For those of you who missed the blizzard - Amazing time lapse video

I know there are some of you who are "lucky" enough not to have seen this first hand - and seeing it on the news is just NOT the same thing.

Well, watch this video - it is amazing to see how the snow really piles up fast. Taken over a period of 20 hours in Belmar, New Jersey - the snow totaled 32 inches!!  Click to start -

Thanks to Mike Black Photography



December 2010 Blizzard Timelapse from Michael Black on Vimeo.




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Our Monday Morning Smile

Here's a sweet kitty giving us a great smile to start our week

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Patti fell in love at the shelter -

Sadie, Sadie - Lucky lady!

So Sadie had a home for the Holiday!

 I just love these stories with a happy ending

I've been writing lately about getting a pet for the holiday and how checking out the Humane Society and the local shelter is always a good first choice.

Well, my friend Patti did just that. And here in her own words are a few details-

"Some ____ had this sweet baby tied to a tree and abandoned two weeks ago. They should be shot! Now she is home with us and will be loved! She is so incredibly sweet! Very loving and gentle. She and Baxter are having a blast! So far so good!"

And talking about the Humane Society-

Big smiles welcome Sadie home!

"Very clean...very nice place! I was impressed. The dogs are well taken care of. A lot of pitbulls there! I saw Sadie and my heart melted! She came to me and gave me kisses!

I knew she was going home with me at that moment!"

And how does she react to their other dog Baxter-

"Baxter seems to really like her. She was so timid when she walked in the door. Now she is chasing Baxter all around! How cute!"

When I told her it would be nice to have a family photo with the new member - She said "It;s just so hard to get them all to co-operate!" My vision of her trying to get  2 excited boys and  2 very energetic dogs to sit on the sofa and "smile" for the camera - Well---- that just made me smile!! We did get this great pic of Sadie with the boys.

Here are a few more great Happy Endings from the Humane Society

• 
  Oreo, submitted by Nancy in Laredo, Texas.
• 
  
  Roscoe, submitted by April in Oceanside, Calif.
• 
  
  Snowflake, submitted by Twila in Nashville, Tenn.
• 
  
  Dottie, submitted by Vicki in Calabasas, Calif.
• 
  
  Bugsy, submitted by Diane in Lincoln Park, NJ.
• 
  
  Sage, submitted by Susan in Tega Cay, S.C.
• 
  
  Izzy, submitted by Rita in Howell, Mich.
• 
  
  Frodo,submitted by Ellen in Largo, Fla.
• 
  
  Willow, submitted by Amanda in Akron, Ohio.

Millions of dogs and cats will spend this holiday season waiting for his or her forever home, but these pets have a different story to tell. Whether they were adopted from animal shelters or found abandoned, the following dogs, cats, and rabbit are lucky. Each of these pets was adopted by a loving family who knew what we know, too—that shelter animals make great pets, many ending up at the shelter through no fault of their own.

Oreo

Oreo now enjoys going on long walks in the country. She was once homeless—she was a street dog in Mexico, but now lives in a loving home in Texas.

"Oreo is a beautiful mutt, pure in her grace in beauty, and who has the biggest, kindest heart!," said Nancy in Laredo, Texas. 

Roscoe

Roscoe and April met when she volunteered at an animal shelter and was on a search for a cat. He had an ear infection and needed a foster home for 10 days while he was on antibiotics.

"By the end of our 10 days, he was my little buddy, and there was no way I could take him back to the shelter," said April of Oceanside, Calif.

Snowflake 

Snowflake was adopted from a local humane society when she was about a year old.

"She has come so far," said Twila in Nashville, Tenn. "She acts like she is the luckiest cat in the world!"

Dottie 

Dottie was adopted from an animal shelter. She was scheduled to be euthanized; she was seven years old with cancer and an infection.

"My veterinarian fixed her up as best he could and said she had six weeks to live," said Vicki in Calabasas, Calif. It's now three years later, and she is doing great.

"She has real spunk and loves to go everywhere with me!"

Bugsy

Bugsy, a rescued dog in Lincoln Park, NJ, was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in February. The veterinarian gave him six months to live, but he beat the odds. Earlier this month, his veterinarian said his heart sounded like it was getting stronger.

"Every day it's a blessing when he wakes up and wants to go for his walks," said Diane.

Sage

"Sage was discarded like garbage onto the side of the road with a gangrenous leg wrapped in Popsicle sticks," said Susan in Tega Cay, SC. A kind stranger took her to an animal shelter, where a veterinarian saved Sage's life.

