Dog Truckin'

Since 2005, our nation's truck drivers have transported more than 600 homeward-bound pets in the cabs of their trucks according to Operation Roger.


Operation Roger of Joshua, Texas has coordinated the transportation of rescue dogs with the regional and long-haul truck drivers. The truckers provide a much needed ride and the dogs offer companionship and sometimes protection.

The nonprofit group got its start in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when its founder, then truck driver Sue Wiese, scanned the radio listening for reports on the pets left behind in the rising flood waters.

Some of the truckers grow attached to their passengers by the time they reach their destination and end up adopting the dog.

In Southern California, Musical Truckin' Dogs Adoption Program was started by country singer Susanne Spirit. She matches up rescues and road warriors. The group even supplies the rig-driving adopters with donated care packages which contain everything they need for a week-plus road trip.

National Dog Day

Did you know that yesterday (August 26th) was National Dog Day?

This special holiday was created in 2004 for two special purposes: to honor dogs and to rescue dogs from homelessness and abuse.

I honored my dog by taking her and her two girlfriends (and mine) to the beach. We all had a marvelous time as it was one of Washington's perfect sunny and warm day at the coast.

Dogs are an important part of our lives. Not only do they give us unconditional love, loyalty, companionship and comfort, they also help us in so many ways. They are trusted watchdogs that keep our families safe. Police and military dogs, bomb-sniffing dogs and search-and-rescue dogs put their lives on the line every day to help save human lives. Guide dogs are devoted to serving their blind companions. Service dogs assist disabled.

Dogs give so much to us - so honoring their noble efforts is a really nice idea.

But as much as dogs help us, there are also so many dogs out there that need US to help THEM. That's why the second goal of National Dog Day is to help save dogs from homelessness and abuse.

• Rescue a dog if you can - If you're thinking about rescuing a new dog, here are some good tips:

1. Research the shelter and rescue group options in your area. Check the Internet, talk to your veterinarian and pet-loving friends, and do not be afraid to call these facilities and ask questions. Most rescue groups are quite humane and clean, but you still should do your homework to be sure they are right for you.

2. Remember to think with your head. When you are looking at those adorable doggie faces, it is easy to make a decision based purely on what your heart feels. BEFORE, you go looking for the perfect dog, seriously think about the canine characteristics that will be best for your family and home, and stick to those guidelines while at the shelter.

3. List what you are looking for in a dog. Go to the shelter with a plan. Tell the staff why you want a dog, and they will help you find the right one for you. Do you want a jogging partner, a lap dog, a hunting dog, a companion for the kids.....? Do you want a puppy or would you like to rescue an old dog? Small, large? Long-haired, short-haired?...

4. Consider your finances and lifestyle. Pets are a lifetime commitment, and they deserve the best care possible. Will your pocketbook allow you to feed a dog a quality diet, provide him with the supplies his needs to nurture his daily life, and give him adequate preventative and emergency medical care? Do you have plenty of available time to spend with a dog? Do not adopt a dog only to find that you do not have time or money for him. This is never fair to any pet.

5. Take your time when making this big decision. Do not rush into pet ownership. Take the time needed to find the right dog and get to know him. Several visits to the dog at the shelter may be best before taking him home. Also, take the time to be sure your house is ready for the new family member.

6. Visit with the dogs outside their cages. A shelter is a stressful environment. The other animals and all the noise may make a dog nervous and unsocial or over-exuberant to win your attention. Taking a dog outside or to a private visiting room will give you the opportunity to get to know the dog's true personality.

7. Interact with the dog. Do not just say, "He is cute, I will take him." If the staff will allow you, walk him, play with him, find out if he knows any commands or tricks, give him a snack... Get to know the dog, and let him get to know you.

8. Allow the dog to meet all members of the family. Bring Mom, Dad, kids, even other pets if the shelter allows it. Be sure the dog you are considering for adoption is comfortable with the whole family.

9. Talk to the staff. The staff members are handy tools for helping you learn more about the dog, his likes and dislikes, his quirks, his health, etc. The staff members spend a lot of time with these rescue dogs and have gotten to know them well.

