5 Things to Tell a Spouse who Hates Your Pet

Meet Khan.

Khan is a mature Himalayan mix located at the Ames Animal Shelter in Iowa.  He's got beautiful eyes, a laid-back personality, and a heart condition that requires a very special home. 

Khan is also a ginormous ball of fur!  I don't think I've ever seen so much cat!  But it's mostly fluff :)  Who wouldn't want this giant hunk of man-cat love in their life?!

Well...the people who surrendered him to the shelter.  That's who.

Khan was dearly loved by a woman at one time...but unfortunately for him, the woman's husband hated Khan.  Hated.  But he tolerated him, at least until a new baby came along.  Then it was off to the shelter for Khan.  Husband's orders.

So this leads me to today's lesson:  5 Things to Tell a Spouse who Hates Your Pet.

1.  So long!
2.  Farewell!
3.  Auf wiedersehen!
4.  Goodbye!
5.  ...See ya! (I ran out of Sound of Music lyrics.)

Yes, this is tongue-in-cheek, and I am not actually suggesting that you file for divorce.  But if I was still single and dating, my motto would definitely be "Love me, love my pet."  :)  What's your opinion?

If you're interested in adopting Khan, please click the link at the top of the page to contact the Ames Animal Shelter.

Tuesday's Tails: Skipper and Lucy

Transports are SO FUN!  It's like a relay race (without the race) of people who really really love animals.  I can always tell which vehicle I'm scheduled to be meeting because it's usually covered in animal rescue bumper stickers - my kind of people. :)  You get to help these dogs on their journey to a safe place, and that's a really awesome feeling.  And, believe it or not, you fall in love with each and every one of them, no matter how short the drive is.  I will always recommend transporting as a way of volunteering if you aren't able to foster.

Anyway, this weekend Jared and I got to chauffeur a very sweet senior Lab mix and an adorable Lab puppy.  And now that they are in a safe foster home, they are both up for adoption!

This is Lucy, and she's SUCH a sweet girl.  She kept putting her paw up on Jared's shoulder to get him to pet her!  Lucy loves giving kisses, and she would make an amazing pet for just about anyone.

And this is little Skipper.  Skipper is a typical puppy, full of love and snuggles!  C'mon, you can't say no to those eyes, can you?!

If you're interested in adopting Lucy or Skipper, they are available through the New Leash on Life Dog Rescue in La Crosse, Wisconsin.  In the meantime, please share this post to help them get adopted, and to spread the word about the awesomeness that is transport!!! <3

Therapy Dogs Visit the Library

In addition to blogging, volunteering, pet sitting, and substitute teaching, I am also director of our local public library.  (Yes, I wear many hats.  Though I am not nearly as busy as you might think.  I still have time for entirely too much Netflix.)  It's a fairly new job, though my mom is a librarian, so it's a familiar, comfortable environment for me.  One of the most enjoyable parts of being library director is planning fun programs to bring patrons in; this week will be our fourth session of the Summer Reading program for children.

This summer's theme is "Every Hero has a Story", and so far we have focused on superheroes, community heroes like policemen and firefighters, and, my favorite, animal heroes!  For this session, I really wanted to bring in someone with a therapy animal - I knew the kids would love it.  Well, I tracked down a lovely woman named Joyce, and she did me one better - she brought three therapy Shelties named Quick, Pete, and Eve!  I was a little nervous about this program.  I made sure to emphasize staying calm and relaxed, not grabbing for the dogs, and taking turns.  There was a bit of "I want to hold the dog, me!" and one fast movement that startled one of the pups, but overall they did very well.  The Shelties were gorgeous and SO well-behaved...it turned out to be an awesome day!  

Joyce had a little presentation all planned out, with tricks and props and everything!  And I was proud of the kids, who came up with some great questions for her.  They also asked Joyce if she knew that dogs could "save people when they are drownding", which made me feel kind of proud since we had read a book earlier in the morning about a dog who did just that. :)  At the end of the session, I mentioned something about next week's program being "the last one" (our library does the program for 4 weeks at the beginning of summer), and one of the boys said, "The last one?!  NO!  Can't you make it go all summer?"  :)  Made the hard work all worth it!

This is Eve, who was by far the most petite of the trio!  She was also the most shy - Joyce explained that while she's wonderful with the elderly, kids are not Eve's favorite.  She did awesome, though...even with all these hands grabbing for her :)

Pete was all about the treats - and he used his sniffer on these tennis balls in a muffin tin...

...to find the treats hidden under a few of them!

