Pet Passions: Playing with other dogs, (especially young ones with lots of energy), going on walks, meeting new people, and getting to be up close and personal to the nearest human in the room.

Pet Peeves: Being ignored and owners who don’t provide heartworm prevention.

Breed: Boxer

Age (at time of photo session): 4 years

Story: This flashy brindle boxer was found as a stray in San Antonio, Texas which landed him in a small cell at the local shelter. [Read more →]

I just got a call from my good friend David, Clifford’s Daddy, today. He told me about the great article that Melissa Gaskill wrote about Clifford in the April issue of The Good Life magazine! I just had to post it below for Clifford’s Fan Club. Enjoy!

David DiTraglia lived an active life for years in Alaska, spending time outdoors, chopping wood, and raising St. Bernard dogs. Today, he is in a wheelchair, the result of inoperable scar tissue that formed following a broken neck. He lives alone in a small house just off the main road in Wimberley, with a garden and fish ponds out back. Well, he doesn’t really live alone. He shares the house, and his life, with Clifford, a shiny, black hundred-pound mostly-Labrador retriever. Clifford is more than good company, although he is certainly that. Clifford is a trained service dog from Texas Hearing and Service Dogs (512-891-9090).

[Read more →]

Pet Passions: Chasing birds and squirrels, long walks, snuggling anytime, any where, but preferably in someone’s lap, ANY lap!

Pet Peeves: Loud people, loud and high pitched noises and singing up close. She really doesn’t like it if someone tries to sing a Whitney Houston song to her, especially “I Will Always Love You”. It makes her a little crazy!

Breed: Dachshund Mix

Age (at time of photo session): 1.5 years

[Read more →]

Pet Passions: Water and tennis balls. Tennis balls and water! Oh, and of course rough housing with his much younger brother Morgan, and swimming every chance he can get!

Pet Peeves: When it’s raining and we can’t play outside.

Breed: Golden Retriever

Age (at time of photo session): 10 years

[Read more →]

Pet Passions: Wrestling and playing tug of ward with his brother Mac. Jumping, cuddling, and being held like a baby while watching dog videos on YouTube.

Pet Peeves: Going to bed when he’s not tired and having to get up when he wants to sleep in.

Breed: Dachshund (Tweenie)

Age (at time of photo session): 1.5 years

NOTE: Stay tuned for a very funny video of Tosh coming soon!

Story: Tosh found his new forever family with the help of Central Texas Dachshund Rescue

Even more about Tosh: Tosh (previously known as Captain) was our ninth foster dog. He was turned into the pound when he was approximately one year old, we’re not sure why because he’s the cutest, cuddliest little doxie. He has beautiful marking and red highlights on his ears.

We were very excited that we managed to train Tosh to ring the bell to go outside and do his business! We have some poochie bells hanging on the door, (why aren’t they called tinkle bells????) and he actually got the idea!

Pet Passions: He loves the basics: food, sleep, and affection. He’s an avid sailer (see photos below), loves long walks, car rides and networking at the Pug Meetups.

Pet Peeves: When the kitty bugs him while he’s trying to get some serious sack time. Doorbells make him crazy, as he is determined to protect his family even though he’s never quite sure which way to go.

Breed: Pug

Home Turf: Austin, Texas

Age (at time of photo session): 6 years

In Moses’s case, The wrinkles are the window to the soul.

Story: Moses loves everyone, period. He’s a very personable, social and incredibly handsome Chinese Pug. When he was two years old, he lost his eyes while playing with a larger dog. The dog didn’t mean to hurt Moses, but he sustained injuries that resulted in him having both eyes removed. Don’t feel sorry for him though, he’s had a great life and he’s a very happy boy. Directly after the accident, Moses fell into a deep depression as it was undoubtedly confusing for him to understand why he couldn’t see anymore, he might have even thought he was being punished. His family rallied around him and nursed him through his physical and spiritual healing process, and in no time his spirits lifted, and then soared. Today, Moses lives in the moment and doesn’t spend one minute of the day feeling sorry for himself or being upset that he has no eyes. He’s too busy making new friends, begging for treats and taking time to smell, and then tinkle on the roses. For the past four years he’s been lifting the spirits of everyone who comes in contact with him. Moses has a positive outlook on life that reminds us all to live in the moment. We love him!

