Remember Me Thursday 2018

Barks, meows, and whimpers bounce off of the walls.  Furry paws frantically scratch at wire cage doors.  Tears stream from their eyes staining their fallen faces.  Hope begins to fade as time marches on bringing these orphaned pets ever closer to their grim demise.

Sadly, over 2.7 million shelter animals are euthanized every year before they are able to find their forever homes. (Source:  Animal 24-7 published by Merritt Clifton).  What's even more heartbreaking is that just 30% of pets in the United States are adopted from rescue facilities. (Source: The Humane Society of the United States 2013).  This means that a staggering 70% of pets are still being purchased from breeders.  

As a pet parent of five rescue dogs and three cats, I've never understood why people looking to adopt often immediately seek out a breeder.  They pay thousands of dollars for a custom canine or cat when their perfect match could be just around the corner at their local animal shelter.  

Some of the reasons I've heard from such adopters are:

• The shelter won't have the specific breed I'm looking for.
• Shelter animals have behavioral issues.
• I want to know my pet's linage.
• If I buy from a breeder, my pet's temperament will be perfect.

 In reality:

• There are hundreds of rescue groups and organizations across the country that are dedicated to specific dog and cat breeds.  I even know of several that only deal with differently-abled animals (blind, deaf, etc.).

• Many shelter programs incorporate training into the animals' daily routines.  If the prospective pet does have any issues, the shelter staff or foster parents will be able to inform potential adopters so that there won't be any surprises post adoption.

• Unless you plan on breeding or showing your new dog or cat, there is no real value in knowing your pet's linage or having official papers.  Also, it has been proven that mixed breed animals have less inherited genetic health problems than purebreds.

• Shelter animals have the added benefit of gaining socialization skills.  From group walks to day trips with their foster families, shelter animals get to experience the world around them.  However, animals coming from breeders are often kept in isolation to ensure that the bloodlines will remain pure.  

I would like to share the adoption stories of four of my dogs:  Theo, Penny, Adriel, and Hope.  Theo and Penny were almost euthanized while Adriel and Hope were rescued from backyard breeders.  Here are their stories.

Theo:  While not much is known about Theo's past, one thing is for certain:  He was abused by children.  Whenever Theo saw a child, he would fly into a barking and snarling frenzy while hiding behind our legs.  This is probably why he was dumped at the local humane society and labeled as vicious.

None of the staff could get close to Theo.  He was tired of being abused.  He was shut down.  The date for his euthanasia was set.

Two hours before Theo was to be killed, a woman specializing in Pug rescues came into the shelter.  She was immediately drawn to Theo.  The staff warned her that his time was up and he couldn't be rehabilitated.  The woman decided to try anyway.  

There she sat on the cold, hard concrete for two hours straight.  Theo had stopped snarling.  He sat next to the steel bars of the door and allowed the woman to pet him.  The staff was amazed when the woman left the building with Theo in tow, smiling.

Theo is now 15 years young.  If it wasn't for the kindness and patience of this woman, his life would have been cut drastically short.

Theo is now 15 years old!

Penny:  Penny was found roaming the streets of California.  She was immediately taken to a high-kill shelter.  While Penny was a sweet and loving pooch, her unique looks made her undesirable in the eyes of would-be adopters.  She was born with a deformed front paw and a severe overbite.

One day, a woman entered the shelter and discovered Penny.  She immediately made a call to her veterinarian friend, Cynthia Lee, who just happened to own Second Chance Animal Rescue in Springfield, Illinois.  Lee wasted no time in getting Penny out of the shelter.  In fact, she paid an animal transporter to drive Penny from California to the rescue in Illinois.

Penny's adoption profile was posted on Petfinder.com.  Still, no one wanted to adopt a seemingly "broken" dog.  Then I came across her biography and fell in love the moment I saw her picture.

While she may look different, nothing holds her back from living her best life.  Penny recently celebrated her seventh birthday.  She also has an award-winning children's book that tells the tale of her adoption journey to inspire others to adopt differently-abled animals.  Penny is also a volunteer with the Animal Protection Association of Missouri where she helps co-teach the humane education class. (www.pricelesspennyp.com)

Penny and her children's book.

Adriel:  Adriel was rescued from a backyard breeder.  She had been kept in a wire crate for most of her young life.  Her leg muscles did not develop properly because of this and she is unable to jump.  Adriel was also born with a very distinctive birth defect:  Her tongue is longer than her head so it always sticks out.  

From the moment I saw Adriel's picture on the St. Louis Senior Dog Project website, I knew she should be a part of our furry family.  When the adoption application was approved, we were overjoyed.  I couldn't wait to bring her home.

Several weeks later, I picked her up at the local Petsmart.  While I was excited, Adriel was terrified.  Her dark brown eyes darted back and forth.  She actually held her legs stiffly out in front of her so that she wouldn't get close to my face or chest.  I feared that she didn't like me.

Bringing her home was also difficult.  She ran and hid from me and my husband...but fell in love with our resident dog, Theo.  While they bonded quickly, it took several months before Adriel felt she could trust us.  

My husband and I worked diligently on training and studied up on dogs that had been rescued from breeders.  We soon learned that her terror was associated with the human interaction she received while at the breeder's facility.

