With hopes of benefitting the ASPCA, this lens is dedicated to the ones I love--anything covered in fur, feathers, or in some cases--scales.
As life becomes more and more complicated (in an age when things are supposed to be easier) pets can bring the simplicity we yearn for. Loving them and having that love reciprocated is often like recess in our overloaded lives. Walking through the front door allows us a glimpse of celebrity, royalty, and downright adoration. How can you not feel important when the simple act of arriving home brings such cause for celebration? For as much as we "train" them to live in our world-- they have much to teach us.
Fur-covered Angels
Why to Adopt a Pet and Love Beyond Measure
Want your own fur-covered angel? There are millions of animals in shelter/rescue organizations that desperately need loving homes. Each year, a staggering number of healthy animals are euthanized simply for lack of enough homes for them. Want a purebred animal? It has been estimated that over 30% of shelter animals are purebred. No excuses left! Besides, animals who are adopted, come with a built-in sense of gratefulness--just ask any person who has adopted. If you too would like to become a god/goddess, simply adopt.You may be one who already knows that hidden beneath the fur, there are little angel wings. For those who haven't discovered the joy of being loved by one, just know there's much to be learned when sharing life with them. If every creature provides purpose in the grand scheme of things, I've come to realize that they are the teachers of how to love. Their lessons are simple and silent. They offer us grounding when life is often zany. They simply have got that loving thing right. If you ever have known the company of a furry body snuggling up to you, then you know it is cheaper than therapy and safer than sedatives, but has the same effect.
We truly are accepted for who we are and loved unconditionally as long as we are deemed worthy. With a keen primal sense to measure this worthiness, we are analyzed accordingly. The expression which refers to our animals knowing who we really are, is true indeed. Given in return, is love in its purest form.
If you wish to measure love so pure--consider the grief experienced when losing a pet. It has been said that the reason for this is the simple fact that we experience a grief that is raw because our love is pure between us. We have no complicated issues to remember--they do not ever hurt our feelings as can happen in human relationships.
They also offer a sense of simplicity in our ever more complex world. Who else do you know that:
~gets excited over water? No need for 1001 choices when considering a drink--no diet cola, regular, caffeine, no caffeine, cherry, cherry lime, diet cherry.... Water, when poured into the bowl brings excitement and a big kiss usually.
~when taking out the leash and going for a walk in the SAME place, SAME streets every day is the equivalent of winning the lottery to them.
~gets excited with the same food day in and day out-- except certain cats who shall go nameless....
Angels- 7 (4 canine 3 feline)
Where to Find the Perfect Angel
Shelter/Rescue Search and Information Why Adopting is Right
I believe that respect for another life begins in the form of how we treat creatures--then we can graduate to the big stuff: human beings. Respect for those lives begins when we make the decision to adopt. Why? Between 6-8 million animals enter shelters each year with 3-4 million adopted. You do the math. Staggering isn't it? That in of itself should make the decision simple. Now that you are sold on where to go, now comes the fun part: there are literally thousands of animal rescue organizations and shelters that offer wonderful animals for adoption. Bonus: animals adopted from shelters and rescue organizations are already vetted, spayed/neutered, and assessed for behavioral issues all inclusive in the adoption fee.Whether you want a purebred animal or love the mutts, there is never a shortage for either! The possibilities of mixes are endless and a wonderful way to enjoy the traits of your favorite breeds. Consider Ashley (photo below) who is quite an eclectic mix. People stop us on the street when walking just to ponder what breeds she is mixed with. Her first trip to our vet had the clinic's employees coming out to the waiting room trying guess just what she was. They are not as likely to have certain health issues as seen in purebred dogs who can be genetically disposed to physical ailments associated with inbreeding. But as stated earlier, up to 30% of animals in shelters are purebred and there are breed-specific rescues all over the country who specialize in every conceivable breed. These guys know their stuff and are quite versed in the traits and behaviors of their particular breed. Some national groups will even transport an animal state-to-state for the right situation namely: a wonderful, loving home. If you are considering adopting a pet, the links below will provide you with a great start in finding the perfect fur-covered angel. Oh, and just for the record-- oftentimes we don't find them--they find us.
