3 ways you can help Clear the Shelters when you can't foster, adopt

Saturday, Aug. 19 is Clear the Shelters Day!

Thousands of shelters in the United States are currently full of pets looking for homes -- it's a big summer problem. And it will take all of us to help reduce the pet population in our shelters.

When you adopt a pet, you actually rescue two -- the one you adopt, and the one that can take its place so it is not killed.

Buster is a 4-year-old beagle at Orange County Animal Services in Orlando, FL. He is heartworm positive, but his treatments are sponsored.

Ideally, we'd all love to run out and adopt every pet who needs a home. But that's not feasible. Still, there are ways you can help #ClearTheShelters today and everyday. Here are three:

Call your congressman: USDA makes it harder to track puppy mills, animal experiments

Feb. 6 UPDATE: The Humane Society of the U.S. says it is taking steps to sue the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture for removing the APHIS database from the government website. Please read the full report here. 

Feb. 7 UPDATE: The USDA now says "adjustments may be made in the decision to remove animal welfare inspection reports from the APHIS website, the Associated Press is reporting.

Read the full story from AP here.

Learn more about why this issue is so important below.
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I have never been political on this site, and I try very hard not to. 

But if there is one issue we can agree on, it's treating animals well and that was made harder up in Washington.

So now I'm asking that you take a moment to tell your Congressman and Senators that you don't agree with this move to remove USDA inspections and other enforcement information on animal facilities across the country.

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.

Lottery dreams: How to open a non-profit for dogs

Congratulations! You've won the Powerball jackpot! You're a millionaire!

If you're like some of the many dog lovers I've met, you dream of opening a shelter, rescue, sanctuary or some other non-profit for pets. You thrill at the idea of opening all the cages at the pound and piling them into your car and taking them to a new home.


I'm sure you're also aware that it's not as easy as that.

 But if you have the cash to make your dream come true, we have the information to help you get started.

Hurricane survivor: Katrina the beagle's amazing journey

Katrina spends her days snoozing (more like snoring... like a sailor!) in a South Orlando house on a golf course. She gets two meals a day, treats, walks, beds and all the love she can handle. 

Katrina with Lt. Col. Mike Brasher.

At 15, she's living on what her pet parents, Lt. Col. Mike Brasher and Melanie Brasher call "borrowed beagle time."

It's a far cry from how she began her life.

Want a show beagle like Miss P? 5 things to know

ZOMG Miss P, Miss P!

Courtesy Westminster Dog Show

Westminster's 2015 Best in Show is gorgeous and she knows she is the best!

Are you in love? Are you ready to run out and get a Miss P of your very own to show in the ring.

Well guess what?

You probably won't find a Miss P in a puppy store. And she probably won't be online either.

Here are the five things you need to know about getting a beagle like Miss P.

1) Not every beagle is a show beagle.

Miss P photo courtesy Westminster Dog Show

Look at Miss P and look at my Lulu. They are both adorable. But only one is a show dog. And that's ok. Most beagles aren't.

There are show beagles -- they conform to a rigid standard and are bred for show. And then there are field beagles -- beagles bred for hunting and tracking. They have their own standard, but they won't look like show beagles.

Check out the standards information from the National Beagle Club.

There are lots of beagles that don't conform to either standard.

Lokavi Beagle show beagle puppies.

2) A beagle like Miss P takes research.
I have personal experience with pet store puppies. My parents bought a Lhasa Apso when I was a kid. He cost at hundreds of dollars, had papers and everything. Mom thought she would breed him. She didn't, know why? He was a miserable, spiteful son of a bitch who had every allergy known the man. At least a year after we had him he started losing his fur. A Lhasa without fur is not cute. He didn't have the health nor the temperament to be anything.

We learned after that the pet store got puppy mill dogs.


Puppy mills are notorious for churning out hundreds, if not thousands of dogs. The dogs who do the breeding live their lives in cages, are poorly cared for, poorly fed, are not necessarily bred with good genetic stock and in-breeding can also be a problem. And you may hundreds of dollars, if not more for that dog.

