DOG SITTING ??

yes that's right! my family and i dog sit. so if you are going out of down this up coming long wintery season, and are worried about leaving you beloved pets at a boring boarding facility. bring them over to my house. where they will get the love and care as if they where in there own home. we only charge $10.00 a day! if you are intrested in our services shoot me an email at jgraham.09@hotmail.com and schedule your visit today!!!

~~Jonathan

Chili/soup dinner. 10/23/11 COME AND JOIN US FOR SOME FUN!!!

Chili/soup Dinner...

WHEN:  Sunday Oct 23rd 5-7pm

Click Here for Details!

When: Oct. 23rd. 5-7 pm.

for more information visit http://www.furrykidsrefuge.org/

What is is going on this weekend...Got any plans?? WE DO! COME JOIN US

September 17 & 18

Pet Festival

Dog Show
Dog Agility Contests
Pet Costume Contest
Master/Pet Look-alike Contest
and more...

Please join us....It's going to be a blast!!

Click here for more information!

ALSO....

Bark in the Park is a fun filled day for the whole family. Start with a beautiful walk through the park with your canine companion, browse a vendor tent, watch exciting demonstrations, grab a treat and much more!

There is no fee for this event.

Goody bags will be available while supplies last.

Hope to see you there!!

Jace is Ready!!

 
 
 
 
 
(JG) Jace is a gorgeous male Flat Coated Retriever mix who is approximately 1 ½ years old.  He was rescued from a kill shelter when his time had run out. When we took Jace to our Vet, he was diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia in both hips.  In order to give Jace a better quality of life, we elected to schedule him for hip surgery in June.  Jace got through the surgery and ensuing therapy with flying colors!!  His hips are pretty much healed now, although he will always walk with a 'wiggle' :-) He will need to continue to be exercised to strengthen his hips and back legs, but the hard stuff is over. Jace loves to go for walks, so that will help.  Check out the Special Furry Kids Blog where you can read more about Jace and watch him in action on video!  http://specialfurrykids.blogspot.com/2011_06_01_archive.html  Be sure to look at all the postings about Jace, from April through August.
Jace has a very, very sweet and loving personality….he is very much a people pleaser and loves to be with his “people.”  He gets along well with the other dogs, but would probably be ok if he was the only male dog around.  Jace prefers to hang out with the ladies :-) Jace is housebroken which is a definite BONUS!! 
Jace has been neutered vaccinated, heartworm tested negative, and microchipped.  His $150 adoption fee includes a 2 week trial to help ensure everyone’s happiness.  If you are interested in adoption, please go to www.furrykidsrefuge.org and fill out an online application by clicking on Adopt-a-Dog.  One our dedicated volunteers will get back to you as soon as possible.  Thanks for your interest in one of our Furry Kids!

MEET MAGGIE MOO!

    
 
 
(JG) Maggie Moo is a female Beagle who is approximately 3 years old.  Maggie Moo was released to Furry Kids when her family could no longer care for her.  We are told that Maggie is housebroken but can 'piddle' a little bit when she gets excited or scared.  We are just getting to know Maggie so we will update her bio as we learn more about her personality.
Maggie Moo has been spayed, vaccinated, heartworm tested negative, and microchipped.  Her $175 adoption fee includes a 2 week trial to help ensure everyone’s happiness.  If you are interested in adoption, please go to www.furrykidsrefuge.org and fill out an online application by clicking on Adopt-a-Dog.  One our dedicated volunteers will get back to you as soon as possible.  Thanks for your interest in one of our Furry Kids.

URGENT!! IF YOU CAN HELP PLEASE RESPOND ASAP!! URGENT!!!

ATTENTION ALL!!! The Bastrop Animal Shelter is evacuating due to this fire. Austin Pets Alive! is taking 75% of the animals (AHS is taking the remaining 25%). APA needs dog and cat fosters RIGHT NOW at 2807 Manchaca Road. If you cannot foster, PLEASE DONATE NOW HERE: http://bit.ly/ozRoLq. THANK YOU!!! Please SHARE with friends in/near Austin, TX!!

