Thanksgiving

As many of my friends and family know, it's been a rough few weeks... my house was burgled (while I was home!), and I had a few other setbacks and emotional things going on.

But one of the great things about my work is that I'm reminded every day by the dogs around me of how to enjoy the moment.


They also know how to be eternally optimistic, especially when it comes to eyeing food on the Thanksgiving dinner table!


So, I give thanks to my dog Luna, and to all the other pups who know how to put a smile on my face no matter what.


Take a look at these pics of a few of my Thanksgiving houseguests this year and last year, and think about what you are thankful for. Sounds hokey, I know, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth doing.

The Petunia Fund

Julie, a fellow dog walker, has rescued a dog, Petunia, from a kill shelter and is fostering her. She has already paid for treatment for worms, fleas, kennel cough, anemia, and bloody diarrhea, but she still needs to get an operation for the fistula (open wound) on Petunia's mouth, since food and stuff can get directly into her sinuses, causing painful and serious infections, and she needs to be spayed. Her foster mom will do what she has to for the dog, but this is pretty expensive (around $1200 for the operation on top of what she's already invested), and she would certainly appreciate any help she gets.

You can donate directly either by contacting the SF Pet Hospital at 415-931-8312 and saying you'd like to contribute to the Petunia Fund, or by going to the Paypal page I've set up for her. Any amount at all that you can give -- $10, $25, $50, whatever -- will be deeply appreciated. It is not tax deductible, but 100% of the money will go directly to Petunia's healthcare.

The whole story, as well as more photos, can be found on Petunia's blog.

Lia, a new client

Lia, a beautiful English yellow lab, just joined one of my dog playgroups. What a sweet girl, and a welcome addition to my other wonderful "pack" members! She has very good doggy manners, and is a dream to spend time with.


So far, her favorite things are splashing, playing, and running at Fort Funston (--duh, I know, that's EVERYBODY'S favorite activity!),
and playing with a plastic water bottle. She can be hanging out at the park, all mellow, but when she sees that water bottle, she lights up, and gets into that great, mischievous play mode. Beautiful.

For more pictures of Lia, please visit www.sfdogzone.com or go directly to Lia's photo album.

Bumbledog

For Halloween this year, my dog and I were both dressed as bumblebees. Very LARGE bumblebees. I know, I know, but I swear that it's the only day of the year I put clothes on my dog. She's just not that kind of dog, and I'm not that kind of owner. But come on, it was *Halloween*!

Poor Luna, she kept shooting me miserable looks when I first put her in the costume:

But once she was able to shake the antenna completely off to the side, and get out to meet people and attempt to scavenge for dropped candy, she was much happier:



I joke about the candy, but it's not funny, really. I had to be very vigilant, since candy and wrappers can be dangerous to dogs. See my previous post on Halloween safety. 'Nuff said.


We went down along 24th Street in Noe Valley with my niece and nephew et al, and had a great time.

Lots of people commented on my "bumbledog" and how cute she was. A few people thought she was supposed to be a "killer bee," but clearly those are people who know nothing about my extremely friendly pooch! Even she was getting a little overwhelmed by the crowds and excitement, however, so I gave her some periodic breaks away from the crush. She was a good sport.