Getting a dog from a breeder may not protect you from these problems either. Not every breeder is reputable. And if you are buying a dog, sight unseen, online, you don't know what you will get? Would you buy a car that way? Think of a dog as you would a car. They may cost as much in upkeep.

Lori Norman is an AKC reputable breeder. She owns Lokavi Beagles in South Florida. She doesn't breed out her female dogs. They have maybe two litters and are then spayed. Norman once told me that when you adopt a beagle from a reputable breeder, you adopt the breeder as well. A good breeder will be part of you life.
"Reputable breeders will use their normal screening processes to be sure their pups end up in a good, prepared, and responsible home," Norman said.

And outside of that, beagles aren't always the easiest dogs to live with. If you've never had a beagle before, watch this:

 

3) A beagle like Miss P costs money.
If someone tells you that they have AKC show quality beagles with papers for next to nothing -- question. Question the bloodlines, question the dog's care, see everything.

Lori Norman's beagles are from grand champion stock. Her beagles are not going to cost less than a thousand dollars.

Beagles at an AKC dog show.

Likewise, Miss P, being from the same genetic stock as Uno, the first beagle to win Westminster in 2008, was not cheap for her owners to buy. And when she has puppies, you can bet those puppies won't sell for less than a few thousand dollars.

The only reason to buy a show beagle puppy is really to raise it to show, unless you have tons of money lying around to blow on a beagle.

4) Showing a beagle is not cheap.
If you look at the info for Miss P, you'll see she has three owners. None of them are the man who actually handled the beagle in the ring.

Many show beagles are owned by a group of people. That's because it is so expensive to show a beagle. You have to travel all over to events to show the beagle so they can collect enough points to get to these bigger shows. They need to be groomed (even beagles!), they need show training. There's room and board too. And food. And show fees.

5) There are lots of beagles out there who are inexpensive, feisty and loveable.
The good news is if you think, after seeing points 2, 3 and 4 that buying a beagle is not for you, you can still get a beagle.

Rescue one!

There are beautiful beagles who need rescuing all over the country. They fill up shelters and dog rescues. Some are discarded hunters. Some are discarded bred-out dogs from backyard breeders or puppy mills. Some are former research lab beagles. And some are just beagles who were unlucky in finding their forever home.

Here's some great beagle rescues in the US where you can start to find the right beagle for you.

• Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue
• Arizona Beagle Rescue
• NorCal Beagle Rescue
• Beagle Freedom Project
• Beagle Rescue League, Inc.
• Midwest Beagle Rescue, Education and Welfare
• American Beagle Relief Network

And don't forget Petfinder.com and Adopt A Pet.com to find beagles in shelters and rescues all over the country.

Snoopy, show dogs, beagles, oh my! Invading your TV this Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving week!

What are your TV traditions during this holiday? The parades, football?

Well this week we have a whole lineup of doggy delights on television that you should check out!

Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 8 p.m. on ABC
Charlie Brown Thanksgiving -- It's not a holiday without Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the gang. This time around Peppermint Patty and Marcie join the group when Patty invites herself over the ol' Chuck's place for a Thanksgiving dinner Charlie Brown didn't even know he was throwing!

Thursday, Nov. 27 at Noon on NBC
The National Dog Show presented by Purina -- the Kennel Club of Philadelphia's annual show featuring John O'Hurley, David Frei and over 150 dogs! Can't see it at noon on Thanksgiving? It airs again Saturday at 8 p.m. on NBC.

Thursday, Nov. 27 at 8 p.m on Fox
Fox's Cause for Paws: An All-Star Dog Spectacular -- A celebrity-filled tribute to inspiring dog stories. Among the dogs we'll see: five Beagle Freedom Project alums strutting their stuff on stage, including Percival and author Teresa Rhyne. But it's also a chance to find a home for dogs who need families. Find out more on the Cause for Paws Facebook page.

Sunday, Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel

One Christmas Eve -- Are you ready for a Christmas movie? You may not be, but at least this one features a beagle! One Christmas Eve is about a newly-single mom who wants to give her kids an extra special Christmas. But the discovery of an abandoned beagle starts a chain of crazy events. But it's the Hallmark Channel, so you know everything works out in the end, right? Right?! Learn more about the movie on the Hallmark Channel website.