EVEN MORE ABOUT MOSES…
[Read more →]

Pet Passions: Prancing along the hike and bike trail, sleeping on fluffy blankets, and pulling all the stuffing out of plush toys!

Pet Peeves: Baths, loud noises, and little kids who try to pick her up.

Breed: Toy Poodle

Age (at time of photo session): 4 years

Story: Mini is a very sweet 10 pound toy poodle. Yes, she appears to be a bit of a prissy little thing, but she didn’t always sport this fancy do. She recently had a makeover and seems to have settled into her new look quite naturally. (Check out Mini in her wilder days in the video and photos below.) Miss Mini moved to Austin from the land of sleet and snow and has been enjoying the mild winters here in Texas. She likes to take long walks around Lady Bird Lake, and loves the attention when little kids come up to her and pet her ever so gently. But if those little kids try to pick her up, Mini lets them no that’s not an option!

Mini might look frail, but she’s a very athletic little pooch. Check out “Mini’s Holiday Adventure” video (Xmas 2005) below where she wears a stylish winter outfit while romping in the snow!

EVEN MORE ABOUT MINI… [Read more →]

See larger image. (his greeting card)

Pet Passions: Chicken fajitas, brown rice/vegetable medley, squeaky toys and burying anything he can get his paws on!

Pet Peeves: Itchy skin and bad haircuts. (see front of card!)

Breed: Terrier and Koala Bear? (see photo in “even more about Gizzy” below)

Age (at the time of photo session): 14 years

Story on card: Gizmo is a … well, we don’t know what Gizmo is exactly, but we do know he’s a very handsome boy who loves the ladies! Gizmo, a.k.a. Gizzy, Mr. Moo and Grandpa, attributes his youthful appearance to staying active while living a low stress lifestyle. He still enjoys long walks and has a passion for squeaky toys, just as he did as a young pup. Gizzy, the Zen master, shares his home and lives in harmony with several kitties.

Although officially retired, this senior keeps his mind active as well. He goes to work almost every day at a very happening local Austin ad agency. He loves to be included in brain storming sessions and always has something to say. Mr. Gizmo is one Verysupercool dog!

EVEN MORE ABOUT GIZZY…

Where does Gizzy actually work? [Read more →]

See larger image. (his greeting card)

Pet Passions: Crawling deep under the covers in Mom and Dad’s bed and jumping around on his hind legs like he’s on a pogo stick!

Pet Peeves: When the squeaky part of the squeaky toy stops squeaking.

Breed: Italian Greyhound

Age (at the time of photo session): 3 years

Story: Sweet Joey was going to be put to sleep in a Wichita Falls shelter because he had a badly broken leg and nobody wanted to adopt him. Thanks to Italian Greyhound Club of America Rescue, Joey was rescued, given the medical care he needed and adopted into his loving family. Joey is a happy boy who has lots of energy and is often seen bouncing around on his hind legs like a kangaroo!

He plays in bursts, then takes power naps - he’s hysterical to watch! IG’s are very sweet creatures that make wonderful indoor companions.

Visit IGCA, www.italiangreyhound.org, for more information about Italian Greyhound Rescue and how you can help. We love Joey and think he’s Verysupercool!

EVEN MORE ABOUT JOEY… STILL TO COME…

Buy his greeting card!

See larger image. (his greeting card)

Pet Passions: Playing with his brother Karl, blankets, belly rubs and tickling sessions.

Pet Peeves: N/A. Does not compute!

Breed: Dachshund

Age (at the time of photo session): 1 year

Story: Alvin found his forever family through Central Texas Dachshund Rescue, a wonderful nonprofit organization that rescues, rehomes and rehabilitates doxies in need. He fell in love with his two new brothers, Homer and Karl, almost instantly. Alvin’s Mom says, “Alvin was the missing puzzle piece to our little happy dachshund family.

