Tea and Dog Biscuits

This last weekend was wet and rainy; a perfect weekend to stay indoors cuddling with Marley and reading a good book. I read the most delightful book, Tea and Dog Biscuits by Barrie Hawkins.

Its about a couple in England who decide to start a rescue for German Shepards.  They have made plans as in "when we have more time" until a major illness strikes Mrs. Hawkins.  She wants Barrie to start the rescue to give him focus while she undergoes surgery.  While she is in the hospital a young man calls begging him to take his dog because he is homeless and living in his car, thus starts the rescue organization.

The writing made it easy to imagine living with German Shepards and running a rescue.  As charming and delightful as the book is Barrie does not hide the dark side of rescue. I'll stop before I give the entire story away.  

It is simply a great read and perfect for a dark rainy day. 

The rescue organization is GSD Homefinders and 10% of the royalties from the book are going directly to the rescue organization. 

Animal Rescue Challenge 2011!

In Support of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.  I found a contest that will provide the following prizes to a Shelter or Rescue operation.

The Animal Rescue Challenge!

• The Grand Prize: One $5,000 grant! 
• Heartwarming Story Contest: Three $2,000 grants! 
• State Winners*: Fifty-one $1,000 state grants (50 U.S. states and Washington D.C.) 
• Canadian Winners*: One $1,000 grant will be awarded. 
• International Winner*: One $1,000 grant will be awarded. 
• Weekly Winners* Eleven $1,000 grants will be awarded, one for each week of this voting round of the Shelter Challenge.

How Cool is that!  Voting started on October 3, 2011 and runs until December 18, 2011.

Many Shelters are currently under funded and they desperately need funds to continue the vital work they do for their communities. Voting every day is such an easy way to win our shelter some much needed funds.

Voting is really easy, go to the Animal Rescue Site (this link will take you directly to the voting page).

• Enter the name of your favorite Shelter or Rescue Organization.
• Enter the County, State and or City.
• Hit Search
• Verify your shelter 

That is it!

Rescue Me event

The Local Bark hosted the most amazing rescue event. I don't really know if other rescue events are run the same way, however this was simply fabulous.

They started the event with a rescue dog parade. Basically, all rescue organizations were invited to the microphone with their rescue dogs and they said a few words about each dog's history and the kind of home the dog needed. I was incredibly impressed with Chako Pit Bull Rescue, they managed to convey the joy of owning a pit bull without minimizing some of the problems that may be encountered with the breed.

I found the event very helpful because I had Marley and I was able to discuss various breeds with the rescue groups. For instance, I've always wanted a German Shepard and I spoke to them about the differences in size and energy. They were great about discussing my needs and the type of German Shepard I should look for when I'm ready for a new dog. I wish more people who are shopping for a dog had attended this event, I'm sure they would have left with a new understanding of their new dog prior to bringing him home.

I couldn't believe this cutie was still in rescue.

Marley participated in the cutest trick contest and came in second. The winner had the coolest trick I want to teach Marley.

We also participated in their Dog Park workshop. Their facilities are nice and the outdoor play area is really large.

Overall, it was a wonderful event and I would highly recommend attending something similar if you are looking for a dog and want more information on the specific breed or are considering a rescue dog.