5 Ways to Help Animal Rescue Efforts

jbloustein — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:35:59 -0600

While my dog Kelly snoozed in her cozy little bed in the living room, I watched a television news report of the recent earthquake in Chile.

In addition to the tragic human suffering, my heart went out to the homeless dogs and other pets displaced after the disaster.

Fortunately, many hard working groups help animals following natural disasters. Here are some ways you can help, too.

1. Contribute to rescue efforts.

Unexpected Friends

jbloustein — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:27:01 -0600

Just a few more things to do on the computer before bed. I glanced down at my feet, expecting to see Mocha, our chocolate Lab.

But the floor was empty. Mocha was gone.

For 12 years he’d been my constant companion. Although Mocha was “my dog,” Hazel, my wife, loved him just as much. Mocha and I played catch with a Frisbee and explored the woods near our rental house in Rockport, Massachusetts.

5 Great Irish Pets to Celebrate This St. Patrick’s Day

mcherkezian — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:18:28 -0500

My dog Kelly is sporting a shamrock bandana in honor of her Irish canine brothers and sisters. On St. Patrick’s Day, we’re all Irish!

Like Kelly, you might participate in the wearin’ o’ the green. Or, if you’re a real Hibernophile (lover of all things Ireland!) and looking for a pet, you might want to consider one of these Irish breeds of dogs—and one cat!

A Friend for Micah

jbloustein — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:17:50 -0600

The back door banged open.

“Mommy, Mommy,” called our five-year-old daughter, Micah, coming in from running errands with her father, and racing toward the kitchen. “Daddy and I saw a lost dog!” she exclaimed.

“We already have a dog,” I wanted to say. As if on cue, Princess, our pug, came running.

Michael followed Micah into the kitchen. “I told Micah that dinner was waiting and if the dog didn’t have a home it would still be there when we finished.”

Wonder Dog

admin — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:57:04 -0500

It started with small things. I'd wake up in the morning feeling weak and unrested, despite having slept through the night. Maneuvering the groceries out of my car, I'd suddenly get so dizzy I'd have to put the bag down on the ground to get my bearings again. As someone who has lived with MS for more than 30 years, I was used to coping with my symptoms. But these new episodes were distressing.

Gone to the Dogs

admin — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 06:21:00 -0600

Pali Boucher's life has literally gone to the dogs. Of course, you could say it began that way too.

Pali is the founder—and prime pup protector—of Rocket Dog Rescue, a San Francisco-based all-volunteer organization that saves dogs from overcrowded shelters, where they might be put to sleep, and finds them loving homes. She's known for taking on the hardest cases, dogs many would consider unadoptable because of their disabilities or behavioral or medical problems.

Letters from a Paw Pal

admin — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:32:48 -0600

I had never felt so low-down, guilty and inadequate in my life.

It seemed as if my car were being dragged along in the wake of the ambulance I was following. It was taking my friend Alice to a nursing home she had begged me to keep her out of earlier that morning.

Even though I was a nurse, there was no way I could care for her in my home or hers. Now in her eighties, Alice needed around-the-clock specialized care. She was connected to a respirator by a tracheostomy tube and fed through a stomach tube.

Letters from a Paw Pal

admin — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:32:48 -0600

I had never felt so low-down, guilty and inadequate in my life.

5 Great Presidential Pets

jbloustein — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:14:27 -0600

Bo relaxing in the Oval Office. Bo meeting the press. Bo playing in the snow.

5 Things You Need to Know About Portuguese Water Dogs

jbloustein — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:15:41 -0500

On Tuesday, April 14, First Pooch Bo made his official debut, met the press, and became a new pal for Malia and Sasha Obama. The six-month old Portuguese water dog (PWD) is a curly, adorable bundle of fun. No wonder we all want one now!

According to Stu Freemen, president of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, the PWD is “a wonderful family pet,” but also encourages those considering adopting one to "do the proper research to ensure that this breed fits their lifestyle."