I have a lot of people tell me “Oh I can’t foster. I would get too attached.” Fair response but think of it this way, if you are able to foster a dog you are saving a dog from dieing in a shelter. You mean to tell me you would rather have a dog die instead of shedding a few tears when they get adopted? Never thought of it that way did you?? But that is the reality, without foster homes the dogs can’t be saved. Fostering is nothing more then “baby sitting” for an extended period of time… a week, a month, ok sometimes a year but that is rare. And honestly fostering can be a bit selfish… selfish because in brings so much joy into your life. To watch a dog who has had a dark past blossom and grow and turn into a happy, healthy dog who loves people and isn’t afraid any more. Then when they get adopted you receive emails and pictures of your foster dog living the life and being spoiled. They are now the center of someone’s world.. what could be better?

You can’t foster because your apt., condo association, housing community won’t allow it or you have the legal limit of dogs for your area or you work long hours. TOTALLY understand but you can be so helpful to a rescue by simply educating others of the need of fostering or by helping people understand adoption should be their first option. You can volunteer on the weekends walking dogs, you can volunteer your talents (gathering donations, making fliers, driving dogs to and from the shelter, vet office, foster home to adopter, you can conduct home visits, maintain a website, take pictures, network, run reference checks on adopters, help with adoption events or fundraisers, the list goes on and on.). Doesn’t matter if you are 8 years old, 80 years old or anywhere in between you can help!

With the holidays coming up the number of dogs in shelters will go up and adoption will go down, way down. That means now is an important time to get started with helping local shelters or rescues. Here are some ideas:

* Have a chance jar at work or home where loose change is added. When the jar is full or you feel their is enough in the jar donate the money to a shelter or rescue.
* When you go to the store and buy your dog or cat something like a toy, a leash, a bed, a bag of food, kitty litter buy an extra one and donate it.
* Read the newspaper? Good! Collect newspaper and donate to local animal shelters or rescue.
* Your dog or cat has toys, beds, collars, leashes that are no longer used. Donate them to a local rescue or shelter. For a dog that has nothing, used is better then not at all.
* Doing some fall / spring cleaning and you have old towels, blankets, comforters, sheets, etc. that you are going to throw away? Don’t! Donate them to a shelter or rescue.
* Tragically your animal has passed on and you now have left over medicine, flea prevention, heart worm prevention, toys, beds, leashes bowls, etc. Donate them!
* You don’t have time to collect things, walk dogs, etc. OK, fine then just call up a rescue/shelter or go on line and donate. Hey even $5.00 means a new toy for some homeless lonely dog.

Regardless of what way you are helping, it is very meaning full to those who have dedicated their lives to rescue and to the animals. And maybe you can encourage friends or family to help out too!

For more of Amy’s writings, visit http://dogrescuerslife.blogspot.com/

Did you know?
-Cancer accounts for nearly 50% of all disease-related pet deaths each year
-One in four dogs die of cancer.
-Approximately 1 in 4 dogs develops a tumor of some kind during his lifetime.
-Just like in humans, cancer can occur in any part of your dog’s body.

The facts are real. The numbers are real. Pet cancer is an unfortunate problem that can touch any and all of our lives. This month, be sure that you do your part in the fight against pet cancer. Participate in Pet Cancer Awareness Month activities in your community, spread the word, and donate. There are many ways that you can help dogs in need.

Do Your Part: Have Your Pet Checked
If you notice that your dog has abnormal swelling, sores that don’t heal, weight loss, poor appetite, bleeding, offensive odor, difficulty eating, fatigue, lameness, or difficulty performing normal functions like breathing or urinating, it’s incredibly important for you to see your veterinarian. Many of these symptoms can be early signs of pet cancer.

Do Your Part: Donate to the Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research
There is a way for us to help find a cure for pet cancer. Through research and treatment options, we can start fighting back. Help the Blue Buffalo Foundation in their quest for a cure by donating today. You can check out their website for more details on how to make a cash donation or how to purchase pet cancer awareness products that can help support their cause.