What are you most looking forward to this Thanksgiving week? The food, the family time, the shopping?
 

Keep Orlando dogs at home: Ideas to keep pets out of shelters

This is a post for Orlando's BIG Exchange Blog-Along to find a solution to an issue here in Central Florida.

Every year, around 20,000 dogs and cats enter Orange County Animal Services in Orlando.

And every year, almost 10,000 are euthanized. About half.

There are lots of reasons pets end up in shelters. But if you've ever walked through a kennel and looked at each of the cards, what will break your heart is how many were surrendered because their owner couldn't take care of them -- either they had to move or the pet had health problems or the owner simply couldn't afford it anymore. I'll never forget the times I've watched people walk out of a shelter crying because they had to surrender their pet.

Lulu was one of those. Her owners were moving and couldn't take her with them (no pets allowed). She was only six months old. Fortunately she was also at Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, which is almost a no-kill shelter.

The dogs and cats surrendered to Orange County Animal Services are not as lucky.

The Metro Orlando area remains one of the top in the country for foreclosure. How many people are still forced to leave their homes and have to give up their pet?

Unfortunately not every issue is salvageable. For people with a dog considered an "aggressive breed," many apartment complexes shut the door. If only there was a way to deal with that...

But I think we in Orlando can find a way to keep more pets with their families. It is much cheaper for the county if these pets stay with their families than if the shelter has to care for them.

Chyna (A305742) is a year old and at Orange County Animal Services.

Establish a fund for animal assistance 

Groups across the country provide assistance for people who need medical help, apartment help, etc. For instance, Orange County Animal Services has a pet pantry. In the page for the pantry, this is written:

"Life can throw surprises at you," said Dil Luther, division manager of Orange County Animal Services. "Anyone can be caught off guard by unexpected expenses like car or health issues and we do not want financial struggles to separate a pet from a loving family."

But while we have some scattered efforts to help with spaying and neutering, micro-chipping and even food, we don't have a dedicated fund to help people better afford their dogs.

My suggestion is modeled after Florida's Tax Credit Scholarship Program for students. In exchange for county tax credits, Orange County-based businesses donate to the fund, which is run by the county.

Money in the fund is split up into three categories: home assistance, medical assistance and behavioral assistance. Residents (and they must be full-time Orange County residents) then apply for a one-time grant for one of those three categories.

• Home assistance can be used to pay for pet deposits and pet rent, a growing expense in the apartment rental world. 
• Medical assistance can be used to pay for extraordinary veterinary bills (not for routine office visits). The fund can work with a choice group of vets to reduce the cost of those services (Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando has a clinic that provides reduced services).
• Behavioral assistance allows pet parents to get financial help to pay for a trainer/behaviorist for their pet. They must work off an already-vetted list of trainers/behaviorists that the county has. 

This fund should not affect the overall budget for Orange County Animal Services.

Luna (A305889) is 3 years old and at Orange County Animal Services.

Tax credits to keep pet deposits down

In addition, the county should also offer tax credits to landlords and apartment complexes who reduce the cost of pet deposits and pet rent to make it more affordable for residents. 

Pet rent and a rise in pet deposits is a growing problem for apartment renters in the U.S. Some apartment managers say they need the safety net against pet damage, but according to a recent CBS News.com article, some managers say they charge it because they can. 

Pet deposits in Orlando can run from $250 to $500, and in some cases are charged per pet. By reducing pet deposits, not only will it help people trying to keep their pets, but it might encourage people to adopt too. 

Dexter (A293832) is a year old and at Orange County Animal Services.

Community bulletin boards to promote low cost services

But why stop there? Remember when I said there were scattered services for people who need help caring for pets?

Did you know about Orange County's pet food pantry? How about Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando's low-cost vet services, including spaying or neutering? Or Pet Alliance's Meals on Wheels for seniors program? 

Do people know these programs and others even exist? 

In city dog parks like Lake Baldwin Park in Winter Park and Sanford Paw Park, there are big community bulletin boards. 

In Orange County's parks, any bulletin boards are often not close to the dog parks. They're closer to bathrooms or playgrounds.