His personality has only two settings, cuddly and ecstatic.” They recently found out that Alvin, a.k.a. Vinny, Vinny-Vinny-Vino, or Fatty, is ticklish and loves being attacked by the “tickle monster”. He squeals with delight as he lays on his back and welcomes more attention. Be sure to visit www.ctdr.org for more info about these sweet little dogs. His Mom adds, “Alvin definitely was a rescue dog, he rescued all of us with his love and devotion.”

EVEN MORE ABOUT ALVIN…VIDEOS AND MORE STILL TO COME!

Buy his greeting card!

Pet Passions: Sleeping, especially when he’s sleeping on top of his sister, Salem

Pet Peeves: Sprinklers, gusts of wind, and being told no.

Breed: PugAge (at time of photo session): 14weeks

Story: (a work in progress…)Big or tall, fat or small, Pickles wil play with them all! Pickles is an adorable Pug puppy who loves to play, play, play and then crash, crash, crash! He can be found most days snoozing in a little cubby next to the cash register at Lofty Dog, a very cool downtown Austin dog boutique!

We had so much fun when Pickles came over for the photo session. He was a real natural in front of the camera. Probably one of the easiest puppies I’ve ever photographed! Not to mention being slightly cute. ; ) [Read more →]

Pet Passions: Running wild at the dog park, naps with mom, playing with Puma the kitty and jumping over everything she can.

Pet Peeves: Hot weather, getting wet, enclosed spaces, and getting up too early.

Breed: Siberian HuskyAge (at time of photo session): 1 year

Story: (a work in progress)Skyla is a very beautiful dog with exquisite markings, in addition to her natural eyeliner, she has a snow nose!* [Read more →]

Pet Peeves:

Pet Passions:

Breed: English Springer Spaniel

Age (at time of photo session):

Story: (a work in progress)I met Martini at a local “Yappy Hour” here in Austin at the Irie Bean Coffee Bar. When I met her, she was dressed in a very special pirate outfit. (It was one of many dog costume parties going on around Halloween.) One of Martini’s Moms told me that her mom was getting tired of waiting for grandchildren and decided to buy the Halloween outfit for Martini, her new grand child. They had just adopted her a few weeks earlier, so it was a fairly new relationship for everyone. [Read more →]

Pet Peeves:

Pet Passions:

Breed: Boxer

Age (at time of photo session): 10 years

Story: (a work in progress)I spotted Luke at the Sunset Valley’s Farmer’s Market one Saturday morning. He caught my eye because he was such a healthy, happy looking dog with such an old, old face. I knew that boxer’s usually don’t get very old, so when I found out that he was going on 12 years, I was very impressed. [Read more →]

See larger image. (his greeting card)

Pet Passions: Playing with his brother Pablo and his toy, “Big Mamma” (see video).

Pet Peeves: When his 6 lb little brother, Tico the chihuahua, won’t play with him (which is ALWAYS!)And when his parents make him get off the bed, he’s not allowed but continues to sneak up there.

Breed: Standard Poodle

Age (at the time of photo session): 5 months

Story: Mozart and his 7 litter mates were brought to PAWS of Austin (Protection for Animal Welfare Services) when they were just weeks old. The puppies had been rejected by their mother and were in need of special care and feeding.PAWS got the word out quickly and found wonderful new homes for all 8 puppies and the mother!

PAWS of Austin is a great non-profit animal rescue organization that provides refuge for strays and unwanted companion animals. Donations are always needed so please visit www.pawsofaustin.org to find out how you can help. Today Mozart, a.k.a. MoMo, is a whopping 70 pounds and a very happy boy. We think his curly locks are Verysupercool!

EVEN MORE ABOUT MOZART… Still to come!

Buy his greeting card!

See larger image. (her greeting card)

Pet Passions: Starting raucous wrestling matches with her three pack mates and whenever possible, being held like an infant.

Pet Peeves: When the other dogs want to sleep and I want to play.

