Real Estate has gone to the DOGS!!

I know the housing market is a mess and foreclosures are at an all time high, but what if I told you that you could snag an amazing custom-designed Spanish-style mansion complete with arched windows, terra cotta tile floors and custom-trim work for just under 10K?

Think it's too good to be true? Well, for you, it probably is, but that's just what you can get for your favorite four-legged friend.

Dog mansions have become the newest trend in pampering your puppy. And I'm not talking about those old-school basic wooden boxes of the past - These new dog houses are beautiful custom-made petite pooch palaces that might just rival your own home.

Doggie Mansions is a Palm Beach-based "real estate firm" specializing in the creation of luxury homes for man's best friend. Each Doggie Mansion is custom built from the ground up, using the highest-quality materials and top notch craftsmanship.

The company's 'top dog' veteran real estate broker, Donald Gorbach, explains, "If you live in a Mediterranean-style estate with stone columns, marble floors, a barrel tile roof and beautiful landscaping, that is what we can recreate for your dog. If you prefer a beach house with white-washed shutters that is what we will build. The whole idea is to integrate your taste and style into the home we create especially for your pooch."

Other popular styles of dog homes include the Key West-style cottage, Hamptons-style beach house, the urban brownstone and the New England-style colonial. Each mansion can be built in various sizes depending on your dog's needs and owners have all the architectural options of a regular home including barrel-tiled roofs or architectural shingles, stone, tile or marble floors, hand-painted faux-finished walls, an outdoor deck or porch, operable windows and doors, sky lights, plants, rugs, lamps and other pint-sized furnishings.

Families with multiple pets can opt for a "Doggie Duplex" or two-room estate with separate entrances for each pet. Most amazingly, all mansions include interior and exterior lighting fixtures, a/c or heat, and are wired for electricity. The houses can also be outfitted with a flat-screen TV/DVD player (where your pooch can watch anything from Lassie to Underdog), Bose SoundDock and plenty of toys and games.

I'm not sure about you, but this time being in the dog house doesn't sound so bad. No pun intended, but this really isn't too far FETCHED...this is Sarasota after all.....

Available at: Doggie Mansions

Peace and Pet Love!!

Is your Pup getting a bit Long in the Tooth....

It starts when you spot a single grey hair in the mirror...Then suddenly you turn around and your belly's gotten bigger, your joints hurt, you can't quite get up as easily, and that new young perky Pug at the park referred to you as Old Yeller. And then she barked louder because she thought you couldn't hear her.

Aging happens to everyone. And unfortunately for your pup, there's no quick fix of plastic surgery, high-priced wrinkle cream, hair dye, Porsche purchases or dating someone 20 years younger.

Older dogs, just like older people, have special health needs. As your pets age, changes occur in the way their body functions, so it makes sense that you may need to give them a little more attention.

People generally feel they've hit that dreaded 'Golden Age' when they face their first senior discount and suddenly start receiving the AARP magazine - some time between 55-65. But when does your pooch become an official senior? In general, 'elderly' means over eight years old for a medium-sized dog, and over five years old for a larger dog.

The dietary needs of your dogs tend to change as they age. A senior dog will naturally be less active and so he may need less energy from his diet. Further, research has shown that the body composition tends to change in elderly dogs, also reducing his caloric needs. Senior dogs can also experience decreased immune system function and increased intestinal problems. What can I say - 'getting old can be a REAL bitch.'

I have come up with a few tips to keep your "old feller" healthy and happy for as long as possible...

1. Establish a relationship with the BEST Veterinarian you can find. For most older dogs, it is advisable to make an appointment with the vet every six months. Your vet should be someone whom you trust and with whom you feel very comfortable.

2. Become informed about the conditions common to older dogs and the therapies used for them. Be alert to symptoms, bring them to your vet's attention promptly, and be prepared to discuss treatment option

3. Feed your older dog the best food you can afford; consider feeding a home-prepared diet and two small meals daily rather than one large one.

4. Don't overfeed your dog. Obesity will create health problems and shorten their life.

5. Consider the use of dietary supplements such as glucosamine/chondroitin for arthritis.

6. Give your senior dog adequate exercise, but adjust it to their changing abilities.

7. Attend to your dog's dental health. Brush their teeth daily and have them cleaned professionally whenever your vet advises it.

8. Tell your vet you wish to have your dog vaccinated only once every THREE years, as currently advised by the major veterinary associations.

9. Be diligent in controlling fleas and ticks, and keep your dog and his environment scrupulously clean.

10. Make your senior dog as much a part of your life as possible, and do all you can to keep them interested, active, happy and comfortable.

Of course, MOST of these tips apply to all ages, pets...etc...

Peace and Pet Love!

Doggie Day Spa...Home Edition

You could spend the big bucks spoiling your special Pup at a decadent doggy spa for one super-luxurious afternoon of puppy pampering alongside doggy celebs like Tinkerbell Hilton, Daisy Simpson and Bit Bit Spears - or you could invest in a few key home spa essentials for your pooch and have 'spa day' any day of the week.

I have everything you need to create the dog spa experience at home. Not only can you save a little money, but it's also a way to spend quality time with your favorite furry friend while getting in some relaxation time of your own (and everyone knows that Tinkerbell can be a real bitch anyway)!