I suggest using money from the parks and recreation budget to put up those bulletin boards immediately outside the parks and keep updated listings for this information and other events. 

People don't go to parks? Make it a point to put this info in the hands of those who can help -- vets offices, pet shops, apartment leasing offices, community centers, malls and more. Put it together in a new adopters packet and hand it to shelters and rescue groups to hand out. Hand it out at farmers markets, fairs and other events. This information needs to be easier to find.

Scrappy (A220855) is 9 years old and is at Orange County Animal Services.

By handling these issues, we can hope to keep pets out of shelters and in their homes. But those aren't the only pets we save.

There's a saying in the animal rescue world that I will paraphrase here: Keeping a pet out of a shelter saves two pets: that pet, and the one who could be euthanized. By reducing the shelter pet population, Orange County Animal Services can give more time to pets in the shelter who need a little extra help to get out.

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.

Getting a dog for Christmas: Four things to consider

'Tis the season to tell readers that while a cute puppy with a big red bow under a Christmas tree is a cute scene for a movie, reality is not so cute.

Are you stressed during the holidays? With the running around, and the messes, and the food cooking and the relatives and friends visiting? So how do you think the new dog feels? And the dog is new to the house. They need your love and patience, two things that wear thin during the holidays.

And how many end up at a shelter when they turn out to be more than people can handle? Especially if the dog's a puppy.

However, I also know that not everyone reads this blog. Or any pet blog.

So I need your help.

We know people will do what they want to do. The BEST thing to do is help them make good decisions. So here are some things people want to get a dog should consider. Please share this post with your friends and family.

1) A dog is a big-ticket item. Sure, you can get a shelter dog for $100 or less. But a dog can live 10 to 20 years. US News.com reported earlier this year that a dog can cost around $20,000 over the pet's lifetime. And that's the lower end.

Sure, you don't have to pay it out right away (though start-up costs can be pricey). But how many people drop $20,000 on an item willy nilly? (FYI: If you're that kind of person, I am single)

So what do you do with a big ticket item? Well you don't just make them. You research, you consider carefully, you discuss it with family members if you have any to discuss with. You should do the same with a dog. It should be an intimate, personal decision.

2) Avoid stores that sell puppies. This isn't even an "adopt, don't shop" thing (by the way -- ADOPT, DON'T SHOP!).  I love the Christmas season. One reason is it gives me an excuse to shop. I'm an impulse shopper, especially when I'm stressed.

So you're in a Christmasy mood, and you're trying to come up with a gift for a loved one, and you're surrounded by cute fluffy doggies. Too easy to end up walking out with a puppy. And not a puppy who is particularly healthy if they are from a puppy mill. So do yourself a favor and stay away.

3) Consider a promise instead of a puppy.

(BEST viewed on the desktop version)

We've all seen the scene from "Lady and the Tramp" when Darling opened the box and out popped baby Lady. (Digression: No holes in the box? Jim Dear is lucky Lady didn't chew her way out! Like the dog is a hat or something!)

Instead of a dog under the tree, put a stuffed puppy under the tree. Consider it a promise: you'll replace this stuffy with a real pup. Then, when everything has settled down, go to a shelter or a reputable breeder and pick out a dog.

You can start the search at websites like Adopt-a-Pet or Petfinder. This gives you time to work out the details -- like who will end up taking care of the dog.

FINALLY, A dog is not an impulse buy, and it's not a diamond necklace. A dog is another living being. It should be treated with respect. Don't just pick a dog out and give it to someone. The dog chooses his owner as much as the owner chooses the dog. Pay the dog the compliment of having that choice.

Done right, you can have a relationship like the one I have with Lulu.

Doesn't she look THRILLED with her pajamas?

Beagle of the Week: Buttons the beagle, Pepper at SPCA

Getting back to business! Time for our Beagle of the Week.

As always, we start by introducing you to a beagle who needs a home.

This is Pepper.

There aren't too many details on Pepper. She's a beagle at SPCA of Central Florida. Given how much white is on her face, I'd say she's not a young beagle either. SPCA said she's spayed and house trained.

If you're interested in Pepper, her Pet ID is 193656.