"Although she lost her leg, she never lost her spirit, love, or ability to run with the big dogs," said Susan. "She has brightened so many peoples' lives and continues to fundraise for a new building for the shelter that saved her life."

Izzy

Izzy was adopted from an animal shelter when she was seven months old. She was scheduled to be euthanized.

"I am so lucky she rescued her," said Rita in Howell, Mich.

Frodo

Frodo was rescued from an abandoned building; he had no food or water.

He was a skeleton when he was taken to DARE (Dachshund Adoption, Rescue and Education, a dachshund rescue group in Florida), said Ellen in Largo, Fla. She adopted him, and he's been with her ever since.

Willow

Willow, named for her will to live, was a very sick cat when she was found in a cardboard box.

"Willow was walked up to someone's home, and they called the organization I volunteer with," said Amanda in Akron, Ohio. "She had worms, fleas, [was] hungry and very little. She had to be bottle-fed. I was going to place her up for adoption but I fell in love and knew that she had my heart. She has blended in nicely with my other cats."

Best wishes to all who added a new furry member to their family over the Holiday!

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Peace & Happiness for the Holiday

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Last minute gift idea - send an eCard

Is there someone you forgot - 

Or maybe just someone you would like to send a last minute card to- a teacher, church member, neighbor
Sending an eCard is a great idea for a last minute Holiday wish







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A review of the Happy Tails of 2010

Here is a great video from The Humane Society -

One day at a time - we can all make a difference

Victory! A Look at 2010



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A chorus line of cute and furry

I found these little guys to give you a little Holiday cheer!

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Our Monday Morning Smile - Dr Watson

Meet Dr Watson - one happy pup

This photo and happy story comes to me from Etta - a fellow shop owner over on Etsy.

Doesn't he have just the cutest "smile".

His story didn't have such a good beginning - here are Etta's own words-

"He was a stray in terrible condition who showed up in the back yard of our apartment building after a while on the street.

He was starving, filthy, intact, covered in wounds and terribly afraid of men. We made every effort to find an owner but couldn't bare to take him to a shelter as he was so traumatized and the local shelter is pretty terrible. Jindo's tend to bond very strongly and within a day he made it very clear that he wasn't going anywhere.

He's the sweetest guy, and while he's still a bit scared of men who are standing up he is a super happy guy too. The only one who doesn't like him is the cat, but they have a very complicated relationship."

Well, thanks to Etta and family - he sure looks happy now.

And speaking of Etta - go check out her lovely store over on Etsy - Under Oak Studios. She has unique handcrafted jewelry - you'll  be glad you did.

This is one of her pieces - This is just so ME this time of year!!!

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Snowing Cats and Dogs for Christmas

A pet is not just a warm and fuzzy moment - it is a lifetime commitment

The holidays are now and always have been, a popular time to get a pet. Visions of small children laughing with joy,  puppy dances and kitty snuggles - these visions bring a smile to us all. 

But a pet is much more than that warm and fuzzy moment - it is a lifetime commitment.

Especially now with the economy bringing stress on so many families, please remember that the cute pet under the Christmas tree will be here long after the bows and wrappings are gone. Pet food and vet bills are now a part of the family budget.

Unfortunately, I know of too many families right now that are debating a very difficult decision. With rising costs, unemployment or lower paying jobs, they are painfully trying to decide if they can continue to properly care for their pets. These are pets who have been a part of the family for years so it is not an easy decision.

Also remember to check with your local humane societies and pet shelters, many of the pets there came from loving and caring homes. They may  be the result of one of those painful decisions!

Here is more helpful information:

Snowing Cats and Dogs: buying pets for Christmas - Ionia, MI - Ionia Sentinel-Standard

Dogs and cats are a popular Christmas gift for children, but it is important to find out if one would be the right choice.

Beth Wellman is the Ionia County Animal Shelter coordinator and said those looking for a pet this holiday should take the time and research which animal they would like to have before going through with the purchase.

“It’s a responsibility,” said Wellman. “You need to think about a lot of things first.”

Before owning a dog, one factor people should discuss is the breed. Wellman said hunting breeds such as Labradors have more energy than protection breeds including German shepherds. The age of the dog will determine its energy factor as well.

With any pet, cost to keep the animal should also be a factor. Not only does a pet need food, licensing and other supplies, but a family needs to be able to pay for veterinary costs and vaccinations if something may arise with the animal’s health.

It is also necessary to think about the pet’s well-being during winter months if the pet will be staying outdoors. Dogs require a dog house and Wellman said there must be straw in the area of shelter for the animal to keep warm. She said many times she sees dogs or cats who suffer from frostbite on their ears and paws because of being exposed to the harsh weather conditions.

