Momathon Blog

Congrats Class of 2012!

 

 

You can find more quote and sayings artwork here.

Image above by me, Chris Olson.

Keep Your Dog Safe with Pet Poison Help App

Dogs and cats are naturally curious. And sometimes pets—especially puppies—eat things that look harmless, but are toxic. The Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control center based in Minneapolis, MN, answers over 100,000 calls a year regarding pet poisonings.

That's why they created the Pet Poison Help app for the iPhone to assist pet owners or veterinarians in quickly identifying potential poisons, recognizing symptoms of a potential poisoning, and to allow one-touch direct dialing access to the veterinary professionals at Pet Poison Helpline.

This app will gives you information to guide you in treatment of a potential poisoning. That said, the amount of toxin ingested, along with the time since ingestion, overall health, age, species, and breed of your pet may affect the severity or outcome of any toxic exposure. When in doubt about pet poisoning, please contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline for immediate, life-saving advice.

Prevention of poisoning
The app is also a great tool in prevention of poisoning. Dogs love to dig in the garden when you aren't looking. I used this app to select pet safe flowers for my garden. It is always tempting to share people food with your pets, but this is not a good idea unless you know the food is safe for dogs or cats. Use this app to understand which people foods are not safe for pets.

App details
According to their website, Pet Poison Help app will provide you with:

* Life-saving access to poison information with one-touch direct dialing to Pet Poison Helpline.

* A searchable database of over 250 poisonous plants, foods, medications and household items, all with pictures.

* Descriptions of how specific poisons affect your pet, their alternate common names, and symptoms to watch for.

* Instructions on what to do if your dog or cat is exposed to a dangerous substance.

Dog photo above by MythicSeabass photography. App photos by the app Pet Poison Help.

Use Instagram to Help Shelter Dogs Find Homes

Your Instagram photos can help shelter dogs

If you like to take photos, grab your iPhone and stop by your local animal shelter. Snap some cute pics of the adoptable dogs with Instagram. Then post them on Facebook and Twitter and Pinterest with a link to the animal shelter. If you can, please include a search-able hashtag with the breed of dog (eg., #lab or #dachshund) and then also add a hashtag with #adopt_dogs.

The adorable Chihuahua mix featured above is Benny. He is a happy little guy who deserves to have his very own fan club. He is neutered, up-to-date on his shots & micro chipped. Are you Benny's new cheerleader? You can find him at Pals Forever Animal Rescue with details about him here Benny: Petfinder Adoptable Dog.

Thank you for helping improve the lives of homeless dogs. xo Chris

Image of Benny me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with Nashville Filter (#Nashville)

 

You can find other posts in this Guide to Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

Day 11: Brannan Filter

Day 12: Inkwell Filter

Day 13: Walden Filter

Day 14: Hefe Filter

Go Outside! The National Day of Unplugging Begins at Sundown

If you are like me, then you probably will have a hard time "unplugging" and living offline for 24 hours. The National Day of Unplugging runs from sundown today, Friday, March 23, to sundown, Saturday, March 24. It's a day to recharge without technology. Instead of connecting on Facebook, pinning or tweeting, we are challenged to connect with each other off screen. Here is how it all started according to the National Day of Unplugging Pledge on causes.com:

With roots in Jewish tradition, this modern day of rest was developed by Reboot as a way to bring some balance to our increasingly fast-paced way of life and reclaim time to connect with family, friends, the community and ourselves. Shut down your computer. Turn off your cell phone. Stop the constant emailing, texting, Tweeting and Facebooking to take time to notice the world around you. Connect with loved ones. Nurture your health. Get outside. Find silence. Avoid commerce. Give back. Eat Together. 

Ironically to find out more about the annual tech detox day you will have to go online... You can check out the National Day of Unplugging  pledge or go to National Day of Unplugging 2012 « Sabbath Manifesto or like the day on Facebook.

Here is my compromise. I know I can't go cold turkey and avoid all tech. Instead join me and spend more time outside—with friends. And why not. It's the first weekend of spring. That's a good enough reason to leave my laptop and iPad behind and enjoy the beautiful world outdoors.

That's me in the photo above enjoying a walk with one of my favorite four-legged friends. So go soak up some Vitamin D outdoors. Find a friend and take a walk. Enjoy!

Image above by me, Chris Olson. 

Wordless Wednesday: Go Outside and Play!