Links for Adoption and Animal Related Stuff
- ASPCA
- The ASPCA is the true voice for animals. Be sure to read about the ASPCA® Mission OrangeTM, "a focused effort to create a country of humane communities, one community at a time, where animals receive the compassion and respect they deserve-a nation where there is no more unnecessary euthanasia of adoptable animals simply because of a lack of resources and awareness."
- ASPCA Adoption Links
- Find your perfect furry angel through the ASPCA's website! Locate shelters, read about adoption hints such as "which pet is right for you? and finding the right family pet.
- Petfinder
- Great website with links to thousands of animals in rescues and shelters. You can even search by specific breed preferences, age, gender, and size. There's local classified ads as well for lost/found pets.
- Petharbor
- Wonderful website for searching for adoptable animals as well as animals lost or found. Contains photos of animals in local shelters and pounds with full descriptions. A wonderful source for those who have lost pets as well.
- ASPCA Training and Behavior
- Got a behavioral issue that needs addressing? Your pet's, not yours of course. Find answers to those chewing problems, barking, furniture scratching and the natural behaviors our pets can do that at times become problematic. Do you think there's a link for keeping the paws of a part-Bengal cat out of the Siamese Fighting fish's bowl?
- Save-a-Pet
- Another great site sponsored by North Shore Animal League dedicated to finding homes for adoptable pets. Links for rescues, shelters, and training. Also, donation and volunteer opportunities for local rescues and shelters.
- World Animal Net
- The world's largest database of animal protection societies, with over 16,000 listings and more than 10,000 links to Web Sites.
- About Purebreed Rescues
- Petfinder has compiled information on purebreed pet rescues and how they work. Many of their animals come from shelters all across the nation. If not for these organizations, who are generally contracted with animal shelters, many of these guys would be PTS if not adopted. In rescue terms, they are "pulled" from the local shelters by the groups and usually placed in a foster home. To find a specific rescue in your area, on the main Petfinder page, click on "Shelter and Rescue Groups" on the top of the page. Don't forget to enter your zip code to find those closest to your area.
- Siamese Rescue: A Real Favorite
- Truly one of my favorites. They are an awesome group and happen to rescue my favorite breed of kitties. Personally, we love the misfit guys and it all started with one who had a tail which was imperfect. Simon, a mix of Siamese and possibly Burmese mix is the love of my life (please don't tell my husband.) With his crossed eyes and hanging belly, he is just a bundle of pure love. It was a match made in heaven upon finding him with a local rescue. If you want a kitty who simply adores you, this breed is a good choice.
- Nationwide Rescue Groups
- Alphabetical listing of national rescue groups for every breed under the sun it seems. These are often a great starting point for searching and a great source of finding information on specific breeds. Tip: When contacting rescue organizations, it is best to email when contacting volunteers. They are often busy beyond belief and email is a quick and efficient way to get the information you need.
- ASPCA's Hopeful Tail's Contest
- Every pet has a story and The ASPCA is inviting you to tell yours. Along with Howell Book House and Borders, Inc. the soon-to-be-published book "Hopeful Tails" will raise money for The ASPCA. Read all about it here.
Smile
If pet hair every has a useful purpose, then I shall be a rich person. Despite the moments when I think we should invest in Scott paper towel stock, our pets enrich our home with much laughter-- not to mention the fact this subculture of furry inhabitants are better than television at times. Speaking of television,,,...whenever I take the luxury of watching a rented movie, Reilly immediately finds the ONLY dog toy still possessing a squeaker, plants himself right near the television and squeaks non-stop. Go figure..... Here's some photos which are representative of their personalities.
curated content from Flickr
Interesting Stuff
- ASPCA's Pet Care Page
- Wonderful resources for the care of dogs, cats, small pets, and horses too. Includes important link for the Poison Control Center--a phone number that should always be readily available.
