bond can be. I have friends and colleagues who breed and show dogs, friends who foster and rescue them and others who advocate tirelessly for their welfare. I commend those who have their hearts in the right place and always strive to do the best for all dogs and proceed with the most humane motives.

As I edit a chapter about Will Judy’s take on the world of dog showing, he never waivered from his message that a spirit of kindness toward dog and fellow human were the goals of any event that showcased dogs. An astute breeder of dogs and dog show judge, Judy never forgot that all venues that celebrated the canine should bring out the best in all of our actions and words. He never took things too serioulsy and saw the value in all kinds of dogs whether purebred or mixed.

May all organizations that purport to be FOR dogs actually take responsibility for their words and actions and always do the right thing. Good luck and love to all this Valentine’s Day.

Here is the second part of my interview with Lynne Fowler who represents the Oodles of Doodles Rescue Collective. Each week it warms my heart to see her group find the most wonderful homes for so many dogs who got the second chance they so deserved.

How is a prospective match for each dog made? Is there a pool of applicants? How are they screened? Our VA Partner or the foster mom will help write the ads we place based on the personality of what they know about the dog. An ad is placed on Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet and we ask for applications. Every app that comes in is screened by me and if looks close to what we asked for in the ad, it is sent to the foster mom. She will call and interview over the phone and if she likes them for that dog, she will arrange a meeting. She will check references from the application and meet the family at their home. If there is a distance involved, we ask someone we know, maybe another foster in another area if they can do the home visit.

Why do you think so many people are reluctant to foster? I think most people are afraid they will get too attached and feel the need to keep the dog. And, it does happen sometimes. But in general, it is such a good feeling to foster a dog, know where he came from and then see him off to his own life. It is very rewarding, even addicting. I miss having a new little one, when it has been awhile between fosters.

When they do, what are they most surprised to learn from their experience? I think they are amazed at how good it does feel. Seeing pictures of their foster learning and loving their new family, is a wonderful thing.

Many shelters do not offer a dog or pup a comfortable or safe experience due to over crowding and lack of funds. How can a foster home improve a dog’s potential to be adopted? How do the animals benefit physically and emotionally? Many shelters do nothing for a dog in it’s care until an adoption or rescue is taking that dog. Matted, hurt doesn’t matter. I have read stories of dogs sitting in shelters with broken bones and nothing done until volunteers spread the word and a rescue steps up to take that poor dog. Dogs in shelters are afraid, it is loud and cold there. The look in their eyes says it all. Many times, a dog will growl or snap out of fear, and then is labeled an aggressive dog. He will not be seen by adopters in this case. Some shelters are “hell holes” and dogs don’t stand a chance of living through their ordeal there. Some shelters have wonderful volunteers who tirelessly work to network and call attention to the dogs in their shelter. Facebook has been a huge help in calling attention to bad, even corrupt, shelters; to dogs who need help, and to unite rescues.

Once a dog is pulled from a shelter, he is vetted, quarantined and then transported to the rescue. His true personality comes out in a loving foster home. I know in my home and with my pack, the foster dog starts to come out of his shell by day 2 or 3. You can almost see them blossom as they learn to trust. Their first meal of “real” chicken and rice is like a dream and by the third day, they are sitting with the pack waiting for dinner. I love seeing this. The fearful dog starts to relax, even play. It is one of the most rewarding parts of doing this.

With so many puppies needing homes, how can Spay and Neuter initiatives be improved in the regions in which these dogs originate? Many Southern towns do not have mandatory rabies or leash laws, as we have here in the Northeast. Dogs are born, live their entire lives running loose, around the town or property or wander the woods. There is no uniform laws anywhere in this country and under most law codes, dogs are considered “property.” Establishing property is hard when it is an animal who has only been coming and going by whim. Many end up in kill shelters as strays and no-one comes for them. It is a pretty sad story for a majority.

Pushing for mandatory spay/neuter is difficult as there is still a “good ole boy” attitude in many areas and neutering is believed to somehow affect “manhood,” I guess. The only initiatives I know of, usually generate from local rescues who harp awareness and in the case of feral cats, there are many groups who Trap, Neuter and Release.