Pepper is at SPCA of Central Florida in Orlando. The SPCA is not a kill shelter. Adoption fee includes not only all the dog's shots, microchipping and a free vet visit, it also includes two tickets to SeaWorld Orlando.

Please consider helping Pepper find a home.

You can go to Orlando Pets.org to see Pepper and find out about the adoption process. The facility is open seven days a week near Mall at Millenia on Conroy Road. They have lots of dogs and cats.

Of course, if Pepper is not your cup of tea, consider any of the other dogs and cats at the shelter. OR go across the way to Orange County Animal Shelter, where there are many dogs and cats in danger of being euthanized.

Now time for the Beagle of the Week!

Meet Buttons McFlurry!

Buttons is from Bali, Indonesia!

Buttons is the PR officer for Joe's Gone Diving, a scuba diving center in Bali.

Jan Verbruggen is Buttons parent. Here's what Jan had to say.

1) What is your beagle's name?
Buttons Mc Flurry (also know as Buttons the Beagle from Bali) is the name of our beagle, but we call her Butty or Muppet all the time

2) When did you get them?
We got her three years ago when she was a 12-week-old puppy

3) Where did you get them?
We got her her in Bali, from a petshop.

4) What's their favorite food?
McFlurry hence her surname, no rest in the house when McFlurry arrives, we don't give it to her very often, but with the heath here.

 
5) What's their favorite toy?
She has a few toys -- wubba and a stuffed Mickey mouse same size as her, which she likes to drag around and abuse .... you can find the stuffing everywhere.

6) Do they have any special skills (therapy dog, service dog, blog star, a lab beagle, a search dog, an agility star, show dog star, etc.)?
Buttons is our PR dog here in our dive center, she entertains the guest, and everyone knows her name, already before they arrive. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Buttons doesn't actually swim, Jan tells me. That's funny to me. Lulu doesn't like water either.)

7) What's the best thing about owning a beagle?
Such lovely personalities, they make you smile all day.

8) What's the worst thing about owning a beagle?
Nothing....

9) Anything you'd like to add?
Buttons has her own Facebook page (Buttons McFlurry), you can find her pictures and adventures over there, many guest become friends with her.

See other dogs who need homes in our Tuesday's Tails Blog Hop.

Beagle of the week: Pebbles the rescue, plus beagle at Orange County shelter

UPDATE: Turns out this beagle below was not a stray dog, but a lost dog. But now he's a found dog, and back with his family! Woohoo!

Please go to Orange County Animal Services in Orlando to check out the other dogs who need homes and share them. There's English bulldogs, a cane corso, poodles, jack russells, chihuahuas, and bull breeds too. And lots of cats.

You can contact the shelter at 407-254-9140, or head to the website.

Now for our Beagle of the Week!

Meet Pebbles, a beagle rescue who has brought joy to her family.

Kayla Weiner is one of the followers on my Facebook page (are you following Life With Beagle on Facebook? Join now!). Here's what she said about her baby:

1) What is your beagle's name? 
Pebbles; nicknames: Goose (for silly goose because she has her moments of being silly), wiggle butt (her but wiggles when she's happy or really excited, her tail moves it so quickly it's adorable watching her wiggle and walk).  

2) When did you get them? 
I adopted her in July 2012 from Lost Dog and Cat Rescue. About 2 months after we lost our first beagle after complications with surgery trying to remove a tumor from his liver (he passed way too early). 
 
3) Where did you get them? 
Adopted her from a local rescue group. 
 
4) What's their favorite food? 
Chicken and bacon. She is not full beagle, especially known since she is not swayed by food at all! But when we were at the adoption event she was CRAZY for the bacon flavored treats they had and knew exactly where to go (table/person) to get them. 

While picking apples.

 
5) What's their favorite toy? 
She loves an unstuffed hedgehog toy; she's unstuffed it, de-squeaked it and still loves it. we tried getting her a replacement and she plays with it, but if given the option, she goes for the unstuffed one. 
 
6) Do they have any special skills (therapy dog, service dog, blog star, a lab beagle, a search dog, an agility star, show dog star, etc.)? 
No apparent special skills. She is a good girl around kids -- seems to really love them. Not sure of her history, though, either. 

