What a Dog Loves ...

is to be held in the palm of your hand.

Can you dig it?

Separation Anxiety. My poodle Angel used to go NUTS whenever she was left alone. Do you know what I am talking about?

She ruined curtains, chewed up my wicker couch, trampled flowers, raided trash cans and barked incessantly. I had no clue as to what I could do to relieve her anxiety so we lived with this to 15 years.

You don't have to. The Humane Society website has excellent information on how to overcome the separation blues. Click here!

What a dog loves ... is to be held close to your heart.

Can you dig it?

"The tail is a dog's PR department. A smile is yours."

--Unknown

Hailey joins the What A Dog Loves pack to help get the word (woof) out about what matters most to a dog (having a loving home.) Thank you to Scott who gives Hailey that lovin' home.

What a dog loves is a safe harbor in the palm of your hand.

That and a little scratch ...

Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor moving, nor heat - oh did I repeat "heat?" - gets in between me and my afternoon walk.

Yesterday it was 90 degrees and it is only June 1st! Wow. This is not San Diego!

Hey - we had a great time. Sassy and Gus and Tippy and Deliliah and Mugsley and Princess and Lady all send their best. Have you applied to be a dog walker at your shelter yet? Just do it! Your pack is waiting ... so are your hips, thighs, butt and blood pressure.

Everyone benefits from walking off the lbs and walking on the TLC!

Richard's been out with his camera ...

and his quirky sense of humor!

Come back soon for more ...

It has been about 3 months? since I starting walking dogs at my SPCA and I have one thing to say.

These dogs are in great hands and surrounded by big hearts. They are so loved!

Honestly, when I started this volunteer work I didn't know if it would be a good idea. I worried that I would feel too sad and sorry for the dogs. I felt I might find myself overwhelmed emotionally wanting to adopt each and everyone.

Instead I feel good about my service. Every week I hear about a friend or two or three that found a great home. Every week I see shy dogs becoming more confident and high strung dogs calming down a notch or two. And, every week I fall in love with someone new ...

I love Wednesdays - meeting potential parents - catching up with the staff - smelling puppy breath and rubbing a tummy or two. I walk for miles and come home tired, relaxed and happy.

Are you "on the fence" about volunteering at your shelter? Just do it ... you will be so glad you did.

Check this out! www.GiveBackAmerica.org

"We believe our exciting new charity mall can help your organization raise money for your animal cause, without any cost to you and supporters.

As a proud rescue parent of a 2 year old yellow Labrador, I know first hand the need for fundraising. Our concept is simple, every time you shop online from your favorite online store (PetSmart, Target, Expedia, Amazon), a majority percentage of each commission from a purchase goes to your organization. All at no extra cost to you the consumer.

We believe our system will revolutionize the way America gives, one purchase at a time."
-Kevin DiQuattro , co- founder, GiveBackAmerica.org

Example:

Purchase a TV from Target.com:
Old: click on www.target.com -- purchase a TV for $1,000 -- Charity receives $0

New: click on www.GiveBackAmerica.org click on your charity/organization
click on www.target.com banner -- purchase the same TV for $1,000 -- charity receives $30-$50

I will be trying this out. Big thanks to Kevin for bringing this opportunity to our attention. - Viveca

Where this all began ... with my brother and his camera and dog beach.
You gotta give his blog a visit at http://www.RichStonePhoto.com

The Dog Beach Photo's are for an upcoming book to be released in the fall of 2007.

The majority of the dog photo's were taken at the world’s original 'Dog Beach' in Ocean Beach, California. The locals of Ocean Beach are very proud of their Dog Beach and take great exception when other communities claim that THEIR beach was the first to be soiled by man’s favorite pal.

Many other photo’s were taken at Dusty Rhodes Park, a.k.a., 'Look where you walk' Park. Both are wonderful places to run or walk your dog. Actually, the dogs run. Dog owners walk. Carefully.

Ready, set ... run for it!

It was clear that Hunter had been drinking out of the toilet bowl again ...

Walk off the LBS and pack on the TLC

That's what I've been doing for the past couple months as a volunteer dog walker at my SPCA. In fact, I've walked off about 8 lbs since I started walking this pack of love every Wednesday afternoon! Can't tell you how much TLC I've packed on ...

Do you have an hour or two available some morning or afternoon during the week? Click here to locate your local shelter

BTW - wonder how many lbs we could all walk off together? Want to explore this idea? Drop me a note at: Viveca@GetReadyForLove.com

According to Sarah Wilson, coauthor of "My Smart Puppy," our "non-verbal" communication has a lot to say ...

Your Dog: Pees on every bush.
You're telling him: "I live to serve."

Your Dog: Constantly entangles you in his leash.
You're telling him: "I'll keep adjusting if you'll keep loving me."

Your Dog: Humps everything in sight.
You're telling him: "If I pretend not to notice problems, may no one else will either."

I am trying to relate this to my perfect dog Velvet. Let's see ...

Velvet: Counter surfs and digs into my trash can whenever she is left alone too long with it.
I'm telling her: "My house is really your house. Thanks for letting me live here with you."

Your turn ... What is your dog telling you? Add to the comments and share with the rest of us!

Woke up yesterday and that was the first thought on my mind ... Every dog deserves a home.

Can you bring a pup home to be your "one and only" OR can you add a pal to your pack?

After I move next month we will be bringing home 4 new paws ... Velvet will have a little brother or sister!

Back walking my pack today. Kept my focus on breathing, leading and loving.

Fell in love with a little beagle named Henry. Then there was Luke and Boska and Tater and Sassy and ... hey - would you like to visit my home away from home and meet my pals? Click here

Meant to post last Wed after my walk BUT I didn't ... opps.

It went great. I focused on breathing and feeling like a calm, confident pack leader.

My goal was to be able to go in and out of the kennel without stirring everyone up. Normally the pups go a little wild whenever a dog enters or leaves - they just get excited.

I noticed the calmer and happier I felt ... so was the pack.

Aside from that I spent hours thinking about fund-raising ideas ...

Had a great time walking the pups on Wednesday. There were 3 of us this time so I had time to rub ears and bellies and sweet talk vs just rush.

I also worked with Cesar's suggestion of "checking in" with myself frequently. I would catch myself feeling tense or frustrated or tired - then pause and take a couple deep breaths - reconnect and recharge.

His tip helped me stay grounded - I feel like I did a much better job meeting their needs this week AND I enjoyed it more. Win - Win - Win!

Raise funds with K9Confections, All Natural Dog Pretzels!
We will provide “private labeling” for your fundraiser on our sample 2 oz bags filled with any of our 8 flavors of treats!

Private labeling is special - people remember it & TALK about it! We’ll even help teach your staff how to promote/explain what makes K9Confections the best. Contact us today to learn more! Sales@K9confections.com or 732-433-2915

Note: The secret ingredient behind K9 is my boxer "Dutchess" who has multiple food/seasonal allergies & gourmet taste. Our treats are delicious & super healthy for special (or normal) needs dogs. - Jennifer Wilner, Founder