Thankfully, with love and patience, Adriel soon blossomed into the world's best lap dog.  She now eagerly soaks up attention from everyone that she meets and will paw at the person if they stop petting her.  Adriel is also a certified therapy dog with Therapy Dogs International where she provides touch therapy to kids' clubs, nursing home residents, Autism groups, etc.  

Adriel has been a therapy dog for 7 years!

Hope:  Hope is the product of a backyard breeder.  She is a mini double dapple Dachshund that was born without eyes and is completely deaf.  Her breeder bred two dapple Dachshunds together knowing that doing so can result in double dapples, which often have health issues such as being born blind, deaf, or both.

The exotic white coloring of the Dachshund pups in double dapple litters is highly sought after by adopters.  Often times, they have no idea what a cruel practice this is.  Upon finding out that Hope was both blind and deaf, he wanted to kill her.  She was useless to him because he couldn't breed her.

Thankfully, the man's wife stepped in and claimed Hope as her own.  Hope was protected for several years until the woman died.  The breeder than took Hope with a choke chain around her neck and surrendered her to Dachshund Rescue North America.

Hope was immediately placed into a loving foster home where she even had other doxies to play with.  I knew when I saw her on the rescue's website that she would need lots of extra care and attention.  My heart kept saying, "If you don't adopt her, no one will."

The first week post adoption was daunting.  My husband and I watched helplessly as she excitedly raced around the house running head first into the walls.  But, she never made a sound.  Hope simply backed up and went in another direction.

By the end of the week, she had learned the entire layout of the house.  Two months later, she taught herself to bark at the back door when she wanted to go out and potty and knew to come back to the door and bark to be let in.

She might be differently-abled but never disabled!  Hope has been featured on The Dodo where her video went viral with over 5.5 million views.  She has also been featured on numerous Facebook and Instagram pages.  Hope has over 7,000 followers on Instagram and receives messages daily about what an inspiration she is.  One person in particular sent a private message to her Facebook page stating that seeing Hope living such a wonderful life helps the person cope with his/her depression.

Most recently, she was selected as an Honorary Inner Beauty Ambassador by Instagram sensation, @a_gecko_and_his_pjs.  She now has custom stickers and magnets that are being sold with 100% of the profits benefiting Wayside Waifs, a no-kill shelter in Kansas City, Missouri. (www.havinghopealways.com)

Hope is known as the Queen Ween on Instagram!

I hope that these stories inspire you to adopt from your local animal shelter or rescue group.  Together, we can end the needless killing of animals; be a voice for the voiceless; and ensure that all creatures find a loving forever home.

Please take a moment today to remember those animals whose time ran out before they could be united with their forever families.

Wild Wiggles

In honor of International Cat Day, I would like to share the story of Wiggles.  It was a snowy day in March (hey, it's the Midwest) when I received a frantic call from a former co-worker.

"Lauren, I found a pregnant cat.  She is the sweetest thing ever and I want to keep her, but my husband is terribly allergic.  Can you help?" she sobbed.

I could already hear my husband's voice in my head:  "NO!"  I soon found myself driving in a blinding snow storm to meet my friend in the parking lot of the local Shop n' Save.  She and her daughter had red faces and running noses, not from the cold, but because they were that concerned about the cat and her safety.

They graciously provided me with some supplies.  I secured the confused feline in the backseat and started rehearsing the speech I would give my husband as we headed home.  Thankfully, we have a room that is next to our house (a former barber shop) where the cat could stay until we found out more about her health.

I made an appointment at our vet early the next morning.  The kitty traveled very well in the car and I never heard a peep.  Unlike our cats that howl like crazy the moment you take them outside.

Our vet loved her, but had a difficult time handling her.

"She's very wiggly," the vet said.

And so she became Wiggles.  I waited patiently as our vet took Wiggles to the back to do a blood draw.  This reminded me of the very first kitten that we ever rescued.  Miracle was just two weeks old when we found her in the middle of Main Street.  I was very familiar with all of the tests and numerous appointments we had to make to ensure she would be a healthy cat.

My heart sank when the vet returned with grim news:  Wiggles was FIV positive.  This was definitely going to hinder the ways that I could care for her.  We already have three cats of our own.  I knew that she would have to be kept separated so that our cats didn't contract FIV from her saliva or scratching.

I was treated to something very special.  I got to see Wiggles' ultrasound being performed!  The vet proudly pointed to three tiny kittens on the screen.  She did tell me that one kitten looked very small and said it probably wouldn't survive.  There is no way of telling if the kittens would also be FIV positive or if they were too far along for the disease to affect them.

She told me I had three options:  euthanize Wiggles, spay Wiggles and kill the kittens, or take Wiggles home and help deliver the babies.  This was obviously a no-brainer.  I then received a crash course in birthing kittens.

Wiggles settled in quickly.  She loved rolling over for belly rubs and was thrilled to have a steady source of food.  Weeks flew by and she continued to get larger and larger.

One day, Wiggles started pacing in her cage.  I looked down at the towel I had placed inside and noticed a spot of blood.  The kittens were coming!

My husband was at work and I was all alone.  Thankfully, I had my supply kit and The Complete Guide to Cats book by the ASPCA.  I said a prayer and moved Wiggles into her cardboard birthing box.

The sweet and loving cat that I had come to know suddenly turned into the Cujo of the cat world.  She was hissing and constantly trying to escape the box.  I did my best to keep her contained.

