Pet Shelter Project

*Harley's Friends Edition* Rescue Dogs Come in ALL Shapes and Sizes

Sure, most people think that if you rescue or adopt a dog they are mixed breed or a "mutt." Many dogs are qualified as this, although it is not a negative thing, it is not necessarily the case. Many people choose to have a specific breed because of their size, behavior or temperament. Did you know that there are hundreds of pet rescues that are breed specific? Of course there is not a rescue for every breed (which means you should start one today!) but for the most popular breeds there most certainly are. Here are a few examples: Boxer,  Great Dane, Pit Bull, Yorkie,  or Maltese just to name a few!

There are millions of dogs that need a home right now, that are packed full at your local (or not local) dog rescue or animal shelter. In later posts I will discuss the importance of adopting and rescuing a dog versus buying, but for now, I just want to illustrate that all breeds need rescuing, even very popular breeds. Just take it from our good friend Baxter, who had a not-so-good childhood.

There is no doubt that Baxter isn't adorable, which is why I am sure his previous owners brought this little guy into their home. But as time passed the family was unable to care for him. They neglected him (abused him?) and did not provide him with essential care and love.

POP QUESTION: WHY would anyone accept a dog into your life and home, but not be willing to care, train and love him/her? If anyone has the answer to this question, please e-mail me ASAP.

So sadly, little Baxter was dropped off at a a local dog supply store, where he waited until someone would adopt him. His soon-to-be Mom instantly feel in love with Bax (as his Mom calls him) and decided that it was the right time for her to bring a dog into her home. She decided then and there that she would care for this pooch and make sure that not only his essential needs were met, but that he would be supplied with endless quantities of love. The canine community is so grateful for stories like this. We need to teach people the importance of rescuing dogs, in general. Whether you prefer a specific breed, size or temperament, please consider what you are "getting" yourself into. Dogs tend to live about 10-16 years (depending on the breed, size, health of dog) and must have all essential needs met, including but not limited to training, love, socialization and anything else that will promote a high quality life for your companion.

According to Bax's self-proclaimed "over protective" dog-Mom, he is the happiest little guy who continually brings so much joy and love to his family.

If you have a happy story with a happy ending about your rescue or adopted pooch and would like a feature on Harley's Mission, please e-mail us at HarleysMission@gmail.com

Animal-Assisted Therapy is MORE than just seeing your therapist

Whenever I tell people that my dog Derby and I do Pet therapY they give a perplexed look. The look is followed by numerous questions which leave me clarifying that we are not spending time reclined in a chair discussing my childhood with a therapist; but rather it is Derby that is providing the therapy. I recall watching an episode of an animal series on television when I was a child.  The episode was about a woman and her beloved companion who spent time volunteering in a hospital cheering up patients with a visit from her big fluffy white dog. The story stayed with me over the years. When I adopted Derby from the animal shelter I thought pet therapy would be the perfect volunteer opportunity for us. Derby's gentle nature and love for people made him the ideal candidate.  

Here is Derby with Themla in one of his therapy sessions: 
* Visits with a therapy dog helps heart and lung function by lowering pressures, diminishing release of harmful hormones and decreases anxiety with hospitalized heart failure patients (Cole, 2005).

Pet therapy, also known as Animal-assisted therapy (AAT), is a type of therapy that involves an animal with specific characteristics becoming a fundamental part of a person's treatment. Animal-assisted therapy is designed to improve the physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning of the patient. AAT can be provided on an individual or group basis. 

After passing a preliminary evaluation and several weeks of training Derby and I earned a certification with the Delta Society and began our pet therapy journey. We spent time visiting nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and the like. Derby shined at pet therapy and people beamed with happiness when we came to visit. His full smile, feathery tail sweeping enthusiastically, and inviting postures made people forget about their pain and discomfort even if only for a short time.

* Presence of a therapy dog can lower behavior distress in children during a physical examination at a doctor’s office and may be useful in a variety of health care settings to decrease procedure induced distress in children (Nagengast, 1997, Hansen, 1999).

We went for regular visits to Claire Bridge Nursing Home and made fast friends with a lovely woman by the name of Thelma. Every Tuesday we would chat with Thelma and watch Martha Stewart Living. She would invite Derby to sit on the bed with her and he graciously accepted. Thelma would stroke Derby's glossy coat as we talked and go to know each other. Thelma kept a jar full of milk bones at her bedside for our Tuesday visits and would always sneak extra goodies to Derby when I wasn't paying attention.

