Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week

I know I tend to go on and on and on about adopting dogs, especially on Facebook, but I can't help it.  About ten years ago, I was a volunteer for a dog rescue and I had to go to local animal shelters to check on Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus, Pomeranians and other small breeds, that were being considered for the rescue.  (Now that I think about it, unless they were adopted or pulled by another rescue group, we pretty much took all of the ones I went to see.)  I was new to visiting shelters -- my dogs had all been pet store puppies from friends so I had never been to animal control -- and seeing so many dogs waiting for homes was so sad.  There were just too many and not enough people to adopt them or enough rescue groups to save them.   And, knowing many of them would end up being put down broke my heart.

As you can imagine, some dogs are more "adoptable" than others.  Older animals and those that are blind or deaf have a tougher time finding a home.  I was told many times by rescuers that the least adopted dogs were the big black ones.  This week, September 17 through September 25, has been designated Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet-Week by Petfinder to promote animals that are harder to place.  Petfinder is a wonderful website you can use to search for a dog, or cat, or hamster, guinea pig, turtle, bunny, etc. that's up for adoption in your area.)

 

You can be a part of ALAPW by posting animals that are in need of homes on your blog, Facebook or Twitter.  Read more about that here. 

And, if you live in Ohio and are looking to adopt a small dog, please check out a couple of seniors that need homes:

Ripley

and Ollie 

If only I could take them both!

Edited to add Blog Hop code.

Got Any Spare Change

I know. I know. Two posts in a row about dogs in need. I promise not to make it a regular habit.

If you look at my sidebar, you can see I'm all for adopting from animal shelters and dog rescues. I try not to ask for donations for specific groups or animals too often -- the Blogathon being the exception. I blogged for 24 hours last July in an effort to raise money for a Shih Tzu rescue group. And, I had planned on doing that this summer too but it looks like the Blogathon organizers are taking a year off so there won't be an official one this year. That's too bad because I'm sure some of you would have wanted to join in. It's a fun way to raise money for a favorite charity. Maybe we can all do it in 2009.

Anyway, I received an email from Tammy at Southern Shih Tzu Rescue the other day with the most pitiful pictures of a little dog who had been found by the side of the road covered in motor oil. Since small dogs aren't known for getting under cars to change the Valvoline and somehow getting themselves covered in it, you know this was done to him on purpose. How sad is that? He also has eye issues, is infested with fleas and ticks, has sarcoptic mange and is heartworm positive. If you can spare any amount, even five bucks, to help get this poor little guy well again, please click here for information on how and where to send a donation.

Thank you so much!!!

Attention Dog-loving Southern California Residents

UPDATE: I heard that a foster home has been found for these doggies. :)


Lhasa Happy Homes is desperately in need of a foster home for a Lhasa Apso mom and her newborn puppies. They're currently at the Bakersfield shelter but LHH will be getting them on Wednesday. Please contact Randee at lhasahappyhomes@aol.com if you can help. And, please pass this on to anyone in the Southern California area who might be able to foster these dogs. Thank you!

Oprah And Sophie

I finally watched Oprah's puppy mill show that I recorded last Friday. I admit I rolled my eyes when I first heard she was doing a show on the subject but they truly did an excellent job. Oprah, Lisa Ling, Bill Smith (my new hero), Wayne Pacelle, and the other guests covered everything that people should be aware of: where pet store puppies come from and the alternatives to buying one from a shop, the awful conditions at the mills, euthanasia at animal shelters, and the importance of spaying & neutering. Color me very impressed, Oprah.

The show got me to search for a picture of my dog, Sophie, from when she was at the animal shelter. I tried writing a post about her but I couldn't get it how I wanted it. So I'll just share two photos of her. The before and after shots.

Sophie's picture on the animal shelter's website, August 2001



Sophie at my house, September 2001

Today's Oprah Show

I was going to let it go without mentioning it here but I have to say something about Oprah doing a show on puppy mills today.

For years, people have been contacting Oprah the dog lover and asking her to do a story on puppy mills, so itt's terrific that she is finally doing it. But -- and there is always a but -- the first thing I read about this show was that Lisa Ling had some undercover footage of a puppy mill, and that if you couldn't watch the episode, you should tape it because you HAD to see it.