Wiggles finally settled down and I noticed a tiny pink tail and feet beneath her.  She began licking the kitten...but it didn't move.  Sadly, this was the stillborn kitten that the vet had warned me about.  Its legs were malformed and its little eyes never opened.  My heart broke as I took the baby away from Wiggles.

That was to be the only kitten she would birth.  The next day, I took her to the vet where she had a C-section.  I received a call later that afternoon that they had successfully delivered one kitten.  My heart broke even further as I wondered what happened to the second kitten.  Truthfully, I didn't want to ask.

As I walked into the vet's office later that afternoon, I was greeted by one of the vet technicians.

"So, Wiggles is rejecting her kitten," she said.

What?!  Rejecting her kitten?  How?  Why?

I asked if Wiggles was merely swiping with her paw or actually trying to bite the baby.

"She's biting," the vet tech breathed.

I told her that we were stocked up on KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer) and had bought brand new nursing bottles in preparation for the kittens' arrival.  They handed me the crate containing the unhappy new mom and a Styrofoam box that held the smallest kitten I had ever seen in my life.

Baby Addy loves to snuggle.

My husband fell in love the moment that he saw the tiny bundle of fur sleeping on the towel.  He immediately volunteered to take the first round of bottle feeding.  This had to be done every two hours to assure that the baby would get all of the nutrients she needed to grow properly.

I decided to be brave the following day and re-introduced Wiggles to the kitten I had named Adeline (Addy for short).  Thankfully, Wiggles began licking Addy's fur and didn't object to nursing.  Our best guess is that Wiggles had still been in pain from the C-section when the vet staff had tried to get Addy to nurse and that her tiny little claws were making Wiggles feel less than comfortable.

Addy grew like a weed.  Her favorite thing to do was eat and her belly soon became round and pudgy.  My heart swelled as I watched Wiggles playing with Addy.  There is just something about the sight of a mother bonding with her daughter no matter the species.

Wiggles nursing Addy.

Addy loves her Grumpy Cat toy!

Four months had passed.  It was time to take Wiggles and Addy back to the vet to be re-tested for FIV.  My stomach turned as my husband and I sat in the waiting room.  I didn't want to give either of them up, but I also didn't want to risk the health of my established cats either.

The vet soon delivered the news.  Wiggles was still FIV positive.  Addy tested negative.

While I was saddened by Wiggles' results, I was thrilled with Addy's.  After much pleading on my part, my husband agreed that we could keep Addy as long as her test results were good.

I thought that we were in the clear...until the vet said that she wants to re-test Addy again in September to make sure that she's really negative.  In the meantime, Addy is to be kept away from our cats AND away from Wiggles.

This presented a great challenge.  Wiggles and Addy were already inhabiting the only space in our home that could be truly isolated.  My husband worked out a temporary solution until we could find a forever home for Wiggles.

Being known in my community as a resource for all things pet related, I began searching through my binder of shelters and rescue groups.  I was specifically looking for places designated as no-kill.  Wiggles is such a sweet cat and she doesn't deserve to be killed for having a condition.

The first shelter I called thanked me for everything that we've done for Wiggles and Addy, but said that they were full.  I went through my entire binder and was either told that there were no vacancies or (more often) that the shelters didn't accept FIV positive cats.

I'll admit, I was outraged.  My husband and I just visited an animal shelter in Houston, Texas that specifically has an FIV cat room.  How could places that claim to be advocates for homeless animals shun those that are truly in need?

I will continue my quest to find an outstanding rescue where Wiggles will be well cared for and, hopefully, find a loving forever home.

Addy (left) relaxes with Wiggles (right).

Wiggles has taught me so much about life and love.  I am honored that my former co-worker chose me to help Wiggles in her time of need.  When I look at Addy, I will forever be reminded of Wiggles and the wonderful five months that we spent together.

Just Me, Wrigley Book Review

Just Me, Wrigley, the third installment in the Furever Home Friends series by Savy Leiser, follows one special pooch on her quest for a forever home.  Wrigley is starting to notice that she's different from the other dogs. 

She's not athletic like her friend Frank or delicate and dainty like her pal Fluffy.  Wrigley loves to dance!  Still, her moves have yet to impress potential adopters. 

One day, Wrigley's dreams come true.  She becomes a surprise Christmas present for a young boy.  Instead of being delighted, the boy is disappointed.  He doesn't care for Wrigley's dancing and was hoping for a Dalmatian.

A sad and confused Wrigley is returned to the shelter.  She tries to be more like the other dogs, but nothing seems to work.  Her paws are too big to be dainty.  Her coordination is too poor to make her a star athlete.  Will Wrigley ever find a family that loves her just the way she is?

I love this book!  The story is filled with humor and heart.  I fell in love with Wrigley from page one and rooted for her throughout.

Being a pet parent to five rescue dogs, I can definitely relate to the breed prejudice that many shelter dogs are subjected to.  Instead of viewing each dog as an individual and seeing if his/her personality is a good match, many people are more concerned about designer breeds, coat colors, and whether or not the pup is already trained.

Several of my dogs were returned to the shelter for "behavioral issues" that my husband and I have yet to see.  It is truly heartbreaking knowing that so many wonderful animals are treated like disposable objects.