So crank up the new age mood music, lay down a few towels, light some candles, slather on the green mud masque (the masque is for you - not your pup) and get ready for a night of perfect pampering for you and your pooch in the comforts of your own canine-friendly casa.

Spa Dog Botanicals Urban Dog Spa Kit
This pure botanical spa set is sure to get any pooch pampering party started. This natural premium product pack combines therapeutic-essential oils and botanical extracts to make sure your furry friend looks spa radiant. The bountiful basket includes the Adventure Dog Sudsmade Shampoo with eucalyptus, patchouli and other natural bug repellants, the Knotty Dog Detangler that creates a soft, shiny coat and the Sweet Orange Spray to help moisturize and invigorate your pup's coat while leaving it smelling sweet. Available at Amazon

Gingham & Terry Duckie Bathrobe
Give your dogs the ultimate in spa comfort with this adorable and cozy yellow and white gingham bathrobe. Freshly bathed dogs will love warming up in this hooded bathrobe made of ultra soft, absorbent white cotton terry. The back of the robe features a cheerful rubber ducky applique made of puffed vinyl. Velcro tabs and a gingham belt provide a secure and comfortable fit. Available at Amazon

Jentle Pet Spa
Water-loving dogs will dive into the Jentle Pet spa by MTI Whirlpools. The super luxurious doggy Jacuzzi features five-point massage jets, hot & cold temperature controls, shelves for shampoo, a hair-trapping suction device, and a special cleaning system. The Jentle Pet spa accommodates pooches that weigh up to 57 pounds and comes in 50 cool colors! Available at MTI Whirlpools

So go and get your Day Spa Dog-on..
Peace and Pet Love

My Rescue Dog is Smarter than your Honor Student!

I like to consider myself a bit of a "Tour Guide" for pet adoption. I can tell you pretty much any and everything about most of the Animal Rescue Groups in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. I have made it my mission to have as much information as possible, so I can help save lives and educate the locals on the resources available to them.

Ok class pay very close attention...today I will be focusing on "Sarasota County Animal Services" or the POUND as some of you like to call it. We are incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful place for our (strays) or owner give-ups to go. First and foremost SCAS belongs to you.... SARASOTANS, our tax dollars pay for this amazing facility.

What people don't understand is that SCAS must take any and all animals that come through their doors; strays, cruelty cases, owner give-ups(and there have certainly been more than I care to think about as of late). They don't have the LUXURY of turning pets away when they're busting at the seams. Just to clarify, ALL other rescues in Sarasota, DO have that luxury, they can say yes or no whenever they choose. The reason being, they are privately funded. AGAIN, SCAS is a County run shelter. BIG DIFFERENCE!!

Today there are over 37 dogs and 60 cats being housed at SCAS, the shelter is literally overflowing. If anyone is interested in adopting a pet...PLEASE go out to SCAS. I promise this is a beautiful facility, not dismal or depressing. In fact, I encourage you to come out and volunteer your time and walk some dogs or cuddle some cats. I love going out there, it's very serene and you get quite the work out walking the dogs. It's also a great family affair, SCAS is very children friendly, as long is there is someone over 18 to supervise.

So what did we learn today? Get your booty's over to SCAS and ADOPT a shelter pet or volunteer your time, or you don't get to pass my class!!
Check out the sweet angels that need a home: ADOPTABLE DOGS AND CATS

Sarasota County Animal Services
8451 Bee Ridge Rd
Sarasota, FL 34241-6302
(941) 861-9500
Adoption Hours

If you would like to adopt an animal, or volunteer your time....
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: 12 noon - 2 p.m.

Peace and Pet Love!

See Spot...Buckle Up!

You and your pup are hitting the open road. The wind is flying through your hair and his fur, adventure and the smell of doggy biscuits are in the air, and you're ready for anything - well, anything except for your curious canine suddenly running through the car, jumping on your lap, hitting the steering wheel and lunging towards a tempting driver-side squirrel (or sexy Pekingese).

Sadly, hundreds of dogs are killed or injured every year because loving owners allow their pampered pooches to roam freely throughout the car or truck. And while you may not think about it, your unrestrained furry friend faces the same dangers as all passengers who don't buckle up, including being ejected like a rocket.

Although experts do not suggest using your car's built in seat belts, there are a wide range of options for keeping your pup safe, including mini seat belts, harnesses, car hammocks and booster seats.

Sure, we know Britney may not realize the importance of car seats but then again she doesn't realize the importance of underwear, either. So put away the razor, grab some undies and check out the cool car seats and other safety items made especially for your canine.