The middle of the week can seem like the slowest day possible. That's when my dogs remind me to go outside and play. So if you can, be sure to grab some vitamin D outdoors!

(Image by me, Chris Olson.)

Shelter dog of the week: Dakota

Dakota is a shelter dog who has made amazing progress since he was rescued and given the much needed medical attention to help him recover from his severely malnourished and near starvation condition. Thanks to the extra TLC he receives in the animal rescue group's foster care, I expect him to make a full recovery.

If you like to hike or take long walks, then Dakota is the hiking pal for you. He is a friendly and smart lab/husky mix. He is learning new obedience commands very quickly and he loves to show off his new skills! He needs a family willing to spend some more time training him. He will definitely be the star of the obedience class! You can find out more about adopting Dakota at the website Pals Forever Animal Rescue. You can follow his progress and send him a message on the Pals Forever Animal Rescue on Facebook page.

Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake (and Hug a Puppy)

Hello Friends! Hope you are having a lovely weekend. Remember to keep a happy thought in your heart.

Photos/Images by me, Chris Olson.

Breakfast club

 

My morning cuppa joe wouldn't be the same without my friends.

Photos by me, Chris Olson.

Brrr! It's cold outside

 

Time to  build a nest or play outdoors?

 

Photos by me, Chris Olson.

Polka dots, flowers, and best friends

 

Hope you are having a lovely weekend. I'm thinking about sweet things as I plan some projects for the next week. Happy things like polka dots, a dog sitting at my feet and a pink bouquet always get my artistic juices flowing. What about you. What is your muse?

(Art by me, Chris Olson)

DIY: Knit Your Own Dog

Combine a love of knitting and dogs and who can resist this craft book: Knit Your Own Dog. Authors Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne transform yarn into pedigree pooches in 25 easy-to-follow knitting patterns.

Here are just a few of the 25 dogs included: Afghan Hound, Dachshund, Jack Russell, Portuguese Water Hound (Hello, Bo Obama), Pug, Corgi, and Lab.

Perfect for dog lovers, this user-friendly craft book also includes sections on knitting hints and methods. Thanks to the editors at the Guardian.co.uk, the link to the pattern for the Jack Russell Terrier is here.

You can find the book here:

• Amazon.com: Knit Your Own Dog
• BARNES & NOBLE: Knit Your Own Dog
• Best in Show: Knit Your Own Dog
• Guardian bookshop: Knit Your Own Dog

Photos: Knit Your Own Dog.

Shelter Dog of the Week: Oscar

 

Oscar is a friendly lab mix who was abandoned in a snowy National Forest for over 3 weeks with no food or shelter. I wish he could talk because he has quite a story to tell. He was rescued by a no-kill animal shelter in Colorado.

He needs lots of TLC and who can resist giving this sweet guy that? He loves riding in cars and and eager to please. He is obviously extremely smart since he figured out how to survive so long in freezing temps with no food or water.

For more information on helping him find a forever home:

• Oscar is at this Colorado shelter: Pals Forever Animal Rescue 

email: info@palsforever.org

phone: 719 528-6590

• Oscar's profile is listed on the national shelter dog registry: Petfinder
• Oscar's Instagram photo link: http://instagr.am/p/eZ39n/

Fellow bloggers and tweeters and friends on Facebook: Please spread the word about Oscar to help him find a home. Thank you for reading about Oscar.

Here's a sample tweet or Facebook post you could use that includes the link to Oscar's story and a Instagram photo: 

Homeless lab Oscar rescued after surviving 3 weeks in snowy national forest. His story: http://bit.ly/xvG9iJ,  http://instagr.am/p/eZ39n/

xoxo

Chris

http://instagr.am/p/eZ39n/

 

Cleaning out my closet

 

New Year's Eve requires finding the perfect outfit. I have been cleaning out the closets and found this one for my Yorkie. The other two pups ran from the room before I could find something glam for them.

(Instagram photo by me, Chris Olson)

5 Pet Safety Tips During the Holiday

From my home to yours: Merry Christmas, Friends! Hope you are enjoying time together with family and friends this holiday.

Seems like I write a great deal about fun things for people during the holidays. Here's a message from my dogs they want you to hear:

4 tips to keep your dogs and other pets safe during the holidays:

1) Provide safe pet toys to chew so they don't chew on holiday decor, etc.
My dogs love having everyone home at Christmas, but they also end up finding lots of not so good things to chew on. Dogs love to chew. On almost anything. Toys (and decorations) that are not designed for dogs are not safe play toys for pets. Small parts--even the squeaky part inside a toy--can spell trouble if your pup chews up the toy and swallows the choking hazard. Instead give your dog indestructible toys like a Kong filled with dog treats. 