Personally, I would be just fine without ever seeing another video of a puppy mill. But I know that some people don't know what a puppy mill is and watching the Oprah show will make them aware of their existence.

From the ASPCA's web site:

For one, that cute little puppy [at the pet store] most likely came from a large-scale, substandard commercial breeding operation, commonly known as a puppy mill. Puppy mills usually house dogs in overcrowded and often unsanitary conditions, without adequate veterinary care, food, water and socialization. The breeding stocks at puppy mills (possibly your new puppy’s mom and dad) are bred as often as possible in order to increase profits. Unlike your lucky puppy, the mom and dad will probably never make it out of the mill.

I don't doubt this show will do some good. It may make someone think twice about getting a puppy from a pet shop. It might also inspire some people to adopt from their local shelter or rescue group instead of going to the pet store. (And, just for the record, purchasing puppies through classified ads, over the internet, or from some guy at the swap meet are not good ideas. Let's hope Lisa and Oprah touch on all of that as well.)


The second thing I read about the show was an article which contained this quote from Oprah: "I would never, ever adopt another pet now without going to a shelter to do it. I am a changed woman after seeing this show."


There might be more to what she said than that but she makes it sound like going to a shelter is the ONLY way to get a dog. Perhaps Lisa didn't fill Oprah in on what makes a responsible breeder. Puppy millers are not responsible breeders. The guy at the swap meet selling puppies is not responsible breeder. Your Uncle Phil who bred Fido and Fluffy because they are just so dang cute is not a responsible breeder. But there is such a thing as a good breeder and it's perfectly fine to seek them out and purchase one of their puppies or other dogs.

Also from the ASPCA (because they say it so much better than me):

If you’re looking to make a puppy part of your family, check your local shelters first. There are so many amazing dogs who need homes. If your heart is set on a specific breed, keep in mind that one in four shelter dogs is a purebred. Additionally, you can do an Internet search for breed-specific rescue organizations. If those attempts still don’t give you the purebred puppy you’re looking for, you’ll need to learn how to choose a responsible breeder.

Once upon a time, I volunteered for a dog rescue. After the whole thing with Ellen and that dog she adopted and then gave to her hairdresser -- what was his name? Sparky? Skippy? Buehller? -- I read a lot of comments on websites about rescue organizations and many of them were incorrect. I wouldn't want Oprah saying the only way she'll get another dog is to adopt one from a shelter and influence a bunch of her viewers to write off all breeders. Yes, go to an animal shelter, by all means, but don't forget there are responsible breeders out there too.

Ok, I'm jumping off my soap box now.

Why I'm Always Up Until 3 AM

I know a lot of people read Primrose Design but in case you missed it, Janet has posted a cross stitch chart of some pretty strawberries that she created from a design on some tea towels. The link to the pdf is in this post. And, check out the neat stitching on the raspberries on another towel.

Apron porn alert! As of two minutes ago, Confessions of an Apron Queen is my new favorite blog. As soon as I read the first line "If you love vintage aprons..." I was hooked. It's loaded with fantastic apron photos (and all kinds of other great stuff). There are a zillion things there that I will have to go back and read when I have more time tonight. And, the Girl Scout Cookie poll reminds me I can have Thin Mints for lunch today. (This was written earlier today and yes, I did eat a couple of Thin Mints at lunch, not for lunch.)

The Apronista is having yet another apron giveaway. This one is from marie-madeline studio, makers of some really pretty aprons. Go leave some comments on the post to enter.

And, speaking of aprons, today, my mom gave me two that she has had since she was a kid. She's pretty sure my grandmother made one of them, which gives it even more sentimental value. (It hit me again today that I'm really fortunate to have sister who has no interest in old aprons or old jewelry or old hankies because that means I can claim all that good stuff without having to fight with a relative for them.) I'm going to iron the aprons and then I'll take some pictures.

Check out RedWork Stitcher's photos of embroidery and redwork patterns on Webshots [link via Mrs. Stitchy Britches].

On Echevette, there are several free Easter cross stitch charts: Joyeuses Paques (bunny with basket), Petit lapin de Paques (rabbit on an egg), and Easter sampler (rabbit, eggs, flowers in pink & green).