As coordinator for the animal shelter, Wellman said she would recommend potential pet owners to search a local shelter before going to a breeder. Many times animals at shelters are less expensive and are very friendly, she added. Fostering a dog or cat may be a better choice before making the commitment to owning a pet.

Wellman said she is hoping many of the animals in the Ionia County Animal Shelter become adopted this season.

“Christmas is such a family time,” she said. “We feel pets are part of the family.”

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Take a moment to stop and listen - Oh Holy Night

In this hectic weekend before Christmas - take a moment to stop and listen - and remember what it is all about!

I saw this on a friend's page and thought it was well worth sharing-

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The little homeless shepherd that found baby Jesus

This shepherd is a little homeless dog 

The little shepherd dog in the manger

This photo was sent to me by a

 fellow Etsy seller AnnieKDesigns.

The story has been told over and over for many years about the Wise Men and Shepherds that found their way to baby Jesus in the Manger. 

Well, here is a little modern day version. It seems that the little homeless shepherd dog had found comfort with baby Jesus in the manger of a local church Nativity scene

Speaking of AnnieKDesigns - she has some beautiful handmade items. I really like her pot holders and placemats. Check out her store over on Etsy.


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Another Pet Blogger Hop

Another Pet Blogger Hop for Saturday 12-18-10

Get the updated list here

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DoodyPops is a dog treat

DoodyPops STOOL SAMPLE all natural hypoallergenic Dog treats

Like I said before - this has to be one of the most unusual pet items that I have seen in a long time. 

What looks like puppy poo at first glance is really a dog treat!

And a very healthy one at that -

Here is the info taken directly for the  Etsy listing:

This is a great way to try them, or just buy some as a gag gift or prank.

And let me say they are NOT REAL POO, though I have taken much time to get them to look like it!
For a joke, a New Puppy shower, any gift giving holiday really , your possibly coprophagous pooch will be in heaven while humans will roll with laughter!

These are not just a joke but are specially made for dogs allergic to most treats (like my Cairn terriers!). They do NOT contain wheat, soy, corn or preservatives. They are handmade by me and my dogs eat them too. There are many reasons dogs may be on restricted diets and these are also sugar and salt free.

They have limited ingredients -great for the allergic dog, consisting of free range, hormone and antibiotic free farm fresh turkey, Rye flour, Brown rice flour, sunflower seeds flax seeds and free range eggs. ALL HUMAN GRADE. Colors by Select Tea, all natural.

Despite the limited ingredients, my dogs go nuts for them due to the use of fresh meat. These are thoroughly cooked and further dehydrated, but as they contain no preservatives, its probably best to use within a reasonable amount of time or refrigerate.

Made to order, and like a snowflake no 2 are alike!

All natural, organic, allergen-wheat-hormone-antibiotic -sugar-salt free,

And a little more info direct from the seller--

Yes, you CAN patent poo on a stick! At least i did, now i guess you can't. Anyway, these are my brainchild so that tells you I have picked up lots of poo in my day.

Just to clarify, these are only poo INSPIRED, and NOT made of poo. They are high quality handmade hypo-allergenic dog treats. They are made with organic flours and seeds and also made with meats that are hormone and antibiotic free! Some styles have free range egg glazes, colored with ALL NATURAL food colors from Select tea.

If you have an elderly dog, or one with dental issues, let me know and these can be made softer, but must be refrigerated.

In addition, these are baked and further dehydrated on parchment paper, NOT Teflon OR silicon (which contains nasty plasticizers), which most commercially available baked goods are.
I would not feed my dogs, nor bake treats for others that I would not eat myself. I WOULD EAT THESE MYSELF! If someone comes up with a big enough animal charity donation, I will do so, too, on video! You Tube, look out!

I'm getting an order to see how Maddie likes them.

They would be a "howl" as a practical joke-


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Is it doggie doo or puppy poo - or something else?

 The answer to this mystery will be unveiled tomorrow

It is not what it appears to be!

The answer will surprise you -

You can find it on Etsy!

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It looks like doggie poo--

But - is it??



Well, I am having a great discussion  over on our facebook page. 

I have been shopping from my favorite chair (the weather is Arctic here in NE Ohio) for fun and unusual pet items - and then I found THIS.

This has to be one of the most fun and unusual items I have ever seen.

So far, other that what seems obvious - I have guesses of sausage, dahlias, ginger, canna tubers and even barbecued chicken!!

The only hint I will give is that I found it on Etsy and it is homemade!!!!

Anyone want to guess - I will post the answer on Friday.

