Tuesday's Tails: Garth

Over the weekend, some friends and I visited an animal shelter about an hour away.  It was a beautiful facility, and though all the pets seemed incredibly sweet, we were especially taken with one pittie in particular.  His name is Garth and he is an adorable, petite pit bull mix.

Garth is about three years old and full of energy...and he's always up for a cuddle!  The first thing he did once he got out of his kennel was reach up with his two front paws and give every single one of us a pittie hug and kiss!  My brother-in-law fell in love with Garth immediately - it was very sweet.  He would adopt Garth in an instant if his apartment complex allowed dogs...but, as it is, the sweet boy is still up for adoption.  If you're interested or know someone who might be, please contact the Cedar Bend Humane Society.

Derek and Garth had a special bond! :D

Today is the last day of a very cool fundraiser for the National Mill Dog Rescue.  One of my favorite organizations ever, they are dedicated to saving and finding great homes for puppy mill dogs.  Right now, they are holding an auction in which you can bid on beautiful, handmade bracelets.  Each puppy mill rescue wears a chain or a number around their neck (an easy way for the so-called "breeders" to keep track of them); these bracelets incorporate either a link or the actual tag from a former puppy mill dog.  Each bracelet is unique and comes with a card giving a description of the organization and the specific bracelet itself.  Click the link for your last chance to bid!

One of the bracelets up for bid

I also have a request:  If you know of anyone who might need a transport for an animal in need from May 27th - June 1st going from Iowa to Tennessee or vice versa, PLEASE let me know!  My husband and I are driving to the BlogPaws conference in Nashville from Iowa, and we would love to help save a dog or cat while on the road.  Thank you in advance! <3

Oh Melvin...

This week, the world lost an amazing dog.  It's strange - I don't "know" the writers behind my favorite blogs, but I feel like I do.  When a blogger loses a pet, it's like the whole community has lost that pet as well.  If you have read Oh Melvin in its wonderful entirely, you are surely mourning sweet Melvin too.  Please keep Tracey and Jake the Frenchie in your thoughts and prayers, and please head on over to the blog to share your condolences.

If you're unfamiliar with Oh Melvin, I'm including links below to some of my favorite posts.  Prepare to waste away the next week or so reading through the archives!

Fridays With Melvin:  Her - Melvin's beautifu "tribute" to his Person

Little Victories - Jake and Melvin adorably get to know one another

Happy Birthday Melvin - I love this poetic birthday post Tracey wrote for Melvin.

Stalker - These photos of brotherly love in the form of stalking crack. me. up!

(photo courtesy of Oh Melvin and kate with a camera)

Goodbye, sweet boy.

Rescue & Romance

I read just about every genre of book, but I have never ventured into romance novel territory.  I don't know, I just always picture a shirtless Fabio with his hair blowing in the wind, and...I go look at the memoirs instead.  The closest I've ever come to reading a bodice-ripper is 50 Shades of Grey, and that's only because the media was all abuzz about it.  But I just might be a romance novel convert, because last weekend I discovered Catherine Mann's Second Chance Ranch series!

No bodice-ripping going on here! (photo from Amazon)

The first book in this series is called Shelter Me.  Yes, the majority of the plot is focused on this couple and their romance - of course - but there is a large subplot dedicated to a Shepherd mix named Trooper.  Trooper was Sierra's father's right-hand man in Iraq, and when her father is killed while serving his country, Sierra is surprised to find his two partners (one human, one canine) on her doorstep.  Sierra and her mom run the Second Chance Ranch, a hectic animal rescue.  The last thing Sierra needs is more stress and painful reminders of her father...but Trooper and his (very handsome) new owner are difficult for her to resist.

You mean you don't get frisky on a picnic blanket on top of a snow-covered hill?!  (Photo from Amazon)

Rescue Me, the second book in the Second Chance Ranch series, features the same setting with slightly different characters.  Sierra is a minor character, while her friend Mary Hannah - who now works at the rescue - is at the forefront.  Mary Hannah has a scandalous history with Detective AJ Parker, who is working with her now to rehabilitate a terrified Boxer named Holly.  Holly was seized by the pair during a drug bust - she is traumatized and unsure.  But Mary Hannah has to heal and train Holly, all the while trying to avoid her feelings for AJ.  