The illustrations are whimsical and fun.  Leiser uses a combination of hand drawn images with mixed media pieces to create truly stunning artwork.  Every turn of the page is a surprise that is sure to delight readers.

This book is perfect for animal lovers of all ages.  I can definitely see this book being used as part of the humane education curriculum in animal shelters and rescue groups across the country.

Pet Rescue Rx Online Pharmacy Review

Being a pet parent is amazing.  The love that these bundles of fur give is beyond compare.  However, pet parenthood isn't just about the snuggles and walkies.

As more dogs joined our pack, the cost of their flea, tick, and heart worm preventative increased.  These pups definitely need to be protected, but the prices at veterinarian offices have skyrocketed.  A six month supply of Advantage Multi costs almost $100...per pack!

Our 15 year old Chihuahua developed anxiety last October after suddenly going blind due to glaucoma and now has to take anti-anxiety pills every day.  He also takes medication for arthritis in his back.  Hope, our blind and deaf double dapple Dachshund, has an extreme grass allergy that keeps her scratching all night if not medicated.  She also needs to take a low dose of Melatonin to help regulate her sleep cycle since she can't see or hear.

The cost of the medications and preventatives is staggering.  I quickly took to the Internet to find a more cost effective solution.  My search brought me to the Pet Rescue Rx website.  I love the variety of products that they offer.  From vitamins and supplements to syringes and first aid kits, they truly are a one stop shop.

What I like even more than their inventory is their dedication to animal shelters and rescue groups across the country.  All of the profits from each product purchase go directly to the shelter/rescue of the customer's choosing.  I was thrilled to see Stray Rescue St. Louis among the options listed. 

Founder Glenn Buckley, DVM, knows the needs of the animals that are in his care on a daily basis.  Yet, he hasn't forgotten the shelter animals that have touched his life on his journey to become a veterinarian.  Buckley is always reminded of the constant demand that shelters and rescue groups have for food, toys, medical supplies, etc.

Seeking to take the burden of continuous fundraising away from dedicated shelter staff and volunteers, he created Pet Rescue Rx.  Buckley remains true to his motto of "a pets before profits pharmacy."  He receives no compensation from the site.  To date, the pharmacy has donated over $100,000 to 500 plus shelters and rescues.

I have personally used this pharmacy for over five years.  I love their prices and the ability to give back to a local rescue (especially one that I also volunteer for).  My orders always arrive in a timely manner and I never have to worry about my pets not being protected due to product cost.

The ordering process is seamless.  Simply create an account and then add each of your pets.  Provide the name of your veterinarian and then select your product.  When you head to the checkout, you will be prompted to select which animal shelter/rescue group you would like your product purchase funds to be allotted to.  Now, sit back and enjoy the feeling of knowing that you've just helped animals in need while taking care of your own.

As a pet parent to five rescue dogs and three cats, I highly recommend this online pharmacy.  Their compassion and dedication to helping animals is truly amazing. 

To learn more about the pharmacy and the products that they offer, visit their official website at:  https://www.petrescuerx.com/index.cfm?

   

Exclusive Book Cover Reveal!

Today, The Furever Home Friends is revealing the cover for their new book, Just Me, Wrigley! See the cover below!

Wrigley loves to dance. She can shake her tail all over the animal shelter. But for some people, Wrigley’s rhythm isn’t enough. Wrigley is a mutt; she doesn’t know what breed she is. While others come to the shelter looking for schnauzers, labs, and Dalmatians, Wrigley wonders when it will be her turn. Can Wrigley find the confidence to stay true to herself and dance her way into a forever home?

Like with all Furever Home Friends books, 10% of this book’s profits will benefit no-kill animal shelters!

Just Me, Wrigley is currently available for preorder on fureverhomefriends.com, and will officially release on Amazon on Saturday, August 11!

What do you think of the cover? Let me know in the comments below!

Having Hope Always T-Shirt Campaign

Hope is one very special ween.  She is a mini double dapple dachshund.  The product of a backyard breeder, Hope was born without eyes and is completely deaf.  When the breeder discovered Hope's disabilities, he wanted to kill her.  Thankfully, the man's wife stepped in and claimed Hope as her own.

Several years later, the wife passed away.  The breeder then surrendered Hope to Dachshund Rescue North America with a choke chain around her neck.  The rescue quickly found a loving foster family for Hope where she flourished.

A fated Internet search for dachshunds brought me to Hope's photo.  I knew immediately that she was the doxie for me.  I hurriedly completed the adoption application and the rest is history.

Hope is feisty, fearless, and a never-ending source of inspiration.  She doesn't let anything hold her back from living her best life.

Hope is known to her Facebook and Instagram followers as the Queen Ween.  She definitely rules our hearts!

We have created a t-shirt campaign to help raise awareness about double dapples while also shedding light on the importance of adopting differently-abled animals.

To order your shirt, simply click on the link:  https://www.customink.com/fundraising/having-hope-always-campaign

We will be donating 20% of the profits raised from the sale of the shirts to Dachshund Rescue North America, the very rescue that saved Hope's life.  Please help us spread the word that being differently-abled doesn't mean disabled!

Meow Meetup Chicago Review

I have a confession to make.  I had never heard of Meow Meetup before, even though I'm a self-proclaimed conference expert.  From BarkWorld to BlogPaws, I thought I knew about all of the events that are geared towards pet lovers as well as pet care professionals.