I just read on my calendar that March is Adopt A Rescued Guinea Pig month. If you're considering doing that, check out Petfinder. (The widget below shows all the small & furry animals, not just guinea pigs, listed on Petfinder at the time. You can go the site and do a search for adoptable animals in your area.)

Polly Wants a Home

Sometimes, I get the most depressing emails. Today, one was about a bunch of dogs that were at an animal shelter in Georgia and that needed to get out. Whoever wrote the email mentioned how the shelter was gearing up for the holiday dump -- the period after Christmas through February when new pet owners decide they really don't want that cute little puppy or kitten that was left under their Xmas tree and they take it to the shelter. I wish we had a law that would require pet stores and anyone who breeds a dog to tell new owners just how many animals are put down every year because there aren't anough homes. I would like to believe that people are just ignorant and would think twice about bringing home a dog or cat in the first place if they knew that when they changed their mind later on and took it to a shelter, it could mean that animal would be euthanized. I got another email about a different shelter in Georgia that also has a bunch of dogs in need of homes. What made it worse was most of them only had until January 2 which is today. Since it's after closing time at the shelter now, I wonder how many of them in the pictures I just looked at were adopted or rescued, and which ones did not make it out of there.

I did get one email that was much happier. Well, it was sad in that a woman had been in an abusive relationship but she was leaving the guy and moving to Texas. She didn't have much money and was traveling by bus so a Dachshund rescue group was looking for help with getting her two small dogs down there as well. It was nice to know she would soon be safe in a new home and have her little doggies with her too.

A great place to start looking for a dog or cat or guinea pig or bunny or horse, etc., to adopt is Petfinder. They currently have 251,491 pets on there who need homes. By the way, it's Adopt-a-Rescued-Bird Month. Here's an adoptable bird for you. (To see more birds or other animals, go to Petfinder and use their search function on the left-hand side).

Apron Giveaway and Some Rescued Dogs

Apronista is having TWO giveaways this week! The first is a mother/daughter apron set from Modern June and the other is from Pat Sloan of Quilters Home. To enter both giveaways, leave some comments on the posts at Apronista, and also link to the giveaway on your own blog, if you have one, (and, don't we all these days?) to be entered a second time.

Speaking of aprons, here's a picture (finally!) of the one that Suzan from Bombshell's Panorama made for me. I still can't believe she did that! I love the fabric and the vintage hankie in the pocket was so sweet. Thanks again, Suzan!

Apron from Suzan
Originally uploaded by PipStitch

I just stumbled on this while watching another video on YouTube. It's from one of my favorite Shih Tzu rescue groups, Lone Star down in Texas, and directed to those of you who still buy puppies in pet shops and through the internet. I hope it makes a difference for at least one person.

The New Me

Just a few random thoughts...

I'm done with trying to keep this blog craft related only. There some days when I'd much rather link to someone looking like a "pregnant eggplant" than another cross stitch chart.

Then again, here's a free Christmas biscornu chart for you with trees and holly and a cute Santa button. And, more freebies from the same blogger.

Remember: November is Adopt A Senior Dog month. Check Petfinder for older dogs in your area who are available for adoption. You know, giving a dog a home would be a nice "fuck you" to Ellen. And, make sure you email her and tell her all about the dog you just adopted and how you will be returning it to the shelter or rescue if it doesn't work out because that is what you do and everybody knows that. And, if you didn't know that, you need to do a little research on how dog rescues operate. And for Christ's sake, people, stop buying puppies at pet stores. This is 2007. There is no excuse for that anymore. The same goes for breeding your pets.

Help the ASPCA crack down on puppy mills by taking their survey on where you got your dog.

Oh my God, I totally thought he was gay. In fact, if you Google "gay peter pan," his site is the #1 result. But, look, he got engaged. I think it's sweet that Peter Pan found his Tinkerbell and I wish them lots of happy days.

And, just in time for the holiday season: how to draw Olive, The Other Reindeer.

It's Adopt A Senior Dog Month

Did you know November is adopt a senior dog month? Check Petfinder to find an older dog in your area who needs a home.

Foster Homes in Texas Needed

I need to interrupt the cross stitch party and beg for foster homes again.

