Adoptable Dog of the Week- Krumpus

by Angela Vuckovic

August 23rd, 2018 12:00 AM

Do you have a place in your heart for a shy pooch that just wants to be loved? Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Krumpus, a 3 years old Hound and Shar Pei mix from Brookhaven, Mississippi. This handsome fella is neutered, combo tested, dewormed, and up to date on his vaccinations. He gets along with other dogs, and wouldn’t mind having a furry sibling in his new home.

Krumpus’ Tale

You might be surprised to hear that a gorgeous pooch like Krumpus has been in a shelter for a long time, although through no fault of his own. This sweet boy is just too timid around strangers and has been consistently overlooked in favor of more his more outgoing and charming canine friends. But, allow me to let you in on a little secret: Krumpus is actually just a big hunk of love once he warms up to you! If you take the time to get to know this four-legged angel, you’ll find out how fun, cuddly, and absolutely adorable he is. All that skittishness and fearfulness disappears once Krumpus feels that he can trust you. Of course, bringing by a few yummies can’t hurt the impression you’ll make- this affectionate pooch goes bananas for some tasty doggie treats!

As he grew up in the shelter with one of his siblings, Krumpus feels comfortable around other canines and gets along with other dogs in general, regardless of their sex and age. Who knows, a furry friend might just help this shy boy open up and gain some much-needed confidence! He has a very sweet and loving nature, so he might be good with other cats, too- although he hasn’t had a chance to be around them yet.

If you think that Krampus is the pet you’re looking for and that your family would be a good fit for him, too, contact Brookhaven Animal Rescue League for more information on how you can adopt him.

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Adoptable Dog of the Week - Asher

Are you looking for a high-energy dog that can keep up with your many exciting adventures and activities? If so, this boy may be the perfect new addition to your family! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Asher, a 2-year-old Australian Cattle Dog patiently (or not so patiently) waiting in Studio City, CA, to find his forever home. Like many Cattle Dogs, Asher often displays herding behaviors. For this reason, he would be best suited to a home where he is the only dog, and there are no young children. He is neutered and up to date on his vaccinations. Asher’s Tale Asher was found wandering the streets as a stray. He had suffered an injury resulting in a neck wound that appeared to have been caused by a dog fight at some point in his attempt to survive on his own. Since being found, he was given the medical care and attention needed, and his wounds have fully healed. Like most Cattle Dogs, Asher has a lot of energy. He is a working dog and needs to go to a home where he will be given plenty of exercise daily. He would do best with an experienced adopter that knows how to train and handle a working dog. Asher thrives in situations where he is given a job or a task to focus on. For many working dogs, this could include trick or obedience training, agility, hiking (especially carrying a properly weighted pack), scent work, or long games of fetch. Working dogs also love the mental enrichment from puzzle toys and snuffle mats. There is nothing that Asher will love more than getting out and spending time at his owner’s side, enjoying that quality time whatever the task. When not working, Asher is a loving companion. He will happily relax next to you while you work and cuddle all night if his exercise needs are met. While he will bond closely with “his person” or people, cattle dogs are often wary of strangers. If Asher sounds like the perfect fit for you and your lifestyle, contact The Rescue Train for more information. 