Breed: Boston Terrier

Age (at the time of photo session): 16 weeks

Story: Rebound was adopted through Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch in Medina, Texas. She was part of a litter that nearly died from parvo but was saved by a loving vet at his own expense. She was part of a litter that nearly died from parvo but was saved by a loving vet at his own expense. Today she is healthy, happy and delightfully clumsy. She still sometimes gets her feet mixed up when she runs!Rebound got her name because her new Mom adopted her to help get through a very hard time and lengthy illness, “She’s done her job very well just being there, and by being a great listener.” She was just a puppy in this picture, and yes, those are her real ears! Note: There are many more good listeners available for adoption right now at www.utopiarescue.com.

EVEN MORE ABOUT REBOUND …

Who is Rebound’s Mommy? [Read more →]

See larger image. (his greeting card)

Pet Passions: Being helpful, meditation, anything involving water and more squeaky toys please!!!

Pet Peeves: Extra long board meetings. (He’s known for his long expressive sighs.)

Breed: Labrador Retriever

Age (at the time of photo session): 3 years

Story on card: Texas Hearing and Service Dogs adopted Clifford from the Town Lake Animal Center in Austin, Texas. He was smart and eager to please and they thought he just might make a great Service Dog. THSD is a wonderful non-profit organization that trains dogs and matches them with individuals with physical disabilities who need assistance with day to day activities. His new partner says, “Clifford teaches me every day how to live in the moment. I haven’t had him for that long, but I can already tell that he has made me stronger. He’s all business when we are out, but when we’re hanging at home, he’s just my goofy, silly dog.” To donate or sponsor a specific Service Dog in training, just visit www.servicedogs.org. We think that all Service Dogs are Verysupercool, but Clifford definitely takes the cake!

EVEN MORE ABOUT CLIFFORD…

[Read more →]

See larger image. (her greeting card)

Pet Passions: Giving kisses at the nursing home.

Pet Peeves: When her brothers steal the prime snuggle spot in bed.

Breed: Rottweiler

Age (at the time of photo session): 2 years

Story: When Cassidy was rescued she had a very bad leg Rottilove Rescue funded her leg amputation and Lap Dog Rescue took her in to convalesce. Her new forever family fell in love at first sight and quickly helped Cassidy find her true calling; working as a therapy dog for the elderly. She is certified through Therapy Dogs International and now visits Assisted Living Homes regularly.

Cassidy loves people and is a favorite among the residents. Her Mom says, “It’s amazing how she connects with the residents. Their faces light up when they see her coming.” Cassidy is Verysupercool, and we’re so glad she got a second chance. Visit www.rottilove.org and www.lapdogrescue.petfinder.org to see more sweet dogs available for adoption or contact your local Rottweiler rescue group to find out more about this loving breed.

EVEN MORE ABOUT HOP-A-LONG CASSIDY…

Cassidy was a sweet girl and a delight to photograph. She gets around and has created quite a name for herself. Cassidy was recently the feature story in the United States Rottweiler Club magazine! See her full story below along with a couple videos of Cassidy. One where she is running and one where she is pulling her four-legged brother across the living room floor!

CASSIDY’S STORY By Lala Roberts - Breed Specific Legislation Committee

When I received the call from LapDog Rescue asking if they should take in a young Rottweiler who had to have her right front leg amputated at the shoulder, I said, “You will have a hard if not an impossible time adopting her out. Unless you personally want another house dog, I would not put her through the agony of amputation. She will NEVER find a forever home.”Have you ever been wrong and had to eat your words, but enjoyed every mouth full? Well that is exactly how I felt about my conversation with Lisa Matson of LapDog Rescue. Some of you may remember Lisa as the one who helped with all the Katrina and Rita flood rescues. USRC members and their friends were very generous in donating funds for kennel runs, vet bills, dog food and gas for travel to pick up these poor Rottweilers so they could find a temporary safe haven with Lisa. It is good to know that the funds are still helping house Rotties in need with the extra kennel runs. It was November of 2005 when an animal shelter in Plano, Texas sent out a post that they had a brother and sister Rottweiler needing to go to a Rescue League. The pups were around 5 to 6 months old and the female had a bad front leg.Another Rottweiler Rescue League picked up the two pups from the Plano Shelter and discovered that the female’s front leg was indeed bad, very bad. It was bent inward at the knee in an L-shaped turn and fused that way. She could not use it. Off to the vet’s and the future for this little girl was the misfortune of only having three legs. Her brother found a new loving home very quickly, while she went on to the animal hospital.

