Random Thoughts...Food, Firearms, and Fun

A friend who runs a rescue recently posted a story and a few questions on Facebook. A friend of hers was looking to adopt, and became very frustrated at the rescue process. In general, she asked a few questions about if it is unreasonable for rescues to insist on things like home visits, references, etc., and how rescues can improve the process. There were a lot of posts on her status, ranging from her friend doesn't deserve a dog to solid discussion on how to solve these problems. It caused me to think for quite a while, because I understand both sides of the equation. I understand why rescues screen people like they do, as you never quite know. I also understand why people opt to buy or go to a shelter that doesn't take the time to check references and such--rescue policies can seem very intrusive and can turn off people to the whole rescue concept. For those who don't know, I understand her friend's feeling about "here's the money, let me adopt a dog,...

In the world of pet ownership, adopted generally means that a dog or cat from a shelter or rescue has a new, furever home. Adopted means saved, rescued forever, etc. For the purposes of this blog entry, going forward, I'm going to limit this just to dogs, but to some extent, you can apply this to cats too. Adopted does not mean, "I purchased my dog from a breeder." To me, saying a dog that was intentionally bred and sold for money is just wrong. If you buy a dog from a breeder, please do not say you "adopted" the dog, because you didn't. You overpaid for a dog that has a higher chance of having health problems, and to some extent, you basically sentenced a dog in a kill shelter to death because of your choice. Perhaps we should make it mandatory that when you choose to buy a dog from a breeder, you must first go to your local shelter and select a dog to be killed, and then watch while they kill it. Harsh? Yes, absolutely! Intentionally harsh, but that...

Thank goodness, at least as of when I left for work this morning, both of mine were still alive and kicking, so I'll reassure everyone that my two are fine! I've mentioned before that Mac and I drive a lot of dogs on rescue transports. We drive because we know we're helping these dogs reach loving, welcoming homes. I also monitor some of these transports, so drivers know if we're on time, behind schedule, etc. In one instance, many of us came together to drive several dogs from North Carolina to Pennsylvania and Maine, and the transport was featured on the Weekend TODAY Show. http://www.today.com/pets/rides-rescues-mutt-movers-transport-dogs-hundreds-miles-happy-homes-8C11097186 (If you pay attention, you can see a certain blogger's legs and hands while playing with Cole, the boxer around 2:50 of the video). Occasionally, the rescue will send an email a while after the transport with an update on the dog(s) and their new home(s). Sometimes, the update isn'...

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Erik Pitoniak for IZEA . All opinions are 100% mine. Do you like to travel? Does the cost of travel prohibit your wanderlust? Do you have responsibilities at home, and you can’t leave for long? If you are like me, and can’t afford to travel the globe, or you have family responsibilities like I do, you need to live vicariously through someone else to satisfy your wanderlust! I have the perfect solution for that! Visit this website, and read about someone else’s journeys across the globe! Snuggle up with a cup of coffee or an adult beverage, and read all about Erik Pitoniak ’s travels! Travel along with him while avoiding all of the hassles of TSA lines, flight delays, being crammed into a metal tube with 200 of your closest friends, and having someone’s seat-back in your lap as they recline! Visit far-off destinations with Erik Pitoniak , all while staying in the comfort of your own home! I love hitting the road, or flying the ...