It's officially "that time of year," the holiday season.

My son Cade has nearly worn the ink off the toy catalogs he's been flipping through.  I remember being his age, circling all the wonderous things in the Sears Wish Book (remember those?).  I remember the thrill of opening the gifts... I also remember the disappointment of NOT getting something I really wanted.
I can't give my kids everything they want.  I can try to give them something more - a sense of gratitude; tools to cope with disappointment; learning to practice the yama apigraha, or non-covetousness.  I know all these things are true, and worth much more than the dollars spent on toys.  Yet I still feel a little guilty.

Cade, Jojo, and I went to 3 Dogs & A Chick on Saturday.  Nicole Poch has long supported the Military Working Dogs, and their handlers.  The purpose of Saturday's social was to raise money, fill gift boxes, and give thanks to those military personnel and the dogs who are overseas this holiday season, missing their families as they put themelves in dager every day.  Cade made a very funny holiday stocking that I'm sure will bring a smile to someone's face.  I sent a card.  Afterward we all went across the street to the Landing and played at the park.  I was thankful for the beautiful weather, for the time spent with my eldest son and my number One dog.  Cade even convinced me to wade into the VERY cold water of the Santa Rosa Sound so he could watch Jojo swim.

That's why it's important to give to those less fortunate.  When you're short on cash, give time.  When you're short on time, give shelter.  When you're short on shelter, give thanks.  How many of us just want to be thanked?

Thanks to Nicole Poch and the rest of 3 Dogs & A Chick; thanks to author Catherine Mann, a PAWS volunteer dog foster (she has a mama and her newborn puppies in her home right now); thanks to Nikki Headley Swedberg and the rest of Friends of Walton County Animal Shelter for working hard to find good homes for homeless pets like Osmirik; thanks to Cade for spending time with mommy; thanks to Dan for staying home with (sleeping) Connor so that I could enjoy an afternoon out; thanks to Jojo for being the most awesome dog ever.

And every once in while, be sure to thank yourself.

Foster puppy alert!

I've got a new foster in the house.  This little guy is Osmirik, a true heinz 57.  He is available through Walton County Animal Shelter in Defuniak Springs.  He reminds me of what Jojo looked like as a baby (only Jojo's ears were like sails!)

Osmirik's story is a true lesson in teamwork.  Os was the only black pup in his litter, and the only as yet not adopted. (Black dog syndrome is another day.)  He was put onto, and pulled off of, the euthanasia list TWICE when I saw the Facebook post about him. 

Nikki at Walton County pulled him from the death list; Brandy posted him on Facebook; Amy K. agreed to sponsor his adoption fee; I agreed to foster him.  Together we've saved a life!

Everyone can do something... what will YOU do?

Been very busy with fostering for Underdogs lately!

After Sherman & Perky were adopted, we had 2 miniature schnauzers and a pug puppy come in and get adopted out - all within 5 days!

I now have 2 fosters in house.  Gomez is a young, playful, cut as can be lhasa apso mix.  He is happy, friendly, and smart.  He loves squeaky toys.  He will do great in a home with active kids, but he will also need a firm hand with training - otherwise he will get into lots of trouble!

Our other foster is Archibald, or Archie.  He is a young poodle / mix.  Unlike Gomez, Archie is in very poor health.  When Terri Bondi of Underdogs took him in, you could hardly tell he was a dog at all.
Once the groomer began shaving him down, the full extent of Archie's condition came to light.  His hair was grossly overgown and matted.  His heiney was sore from feces being caught in his fur.  Someone had tied a rubberband around one of his ears.  The ear was lacerated and infected from the constant pressure of the rubberband.  He is severely underweight, and has a respiratory infection. 
I gave Archie a bath with eucalyptus, rosemary, myrrh, and tea tree oils to help with his breathing.  Amy Likins performed reiki on him.  Amy and Christan wereshocked and saddened by Archie's health, especially in light of his kind soul.

Cruelty has no place in this world.  And while I would never condone it, I can begin to understand violence in a fit of unfettered emotion - losing control.  What I cannot understand is neglect.  Making a choice, day after day after day, to ignore the needs of a living creature that is entirely dependent upon YOU for it's survival.

So, here's an update on Sherman & Perky:

At Dog Daze, I spoke briefly with Terri Bondi of Underdogs.  She told me that Discover Network / Animal Planet had contacted her, and asked that she send photos of all her available puppies to them.  Animal Planet chose Sherman, Perky and 4 others to be TV STARS!!  They are going to compete in the Puppy Bowl!  Terri is working out the details on transport... even though the contact and invite came from Animal Planet, Underdogs is responsible for ALL travel expenses.

Many of you may wonder "why spend money on travel to New York City?  That money could help how many animals right here?"  Simple answer: exposure.  Underdogs is Terri Bondi.  Her adoption fees don't begin to cover her expenses.  However, the opportunity for this little rescue from Fort Walton Beach, Florida to recieve NATIONAL exposure may help Underdogs get new supporters from across the USA.

And in happy / sad news, Perky and Sherman aren't with us anymore.  They've both been adopted, together, by a nice family in Navarre.  So I'm having a brief reprieve from my mop... until our next guests arrive!

You can learn more at www.saveunderdogs.com, or call Terri Bondi 850-499-3970.