Does a portion of an adoption fee go toward a S/N fund? Do you find the veterinarians of the region are willing to step up to the plate and help with S/N efforts? All our fees go toward vetting, transporting and caring for the dogs in our care. We do not have a separate S/N fund, it is all vetting and needed. Here is the Northeast, S/N is very expensive, compared to down South. The same dog I can have spayed in Virginia for $125, will cost $500 at my vet, which is why I have dogs vetted before they come. Our rescue vets around the state and nation, will give us a Rescue Discount, but it is usually about 15% and it’s still less to have the vetting done in the South. There are a few clinic type places, like Monmouth County SPCA and Friends of Animals, that do spay/neuter for a lot less, but generally our S/N is done before the dogs arrive.

How can more people be encouraged to give fostering a try? What would you say to a family who may want to get into fostering? It is very hard to find volunteers. We talk about it, advertise, show happy “Go Home Pictures” but most people have their preconceived notions that it will be hard to do or hard to give up the dog. But it is so needed.

What are some of the greatest expenses you face in caring for dogs that Oodles Rescues? Our main expense is vetting. Many Southern dogs have NEVER had any vetting. All need to be wormed. All need to be heartworm tested. All need rabies and vaccinations. 99% need to be S/N. In 2011, we had over $20,000 in vetting. I am still working on 2012 bills, but know we surpassed that.

Do you think school systems can help incorporate what you do in their Character Ed Programs. Have you seen this done? There are programs coming into schools to read with children and other things. But, I have seen where it is hard to get school boards to agree to the program for a variety of reasons like allergies. The dogs need to be certified as Therapy dogs and poodles are a great choice as it gets around the allergy problem. I would love to see more programs offered, especially in inner cities as the prevalence of a dog fight culture, exists.

Many libraries have a read to a dog program now, too.

If some can not foster, is there a way they can help? Most rescues are small and run by just a few individuals, so there aren’t many “jobs” to be done. Each foster mom runs their own fosters, process their apps and their Foster “Business.” Larger shelters are always looking for volunteers to help walk the dogs and such, but I know with the Monmouth County Shelter, there is a training class needed. The major need, as long as the condition of unwanted pets remains the way it is, is a loving foster home.

Fostering a Spirit of Cooperation and Saving the Lives of Dogs, Part I

This puppy, recently rescued, fostered and placed through Oodles of Doodles Rescue Collective appears to have some musical talents!

In this post we return to our series on the Fostering of dogs and puppies. As many of you know, I have fostered two dogs through this program since the beginning of the year. One sweet little terrier-mix went to a home on the other side of town and the other, well, let’s just say he didn’t go too far! More on that in my next post. The mantra of National Dog Week has always been, “Responsible Dog Ownership,” with a goal to give every dog the kind of loving home they truly deserve. I hope that some of you reading will give Fostering serious consideration. Please feel free to contact me with any questions: pst39crd@aol.com.

The following is Part One of my interview with Lynne Fowler of Oodles of Doodles Rescue Collective.

Please tell us a little about yourself. I am a teacher of social studies in an inner city alternative high school. I taught at the high school for 10 years and moved to the Alt School 3 years ago. I am a mom to 18 year old twin boys who are in college, are Eagle Scouts and New Firefighters. I am a wife of 20 years and doggie mom to 4 Doodles and several fosters and unadoptable Forever Fosters.

Why did you become involved in the fostering and rescue of dogs? After my beautiful black Standard poodle, Magic, was killed by tainted dog food in December of 2006, I wanted another pooch and thought it would take a long time to find one so I put out feelers for a white poodle and was contacted within a week to take a Labradoodle from a hoarding situation in Philadelphia. I had no idea what a Labradoodle was in 2006 but fell in love with the “breed” and soon had a second doodle from the same rescuer.