The Humane Society of North Texas just removed over 90 Shih Tzus from a woman who could no longer care for all of them. (An article about it is here.) If the HSNT gets custody of the dogs, they will put the healthy ones up for adoption. One of my favorite Shih Tzu rescues, Lone Star, will most likely be fostering some of the ones who aren't quite ready to be adopted. It may take 6-9 months to get them ready to go to homes.

IF YOU LIVE IN TEXAS AND EVER WANTED TO FOSTER A SMALL DOG, NOW IS THE TIME TO STEP UP AND DO IT.

Find out how on Lone Star's blog.

Reading about this makes me so pissed off. The woman who had the Shih Tzus apparently has a husband with Alzheimer's and it was her kids who notified authorities about the dogs. I have no idea what was going on with this family. Maybe the kids didn't visit that often or have much contact with their parents. I sincerely hope that was the case. Because I would like to believe that, if the kids were stopping by regularly, at some point, like when Mom & Dad were up to five or seven or eleven or thirty dogs, one of the kids would have told their parents it was time to spay & neuter every single one of the fluffballs. Honestly, I do not know how rescue and shelter volunteers deal with this day and in day out. It's neverending, it's heartbreaking and it's just really sad. If it were me, I'd be shooting people left and right.

Lone Star is also looking for a foster home for this "pitiful anemic Shih Tzu girl." How sad is that story? A huge Thank You goes to the nice lady who got her out of the shelter. Now the poor thing just needs a place to go. Anyone out there wanna help her?

UPDATE: Speaking of dog rescue, one blog I really enjoy is Penny Sanford Porcelains. I don't remember how I got there but I'm sure it had to do with a link to her tutorial for heart shaped yo-yos. (And, if you're keeping score at home, I still have yet to make a single yo-yo. I am such the crafter.) Anyway, Penny and her husband just fostered eight (that's EIGHT) rescued Westies!! Read all about it. This totally cheered me up after reading about the Shih Tzus in Texas. Thank you, Penny and Gordon, for all you do for rescue!

UPDATE #2: Lone Star ended up with eight of these Shih Tzus. Go here for more information.

Tulip and Tiki's Mom

This is Tulip and Tiki, two little Shih Tzus who belong to Marg who is one of my sponsors today.

You can read about Marg's dogs on the Peke A Tzu website. Scroll down a little past halfway and start with Ling-Ling, then Mei-Li (the one in the sink), Tiki and Tulip.

Marg is one of those people I really admire. She actually seeks out senior dogs to adopt. I wish there were more people like her out there.

Thank you for sponsoring me today, Marg, and for giving all your babies a great home!!

Shih Tzu Rescues Across the Country

I'm sitting here watching the clock and thinking that when it hits 6:00, I'll be half way through.

I always choose a Shih Tzu rescue organization for the Blogathon. Once upon a time, I volunteered for a local small breed rescue group so I know firsthand all about charging a $200 adoption fee for a dog whose medical bills cost $700. I don't know where people come up with the idea that rescues make money. They don't. Usually, way more money is going out than is coming in.

Lone Star is based in Texas. If you're looking to adopt a Shih Tzu in another state, here are a few other rescues that may be closer to where you're located.

Southern California: Lhasa Happy Homes

Washington state: Furbaby Rescue

Kentucky: Bluegrass Shih Tzu Rescue

Michigan: Peke A Tzu

Kansas & Missouri: Furever Shih Tzu Rescue & Companion Dog Rescue

Upper Midwest: New Beginnings Shih Tzu Rescue

Texas: Wee Rescue

Dallas-Fort Worth: STARS of Texas and DFW Tzus and More

South: Southern Shih Tzu Rescue

Chicago area: Shih Tzu Rescue, Adoption and Education Safehouse (S.T.R.A.E.S)

I hope this helps you find your Shih Tzu!

Homes Needed for Three Lhasa Apsos

This is Myrtle, an older Lhasa Apso, who would like to find a home for herself and her two Lhasa friends.

I know I've mentioned this before but these dogs really need to go to foster homes or be adopted ASAP. Lone Star Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso Rescue down in Texas has two senior Lhasas, Myrtle and Claude, who they'd like to keep together, and a younger Lhasa boy, Hiram, who all desperately need foster/forever homes. Myrtle is deaf and blind, and Claude doesn't see much (but he can hear), so it will take someone really special to adopt these two. These dogs were pulled from a Galveston shelter and are safe now but they really need a place to go. You can see pictures and get more information on Lone Star's blog.