Roadie Elite
Be one of the first to have a *Roadie Elite! Researched and independently tested, Ruff Rider's Roadie Canine Vehicle Safety/Training Harness keeps the dog you love safe while riding, braking or turning and affords the best protection in extreme situations. It easily attaches to any vehicle's seat belt system. It includes a built-in short walking lead for all-around use. Every Ruff Rider Roadie is vet approved & exceeds S.A.E. tensile strength standards for human seat belts. Available at: Ruff Rider.com

Canine Zip Line
This ingenious design allows your dog freedom to move around while keeping her safely restrained. Just connect the zip line to the passenger handles on either side of the vehicle, then clip in your dog. The harness and leash (included) are handy for taking your dog to and from the car and make rest stops a breeze. Harness can also be clipped to a seat belt for added versatility. Available at: fetchdog.com

Jump Seat
We’ve come a long way since the Wizard of Oz. Dorothy now drives a Volvo. And Toto rides shotgun, strapped safely into her comfy, lined Jump Seat. Made for dogs up to 30 pounds, the Jump Seat includes a washable, padded liner and a seat belt tether. Collapses easily for storage. We’re definitely not in Kansas anymore. Available at: Fetchdog.com


Champion Canine Truck Restraint
The CHAMPION Canine Truck Restraint provides a solution, an easy and safe way to transport up to 3 dogs in the back of your truck. This innovative new product features an adjustable strap of heavy duty 2" nylon webbing with 3 heavy gauge welded D rings. The strap ends with 2" round rings that attach to tie down hooks on the truck with the 2 included 3/8" x 4" spring links. Available at: Champ K9.com

This is especially important in our neck of the woods YEE HAW! trucks... trucks and more trucks. Nothing makes me more crazy than seeing a dog flying around in the back of a pickup truck, this is beyond dangerous. Florida really needs to adopt the TETHER law, like California. Peace and Pet Love.....

Only the Lonely...Can Play

Okay, we know that if we were really well adjusted, mature individuals we'd be happy to spend time alone - enjoying our own company and thoughts...but after about ten minutes of alone time we quickly realize that our thoughts are mostly that we want company.

Let's face it, we're social animals and so are our pups. But while most people can entertain themselves by spending a few hours in front of the tube, it's not like your pooch is hooked on who Bret Michaels will kick off next (no, I'm not ashamed of loving "Rock of Love" - okay, maybe a little).

The point is that no one likes saying goodbye to those big, sad puppy dog eyes but in today's world of the single pet parent or the two working pet parents, we sometimes have to leave our pets alone. Luckily, there are several ways to keep a latch-key puppy free from daily boredom and separation anxiety.

Help your Fur Kid beat the boredom by providing plenty of toys so that he can play while you're away. Experts suggest rotating the toys so they keep their appeal. Interactive toys are especially good for providing mental stimulation.

Dog Tornado Puzzle
This Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado will challenge your dog! There are four layers to this turning spinning puzzle! Each layer has a cutout on each side. The top layer is the cover. Each additional layer has 4 insets for you to put treats in. All of these layers turn. Your dog has to line the cutouts up with the insets to get the treats out! Available at: Best Friends General Store

Busy Buddy Squirrel Dude
Busy Buddy toys is a line of chew toys for dogs, designed to "keep your pet busy with good things to chew!" Each Busy Buddy™ toy is made with a different and unique chewing experience in mind and helps redirect potentially destructive chewing behavior into positive playtime. The Busy Buddy Squirrel Dude features a random bounce and treat dispensing, making this a fun toy your dog will play with over and over. Available at: Smart Pak Canine

Hide-A-Bee Plush Puzzle
The Hide-A-Bee Puzzle Plush is a plush toy in the shape of a bee hive with three 2-1/2" diameter holes in it. It comes with three squeaker bees (about 5" long) that you hide inside the hive. Your dog's mission--and we think he'll decide to accept it--is to stalk those buzzy bees and pull them out of the holes in the hive.
Available at: Lucy The Wonder Dog

These toys are designed to challenge your dog, stimulate its problem solving ability and an outlet for its energy. These Brain Activity toys/games are easy to get out and fun to use for both you and your dog. Don't leave your other pets out of the fun these are great for cats, rats, and all pets. Remember, these are interactive and NOT a chew toy.

Hair of the Dog!

After a long, hot day there's nothing better than throwing back a few cold beers with some good friends. And if you ever thought about toasting a brew with your very best friend - I say go ahead and let your pooch get his drink on!

Okay, before you start emptying a Michelob Ultra into your pup's bowl - remember that human beers are not safe for dogs. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that your pooch has to be left out of the party!

Phoenix-based husband, wife, and daughter team, Bob, Jenny, and Jessica Brown have created a premium beef-flavored beer that your pooch can finally wrap his paw around. In January 2007 the Brown's began making a peanut butter flavored pretzel treat for their 3 busy dogs, Chewy, Casey, and Dax. After creating the perfect snack, named Spoiled Rotten Dog Treats, they pondered the perfect drink. "Then it hit me," Brown said. "What goes best with pretzels but beer?
The Brown's set out to create the ultimate liquid refreshment for their beloved dogs.

The following month their Bowser Beer had sold out at the Super Pet Expo in Virginia. After looking for manufacturers, 3 Busy Dogs settled on a Florida company.

Bowser Beer is a non-carbonated, non-alcoholic (someone's gotta be the designated walker) beer made especially for your pup. The ale starts with artesian water and choice malted barley. It's brewed in 500-gallon copper kettles and features all-natural beef drippings. Plus, it's fortified with glucosamine and vitamin e (as if beer isn't healthy enough on its own).
The beer sells for $19.95 a six-pack and is available on the Company's website.
For an extra charge, beer labels can be custom made with a picture of the customer's pet.(What an awesome gift idea) Color me there... CHEERS FLOPPY EARS!!! Available at
3busydogs.com

DIETING HAS GONE TO THE DOG'S!