Each book has its share of "sexy" scenes, as well as cheesy lines and silly scenarios.  However, it's very well-written, and the characters are relatable and real.  What I loved most, of course, was the rescue aspect - I so wish there was more of this in fiction!  In each book, there were also a few portions that were written from the dog's perspective, which was super entertaining.  Take it from me:  If you aren't so into romance novels, but you're a dog-lover, try these books!  I'm not sure if the author is planning on a third in the Second Chance Ranch series, but I sure hope so! 

Because it is Tuesday's Tails, I am also including two adoptables:

This is Lady, and (like Trooper in Shelter Me) she is a Shepherd mix.  Lady is 6 years old, fully trained, and good with other animals.  And look how beautiful she is!!  Check out her Petfinder profile here.

Like Holly in Rescue Me, Fargo is a female Boxer.  Fargo loves other animals, children, and running around outside.  She's super sweet but pretty shy - she just needs a bit of extra love to bring her out of her shell.  And yes...her ears are always like this!  Adorable!  Check out Fargo's Petfinder profile here.

7 Ways to Volunteer When You're Short on Time

If you've noticed my silence for the past week or two, I apologize.  Life got in the way, as it tends to do.  I haven't had too much extra time to do the things I love - blogging, writing, volunteering.  I especially miss walking dogs at the shelter.  This made me think:  Lots of people, surely, have this issue.  Not enough hours in the day to volunteer.  So for those of you with too much on your plate to participate in the "hands-on" part of volunteering, a list of other ways to help animals in need.  Feel free to add more in the comments!

AmazonSmile - If you're a frequent Amazon shopper, check out their AmazonSmile program.  It allows you to purchase the same items you would normally buy on the site, while donating .5% of the price to the charitable organization of your choice.  It takes virtually no extra time out of your day, and your online purchases can benefit animal rescues - definitely a win-win!

Share a photo or blog post.  Let's say you're scrolling through Facebook while holding for a work call.  When you scroll by a cute photo of an adoptable kitten or a sad story about a dog in need, stop.  Don't scroll past...instead, click "share."  Just one click.  It really can make a difference.  This blog post is spot-on - I follow multiple pages on Facebook in which sharing and liking photos is what it's all about.  A couple great examples are Susie's Senior Dogs and Minnesota Dogs in Danger.

Remember this pittie-dachshund mix who went viral back in January?  That's what shares can do!!

Make a monetary donation or a donation of supplies.  If you aren't able to donate your time, consider donating in other ways.  Shelters are always in serious need of financial assistance, and they can almost always use practical supplies like bleach, towels, or newspaper.  A monthly donation doesn't take much effort - box up the supplies or seal an envelope and stick it in the mail.  Nonprofits are grateful for whatever you're able to give!

Send an email to your senator.  If your laws relating to puppy mills or animal abuse are anything like ours here in Iowa (awful), send a quick email to your senator.  Explain your experiences with the horror of puppy mills and why these laws need to improve.  Our voices can be heard if we care enough to speak out.

Transport.  Going on a business trip?  Find a Facebook page or website that organizes animal transports in that area and see if there is a dog or cat (or sometimes rat, ferret, or bunny!) that needs to hitch a ride.  There are tons of transport organizations out there, and they appreciate the offer, even if no transport is needed at that time or place.  Plus, animal transports are a blast - read more about my experiences here.  And here!

Ask for donations to a local shelter instead of gifts.  Let's face it:  Shelter dogs need food and comfy blankets more than you need another pair of slippers for Christmas.  Instead of making lengthy lists for Christmas, birthdays, or other parties, ask for donations to help animals in need.

Offer your skills and talents.  If you're a writer, offer to write up descriptions to make adoptable dogs' personalities shine.  If you're a photographer, take some photos of adorable adoptables over your lunch break.  Graphic designer?  Print out some flyers for the local shelter.  IT expert?  See if a rescue could use your expertise in making over their website.  Your work days might seem boring and dull to you, but shelters or rescues will jump at an offer of help.  How might your day-to-day tasks benefit nonprofit organizations?