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Nacho

If you lack some fun in your life, this goofy boy is more than ready to provide it! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Nacho, a 2 year old  Labrador Retriever from Salt Lake City, Utah. He is neutered, up to date on his vaccinations, house trained and crate trained. Nacho gets along well with other dogs, loves kids (but older children are a better fit), and hasn’t been tested around cats in his foster home.Nacho’s TaleNacho is like a big puppy trapped in the body of a 45-pound adult dog – he’ll gladly wiggle, jump around, and even nibble if given a chance. Of course, all of this just adds to his charm! He’s really just a silly, lovable boy that will thrive when given love and attention. Nacho adores people and will want to cuddle and snuggle whenever you get the chance – he’ll shower you with his slobbery smooches! In addition to being sweet and affectionate, Nacho is also quite smart. He is already house trained and crate trained, and walks well on a leash, too. He is the teacher’s pet in his obedience class and already has a few tricks up his sleeve, such as commands sit, watch me, and down. There’s no saying what more he could learn with the right people to guide him!While Nacho loves people the best, it’s not only humans he gets along with. He plays beautifully with his dog friend in the foster home and generally does well with other dogs, especially those that are playful like he is. He is good with children too, but as he’s big and plays a bit rough, it’s best if the kids in his new family are 9 years or older. He hasn’t had a chance to spend some time with a cat yet, so if you have a feline, a meet would be a must!If you’re interested in Nacho, contact the  Community Animal Welfare Society for more information. Fingers crossed!

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Sandy

Sweet, playful, and full of life, this striking gal is looking for someone to give her a forever home! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Sandy, an almost 2 years old Border Collie and Shepherd mix from Lincoln, Nebraska. She is spayed, up to date with her vaccinations, microchipped, given flea, tick, and heartworm preventative, as well as dewormed – she has a clean bill of health and is ready for adoption! Sandy is a friendly dog that would do best in a family that already has canine(s) in the home, but needs an adult-only home.Sandy’s TaleSandy came from a rural shelter in Oklahoma where she was in grave danger of being euthanized due to limited space at the shelter, but luckily, she was rescued and given a second chance at life. Despite her bad experiences, Sandy is a sweet loving gal – she is a bit shy when meeting new people though, and will need a while to warm up to you once she first meets you. After that, however, she shows her true colors and her beautiful, loving personality.While she might be a little unsure about humans at first, the same can’t be said about dogs – Sandy absolutely adores meeting other dogs and playing with them! She is great at taking behavioral cues from other canines and adapts quickly, so she’ll probably get along perfectly with most dogs – her rescuers would prefer it if she goes to a home that already has one or more dogs in their family. She is also very outdoorsy and spends most of her time outside, playing with her foster canine siblings and chasing squirrels, so her adopters would have to have a securely fenced-in yard where she could play and explore. Sandy needs a home without children in the family, and preferably a calm environment where she could relax and feel safe.If you want to adopt Sandy, contact Dolly's Legacy Animal Rescue for more information about her and the adoption process.

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Blizzard

This adorable girl is waiting for her forever family to take her home! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Blizzard, a 2 year old  Siberian Husky mix from Pekin, Illinois. She is spayed, up to date on her vaccines, and knows some basic commands. Blizzard could do well with other dogs (but a prior meeting is a must), does well around cats, but hasn’t been yet tested with kids. Blizzard’s TaleIf you want a pooch that will always keep you on your toes, be a perfect companion for your active lifestyle, and be up for any adventure, you’re in luck! Blizzard is definitely your gal. She is full of energy, loves to run, and is a champion at zoomies – she really looks like a blizzard when she gets going. Naturally, this also means that she needs a family that can keep up with her needs and is able to provide her an outlet for all that energy. Ideally, her new home would have a securely fenced-in backyard where she could play and explore safely.Blizzard is also a very smart dog that’s treat motivated to boot, which means she does great with training – with a patient, determined owner by her side, she could learn so much more. She already walks very nicely on a leash, she will sit, lay down, and roll over for a treat, and there’s no saying what other fun and useful tricks she could learn yet. A sweet and loving dog that will shower you with love in return for your affection, Blizzard does well with cats but hasn’t been tested around children yet. She’d probably do well with dogs of her size and similar energy levels, but if you already have a pooch in the family, it’s best to contact her rescuers for more information.If you want Blizzard to be a part of your family, contact  T.A.P.S. No-Kill Animal Shelter to learn more about her.

