The Patrick Miracle. Postive thoughts and prayers for dog dumped down trash chute.

Although this began a sad, sad story, I'm bringing you today a story of hope and compassion. A story with the promise of a future. And hopefully, the story of a miracle. Perfect for this season of the year.

I don't want to dwell upon the heinous circumstances that brought Patrick to this point in life. Many of you have heard or read that the emaciated pit bull was dumped down the trash chute and left to die. I'm not going to include the most awful photographs here because when I see them, I feel like I might not stop crying, I can't even believe I'm looking at something so cruel. Here's what I do want to say:

* Thank you to the maintenance worker who found this dog on St. Patrick's day and saw to it that he got help.

* Thank you to the Sweet Avenue Bake Shop for raising funds to help Patrick.

* Thank you to the Garden State Veterinary Specialists who are taking such good care of Patrick. Check out their website to keep updated on Patrick's recovery.












* Patrick is a strong dog and has a great will to live. (Look at this picture now!)













* Here is where you can send care packages and get well cards.

* Here is where you can make a donation toward Patrick's care.

* Keep updated on the Facebook page The Patrick Miracle.

* Feel the love. Visit Patrick's page.

* Don't forget the positive thoughts and prayers for Patrick.

* Read more on Have Dog Blog will Travel.

Good news for BAD RAP

This is my friend Nikki's dog, Sonny. Don't you just love that smile? I think Sonny is the perfect spokesdog for this post about BAD RAP, the cause of the month for The Honest Kitchen.

Q: What is BAD RAP?
A: Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pitbulls. This group has been instrumental in the evaluation, rescue and rehabilitation of dogs in the Michael Vick case.

Q: What is The Honest Kitchen?
A: Makers of dehydrated, human grade whole foods for pets. The Honest Kitchen donates a percentage of online store profits to various causes.

Q: What can you do?
A: "Like" The Honest Kitchen's Facebook Page. They will double their donation to BAD RAP if they reach 40,000 Facebook fans this month.

Also, you could help share this link on FB or Twitter.
http://www.barkoutloudweekly.com/news/support-bad-rap

Q: Want to learn more about BAD RAP?
A: You can chat live with BAD RAP's Donna Reynolds and Tim Racer tonight March 14 at 9:15 pm EST on Bark Out Loud Weekly. Check out this important podcast "After Vick: What Have We Learned?"

In addition, Be the Change for Animals will kick off a $1000 Facebook ad campaign, drawing additional attention to this terrific cause.
Learn more on Kim Clune's blog, This One Wild Life!

Dieting with My Dog--My First Models

The book is written, the contract with a publisher signed, and the release date set (this August!) But my work isn't done. Now I am spending time on the promotional material needed to get the word out and let people know when Dieting with My Dog hits the shelves! One step is to create a video book trailer-- a teaser; to give you a flavor for the book. Just like a movie trailer, but for a book.

I'm keeping secret the exact details of the trailer, but I'll be so excited to share the finished product with you when it's ready! One thing I will tell you: for my video book trailer, I need a lot of different dogs. We just set out filming our first group of dogs, and they were amazing. You might even recognize one or two of them! I can't thank the participants enough, each dog is a superstar to me. Check them out! (above is foster dog Rockette.)
















Corbin















Maggie Mae
















Levi Mac















Emmett
















The moms with the kids.



















Me with the models. Thank you superstars!

Wednesday Pet Roundup

Hi and welcome to Wednesday pet roundup! Kelly and I hope all your holidays are wonderful!

* Aww, check out this story from Today.com. An Oregon pit bull saved a blind cocker spaniel from freezing to death. This story will warm your heart.

* From Mashable, 10 Crazy Gadgets for cats and dogs. I love the tennis ball flinger and bacon flavored bubbles blower!

*These pugs need your help. Eli needs an operation so he can walk, and Maxine needs a home for the holidays! Check out Homeward Bound Pug Rescue.

* From the UC Daily News, 10 reasons to use a pet stroller. I hope that people with pet strollers still let their dog get out, walk, and sniff around. Kelly loves to sniff! Maybe these are good if your dog can only walk a short distance, and you want to keep walking farther. Then you can let your dog take a ride for a while, then maybe get out again when she is ready.

* I'd love to hear from you today! How are you and your pet celebrating Christmas? Keeping away the stress? Keeping warm? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!