Sunday, December 5, 2010

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Adventures in Dogsitting

This past month I spent a week taking care of not one, but FIVE pooches! This was quite the eclectic bunch, ranging in size from 4 to 100 lbs. Taking care of five dogs is tough, but the worst part? All of the poop!

Meet (from largest to smallest) Axl, Kaya, SoHo, Vegas and Derby.






Friday, September 3, 2010

Come out for a good cause on Saturday, September 18!

Chicago Canine Rescue is hosting its 7th Annual Mutt Strut in just two short weeks. The event is a 1.5 mile walk around Wrigley Field, followed by a street festival at Southport and Newport in the Southport Corridor.

For more information and to register, click here.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

From a faithful Dog Blog follower...

comes this big guy all the way from NYC!

Why so sad??

Meet the breed: Bull Terrier

After a month hiatus I am back! And with a very special breed spotlight: the Bull Terrier.

Bull Terriers are one of the most distinctive dog breeds, a result of their unusual egg-shaped heads and triangular eyes. Although they look intimidating, Bull Terriers are extremely friendly and fun-loving, and are known as the clowns of the canine world! These dogs are goofy and loyal, making them excellent family pets.

Bull Terriers often appear in movies, books and advertisements. Personally, my favorite is the Target dog!

Sadie is a puppy mill rescue from Pasadena, CA.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Congratulations Tiffany & Drew!

A little over a year ago, my best friend Tiffany and her now-husband Drew said "I do!" in Seattle. What better way to congratulate them on one year of marriage than with some of my favorite photos from the wedding- all of which include their adorable dog Sargent!








Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Prokash! Here's to many more anniversaries to come!

Why I love dogs!

This story from the New York Post touched my heart. Thank you, Rufus, for keeping our soldiers safe overseas. I love a happy ending!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Just a reminder...

to not leave you dog unattended in the car this summer!

Just like children, it is never wise to leave your pooch locked in the car while you make a quick trip into the store. Even with the windows cracked, the temperature in your car can greatly exceed the temperature outside. Although it may seem pleasant out, it can take only a few minutes for your car's temperature to become unbearable for your pet, leading to permanent brain damage, heatstroke and death.

Not only is leaving your dog in the car inhumane, it is also illegal in many jurisdictions where, according to the law, you cannot leave a pet unattended in a vehicle in a manner that endangers the health or safety of the animal. We all love the company of a pet, but if your dog is unwelcome where you are running your errands, just leave him at home- it's not worth the health risks or fines.

For more information on keeping your pets cool and safe this summer, click here.


"Don't leave me alone in the car, even for a few minutes- it's just not safe!" -Bella

Thursday, July 15, 2010

If you can't adopt, foster!

Many of my pooch-less friends want to own a dog, yet money, time and fear of committment are keeping them from doing so. I always tell them: for those who can't adopt, consider fostering!

Rather than spend their time in an adoption facility, many animals are placed in foster homes while they await permanent placement. Through foster programs, shelters are able to open up space for more animals, saving additional lives. Often times animals with special needs are placed in foster homes- puppies and kittens with weak immune systems, animals recovering from surgery, and animals who are too shy to live permanently in an adoption facility.

Depending on how long it takes your foster pooch (or pooches!) to find a forever home, he or she may be staying with you for just a few days to several months. You can take an active role in your furry friend finding a permanent home by taking lots of photos and updating the shelter on his or her development, providing a stable and loving home environment, and working on basic obedience and socialization. When fostering, you are in charge of providing food, water, exercise, toys and love to the animal; however, all medical care, training tips and a crate (if needed) are provided.

If you want the companionship of a dog but don't think you have the resources to commit to owning, consider fostering! For more information, contact Chicago Canine Rescue or PAWS Chicago.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

A hero, on and off the ice!

Chicago Blackhawk Brent Seabrook proved he's more than just a hockey stud by recently adopting a puppy, Stanley (atop his namesake below), from Chicago Canine Rescue. Thank you, Brent, for being a role model both on and off the ice.

Looking good, Brent, Stanley and Stanley! Congratulations Blackhawks!


Follow in Brent's footsteps and choose to adopt!

Chicago Canine Rescue
2227 W. Belmont Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 697-8848
Open for adoptions Monday - Friday from 5pm to 7pm and Saturday & Sunday from Noon - 5pm

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Let me tell you about my best friend

It's true what they say- opposites do attract!