December 16, 2005 Sassy (Cassidy’s previous name) found a benefactor to handle the cost and she had her right leg removed at the shoulder. She did very well during recovery at a foster home and went to LapDog Rescue with Lisa in January, 2006.

Lisa promptly fell in love with her and tried to spend as much time with her as possible but when you have 5 to 50 rescues to tend to at any given time, individual needs are at a premium. Lisa listed her for adoption by putting out the word with her picture and bio on the internet while showing her off to everyone that came looking for a new family member. Not one person glanced at Sassy. She was very sweet and offered affection, but no one would even come and pet her. They walked right past her kennel run. Lisa was heartbroken. Days, weeks and months went by and no family for Sassy.May 15, 2006. Becky, from Austin, Texas was on the internet looking for a rescued Rottweiler for her friend who no longer had one in his life. Becky and her husband Chris have a male named Roddy but they had lost their 12 year old female Rottie the year before. They were not looking for another at this time because her death was still very sorrowful. Becky was searching the different rescue sites and came upon LapDog Rescue and up popped Sassy’s picture. Becky’s heart opened up as soon as she saw her face and fell in love. Then when she read about her adversity, she knew this was her girl. Becky talked with Lisa, filled out the adoption application and made an appointment to meet Sassy on the 20th.May 20, 2006. The first time Becky and Chris laid eyes on Sassy, she was running down the driveway with Lisa. What a site, ears flying in the wind and running full speed on three legs! After an introduction to their male Roddy, who was not impressed with another dog coming into his home but being the sweet boy he is, welcomed Sassy. She had finally found another brother and a loving family. Sassy was on her way ‘home’.Lisa called to tell me the great news. Lisa and I were so happy that I didn’t even need salt to eat my words! Thank goodness Lisa did not listen to my original advice. When the new family returned home, Becky began taking Sassy on walks around the area. Walking was harder for her than running and she sort of had to hop. “Come on Hopalong Cassidy”, Becky would say. The new name Cassidy was born. She still is a Sassy Cassidy though. After meeting her new vet and having more x-rays, it was discovered that her remaining front leg had a fracture as well as a fracture in her pelvic area. It was a reasonable guess that she had been hit by a car resulting in her mangled, now amputated leg. The vet said that she should not go down any stairs, but going up was fine.The problem with that order is that there are 150 steps to get down to the water from Cassidy’s new home. Well if there is a will, there is a way. Chris just carried her down to the water and the land below.Roddy loved to swim and retrieve things thrown in for him, but Cassidy wouldn’t go near the water. She was never forced to go in, but watching Roddy have so much fun was getting to her. She finally got her three feet wet and happily played in the wet stuff on the banks. She kept watching him go out further and she was getting frustrated to say the least. She couldn’t figure out how to get to him. She tried a few times but having only one leg in the front made it a bit hard to swim and she kept falling over. So she would just run as far as she could in the water. Then one day it happened, she was barking at him to come back and she just started swimming. She was so intense on getting the stick from him, that she just started swimming!

Now you cannot keep her out of the water and swimming after the ducks is a favorite game.Cassidy is a very smart girl and she catches on to things very quickly. Roddy was chosen to be in a movie so Becky was trying to teach him to bark on command. Roddy thought Becky was crazy but Cassidy was watching and she said ”WOOF” and looked for her treat. Very food motivated! She woofed every single time the hand signal was given.September 16, 2006. AKC Responsible Pet Owners Day. Becky decided to try the Canine Good Citizens test with Cassidy. She didn’t think her little tripod would pass but it would be fun. Remember that Cassidy is a very smart little girl. She did everything exactly right. The girl was wonderful. When she passed the test the crowd started cheering and Cassidy loved the applause so much that she had to go up and lick a person, showing that she was not only talented but sweet.That same day, Cassidy went through the agility course. It was just a fun run but again everyone started cheering when she finished. Up the A-frame, through the tunnel, over the 12 inch wide teeter and over the jump! Nothing fazed her. That’s called attitude! Things that she had never seen before - she just attempted and kept on trying until she made it. That’s called heart!