Our board president captured this awkward photo of me - I seem to be maniacally grinning about the fact that there's 3 dogs in my library.  I loved Eve so much - she sat beside me so prettily.  (And yes, my shirt does indeed say "Crazy Dog Lady".)

Quick was an expert - only two years old and starting his clicker training, he was on top of all his tricks!  Like sniffing out which box contained a small packet of cloves lightning-fast.  Quick also learned to put both front paws up onto a chair on command, though he had never done that particular trick before that day!

The kids colored, made animal masks, and created their own dog/cat art - I was quite proud of my rainbow French Bulldog collage ;)

Such beautiful and well-trained dogs - we loved having them!

And in keeping with the Sheltie theme today...

This beautiful girl is Prissy.  She is located at Underdog Rescue Minnesota and is 4 years old.  Prissy is sweet but very timid, particularly around strangers; however, she LOVES the outdoors and does great playing with other dogs.  Though she needs a bit of time to get used to someone, she is definitely worth getting to know :)  Please share Prissy's pretty mug on social media and help her find a forever home!

It's Taco Time!: (Mostly) Wordless Wednesday

Since I missed Tuesday's Tails this week, I'm featuring an adoptable animal today instead.

I mentioned Taco in one of last week's posts, but I figured I'd share his photos again since I can't believe he is still at the HSNI!  He is just about as awesome as a dog can get!  Why, you ask?

Reasons to Adopt Taco:

1.  Who doesn't love a "Pocket Pittie"?  

2.  Those eyes, though.

3.  Leash-walking skills that cannot be beat (seriously, we were impressed)

4.  He's a leaner - you know the type.  Taco loves to snuggle into your legs if you're standing near him!

5.  Sits pretty for treats

6.  SO well-mannered for only 2 years old

7.  Um, photogenic much?!

8.  His petite body makes him the perfect size for doggie clothing/accessories!  Somebody get this guy a bow-tie, stat!

9.  ...Did I mention those eyes?

10.  Taco's got lots of personality... As you can see from his photos!  Clockwise from top left:  Happy-go-lucky; focused/"Give me dat treat, human"; "I want to lick your face please"; mid-woof!

What do you think?  Which face of Taco's is your favorite?  (My personal fave is the bottom right - that little tongue sticking out!) :)

Please share Taco with your friends to help find him a forever home <3

Don't be a Breed Bully

Dobermans were once thought to be the most vicious breed out there.  Then it was German Shepherds...then Rotties.  Now the media is picking on pit bulls, the goofy clowns of the dog world.

What breed is next?  What breed will be added to the "dangerous dog ordinances" that are spreading like wildfire here in Iowa?  Which group of dogs will be publicly damned and banned from attending training classes or living in certain towns?

According to my Facebook feed and comments on recent news articles about BSL (breed specific legislation), two breeds that might be in danger of becoming the media's next targets are the Presa Canario and the Cane Corso.  Both beautiful breeds have the square head and the muscular build that can make them look intimidating, and both have a reputation of being bred for fighting.

But I want you to meet Spike.

Spike's human sister was diagnosed with cancer at a very young age.  His owner noticed that while she was at the children's hospital, Spike began losing weight drastically.  He acted lethargic and refused to eat.  But each time the child returned home in between hospital visits, Spike was back to his old self and eating normally.  Then she would leave again, and he'd stop eating, and so on, until the poor dog himself had to be hospitalized and fed intravenously.  Through it all, Spike was there for his human dad, resting his head in his lap and serving as a source of comfort for the man, who was devastated over his daughter's diagnosis.  

Spike passed away last year.  But his family will never forget his devotion and endless supply of love and support.  Why are stories like this not shown on the news?  Why not show the amazing things these breeds do for us instead of focusing on negativity?  Breeds that the public consistently slanders have such potential to be wonderful pets.  And many aren't given the option - they sit behind bars in shelters because people are frightened of them.  Give them a chance.  It is often the breeds that look the most intimidating that need the most love.

Since we're talking about Presas, here's a beautiful young male up for adoption!  Located in Toledo, Ohio, Tiny is about two years old and according to his fosters, a "big goofball"!  Click the link for more info or to adopt the ironically-named Tiny.  Isn't he gorgeous?!

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

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.

Tuesday's Tails: Unbreakabull Bullies

When I worked for the Humane Society of North Iowa, I met a lot of wonderful people that are so passionate about animal rescue, including my former coworker, Lindsey.  Lindsey recently began working for a great Iowa organization called Unbreakabull Bullies.  As you may have guessed by their title, this group is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating the breeds commonly referred to as "pit bulls."