2) Supervise your pet around the Christmas tree.
Christmas trees are SO interesting! But keep your dog and cat away from the tree decorations, cords, AND the tree water. Some tree water preservative mixtures may contain fertilizers, and stagnant tree water can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Pine needles when ingested can damage and even puncture the intestine. Vacuum up the needles daily to help keep pets safe. One tip to keep pets away from the tree area from PawRescue Org include: 

• Place sticky mats on or around the tree area
• Put some pennies in empty plastic drink bottles (screw the cap on tight) and balance the bottles on the bottom branches of the holiday tree or plant so that they will noisily tip over if a cat or other pet jumps at or on the tree.

Make a Difference: How you can protect dogs from puppy mill abuse

 

I am writing to you today because I want to give a voice to the thousands of dogs who can't speak for themselves and suffer inhumane treatment in puppy mills each and every day. Sadly, even if you or I witness inhumane conditions at a puppy mill, we could do nothing to stop the cruel treatment unless the current laws change. That's why I am writing this blog post to show you how you can help pass a new law to make the cruel treatment at puppy mills end! Showing your support for these dogs takes less than a minute in just two steps (details below). 

 What's a puppy mill? Close your eyes and picture hundreds and hundreds of dogs kept in small cages at each breeder facility--I think a better word these places are torture chambers. The more dogs each puppy mill can cram into cages, the more money they make selling puppies to pet stores and on the Internet. Hundreds of breeder females accross the United States NEVER leave their cage. Their paws suffer from cuts that won't heal because they walk only on wire cage floors. These females are bred so often and so many times they end up being "discarded" when they don't produce fast enough. (Discarded females are treated like livestock and rarely get a second chance unless they are rescued by an animal rescue group.) The puppies are crammed into the filthy cages that are so crowded they can end up sleeping on top of each other--and on top of their own excrement . And the puppies live 24/7 in these cages without any chance to walk or have social interaction with people. 

This inhumane treatment of dogs does not have to continue! Best Friends Animal Society and thousands of animal lovers across the nation are working to protect animals by showing their support of a new PUPS Bill (H.R. 835: Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act). This bill will crack down on the puppy mill offenders who because of a loophole currently operate without any oversight or regulation to protect the pets they sell.

Good news!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>•<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Lamar Update:

Lamar, the shelter dog with a goofy grin,
was adopted on 10/15/11.

He is so happy with his new family.

Thanks to everyone for sending good wishes for Lamar.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>•<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

 

Shelter Dog of the Week: Lamar

A few weeks ago I wrote a post about all the awesome dogs that often get overlooked at shelters because they are a less "popular" breed or have dark fur. Sadly, black dogs and dogs with unusual features often take weeks longer to get noticed and adopted in a shelter. 

Just a day before Lamar was to be euthanized, Pals Forever Animal Rescue rescued the well-behaved black terrier grinning in the picture above because he is now safe and waiting to be adopted.

Although he has the best personality, many people look at his crazy grin and walk away. I wish someone would give him a second chance. He has been at an animal shelter in Colorado waiting for a forever home for months and months. He is super sweet. He loves to cuddle. He has loads of energy – the perfect walking and hiking companion. He loves other dogs, but he does not get along with some cats. He is neutered, micro-chipped and up to date on his shots. Do you have room in your heart for our sweetest friend, Lamar? You can find out how to adopt him here.

Lamar FAQ:

• Breed: Patterdale Terrier (Fell Terrier) 
• Spayed/Neutered
• Up-to-date with routine shots
• House trained
• Prefers a home without: cats 
• Coat length: Short
• Age: Approximately 5-6 in very good health, very energetic

If you know of someone looking to adopt a very smart and sweet dog, spread the word about Lamar.

I am a volunteer pet adoption counselor and I know from personal experience that Lamar has a sweet personality that will melt your heart.
 
Sending special mommy hugs to all who share Lamar's story. xoxo

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>•<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

UPDATE:

Lamar was adopted on 10/15/11.

He is so happy with his new family.

Thanks to everyone for sending good wishes for Lamar.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>•<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

My daily doodle: Four cats

 

Cats are kindly masters,
just so long as you remember your place.