P.S. You know, if you're a pissed off Sopranos fan, adopting a fluffy little dog or two would make you feel much better. Really. It would.

P.P.S. You can still apply to foster or adopt if you don't live in Texas.

UPDATE: Unfortunately, Myrtle passed away on July 18th. :(

Foster Homes Needed in Texas

Every animal rescue group out there is always in desperate need of foster homes, and if you've ever considered being a foster, please stop thinking about it and just go do it. And, if you're a small dog person in the Dallas area and you'd like to be a help, please contact Lone Star Shih Tzu and Lhasa Rescue and fill out an application. They've just been asked to take five dogs from a "breeder" and will need foster homes for these dogs and funds for medical care. They're also looking for forever foster homes to place three senior Lhasa Apsos.

I do get good news from Lone Star too and the latest was about all of their recent adoptions, including Bok Choy who I thought was the cutest thing. I'm so glad a couple from Lousiana decided to give her a home.

Another rescue group I know of, New Beginnings Shih Tzu Rescue, is holding a quilt raffle to raise funds for their rescue efforts. Hmmm. I wonder if anybody reading this would like to donate a quilt for a fundraiser for a Shih Tzu rescue organization.

Lhasa Apso Rescue in Colorado

Lhasa Apso Rescue in Colorado has a new website up. It looks like they only have one dog available for adoption right now, Sterling, but keep checking the site if you're in Colorado and would like to give a home to a Lhasa. And, if you live elsewhere and want to adopt a Lhasa, check the American Lhasa Apso Club's rescue website.

The photo is of a Shih Tzu named Little Odean who found a wonderful home through New Beginnings Shih Tzu Rescue.

Edited to Add: As you can see from Vickie's comments, Lhasa Apso Rescue will also take in Shih Tzus and mixes of both Lhasas and Tzus.

Consider This a PSA

After seeing those lovely needlecases that were stitched as part of an exchange, I tried to find out more about the exchange itself. I've never been part of a swap but it sounds like it would be fun, plus you end up with something nice made just for you. Well, long story short, I found out that a blogger who didn't like the comments I left on her blog last year was running a group for exchanges. Yay. Guess I won't be allowed to join that one.

I have no idea if anyone who doesn't already know me will read this blog, but just in case we've never met, let me tell you a little about how I feel about getting a dog. You can Google puppy mills or backyard breeders for more detailed information, and if you have no idea what those are and you're a dog person, do that right now please, but in my opinion, no one should ever buy a puppy from a pet store. Not only are you taking a risk that you'll end up with a sick animal, but why support people who only breed dogs to make a buck.

This blogger had posted how she was given 24 hours to see if any health problems turned up on two puppies she had just gotten from a pet store. I know there are still many people out there who have no idea that buying a puppy from a pet shop is not a good idea -- hell, I used to be one of them -- so, in an effort to educate her and her readers, I left some comments on her blog about how 24 hrs was not a long enough period for any health issues to arise (some genetic conditions do not show up for years) and how she should see if there was a Puppy Lemon Law in her state (that way she could get her money back if her puppies did end up getting sick).

I thought I sounded nice enough but maybe I came across as rude and/or angry, (which is how I get sometimes when it comes to hearing about someone who has bought a puppy from a pet store or through the internet), because she deleted my comments. That's totally her right and I don't have a problem with it. She then posted on her blog about it, but didn't go into specifics, and basically said I was entitled to my opinion but I should get off my soap box and get my own blog. (Had I been drinking iced tea at the time, I would have spewed all over my monitor. This is what? The fifth blog I've started here?)

I can't help but wonder if she reacted the way she did because she knows she screwed up by going to a pet shop. Perhaps not, but if she didn't know it then, she does now, so maybe the next time she decides to get a puppy, she will do some research and find a good breeder, or go through a rescue group. Yes, Virginia, there are breed specific rescues out there, just as there are purebred dogs available for adoption at your local shelter. I have no doubt that her puppies found a great home but there really is no excuse for shopping in a pet store that sells puppies and kittens. Ugh ugh and more ugh.

Ok, I will now step off my soapbox before I start ranting and raving about idiots who buy so-called designer dogs.