Hooked on how much time, patience and love it took to get my rescued doodles to love and trust, I started posting and blogging about rescuing dogs on a couple social forums. Tainted dog food, what’s really in dog foods, the plight of beautiful full breed dogs waiting for families in kill shelters and issues with bringing home a rescued dog were favorite topics. I began a feature on a couple Doodle Social Forums called “Rescued Doodles” where we discussed these and many other issues and then added a listing called “Doodles in Need,” where we listed doodles looking for homes in shelters around the United States and Canada. I had befriended a couple gals and we became friends and very involved with this listing service. It soon became apparent that the listings were too large to be within another website, so we decided to move it to its own site. The website, http://doodlerescuecollective.com was born on Jan 19, 2009. When I purchased the website and url’s, I had no idea what was involved to running a website but quickly learned what it took to make one successful. Today, the website has 5000 members and is placed very high in a google search for people looking to adopt or learn about doodles of all mixes.

As a rescue, we began to pull dogs from shelters and find homes for them in June of 2009 but after in less than a year, the partnership dissolved and I reorganized, with the help of some wonderful people, under the name Oodles Of Doodles Rescue Collective, in May of 2010. We incorporated in the state of NJ in Nov 2010 and achieved 501(c)(3) Non-Profit status after one year of incorporation. (My ex-rescue partner has made allegations against me but none are true. The proof to her deception can be found at:

http://www.doodlerescuecollective.com/group/thedoghouse/forum/topics/truth-has-no-agenda

As a rescue, to date, we have rescued or helped to rescue over 400 dogs. The majority were from Southern Kill Shelters that we tagged, pulled, vetted, transported, fostered and found wonderful homes.

What is the mission of Oodles of Doodles Rescue Collective? http://www.doodlerescuecollective.com/page/mission Oodles of Doodles, Inc Rescue Collective is a not-for-profit rescue devoted to rescue, foster and finding loving permanent homes for Oodle Dogs: Poodle-mixes, Doodles: Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Cockapoos, Schnoodles and Fuzzy Terriers from shelters, other rescues and rehome situations.

Who are your officers or major volunteers? How large is your group? Kelly Allen, Gail Reese, Dennis Fowler, Sharon Parlatti, Adrienne Shapiro, Lisa Elmo are the main decision makers and of course, myself. There are a few others I rely on as a sounding board, trustees, if you will.

From where do your dogs to be fostered originate (regional areas)? Most of our dogs come from Southern Kill Shelters, Owner Surrenders and Rehomes. We pull from as far South as South Carolina and as far West as Missouri.

What are the circumstances surrounding most of these unhomed pups and dogs? Many are strays, some surrendered, some rehomes

How do they get from one region to here? We are approved to transport from several volunteer transport groups and will use a paid transport when needed. We also have a retired gentleman who drives between our VA partners and us.

How long does a foster dog typically stay with its foster family? The average stay is a few weeks to a few months. I have a few unadoptables at my home as they are fearful, abused and biters. I work with them, love them and if they need to stay forever, they will.

What are typical costs to the foster family? What happens if a dog needs medical attention during the Foster period? There shouldn’t be any costs to the foster except for maybe food. The rescue covers all vetting, grooming and costs. I will even send food via PetFlow if needed. Fosters submit receipts or oftentimes they will call me from the vet or groomer and I pay over the phone with the rescue credit card.

What is the typical adoption fee? How is this established? Why is there a fee? Our adoption fees are based on the age, breed and vetting needed. Puppies generally are $250 up to $425 is the highest we ever charge. Sometimes we have helped to rehome a dog and have asked for a bit higher as one had extensive therapy dog training and another had extensive behavior training. The extra went to cover the charges to the trainer. But generally, $250 to 425 is what we ask.

There is an adoption fee to help offset costs and enable us to save the next one. However, there are many times when the adoption donation can never cover costs. I had a HW+ Pomeranian who came from SC awhile ago and not only did I not know she was HW+ when I tagged her, but her papers said she was already spayed and she was not. Her heartworm treatment and spay cost the rescue over $1500. Another was a dog with a broken leg that had healed incorrectly. The surgery to fix her leg was $3200.

All our dogs, except for young puppies, are fully vetted before going home. They are spayed or neutered, given all their shots, a Health Certificate is required for transport and grooming. Puppies are wormed and go through their 3 rounds of puppy shots. Puppies who cannot be spayed or neutered will be adopted on a S/N Contract and a deposit that is returned when the family sends us the certificate showing the pup was fixed. We follow up to ensure this is done as we do not want to have more unwanted dogs in the world.