Wall Photos

ATTENTION ALL!!! HELP NEEDED NOW! The Bastrop Animal Shelter is evacuating due t...o this fire. Austin Pets Alive! is taking 75% of the animals (AHS is taking the remaining 25%). APA needs dog and cat fosters RIGHT NOW at 2807 Manchaca Road. If you cannot foster, PLEASE DONATE NOW HERE: http://bit.ly/ozRoLq. THANK YOU!!!See More

By: No Kill Nation

LOOK AT THIS!!!

$500 Rescue-Shelter Giveaway - Click Here

www.rescuedismyfavoritebreed.org

RESCUED! Is My Favorite Breed. WIN-WIN Sweepstakes. Enter Everyday! Win Pendant-Earring set for You AND $500 for YOUR Favorite Rescue or Shelter. Enter and SHARE!

 

RESCUED! Is My Favorite Breed.
$500 Rescue/Shelter Giveaway!

Here is how it works.

1. YOU Enter Our Sweepstakes for a chance to
WIN this Paw Print Pendant Set:(Pendant Set Courtesy of Dichroic Glass by Laurie K.)

2. Fill In the name of your
Favorite Rescue Group or Shelter
on the entry form.  

3. If Your Entry is the Winner (Random Drawing)...
YOU win the Pendant Set,
and Your Favorite Rescue/Shelter Wins $500

4. You Can Enter Once Per Day!
(Sweepstakes Drawing Held October 1st.)

5. Pendant Set and Portion of Prize Money Donated by:
Dichroic Glass by Laurie K.Please Visit and Like
Laurie's Facebook Page
by Clicking Here

6. Enter Sweepstakes Today, Click Here 

7. HELP YOUR RESCUE WIN BY SHARING A LINK
TO THIS SWEEPSTAKES PAGE. THANK YOU!

 

 

Reggie...I CRIED MY EYES OUT WHEN I FIRST READ THIS!!!

REGGIE…

Unknown Author - TheDogPlace / Aug. 2009 & July 2010

They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie as I looked at him lying in his pen.  The shelter was clean, no-kill, and the people really friendly.  I'd only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open.  Everyone waves when you pass them on the street.

But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn't hurt.  Give me someone to talk to. And I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news.  The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab people," whatever that meant.  They must've thought I did.

But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter from his previous owner.  See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home.  We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home).  Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike.

For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls - he wouldn't go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes.  I guess I didn't really think he'd need all his old stuff, that I'd get him new things once he settled in. But it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn't going to.

I tried the normal commands the shelter told me he knew, ones like "sit" and "stay" and "come" and "heel," and he'd follow them - when he felt like it.  He never really seemed to listen when I called his name - sure, he'd look in my direction after the fourth of fifth time I said it, but then he'd just go back to doing whatever.  When I'd ask again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey.

This just wasn't going to work.  He chewed a couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he resented it, I could tell.  The friction got so bad that I couldn't wait for the two weeks to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cellphone amid all of my unpacked stuff.  I remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes for the guest room, but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the "darn dog probably hid it on me."

 

Finally I found it, but before I could punch up the shelter's number, I also found his pad and other toys from the shelter.  I tossed the pad in Reggie's direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most enthusiasm I'd seen since bringing him home.  But then I called, "Hey, Reggie, you like that?  Come here and I'll give you a treat."  Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction - maybe "glared" is more accurate - and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down.  With his back to me.

Well, that's not going to do it either, I thought.  And I punched the shelter phone number.  But I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that, too.

"Okay, Reggie," I said out loud, "let's see if your previous owner has any advice."....

---

To Whoever Gets My Dog:

Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie's new owner.  I'm not even happy writing it.  If you're reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter.  He knew something was different.  I have packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time... it's like he knew  something was wrong.

