Cleo's Day Blog | Dog Advice, Cute Pics, and Life Lessons from a Rescue Dog in San Francisco

What does a dog give up for Lent?

Dogged determination. This year finding something to give up for Lent was tough. Diabetes & allergic reactions forced me to give up many of my favorite foods months ago. Grr.

But, after digging around, I decided I'm giving up a toy for Lent.

I couldn't give up cuddles, walks, or treats. What's a dog to do? I'd give up getting my nails trimmed, if I could. BOL

PL gave up chocolate so I wanted to join in, as the good buddy I am. A dog toy will have to do...

Are you giving up anything?

Why Spay Day is a Celebration of Life

Spay Day is an annual campaign by the Humane Society International and The Humane Society of the United States. In my dog opinion, this event is a celebration of life. When all companion animals are wanted and in loving homes, I'd call that a celebration.

The intent of the Spay Day campaign is "to inspire people to save animal lives by spaying or neutering pets and feral cats." Why is this important?

"Spay/neuter is the only permanent, 100-percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats." - HSUS

Why should you care? 

Many people believe that their pet's puppies or kittens would never become homeless shelter animals. But the reality is that every time the dog finds his way under the fence to visit the neighbor's female dog, or the indoor/outdoor cat comes back home pregnant again, the result is a litter of dogs or cats. Even if they are placed into homes, it is still possible for them to end up in shelters once they become "hard to handle," or for them to reproduce further and for the next generation of puppies or kittens to wind up homeless

As a dog who was surrendered to a shelter, I know about this. My personality and size is likely the reason I was considered "hard to handle" and given up to a shelter. Compared to the millions of dogs and cats euthanized each year, I'm a very lucky girl [...]

 

Celebrate Love Your Pet Day

February 20 is Love Your Pet Day and we're celebrating! Who's with me? All pets welcome!

Here is my portait, in repose. On certain nights, I'm more conflict avoidance than tranquil. And as an older gal, I do have my issues with regulating my body temperature. Some nights, I'm the opposite of restful. Good thing I'm so cute, and PL is a heavy sleeper.

Sending Valentines to You

Is it February 14 yet? My fluffy love tank is full and ready to shoot arrows of joy to all in my line of sight. Though with my poor vision, I'll be using my nose more to find you. Either way, watch out! Here comes some Shepherd/Husky senior dog love.

www.grouchypuppy.com

Give Fearlessly. Influence Positively.

Dogs Positively Influence Campaign | Ric Paws it Forward

Here is a new (yet well known to many) dog to share with you. She is a surf dog who paws it forward every day in Southern California. Her name is Ricochet, or Ric. What makes her so special? To start with she has a guardian whose most proud moment was embracing Ric's natural talents..

"I made one good decision with my dog Ricochet, and that was to finally let her be who she truly is, rather than trying to make her fit my expectations. I wanted her to be a service dog for a person with a disability, but she has too much chase drive. Once I let go of the expectations, she showed me she has a mission to touch millions of lives, not just one. If I hadn't made that decision, she would have remained stifled, and both of us unhappy and disappointed. Instead, disappointment was replaced with a joyful new direction!" ~ Judy

Together they continue spreading Ric's positive influence today with videos like this: 

  

They plan to use the video above to get out to teachers, and do in school presentations, so kids can learn how to respect animals, and take responsibility for them. They want kids to learn how to be true to themselves.

Judy hopes Ric's story will have kids relate to her as a dog, rather than as a teacher or parent telling them what to do -- influencing them while they're young. 

Do you have a dog who positively influences too? Tell us.

To learn more about Ric visit her website:  www.surfdogricochet.com

 

 

 

Ode to not having puppies | National Spay Neuter Month

February is National Spay Neuter Month. I've written an ode to how my life has been, and continues to be, pretty sweet -- by not having had puppies. The amount of loving attention given to me over the years has been steady, bordering on worship (in the case of a few admirers at least..BOL). [...]

Dogs Positively Influence Campaign | Cassie, best dog ever

Cassie, the Shetland Sheepdog, is our first dog to highlight during the Dogs Positively Influence Campaign. She demonstrated all the amazing qualities and natural skills that dogs have for positively influencing their people. Read Cassie's story [...]

Dogs Positively Influence Campaign

UPDATE: We started to receive wonderful stories and photos of dogs, and the tears are already flowing along with the smiles of joy. More please! See below for all the details. We'll begin sharing on Monday. Get ready for a LOVEFEST!

Dogs Positively Influence Campaign Everyone knows that at dog shows, judges give out ribbons for best in show, best in breed etc. However what about the dogs that positively influence? Don't we deserve a ribbon? A little recognition?

Squirrel Appreciation Day is Every Day

Jan 21 might be the official Squirrel Appreciation Day, but in San Francisco, it's every day!

Movie Buzz | The Interrupters - Grouchy Puppy Style