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Chase

Aptly named, this energetic pooch is looking for active owners to share adventures with! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Chase, a little over 3 years old  Treeing Walker Coonhound from Seattle, Washington. He is neutered, up to date on his vaccines, and microchipped. Chase needs a home without cats or young children but does get along well with other dogs so a canine sibling wouldn't be an issue.Chase’s TaleThis stunning tricolor beauty was surrendered to a shelter because he didn’t “cut it” as a hunting dog – but he’d do beautifully as a family pet and companion for active owners. True to his breed, Chase is a very energetic dog with athletic tendencies, which means he will need daily play and exercise to stay happy and healthy. If he doesn’t get enough exercise, he can easily get anxious and frustrated, just like any other active dog breed. This is why it’s best if Chase goes to a family that already leads an active lifestyle and wants a four-legged companion for their adventures! Chase will love to accompany you on hikes and walks and will always be up for any fun activity.Chase is also a very intelligent dog that already has a few tricks up his sleeve and loves learning – with a patient and dedicated owner by his side, he could be taught many more commands and reach his true potential. Due to his high prey drive, Chase needs a home without any cats or small animals in the family, and with no young children either to avoid any mishaps. Dogs are fine, though, especially if they match his personality and energy levels. If Chase sounds like the perfect pooch for your family’s lifestyle, contact  Emerald City Pet Rescue - Seattle to learn more about him and the adoption process. 

Help PawsLikeMe Find Homes For Rescued Cats

PawsLikeMe, the match-making website that pairs people with adoptable dogs, needs your help to introduce cats into the mix. In a sea of barking dogs and meowing cats, it’s often hard to pick just one animal to adopt from a rescue shelter. Not only do all of them look so adorable and in need of a loving home, but you’ve also got to consider your needs and that of the animal your adopting. Is he high energy? Does he get along with other pets? Is he easy to train? That’s where PawsLikeMe steps in. They’re like a dating website, except between animals and humans! Their doggy matching website has been up and running since the fall of 2015, but now they’re taking it to the next level by allowing potential pet parents to adopt furry felines.   But to do so, they need your help. PawsLikeMe has started crowdfunding on Indiegogo.com to raise $15,000. This money will finalize the algorithm that will allow them to find felines their forever homes by matching them to a families that fit their wants and needs. Related: 4 Purrfect Reasons To Adopt a Shelter Cat Their current website (which currently only finds dogs home across the country) uses a scientifically proven algorithm to help find dogs that will be a good match for a person’s lifestyle and personality. There are four areas on PawsLikeMe’s current website to match dogs to humans: focus, independence, confidence and energy. Using these key areas, PawsLikeMe can find out if there is a dog ready to be adopted somewhere in the United States that can suit your lifestyle. For example, you may not want to adopt a high-energy dog if you’re a senior citizen who spends most of their time indoors. With this algorithm, you can rest assured that they will pair you with a dog who is on par with your personality. In fact, PawsLikeMe conducted a survey in 2014, where over 3,000 people participated and they reported that their average accuracy was over 90 percent! Related: The Most Commonly Overlooked Cats at Shelters Once PawsLikeMe reaches their target goal to add cats into the mix, they will also implement a re-homing cat program as an alternative to surrendering felines to shelters. This means owners can complete a sheet describing their cat’s personality and put a free posting up on their website. Not only does this make the owner responsible for re-homing their furry friend, but it also eases the pressure off shelters, as so many of them are filled to the brim with hopeful animals. To help PawsLikeMe reach their goal, head on over to Indiegogo.com.

Dog Attacks: Do They Stem From Pooches or People?

