Have a Very Mutzy Christmas!

Here's a very special Christmas Greeting from the dog that started it all here at the Plain Brown Dog blog. Mutzy (formerly Misty) and her new forever family sent a Christmas Card thanking everyone for helping her find such a great, loving home this year. She and her new brother Joe (pictured on the card to the right) are enjoying the holidays at home with Amy & Brian!

Host A Pet for the Holiday

Petfinder is helping local animal shelters nationwide with a campaign that encourages people to foster a pet for the Christmas holiday. Inspired by the Hallmark movie The Christmas Dog, Petfinder and local animal shelters are asking for volunteers to Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays. Volunteers are asked to take in cats and dogs from Dec. 21 trough Dec. 26 and the shelters will provide all the supplies needed during that time - food, crate, toys and bowls. 

Why should you foster a pet for the holidays? Here are just a few good reasons:

1. Reducing the number of pets in shelters during the holidays gives shelter staff and volunteers a bit of a much-needed break.

2. Allowing a pet to spend time in your home can help improve the pet's training and disposition, making him or her ultimately more adoptable. 

3. If you've been thinking of adopting, this holiday foster program will give you a chance to see if adopting is right for you.

4. If you've never considered fostering a pet, this is the perfect time to give it a try. It's not very hard and while it can be tough to let go when a permanent home is found, it is very rewarding. 

5. It's better to give than to receive, right?

Visit the Foster a Lonely Pet link above to find a participating shelter near you and the Hallmark movie The Christmas Dog is now available on DVD and makes a great gift for the pet or animal friendly person in your life!

Just a reminder . . .

There is plenty of time to still find a friend to ring in the New Year with. So many potential best friends are waiting at a shelter near you.

While it's not a good idea to get a pet as a Christmas present, if you have been thinking of becoming a pet owner and you have some time off around the holiday, it is a good time to spend helping a pet adjust to new surroundings and establishing a routine. 

Plain Brown Dog has a special wish this holiday season for all the senior dogs and cats out there. Puppies and kittens are cute, but senior animals make great pets. Won't you spread a little joy this holiday season to a senior dog or cat. You'll be glad you did!

Famous Dogs

So last night I was watching Wizard of Oz with my husband. And about a half hour into it, he asks me, "What kind of dog was Toto?"

A cairn terrier I reply without missing a beat.

"What?" he asks.

Toto was a cairn terrier.

"Are you sure?"

Yes.

"How did you know that? I mean, how could you possibly know what kind of dog Toto was?"

Because I researched famous dogs for a post on the PlainBrownDog Blog and read all about the dog that played Toto. 

"Crazy dog lady . . ."

 

Check out Doggy Days!

Come on out to the Doggy Days festival on Saturday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sunrise Park in Holly Hill (across from Parks Seafood restaurant on Beach Street). You'll enjoy vendors and entertainment and leashed pets are welcome! PlainBrownDog will be there along with Pet Junkie. Stop by . . .

Upcoming Events

Here are some events you won't want to miss!

Saturday, Nov. 7

Ride for Rover Poker Run

10 a.m. Halifax Humane Society, Daytona Beach

Saturday, Nov. 7

Sophie's Magical Fur Ball

6:30 p.m.

Hidden Lakes Country Club, New Smyrna Beach

Saturday, Nov. 14

Doggy Days Festival

11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunrise Park, Holly Hill

Saturday, Nov. 14

Daytona Cubs 5th Annual World Series of Chili

noon- 5 p.m.

Jackie Robinson Ball Park, Daytona Beach

Separation Anxiety

I've gotten a few requests to let everyone know about a very special girl who's looking for a forever home. Meet Weezer. 

She is available for adoption at the Halifax Humane Society. Weezer came to HHS along with her sister Squirt. The two had never been apart and were best friends. Despite HHS' best efforts to adopt the two together, Squirt found a home and now Weezer is on her own. She has had some anxiety over being alone, but that is a situation that would be really easy to remedy by finding her a loving home. 

She's a friendly, lovely dog who just needs a new friend. Please help spread the word, and let's try to find this lonely girl a home!

Happy Halloween!

Don't forget your four-legged friends at Halloween. Plain Brown Dog will be enjoying the Ghosts & Goblins with Paws event in Port Orange FL on Saturday, Oct. 31 8 a.m. to noon at City Center. There will be a pet parade, games, activities, vendors and entertainment. If you get a chance, come on out and join us.