~ Paul Gray

(Cat illustrations by me, Chris Olson)

Watercolor Wednesday: Doxie Moxie

 

Happy Wednesday!

Watercolor art by me, Chris Olson.

Improving lives one puppy at a time

 

 

Changing lives one puppy at a time, Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.

Pet Safety: Some foods YOU love can be toxic to your pets

It's hard to resist giving your pooch a snack from the dinner table. Unfortunately some foods that people love--even foods that are healthy for you--can harm or kill your pet. Something as common as guacamole dip is toxic to dogs because it contains a substance called persin according to WebMD.

We know chocolate is bad for Fido, but did you know that meatloaf with onions is very harmful because of the onions? When my Rhodesian Ridgeback got pancreatitis after eating the turkey meat with the fatty skin on it, I found out how quickly a healthy dog can become gravely ill.

For a detailed look at poisonous foods and items for pets, check out ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets

People foods you should NOT feed your pets according to the ASPCA:

• Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Avocado/Guacamole (the plant, fruit, bark)
• Macadamia Nuts
• Grapes & Raisins
• Yeast Dough
• Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones 
• Xylitol (food and drink sweetener in gum, candy, toothpaste, etc.)
• Onions, Garlic, Chives
• Milk
• Salt

If you suspect your pet has eaten any of the following foods, please note the amount ingested and contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

If you suspect your pet has consumed a toxic substance
Seek emergency assistance immediately–do NOT wait for your pet to show symptoms of poisoning because the symptoms of poisoning may not appear for several hours or days after the incident.

If you think your pet has consumed a toxic substance, do not hesitate to seek emergency assistance, even if you do not notice any adverse effects. Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Symptoms
According to WebMD–10 Dog Poisons: Plants, Foods, Medicines, and More:

Depending on how a particular substance affects your dog’s body and how much was ingested or inhaled, pet poisoning symptoms can include gastrointestinal and neurological problems, cardiac and respiratory distress, coma, and even death.

Here are are just a few of the signs of poisoning:

• Muscle tremors or seizures, muscle weakness
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Drooling
• Redness of skin, ears, and eyes
• Swelling and bleeding
• Overheating
• Breathing problems
• Coma
• Note: Symptoms may appear hours or days later.

For more information on items that are toxic to pets, check out

• ASPCA | Animal Poison Control FAQ
• ASPCA | Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2010
• ASPCA | Top 10 Human Medications That Poison Our Pets
• ASPCA | 17 Poisonous Plants
• ASPCA | Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants --This link includes helpful photos to identify plants

Dog Photo: Missy, the sweet lab in the photo above, is up for adoption. She has a friendly personality and survived a tough situation before being rescued by an animal rescue group. For more information on adopting her, check her out at this Petfinder Adoptable Dog link. (Photo by me, Chris Olson)

Daily Doodle: Pug and spider

The itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout.

Down came the rain, and washed the spider out.

Up came the sun, and dried up all the rain,

and the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again.

 

Illustration of the pug and spider by me, Chris Olson. You can see more of my doodles at Momathon doodles. 

 

 

 

 

 

Daily doodle: Pugs do not like windy days

Doodle by me, Chris Olson. (You can see more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.)

Daily doodle: for Kira

 

 

 

Doodle by me, Chris Olson. (You can see more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.)

Does my dog really need a doggy high chair?

I know the dog is a part of the family, but does Fido really need a high chair? My three dogs eat on the floor! Now I am feeling kinda guilty. Dogs eat together with their pack in the wild, so it is only logical that a dog would love a high chair... Or, would he?

Watch the clever YouTube clip below and you decide.

 

Before you rush over to IKEA, consider the timing of this new doggy product.

The The Sydney Morning Herald in Australia caught more than a few dog lovers off guard when they reported that IKEA had come out with a high chair for dogs, called the Hundstol.

Bone Appetite & Happy April Fools' Day!

 

Daily doodle: A silky terrier and his favorite bone

The dog in the art above is my little silky terrier. He loves to carry around bones--the bigger the better. He is so small that when you look down on him most of his body disappears beneath his head :)

Doodle by me, Chris Olson. (You can see more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.)

 

 

The best Valentine you’ll ever get is waiting for you at a local animal shelter

A dog's mission is a simple one: I'll be your Valentine every day of the year.  

Once in a while, right in the middle of just another ordinary day, love brings you something extraordinary--a soul mate. In fact, you just might discover your forever love at an animal shelter near you.