Bully breeds are incredibly misunderstood.  The media (even educated authors and writers) paints these dogs to be vicious, man-eating beasts, regardless of their background or upbringing.  However, since I started working with dogs, I have had nothing but pleasant experiences with pit bull breeds.  In fact, every single one I've met has been a goofy, affectionate sweetheart.  Unbreakabull Bullies feels the same way, and they've also dedicated much of their time toward putting a stop to Breed Specific Legislation.

Even though Lindsey has three dogs of her own, she recently agreed to foster three puppies and two adult dogs!  (Note:  This makes me soooo jealous!  I want to foster so bad!)  Amazing, right?!

Sweet "tri-pawd" Louie is a pittie mix who still has quite a bit of puppy in him at only two years old.  He came to Unbreakabull Bullies from Chicago, where, sadly, someone had shot him in the leg and abandoned him to die.  Once rescued, Louie had the injured leg amputated and made a full recovery - according to foster mom Lindsey, having three paws rather than four doesn't slow him down one bit!

Louie seriously sounds like the whole package:  He is house- and crate-trained, and he gets along with every kind of human and animal.  He loves to snuggle with Lindsey's young daughter, but he might love romping and playing even more - Lindsey thinks he would do well in a home with another high-energy pet so he has someone to run around with.  Louie sounds incredibly smart as well; he's even being trained to respond to hand signals!  Who wouldn't want to adopt this guy?!  Contact Unbreakabull Bullies to give Louie a home...before someone else gets to him first!

These three adorable puppies are almost ready to go home - at only eight weeks old, Lindsey is still learning about their personalities.  But typical of most puppies, they are equal parts playful and cuddly!  The roly-poly male's name is Echo (top photo), and he just loves being around people, soaking up all the attention and affection.  Bizzy's name fits her personality, because she is one busy pup - Lindsey says she is full of spunk and sass!  The other female is named Ezra, and she is rather quiet compared to her sister; she'd much rather snuggle than play.

And rounding off this pack is Jade, a petite little princess who was found roaming the streets.  About a year old, this girl weighs in at only around 35 pounds.  As you can see, Jade is one beautiful girl, and her foster mom says she is very snuggly and lovable.  

If you're interested in adopting one of these gorgeous dogs or know someone who might be, please contact Unbreakabull Bullies.  The puppies have an adoption fee of $150, while the adults have a $100 fee.  This includes spay/neuter, microchip, and all necessary vaccinations.  In the meantime, share their photos so they have more chances of finding their forever homes!

Tuesday's Tails: Gorgeous Gizzy - UPDATED!

Update:  I originally posted this last May.  Sadly, Gizzy is still available and waiting for a forever home.  He is now about a year and a half old.  Gizzy was adopted as a kitten, then returned because his cat brother did not care for him.  However, Gizzy loves both cats and dogs, and he's great with children.  He's still just as handsome as ever, and y'all, he is so very sweet.  

Gizzy is tired of being in a cage all the time -  he's been at the shelter for his entire life!!  He loves visitors and attention of any kind, but what he would love even more is a home to finally call his own.  Please contact PAWS if you are interested in adopting, and pleeeeease share this sweet guy in the meantime. <3

I visited the PAWS Humane Society over the weekend and was instantly smitten with this young orange tabby named Gizzy.

(Photo from PAWS website)

Gizzy is estimated to be about 9 months old, and he was rescued as a small kitten.  He has a purr that is nearly deafening, and the only thing he seems to love more than cuddling is playing - he is still a kitten, after all!  Gizzy loves to bat his toys around and chase his fellow cats up and down cat trees.  He would be a wonderful, fun addition to any family...and he's quite handsome, too!

Gizzy says, "Won't you please pick me?!"

If you're interested in adopting Gizzy or would like more information, please contact the PAWS Humane Society.

Don't forget that Roxie is still available, too!  Update:  No, she's not!!  Happily, this sweet girl found her forever home over the winter! :D  Yay!

She is such a love!

Thanks for reading and sharing!

xoxochelsea

Tuesday's Tails: Bluebell & Fleetwood

I stopped at the Humane Society of North Iowa last week for a short visit, and totally fell in love with two cats by the name of Bluebell and Fleetwood.  (Don't those names make them sound like cool 70's flower children or something?!)  Read on to learn more about these purr-machines!

Trust me when I say that this photo doesn't do Bluebell justice - she is a gorgeous, petite gal with the most beautiful blue-grey coat!  She is full of snuggles and her motor was running the entire time I held her.  Bluebell is just under a year old, so she's the perfect mix of kitten and adult.  She is also a polydactyl, so her paws look like little mittens - so stinkin' cute!!