The age-old question of nature vs. nurture as it pertains to dog attacks was put to Canadians. And according to a recent survey, Canadians are divided on the issue. According to the U.S.’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it is estimated that approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the country. Of those bites, only about 350,000 are significant enough to be reported into the CDC’s own database. While Canadian statistics are less readily available, the Canada Safety Council estimates that just under half a million Canadians are bitten by dogs every year, but few result in serious injury. The Angus Reid Institute recently conducted a survey on whether dog attacks are the direct result of dangerous breeds or bad pet parents and the results are interesting. Fifty-eight percent of Canadians believe that dog attacks are isolated incidents (the person’s fault), while 42 percent believe that particular breeds are inherently more aggressive and dangerous, thus putting the blame on pooches. But the answers seem to vary significantly when you examine participant ages against their beliefs. When surveying Canadians aged 18-34, for example, 33 percent believe that dog attacks are due to bad dogs, while a whopping 67 percent believe it has everything to do with how the owner raises them. As survey takers get older, their answers tend to change. In Canadian survey participants aged 35-54, 40 percent believe dogs are to blame while only 60 percent believe people are at fault. Those 55 and over are split 50/50 on the issue. Breaking the survey participants into genders reveals that 67 percent of men say certain breeds are more dangerous than others compared to 37 percent of women who say the same. One’s answers can also hinge on whether or not they currently have a dog, have owned a dog (but not at the moment), or have never owned a dog. Those who have never owned dogs are split down the middle on the issue, with 51 percent saying particular breeds such as Rottweilers and Pitbulls are dangerous and 49 percent saying dog attacks are caused by bad owners and not bad dogs. Of the surveyed participants who currently have dogs, 66 percent believe dog attacks have everything to do with how the dog is raised and not the dog’s breed. Related: All About the American PitBull Terrier When asked whether or not Canadians would support policies banning so-called “dangerous breeds”, 52 percent of participants who are over 55 years old or older agreed while only 27 percent of those between the ages of 18-34 supported the idea. Clearly, the older the crowd, the more support there is for banning “dangerous breeds” in the community, while the younger crowd believes its all in how you raise the dog. The majority of Canadians, however, do support legislation that controls “dangerous” dog breeds. Two-thirds of participants (67 percent) support requiring muzzles for breeds such as pitbulls when they are off their owners’ properties, and 58 percent support more expensive licensing for “dangerous” breeds. The latter would make getting dogs such as American Pitbull Terriers less desirably because they would be more expensive to own (if they are not outright banned in any particular Provence). Related: The Truth About Pit Bulls Had I been part of this survey, I would have been among the percentage of people who disagree with this entirely. Even a little chihuahua can be a tiny, incessant nipping machine if you train it to be; it’s all in how you raise the dog and not its breed. While I do believe there are dogs out there who are out of control and sometimes make bad decisions that end in a human getting hurt, I don’t believe that dogs are born inherently bad. Maybe it’s because I’ve dealt with more than my fair share of furry, lovable pooches or maybe its because I often have a fearless approach to animals. All I know is when I come face-to-face with an enormous American Bulldog or Neapolitan Mastiff walking off-leash at the park, my first instinct isn’t to back away in fear. Rather, I bend down and let them sniff my hand in welcome and after a few seconds of cautious sniffing, I’ve always been rewarded with a wagging tail and more than a few happy licks. To read more about this survey, check out AngusReid.org.