Bear has a new friend in town- Teddy, a Miniature Poodle puppy from Lincoln Park.




To my biggest Dog Blog fans...

I love you!

My friends Jenny, Tiffany and Jessie enjoying a beautiful day in NYC's Central Park with Remi, a playful and energetic Beagle/Dachshund puppy.




Thank you for your support!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Meet Hannah!

Hannah is a 5-year-old American Bulldog from Lakeview. This brave, loving and determined pup was taken in by Chicago Canine Rescue after her owners failed to properly care for her following a car accident. Unfortunately Hannah's badly damaged front right leg could not be saved, but this hasn't put a damper on her passion for life and affectionate personality. According to Hannah's new mom, there's nothing this pup can't do- you would never know that she doesn't have all four legs! Hannah's big heart and wagging tail teach us all to appreciate and respect the conquering of a disability.




Chicago Canine Rescue
2227 W. Belmont Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 697-8848
Open for adoptions Monday - Friday from 5pm to 7pm and Saturday & Sunday from Noon - 5pm

Fortunately, someone had enough time on their hands to make this video.

Makes me excited for the dog days of summer!

Dogs are weird...

and make me laugh!

Monday, May 10, 2010

This guy really is the littlest Cubs fan!

Tyson is a 4-month-old Maltese puppy from River North. He enjoys the dog park, miniature tennis balls, befriending significantly larger dogs (think Newfoundlands and Great Danes!) and of course, watching the Cubs with his mama and papa!

For being so little he sure does have a lot of Chicago pride!



Thursday, May 6, 2010

Belle of the Ball

What do I love most about visiting my home state of California? Bella!

Bella is a 3-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who loves to cuddle, snack, and stroll through the streets of Balboa Island. This little gal barks with an accent- she's originally from England! The breed (which was used as a lapdog and bed-warmer) became very popular with English nobility several centuries ago. It was King Charles II who lent his name to the breed; he would not leave home without his faithful companions!




Sunday, April 25, 2010

Whistle while you work

He get's me every time...and can actually hold a tune quite well!

Friday, April 16, 2010

The littlest Cubs fan!

Ok...he's not so little, but he is a Cubs fan! In honor of Cubs opening week, I had to post this cute, pleasantly plump Pug named Charlie.




Go Cubbies!

Monday, April 5, 2010

Orphans of the Storm

If you're thinking of expanding your (furry) family, head to your local shelter or breed rescue. I'm always singing the praises of adopting, and to help you take the first step, I'm highlighting a Chicago-area shelter. Pay attention- you could find your next four-legged soulmate here!

Orphans of the Storm, one of the country's oldest and largest animal shelters, is located about 30 minutes north of Chicago in Riverwoods. Since 1928, the shelter has been caring and finding loving homes for northeastern Illinois' stray, abandoned, abused and neglected dogs and cats.


Some of the adorable canines available for adoption:






It breaks my heart to see these guys behind bars. Adopt today and change not only their lives, but yours as well!

Orphans of the Storm
2200 Riverwoods Road
Riverwoods (Deerfield), IL 60015
(847) 945-0235
Open to the public for adoptions from 11am to 5pm every day of the year, except major holidays.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Meet the Breed: Bouvier des Flandres

I met these unique pups while visiting Oliver Winery in Bloomington, IN (a winery in Indiana?!). Surprisingly, I enjoyed the wine just as much as the dogs!



The Bouvier des Flandres is a rugged working dog from Belgium. Originally bred by farmers, butchers and cattle merchants for hard labor, the fearless and even-tempered breed has transitioned into a wonderful family friend and guardian. Though the Bouvier is not overly active in the home, he does need plenty of exercise, so country and suburban living suits him well. The breed can weigh between 70 and 110 pounds, and ranges in color from fawn to black, passing through salt and pepper, gray and brindle.

I've always had one question about Bouviers: how do they see??

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Happy St. Patrick's Day from Bear Howenstine!

One too many beers, Bear?




"A dog owns nothing, yet is seldom dissatisfied." -Irish Proverb

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

It's tough being a Basset...

Lounging in the sun, getting loved by humans- it's all very demanding. But these two seem to have it figured out!





2-year-old Basset Hounds Amos and Winston are rescues from Southern California's Daphneyland, an affiliate of the Basset Rescue Network. These boys love to couch surf, wrestle and (staying true to their name) pick up new scents. Amos is a carnivore (and won't go near veggies), but Winston isn't afraid of carrots and other healthy treats!