- Find a Dog Park in Your Area
- Looking for a dog park in your area? Animal Planet has a searchable database just for fun. What will they think of next?
- Pet-friendly Mountain Retreat
- Thinking of a nice relaxing retreat? This place looks too fun. I wonder if they offer discounts for 7 animals?
- Cornell News and Cats
- If your cat has a way of getting just what it wants, you are not alone. We have three completely manipulating us.....An interesting Cornell University evolutionary psychology study reveals just why they get their way.
- Cat Health
- Informative cat health links covering everything from feline acne to urinary health.
- Cornell Feline Telephone Consultation and Diagnostic Service
- Did you know that you can call Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in Ithaca for a phone consultation? New York Feline Health Center established this service in memory of Dr. Louis J. Camuti, the first veterinarian in the United States to devote his entire practice to cats, making house calls on cats and their owners for over sixty years.
- New York Online Health Links
- This is a good one! Video instruction from Cornell on how to give your cat medications (and keep all your fingers), trim claws, and (oh no) take a temperature. Informative info. on feeding, aging and even why they purr.
- Cat Information
- More good stuff covered including soiling, litterbox issues (never had one until now...why would a cat prefer going under the artificial Christmas tree?) and introducing news pets.
- The Runaway German Shepherd Who Becomes a Hero
- A south Georgia woman bloodied in a car wreck says she owes her life to a German shepherd who - thankfully - just wouldn't stay in his yard.
- More on Hero
- Officials of the Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society, which runs the local animal shelter -- now Hero's temporary home -- were so impressed with the victim's account they have arranged to have Hero evaluated for search and rescue work.
- Duckling With Four Legs
- Webbed feet run in Stumpy's family, but he's the first to have four of them.
- The Internet Animal Hospital
- Over 220 pages of dog and cat health care information! View interesting images of actual dog and cat surgery cases, dog and cat diseases, vaccination issues and hundreds of pet photos on the album pages.
- The American Veterinary Medical Association
- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), established in 1863, is a not-for-profit association representing more than 75,000 veterinarians. This site is extremely informative for an array of feline and canine issues.
- The Monks of New Skete
- If you haven't read about the monks of New Skete and their dogs--it's really neat. Great dog training info.
- Shelter Dogs Video
- A sweet video about shelter dogs.
Ashley--The Takeover
I know all the good stuff
For those of you who don't know much about me, let me introduce myself. I am Ashley, the mystery breed dog who stops cars when out going bye-bye and people utter "cool dog." It's happened on more than one occasion and the best time was when dad took me walking one night and a police car turned its lights on me when passing. Dad, who got a little nervous at this, was relieved when the officer rolled the window down and uttered, "Cool dog." I am from originally from Puerto Rico where I was once considered a "Sato" or in my case--Sata.) I was rescued by Save a Sato and brought to a local shelter where my mom and family found me being totally and completely obnoxious to my fellow run-mates. People were stopping to look at me in the run, but most laughed at my silly Basset Hound-like shaped body (complete with short legs) and a mix that resembles a terrier or Doberman or Weimaraner or all of those combined. Genetic testing may prove just what I am. Mom, being the softie she is, was just there for "a visit" (at least that what she told dad.) But, as all things that are meant to be, I just got into her heart. She left there not knowing that later on when she got home, that silly-looking dog would become just the thing she needed after her dad's passing. When addressing this with her "we have enough animals" husband, the only thing that sealed the deal was crying. Yup, worked like a charm and the next day mom was back at that shelter getting the papers signed. It was almost the Millenium and with the New Year coming in just a day, mom wasn't thinking about total doom when the computers and all that went with it turned 2000, she was thinking how she wished that I could come home after getting spayed in time for it. But alas, I wasn't ready so I came home on January 2, 2000 and promptly took over the house. Once a street dog (that's what Sato means), I surprised everyone by knowing immediately how to sleep on beds (with my head on the pillows), sit on couches exclusively, and generally demanded to be treated like the third daughter. At my first trip to the vet's office, one of the girls summed it up well by asking the question, "Are you sure she wasn't pushed off a cruise ship in Puerto Rico?" A possibility indeed. There's my story and there's plenty more to tell, but for now, I just want to take you cyber-shopping (below) so the ASPCA can help more animals. Mom says it's the best way to get what you need and save a life too. Shopping at Amazon Plexo for the Animals
When will I get a credit card........