Roddy and Becky took pet therapy classes so he could go into ‘Assisted Living Homes’. Since Cassidy was a bit energetic Becky didn’t even think about her doing therapy work. After Roddy graduated the therapy class, they started going to one home on a regular basis. Poor Cassidy didn’t get to go. Roddy was off to do filming for a movie and the regular visiting day was nearing. Becky received permission to bring Cassidy to the home as a stand in for Roddy. Everyone fell in love with her. One lady said, “Look at her face, her eyes, she can read you.” To see her with the people is a delight. She was never afraid of any of the equipment, the wheelchairs, carts, walkers, etc.., nothing bothered her. She was in her element. There is only one thing she likes and loves as much as food – affection. So her ‘mission’ was found.

Besides greeting and kissing everyone in the home, Cassidy does a trick that is a favorite among the residents. Becky will ask her to sit and then throw treats all around her while saying ‘leave it’. Again, cheers from the audience and Cassidy basking in the glory as she waits to retrieve her treats.January 27, 2007. Both Roddy and Cassidy have been tested and passed by Therapy Dog International. With this certification Becky can now take them to more assisted living homes and even visit hospitals, etc.Cassidy and Roddy are both getting into programs designed to help kids that have trouble reading. This is a program where the children read to the dogs. Cassidy also does tracking, luring and air scenting. No, she hasn’t been on the Schutzhund field yet. But hey, she just turned two.

Cassidy has no limits and it will not surprise anyone what she will be able to accomplish in the future.No one knows Cassidy’s background, she is a Rescued Rottweiler. There are many more Rotties out there that need a second chance. With the onset of so much Breed Specific Legislation many more Rottweilers are winding up in shelters and rescue. LapDog Rescue has a four year old female that had a fracture in her pelvic area and has been in rescue over a year. She desperately needs a loving home. Her name is Sweet Pea. Who knows, she may be the one to help little Johnny learn to read. You can see Sweet Pea or make a donation at www.lapdogrescue.petfinder.org .Cassidy and her family have been invited to attend the Heartland Rottweiler Klub’s South Central Regional Sieger Show and Regional Schutzhund Championship in November. You all are also invited to come to Dallas and meet this amazing Rottweiler.

Editor’s Note:Thank you Lala for this story. Breed Specific Legislation affects us all and is in everyone’s back yard. When BSL slips through in a community, it has the impact of not being able to own a Rottweiler in that community. Your USRC BSL Committee is Lala Roberts, Chrissie Kovacs, Alex Wisienski & Andreas Mueller. bsl@usrconline.org

Buy her greeting card!

Pet Peeves:

Pet Passions:

Breed: Pit Bull mix, rescue

Bonnie’s Mom is part owner of a very cool dog store in Austin called “Just for Pets“. What a lucky dog who gets to go to work and hang out in a doggy boutique that has lots of scrumptious, organic treats! [Read more →]

See larger image. (her greeting card)

Pet Passions: Cuddling up for an afternoon nap with her senior doxie pals and chewing nylabones.

Pet Peeves: When all the fuzzy blankets are taken!

Breed: Dachshund (tweenie)

Age (at the time of photo session): 14 years

Story: Hazel, a.k.a. Miss Hazelnutt, was found in a vacant lot and taken to Town Lake Animal Center in Austin, Texas, when she was 12 years old. She had serious medical conditions so Central Texas Dachshund Rescue took her into their Hospice program to make sure she would get the love and comfort she needed for her last few weeks. Run solely by volunteers, CTDR rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes dachshunds in need. Visit www.ctdr.com to find out how you can help. Hazel had several tumors removed and went through heartworm treatment. It’s amazing what a little medical care and a lot of love can do…two weeks of hospice has turned into over two years of steady tail wagging fun! Give your dogs a special kiss on the snout in honor of Miss Hazelnutt, the miracle dog!

EVEN MORE ABOUT HAZEL … still to come

Buy her greeting card!