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Get your mojo movin'

 Here's a quick cute video - Salsa Puppy

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Does your pet tell you where to go - or how to get there

When it comes to holiday travel, pets are often in tow and have influence over their owners’ plans, according to a survey released today by PetRelocation.com.

The first annual Holiday Pet Travel Survey polled more than 7,000 pet owners worldwide about their holiday travel plans. It found that 63 percent of pet owners travel at least 50 miles with their pets during the holidays.

Of those traveling with pets, 85 percent said their pets influence how far they will venture for a holiday vacation. Many pet owners like to keep trips local, according to the survey, with 71 percent choosing to travel within their state of residence.
Most pet owners polled (85 percent) said their pets influence where they choose to stay during the holidays. While a third said they stay at pet-friendly hotels, 66 percent said they stay at the home of friends or family.


Pets have less of an influence on the length of the trip, the survey found. Fifty-seven percent of pet owners surveyed said their pets do not influence the trip length. Most of those surveyed (85 percent) said they take trips that last seven days or less, with the remainder of pet owners indicating that their trips can last up to two weeks.

Dogs appear to be the most popular traveling companions of the fur-kind, with nearly all of the respondents indicating they only travel with their pooch. When asked why they choose to travel with their pet, the majority of pet owners (71 percent) said it was “because pets are part of the family and should be with the rest of the family during holiday occasions.”

Traveling with pets does have it challenges, and 42 percent of pet owners polled said their biggest one is making sure their pets do not become stressed. Finding pet-friendly transportation or airlines was the second biggest challenge at 28 percent.

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Keep the furr babies warm shopping trip

 My shopping trip - 
done from my laptop on Etsy

 Keep those furr babies warm

The whole idea here was to find something to keep the little ones warm in this Artic Blast we are having.

Well, I surely wasn't going  to go out in it either!! So I did my shopping from my favorite chair at one of my favorite places - ETSY. I just love all the original and handmade items there. 

Here is just a small collection of what I found there  Keep those furr babies warm - So much to choose from and just so dog gone cute.

Many of the items I chose were from a group of talented pet lovers at Pets Jubilee  Each month they donate their items for  a box of  items for pets and pet lovers - with much of the proceeds going to a charitable organization. You can see their information here
Pets Jubilee.

Check it out - what a fun place to shop

Keep those furr babies warm

Winter has given us another blast here in NE Ohio - so I had to dress the furr babies warm

I'm off to find some warm winter outfits - I'll check back to show you what I found

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Is it a meow or gas?

looks like this

See the cute little black kitty to the right. 

I love the way she follows the mouse with her eyes and if you rub her head she meows.

However - I can't quite tell - If you rub her belly -
Is she purring or passing gas!!

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Our Monday Morning Smile

Our Monday smile to start the week. This is one of those "show us your teeth" smiles!

Have a great day

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Does your dog skateboard

Meet Tllman - the fastest skateboarding dog

I found this article from an older Daily News article

Our Maddie is an English bulldog and pretty talented, but she can't skateboard. When  I showed her this article and told her maybe we could practice this summer - she just grunted and walked away. Oh well, she does have other talents but none that look as cute as this skateboarding video!

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Rufus - Another rescue success story

Another heartwarming success from the Humane Society

Rufus  has a happy home with Rena in Reston, Va

Over the holiday, may people feel that it is a good time to get a new pet. If you are considering getting that new little kitty, consider your choices.

Sources for cats and kittens are numerous—pet stores, breeders, animal shelters, newspaper ads, the Internet, a friend with an unwanted litter, a neighborhood stray, and on and on. What's the best choice?

Read the full story here of the options that you have.

Getting a Cat : The Humane Society of the United States

Animal shelters
Rescue groups
Pet stores
Breeders
"Free to Good Home"
The Internet
Taking in a stray

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Let the fun begin

 Pet Blogger Hop Dec 11, 2010

Click here  for a list of all the blogs
For all you pet lovers - Have Fun!!




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Happy Tails

Special designs for your pet photo

In celebration of my first blog hop
I'm giving a 20% discount in my
Etsy store - The Laughing Pet

Get info and coupon code here Blog hop discount

So I thought I'd give you a little preview of some of the popular designs available.

These special designs add that little extra personalization to your favorite pet photo.

"I don't own a Cat - My Cat owns Me" fits most cat owners I know!

A collage of your favorite pet photos is a great way to display them together. We have a few different styles to choose from.
This is also a design to put your
favorite pictures together for a
pet memorial photo.

And speaking of Pet Memorials
we have a  selection of designs
to use as a special keepsake of
your beloved pet.