Adoptable Dog of the Week – Bluebelle

A blooming beauty, Bluebelle, our Adoptable Dog of the Week, comes with a bull’s-eye on her butt (literally – it’s a marking on her coat)! Hailing from Decatur, Illinois, Bluebelle is an adult English Bulldog with swagger to spare. She’s already spayed, housetrained, purebred, up to date with shots, good with kids, and good with dogs. Bluebelle’s Tale: Hello all! My name is Bluebell, but all my friends call me Miss Bee or just “B.” Why “B” you ask? Well, foster mom says: “Big B, little B, what begins with B? Blue eye, brindle bull’s-eye, a BIG, beautiful bulldog… that’s me!” In fact, I am a supersized best friend, weighing in at 73 pounds and still gaining. I was a stray roaming the streets looking for food and someone to take care of me. I had probably been out there for a while because I was in pretty bad shape when animal control took me in. I had sores on my paws, bites on my face, a large, hanging mass on my stomach, ear infection, and tapeworms, too. Thankfully, Illinois English Bulldog Rescue took me in and everything has changed. I have had a couple of surgeries to get me all fixed up; my mass was removed, I was spayed and had double entropian surgery. Now you can see my beautiful blue eyes even better! I am a strong girl who loves to meet people. In fact, I will make a “B-line” to sniff new people and pups; I don’t want to hurt anyone, but sometimes my strength and size can be scary to those I want to meet. That being said, I need a best friend who can keep me in hand and remind me of something called manners. I am a quiet girl and enjoy nothing more than being close to you; well, I actually want you to pet me when we are close and I will let you know what I want by giving you kisses, gently pawing you, or just climbing in your lap. I do a whole body wiggle when you talk to me, because I really like your attention. I also like rolling on my back and doing karate kicks… girl power! Foster mom says I have a sweet, sensitive, and silly personality. I am housebroken, enjoy getting a bath, and get along well now with my foster sis (she was initially intimidated by my size and curious nature). What could be better than a bulldog? Me! Cause I am everything a bullie is, but in supersized form! If you want a big, beautiful, bullie gal as your best friend, with a blue eye and brindle bull’s-eye on her butt, then I just may be your gal! Want to adopt Bluebelle? Visit Illinois English Bulldog Rescue to fill out the adoption form.

Cadoodle

Cadoodle Basics The Cadoodle is a loving, loyal cross between a collie and a standard poodle. They are also known as Colliedoodles or Colliepoos. Cadoodles are sweet, smart and energetic. They are great family dogs when socialized properly, and are best kept in warmer climates or indoors as they don’t like the cold. Typically, the Cadoodle coat is either black, blue or white, but they can also carry on a merle coloring. This often depends on whether it’s a first generation Cadoodle, or the product of two Cadoodle parents. They have a thick coat which sometimes requires grooming, but they are hypoallergenic. The Cadoodle is a loving, loyal cross between a Collie and a Standard Poodle. Cadoodle Origin The origin of the Cadoodle is unknown – it’s a new hybrid breed. Pedigree

Dear Virginia: On Losing a Pet, Grieving and Healing

When a beloved pet dies, a little part of your heart leaves with her. And as she explains to her new arrival, Rachel Leavy has much more love to give… but will always treasure her Maria. Dear Virginia, Sometimes all it takes is pulling a pea coat from the back of the closet that I haven’t worn in a year. Sometimes it’s an odd memory like the time she decided to bury all of my shoes in the bed that sets me over. I’m sorry that sometimes I pull you out of your dog crate when you’re sound asleep to hold you while I cry. You may think that I’m in control, I feed you, take you on walks and provide you with the things you need to remain happy. But the truth is that without you, I would be completely lost.

Noble Novelties Worthy of Your Aristo-Cat

When your cat is the supreme ruler of your home, there’s nothing you can do but knee down and pledge allegiance to their right of reign. Appeal to your demanding kitty’s merciful side by offering up these magnificent tokens as a sign of your undying loyalty. And remember, it could be worse – remember when you let the dog take over for the day? Yeah, let’s not talk about that fiasco.

Happy Easter From Oscar and the Eggheads at PetGuide

In between Easter egg hunts, family and church gatherings, and eating way too much chocolate, be sure to check out our favorite Easter articles on PetGuide.com: Bunny ears, bunny beds and bunny backpacks… all for your dog: 13 Delightful Easter-Inspired Dog Essentials Bake up a batch of hot chicks: Apple Banana Fresh Breath Dog Treat Recipe Skip the Easter Lillies – did you know they’re toxic to cats and dogs?: Top 5 Indoor Plants Poisonous To Cats Host a dog-friendly Easter Egg Hunt: 8 Egg-cellent Tips For A Dog-Friendly Easter Egg Hunt No bunnies were harmed in the making of these treats: Cheesy Tuna Dog Treat Recipe Keep chocolate bunnies and eggs out of your dog’s paws: Dogs and Chocolate: Why The Two Don’t Mix Have a wonderful Easter with your family and friends!

