PHOTOS: Playing with pups at Paws in the Park in Orlando

I've been away, and I've let the blog go.

You see, back in May I was diagnosed with bulging discs in my lower back. After several months of physical therapy I was starting to feel better.

Then just after New Year's the pain flared up again. I was very miserable, and it took weeks to feel better. Then I got sick.

Between that and regular life it's been tough to get back to doing this. But I want to get back to it.

So I'm making a late New Year's resolution: from now on, three posts a week! It's a promise. And I also promise to get back to doing what I started this blog for: to tell stories about my crazy dogs.

This past weekend Lulu and I went to Paws in the Park in Orlando! The annual event benefits Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando (where we adopted Lulu all those years ago!).

Pet Alliance is an animal shelter, but it's also an organization that tries to help pet lovers in the community so that people have happy, responsible relationships with pets.

Take a look at some pics of our adventure.

Adopt a pet shelter! 5 ways to help shelters, dogs

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month!

Do you have a shelter pet? We have three!

 Keeping the number of pets in the shelters to a minimum (zero would be better) enables the shelters to save more animals from the streets and from bad situations.

If I could take them all in, I would. I can't even go to the shelters because the temptation is too great.

But if you, like me, can't take in any more pets, there are lots of easy ways to help shelters, and by extension, help those pets!

Here are 5 ways, with help from Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. 

7 truths about shelter or rescue dogs

A few months ago the Washington Post published an editorial on why one person would "never adopt another shelter dog."

You can read it here.

It's a nasty piece of work that is based on bad experience and not much more. And it hurts an entire group of pets who just desperately need homes as much as any other pet.

This month is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Many have posted about the myths of shelter and rescue dogs. As the owner of two shelter dogs, I'm going to tell you about what's true.

1) They are often the victim of uninformed humans. How many dogs are left in shelters because they weren't potty trained, or the human didn't realize the dog's chewing on things had to do with the dog being bored? Or that some breeds need more exercise than others?

Darius is 3 and a half years old. He was recently sent Orange County Animal Services in Orlando.

This is true for all dogs. Do your research before you get a dog. Know what type of dog can fit your lifestyle. If you can't go out for long walks with a dog, you probably shouldn't get a dog who needs lots of exercise. Dogs require structure. You need to be prepared to give them that.

2)  They come in all colors, shapes and sizes. Don't think you can get the breed you want? Think again. There's a rescue for almost every breed of dog in the country. And if you can't find one close to you, you'd be surprised how many perfect strangers will take turns driving however far to bring you your dog. Sites like Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet  will help you find the pet you're looking for.

Shelby is an adult beagle mix at Lake County Animal Services.

3) Older pets are better than puppies. Can you get a puppy in a shelter or a rescue? Of course. Especially during certain times of the year. But should you? Puppies are a lot of work, and they don't let you sleep through the night necessarily. And they may have to be housebroken.

The good thing about older dogs is they may be more mellow. They also may be housebroken. If you're not used to having a dog, consider an older dog.

4) All dogs can get sick. Sure breeders might offer a guarantee that their dogs don't have any problems. But more than half of golden retrievers get cancer.  Cocker spaniels are susceptible to a number of illnesses.  Beagles can get hip dysplasia and intrervertebral disc disease.  Any dog is capable of illness. And mix breeds may actually be less susceptible to certain illnesses.

5) Some shelter or rescue dogs may have training. When you are looking at dogs, be sure to ask the shelters and rescues what training the dogs have had. Some will train the dogs to make them more adoptable. Nothing fancy, just basic behavioral stuff.

Pup pup is a poodle mix at Pasco County Animal Services.

6) You don't HAVE to go to a shelter to see a shelter dog. Shelters make people sad or they scare people, and that's why some avoid the shelters. Think you're scared? You should see some of the dogs! They sit in a corner and won't look at anyone because they don't understand what's happening.