Do Your Part: Ask Your Veterinarian
Educate yourself this month on the risks of pet cancer. Talk to your doctor about your dog and find out whether or not he or she has certain risk factors. Everything from breed to lifestyle can help shed light on whether or not your dog is at risk of developing cancer.

Do Your Part: Volunteer Your Time
Seek out an animal shelter or pet cancer charity near you and volunteer. Ask if they need help. Give your time to helping this organization move their mission forward.

How are you doing your part to help fight pet cancer? Share your stories with us in the comments.

Did you know that K9HealthSolutions.com is on Facebook? Well, now you do! Our Facebook page is full of great tips, dog facts, information about our products and so much more. If you’re a dog lover who wants to connect with people who love pooches just as much as you do, well, then our Facebook page is the place to do it!

Connect with other dog owners, get your questions answered, or even chime in on our wall. We post photos, quotes, information about events, sales, and tons of other goodies for dog lovers just like you.

Give us two paws up and “like” our Facebook page! Thanks and woofy woo (a big thanks to four-legged friends too)!

Did you know that each year, more than 4 million dogs end up in a shelter or a rescue organization? It’s sad but true; many dogs just aren’t getting the love and care they need. However, Pedigree just launched an awesome drive that’s sure to help the cause.

The PEDIGREE Adoption Drive shines a light on dogs in need of a home and to help raise awareness for homeless dog, Pedigree is donating a bowl of food to shelter dogs for everyone who becomes a “Fan” or “Likes” the PEDIGREE Adoption Drive on Facebook. More than 1 million bowls have been donated already!

To also help with the cause, they’re also working with dog bloggers (like us!). For each blog post mentioning the Pedigree Adoption Drive throughout BlogPaws West, a dog bloggers event, they’ll donate a bag of new PEDIGREE Healthy Longevity Food for Dogs to shelters nationwide. So if you have a dog blog, get writing today! Then, just post yourself to the list to have your post counted in the grand total. So far, there are hundreds of posts – and hundreds of bags of food to be donated!

The drive runs from September 16-September 19, 2010, so do your part and become a fan on Facebook or write a blog post to share the importance of adoptions. Remember, more than 4 million dogs are without homes. They can use your help. Make a difference today.

Remember what it was like to own your first dog? Well, on My Mixed Up Mutt & Me, you’ll get to relive the experience through author April’s posts about her dog Toby. April adopted Toby in June 2009 and since then, her life has never been the same. Also, recently, she just added another pup to her household: Todd!

If you want to see some great posts on what it means to be a dog owner (and some pretty awesome product reviews and other tips), then you’ll love My Mixed Up Mutt & Me. Did we mention they feature adoptable dogs too? Such a must-read for any dog owner or dog lover!

This holiday is a must-celebrate for many dog owners and if you’re a pet owner or a pet lover, today is the perfect time to do something special for a pup in your life.

Here are 10 ways you can celebrate National Dog Day!

1.) Give your dog an extra belly rub. He deserves it!
2.) Spend at least 30 minutes of your day playing with your pup. Go for a run, wrestle, or play fetch in your backyard.
3.) Shop at K9HealthSolutions.com. We have a great sale going on where you can save up to 85% off your favorite treats, toys, and dog care supplies – perfect for pampering your pup!
4.) Volunteer your time at a local animal shelter.
5.) Better yet, adopt another dog (or your first dog) from an animal shelter or humane society. You have no idea how much your adoption can matter to an agency in need!
6.) Make a donation to your favorite pet related charity. Not sure where to give? Check out our previous post sharing your favorite pet-related charities.
7.) Make your dog some homemade dog treats. Our blog has TONS of great recipes for you to try.
8.) Give your dog a head to toe grooming. Make your pet look your best!
9.) Did we mention we’re having a great sale? Shop K9HealthSolutions.com to find awesome deals on treats, dog toys, and more.
10.) Watch a movie featuring your favorite canine! Beethoven, The Wizard of Oz, Turner and Hooch, or even the Harry Potter movies can be a great flick to take in on National Dog Day. All of these films feature famous dogs!

Dogs will jump for joy when you help out in your community!