7) What's the best thing about owning a beagle? 
I love their personalities. The are just such amazing dogs to be around. I love their howls. Just about everything about her. 

8) What's the worst thing about owning a beagle? 
How stubborn they can be!!
 
9) Anything you'd like to add? 
 Am planning to start a fb page and twitter, but haven't yet. I love cuddle time with her. In April and through the summer we had a scare with her: very low red blood cells. We went to her regular vet, had lots of tests done, then had to see a specialist and even more tests; was on steroids and other medicines much of hte summer. Became so unlike herself that it was terribly sad. But then in September, when we were decreasing all her meds and prepping ourselves for a splenectamy, her RBC went up. It's a mystery, but at the moment she seems to be doing very well. Is slowly becoming herself again and more -- finally wants to play and even plays with other dogs. 

She loves going in the car for rides. Has been on several road trips with us. Is such a good girl -- sweet and quiet. Most people are her best friends. And if she doesn't respond well to someone, I know to stay away from them. 

She is so good with kids. Lets them pull on her and play with her ears and tail (while I remind them to be gentle), but she just licks them and wags her tail and looks pretty -- neighborhood kids all know her and run to greet her when they see us. 

She will find a place to burrow and sleep anywhere. If there's a blanket or cloth like substance around, she'll make it hers. Often the laundry piles make great beds. 

 She loves to bury her bones (treats, chew sticks, w/e), but has this adorable distraught sound when she can't find a good place -- but she's gotten to the point of letting the family help her locate good hiding places. If all else fails, she hides them in my clothes (while I wear them) or in my bed -- I never know what I'm going to find in it when we finally head to bed. 

She was pregnant when the rescue group found her; had been wandering, but don't know for how long. It's a pretty good guess that she had other litters (at least one other); and unfortunately she was not able to keep the litter she was carrying. But I know she was a good momma. Man oh man, I could go on!!

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: Senior beagles who need adopting
• 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

Got a dirty dog? Enter the Wahl pet products contest and help a shelter

Amazingly, I've never had to worry too much about Lulu getting dirty. Just a few times where she decides to run in the mud.

But if you have a dog who loves to get dirty, we have a contest for you!

Wahl Home products and Petfinder.com are hosting the Dirty Dogs Contest. Submit a picture of your dirty pet, tell the story behind the picture, and you have the chance to win up to $5,000 dollars for a local shelter or rescue. 

Shelters need help more than ever. This is Adopt-a-Pet Month, did you know? I just posted about the dozens of animals at Orange County Animal Services in Orlando, and it's true across the country. Take a look at this infographic from Blog Paws and Pet360:

You could win Wahl products, but not this actual package. This is MINE!

Plus, the winner will get a gift card and some Wahl home products to try. Here's some of the products Wahl sells -- like dog shampoo, or the new doggy deodorant (great if your dog is wearing a Seresto flea collar and can only get a bath once a month). You'll also get a gift card.

To join, head to the Wahl Facebook page and like it, then enter the contest. This contest ends October 31, so hurry and enter today!

DISCLAIMER: Wahl Products sent me products as part of promoting their Dirty Dog Contest.

Beagle of the Week, PLUS beagles for adoption in Orlando

It's time to shine the spotlight on our beagle of the week, but first lets talk about some beagles (and other dogs) who could use homes.

Orange County Animal Services in Orlando always has five pages of dogs for adoption. Many of them probably won't leave the shelter alive, sadly. They were at Petco last week with a few dogs, and they said they'd had only one adoption at the shelter all weekend.

There are all kinds of dogs at Orange County Animal Services, not just pit bulls and labs, which seem to make up the populations of most Florida shelters. There are terriers, shih tzus, there's a bull terrier, catahoulas (we also see a lot of these at Florida shelters), huskies, a cane corso, a collier and TONS of chihuahuas, not to mention some really interesting mixes, because mother nature makes the best designer dogs!

There are also two beagles:

Here's Brenda. The shelter says she's a beagle mix (I suspect dachshund). She's 10 months old and needs to be out of the shelter by Saturday, Oct. 26. Her Animal ID is A277814.