Drew Barrymore Scoops ASPCA’s Compassion Award

Beloved actress and animal activist Drew Barrymore is the well-deserved recipient of the ASPCA Compassion Award. It’s almost time to celebrate one of the hottest animal events of the year – the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (ASPCA) annual Bergh Ball. This signature event attracts community leaders, celebrities, and animal lovers in an effort to raise critical funds to support the work of the ASPCA. The 19th Annual Bergh Ball, which is taking place April 14, 2016 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, will not only mark the 150th anniversary of the ASPCA, it will also honor famous dog mom, Drew Barrymore! Actress and humanitarian Drew Barrymore is more than deserving of the ASPCA Compassion Award, thanks to her outstanding contributions to animal welfare in the United States. This prestigious award will be presented by DIYer extraordinaire Martha Stewart, along with ASPCA President and CEO, Matt Bershadker. Nathan Lane, funny man and Tony Award Winner, will perform the role of Master of Ceremonies at the event and Grammy Award-winning musician and producer, Mark Ronson will provide the evening’s entertainment. The Bergh Ball plays an important role in the ASPCA’s fundraising efforts but this year’s even holds special significance as it coincides with the organizations 150th anniversary. Funds raised at the Bergh Ball and throughout the year will be given to help support the ASPCA’s efforts to improve the lives of abused, neglected, and homeless animals across the United States. The event will feature a live auction hosted by Sotheby’s senior auctioneer, C. Hugh Hildesy, during which several high-end items will be up for grabs. An online auction will be held concurrently with the help of Charitybuzz, featuring items such as a personal training session with Bob Harber, celebrity trainer from NBC’s “The Biggest Loser”; four tickets to Billy Joel’s sold-out performance in Madison Square Garden; and a shopping spree and lunch date with designer Nicole Miller. The theme of this year’s Bergh Ball is “Round of A-Paws for 150 Years”, an apt name for this celebration of the ASPCA’s century and a half of work in improving the lives of victimized and vulnerable animals across the country. Since its founding, the ASCPA has helped countless animals through adoptions, community outreach events, animal health services, and legislative work and Barrymore has made a number of significant contributions herself. Way to go Drew! We’ll be cheering for you for the comfort of our living room couch, snuggling with our furry friends.

Study: Dogs Labelled as Pitbulls Stay 3 Times Longer in Shelters

A new study finds that being a “Pitbull” will increase the length of a dog’s stay in a shelter threefold. And the same goes for dogs that are mislabeled as Pitbull… even if they’re not. Just over a month ago, PetGuide reported that almost 50 percent of dogs were incorrectly labeled as “pitbulls” because they looked like the breed. It was believed that because these dogs were mislabeled as pitbull breeds, their chances of getting adopted plummeted. While that still rings true to this day, no specific numbers were ever recorded. Related: 50% of Rescue Dogs Mislabeled as Pitbulls by Shelter Staff But according to a recently published report by Lisa Gunter and colleagues from Arizona State University, dogs labeled as pitbull breeds wait three times as long to be adopted from shelters than dogs who were deemed to be pitbull lookalikes or any other breed. This is mostly due to the fact that pitbull breeds are considered a less attractive breed as many perceive them to be more aggressive and less friendly than other breeds, such as Golden Retrievers or Labradors. This is not only bad news for actual Pitbulls, who are damned to stay three times longer in shelters and are more at-risk of being destroyed, but it’s also bad news for any dog that resembles a pitbull. Some dogs that look like pitbulls include Boxers, English/American Bulldogs, Bull Mastiffs and Presa Canario dogs, and all mixes in between. This may be because all of these breeds have tough, almost threatening stance and are fairly muscular. Despite their sturdy build, all of these pooches are known to be great with children and are protective of those they love. Related: Are Pitbulls Dangerous: Sorting Out The Facts From Myths If you’re looking to adopt a dog, remember that not all dogs who are labeled pitbulls are pitbulls, as many dogs who are surrendered or rescued do not have any certificates and because of that, rescuers are never 100 percent sure of their breed. Furthermore, the pitbull breed (which is only a breed description, NOT a breed of dog) are not born dangerous or aggressive, but can be bred that way… like any kind of dog. Not unlike humans, dogs can be shaped by the environment they live in. If one showers their dog with love and affection, they will no doubt be given the exact same in return. [Source: Science Daily ]