There are different ways to see a shelter dog. You can go online, look at the websites, or the Facebook pages (they all have them). Then you can go to the shelters and meet the dogs out of the cages. Some shelters have fenced in areas or rooms where you can meet the dog and see them come out of their shell. Or, you can visit an offsite location, like a pet store or a rescue event. PetSmart and Petco both host rescue events on the weekends.

7) Shelter and rescue dogs are grateful. I don't know how else to say it. I don't mean that dogs from breeders are not grateful to the people who adopt them. I just mean I hear lots of stories about shelter or rescue dogs saving their owners or their owners' children. They also become therapy dogs or medical alert dogs.

Here's some stories:

• Shelter Dog Turned Hero
• Rescue dog, Duke, saves 9-week-old baby from dying
• Newly adopted dog saves lives of owners 
• Dog adopted from Michigan shelter saves family's lives 2 weeks later
• Rescued dog saves sleeping family from a fire 

Tell me about your shelter dog! In the comments below, tell us about the dog you rescued, in honor of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.

Beagle of the Week PLUS senior beagles who need adopting

It's adopt-a-senior dog month!

There are lots of beagles who need help, but for senior beagles, it's a bit tougher. People don't realize though that older beagles are awesome. I have a friend who raises beagles, and she once said to me that beagles are best at 2 or 3 years old because their "brains get mailed to them and they become model citizens."

I know that's true for Lulu. She gets better with age. And I'm sure that's true about senior beagles.

So here are some senior beagles who need good homes.

This is Cinnamon.

Cinnamon is a senior beagle/dachshund mix. She's in Clermont, Lake County at the South Lake Animal League. She's spayed and up to date on shots.

Adoption fee for senior dogs is $100. 

There is a special adoption process at the league. If you are a right fit, you can adopt her.

Find out all the information here.

Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue has several senior beagles. They are also overcapacity and need to find homes so they can help more beagles.

The adoption fee for senior beagles has been cut in half all this month. Here are some of their seniors.

Barney is about 8 years old. Here's what the rescue says about him:

"Barney is a very laid back and very lovable guy.  Barney was adopted out about 5 years ago and has returned to TBBR due to an illness in his family. When Barney returned he was overweight and was put on a diet. We also found out that he needed to be put on thyroid medication. Since being on his meds he is losing weight and has become more active and playful. He is housebroken, loves his bed and taking walks. This guy is a true jewel and is an easy guy to love."

You can go to Barney's website to find more info.

This is Bayou the beagle.

Bayou is 11 and was found as a stray in Sarasota. Here's more on Bayou from the rescue.

"Bayou was found as a stray in Sarasota. He is estimated to be about 10 years old. 
Bayou is excellent with other dogs and cats. He is being fostered in a home with a large number of animals and he is very genial to everyone. He is sweet and easygoing which makes him a wonderful addition to any family.
He may be hard of hearing or even deaf.  This doesn't stop him from being a very happy boy.
He would be even happier if you would take him home and love on him. Won't you make him yours?"

Check out Bayou's page here.

And here's Liza.

Lizza is around 9 years old. Here's what the rescue said about her.

"Poor Lizza has had several disappointments in her life.  Lizza first came to us after animal services took her from her home where they had left her in a wire cage in the front yard with no food, no water and no shelter.  This level of neglect left her with some permanent hair loss on her rump and tail.

"She then was adopted from us in 2010, but that family decided to move into a home where they could not take pets so Lizza has come back to us.

"Despite this, she has maintained a positive attitude and a great personality.  She likes chew toys and LOVES soft places to take a nap.  She can often be found curled up in the basket that stores all the toys.  She is house broken, crate trained, and well behaved."We are committed to finding her a home where she will be treated like a princess and loved and cared for all the rest of her days.  Lizza is a very special girl and we are looking for a very special home for this sweetie!"

 Here's where you can find more info about Lizza.

Now it's time for our beagle of the week!

Kendra Starnes follows along on my Life With Beagle Facebook page. She has a beagle named Lucy who is only a year old. Here's what Kendra says about her Lucy.