Our visits were very special and seeing how much joy my canine companion brought to the people we visited had me gleaming with pride. It is a beautiful thing to do and something Derby and I highly recommend. If you and your companion animal are considering a pet therapy certification please click  here and here and here for more information.    

* Animal-assisted therapy can effectively reduce the loneliness of residents in long-term care facilities (Banks, 2002).

Derby and I would like to congratulate Harley and Janel on their recent pet therapy certification! Let the healing power of pet therapy begin! 

- Posted by Natalie Milshtein and Derby

INTRODUCING...

Harley and I are pleased to introduce our really good friends: Natalie and Derby. This duo is quite an amazing team. It all started out when Derby was adopted in 2005; when on a volunteer shift at the shelter, Natalie just couldn't bare to see this amazing bundle of joy locked up anymore. And so the journey began...

Natalie and Derby have worked hard to enrich their community about responsible pet ownership, while volunteering and educating anyone that will listen. Their journey does not stop there, Derby is a certified pet therapy dog through Delta Society and is certified as a Canine Good Citizen with AKC, in which they have provided countless therapeutic sessions to both the young and old across Florida. Natalie has worked tirelessly to help animals everywhere, through her choices, lifestyle and everyday habits. She is not just an animal lover, but a true animal hero. Harley and I are so excited for their contribution, we believe that they will be a cornerstone in making our...err...Harley's Mission a great success, while helping canine-kind everywhere!

Request for Commentary & Feedback

Mom and I are dying to know what you think of our blog. Sure I haven't posted much lately, but I've been exhausted! This is due to my frequent extra-LONG walks that Mom has been taking me on, which have been eating up my time lately. Currently, I am barking up some brainstorming with my pack, so stay tuned because I have some surprises in the works...

Till then, what do you think of our blog? Do you have any suggestions, questions or feedback that you would like to offer? Or have a canine story you would like to share...just e-mail us at HarleysMission@gmail.com

Thanks!

WANTED: The talented, untalented and YOU!

Do you Love helping animals? Do you believe that animals need a voice? Or do YOU have what it takes to be a filmmaker? If this describes you [or doesn't] then I have an OFFER for you, that you just can't turn down. 

Materials:

1. Camera

2. Heart

3. Love for animals

PLEASE participate in this nationwide contest to help animals. Judges include Ben Stein, who will choose the best video via YouTube, contest expires 10/22/09!!!

Coping with the loss of a FRIEND

The relationship between us and our non-human companion signifies a profound and dynamic bond that many people may not understand. For many of us, we do not want to even consider the possible loss of such a dear friend. However, it's important to discuss this topic because it illustrates the validity of these relationships and their importance to our family and everyday lives.

There is a very special bond between humans and animals. A bond that is pure, honest and free from politics and prejudices. Humans and animals do not share the same language, ways of learning or rules and therefore it is complicated to communicate. However when we do finally understand each other it truly is beautiful.

To many of us our canine companions are more than just a dog, but they are our best friends, our children, our brother/sister or our everything. Our companion walks with us through life, each day, as we purposively take care of their every need with love and responsibility. Our late Max was just that, he was my best friend and was a profound cornerstone to my childhood and adulthood. It is challenging for us to face the loss of such a beloved companion and friend, but this loss necessitates a conversation about friendship, loss and grief.

When our beloved Max was dying, we were lucky enough to have a vet that was experienced and compassionate and who guided our preceding closure with Max. There is a lot of information on dealing with this topic and the grieving process.

When it was time for us to say good-bye to Max, there were no questions or doubt that this was not the best decision for him and for us. Afterwards, I was incredibly heartbroken, sad and cried endlessly. There will always be an empty space in my heart for Max. Although it was so difficult, we felt that we must get another dog. Many people believe if you get a dog after your former dog passes, you are "replacing" them. But for us, Max could NEVER be replaced, but we needed a dog in our lives to make us feel whole - with or without Max. If Max could have talked or understood I know that he would have wanted to us to adopt another dog to carry on his legacy by adopting another one again and again. With that being said we adopted Harley two weeks after Max's passing. It was fate. 

Although it is always a personal decision about whether you and your family feel you are ready to adopt another dog, there is an additional component to this conversation. It is our responsibility as human beings to care for animals (dictated by religion, spirituality, faith or whatever you believe in). MILLIONS of dogs [and cats] are killed across the nation [and world] due to overpopulation and therefore it is our responsibility to adopt or rescue a dog for the betterment of "canine-kind" and society. These are two ruling factors that governed our decision on when it was acceptable to adopt after Max's passing. Of course this is always a personal decision and must be the right time and right place to extend one's family and heart.