Vote For Your Favorite Furry Canine to Win the 2016 Hero Dog Award

The Hero Dogs Award are held to select eight dogs who are awarded for their outstanding bravery. Voting for the 2016 Hero Dog Awards is officially open. Not unlike humans, dogs are capable of overcoming some pretty horrible tragedies. Take Susie the Pitbull puppy, for instance. When she licked her own owner’s child, the owner beat her so hard, he knocked out her teeth and broke her jaw. Her body was then set on fire. But Susie overcame all odds and miraculously survived. With the help of a few human caretakers who treated the third-degree burns covering her body that had also been infested with maggots, she fought hard to live – and live she did. Now living a happy life with owner Donna, Susie is now a certified therapy dog who visits schools, hospitals and churches to bring messages of respect , kindness and responsibility. Her incredible story is what made her the 2014 Hero Dog in the “Therapy” category. Related: Former Rescue Ruger the Hero Dog Sends Poachers Packing This year’s voting rounds are dedicated to 2015 Hero Dog Haley, who recently passed away. Harley was a one-eyed chihuahua who endured 10 long years of abuse in a puppy mill before being rescued by Rudi and Dan Taylor. Together, Rudi, Dan and Harley rescue hundreds of dogs from puppy mills in hopes of giving them a new lease on life. The voting is broken down into eight categories, for which many dogs are nominated but only a total of eight can win. The categories are Law Enforcement, Military, Arson, Therapy, Service, Emerging Hero, Search & Rescue and Guide/Hearing dogs. This contest reaches more than 1 billion people each year and draws support from not only dog lovers, but also celebrities who also love to help out such a worthy cause. Past hosts, award presenters, judges and entertainment acts have included Whoopi Goldberg, Denise Richards, Betty White, Miranda Lambert and many, many more. Related: Miranda Lambert’s Muttnation Pet Accessories Hits a High Note Over the past five years, Americans have cast millions of votes for nearly a thousand dogs who all desire the yearn for the title of American Hero Dog. Of the thousands that are nominated, only eight will win. Those eight are given $2,500 to give to the charity that is designated for that particular category, plus an additional $5,000 for the winner themselves. Voting for the 2016 Hero Dog Awards is now open! Head on over to HeroDogAwards, read up on all eligible dogs and vote for your favorite.

Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier Basics Sometimes big energy comes in small packages. Take the Jack Russell for example. Tiny dog, sure. But his personality? Absolutely huge. Too big, even. He may be small, but what the Jack Russell Terrier lacks in size, he more than makes up for in energy. Seriously, this little guy will run you ragged. What was once an English hunting dog, the Jack Russell is now a treasured companion to many households around the world. But if you’re planning on bringing one of these feisty dogs home, you had better be active – this little fella never stops (except for treats and belly rubs, of course). Full of energy and exuberance, the Jack Russell Terrier is lively, busy, loves to hunt, and enjoys mental challenges. This is known to be an independent breed, so it is recommended that you should be an experienced dog owner. But once trained, you’ll find that the Jack Russell Terrier is a delight and is always up for amusement. He may tire you out, but this little guy will also never cease to entertain. So, it all works out. The only question is whether one of these little bundles of energy and joy is the right dog for you! Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place to find out. Just keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. Everything that you could possibly want to know about Jack Russell Terriers is about to be revealed. If you can’t decide whether or not you want one of these dogs by the end of this article, then you’ll never know. He may be small, but what the Jack Russell Terrier lacks in size, he more than makes up for in energy. Origin Named after a clergyman named Reverend John (Jack) Russell, this breed was used as a small game hunting dog in the mid-1800s. The standard for this breed was quite broad, which allowed for a wide range of accepted body types. In 2003, the Jack Russell Terrier Association of America changed its name to the Parson Russell Terrier Association of America. This differentiated the working types, which remained Jack Russells, while the American show types became known as Parson Russell Terriers. Regardless of which name that you choose to call him, this feisty fellow is always a charmer. Pedigree