My first five on the list are must-have items especially if you are the first to join my fan club. Be the first on your block to wear the "I Love Ashley" apparel. Autographs, will be available at a later date.
I Love Ashley T-shirt
What else can I say except, this is the best thing more...1 point
I Love Ashley Long Sleeve T-shirt
For those cooler days when long sleeves are a must more...1 point
I Love Ashley Sweatshirt
Can't say enough about them making a sweatshirt fo more...1 point
I Love Ashley Keychain
You can think of me while driving or opening your more...1 point
I Love Ashley Mug
How could you not help but be in a good mood if yo more...1 point
6 and 7 oz. Filet Mignon
Is this like a bridal registry? If so, I have plac more...1 point
Bacon-Wrapped Filet of Top Sirloin
OMG bacon-wrapped? A habit of this could make me w more...1 point
Burgers & Steak Combinations
This sure is making that dog food in the pantry lo more...1 point
Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan - The Complete First Season
I love this guy....Cesar Millan has been called th more...0 points
Dog Paw Cookie Cutter
If you've never made dog cookies, there are simple more...0 points
Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan - Volume 2
More Cesar....he's didn't start off as a celebrity more...0 points
Ranch of Dreams: The Heartwarming Story of America's Most Unususal Animal Sanctuary by Cleveland Amory
Mom LOVED this book and read it twice. She said it more...0 points
The Best Cat Ever by Cleveland Amory
Another great book by animal-lover Cleveland Amory more...0 points
Shelter Dogs by Traer Scott
A must read about my fellow shelter dogs. I too, a more...0 points
One at a Time: A Week in an American Animal Shelter by Geyer Marilee
Read what goes on behind the scenes of a typical a more...0 points
Shelter Dogs: Amazing Stories of Adopted Strays by Peg Kehret
Another great book about us adopted strays and how more...0 points
National Geographic's The Secret Life of Cats
If you like cats (I do, except for Simon), this is more...0 points
SECURITY Dog Pet T Shirt
Mom is getting me one of these since I let her kno more...0 points
Obedience Dropout DOG Pet T Shirt
OK, mom thought I'd need this when I started train more...0 points
Bride Dog Costume
I really want this, but the trouble is: I think bo more...0 points
" I LOVE ASHLEY " STREET SIGN NAME
It was just a matter of time before they named a s more...0 points
New--Ashley's Diary
A peek into my days
March 5, 2007Dear Diary,
Oh, it's been long since I've had a diary (mom had one once on a website for the rescue that took me in and everyone loved it.) Since she can't set it to the music "Getting to Know You" as she did back then, you'll simply have to hum as you read.
Today, I am mad. Why you ask? Because the window barrier that dad put up after Reilly and I cracked two panes of the front window NOW has a patch where I finally made a hole in it big enough to get me head through. I've been working on that for 2 years and now, mom is whining for dad to make a new one. She would never have known if not for that neighbor dog walking by caused the stir and as mom stopped her weeding to tell us to "SHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" at the window, she saw my head peeking through. Shocked wasn't the word since PVC is suppossed to be so strong. A perfect port hole and now it's ruined.