Fleetwood is one big handsome fellow!  He has a gorgeous face and a huge, fluffy tail.  He is such a love, and I can't believe he was picked up as a stray...nor can I believe he has been at the shelter since July!  About 4 years old, Fleetwood is super laid back and mellow - the absolute perfect lap-cat.  I can't get enough of cats with these kind of big, blocky heads, and with a personality to match those looks?!  Let's just say, I almost had Jared convinced that he had gotten over his cat allergy ;)

If you're interested in either of these kitties, please contact the HSNI and share their photos in the meantime!  (Photos courtesy of HSNI)

Tuesday's Tails: Adopt a New Best Friend

Was one of your New Year's resolutions to adopt a new best friend?!  You're in luck, because this sweet dog (along with many others at the sanctuary) is ready to come home with you...and his adoption fee is waived for an approved applicant!  Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is featuring this special promotion for the whole month of January; find an adoptable animal from a selected group of pets, and it could come home with you for free.

Norman is 3 years old, and he's got one of those adorable old-man faces I can never resist!  He is part Bassett Hound (those front paws!) and part Terrier (that scruffy beard!), and he loves attention.  Though Norman is wary of strangers at first, he warms up quickly and is soon full of tail-wags and excitement!  This boy is also full of energy and loves walks and games of fetch.  

Since Norman doesn't care for other animals, he is part of the "Single and Loving It" program at Best Friends, which is why his adoption fee is waived this month.  But if you know anyone who currently has no pets and is looking for love, point them in Norman's direction!  

Seneca, on the other hand, is not part of this month's promotion, but I just couldn't help but include her - can you blame me?!  Look at those eyes!!  She is a very unique blend of Australian Cattle Dog and Cocker Spaniel.  A sweet senior, Seneca loves just about everyone she comes across...with the exception of cats.  Though she has a few medical issues - sensitive skin and joint pain - her gentle soul and gorgeous looks will surely make up for that.  If you're interested in this beautiful older gal (or sweet little Norman!), please contact Best Friends.  

Don't forget - when it comes to adoptable pets, sharing is caring! <3

The Best Christmas Gift + Adoptable Animals

Rather than giving each other the usual cologne/perfume or jewelry this year for Christmas, Jared and I decided to make our gifts more personal and meaningful.  For us, this obviously meant a lot of dog-centric items!  I loved each and every one of the presents I received, but my favorite was this:

Jared drove Riley and I to the local PetCo and told me, "Fill up the cart with whatever you'd like, and we'll donate it all to PAWS."  (PAWS Humane Society is a local shelter with amazing employees and not nearly enough financial support.)  So we had a blast loading up the cart with bags of treats, plenty of sturdy dog toys, and metal food and water bowls.  When we told the cashier what we were doing, he even gave us a special coupon booklet so we could purchase more for less!

We also picked a new toy up for Riley because, well, he's the most spoiled dog in the world.  He had it destroyed by the end of the night...sigh.  #NaughtyDogProblems

When we went to PAWS to give them our donations, of course we spent some time with the adoptable animals!  Each and every cat and dog in the shelter seemed loving and sweet, but there were two in particular that I fell in love with.

Meet Betty!

Betty is a snuggly lovebug of a kitty who is 1 1/2 years old.  Since she is so friendly and gets along with all people and animals, she is one of the "roamers" at the shelter - she gets to greet guests when they enter the lobby!  Betty is still very much a kitten, so she loves to play...but she might love cuddling even more - she snuggled right up under Jared's chin and immediately started to purr!  Sadly, this petite cat has been at PAWS for nearly a full year, so her adoption fee has been reduced to only $50.  I can't imagine who wouldn't want to adopt her - I was tempted to take her home myself!

Meet Barbie!

Barbie is a 2-year-old Italian Greyhound mix who was thought to be dumped by an owner just outside of PAWS one day.  She is well-behaved and VERY friendly, and she has the wiggliest butt/tail I've ever seen!  She is said to be a bit shy, but not so much with us - we ended up with lots of puppy drool on us from all her kisses!  Barbie loves other dogs and cats and would do well in just about any home...she isn't much of a barker, but still has a lot of puppy-like behaviors and playfulness.  Bafflingly, this beautiful and unusual gal has been at PAWS since October - I can't believe she wasn't adopted right away!

If you're interested in adopting Barbie or Betty, please contact the PAWS Humane Society.  In the meantime, share share share these sweethearts with your friends - let's find these two beautiful babies their forever homes! <3

Christmas Gift Guide #1: Gifts That Give Back

So much about the holiday season is about spending money, going to the mall, and running around for last-minute gifts... It often makes me feel kind of...I don't know, selfish?  That's probably not the right word to use.  But as Cindy Lou Who would say, "Isn't this all a bit much?" 