Here's Chopper. He's 9 years old, and probably could stand to lose a little weight at 42 pounds. His last day is Sunday, Oct. 27. And the shelter is NOT open on Sundays. His Animal ID A277888.

Please go to Orange County Animal Services and check out Brenda, Chopper and the rest of the dogs, cats and a bunny too! The shelter is open six days a week.

The shelter is at 2769 Conroy Rd., Orlando, FL (near Mall at Millenia). The phone number is (407)254-9140.

Tommy Trojan is in Indiana and is our Beagle of the Week. We talked to his mom Sandi, and here's Tommy's story:

"My beagle is named Tommy Trojan (he is a USC fan). Tommy joined our family in 2006 as a result of a visit to a pet store in Bloomington, IN. Tommy had a tough start -- at 18 months he almost died due to a hernia problem. He had a bowel resection and spent 6 days in the hospital. I spent every moment I could with him.

"Tommy has "step-dogs," Addie (shepherd/lab mix) and Mo (a chocolate lab). His favorite foods are bacon bits and cheese. Tommy is a cuddly boy. He likes to sniff everything, especially ears and eyes. Tommy also enjoys a good bark and thankfully never learned to howl. He isn't a special dog in any way, other than being the best friend in the world. 

"The best part about owning a beagle is their personality and devotion to their humans. My Tommy is a carbon copy of Snoopy. He even sleeps on top of his crate. The hard part about owning a beagle is training. Stubborn dogs! However I wouldn't have it any other way."

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:

• 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

Beagles of the week: The Tillmans, PLUS beagle adoption in Kentucky

I've added a new page! I have become a Coupaw affiliate. So if you go to Coupaw Deals of the Week, you'll see my recommended picks. Not a member of Coupaw yet? Join up!

In my searches for rescue beagles, I've found some parts of the country have more beagles in their shelters than other parts. And that's very true about Kentucky.

I have a friend in Kentucky, Carma Poodale and her mom Bunny. They work at Owensboro Humane Society, which is a no-kill shelter in Kentucky. Bunny and Carma tell me there are lots of beagles in Kentucky shelters. There are lots of hunters in the area, and as a result hounds end up being overbred, or are abandoned after a hunt either on accident or on purpose. This article explains that.

So I went to Petfinder.com and picked out some beagles in animal shelters who need homes. There are more -- lots more. Please consider checking out Petfinder if you are looking for a beagle. Don't live in Kentucky? There are always ways to get the dog to you.

Here is James Ray:

James Ray is a male adult beagle at the Green River Animal Shelter in Columbia, KY. Not much is said about James, other than that he's very sweet. I think a picture is worth a thousand words, and that one kinda says it all.

You can call the shelter at 270-385-9655, or email the shelter at gras@windstream.net for more info.

Here's Nora:

She's seven months old and is at Powell County Pound in Stanton, KY. This is what the description says about Nora:

Nora is several months old and her personality is gentle & loving.  She is on the calm side upon our first meeting.  She has a cute face and pretty, soft coat.  She gets along well with people and the other dogs.  She also walks well on a leash and seems eager to please.  Her size is about 35 lbs.
Shelter pets are the BEST!  Please visit our shelter and get your new best friend today.  These pets are all at risk not to be saved.  Shelter hours are Mon-Fri. 9 till 4 except Thurs. till noon.  Call and leave a message to inquire. 606-663-0021 or alternate # 606-663-9802 (part-time volunteer)  Saturday appts are available.

 Then there's Joey:

Joey is a senior beagle at Garrard County Animal Shelter in Lancaster, KY. He's adorable! He also would prefer a home without dogs.

You can contact the shelter at 859-792-1562 or eharrisgcas@yahoo.com

 Head to Petfinder to find more adoptable beagles!

And now for our Beagles of the Week!

This week I chose from my friends who follow my Facebook page (do YOU follow my Facebook page? Like Life With Beagle!). When I saw this picture, I couldn't resist.

Angie is one of three beagles who belong to the Tillman family. The other two are Abbie and Isabel.