While attending the Cat Writers' Association conference a few months back, a fellow attendee inquired if I had ever gone to the meetup as it takes place in Chicago which is sort of close to where I live.  Okay, it's actually a five hour drive to the Windy City, but I still consider that close.  I had no clue what my table mate was talking about.

Naturally, I raced back to my hotel room and grabbed my laptop.  A quick Google search took me straight to the Meow Meetup homepage.  The two day conference boasts presentations from industry experts, workshops, an adoption lounge, and meet and greets with some of the Internet's most famous cats.  I immediately purchased tickets.

My suitcase was packed a full week and a half before the conference.  Can you tell I was excited?  I made sure to pack all of my cat-themed shirts (including my Lil Bub tee), my cat BOBS by Skechers shoes, and every piece of cat jewelry I owned.  I wanted to be prepared.

Donning my cat ears, my husband and I started day one of the meetup.  It was amazing! We attended several presentations given by Dr. Melissa Bain.  I loved learning about simple and affordable ways to catify our house.  We also took in the exhibit hall that featured local rescue groups, vendors, and more. 

My cat ears are on and I'm ready to go!

Priscilla told us all about The Paw Project movement.

Look at this gorgeous Sphinx cat!  He was so soft! 

Did someone say shopping?  From cat toys and tees to exclusive Lil Bub merchandise, there was definitely something for every cat lover.  You can never have too much cat stuff, right?

My absolute favorite part of the conference was the meet and greets.  I got nervous and started fanning out before each session.  My husband laughed at me.  Clearly, he doesn't understand how awesome these cats are!  Being able to pet and pose with Internet royalty was such a thrill.

Chuck the Duck is too adorable...and sleepy!

Sinbad wasn't too sure if he should leave his carrier.

I couldn't believe that Eddie Meowster jumped onto my shoulders!

Selfie time with Mike and Lil Bub!

The adoption lounge was my weakness.  There were so many adorable adoptable cats and kittens!  If only I could have hidden a kitty in my purse.  I hope that they all found loving homes.

This adoptable kitty was fast asleep.

Loving this definition of what it means to adopt an animal.

Another highlight was the Cat Video Festival hosted by none other than Instagram stars Cole and Marmalade.  The collection of adorable and hilarious videos made me laugh and cry.  The ending featured the true adoption journey of one nearly-dead kitten.  There wasn't a dry eye in the room!

On day two, Matt and I decided to partake of the Pampurr Parlor.  We both got cat tats!  While I'm not brave enough to get a real tattoo, I was proud to show off my black cat cutie. 

Me and Matt rocking the cat tats!

We ended the conference by attending The Story of Lil Bub presented by Lil Bub and her Dude, Mike Bridavsky.  Matt and I are long-time fans of Lil Bub.  We first met her at the Yeti Art Gallery in Aurora, Illinois.  Then we met up with her again at Animal Planet's Woofstock.

I have to say, this was a very intimate event.  Mike was very open and honest about his life and what led him to adopt Lil Bub.  I feel like this is the most powerful Lil Bub event we have ever attended.  The accompanying slide show contained previously unreleased footage of Lil Bub doing adorable (and hilarious) things...like attacking a plush of herself!

Mike also hosted a question and answer session after the presentation.  Except, he didn't talk at all.  Questions were to be directed to Lil Bub as it was her show.  While Mike pretended to be on the phone, he would type the answers to the questions onto his laptop that not only appeared on the screen for everyone to read, but made real Lil Bub sounds with every tap of the keys!  Matt and I couldn't stop laughing!

As a special treat, Mike gave Lil Bub her favorite food:  yogurt.  Attendees were allowed to snap pics as Lil Bub happily snarfed up the delicious delicacy.  Could there be anything more precious than yogurt dripping off of Lil Bub's nose?

Lil Bub, you have something on your nose!

Lil Bub enjoys the yogurty goodness.

Matt and I enjoyed every moment of Meow Meetup.  We will definitely be back next year.  To learn more about the event, please visit their official website at:  https://www.thecatniptimes.com/meow-meetup-chicago-2018/

The Christmas Kitten Book Review

The Christmas Kitten by Jessica Spawn follows the adventures of one homeless kitten on Christmas Eve.  Kitten is on the prowl searching for food on a cold winter's night.  He keeps dreaming of a family of his own and a warm place to call home.

Suddenly, a large bird finds Kitten and knows what his Christmas feast will be.  Kitten can't believe his eyes when three of Santa's reindeer fly in and save the day.  The reindeer can't help but notice that instead of being happy, Kitten is sad.

He explains that he has no home and is tired of being alone.  Prancer knows exactly what to do.  Fashioning a pair of antlers from two nearby sticks, he makes Kitten a part of their team.

Will Santa be fooled by this furry farce?  Can Kitten learn the ways of the reindeer before Santa's magical flight?

I absolutely love this book!  The story definitely tugged at my heartstrings and made me tear up.  Being the owner of three rescue cats, I know what a horrible life they had before they were rescued from the streets.  Cat over population is a nationwide issue that is beautifully summed up in the book.

I also love that the story rhymes.  For some reason, Christmas stories that rhyme seem more magical to me.  Children will be drawn to the musicality of the text in addition to the magic and mystery.