10. Evaluate the dog's health and body condition. Check for discharge from the dog's eyes and nose. Is the dog coughing, sneezing, etc.? Note the dog's gait. Is the dog overweight or underweight? Check for fleas and ticks. Check the condition of the teeth. If you see any issues in these areas, talk to your vet and/or the shelter staff about them. Learn what you can do to resolve any health problems, and think about whether you are willing to do so.

11. Bring needed supplies on adoption day. Be prepared, and help your dog feel welcome. Bring a collar, leash, blanket for the car seat, and possibly a toy on the day of adoption. Try to make your dog's transition as stress-free and calm as possible.

12. Do not expect everything to go perfectly. There will be struggles. Remember your dog will be a little nervous in his new home, and he will not immediately know your expectations. The rules and ways of his previous home probably were not the same as they are in his current home. BE PATIENT as your dog adjusts.

13. Show him your love. Give your new dog abundant time, attention, and affection. This is especially important during his adjustment period. Help him feel wanted and comfortable.

Woofstock Similar To Woodstock

Do you recall Woodstock?

If not old enough...... Woodstock was a music festival, billed as "An Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music". It was held at Max Yasgur's 600-acre dairy farm near the hamlet of White Lake in the town of Bethel, New York, from August 15 to August 18, 1969. It famously became a "free concert" only after it became obvious that the event was drawing hundreds of thousands more people than the organizers had prepared for.......about 500,000 people showed up. It became the first "love-in".

Woofstock is a big festival in Canada in the St. Lawrence Market neighborhood of downtown Toronto on June 11th and 12th. The annual love-in will see over 300,000 dog lovers. Admission is free!

Competitions includes: Mr. and Ms. Canine Canada Pageant, High Tea (look-a-like celebrity wanna-bes), top model, best costume, stupid dog trick, and agility. Vendors selling everything from designer outfits to the latest in dog treats.

Each year Woofstock donates space to rescue groups, and stages a K9 Rescue Me Walk-A-Thon to raise money for rescue groups across Canada. They even have a Paws to Remember Memorial Service for pets who have died.

Dog Rescue Groups

When the movie 101 Dalmatians aired in 1996, children and parents clamored to get a Dalmatian. It did not take long for people to realize that they could not meet the needs of this excitable breed that requires a tremendous amount of exercise and attention. Shelters soon filled up with unwanted Dalmatians.

This is when the Dalmatian Club of America came into existence. This national organization helped rescue thousands of Dalmatians.

Rescue groups have been a natural outgrowth of dog clubs that specialize in maintaining purebred dogs. Too often, people see a dog that looks interesting or is a popular breed and they purchase a puppy without investigating the breed's characteristics.

People unprepared for the demands of certain breeds quickly become disenchanted and get rid of the dog. In response, those who have a love and understanding of specific dog breeds have developed rescue groups. The majority of these rescue groups are for a particular breed, though some rescue shelters are open to all dogs.

Purebred Dog Rescue

Breed rescue groups have a vested interest in saving their particular type of dog. Because they understand a breed's requirements, they can assess the dog's behavior, training needs and suitability for placement. They know what type of family a Dalmatian, for instance, would be most happy in. This insight dramatically reduces stress on families, the dogs and ultimately humane shelters, where many dogs unfortunately wind up.

Beware of so-called "rescue groups" that attempt to sell rescued dogs for a profit, particularly those that sell to pet stores. While it is perfectly natural to recoup some of the fees for maintaining the dog, the fees should not be constituted as the "price" for a particular dog. Moreover, a rescue group will spend time talking with you about your particular family and living situation to determine if you are right for the dog. The last thing a rescue group wants to see is a dog returned, once again, after placement.

A reputable rescue group will also not attempt to breed a rescued dog for two reasons: any undesirable traits can be passed to the offspring; and breeding dogs only adds to the problem of overpopulation.

If you are looking for a dog of a specific breed and do not care too much about lineage or American Kennel Club papers, consider contacting a breed rescue organizations. These dogs can make great pets, as long as they are with a family that understands them.

Contact your local veterinarian or shelter to find the names and information for breed rescue organizations in your area. You can also search the Internet. In addition, the AKC Web site lists the official dog club contact information. Individual clubs are often affiliated with rescue organizations.