Instead of getting your dad a tie he'll toss in the back of his closet, or that new purse for your sister...consider purchasing a gift that gives back instead.  That way, even if your friend's dog turns his nose up at the treats you gave him, you will rest easy knowing that your purchase will have gone toward helping an animal in need.  Here's a few of my picks to get you started!

For your dog:

Cloud Star All Natural Pet Products is a great example of businesses giving back.  With each purchase, they donate to organizations not only helping animals, but those benefiting women, children, and the environment.  In addition to dog treats, Cloud Star offers cat treats, grooming products, and some great accessories for humans.  They pride themselves on using only natural ingredients that are super safe and healthy for your pets.

Haven't heard of BarkBox?  What planet are you living on?!  When you and your dog sign up for BarkBox, you receive a box chock full of goodies every month - toys, treats, hygiene products, and even new gadgets could be inside!  You're guaranteed at least 4 quality items in your box per month.  Better yet, BarkBox donates 10% of their sales to animals in need, in the form of everything from rescues and sanctuaries to spay/neuter programs and training.  Sign up for BarkBox, and your dog will learn to love the mailman instead of fearing (or loathing!) him :)

For your cat:

Fun and functional, this DJ Cat Scratching Pad will amuse you and your kitty.  Plus, the proceeds are donated to the ASPCA.  Perfect for a cat lover who also loves music...Emily at Kitty Cat Chronicles, whaddaya think?! ;)

For you:

I am obsessed with Marnie the Dog.  Absolutely obsessed.  She was rescued at 12 years old, and she is now universally adored for her lopsided gait and sweet face.  So when I posted on her Facebook asking about a calendar, I was overjoyed to see that there was one in the works!  Of course I ordered it immediately, and it was icing on the cake to see that a portion of the proceeds is donated to senior animal rescue.  (I may have also ordered a t-shirt.  With Marnie's face on it.  For the cause, people!)  Click the link above to order yours!

I saw this amazingly quirky and perfect tee on the Cyber Monday sale on Stylish Canine, and I had to have it.  The price was right, and the sentiment fits me to a...well, to a tee.  (Sorry.  Terrible pun.)  It shipped quickly and is super soft and comfy.  (Psst:  If you like your tee shirts oversized, order the men's size!  I am a size 8/10 and ordered a women's XL, and it is a bit snug.  I forgot to read the fine print.)  Though I would have ordered it anyway, I was delighted to see that $5 of the proceeds are donated to The Perfect Dog Rescue in California!

Rescue Me is a fairly new magazine, and it focuses on all things animal rescue!  I have purchased every issue so far, and it hasn't disappointed me yet.  Full of wonderful and useful information about spay/neuter programs, different rescues across the country, even "voluntourism", this magazine is worth the subscription price of $29.95...especially when you consider that 50% of the cost is given back to a rescue of your choice!

I love great photography, especially when the subject is a dog!  Traer Scott's "Shelter Dogs" is a perfect addition to your library, featuring gorgeous dogs in need of homes.  The portraits are sometimes heart-wrenching, other times funny - this photographer is always able to capture the dogs' emotions and personalities.  Be warned, the portraits may make you cry (each dog's story is given at the end, and some of the dogs do not end up finding homes...), especially if you're a sap like me, but it's worth it for such a beautiful book.  And $.50 of each copy sold goes straight to the ASPCA.

Pup Art is an online art show that is dedicated to raising money for shelter dogs, and I haven't stopped browsing the site since I stumbled upon it last week!  All of the prints for sale were inspired by adoptable dogs and painted by a volunteering artist, and 50% or more from each print sold will go to whichever rescue the featured dog came from.  There are all sorts of breeds and pictures, but my personal favorite is this one, titled "Uncle Larry" - who wouldn't want to take this face home?!

Organizations for everyone:

Hooray for the Underdog is a wonderful business that gives back in many ways:  photographing adoptable shelter animals, donating art work to fundraisers, and designing bus billboard campaigns are just a few of the ways they have helped pets in need.  Their shop offers one-of-a-kind greeting cards and stationery, along with treats and other fun dog accessories.

Another great resource for gifts that give back is the organization itself - many rescues/shelters will have items for sale on their website, and, of course, all proceeds go into helping the animals.  My personal favorites are National Mill Dog Rescue, Best Friends, and Underdog Rescue MN.

Note:  I was not compensated in any way for posting these items and businesses.  I just love these products and thought my readers might too! :)

Happy shopping! <3