And something is wrong... which is why I have to go to try to make it right.
So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you.

First, he loves tennis balls, the more the merrier.  Sometimes I think he's part squirrel, the way he hordes them.  He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there.  Hasn't done it yet.

Doesn't matter where you throw them, he'll bound after it, so be careful - really don't do it by any roads.  I made that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly.

Next, commands.  Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I'll go over them again:  Reggie knows the obvious ones - "sit," "stay,"  "come," "heel."  He knows hand signals: "back" to turn around and go back when you put your hand straight up; and "over" if you put your hand out right or left.  "Shake" for shaking water off, and "paw" for a high-five.  He does "down" when he feels like  lying down - I bet you could work on that with him some more.  He knows “ball" and "food" and "bone" and "treat" like nobody's business.

I trained Reggie with small food treats.  Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of hot dog.  Feeding schedule: twice a day, once about seven in the morning, and again at six in the evening.  Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand.

He's up on his shots.  Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with yours; they'll make sure to send you reminders for when he's due.  Be forewarned:  Reggie hates the vet.  Good luck getting him in the car - I don't know how he knows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows.

Finally, give him some time… I've never been married, so it's only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He's gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can.  He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn't bark or complain.  He just loves to be around people, and me most especially.

Which means that this transition is going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new.

And that's why I need to share one more bit of info with you....

His name's not Reggie.

I don't know what made me do it, but when I dropped him off at the shelter, I told them his name was Reggie.  He's a smart dog, he'll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt.  But I just couldn't bear to give them his real name.  For me to do that, it seemed so final, that handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting that I'd never see him again.  And if I end up coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it means everything's  fine.  But if someone else is reading it, well... well it means that his new owner should know his real name. It'll help you bond with him.  Who knows, maybe you'll even notice a change in his demeanor if he's been giving you problems.

His real name is Tank.  Because that is what I drive.

Again, if you're reading this and you're from the area, maybe my name has been on the news.  I told the shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they received word from my company commander..  See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could've left Tank with... and  it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq , that they make one phone call to the shelter... in the "event"... to  tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption.  Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed.  He said he'd do it personally.

And if you're reading this, then he made good on his word.

Well, this letter is getting to downright depressing, even though, frankly, I'm  just writing it for my dog. I couldn't imagine if I was writing it for a wife and kids and family.  But still, Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family.

And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me.

That unconditional love from a dog is what I took with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things... and to keep those terrible people from coming over here.

If I had to give up Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so.  He was my example of service and of love.  I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.

All right, that's enough.  I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter.  I don't  think I'll say another good-bye to Tank, though.  I cried too much the first time.  Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.

Good luck with Tank.  Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight – every night - from me.

Thank you,
Paul Mallory

---

I  folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope.  Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me.  Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies.  Flags had been at half-mast all summer.

I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog..  "Hey, Tank," I said quietly.

The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright.  "C'mere boy."

He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor.  He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months.

"Tank," I whispered.  His tail swished.

I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him.  I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him.

"It's me now, Tank, just you and me.  Your old pal gave you to me."  Tank reached up and licked my cheek..  "So whatdaya say we play some ball?  His ears perked again.

"Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?" Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room.

And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth.

RIB CRIB FUNDRAISER!!!...GREAT RIBS FOR A GREAT CAUSE!!

GREAT RIBS FOR A GREAT CAUSE!!

 

Time	Monday, August 1 at 12:00pm - August 31 at 11:00pm

 

Location	RIB CRIB Restaurant 19801 E. Valleyview Parkway Independence, Missouri 64055

 

Created By	Furry Kids Refuge

 

More Info

Rib Crib will donate 10 % of net sales on all receipts collected by Furry Kids’ Refuge during the month of August 2011. HERE’S ALL YOU DO... 1. Visit the Rib Crib restaurant located at 19801 E. Valleyview Parkway in Independence, MO 64057. Check out their awesome menu, choose a mouth-watering dish and ENJOY!!! 2. SAVE YOUR RECEIPT! 3. Send your receipt to Furry Kids’ Refuge or drop it off at our weekly Adoption Events held at the Lee’s Summit Petco every Saturday from 11am-4pm. 4. Tell your friends and neighbors, nobody wants to miss out on GREAT Ribs for a GREAT CAUSE!!