Tips for Halloween. 

While your pet may beg for a tasty Halloween candy treat, remember that chocolate can be deadly to dogs and cats in any amount. 

Don't leave Jack-O-Lanterns or lighted candles within reach of pets - and remember the swinging tails of dogs count as being "within reach".

If you want to dress up your pet, keep in mind that any sort of mask is a bad idea. Not only will it be uncomfortable for your pet, it can restrict vision and breathing. In fact, unless your pet is really receptive to the costume, it can cause stress. 

Don't leave your pet outside at night on Halloween. With trick-or-treaters in the area, the risk that your pet could be harmed, snatched or that your pet could bite a stranger is just too great. If you have a party at home, keep your pet away from guests in a safe area. 

If you'll be providing treats to visiting ghosts and goblins, keep your pet in a safe and secure place. The constant opening of the door and the strangeness of the visitors could lead to your pet escaping or harming someone accidently. 

Barktoberfest

This weekend is Barktoberfest, Halifax Humane Society's annual Halloween Themed Pet Extravaganza. 

Plan to stop by. The event is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24. Admission is $3. There are games, entertainment, vendors, a doggy costume contest, fun for everyone! There's even a low-cost microchip for pets. A great way to stay safe!

Oreo and all her friends will be there, so if you get a chance, stop by and see her. She's still waiting for a home. You never know, you just might meet your perfect match at Barktoberfest!

A Little Publicity

The Plain Brown Dog blog was featured in an article in the Daytona Beach News Journal today. The article detailed the happy ending to Misty's story. Misty (above),  now called Mutzy by her forever family, is the dog this blog was founded on. A plain brown dog who'd been looking for a home for nearly a year. With the help of this blog, a foster family, and the power of the internet, she was united with a loving family in less than 2 weeks.

If Misty can find a home, so can Oreo (below). So please, pass this blog along to everyone you know. You never know who the next forever friend might be for a plain dog like Oreo. 

Oreo: Plain Black Dogs can be famous

Did you know that there are plenty of plain black dogs just like me who have been famous. Really. Here's just a few.

Fala, the beloved pet of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor, was a Scottish Terrier. Fala survived his master by seven years, yet was buried alongside him. A  statue of this plain black dog is prominently featured in Washington D.C.'s Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the only presidential pet so honored.

Toto, Dorothy's dog in the Wizard of Oz, was played by Terry the Cairn Terrier. Toto was referred to as a "he" in the MGM classic film, but Toto was really played by a "she" named Terry. Terry's trainer Carl Spitz earned a salary of $125.00 per week for appearing in the film. 

Harry Potter star Fang is a large boarhound and one of Hagrid's beloved pets. Fang drools a lot and enjoys licking Harry, Ron and Hermione. Fang is actually played by a series of four different Neopolitan Mastiffs, really big plain black dogs. 

So, you see, I could be famous one day. Or just famous for making someone a really great and loyal pet. 

Oreo: Status Symbol or Forever Friend?

What are you looking for? Have you really stopped to think about that? Are you looking for a status symbol or a companion? Most of us plain dogs may not be "designer" dogs, but we have a lot more to offer.

So think about it. Do you want a dog that just looks good walking next to you down the street? Or do you want a dog that you FEEL good walking next to down the street.

I know dogs like me, plain dogs, aren't the most glamorous dogs on the market. But we have a lot to offer.

So please consider ... what are you looking for? With me I can guarantee you'd find a forever friend. 

World Rabies Day

World Rabies Day is celebrated today, Monday, September 28. Founded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alliance for Rabies Control, a UK charity, World Rabies Day aims to increase awareness about rabies prevention and control.

Speaking with a veterinarian about keeping your pets current with vaccination not only helps to make sure they are free from rabies, but also reduces the risk of exposure for all family members.

Plain Brown Dog recommends these safety tips.

• Vaccinate your pets
  
• Do not feed or handle wild animals including feral cats
  
• Do not feed or touch stray animals
  
• Avoid all sick or strange-acting animals
  
• Cover your garbage cans
  
• Do not leave your pet’s food outside where it can attract wild animals

For more information on World Rabies Day.