We asked and you answered. A week or two ago, we decided that instead of writing another blog post about caring for your dog, we would put up a post that would showcase some of your favorite volunteer organizations and pet-related charities. The response has been great and now, we’re proud to present the organizations that you work with, care for, and feel dedicated to serve!

Please, take the time to look at these organizations and see how you can get involved in the cause:

AKC Canine Health Foundation: As part of the American Kennel Club, the Canine Health Foundation works with some of the best organizations involved in caring for our pets to “develop significant resources for basic and applied health programs” so that the quality of life for both dogs and their owners may be improved. Its partnerships with Purina and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (just to name a few), makes the AKC Canine Health Foundation the largest non-profit funder of exclusively canine research in the world. Learn more at AKCCHF.org.

IMOM: IMOM stands for In Memory Of Magic and this pet charity is dedicated toward helping people help pets through neutering and spaying programs, animal rescues, animal care education, and support for sick, injured, and abused pets. You can learn more about this organization at IMOM.org

Gulf Coast Companion Animal Relief Program: Created by the Louisiana ASPCA, this charity offers support for those affected by the Gulf Oil Spill in the form of free vet care. With so many families struggling in that region, the numbers of surrenders to the LA SPCA are rising. Free pet food, vet care, registration, spaying, neutering, and vaccinations are just some of the services offered. You can learn more at LA-SPCA.org.

Service Dogs of VA: This organization raises, trains, and places dogs to assist people with disabilities through a network of volunteers that provide time, attention, training, and financial support. It is also a member of Assistance Dogs International, a coalition of not-for-profit organizations that train assistance dogs. If you want to learn more about this Virgina-based service organization, visit ServiceDogsVA.org.

The Frederick County Humane Society: Based in our hometown of Frederick, MD, the Frederick County Humane Society provides affordable services, resouces, and programs to keep pets happy, healthy, and in life-long homes. To learn more about the Frederick County Humane Society, check out FCHS.org.

What are some animal-related charities you support? Tell us and we’ll put together a list for a future post! Remember, these organizations are only one part of the puzzle. To make a difference, you need to show your support. Donate your time, hold a fundraiser, or just make a simple donation. Either way, you’ll be helping improve the lives of many animals in your community.

Romeo The Cat – and Pugsley too – are two “rascallly boys raising money for rescues” and we just had to share their stories. Romeo The Cat is a great blog dedicated toward raising money and awareness for animal rescues so that animals can get the love and care they need when they need it most. The site has a really cool fundraising program called FURPOWER, which you can learn about here.

Romeo The Cat shares some awesome pictures, stories, and of course, information on how you can help animal rescues.

Also, Romeo and Pugsley told us to spread the word about other project, BlogPaws.com, a network of pet bloggers. Basically, BlogPaws is designed to be a blogger community where pet bloggers can meet and learn from each other so that they can forward their mission, whether it’s educating pet owners or raising money for rescues. Be sure to check them both out!

They just launched a brand new site and it looks fantastic! We love all of the great videos they post, plus, the helpful hints they give for caring for our pups while keeping up with the fun factor. Unlike other dog blogs, this one is all about having fun, living life to the fullest, and of course, giving lots of lovin’ to our pets.

Check out Pawesome.net today!

Dog Milk is all about sharing what’s fun, stylish, and funky when it comes to caring for our pets. This dog blog offers tons of product reviews and awesome pictures of some of the latest and greatest dog gear. Now, it’s not an actual store. It’s just a really awesome place to hang out if you’re looking to find something cool or interesting for your pet.

If you want to find the most stylish pet bed, the perfect pet portrait, or the best gourmet treats for your pooch, then Dog Milk is the place to go. Their sister site, Design Milk, is known for being on top of all that’s edgy in modern design. Think of Dog Milk as the must-see list of the coolest dog care products out there.

Plus, Dog Milk has been featured in Modern Dog Magazine and has two doggie advisors to back it up! Beans, a Boston Terrier, and Lulu, an American Bulldog, help run the show by providing expert advice to Jaime, the creator of the blog, so that you know you’re getting an expert perspective on what’s cool in doggie design.