Has one too many lazy winter days left your pooch packing a bit of a paunch? Is your hound looking a little round? Does his belly rival Buddha's (or maybe John Goodman)?

Well, we've always been one to embrace our canine's copious curves, but if your portly pup's more Perez than Paris then your dog may need some weight loss help.

Obesity is on the rise for canines. The reasons are simple: too much food and too little exercise. Just like humans, packing extra pounds can negatively impact the functioning of the lungs, put extra strain on the heart and create severe joint problems. Just a few extra pounds affect your pup's daily activities such as walking, standing and even sitting and can shorter their life span.

The good news is that I have the insider's track on new fitness equipment and healthy foods to help pudgy pooches beat the bulge and live longer, happier lives.

Doggie Driver
You may be a couch potato but now your dog doesn't have to be. Doggie Driver is a tennis ball launcher that swings like a normal golf club driver, providing hours of healthy exercise and enjoyment for your pup. Doggie Driver will launch the ball up to 100 yards. Available at PetGadets.com

Springer Bicycle Jogger
Get outdoors and enjoy some good ol' Florida Sunshine with the Springer Bicycle Jogger. The bike attachment enables you to hit the open road with your dog safely: allowing riders to keep both hands on the bike, while keeping your dog at a safe distance from the wheels. The springer is equipped with a "Safety Release," which allows the dog to break away instantly if it ends up on the wrong side of a tree, post, etc. Available at PetGadgets.com

Dog Treadmill
Establish a regular exercise routine for your best friend. Treadmill training can give a dog a great workout regardless of weather or environment, allowing owners to maintain a consistent exercise regimen. It provides increased muscle definition, toning, improves vitality, increases life span and can help curb destructive behavior or excess energy often associated with the lack of regular exercise. Available at PetGagets.com


Light or Lowfat Dog Food
You are what you eat so if you want to be lean, you've got to eat lean. Many dog food Company's offer a dog food that has fewer calories and fat and increased fiber to help dogs keep their weight down. It also provides great taste as well as the complete and balanced nutrition adult dogs need. Available at any local Pet Smart, Pet Supermarket, or Petco

Pet Insurance is the BOMB!!!

What if your pet becomes sick or is critically injured and needs care that is expensive and you can't afford?

What can you do?

This is a common problem that Veterinarians face. And trust me, it is not a problem that they enjoy. Veterinarians would rather work on making your pet better, not deal with the financial issues that involve good pet care.

So, what can you do if your pet has a problem that you can't afford? I'll give you some tips.

1. Credit cards and checks. If this is an option, ask the clinic if they accept checks and credit cards. This can help in some situations.

2. Care credit. Ask if the hospital accepts "care credit". Care credit is a line of credit that you can apply for on an emergency basis and it can give you immediate access to a credit card with a credit line (often at a fairly reasonable rate). I had to use this option a couple of years ago.

3. Most vet hospitals will give you time to make calls to family and friends or to visit a bank machine to come up with the required resources or deposit.

4. Consider other options. It may be that you can cut corners in some manner now to get you to a local shelter or humane society that may provide less expensive treatment or offer billing for additional tests.

5. Finally, if unexpected expenses are a hardship for you, the very BEST thing you can do for your pet is to get pet insurance early, before your pet has a problem. Get it when your pet is young and healthy and the premiums are reasonable. Also, consider taking advantage of the preventative care options that some companies offer.

Yes, I frequently recommend that you should at least consider pet insurance. I do this because I've seen the lives of many pets saved because their owners had the financial ability to do the best for their pet.

Today I encourage you to take a minute to educate yourself about pet insurance and learn how it can save you money and give you peace of mind knowing that you will be able to provide the best medical care for your dog.

So take a few minutes to learn about the many benefits of pet insurance and get a FREE quote. Go to: petinsurance.com

Take the extra step today and get an instant quote for your dog, you'll be glad you did.

I hope these suggestions help you.

PLEASE STOP THESE ATROCITIES AGAINST HELPLESS ANIMALS!!

This is a subject that I am incredibly passionate about. Many of my friends are very much aware of the fact that I rescue animals from Georgia and North Carolina. If you are able to watch the video that I have included in this post, you will understand why. I simply cannot let this continue without one hell of a fight. I cannot believe in 2008 that ANY state is allowing the GASSING, SHOOTING, DROWNING, ELECTROCUTING, of helpless animals. This is an OUTRAGE! This CAN be stopped with your help. We must all unite and make these phone calls and write letters, and whatever else we can do to put an end to this. ALL animals deserved to be HUMANELY euthanized. This is complete BS!! The following is a letter from COMPANION ANIMAL NETWORK