Benjamin Vincent's illustrations are adorable and stunning.  I fell in love with Kitten the moment I saw the cover of the book.  His over-sized eyes really pull the reader in creating even more empathy for him.  The comic book style quality of the illustrations will definitely keep children engaged and excited about turning the page.

This is a fabulous story for animal lovers of all ages.  I think this book could also be used as part of the humane education curriculum in animal shelters and rescue groups across the country. 

MVP: Most Valuable Puppy Book Review

MVP:  Most Valuable Puppy by Mike and Stacy Greenberg, tells the tale of one special dog.  Phoebe is a white pup with one very unique feature.  She has a pink tail!

She recalls the day that she met her best friend in the shelter:  The Girl with the Curly Hair.  Phoebe can't believe that she not only has a loving forever home, but a big sister and baby brother to play with.  Her favorite thing to do is wait for her sister to come home from school.  They always play a game of fetch and share a snack.

One day, Phoebe and her family go to the playground.  She is so excited to play with her sister.  A group of kids see the pair playing and ask if they would like to join them for a game of soccer.  They're having a great time...until the game switches to football.

Running with all her might, Phoebe's sister attempts to catch the ball and makes a huge fumble.  Can Phoebe help her find the courage to get back in the game?

I really enjoyed this story.  There are multiple themes that I think both children and adults will relate to.  I love that the story is told from Phoebe's perspective.  This definitely captured my attention and I found I was even more invested in the story than if it would have been narrated by the little girl or her parents.

I also love that this book sheds light on the importance of animal adoption.  Being a proud pet parent to five rescue dogs and three cats, this is definitely a cause that is close to my heart.  The idea of finding your best friend in a local animal shelter or from a rescue group is truly inspiring.

A more hidden aspect that I love about the book is that Mike and Stacy Greenberg are donating 100% of the profits from the sale of this book to their Heidi's Angels program.  The program helps to fight pediatric cancer through its support of the V Foundation for Cancer Research.  This is also a cause that is near and dear to my heart as I lost both of my grandmothers to cancer and have a friend whose daughter is battling a cancerous brain tumor.

This is a wonderful read for animal lovers of all ages.  Young and old alike will fall in love with Phoebe and cheer her on in her mission to be the Most Valuable Puppy.

I Love Cats! Book Review

I Love Cats! by Sue Stainton introduces the reader to a young girl who really loves cats.  She walks around town happily describing all of the different kinds of cats that she loves.  Some of the cats seem strange, but she doesn't mind a bit.

Hilarity ensues as the reader is taken on a journey through the girl's city meeting a menagerie of cats.  From dancing and cooking, to reading and juggling, these cats know where it's at.  The girl becomes sad when she has to leave her new friends behind and head home.  She soon discovers that her parents can be just a sneaky as an alley cat.

I really enjoyed this story.  Being a fellow cat lover, I quickly identified with the little girl and her desire to take all of the cats home.  Stainton's characters are full of happiness and heart that will make even the youngest of readers smile.

Bob Staake's illustrations are amazing.  His characters are larger than life and really pop on every page.  I also love his use of a bright and bold color palette.  Children will be captivated by the creative cats appearing throughout the story.  I also appreciate the nod to one of America's most beloved Beagles.  

I love that the story also sheds light on the adoption option.  Being the proud pet parent of three rescue cats, I love sharing their adoption stories whenever I met new fellow animal lovers.  This is also a great way to let other interested adopters know about local rescue groups and animal shelters in their area.   I could also see this book being used as part of the humane education curriculum in animal shelters throughout the country.

This is a wonderful read for children ages 4-8.  The book would also make a great gift for the cat lover in your life. 

Sterling, Best Dog Ever Book Review

Sterling, Best Dog Ever by Aidan Cassie follows the adventures of one very confused Dachshund.  Sterling hasn't had very good luck in finding a forever home.  His owners seem to always lose interest, sending him back to the streets.

One night, Sterling notices a sign at the Butlery Cutlery Company.  Their utensils are being shipped to "all the best homes."  He decides to hide in one of the boxes where he waits to be delivered to his perfect home. 

The Gilberts are surprised to see the pup inside their box of forks.  Yet, Sterling has a plan.  He won't just be any fork; he's going to be the best fork ever!  But when his plan starts to unravel, will he find the courage to be what the family really needs?

I absolutely adore this book!  This is definitely one of my favorite picture books of all time.  Sterling's character is beyond adorable.  He reminds me of my own dachshund, Hope.  Young and old alike will relate to his struggle of feeling like he needs to be something other than himself.

This story is full of emotion and heart.  I loved watching Sterling's silly antics, yet my heart broke when he kept trying to be what he thought everyone wanted.  I definitely shed tears at the end.

The character of the little girl reminds me of myself.  I noticed that her bedroom wall is covered in dog posters and drawings.  She also has numerous stuffed dogs tucked away under her night stand.  I can totally relate to her passion for pooches (especially dachshunds). 

I also love that this story sheds light on the importance of animal adoption.  As the proud pet parent to five rescue dogs, I know that many of them have a story similar to Sterling's.  They were loved for a time, yet dumped when the owners became "bored" with them.  This book would be a great addition to the humane education curriculum at animal shelters and rescue groups across the country.

Cassie's illustrations are truly stunning.  Sterling's expressions are priceless.  I was in love with his character the moment I saw the book cover.  I also love the spotlight illustrations at the beginning of the book that show Sterling trying to imitate numerous items.  My favorite was the curling iron (my husband favored the jackhammer).