Oreo: Special Offer

Have you been thinking of adopting a forever friend? Well now is the time because during the month of October, Halifax Humane Society is taking $20 off the cost of adoption of shelter dogs like me. That means I can be your forever friend for only $50 - now that's a bargain!

Here's what you get for your special rate of $50:

• A smiling face to greet you every time you come home
  
• A fitness companion - I love to walk or run
  
• A dining companion - you never have to eat alone again
  
• A foot warmer - nothing better on those soon to come cold winter nights than a friend like me curled up at your feet
  
• Entertainment - I'm a lot of fun. I'll keep you smiling and laughing all day long. 
  
• A loyal friend who listens to your every word
  
• A keeper of secrets, I'll never tell
  

Come visit me and my friends at the Halifax Humane Society during Adopt a Shelter Dog month. You'll be happy you did. 

Dogs Need Home After Fire

Floyd Pond is doing really well considering that earlier this month he lost his home and his wife of more than 20 years to a fire. Facing the task of rebuilding his life, and weeks of surgery to heal his own burns, he's made the difficult decision to seek homes for his beloved pets. 

Don't let their names fool you. Cujo and Sumo are more like teddy bears. Cujo, the biggest of the two, is a Chow mix, 7 years old, and was adopted from the Halifax Humane Society by Floyd and his late wife Robin. Sumo, a full-blooded Chow, is 5 and is a little more reserved. Both are

 friendly, housetrained, good with kids and other dogs. Until now, they've enjoyed life in the big back yard at Floyd's home. Now they're making due on the porch of a family member's home while Floyd travels to Shands Hospital for treatment. 

Ideally, Floyd would love to find someone who would foster the dogs for 6 months to a year to allow him time to recuperate and find a new home for himself. But if an individual or family is interested in adopting, he's perfectly happy to accept that kind of outreach. 

You can contact Floyd through this blog or by calling 386-589-3255.

Oreo: Feeding time!

Here I am getting a special treat from a friend. But it takes more than just a tasty treat to feed the 350 animals at the Halifax Humane Society. We need food - dry dog food. And lots of it. We're running very low at the shelter. My human friends here take donations of dry dog food, gift cards or cash to help feed us. If you can, please help. Thanks!

A message from our sponsor

Plain Brown Dog is pleased to present a message from our sponsor, NativeMom. 

Adopting isn't easy. It's a commitment. It was 2 years ago this month that I adopted my friend Boo Radley. He'd been at the Big House for more than 5 months. I learned when I adopted him, that I would be his third family. A dubious distinction. I wondered what I was getting myself into.

It was more than 2 days before he would really look me in the eye. About a week before he seemed to respond to his "new name." Now I know I've found a "lifetime dog," to borrow a phrase from author Jon Katz, author of A Good Dog (which I highly recommend.). 

Radley isn't just a dog. He isn't just a pet. He's my joy. To be sure, he is not a replacement for my beloved husband or my children. Johnny Depp could be my husband and cherubs could be my children, and I would love this dog no less.

He's loyal. Funny. He comforts me instinctively. He greets me enthusiastically at the door, whether I've been gone 3 hours or 3 minutes.  I had no idea when I adopted him 2 years ago what a life-altering experience it would be. First delight that I had done something selfless for another of god's creatures. Then terror over how I would manage to train a new dog. Then gratefulness at the love and fulfillment he brought to my life.

As I work everyday with him nestled at my feet under my desk, I look into his face so full of loyalty, gratitude and joy, and I'm struck by the knowledge that I have such a faithful companion. My lifetime dog. 

I wish this for everyone. 

Oreo: Sit!

I'm looking for someone who wouldn't mind giving me a little training. It's been a while since I've had someone work with me on my manners, at least 7 months, which in dog years . . . well it's a long time. 

One training trick I'm very good at is sitting on command. I sit for treats every time! So I think that shows I have potential. 

I'm also a good runner. Have I mentioned that already? I'd make a really good jogging companion. You know they say that if you have an exercise partner, you're more likely to stick to your exercise routine. I'd be more than happy to help you stick to your fitness routine if you'd be willing to work with me on my training. Sounds like a win-win!

Misty Update

Amy & Brian, who adopted Misty, the founder of the plain brown dog blog, shared some photos of her new life. And it's a good life! Click here to see Misty. 