Thank you Lynne. We will pick up on this last item in Part Two of our interview…

When Pooches Get Political…it’s a Doggone Shame!

Chuck Sambuchino, Author of Red Dog-Blue Dog

Finally a book for dog owners coping with politically inclined pooches!

I want to thank those who helped out on the occasion of my 2nd Annual On-Line Birthday Wish Fund for Laura Pople of Seer Farms held last Sunday. I recently learned that Laura has been appointed to serve on a new long term Hurricane Sandy Recovery Committee. I think this was a great choice as Laura knows how to get things done for both humans and their Companion Animals. If you wish to contribute to Seer Farms, here is their link. http://www.seerfarms.org/donate.php

Also, I extend a huge thanks to Lynne Fowler and her terrific group Oodles of Doodles Rescue Collective. They have placed several dogs already in the new year, including mine, an adorable little Shih Poo named Teddy that I was supposed to foster but instead he captured our hearts and now calls this place his home. My interview with Oodles and my own “Foster Failure” experience will be presented shortly. Although I have failed, I do hope to return to fostering in the spring!

In honor of the Inauguration of our President, I present a post that was supposed to run in late October through election day. Due to certain catastrophic weather events, it remained stored on my computer. Today, I thought it would be fun to present Chuck Sambuchino and his book on canine politics. The following is a brief, but fun interview with the author:

Please tell us a little about your background in the writing industry. I work for Writer’s Digest Books in Cincinnati. I edit the GUIDE TO LITERARY AGENTS http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog as well as the CHILDREN’S WRITER’S & ILLUSTRATOR’S MARKET. I love working for WD and helping people get published. I love writing about the craft and business of writing. And I like writing my own humor books, too. I eat, sleep and breathe this stuff, and have for years. If people want to know more about, simple things to do is to find me on Twitter (@chucksambuchino), befriend me on Facebook, or check out my website http://www.chucksambuchino.com

Why do you enjoy writing in the Humor genre? Do you find it a challenge keeping up with writing about the Agenting Industry? I’ve always been a sarcastic guy — I wasn’t class clown, but I was runner up. (But I’m not bitter! No way!) Writing humor books gives me an outlet to make people laugh besides my wife. Writing humor is also nice because humor books are often bought as gifts. It’s interesting to see how your writing is given as a gift all over the country. Everyone loves to laugh.

Writing about the agenting business is tough because it’s always in flux. Agents retire; new ones pop up. Nowadays, with the rise of e-publishing and the slow evolution of the role of agents, I need to know what’s going on more than ever.

What inspired Red Dog, Blue Dog? My wonderful and flabby dog, Graham. Since I got him five years ago, I’ve become known as “that dog guy” by people at work because I talk about him too much. I also talk about politics too much. Mixing the two was my wife’s idea. That’s how RED DOG / BLUE DOG http://www.reddog-bluedog.com was born.

Tell us about your own experience as a dog “owner.” Graham is the best. He does absolutely nothing but beg for treats and we love him anyway. I can’t believe that I fought my wife on getting a dog for years. His addition to the home has been so wonderful for us in the past five years. He has also put quite a dent in our savings due to his penchant of nonstop eating…

Many former US Presidents knew that dogs were a powerful resource when attracting good press and Good Will. Do you think President Obama is using his full “Bo-tential?” No. Lots of people are dog owners, and Bo is ripe for being used as a zinger or punchline in a debate.

Do you think a dog can ever be President and if so, what qualities would make them a good leader of our nation? You would need a dog who understands the canine middle class. This dog would have to find a way to get more parks for running and bathroom time. This dog would have to promise to lower taxes on milkbones. This dog would have to explain that we should be rewarding Americans who give more belly rubs, not outsourcing those belly rubs to China. I could go on and on about this…

Thank you Chuck. I apologize for the delay in posting this, but I’ve learned to “roll-over” with the punches and go with the storm surge! Best of luck to you with all your writing ventures and thank you for the help you provide for so many authors.