This book is a fantastic read for animal lovers of all ages.  Readers will cheer Sterling on in his quest to find his true purpose.  I hope to see more books featuring the best dog ever. 

Paws of Triumph Blog is Live!

I'm very excited to announce that I have created a new blog called Paws of Triumph.  The purpose of the blog is to provide valuable content and resources for animal lovers of all ages with a focus on pet parents of differently-abled fur babies.

Having adopted six differently-abled animals, I know how challenging issues such as blindness and deafness can be.  But I also know how precious the love of a special animal is.  These creatures are truly amazing and have such a zest for life.

The blog will feature personal stories, product reviews, guest posts, and so much more.  Visit Paws of Triumph now by clicking on the link:  https://www.pawsoftriumph.com/

Be sure to check out our Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest pages!

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pawsoftriumph/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pawsoftriumph/

Pintrest:  https://www.pinterest.com/pawsoftriumph/

Triumphantly Yours,

Lauren

Widget & The Puppy Book Review

Widget is back in an all new adventure in Widget & The Puppy by Lyn Rossiter McFarland.  While  relaxing with Mrs. Diggs and the girls, a puppy wanders in through the cat door.  Mrs. Diggs puts Widget in charge of watching the puppy while she attempts to locate the owner.

Reluctantly, Widget takes on his new role.  The puppy starts getting into everything!  From eating the girls' food to drooling on everyone's beds, this pup proves to be a challenge. 

Widget is run ragged by this mystery guest.  He accidentally falls asleep and loses track of the puppy.  Will he be able to find the precocious pup before Mrs. Diggs returns?

I really liked this story.  Widget's character is lovable as well as funny.  McFarland does a wonderful job of describing the actions of a puppy.  I felt tired right along with Widget.

Jim McFarland's illustrations are vibrant and fun.  Children will delight in his depictions of animals at play, especially the puppy!  The expressions on the cats' faces are hilarious.

This is a wonderful read for children ages 3-6.  I think that this book would also be a great gift for those who are considering adopting a puppy.

Can I Be Your Dog? Book Review

Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings follows a stray dog, Arfy, on his search for a forever home.  Arfy is tired of living in the soggy cardboard box in the dark alleyway.  He dreams of a cozy house with a loving human.

Arfy begins sending letters to the residents of Butternut Street.  He just knows that someone will want him as their pet.  But when the rejection letters start piling up, Arfy begins to feel that he will always be a stray.  Could his fears be true?

This is one of my new favorite children's books!  I love that the story is epistolary (told through letters).  The reader really gets inside Arfy's mind and knows his true emotions.  The letters are also hilarious!

Being the owner of five rescued dogs and three cats, this story definitely tugged on my heartstrings.  I'm not going to lie, I was in tears by the end of the book.  This story will absolutely resonate with animal rescuers and lovers alike.

This story goes way beyond the typical "adopt a pet" theme.  Children get a glimpse at how stray dogs live.  Through the rejection letters, they will also learn how many stray/street dogs are treated.  This book is a wonderful teaching tool in lessons about kindness towards animals and humans alike.

Cummings' illustrations are big, bold, and adorable.  Arfy stole my heart!  Arfy's facial expressions made me laugh and cry.  I also love how each rejection letter is distinctly unique and remains true to the mystery characters behind them.

I love Arfy's letter to the reader on the last page!  Included are tips on how to help homeless animals.  With nods to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and The Humane Society, this book truly has it all.

This is a fantastic read for animal lovers of all ages.  I could definitely see this book used in humane education curriculum in shelters and rescue organizations across the country.

I Got a New Friend Book Review

I Got a New Friend by Karl Newsom Edwards tells the tale of a little girl who has just been given a puppy.  At first, the puppy is shy and scared.  The pint-sized pooch is afraid of her new surroundings.

The little girl is not about to give up on her new friend.  Being patient, she allows the dog time to get to know her.  Will the girl's persistence pay off?  Can the pouting pup learn to trust humans?

This is a fantastic book for children who have just adopted a pet.  The story presents helpful tips on how a child can help care for the new addition.  I love that even though the little girl is telling the story, she appears to be speaking from the dog's point of view.  She knows exactly what the pup needs in order to feel safe and loved.

Edwards' illustrations are adorable.  Children will fall in love with the puppy from page one.  I really like Edwards' use of white space, especially for background imaging.  The main characters truly shine and take center stage.  The use of a limited color palate is refreshing and keeps the story flowing at a great pace.

I would highly recommend this book to parents of young children who are considering adopting a pet.  I would love to see this book incorporated in animal shelter and rescue groups across the country.  The story would tie-in wonderfully with any humane education program.

Princess Allee Book Review

Princess Allee is the first installment in the Furever Home Friends series by Savy Leiser.  Allee dreams of being a princess.  She wants to live in a big castle and wear a sparkly crown.  There's only one problem.  Allee lives in an animal shelter.

One day, a woman named Stacy comes to visit Allee.  They both knew it was a perfect match at first sight.  Allee can't wait to go live in her castle!

The precocious pup soon discovers that Stacy's house is not a castle at all.  It's just a normal house with two other dogs, Sammy and Buddy.  This is definitely NOT what Allee had pictured.  Will she ever be happy with her new home?