Study Finds Yelling At Your Dog Affects Them More Than We May Think

We know that yelling when we’re angry doesn’t typically produce beneficial results, but we are all human and it happens. A new study, however, showed that just because dogs don’t understand our words, that doesn’t mean they aren’t affected by our anger and the tone in our voice. It’s good food for thought and why we shouldn’t ever yell at our furbabies.

A Guide to Dog Menstruation

If you have an intact female dog, you’re going to have to deal with menstruation. Here’s what you need to know to ensure that time of the month goes smoothly. Every woman is familiar with “that time of the month,” but did you know that female dogs go through the cycle of menstruation as well? In dogs, it’s called the estrus cycle but it’s typically referred to as “heat.” Keep reading to learn more about this cycle and how to deal with it. When Do Female Dogs Start Menstruating? A female dog will have her first heat cycle when she becomes sexually mature – when she reaches puberty. There is no one-size-fits all guide to when a dog will reach puberty because it depends on a variety of factors, primarily breed and size. Generally speaking, female dogs can have their first heat around the time they reach 6 months of age (which is why most veterinarians recommend spaying female puppies before that age). Smaller breeds often go into heat for the first time before they reach six months and larger breeds may not have their first cycle until they are 12 to 18 months old. Regardless what age it happens, a dog’s first heat cycle means they are capable of becoming pregnant. Related: Understanding The Dog Heat Cycle How Often Do Dogs Go Into Heat? Once a female dog has her first heat cycle, she’ll go into heat roughly twice a year, about every six months. It takes time for a dog’s cycle to become regular, however, and breed size influences how often the cycle happens. Small breeds, for example, may cycle three times a year while large and giant breeds may only have one cycle every 12 to 18 months. To determine how often you can expect your dog to go into heat, do a little research on the breed or ask your veterinarian. What Are the Signs of Heat in Dogs? It’s a good idea to pay attention to the signs of heat so you can protect your dog against unwanted pregnancy. The earliest sign of heat is swelling of the vulva, but you probably aren’t paying a lot of attention to that part of your dog. The first thing you’re likely to notice is a bloody discharge. Some dogs bleed more heavily than others, so you may need to put a diaper on your dog or be prepared to do a lot of cleaning. Related: What is an Ovary-Sparing Spay? Once the cycle begins, the discharge will become increasingly waterier and the dog may start to display marking behavior. During this time, the dog will also be putting off pheromones – pheromones which a male dog can detect from a great distance. When the discharge becomes watery, this is when the dog is most fertile and when she will be receptive to breeding. If the dog is bred during this window, she is most likely to become pregnant. The Basics of Pregnancy in Dogs Once a dog becomes pregnant, she enters the gestation period – the period during which the puppies develop in her womb. This stage lasts 9 weeks, or about 63 days. It won’t be for three weeks after conception, however, that you’ll be able to detect the pregnancy. After about 28 days, a veterinarian will be able to palpate the dog’s abdomen to feel the puppies and it is safe to perform an ultrasound after about 25 days. At 6 weeks, the puppies’ bones will have calcified enough to show up on x-ray. The cycle of life is a beautiful and amazing thing, but there are risks associated with pregnancy in dogs – especially for breeds with large heads like Bulldogs. Failing to spay a female dog also increases her risk of uterine infections and certain types of cancer. Think very carefully before you choose to breed your dog and if you’re sure you aren’t going to breed her, it’s best to have her spayed by one year of age.

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