10 TIPS ON COPING WITH PET LOSS
Points to consider when assessing your pet's quality of life:

1. Pain or serious discomfort when walking or moving

2. Drastic loss of appetite

3. Difficulty in breathing

4. Incontinence or other serious problems with urination or defecation

5. Capacity to see and hear properly

6. Unresponsive, unmanageable or dangerous behavior

This posting is dedicated to dearest Brittany. A special girl who always knew what her mother was thinking and had a lifelong friendship with her sister. Brittany will always be in our heart.

WE may not be together

In the way we

used to be

We are still connected by a 

Cord no eye 

can see

So whenever

you need to find me

We're never far apart

If you look 

beyond the horizon

And listen with your heart

A QUITE UNUSUAL PAIR

This video is about an unusual, yet remarkable relationship. Animals truly have a lot to teach us.

 PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Want to RESCUE animals for FREE?

If you are like me and want to rescue animals, but looking for a free and EASY way to do it, just click here EVERYDAY.

 

If Only I Could Do That...

As my Mom is working on some exciting new activities for me, I am going to impress her with some tricks that I have been working really hard on. Check out Cindy to see what I mean: CINDY.

ALERT: Fight for Tax Break for Pet Care Costs

We all want to give our animal companions the best care we possibly can, but it seems that pet care costs are always on the rise—and these days, it’s harder than ever to stretch the family budget. That’s why the ASPCA supports H.R. 3501, which would amend U.S. tax code to allow qualifying pet care expenses, including veterinary care, to be tax-deductible.

This means that when you prepare your income taxes, money you spent on pet care that year would count as non-taxable income—and you can deduct up to $3,500 per year! 

U.S. Representative Thaddeus McCotter has introduced the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (“HAPPY”) Act, legislation to allow individuals to claim tax deductions for qualified pet care expenses. The bill would allow any taxpayer who legally owns one or more domesticated animals to take an annual income tax deduction of up to $3,500 for pet care expenses, including veterinary care costs.

Pet care can be expensive—and in these trying economic times, families all over the country have been forced to give up their pets because of financial hardship. The HAPPY Act is important because it will help Americans provide their pets with the medical attention and quality of life they deserve, while also ensuring that more pets get to remain in their loving homes and don’t wind up on the streets or in the already overburdened shelter system.

Please help us support the HAPPY Act, H.R. 3501. 

Click here to sign the petition: HAPPY Act

UPDATE - A "Sunny" Story

If interested in participating or learning more about Sunny's fundraiser Sunny Day: Shedding Light on Animal Cruelty, please click here: Sunny Day. Thanks!

Random Adorable Dog Pic

The Key to a Long and Healthy Life: Exercise

Harley Loves Exercise. Whew! My mom and I just came in from a very fun and long walk. Lately, we have been walking further and further as the weather gets nicer. I'll admit I really need to walk and the exercise is undoubtedly priceless. We went far today, probably over a mile or two. We always have so much fun. We catch up on stuff and chat, mostly about her day, but it allows us to spend quality time together. Exercise is one of the most fundamental components to a happy life, at least thats what my mom always says. Many dogs and their humans prefer different types of exercise. For example, our friend Derby loves to go hiking and biking with his Mom and our cousin Freddie loves to go running with his Dad. In addition to our long walks, we sometimes go to the dog park, but we never go running, mostly because my Mom's knees aren't that great and my hips are very sensitive, so we walk. 

It's a great trade, because humans really need exercise and dogs need the stimulation to burn off all that canine energy (thats usually stored up all day, while your human is at work). But the best part, is that my Mom makes me the best icey treats [see below]. Enough exercise is a vital and necessary component to a long and healthy life. As always my Mom wants to put her two cents in about walking, because I know how important it is to her.  

Mom Knows Best. Harley is so right; walking and exercise is vital to both you and your dog's health and sense of wellbeing. Our late dog, Max, who passed away back in February (from natural causes) lived until 16 years old! An old age that is rare for his breed and size (he was a greyhound mix who was about 45 pounds). When Max was young he developed benign tumors, ear infections and all sorts of random health issues that should have put a toll on his health. It never did. When he was about 10 or 11 years old, the vet said that he may only have a year left or so. Boy was he wrong! No one would have guessed that our vivacious dog would have lived so long and beautifully. Was Max's vibrant longevity based on his zest for life, his strong will or some unknown secret?