I love this story!  I couldn't stop laughing from start to finish.  Allee has so much class and sass.  Her character reminds me of Naughty Mabel.  I could totally see them going out for tea together.

Leiser does a beautiful job of depicting shelter life from the dog's perspective.  Children will fall in love with Allee and will be able to relate to her dreams of a princess lifestyle.

Brenda Clemente's illustrations are gorgeous.  Allee's character is simply breathtaking.  I found Sammy's character to be beyond adorable.  He reminds me of my grandma's chocolate Chihuahua, Tiggy.  Children will be drawn to the colorful cast of canine characters.

This is a wonderful book for dogs lovers of all ages. 

Smile, Chewie! Book Review

Smile, Chewie! is the second installment in the Furever Home Friends series written by Savy Leiser.  Chewie is having a difficult time adjusting to life in the shelter.  He had gotten used to living as a stray.  Except when he was injured after begging for food from the wrong human.

Now Chewie bares the scars from that horrible night.  He shies away from potential adopters.  Chewie knows that no one will want to adopt a pit bull.  Will he ever be able to find a forever home?

I really enjoyed this book.  Being the owner of five rescue dogs and three cats, this story really tugs at my heartstrings.  I love how Leiser tackles the controversial issue of pit bulls and the stigma that surrounds them.  I think that children will have a better understanding of the breed after reading Chewie's story.

Christy Schneyman's illustrations are adorable and heartwarming.  The images have a hand-drawn feel and her use of light and pastel colors is truly stunning.

This is a wonderful story for dog lovers of all ages and would make a great gift for those working in animal rescue.

Ladybug Girl and the Rescue Dogs Book Review

Ladybug Girl is back in an all new adventure!  In Ladybug Girl and the Rescue Dogs by David Soman and Jacky Davis, Ladybug Girl discovers a group of dogs while walking through the farmer's market with her mom and trusty sidekick, Bingo.  The dogs belong to a rescue group.  They are all trying to find forever homes.

Ladybug Girl asks her mom if the dogs can come live with them.  But her mom says that having eight dogs would upset Bingo.  Wanting to help, Ladybug Girl decides to call upon her faithful Bug Squad!  Will the gang be able to find homes for the dogs?

I absolutely love this book!  Being an avid animal lover and proud fur mom to five rescue dogs, this story truly touches my heart.  My husband never wants me to go into an animal shelter because he knows that I want to take them all home.  Ladybug Girl and I definitely share a passion for animals!

I also love how Ladybug Girl looks for ways to help even after her mom tells her she can't adopt the eight dogs.  Many children would not be mature enough to get passed the "no" and seek to find another solution other than adoption.  Not only is Ladybug Girl resourceful, but she is also not afraid to ask for help from her friends.

Soman's illustrations are gorgeous!  Each dog has a very distinct personality that can easily be seen in their facial expressions.  My favorite is Daisy the Dachshund.  She acts just like my doxie, Hope!  Children will definitely be drawn to this colorful cast of canine characters.

This is a wonderful story that highlights the importance of animal rescue groups and the adoption option.  The book is perfect for animal lovers of all ages and would be a great addition to any humane education class.

Riley Carson and the Cherokee Caves Book Review

Riley Carson and her best friend, Finn, love going on adventures.  Finn is an avid ghost hunter and Riley has a passion for animals.  Together, they make the ultimate mystery solving duo.

In Riley Carson and the Cherokee Caves by Megan Wargula, Riley and Finn discover a number of deceased dogs that seem to have been abused.  With the death of her dog, Sammy, still fresh on her mind, Riley will do whatever it takes to end the canine cruelty.

The pair believe that there may be some connection to the crimes with the mystical Cherokee Caves.  Legend has it that the Cherokee hid their gold among the complex system of caves when they were forced off of their land.  Locating the caves proves to be much more challenging than expected.

Riley soon discovers that she has a somewhat magical gift that may provide clues to this epic mystery.  Will Finn and Riley ever find the mysterious caves?  Will the dogs of Roswell ever be safe again?

I was hooked on this story from page one!  Wargula's writing style truly captures the tension and suspense that Riley and Finn face throughout the book.  When I reached the end of each chapter, I kept wanting to read more.

Being an avid animal advocate and proud fur parent to five rescue dogs, I love that Wargula's book highlights the cruelty of puppy mills.  Many people do not realize where the cute puppies in the pet stores come from.  Their parents are often treated horribly.  One of my own dogs was rescued from a puppy mill.  She was kept in a cage for most of her young life and her leg muscles did not properly develop.  While she is able to walk, she can't jump.

This is a wonderful story for readers ages 8-12.  The book would also make a wonderful gift for those that work in animal rescue or have a passion for pets.

Hope's Filming for Purina

Hope and I had a wonderful time at our filming for Purina yesterday thanks to the fabulous Switzer Film crew!  This incredible team was friendly and fun.  They took the time to get to know us an our story and loved getting to pet Hope and a day old kitten that we are fostering.

They truly love pets, which is evident in their work.  I was beyond gracious for how patient they were when trying to take pictures of Hope.  She is one active pooch and being blind and deaf makes her very challenging to photograph.

I would highly recommend Switzer Film for all of your filming needs.

Hope loved all of the attention from the Switzer Film crew!

Filming with this amazing crew was absolute fun!