Oreo: Look closer

You  might think there’s not much unique about a plain black dog like me. But, if you look close, there are a few things different about me. First, my socks. My two front paws are white and my best friend Sharon says I look like I’m wearing socks.  Then there’s my ears. They’re soft and black, like most dogs, I know. But mine are jaunty. They spring up when I’m curious about something. They bounce when I walk. And they flap in the wind when I run. In fact, I’ve been told I have “expressive ears.” Now how many dogs do you know with expressive ears, huh? Pretty special, I know. 

Oreo: Shade + Sand = Fun

Here's my formula for having a little fun on a beautiful fall Saturday afternoon. Find a shady spot in the yard. Add a hole. Explore the hole. Lay back and admire your work. Ahhh, bliss!

Oreo: I can't help it!

I guess you might be wondering, what’s with the tongue? I know, it can get a little out of control. I love to explore everything with my mouth, which my best friend Sharon says is a “gentle mouth.” If you get too close, you’re probably going to get a sloppy kiss. Sorry, like I said, my tongue gets a little out of control sometime. What would be great would be to have a forever home where I had chew toys to keep this crazy mouth busy and under control. Sharon keeps my mouth busy by throwing a ball for me (only I chase it but don’t bring it back, tee hee!). But I’d really love to have some chew toys.

Hi, I'm Oreo!

Oreo. I guess it’s not hard to figure out how I got my name. What seems to be hard to figure out about me, is what a great pet I’d make. I’ve been at the Halifax Humane Society since January, when I got lost and the kind animal control people rescued me. Only now I need to be rescued again, rescued from more than 7 months here at the shelter waiting for a forever home.

That’s why Plain Brown Dog invited me to tell my story over the coming days. They know that a plain dog like me has the hardest time finding a home. My best friend Sharon, a volunteer here who walks me almost every day, says I’m a lot of fun. Stop by the Halifax Humane Society and see me. Like Sharon says, I’m a lot of fun!

Like Swine Flu, but for dogs

USA Today is reporting that kennels, especially in Florida, Colarado, New York and Pennsylvania, are advising pet owners to get their pets vaccinated for canine influenza virus (CIV), the dog flu. Before boarding your pets for vacations or holidays, the American Veterinary Association recommends the vaccine because, although CIV is rarely fatal, it does spread easily and quickly. 

See the article here. 

Florida Company To the Rescue

A great big sloppy kiss to the fine folks at Petguard, a company headquartered in Florida. Petguard, manufacturers of organic, all natural and even vegan pet food, treats and supplements, made a big donation to help furry victims rescued from a puppy mill. 

Georgia Canine Rescue and Rehabilitation is caring for 60 of 140 dogs rescued from a Kingsland, GA puppy mill. Petguard donated 1,500 pounds of food along with pet shampoo and vitamins to help the shelter get these dogs healthy and ready for adoption. See the story here. 

Way to go Petguard for donating food that will last this shelter up to two months!! Be sure to visit Petguard, which is obviously Plain Brown Dog Recommended.

And if you're interested in helping these puppy mill survivors, visit Georgia Canine Rescue.

At Issue: Domestic Violence & Pets

Did you know that, according to survey and research, 71 percent of women in domestic violence shelters say they've had their pet battered or killed by their attacker.  Three out of four animals in homes where domestic violence occurs will be tortured and abused. 

A group in Orlando is raising funds to build a kennel on the property of Harbor House, a domestic violence shelter for women. They could use support, so give them a visit. 

This is an issue that also needs to get more attention. Or course, our first priority is to help our fellow mankind. But some women and children actually stay in abusive situations because they know if they leave, they will have to leave their pet behind, which is usually a death sentence for the beloved pet.

Victims of domestic violence need a safe place to go with their children and their pets. If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, there are things you can do to prepare to take your pet out of the home so that no one gets left behind.

• Develop an emergency plan for sheltering your pet (a friend, your local animal shelter, etc)
  
• Establish ownership of the pet. Obtain an animal license, proof of vaccination, veterinary receipt all in your name to prove you own the pet.
  
• Collect all vaccination and medical records, collar, identification, medication, bowls, bedding, etc. and prepare for moving them.
  
• Ask assistance from law enforcement or animal care and animal control officers to reclaim pets if they are left behind. 

Learn more here. 

I'm going home!

There was a lot of excitement this morning. After my walk and breakfast, I got a bath. I had a feeling something even better was on the way for me. And it was.