All of the designs can be personalized with your pets name and dates -
and any special wording you would like to use

A great way keep a special
momento of  bringing your
new pet home is with our
Pet Announcements.

You can save that first photo
with a few statistics like
date of birth and weight -
along with that first photo.

It is fun to look at  years
later to see how your
little one has changed.


We have a Welcome Home
design - So cute as a new home
arrival certificate.

I especially like the "We Promise.." design.





The last samples here are

a few of the most popular.

"Dogs ... make our lives whole"
and "Precious doggy"



Both come in 2 different

colors and are the perfect "frame"
for your favorite photo

Remember -
Use Coupon Code LAUGHINGBLOGHOP1211
now through Wednesday 12-15
for a 20% discount off any design in the store.

ENJOY YOUR BLOG HOP
and stop by my store The Laughing Pet  for great pet photo designs!

If you hurry - you can still get a holiday design -

These are so Cute!
Use your pet or family photo

For quicker delivery - a full resolution  JPEG photo can be emailed
to you and then you can have it printed at your favorite local printer
Walmart, Costco, Wallgreens etc.

Any questions -
just email me at thelaughingpet@gmail.com


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The blog hop special to get you rolling

 In celebration of my first blog hop - 20% discount at
The Laughing Pet - Etsy store

For those of you who may not be familiar with a blog hop -

Here is a  list of 100+ blogs for this Saturdays Pet Blogger  Hop

You will find seasoned as well as new bloggers - some will have a variety of posts and others will talk mainly about their own experiences with their pets

For all pets lovers, this will be a great resource for information and all the funny pictures and stories that we love to read.

Some blogs, like mine, will offer specials and discounts especially for this hop.

The Laughing Pet Blog Hop Special  - purchase any item from my Etsy store TheLaughingPet and upon checkout - use the coupon code LAUGHINGBLOGHOP1211 for a 20% discount on any item. The coupon is good Friday through Wednesday 12-10 through 12-15

Check out all the great items from PetsJubilee on Etsy

or buy a box where a portion of the proceeds are donated to a much deserved organization!   Just click on the picture

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With heavy heart ....We say our goodbyes

Pet memorial designs to remember-

The joys of having a pet are unlimited. A wagging tail and "the puppy dance" can make even the hardest day bearable. Numerous books and articles have been written about the miraculous bond we have with our pets.

So it goes without saying, that the loss of our beloved pet can leave such a whole in our heart. With that in mind, I designed a collection of pet memorial designs. The first one, I actually did for myself and a little shelter dog that I had first fostered but then adopted. He was older, almost deaf and blind - but we had almost 2 very special years together. When he went on to Rainbow Bridge I was heartbroken. Later,  I just wanted a special memorial to keep to remember my little Apso.

Because I find such a peaceful quiet in nature - as I posted yesterday My beautiful pink hydrangea, many of the memorial designs have a nature theme. When I was ill and in a peaceful setting, many of my thoughts went to the comfort and joy that I felt with my pets. My mind would wander to happy times and wagging tails. It brought a smile to my face and a warmth to my body.

If you have lost a special pet, you can find some of my designs on Etsy  Pet memorial designs. You can also view some of the designs I am working on or have done for past clients here on my Picasa album  Pet memorial designs. All of the designs can be personalized with names, dates or special messages and words.

If you have an idea for a special memorial, just let me know.  Although I love doing pet designs, I do have a "heavy heart" when I do the memorials.

I'm wishing you and your pets many days and years of loving and happy times. Should the time come that you would like a special pet memorial, I would be happy to work with you.

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Speaking of my beautiful pink hydrangea

 I used this in my first Pink Ribbon Inspiration design

As a Breast Cancer survivor myself, I know how important Inspiration is to fighting a terrible illness. I also believe that sometimes, in even the smallest thing - a smile, a touch, a wagging tail - we can find inspiration.

I am inspired by nature - always have been. I  find my peace there. I love the flowers and bushes in my yard. I even called it my healing garden because it gave me so much pleasure just to sit and look  I  felt so at peace.

This  was the first year since my treatments that this hydrangea bush has bloomed. And  it came out with all its' blazing glory. The colors were magnificent. It was truly an inspiration!

It inspired me to do a collection of Pink Ribbon Inspiration designs. Right now you can see a few samples on my Picasa album here - Pink Ribbon Inspiration designs. 

I will put them in my Etsy store where I have a couple Pink Ribbon Inspiration pet designs now. 

This one looks like my little shelter dog I had years ago.
 

He had gone to Rainbow Bridge a few years before my illness but I'll post later how I went to the local pet store for "puppy hugs".

Puppy hugs are definitely inspiration!!

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