Dear Friends of Animals,

Clinton supporter North Carolina Governor Mike Easley has failed to request the introduction of legislation which would override the Commissioner of Agriculture's recent removal of the state's own board's recommendation to end the killing of pets by carbon monoxide gas under the excuse that"aggressive dogs are safer to kill by gas." Most of this country uses injection to euthanize even aggressive dogs, including 67 of North Carolina's 100 counties, but the Ag. Commissioner's people appear to be claiming that aggressive dogs in the 37 counties which DO use gas are more vicious than those in the 63 which do not. It is not worth commenting.This kind of false excuses by politicians is what has caused so many voters to not vote.I urge you to watch the video at:http://www.companionanimalnetworktv.org/Videos/yadkin_county.movand see the gassing being done TODAY in Yadkin County and 36 other counties in N.C. (63 use inject able). It takes 2-3 minutes to load. This video will be shown tomorrow night in NYC on Time Warner Queens Ch. 34 at 8 PM, and in Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island and Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Hampton's in Long Island where the move stars live. It will then go into reruns for many years to come, airing twice every year on all our cable systems. Our television program is carried by Cablevision, TimeWarner, and RCN Cable. Though this video is on our website, I had chosen not to watch it until last night, in preparing it to be broadcast on the show. IT SHOOK ME TO THE CORE !! IF YOU REFUSE TO WATCH THE ATTACHED VIDEO YOU WILL NOT BE MOTIVATED TO DO WHAT YOU WOULD OTHERWISE DO, AND YOU WILL BE JUST AS MUCH TO BLAME FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THIS MONSTROSITY !!After watching the video please call N.C. Gov. Easley at 919-733-4240 and919-733-5811, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler at 919-733-7125, and Chamber of Commerce Pres Lew Ebert at 919-836-1407 and tell them that you will boycott N.C. goods and will spread the word about the practices N.C. If Gov. Easley's office tells you that the Agriculture Commissioner is a separately elected office, tell Mr. Easley that the governor can cause the introduction of state legislation banning gassing.In Georgia, even though a law was passed banning gassing of animals, the State Assemblyman who passed that law has sued the state for refusing to enforce it 10 years after enactment. States which still allow gas must be federally banned from doing so. I have spoken with the attorney doing that law suit. Also, please ask the Democratic and Republican Platform Committees to include a ban on all gas killing of animals. I, for one, an uncommitted voter, have decided to NOT vote for Obama nor McCain unless and until one or the other addresses this issue by agreeing to nationally ban gas killing of animals. I intend to reach both campaigns.This email needs to be mass distributed nationally, being sent to blogs,other media, yahoo groups. Please forward it to everyone you know. The power of the Internet and television to force change has been proven over and over.& nbsp; Please help us end this monstrous practice NOW! If this was happening to you or me every day which passed by would matter. Just think of the southern summer heat inside those kill boxes, with dozens of pets stuffed in them like toys, pinned against one another unable to move even a paw. Just think of the horror, the anguish, the fear, the TERROR !!!
Garo Alexanian,Companion Animal Network

I DIED TODAY..A MESSAGE FROM BEYOND THE RAINBOW BRIDGE!

I died today.You got tired of me and took me to the shelter. They were overcrowded and I drew an unlucky number. I am in a black plastic bag in a landfill now.

Some other puppy will get the barely used leash you left. My collar was dirty and too small, but the lady took it off before she sent me to the Rainbow Bridge.

Would I still be at home if I hadn't chewed your shoe? I didn't know what it was, but it was leather, and it was on the floor. I was just playing. You forgot to get puppy toys.

Would I still be at home if I had been housebroken? Rubbing my nose in what I did only made me ashamed that I had to go at all. There are books and obedience teachers that would have taught you how to teach me to go to the door.

Would I still be at home if I hadn't brought fleas into the house? Without anti-flea medicine, I couldn't get them off of me after you left me in the yard for days.

Would I still be at home if I hadn't barked? I was only saying, "I'm scared, I'm lonely, I'm here, I'm here! I want to be your best friend."

Would I still be at home if I had made you happy? Hitting me didn't make me learn how.Would I still be at home if you had taken the time to care for me and to teach manners to me?

You didn't pay attention to me after the first week or so, but I spent all my time waiting for you to love me.I died today.

"Pets in the City"

"WOW" I'm BLOWN AWAY! I cannot believe the insane support I received from this community when I began to embark on my very 1st FUNDRAISER! With the assistance of my FABULOUS friend Beth we were able to get together a HELL of a party in just 10 days...that's right 10 days. Beth had the idea to have a party coincide with the "SEX AND THE CITY" movie premiere. You see we have both been HUGE fans from the beginning. I told her that I thought she was crazy..there is NO WAY IN HELL we can pull this off in 10 days..well boy was I wayyyy wrong.

1st things 1st..we had to have the VENUE..well let me tell you ZORIA was on board from the very beginning, no questions asked. SIDE BAR..ARTHUR YOU'RE FABULOUS!! OK, then we had to have fun stuff for people to do..my friend Carol Prokap of PRP Wines did a tasting of incredible wines, and my friend Kane the owner of EUPHORIA BAR donated one of his oxygen bar's , which was sooooo refreshing, and of course you can't have a "Sex and the City" themed party with out the COSMOS! That's right the very gracious SZAMBELAN Vodka donated all you can drink Carrie Cosmos. The Tarot Card Reader Desiree Rahill was loads of fun,and we had the most gorgeous Flower Arrangement donated by TIGER LILY.