I have a new family! A forever family! Amy & Brian saw my blog here at Plain Brown Dog and visited me several times. We took a long walk together yesterday and I got to meet their plain black dog Joe. This morning, Amy showed up with a new red collar and leash just for me! It matches the color of my favorite red Kong toy. I had to hand out a few sloppy kisses of thanks for that. 

Next, they let me ride in their car! I love car rides! This is going to be a great day!

This one likes to play!

As you can see by the photo I'm posting, this boy likes to play. 

My foster mom got me a great toy from Pet Junkie. It's called a crunchy critters bottle sock and it's one of my favorite. Mom slips an empty plastic water bottle inside it, seals it up and tosses it my way. Mom likes it because it's a fun way to recycle used plastic water bottles. I like it because it crunches and the tail squeaks! The boy likes it because we play tug of war. I always win!

Of course, my real favorite toy is the Kong that one of the nice volunteers at the Big House sent home with me. The volunteers would make sure my big red Kong was filled with treats each day. I would roll it around my cage and sniff out the treats. It was a great way to pass the time in the kennel. Those Kong-filling volunteers sure were nice to me. I miss them. 

A new possible family

I had a meet and greet tonight. A new possible family. They were very nice. And they've adopted before, so I think they would understand a plain brown dog like me. Unfortunately, I was a little tired from my walk and my dinner when they arrived to check me out. They probably think I'm a total couch potato. I hope they come back. I can show them my perky side!

Why I'm Cute

My foster family says there are lots of things to love about me. I have to agree. They love the way my soft fuzzy ears bounce when I walk. They love the way I lay my head in your lap when I want to snuggle. When I greet them at the door with a wag of my tail, they just love that! They even think it's cute when I slop up water out of my bowl with such enthusiasm that I leave little splashes around the rim. 

Yep, there's a lot about this Plain Brown Dog to love. I can't help being so cute!

Free Pet Care Workshop

My good human friend Kate at the Halifax Humane Society in Daytona Beach will be holding a free workshop on Pet Care 101. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. at HHS, 2384 West LPGA Blvd. To learn more visit the Halifax Humane Society's web site. 

And, while you're there, take a look around. There are lots of great Plain Brown Dogs and Plain Black Dogs who are looking for a home. They would be happy to meet you! And tell them I said hello!

First weekend at home

My weekend consisted of walks, treats, a few good rawhide chews and lots of belly rubs. I'd love to take a swim but my foster mom says I have to wait until my stitches heal. Not sure what she means by that, but when she says go, I'll be taking a swim!

Sloppy Kiss Coming Your Way!

This plain brown dog is humbled and overwhelmed by the show of support everyone has given. My faith in people is slowly being restored. I want to show my gratitude in a way only a plain brown dog can, with tail wags and sloppy kisses!

If you'd like to pass on a sloppy kiss to a pet or pet-person in your life, get your sloppy kisses e-card at sloppykisscards.com. It's PBD Recommended!

Day 1

Spent the first full day at a new foster home. Carpet! It's such a comfy thing to sleep on. And I've been sleeping a lot. It's so quiet here. I'm used to hearing my friends at the Big House all day and night. I kinda of miss my friends at the big house, but I'm making some new friends here. 

This must be a dream!

Wow, what a hangover! I don't know what happened. Last thing I remember is visiting with the veteranarian at the shelter. She fixed my paw for me last week. Good lady. 

I was chasing a tennis ball in my sleep. Ahh, the grass felt good and the sun shining on my plain brown fur was warm. Next thing I know, I wake up with a pounding headache and my vision is blurred. I feel a little woozy and my legs don't seem to work right. 

I seem to remember a car ride. Now I'm not at the shelter anymore. There are people and there's a kid. There's a nice dog here I met the other day. The carpet is really comfy. And I got some cheese when I started feeling a little better this afternoon.

Maybe this is just a dream. 

Day 181

I got a bath today. It's been a while since I had a regular weekly bath. Gee it felt good. When I had a family, I would often complain a little about bath time every week. If I ever get another family, I won't complain about bath time anymore. 

Day 180

Today is day 180 here in the big house. It was a good day, though. That lady who was here earlier this week came back and took me for a walk. She must be new. I've gotten to know all the other volunteers here in the Big House very well by now. She brought me a rawhide bone. Maybe she'll bring me a piece of cheese tomorrow. I miss cheese.