 

ECO FRIENDLY

so it turns out that Jace is eco friendly. HE RECYCLES! yes that right. i will hand him a peice of paper/cardboard then he carries it in his mouth and follows me to the recycle bin and then hands it to me. then i put it in. then we reward with a treat. Jace is sooooo smart. he fetches follows me everywhere he shakes ect. he is know doing water therapy in the poop go http://www.youtube.com/ and search @furrykidcrazy and all the videos will show up.

see you next time.

~Jonathan

What a day..,

Ok so today we took jace back to the vets to take out the rest of the stitches....my little baby is healing super fast! Which is great. He is going out potty ALL by himself know. He is also out of the kennel. He must be very happy. He is now walking around the house all day. However he still has to have his cone on for some of the time because he has one spot on the cut that is a little red and is already healing by itself which is what is is spost to be doing!

Stay tuned for further updates.

~ Jonathan

Update on Jace- Day nine

Ok so today was filled with intresting events. Today we took Jace to the vets office to get his stitches out. He only got one side of stitches out today. On the other side one stitch didnt look so well so they took that one out and replaced it with a staple so that it can finish healing properly. He is going to be put back on more antibiotics for another ten days to heal the staple. That side of stitches should be coming out early next week. From there he will be put through water therapy. the chemicals in the pool will help clean out all of the bactiria in the incision.

The Doctor said that know we can start to increase his activity. to get him up and out a lot more. to get him up and moving. Jace has done very well putting weight on his back legs. he almost doesnt need the sling any more. which is great and really ahead of schedule. you can check out all of the videos on my youtube page. http://www.youtube.com/ and search: @furrykidcrazy         and all of the videos will show up.

~Jonathan

RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER'S CHECKLIST

Check list:

1. Fresh Water
2. Nutritious Food
3. Health Care
4. Proper Identification
5. Plenty of Exercise
6. Bathing and Grooming
7. Playtime and Attention
8. Training
9. Lots of Love

    When you first become a dog owner, it is very exciting and fun.
    Remember, though, your dog needs you to be a responsible owner for its lifetime.
   It's true- your dog can be your best friend when it comes to play, but you have to be your dogs best friend when it comes to providing care for them.


I found this in a stack of old papers and thought I would share it with you all!!

~Jonathan

ALERT!! WE LOST A FURRY KID...WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!!

                     LOST

Jake

Breed:

Chocolate Lab

Location: McCoy Park area - N. Osage St & W. Mill St, Independence, MO

Sex: Male

Age: 5 years old

Description: Jake loves people & other dogs so he will be friendly. Jake recently had hip surgery on his left hip so the

hair is not quite grown back & he also has a slight limp on that leg. Has some white on his chest...brown

eyes. Jake is wearing a collar with tags and is microchipped.

Contact: Catie

Phone: 816-674-3257

Email:





.


iluvfurrykids@gmail.com

Wow!!!!!!! WARNING! PHOTOS MAY BE GRAPHIC

WARNING PHOTOS MAY BE GRAPHIC TO SOME VEIWERS!!

Sorry About the gray background...not sure what i did. the bone almost looks like eye balls. the brown purplish stuff on it is the arthirits that he has real bad!!