 

Looking to adopt a dog or cat? Check out these links:

• Find a Shelter - ASPCA
• ASPCA®’s Meet Your Match®
• Choosing the Right Dog For You : The Humane Society of the United States
• Pets available for adoption, browse by animal - Petfinder
• Dog breeds available for adoption on Petfinder

 

Featured Valentine:

Two-year-old Oakley pictured above is  a Border Collie/Aussie mix who loves kids, adults and other dogs. He knows many obedience commands. Because at his former home he was left outside on a chain all the time he  will need some help with separation anxiety. You can find out more about him and other rescue dogs at PalsForever.org.

 

 

Valentine doodle: Love actually is all around

"If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion... love actually is all around." 

~ The Prime Minister, the movie Love Actually

 

You can see more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2011.

Valentine doodles: Puppy love

“I don't wish to be everything to everyone,

but I would like to be something to someone.” 

~ Javan

You can see more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2011.

Your big adventure in 2011 begins today

Happy New Year!

 

You can see more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.
Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.

Daily doodle: The hardest part of moving forward...

You can see more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.
Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.

Dreaming of a puppy Christmas...

Bringing a new dog or cat home on Christmas may seem like a great idea, but new pets need lots of extra TLC when you first bring them home. Holiday festivities can make helping a new pet adjust very difficult. Instead, consider making your own "pet adoption gift card" that promises your children you will go to a local shelter after the holidays and pick out the perfect pet to adopt.

If you already have a dog or cat, don't forget to pet-proof your house during the holidays. Holiday decorations and food and even new holiday toys are very tempting chew toys for pets just like they are for children. And we tend to put the holiday items in places dogs and other pets can reach easily. We might remember to baby-proof our house if we have young children, but we also can use the same concept for pet-proofing the house for the holidays. For tips on how to make your dog and cat safe, check out these holiday safety tips for pets.

Photo: Chris Olson © 2010

Daily doodle: No rules

"There are no rules here.

We are trying to accomplish something."

~ Thomas Edison

 

Check out more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.
Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.

 

Daily doodle: Puppy love

 "And they called it puppy love."

~ Paul Anka

 

Check out more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.

The great Pup-kin

"On Halloween night, the Great Pumpkin rises from his pumpkin patch and flies through the air with his bag of toys to all the children." --Linus

 

Check out more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.

Daily doodle: time for dinner

"The belly rules the mind."  
~Spanish Proverb

Check out more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.
Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.

Good things do happen: An awesome mom gets a second chance

This post is dedicated to one of the most amazing moms I've met. Her name is Miya. She beat the toughest odds and saved her abandoned young family too. We probably will never know how she did all of this because Miya can't talk. She is a two-year-old German Shepherd with a heart of gold.

Every other weekend I work at adoption fairs for a local animal rescue. I am honored to introduce some awesome dogs to prospective new adoptive families. It's both a rewarding and challenging job. Some dogs take several weeks--even months--to find new homes. At the animal rescue we never give up on them. And I think these precious souls realize this.

One of the more remarkable dogs I have been fortunate to know is Miya the German Shepherd. This week she finally found a  forever home too. She is the sweetest dog despite the tough life she has had. She came to the animal rescue after she was discovered abandoned in a garage with her young puppies and her mate. Somehow they survived in the garage alone for over a week in the hot summer heat.

Why someone would abandon a dog and her pups is unimagineable. How all of the dogs managed to survive is due to Miya's awesome maternal instincts and a miracle. I'm happy to say all of her puppies and her mate have been adopted.

If Miya could talk, I know she would tell you to give your dogs and cats and hamsters a hug each and every day.

I'm sending out MOMMY HUGS and a big THANK YOU to all of you who adopt shelter dogs. 

 

Daily doodle: purple pooch

Why are dogs so amazing?

Love, loyalty, forever friendship, true devotion,
and a trusting heart.

For more doodles by me, check out My Daily Doodles.

Doodle: Chris Olson © 2010.

Enjoy a latte with your favorite dog breed

I saw these adorable 3D coffee mugs you can customize with over 120 dog breeds in the most recent O, The Oprah Magazine. Half mug and half sculpture--my favorite part of each mug is the sweet face of a dog popping out to say "hello." The hand crafted ceramic mugs are available for $39.95 each at BlueWitchCeramics.com.

Check out my other posts about dogs and cats.