1) Who are your dogs and how old are they?
Lucy (1 year old on 9/20/13)
2) Where did you get them?
We got her when she was 6 weeks old from a couple that breeds Beagles for hunting dogs. She is fortunately a very spoiled indoor dog.
3) What's their favorite food?
Dog Food.....Simply Nourish and People Food....Beef Jerky
4) What's their favorite thing to do?
She loves going to the dog park to be with her friends. Her best friend is a Great Dane named Carter.
5) Favorite toys?
She loves anything that squeaks...but what dog doesn't.
6) Do they take part in any special activities (i.e. therapy dog, service dog, spokes dog, etc.)
She doesn't take part in any special activities all though that would be a good idea to look into.
7) What's the best part of owning a beagle?
Her bark/howl is unlike anything in this world. Everyone loves it, even our neighbors.
8) What's the worst?
She tries to hide her bones and digs up our carpet. We have had to get her a special blanket to hide her bones in. She is getting better with not digging the carpet so much.
9) Anything else you would like to add?
I will never own any other breed of dog besides a Beagle. They are definitely one of a kind and I couldn't ask for a better companion.


Got a special pup you'd like to be beagle of the week? Drop me a line on the Life With Beagle Facebook page! 
 Check out our previous Beagles of the Week:

• Beagle of the Week: Tommy Trojan
• Beagles of the Week: Santi of the Beagle Freedom Project
• Beagles of the Week: The Tillmans
• Beagles of the Week: The Beaglebratz
• Beagle of the Week: Luna of Beagles and Bargains
• Beagle of the Week: Maggie of Wag the Dog UK
• Beagle of the Week: Bailey of Beagle Photo of the Day

Adopt a senior pet PLUS Beagle Freedom Project saves 3 seniors

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month.

Have you ever considered a senior dog or cat? So many get dumped after a certain age, because people tire of them, or can't deal with them growing old, or do not want to deal with their illnesses of age.

And sometimes people will pass over an older cat or dog, thinking they would prefer a younger pet, especially a puppy.

But a senior dog or cat can bring joy, even in the short time they have.

Here are 10 reasons, created by Winnipeg Animal Services:

All this month, you'll find promotions to get senior dogs and pets adopted. Here's some Orlando-area promotions this month.

Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue -- All beagles 8 years and older are only $50. Head to their website for pictures, events and more.

Orange County Animal Services -- All this month, no adoption fee for pets 6 years and older. See all the adoptable pets on their website.

As we hear of more, we'll post them here.

And in honor of Adopt a Senior Pet Month, we once again salute Beagle Freedom Project. 

BFP rescued three senior beagles from a laboratory last week: Arthas, Bernie and Hobbes.

Here's Bernie with foster Kya.

 

Arthas learning to love run on grass.

Here's what Beagle Freedom Project said about the dogs:

"Bernie the beagle is now living with a foster family that already adopted another former research beagle (Kya). Bernie and Kya have hit it off, with Kya clearly excited to have a new beagle buddy in the house. She excitedly tries to get Bernie to play and, not surprisingly, he is unsure on how to respond as he has never played with another dog before in his life. While slowing learning normal dog behavior he has taken to his toys and loves to chew his Nylabone and of course sleeping on plush comfy beds and couches with Kya and his foster mom!

"Athras is a boy’s boy. Since his first entry into his foster home he bonded immediately with the 20 year old son that lives at home. He follows him about the house and sleeps through the night with him, all cuddled up. He loves the son’s friends that comes to visit and greets each new friend with a wagging tail. Athras is still a little overwhelmed by the size of his new home and nervously paces and makes circles in the large spaces. He is also slowly adjusting to the sounds of outside and learning that they don’t mean him harm. Athras lives with two other dogs, a pug and a bichon and he watches their silly play behavior with a confused interest. His foster family is taking slow steps with him, patiently teaching him how to be a dog and that he is finally safe now.