I have to tell you the people in Sarasota "ROCK"! I want to take this opportunity to thank and recognize those businesses and individuals that stepped up to the plate for the ANIMALS!! I want everyone to remember these names when you're considering spending your hard earned money on; entertainment, wine, vodka, clothes, spa's, tanning, limos, restaurants, teeth whitening, etc. Animal lovers need to know they are buying goods, services, whatever, from people that actually DO CARE about animals...

I cant wait for next year..well of course..did you think I wouldn't make this a YEARLY EVENT... and I promise I will give everyone more than 10 days notice!!!

THANK YOU.....
ANA MOLINARI
PINEAPPLE HOLISTIC DAY SPA
MIDTOWN DENTAL
HORSE FEATHERS
FOXY LADY
LOTUS
ARLENE OAKES
DAIQUIRI DECK
ANIMALS BY NATURE
URBAN OASIS DAY SPA
CORINNE NORTH-FULLER
SUSAN ROOSA

CAROL PROKAP
MIKE KRADLAK
RICK CULPEPPER
MOM&DAD
GRANNY
LARRY'S EXECUTIVE LIMOUSINES
MASSAGE MATTERS
DEREK SMITH
KEN&LINDA SLAVIN
ELYSIAN FIELDS
ZORIA
TIKI TAN

CLEAN STEP LINENS
TIGER LILY
SZAMBELAN VODKA
US TENT RENTAL
LTM PARTY
EUPHORIA BAR
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST...MY FABULOUS FRIEND BETH HARRIS..FOR WITHOUT YOU MY LOVE THIS WOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED!!

BLACK DOG...BLACK CAT!!

Is it true no one loves black dogs? Well...it isn't "no one" that loves black dogs, but there does seem to be an issue with the adoptability of black dogs. According to statistics "If you have two similar dogs - one black, one light colored side-by-side with similar temperaments, both well behaved, both house broken and friendly, the light-colored dog will be adopted before the black dog".

Why are black dogs less adoptable?

It is hard to know for sure. For one, dark hair is a dominant trait. There are more brunettes than any other hair color. In fact, in people, they estimate that 100 years from now, there will be no red-headed people in the country. Is the same true in dogs? It is hard to know for sure but that seems to be the case on a smaller scale. There may be more black dogs to choose from.

In addition, many shelters are in older facilities. The lighting is often suboptimal. Most people that go to shelters to adopt will find a dog by making a connection with a dog. That usually starts with eye contact. Dark dogs in dark cages are harder to see. It is possible because they are hard to see that eye contact is not as obvious and frequent.

Regardless of the cause - I love black dogs. I think they deserve every chance at a good home as any other dog.

NOW AS FOR BLACK CATS.......

People are crazy AND Superstitious....In Western history, black cats have often been looked upon as a symbol of evil omens: in other cultures they are considered to be good omens. Whatever the case.. I have surmised that Black cats ARE mysterious, elegant, and overall FABULOUS!!!

So...if you are looking to adopt - don't overlook the black dogs OR cats. If you can't see them very well, ask someone to take the dog or cat out of the cage so that you can see him or her better and interact.

For more information on this very fascinating subject please check out BLACKPEARL DOGS, a wonderful website dedicated to helping BLACK DOGS AND CATS!!!

I know you are all very jealous of my beautiful black boy Shakespeare..that's why I had to taunt you with his picture:)

A BAKERS DOZEN OF GEORGIA PEACHES!

OOPS...I did it again! I cant seem to help myself from Saving GEORGIA dogs, I think it must be the whole gassing, shooting, drowning thing...especially puppies. My GOD they are so frigging BARBARIC. It costs too much for them to HUMANELY EUTHANIZE! I am thrilled that the word is getting out on GEORGIA'S DIRTY LITTLE SECRET!
Myself and Derek embarked on a FABULOUS road trip to HOT-LANTA to save what was originally supposed to be 4 puppies. How the hell we ended up bringing 13 back...I'll never know..oh yes I do... they were all scheduled to be GASSED.. not on my watch.

These precious babies were just pitiful. We had three mange puppies,that were severely underweight, three feral puppies covered in DEER TICKS, 6 HUGE black puppies that were very neglected and also covered in ticks big enough to be an appetizer.YIKES..and finally the little American Bulldog, which was the main reason for going to Georgia.

We have had great success with getting them adopted. Of the 13, 9 have found wonderful homes. If you are interested in adopting one of the remaining 4 please go to our PETFINDER link. They are all so sweet and loving. They for sure know they were saved.

MY DARLING LILLY!!

It is with an incredibly BROKEN HEART that I must inform everyone that Lilly passed away last evening. I am beyond devastated. Many of my rescue people may remember Lilly from September 2007. There was a desperate call for help to save this precious angel from the Clayton County Animal Services. She was picked up by the lovely (April Landrum Johns) hours before she was to be gassed...yes for those of you that are not aware, they continue to gas and shoot dogs and cats in shelters around the South.
April bathed and took really excellent care of Lilly for a couple of days until transport arrived. THANK YOU APRIL!

We received our bundle of joy on September 13, 2007, along with another sweet girl named Lulu, she came from Athens, also slated to be gassed. I was so happy and her foster daddy Derek knew from the moment he met her that he was going to keep her. She was such a joy to have around, she always had us laughing. Lilly was only a little over a year old, and still had soooo much puppy in her. She thrived for four months....then came the spay.