Daily doodle: cat on my head

Adopting a cat who was not afraid of heights seemed like a good idea...

For more doodles by me, check out Momathon's daily doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.

Shelter dog of the week: Romo [UPDATED]

 

Romo is a 5-month-old German Shepherd mix with lots of personality. He wants to play, play, play. He would make the perfect addition to an active family. He has survived a very tough life as an abandoned puppy. Now is ready to find a forever home. 

Adoption information is available at the Petfinder adoption link for Romo. He is living in a shelter in Colorado.

 

 

 

BLOG UPDATE:

Great news. Romo was adopted. Thanks for all or your support. His sister, Molly is still looking for a home. 

BLOG UPDATE:

Great news! Romo was adopted. A BIG thank you to everyone for spreading the word and for your support. Sending special Mommy Hugs to all!

His sister Molly was also left in the same abandoned home for a week before being rescued. She is still looking for a forever home. See photo below.

 

Molly's adoption information.

 

Daily doodle: small brown dog

I believe dogs smile and this pup's smile melts my heart. She looks like the perfect family pet :)

For more doodles by me, click on Momathon's daily doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010

A dog is a loyal friend forever

As you know, I am a dog lover. I'm also passionate about adopting shelter dogs. If you are interested in finding a special forever friend, go to your local Humane Society or other animal shelter. I'm sure you will meet a brand new best friend.

For more pet-friendly posts, click on Momathon dogs and cats.

Shelter dog of the week: Miya

 

 

Miya is a super friendly dog despite the fact she has had a hard life. She is only 2 years old. She would be a wonderful addition to any family. Miya is a shepherd, an active breed, and she needs regular exercise. Miya is smart and has already learned a few tricks at her shelter, but she needs more training. Miya is up-to-date with routine shots and is spayed. She is living at an amazing animal rescue in Colorado. For more information on adopting her, click on this link.

The fact she allowed me to dress her up with an octopus toy for this photo says a great deal about her friendly personality. If a dog can have a good sense of humor, then Miya has it!

As you know, I am an animal lover. For more pet-friendly posts, click on Momathon dogs and cats.

Daily doodle: little red dog

I grew up with two dachshunds in my family. Both of them could zig and zag through an obstacle course of living room furniture as fast as a bunny rabbit weaves between the trees. For more doodles by me, click on Momathon doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010

Daily doodle: Small dog with big bone

Dogs have always been important members of my family. If only I could get them to put their toys away.For more doodles by me, click on Momathon doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010

Daily doodle: dog with a purse

For more doodles by me, click on Momathon doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010

Daily doodle: dog and a bouquet

My dogs never bring me flowers, except for the flower petals stuck on their noses. For more doodles by me, click on Momathon doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson c 2010

Daily Doodle: Dogs in the city

 

Had a wonderful time in NYC attending BlogHer 10. Saw so many adorable dogs in the city! Whenever I travel, I miss my puppies at home. This doodle of Frenchies was inspired by the many cute pups I met in NYC. Doodle created on my iPad. 

Illustration © Chris Olson.

Eight tips to prevent lyme disease

 

 

Eight tips

1. Avoid wooded brushy areas with high grass and lots of leaf "litter" because ticks love this habitat. If possible, avoid sitting on the ground in these areas. 
2. Make it easier to spot the tiny bugs on clothing: When outdoors in grassy or wooded areas wear light colored clothing to help you see ticks. 
3. Create a tick barrier: Tuck pants into socks or boots when walking in deer tick areas. 
4. Keep long hair pulled back or in a hat to prevent tick attachment when sitting on the ground. 
5. Deer tick repellant for clothing should include Permethrin. 
6. If you apply repellant to the skin it should contain DEET. Don't apply DEET to the face. Read the directions carefully. Also talk to your doctor about the health precautions for repellants and children. (The CDC recommends adults using repellants with 20-30% DEET on exposed skin to prevent bites.) 
7. Daily Tick Checks: At the end of the deer have someone do a tick check. The tick must be attached for at least 24-48 hours to transmit the bacteria. 
8. Check your pets too: Check your pets for ticks each day. (There is a vaccine for pets to prevent Lyme disease, but it won't stop the ticks from hitching a ride on your pet and entering your house.) There are some topical topical repellants available for pets. 

For tips on how to remove a deer tick go to this lyme disease link.

Photo above of an adult female deer tick by Dendroica cerulea.