June Is Graduation Month!

Do dogs graduate? Yes! Dogs graduate from all kinds of training and activities. They graduate from casual obedience classes, highly rigorous service dog training, and also from treatment facilities after undergoing tough medical procedures to name a few. My late dog Bigelow graduated from radiation therapy after being diagnosed with cancer (pictured here). Many universities grant honorary degrees to service dogs that have faithfully accompanied their student owners to every single class for years. These pups often get to walk across the stage in matching cap and gowns along side their handlers (see our heartwarming dog story below as evidence of this). Canine Companions is an organization that matches people with disabilities with an expertly trained service dog world wide. Dogs are raised by a volunteer, put through a rigorous training program, and once trained go through a graduation ceremony where the volunteer puppy raiser passes the leash to the graduate, symbolizing the dog's transition from dog in training to working service dog.

Has your tail wagger graduated from anything? If so let us know and we will feature all graduates next month.

~~June Dog Observances:

Specific May Dog Holidays

• June 1-7: Pet Appreciation Month & National Dog Bite Awareness Week
• June 2nd Tuesday: World Pet Memorial Day
• June 21: Take Your Dog To Work Day & Dog National Dog Party Day

Month-Long Observances

• National Foster A Pet Month
• National Pet Preparedness Month

Congratulation to all of the Graduates Out There!



It's Pet Preparedness Month - How To Prepare:

How to prepare - include your pet in your emergency planning!

Do you have a plan for the short-term and long-term care of your pet in the event you are injured or hospitalized? In addition, do you have legacy planning for the long-term care of your pet in the event of your disability or death? I created several years ago the "Loyal Canine Yacht Club" with the mission of safety and protection of pets through education and planning for the short-term and long-term care in the event of emergencies and/or life's many changes and hazards. Such care includes:

Short-term Planning:

• Have a plan of action for emergencies;
• Have paperwork on file that describes your pet's personality, vet name & phone number, what food your dog eats, etc. Make sure and include pictures of you with your pet;
• Have a first aid kit on hand;
• Pack a "grab and go bag" that you can grad quickly and go;
• Put stickers on your doors and/or windows letting emergency responders know there are pets in the house;
• Carry an "Animal Alert" card in your wallet in the event of an accident away from home.

Long-term Planning:

• Include your pet in your will or other estate plans that you may have;
• Prepare "Powers of Attorney" for pet care.

Proper planning will keep our pets out of future shelters. Please visit the website listed under sponsors below for additional information and downloadable forms.

Beautiful Bluebelle is Ready to Graduate to her forever home

While she has and continues to enjoy her time with us, Bluebelle is ready to meet and enjoy a new home with a wonderful forever family!

 Bluebelle is super adorable, spunky and playful, and gets an A+ in all of those categories. She is also happy and bright, again A++. Among her special skills, she is always up to play with toys, silly hand games or play fetch. She has a sweet disposition and is friendly with other dogs and people, often glad to jump into a welcoming lap for petting and affection.  She does well on leash walks too, and enjoys a romp in the yard with her rescue pals. A+++++++

 Bluebelle is a Shih Tzu, about 5 1/2 - 6 years and 12 pounds. Her fantastic personality makes it lots of fun to be with her. If you believe you are a great match for Bluebelle, please put in an application today. Please watch the video by clicking on her photo to see Bluebelle showing off her cuteness and playfulness. She is absolutely ready to graduate, and you could be the special person to make this happen for her.

In the meantime enjoy our song of the month, and please listen until the end!



--Click on Bluebelle's picture to see her video

Dominic James

Our sweet Dominic James has began the next chapter of his happily ever after life. From rescue to cherished companion, this boy completely stole our hearts. Now he is headed home with a wonderful new mom who is a long time friend of Shih Tzu Rescue. From here on out, this lucky little guy will know only unconditional love and safety.

Congratulations sweet boy, we are very excited for you.

Connor

Connor came to us in a truly horrible condition, but once we got him the urgent medical treatment needed & out of pain it gave him a chance to be his loving & happy self. Everyone at the rescue adored his sweet and loving personality. While we are excited that he has found his forever home with a couple who immediately adored him, we will also miss him.

Best wishes Connor for a happy life!

- Does your dog need advice about human behavior that only a trained dog advisor can answer? Ask Amber!.

Amber is one of the editor's dogs who, of course, is a Shih Tzu Rescue Alumni

• Dear Amber,

My mom has gone back to school to get something called a master's degree. Did she forget that I am her master, and that she doesn't need to get another master? She is spending a lot of time studying which takes time away from my belly rubs. How can I let her know that she owes me for emotional support for all of her late night study sessions?

~~Unrubbed

• Dear Unrubbed,

I agree that limiting your belly rubs is serious. You need to let your mom know that you are feeling down and not getting enough attention. Here are some suggestions:

• Book And Laptop Interference - physically block your mom's view of her computer screen by resting your chin on her keyboard or sitting directly on her text book;
• The Heavy Sigh - this is a classic move, curl up right next to your mom and let out a big sigh to express your boredom;
• The Toy Drop - drop a slobbery toy directly into your mom's lap;
• The Soft Whimper - instead of barking use a soft whimper to attract her attention.

Hopefully one of these tactics will work and you can get back to those belly rubs!

~~With pearls of wisdom & a perfectly fluffed tail, Amber

Send us your fun dog questions for Amber and we will feature them here!