Lilly was taken to be spayed on January 2, 2008. I received a call from the Vet saying that they were unable to continue with the spay, Lilly's blood pressure had bottomed out. I immediately took her to get blood work. The next day we received the results, she had elevated liver enzymes. She began walking as though she were a drunken sailor, more so than usual, you see Lilly had major bone deformities, a bit of a club foot, so she always walked a bit funny. This progressed over a couple of weeks until she went completely down, absolutely zero use of her legs.

After 2 specialists and an MRI, we found out Lilly had a BRAIN CYST. This cyst was huge and was causing pressure which made her unable to use her limbs. She had to have the cyst drained, IMMEDIATELY! Dr. Anne Chauvet, a brilliant Neuro Surgeon performed brain surgery on Lilly, January 28th...her prognosis was (GUARDED AT BEST) needless to say we were a complete mess waiting to hear the results of the surgery. The phone rang and all I heard is.."She made it through the surgery"! We were elated.

I thought our girl was going to pull through. She came home a few days later and things started out fine. She was eating and drinking, still unable to use her legs, but of course she had just had the surgery so we naturally thought it would take time. She started losing interest in food and water...BIG PROBLEM! I took her back to Dr. Chauvet, where they put her on IV fluids; after she was hydrated she still had no interest in food. After a couple of days they put a feeding tube through her nose. I think she just lost her will. I came to see her everyday assuring her that I was there for her and loved her dearly.."Please fight “I told her.

It looked really good for a bit...then her temperature dropped to 94 degrees. They had a warmer on her the last time I saw her. I told her to hang in there and how much I loved her. She passed away last night. I received the call at 8:00 A.M. When the phone rang....l knew she was gone. You will forever be in my heart my sweet Lilly... you touched so many peoples lives...I can be at peace just knowing that the last 5 months of her life...were indeed THE BEST!!! With lots of love thrown her way!

I have experienced a lot of loss these last couple of months. But I have to say I would not trade in the time I had with each one of these special fur babies for anything in the world. I truly enjoyed my time with Lincoln, Greta, and of course Lilly... they would have been dead long ago, had I not come into their lives.

I LOVE AND MISS YOU!

FLY HIGH BABIES....

Mommy

ANIMAL TESTING SUCKS!!

Here are some of the companies/products that DO TEST on animals! PLEASE "DO NOT" BUY FROM THESE COMPANIES OR PRODUCTS!!
-Aim
-Arm & Hammer
-Bic Corporation
-Brillo
-Chesebrough-Ponds
-Church & Dwight (Mentadent, Nair, Orange Glo, Pearl Drops)
-Clairol (Aussie, Herbal Essences, Infusium 23, Proctor & Gamble)
-Clorox (ArmorAll, Formula 409, Fresh Step, Glad, Liquid Plumber, Pine Sol, Soft Scrub, Tilex)

Here are some of the companies that DO NOT test on animals:
-Almay
-Aveda
-Bare Essentuals
-Bath & Body Works
-The Body Shop
-Chanel
-Clinique
-Estee Lauder
-Freeman Beauty
-MAC Cosmetics
-Mary Kay
-Nexxus
-OPI Products
-Paul Mitchell
-Prescriptives
-Revlon
-Sebastian Int.
-Smashbox Cosmetics
-Stila Cosmetics
-Tommy Hilfiger
-Victoria's Secret

PLEASE "DO" BUY FROM THESE COMPANIES!!!!

THE TRUTH ABOUT SHELTER ADOPTION!

There have always been much criticism towards animal shelters and the animals in animal shelters. This post is to help separate fact from myth so that people will have a more compassionate understanding towards animals in animal shelters that are in desperate need of finding a good home.


Myth: Shelter pets are obviously not good pets, or else their original owners wouldn't have gotten rid of them
If the main reason why a pet gets brought to rescue shelters was because they were a *bad* pet, there would be thousands of empty shelters across the country. Animals are brought to shelters for a large variety of reasons, some of which are...

*Their owners have passed away
*The animal's owners were abusive to the animal, so the authorities have removed the pet from the harmful environment
*An animal was purchased or adopted by someone who did not take into consideration all of the responsibility that caring for that pet would entail. A good example of this would be someone who adopts a pet in an apartment complex that does not allow animals and then is subsequently forced to get rid of the pet.

Myth: Animals from abusive homes will never be good pets because they have been mistreated for so long
Most animals coming from abusive homes will typically make a full emotional recovery - with proper care and attention. In fact, many of them are so grateful to be rescued from their previous situation, they end up being more devoted and loyal than animals coming from non-abusive homes.
Myth: You never know what you're getting with shelter pets
Although its true that the medical history and temperament of an animal adopted from a rescue shelter are not always able to be tracked down, its really no different than an animal you might get from a pet store, unless you are buying a pedigree, but most animals from pet stores are from Puppy Mills and are more sickly due to unsanitary conditions and repeated inbreeding which causes genetic birth defects and/or severe health problems.