Today was the big day. Jace went in for hip surgery. the doctor cut out two bones, Hip Joints, which were rubbing as she stated "It was Bone on Bone!" the whole surgery only took about an hour. he is on alot of pain killers which is helping alot. we also got to look at the xrays from before when he was still a pup. the doctor said that "this is the worst case you can get" Jace is already making wonderful improvements. when the nurses went back to get him for me they said he stood up in his kennel and stepped his front legs out of the kennel. THAT'S AWESOME. The doctor said " He is already bearing weight on his back legs, which is awesome!" you can catch the ...

• Surgery Explanation
• Tour of the Surgery Room
• Explanation of the before x rays

On my YouTube page....www.YouTube.com/furrykidcrazy

~Jonathan

Tomorrow is the big day!!!

The big day is almost here. Tomorrow i will be taking Jace in to the vets office for the BIG hip surgery. Then the real fun begins. HAHA not so much on my end. or his!! My part is to get him up and take him out to go potty. i also have to use a strap to lift up his back end. The before video took WAY to long loading yesterday so i just skipped it. but you can catch the before video and all of the progress including the explination video on my website at http://www.grahamsbestfriends.webs.com/

~Jonathan

The Before...

I said it was coming to this is the before video. this i featuring Jace before hip surgery.

Surgery in 3 days

Hey everyone! Ok so my foster dog, Jace is going in for his " hip replacement" if you will, this Friday! That afternoon I will post a video of the doctor explaining what she will be doing during the operation! You can see the video in multiple places, .. This blog, my website, or my YouTube channel!
Blog info : www.furrykid.bloodspot.com
Website: www.grahamsbestfriends.webs.com
YouTube: www.YouTube.com/furrykidcrazy
The before video and explanation voided Friday afternoon! I will be posting progress videos through his recovery! Talk more later!

~Jonathan

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY EVERYONE!!!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY EVERYONE!! So the boston terrier i was dog sitting went home today!!:-(
but that is ok because know i really need to start focusing on Jaces hip surgery! we have officaly raised enough money to get the surgery done!! YAY Thanks for all of your generous donations. I hope that your memorial day was safe and happy filled with your family and friends you make your life shine!! thats all i have for today be back soon!!
IN GOD WE TRUST!!!
~Jonathan

Check out my website

Hey There,

Check out my website at http://www.grahamsbestfriends.webs.com/ to get usefull link, ideas, tips and answers on how to keep your pet happy and healthy!!

~Jonathan

What a day in the dog world!

So yesterday I picked up a little dash hound puppy only 3 mths old! Very cute we named him Marco! I took him to our pet adoptions event today out in the lees summit petco so when I wake up today my aunts friend brings over her Boston terrier for the week end! CRAZY!! But he is cute also but anyway my day started off with five dogs in the house so it got just a little hectic. Marco left and know we are all him...waiting for some dinner...and my foster dog Jace the lab mix who needs the new hips, and the Boston terrier , who's name I can not remember....? What was it?? Oh well it will come to me...eventually! Well the point of this is that the Boston and ace are romping around the house and are super hyper. I am too tired for all this madness! Ok jace is know trying to et my coffee table! YIKES! Know all the dogs are tired and pantying because it is so hot outside! So I have a question for you...when there is tornado warningsnin your area ( like we have had ALOT this year ) where do you put youranimald??? Do yup leave them in your basement loose, or to you put them in there kennel bin the basement?? Which do you think is better? That's all for know see you tomorrow for another crazy day in the life of dogs
~Jonathan

Welcome Bloggers

Hey there,
welcome to my blog. My blog is all about my life with a house full of dogs. You will get updates on my fostering in which my family does along with dog rescue. I currently have a black lab mix named Jace who is needing a hip replacement in BOTH hips. That really sucks. Luckily I will be home all summer to help him get through it. From what I have heard it is a big pain!! YICKS! I own two dogs of my own, Noah a siberan husky who is turning Eleven this year WOW and Tucker my beagle or failed foster as i shoudl say and he is turning five this year. My family also has four cats but we wont talk about them dogs are WAY better!!
Talk to you soon!!!\
~Jonathan