Contest: Pets and Your Well-Being

You have to love the motto of the Best Friends Animal Society: “Our mission is to bring about a time when there are no more homeless pets.” Now that’s an idea everyone can support! And while this largest animal sanctuary in the United States is certainly worthy of donations of money and time, the organization’s publication, Best Friends magazine, is currently asking for something that is actually pretty easy for a lot of us: they want us to share just exactly what our dogs mean to us.

The editors of Best Friends magazine want you to tell them, in 35 words or less, “In what ways do you believe pets improve your overall sense of well-being?”

Send your answer and a photo (no cell phone images) to: editor@bestfriends.org

While we’re thinking of the Best Friends Animal Society, it’s worth mentioning that they do an amazing amount of work. For instance, there are currently close to 2000 animals in their sanctuary in northern Utah. They are also involved in special events and outreach programs to help animals in need around the country. It’s an amazing organization and you can see more information about it here.

Frankie’s Joyful Paws

I was so touched and inspired by the book trailer for Frankie, the Walk ’N Roll Dog that I had to learn more about the amazing canine that had so touched author Barbara Gail Techel’s life.

Techel has said that her passion is bringing a positive face and voice to animals with disabilities. After Frankie, Techel’s dachshund, suffered a spinal injury and was custom-fitted for a wheelchair, Barbara realized she had an opportunity to spread a positive message that animals with disabilities can and do live quality lives if given a chance. Techel’s award-winning Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog series of books are true, inspirational stories about her paralyzed dachshund. “Frankie teaches us that no matter our challenges, we can persevere with a positive attitude,” says Techel, “and despite our challenges we can each give back in our own, unique way.

You can read more about Techel and Frankie at Frankie’s blog.

The View from this New Year

In some ways, 2011 was a fantastic year. In one especially important one, I’m not sure I’ll ever quite recover. There were high points, though. Some of them especially memorable. I was, for instance, very proud of Party With Your Pooch back in September. This event was more than dog friendly: it was dog essential! With canapes and other refreshments for both our human and canine guests, everyone seemed to have a really good time. Notably, we raised money for SAINTS and 1ataTime rescue, all while enjoying ourselves immensely with our canine friends in tow.

We’ve been posting images from Party With Your Pooch as they’ve crossed our desks and though the event was months ago, new photos keep appearing in print. The ones included here, for instance, are from the most recent issue of Vancouver View. They did a great job highlighting the event (look at that paw on the page!) and I’m including them here because it’s such a delight both to see the photos and share them.

Here’s wishing you a strong and healthy 2012. May your treat jar never be empty and may all your ribbons be blue.