"Hobbes is the resilient little member of this trio. Hobbes is acclimating to a home life with quickness. He has made tremendous progress with potty-training, has already mastered the stairs (and loves going up and down), and is bravely navigating boundaries and doggie etiquette with a more senior male dog in the house. Hobbes is also lucky to have another beagle in the house who has assumed the responsibility of being the tour-guide and life coach to his new foster brother. Hobbes is interested in the family kitty-cat, but learned not to get to close. He is also bravely going to dog parks and enjoys meeting the new doggie friends. Hobbes is not wasting time starting his new life!"

Congratulations to Beagle Freedom Project for another successful rescue! 

To help BFP by volunteering, fostering, adopting or donating money, head to the group's website.

Colorado beagles need homes PLUS San Diego Search and Rescue team

Hey all! We'll get to our beagles of the week in a moment, but first, I just want to mention efforts to help flood victims in Colorado.

BlogPaws Be The Change put up a list of local shelters that could use some help:

• The Longmont Humane Society started an online fundraiser specifically for the displaced pets. You can make a donation here. 
• The Humane Society of Boulder Valley has been taking in pets and is taking donations here.  
• The Larimer Humane Society is accepting pets and housing some lost pets from the heavy flooding that hit Loveland, CO. You can make a donation to them here.

 More information can be found on the BlogPaws website.

I also want to feature some beagles from Colorado who need out of the shelter. The more dogs are out of the shelter and in homes, the better it will be for places caring for flood victims.

This is Yoshi:

And this is Chocolate.

There's not much info about them, but both are at Aurora Animal Shelter. 

Chocolate is an adult girl, and her shelter number is A158955. 
Yoshi is an adult boy, and his shelter number is A158954.

Just to clarify: These dogs were already at the shelter. They are not flood victims.

Here's the info for the shelter:
Aurora Animal Shelter, Aurora, CO

• 303-326-8280
• Email Aurora Animal Shelter
• See more pets from Aurora Animal Shelter
• For more information, visit Aurora Animal Shelter's Web site.

This week, we are talking about San Diego's team of search and rescue beagles! Proof that beagles can be trained for the tough job of search and rescue.

Pam Medhurst has five beagles who volunteer for search and rescue.  I've shown these dogs before in a training video off Youtube.

Here's my questions for Pam Medhurst about these beagles.

1) Who are your dogs and how old are they? 
 Snickers- age 11, Danie age 10, Charlie age 9, Wishbone age 5 Huckleberry, age 3 

Pam and her pack!

2) Where did you get them? 
 A local beagle breeder.They are beagles.

3) What's their favorite food? 
 EVERYTHING is their favorite food!

4) What's their favorite thing to do? 
Such good-natured boys, ready for everything. They love their walkies, runs at the beach, going for rides and they do love their search and rescue work

5) Favorite toys? 
Snickers loves tennis balls. The others love soft squeaky things.

Wishbone and Pam at the 9/11 Stair Climb.

6) Do they take part in any special activities (i.e. therapy dog, service dog, spokes dog, etc.) ? 
All are service dogs. They are certified search and rescue dogs with San Diego Sheriff search and rescue. They are scent specific, which means I give them a scent article and they track the missing person. Danie and Charlie are also cadaver dogs -- trained to look for the deceased. We have had many finds together. Charlie is also a certified therapy dog. We do read aloud programs at the library 

Danie in a doggy hazmat suit prototype.

 
7) What's the best part of owning a beagle?
The best part of owning beagles is how gentle they are with others yet so dedicated to the work we do. ready at a moments notice to either work, play or cuddle.

8) What's the worst?
I guess the only downside to beagles is their voice, but that's only what my neighbors might say -- to me, it's music! Barooo!

9) Anything else you would like to add?

See Search and Rescue Beagles on Facebook for more info on them and lots of pictures.

Every week we feature a beagle or group of beagles and pair them with beagles in shelters who need a forever home! Do you have a beagle you think should be beagle of the week? Email me at czizo@cfl.rr.com.