Here's what Tracie Tillman says about them:

"We are parents to three beagles. (All rescues.) Isabel, age 5, rescued in 2010. Abby & Angie, both age 9, rescued in March 2013.

 "Of course, being beagles they love all kinds of food, but their official meals consist of Purina One Maturity blend. Abby is the only one we have ever had that LOVES fruits & veggies. She is especially excited when we have watermelon or carrots!

 "They all love to explore the latest scents in our fenced backyard. They also enjoy barking at people (with or without dogs) walking or jogging past our yard! Isabel is the only one who will play with toys. She has her own toy box which she enjoys emptying throughout each day!

 "The best part about owning a beagle is their willingness to cuddle with you and their soulful expressions. They are such gentle little dogs who are always wanting to please us. We can always depend on them to be gentle with our grandchildren when they are visiting. As you can tell by Angie's picture she is very cooperative during dress-up play with our granddaughter!

"The only problem with owning a beagle is that they cannot be let off leash! They will follow their nose without a backward glance if allowed! We love our beagle babies and plan to keep rescuing as many as we can for as long as we can. They continue to be a constant source of joy to us!"

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.

Heading to Atlanta! Georgia beagles up for adoption

I'm heading to Atlanta for Barkworld this week!

We'll be talking about pets, and blogs and companies, and learning more information to bring to you guys!

So, in honor of this, I'm featuring some Georgia beagles who need homes! Please share these beagles with friends, family and other rescue groups, and lets get them adopted!

This is Bella! She's a four years old and pretty thin for a beagle. Her owner turned her in August 15. She's good with kids, and they say she is potty trained. Don't know why the owner turned her in.

Can you help Bella? She's at:

Cobb County Animal Shelter, Marietta, GA • 770-499-4136 • quietzsch@aol.com

If you want to check her out, her Pet ID is 558742 and she is in run 312.

Cobb County Animal Shelter also has April:

April is seven years old, and she came in as a stray. The shelter seems to think she once belonged to someone, but no one has come looking for her. She loves squeaky toys and sits vet well. She did test positive for heartworms.

Her ID is 558137 and she is in cage 13. 

Again, Cobb County Animal Shelter, Marietta, GA • 770-499-4136 • quietzsch@aol.com

Then, Fulton County Animal Services in Atlanta has Candice:

We don't have much info about Candice, according to PetFinder. She's a girl, and she's spayed, and she's an adult beagle. Her ID number is A457537.

You can find Candice at Fulton County Animal Services, Atlanta, GA. The phone number is 404-613-0358.

 Meanwhile, there's a new Facebook campaign to raise money to pay veterinarian bills for sick homeless pets.

Adopt-a-Pet.com is hosting a campaign on its Facebook campaign. For every new "like" they get on their page, a $1 will be added to their veterinary fund -- up to $10,000. All you have to do is go to Adopt-a-Pet.com's Facebook page and click like. That's it.

Helping this campaign will help give sick pets a new lease on life. The campaign goes through August.

Buck and Henrietta: beagles up for adoption

Shoeshine got adopted over the weekend!

He had been at Osceola County Animal Services for weeks, so it's good that he finally got a home.

Still at Osceola County shelter is Buck!

Buck could still use a good home, folks. Please spread the word. He's a four to five year old beagle boy. He arrived at the shelter as a stray, and he needs a home without small children. Buck's been at the shelter for a couple weeks now.

You can contact the shelter at 407-742-8000.

The hours of operation are: M: Noon - 5pm; T-F: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 2pm.

You can also check out their website at http://www.osceolacountypets.com/, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OsceolaCountyAnimalServices

There's also a beagle mix now at Orange County Animal Services in Orlando.

 Here's Henrietta. She's a year and a half old beagle mix. The shelter says she hasn't been tested for heartworms yet. She needs to be out by August 11, so please also spread the word about Henrietta.


Adoption Hours

• Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Doggy Wellness Hour: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Dog Area Closed)
• Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Closed Sundays and Holidays 

Orange County Animal Services
Pet Rescue & Adoption Center
2769 Conroy Road
Orlando, FL 32839-2162

Email: AnimalServices@ocfl.net
Phone: 407-836-3111