Otherwise, it's a good day. The weather is nice and Reilly and I soaked up the sun. When we came in, Kate said we had that "baked doggy smell" again. What's with her? I smell good. Sparky is wearing a bandana and right now, it's around him like a sling--one arm is now in it...."good thing he's cute," mom says.
The sis's got a new baby rat and named her Virginia. I like her and get nose-to-nose. Little creatures are cute and I've had gerbil friends, hamster friends, but don't like birds. Why? Well one day, Pee Wee the Conure flew off his perch and as mom ran to get him, he landed in the worst possible place ever--on my back. Yep, he rode on my back as I ran around and around through the kitchen and living room (with mom on my heels) like a twisted version of the Kentucky Derby. Please, I was running for my life at that point. Thankfully, no one was hurt and the only thing that really came out of it was mom's hyterical laughter once she knew everyone was OK. For me, dog therapy was in order.
Dinner was excellent tonight. My compliments to Kate the dog chef. She's got a way with that Beneful. I plan to sit on my chair this evening and watch Nancy Grace. I can't get enough of that Anna Nicole stuff. More later...mom says she's set a blog for me so you can click on different days and save space. Later dudes......
Ashley Loves Mail
Seriously, my tail wags when I get mail
submit
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- chrisadams chrisadams Mar 30, 2007 @ 2:04 pm
- Thanks for this lens!
My husband and I run a business where our and our employees' pets are welcome every day! Check out our lens www.squidoo.com/generalfinishes
From one dog-lover to another . . .
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- JohannTheDog JohannTheDog Mar 25, 2007 @ 7:43 pm
- Fun and educational lens, thanks! We liked it so much we lensrolled you! Big sniff to you Ashley!
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- BookMama BookMama Mar 13, 2007 @ 11:33 am
- Took me a while to find time to come visit your lens, but I'm glad I did. Added to Lensroll. I didn't realize that animal shelters had purebred dogs so often. So, how many creatures do you care for? The Stubborn Dog Electrical Fence has an indoor unit that you could try for your window shade issue.
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- gods_grace_notes gods_grace_notes Mar 11, 2007 @ 7:54 am
- Hi! Thanks for signing my guestbook! I love your lens...great stuff here, and I love Ashley's diary...how sweet! It's good to have good (animal loving) neighbors! You are blessed!
Connie
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- gods_grace_notes gods_grace_notes Mar 10, 2007 @ 9:46 pm
- Hello, Fellow Mom! Thanks for signing my guestbook...I LOVE this lens! Terrific job! I'm going to enjoy all of this good pet reading! Beautiful pictures of your family here!
Thanks again for the sweet note!
Connie
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- Margaret_Schaut Margaret_Schaut Mar 5, 2007 @ 9:12 pm
- His Excellency Thor the Verdant of Mabe Burnthouse has lensrolled you to his Squidoo lens!
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- groovyoldlady groovyoldlady Mar 2, 2007 @ 6:36 am
- Marvin the dustbunny send his greetings. Sadly, Marvin's "daddy" is not a fan of animals, so we have to settle for fish (oh goody) and stuffed animals (oh teddy) and a growing family of dustbunnies. Marvin wishes we had a long-haired dog or cat because then he would grow to immense proportions.
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- Margaret_Schaut Margaret_Schaut Feb 28, 2007 @ 10:56 pm
- On behalf of His Excellency Thor the Verdant of Mabe Burnthouse, I'd like to welcome you and your incredible lens to the Dogster Group!
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- tonya42880 tonya42880 Feb 28, 2007 @ 10:11 pm
- Nice Lens! Maybe you can be the first person to figure out how to turn pet hair into gold :)
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- Grammy Grammy Feb 25, 2007 @ 8:46 am
- VERY GOOOD!! Thanks for building this lens and sharing so much wonderful insight and information! I enjoyed reading this alot!! Hugs to Ashley!!
by satoashley
Mom, wife, pack leader, mopper, teacher, decision-maker, chauffeur, chaos controller, coffee lover, masterful litter box cleaner, commander and c...
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