Myth: All animals in rescue shelters are sickly or unhealthy
Once again, it certainly IS possible that a pet adopted from a rescue shelter may have medical problems, however the majority of the animals that are adopted from shelters are perfectly healthy, and just need a good home. If anything, you're more likely to get an honest answer about an animal's medical problems from a shelter volunteer - who is clearly there because they *care* about the animals - as opposed to a pet store owner or breeder that is only it in for the money. Additionally, animals in shelters are typically treated much better than animals in pet stores, which have often spent their short lives in cramped environments with little socializing and often, unsanitary conditions.

To illustrate the point a little more clearly, when you go to a pet store, the animals are kept on display in tiny cages, often with multiple animals in one cage. When you go to a shelter, you will usually find much bigger animal pens, where the animals have some room to move.

Please adopt a sheltered animal or encourage others to adopt. These animals need a good home. Please give them the chance to find one.

Please go to my website to get a list of local shelters

ADOPT, DON'T SHOP!!


SUPPORT ANIMAL RIGHTS!!!

THE STORY OF LINCOLN!

With a very heavy heart I must inform you all that Lincoln passed away Monday, after a valiant battle against a litany of medical issues, including heart worms and osteosarcoma.

For those of you that don't know about Lincoln,he was an amazingly strong, soulful, tenacious creature, that came into my life about 6 months ago.

Although our time together was brief, I experienced a powerful connection to this dog, unlike any other. I would not give this experience up for the world. Lincoln certainly taught me a thing or two........

He was found covered in fleas, with speaker wire around his neck, severely emaciated. He had been waiting to be rescued...6 years later his dream would come true. He met three people that welcomed him with open arms, and did everything humanly possible to make sure he lived his final years knowing love,friendship, a nice place to sleep, good food, and clean water.

Unfortunately, the rest of his life was 6 months..First came the heart worms, then the limp..that turned out to be cancer. We had the leg removed, but you would never know it was missing..the day after the amputation he was running around like a warrior. The biopsy came back negative in the lymph nodes..we were ecstatic. We just knew Lincoln would beat the odds of the 1 year life expectancy.... Then..three days after the amputation, his back legs started sliding around, we think he probably hurt himself running around with the other pups, trying to keep up with them. Finally, he went
down..and stayed. He went through acupuncture treatment for a week before being referred to Dr. Chauvet, a Neuro Vet, we thought possibly a slipped disk, and trust me, we had every intention of having the back surgery. I mean come on, surely he didn't go through all of this in vain?

Dr. Chauvet took another x-ray and confirmed our worst fear...the cancer had spread to his lungs. We were devastated to say the least. How cruel..to put this dog through all of this trauma, did I mention the neuter..:) just to lose him a couple of months later.

I, Derek, and Beth decided we had to do the right thing.We could not let him live like this...zero use of the back legs,and the cancer gaining on him.

Monday October 29Th around 5:30 P.M. we said goodbye to our Lincoln. He still had a sparkle in his eye until his last breath...I could go on for days about Lincoln's brilliance and strong will to live, but I'm getting misty.

You'll be sorely missed my graceful...TRUE GENTLEMAN!

Hope you're flying high.......

FOSTER BABE TO THE RESCUE!

I have to start out by saying...I LOVE Julie Royal... AKA Foster Babe.
She is amazing. This goddess is responsible for saving hundreds of dogs
and cats from certain death. She will FOSTER litters of puppies and
kittens,seniors, crippled..whatever. Did I mention she also has her own
Real Estate business. This woman is such a ROCK STAR..


I got an e-mail over the weekend from a rescue group that I work with in Alabama
They were in desperate need of fosters and other rescues. You
see, they had over 90..that's right (90) puppies that needed to be out
of the shelter by Monday, not a lot of notice hmmm. They had to make room for 50 animals that were coming in from a CRUELTY case. SIDE NOTE...I hate most people, OK,
I digress. I immediately call Jules too see if perhaps she had room at HER Inn..ha. She, as
usual without hesitation, said "SURE" I can take a couple of litters.

She drove to the SPCA in Tampa to meet the transport that was coming from Alabama. She took 2 litters, a total of seven pups. They are all so damn cute.Anyone interested in adopting one of these little guys, please contact me, and I can hook you up with FOSTER BABE..Thank you for everything you do Julie, you are a Guardian Angel for the animals.....

THROW AWAY SOCIETY

This just in folks....if you have a perfectly fabulous pet, and you just
wake up one day and decide they are no longer worthy of living out the
rest of their lives with you...you can just toss them away "LIKE SO
MANY RAGS"..I just don't understand, I never will. How do you throw
your family away? I wish I could just make people understand that
animals have the same emotions as humans..they love, mourn, feel pain,
loss, you name it..I think the only emotions they don't share would be
revenge or hatred. My first example is this absolutely stunning Persian. I don't have his name, I just know he's 2 years old neutered, and declawed. His owners think he is too jealous of a niece that comes over on occasion, this is frigging
absurd If anyone is interested, e-mail me and I will get
more details. Next up is 2 gorgeous Seal Point Siamese sisters...Coco
and Cashmere....ohhh such classy names.. 3 year old sisters, declawed
and spayed. Another tragedy. Again, anyone interested in providing a
FOREVER home for these lovely kitties, please contact me..I have to go
throw up now.. writing this blog LITERALLY made me sick.....