Our Dear Friend Max and his Secret to a Long Life. Max was born to an abusive home in the early 90s and was adopted by my family when he was six months old. We didn't know much about Max's history, except that it probably wasn't pretty. Upon his adoption we did not know much about his gene pool or his health history or any conditions that he may [not] have had. Many people have the misconception that dogs are "healthier" or live "longer" when dogs are pure bred or you know the health history of the dog, but that is not necessarily true. Max was an excellent representative for adoption and mixed-breed dogs, because he was both and lived such a long and healthy life.

My Dearest Max, 2008

Max's secret was not necessarily his breed or gene pool or maybe it was a combination of both, however we believed that Max lived a long and beautiful life due to the amount of exercise and love that he received regularly throughout his whole life. Even weeks before he passed he was still getting his typical 4-5 walks per day.

During the last few years of Max's life, he went through a lot of transitions because our family moved around a lot. Needless to say, he still received frequent walks, which at that time remained the constant in his life. Max loved to walk, probably more than anything. Some of my earliest memories were taking really long walks with my family and Max. We always walked. Walking always had a dear place in my heart for it was a way for us to catch up, chat and share ideas. Max walked up until the last couple of days of his life, he always wanted to walk and be outside. As you raise your dog, young or old, the most important thing to remember is to take frequent walks [and we do not mean bathroom breaks]. A combination of good exercise, a healthy diet and unconditional love is the secret to living a long and healthy life.

The Difference between Walking and Exercise. There is a lot of confusion on how much exercise your dog needs. Of course it is always best to consult your vet about what is best for your dog, but we wanted to make a few suggestions regarding this topic.  First, nothing bothers me more then when I witness pet parents take their dog out to use the bathroom and think that this is "exercise." For example, if you walk from your kitchen to your bedroom this is most certainly is not exercise. Harley gets about 4 walks a day, which are not bathroom breaks. These walks range from 15-30 minutes depending on the weather. Then 2-3 times a week we give him extra, extra long walks (as he mentioned earlier in this post) or he goes to the dog park. Of course, weather is a major factor to consider and could determine how much exercise your dog receives, please click here and here. 

Many people wonder how are we able to walk Harley so much. It's simple. We were both very committed to adopting a dog and therefore we arranged our schedules to accommodate his needs. There are many pet parents that are unable to accommodate in this way, which is more typical then our situation. Our suggestions are to find a dog walker, pet sitter or bring your dog to dog day care. If you feel that these suggestions are beyond your capabilities, make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise before you leave for the day and when you come home. Nothing is more depressing then seeing a dog go outside just to go to the bathroom and then dragged back inside to go sit around and do nothing.  The problem is that then pet parents wonder why their dog has so much energy, is tearing up the house or going nuts when they aren't home? All I have to say is duh! If you choose to not stimulate your dog, provide sufficient exercise and socialization your pooch will be miserable and so will you. If you make the decision to adopt a dog, then you must understand the responsibilities that go along with the care of this animal. If you do not want to go on long walks, get exercise and participate in many dog socialization activities, then pet parenting is not for you. Finally, I must say that there is so much information on how much and what kind of exercise your dog needs. Please click here, here, here, and here. 

Now get off the computer and wrap your paws around a healthy exercise regime for both you and your human!!

Harley's Fantastic Cool-tastic Icey Treats

You'll need..
* ice cube tray or small plastic container
* fresh clean water
* One of the following: peanut butter, canned salmon (Harley's Favorite), small treats, food, milkbones, crunchy or soft treats etc... (please check with your vet and consider your dog's preferences, allergies and health before giving your dog any type of treat).

1. Fill up tray or plastic container with fresh clean water
2. Drop a small amount of one of the ingredients in the water
3. Freeze tray or container for a few hours
4. Exercise or go for a long walk (or anytime you want to reward your pooch)
5. POP out the icey treat and put into a dog bowl
6. Your dog will lick this cool snack until his/her little heart is content

VERY IMPORTANT: These treats are small and slippery, so please supervise your pooch (as you would with any treat/bone) during eating.

DISCLAIMER: PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR VET BEFORE EXERCISING YOUR DOG. NEVER OVERDO ANY TYPE OF EXERCISE. PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR DOG'S HEALTH, PREFERENCES, BEHAVIOR AND ABILITIES BEFORE IMPLEMENTING AN EXERCISE ROUTINE. 

Happy New Year & Have Happy Weekend!

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