After fostering dogs on and off for a local city shelter since 2006, I’ve adopted my first foster dog. Meet Bugsy, an enthusiastic, impish, darling, gray fluff ball. He is full of energy and bright eyed, possibly a Shih Tzu mix. This week he went on his first dog adventure — up to Island Lake in the Sierra. It was a real adventure for him. He did a lot of racing around and on the way back he forged a tiny stream that he wouldn’t on the way up. To more adventures with Bugsy.
I love this red breathable mesh vest from rocket-pets.com. It is perfect for warm weather and swimming.
Bugsy on his first hike — to Island Lake in the Sierra.Bugsy exploring along Island Lake.Flowers at Island LakeBugsy braved crossing this little stream on the way back. On the way up he had to be carried over it.
Meet Daisy, the sweetest, cuddliest, easiest dog you’ll ever met, and she is looking for the perfect home. Could that be you?
She is an American/English bulldog mix, about 1 1/2 years old, and will pretty much stick right next to you. She is easy to walk, is 100% housebroken, uses a dog door, is an energetic eater, loves to sunbath, has medium to low energy, is super smart, and sometimes gets a good snore going. She is attentive, inquisitive and loving. She almost never barks.
How fun is this cat backpack! My friend, Stephanie, and her cat, Sherman, were out for a walk in the park. The bubble backpack really gave Sherman a great view of what was going on. It opens up a whole world of possibilities for cats and pet owners. Why should dogs have all the fun? You can bring you cats for a walk or hike, to a friend’s or to sit outside at a restaurant.
You can buy this cool, space capsule cat backpack at rocket-pets.com.
It comes in multiple colors, too.
It fits just like a regular backpack, has a padded bottom, and nine vented holes plus two-mesh vented side windows to keep a cat comfortable.
Once upon a time there were three little pigs named Janet, Bernie and Hanz. Their lives hit the jackpot when animal lover Cori Moore couldn’t stop dreaming of having pigs as pets. Adopted into the cozy home of Cori and Mike Moore, they are living like two kings and a queen being hand-fed grapes in the living room and cuddled and kissed by their kids.
As a girl, Cori wanted to live on a farm and slowly, she’s bringing the farm to her family. Over the years, she has rescued dozens of dogs and cats. This year, she’s added the pigs to the mix where they relax with a pack of dogs and seven children ranging in age from 2 to 14 years old.
“The animals help open the eyes of the kids,” Cori said. “Having them makes the kids more compassionate.”
Janet, a mini-pig, was the first. Followed by the two pot-bellied pigs. The kids find them funny and amusing and the younger children absolutely love them. “I am surprised at how smart and loving they are,” Cori said. “I’ll never have another dog again!”
Issaac pets Kitty-Pup while Janet, Bernie and Hanz hang out on the deck.
Bernie, Hanz and Cali smell food and head to the kitchen in hopes of treats. Corie and Lily gives grapes to the pigs.
Hanz gets some loving from Lily and Janet sniffs a toe.
On March 20, 2016, I picked up small, scared, neglected dog from the Front Street Animal Shelter in Sacramento, CA to foster. He’d been picked up by animal control and no one came to claim him. Thank goodness. He was a mess. I thought I’d have him for a few weeks before he was ready for adoption. During the first week, he barely moved. I carried him to the yard, to the couch, to eat and to bed. Slowly, he timidly began walking around the house. In a month, he was trotting. It was Patty the poodle who sent him running, toward her. She lives next door, and he fell in love. Patty gave him a purpose, and he learned to walk on a leash so he could to follow her. He became more outgoing with her and her two siblings. He learned to ride in a car, went on his first hike, had a party for his dog friends and began playing with a ball.
In the next few months, he learned to ride in a car, went on his first hike, got a professional grooming, had a dog party and began playing with a ball. Silent for more than a month, he eventually found his bark. At first, it was a small puppy bark, and then it became a full-fledged tough dog bark.As his confidence grew, so did his cuteness. Sometimes he looked like a lamb, a polar bear cub or a wind-up stuffed animal. On Friday, August 28, Finney went to his forever home with Lori and Mike Cox where he will have a playmate,
On Friday, Aug. 28, Finney went to his forever home with Lori and Mike Cox where he will have a playmate, Maggie and lots of love. It is rewarding to help a traumatized dog heal and find happiness. As hard as it is to let them go, I know he is in good hands.
Foster dog Finney’s intake photo.
Finney was a sad pup his first days, but slowly he emerged from whatever had shaken him.
He learned to ride in the car.
He went hiking and dipped his paws in a mountain stream.
He was professionally groomed and was mistaken for a lamb.
He met a girl. Patty the poodle lived next door and sent his head spinning. He followed her around like a lovestruck teenager.
He was a good sport about getting a bath. He liked to keep his coat pearly white to impress Patty.
He made more friends and had a dog party! He invited only small white or tan dogs.
He discovered balls.
He became a master ball chaser and so delightful to watch.
Finney’s new family, Lori and Mike Cox, took him home on Friday, July 28, 2016. He’ll have a dog sister, Maggie, a Jack Russell Terrier, and they will be playing ball day in and day out. I’m sure he will make their hearts grow.
