Scratchings-and-Sniffings

Gotta Love that Dog's Tongue!

Oh my word! I got all caught up in this fabulous video from Fido friendly and it made my day! It's a bit long, but well worth it. Enjoy!

Save Our Pets in the Gulf

I've written about this on BlogPaws, but I wanted to share it here, also. We cannot discuss it enough. We cannot speak of it enough. We must hold BP accountable on all counts - not only for the oil in the gulf, not only for ruining the livelihoods of so many Americans, but also, for causing the drastic increase in abandoned pets.

I'm not talking about pets left by the roadside, though my heart goes out to them with great love! I'm talking about pets surrendered at shelters because their pet parents can no longer care for them, or feed them!

Save This Pup: Our Aha Moment by Laura Posey

As a supporter of the Save This Pup idea and organization, I will be hosting guest posts from Laura Posey on a regular basis, here on Scratchings & Sniffings. You will remember Laura and Save This Pup from our previous interview describing how Save This Pup came to be.

Today, Laura shares an "Aha Moment" --

Be the Change for Pets at BlogPaws

Regular readers know that I'm a co-founder of BlogPaws, along with Tom, my business partner and husband, and Caroline, the founder of Romeo the Cat. BlogPaws exists to bring pet bloggers together - for learning, community and fun.

As we all learn more about ourselves and each other, we discover the true value of friendship. Many BlogPaws' friendships began online, via blogs and twitter and facebook, and continued IRL (in real life) at the first ever pet blogger conference, back in April.

Now, we are connecting to each other even more - all to help make a change in the world.

Breed Specific Laws Unfair and Stupid: Pit Bull Lovers Unite!

Yes, stupid. We all know it's unfair. Why are we punishing the dogs when it's the people who don't raise them properly who are the real issue?

This law - breed specific legislation in Denver against pit bulls - is said to be "effective" in preventing attacks or serious dog bites. By outlawing a particular breed, this time it's pit bulls - a dog that may be a mutt of varying breed ancestry but because it "looks" a certain way it's considered dangerous - the public is better served and safer from ... harm by the dog. (remember Our Gang? Their mascot, seen here, was a pit bull!!!)

Truth is, Denver has had MORE dog bites since this stupid legislation was passed. And, not by pit bulls because they're banned!!! Truth is - a dog is a loving creature and it's the people who are the pet parents, but most likely the 'owners', who are at fault when a dog attacks or causes bites and harm. Yes, I suppose there is the occasional rogue. But, we don't ban people when one of them goes rogue, which is far more likely than the rogue dog.

Rally Around the Dogs

It's that time again. Purina Pro Plan® is hosting its "Rally to Rescue®" campaign to save rescue dogs. What better purpose could there be in life? Well, okay...there are lots of charity events and campaigns we'd all like to contribute to - but I'm especially fond of this one because it involves rescuing dogs.

This year they have a Facebook page and I can see they need more fans. Hop over and click that "like" button for me. No, not for me...for the dogs. All the dogs that need this program.

Here's what it's about, in a nutshell:

Saturday's Pet Bloggers Blog Hop! W00t!

Oh my, when I found out about the Saturday Pet Blogger's Blog Hop, I hopped around my desk and sang a little tune! Good thing no one could hear me! BOL

Over at Two Little Cavaliers (are they not adorable??? yes, you have to click the link to see them), this weekly event has been picking up steam for many weeks! I am embarrassed to say this is our first time participating. But, we are finally in the groove!

Along with Life with Dogs (omg! what a fabulous blog!) and Confessions of the Plume! aka BabyPatches (some pet peoplee so creative and talented, aren't they?)... this idea was created to introduce more pet bloggers to each other. Hop around and visit old furr-friends, and find new furr-friends at each blog.

Here's a Pet Overpopulation Idea to Consider

We all know the terrible statistics about pet overpopulation. Millions of puppies, kittens, adult dogs and cats are put to sleep every year because we can't find homes for them. One of the solutions is obviously spaying and neutering.

Most of us are responsible enough to realize that but many don't heed the call. Whether it's an education issue or a financial issue, lots of dogs and cats don't ever get spayed or neutered. Believe it or not an un-spayed cat and her offspring can produce 400,000 kittens and and an un-spayed dog and her offspring can produce 6000 puppies. That's scary.

10 reasons Dogs are Better Than Cats

(obviously I am writing this while the good Wabby, aka The Grumpy Old Lady, is asleep - she, no doubt will respond on her own)

1. Dogs are more fun. You can play with a dog in the back yard and even teach them Incredible Dog tricks.

2. Dogs want nothing more than to please you - day after day. Cats...expect the opposite!

3. Dogs sleep with one ear on the alert - to guard their most precious possession: you!

Fixing Fido: A Film About Man's Best Friend

A few days ago I wrote about Amazon Cares, a fantastic group working to care for all living being in the Peruvian Amazon region. As anyone who regularly reads this blog knows, we are in favor of better health for all - but especially for the least among us: our dear anipals and pets.

Well, Amazon Cares is affiliated with a group called Fixing Fido - A Feature Film about Man's Best Friend.  WARNING: Some images may be and should be disturbing to view!

From the site: "The stench of garbage, meat and fish overpower the air at the Belen meat market alongside the rising waters of the Amazon. River. Barefoot children crowd the streets helping their families sell their wares.