#BtC4A Book Feature: How to Change the World in 30 Seconds, A Web Warrior’s Guide to Animal Advocacy Online

Today Dakota and I are proud to participate in Be the Change For Animals  annual blog hop. It is their  mission is to highlight one cause per week and provide information on how readers can help “Be the Change for Animals”. There are 4 quarterly blog hops which we always choose to be a part of, whether it be on just one of our blogs or both.

Click on the badge to visit Blog the Change for animals

This month Be the Change for Animals is spreading the message about April being National Volunteer Month “a time to celebrate ordinary people doing extraordinary things to improve communities, by  highlighting  some of the wonderful volunteers who help animal shelters, rescue groups and other animal-related charities Be the Change for Animals!”

In honor of April being National Volunteer Month  “Celebrating People in Action” I would like  to  celebrate author C.A. Wulff and share the valuable resource that she has written,  called How to Change the World in 30 Seconds, A Web Warrior’s Guide to Animal Advocacy Online.

From How to Change the World in 30 Seconds: this book is dedicated to all of the individuals and groups who devote their heads, hands and hearts to improving the world for companion animals. You are all, every one of you, my heroes.

There are many of us who want to help animals but often we are overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin.  Often we think it takes a lot of time, money and other resources that we don’t think that we have. But we DO! We ALL can make a difference for even one animal and this book shows us how. It offers practical steps to get started and uses dog advocacy as the focus. It explains in just THIRTY SECONDS a DAY on the Internet we can begin to make a difference in the lives of animals and can also help to “change the world!”

Did you know?

That it was the loss of a special dog that led famed anthropologist Jane Goodall to Africa to study chimpanzees? (Neither did I! I learned this in How to Change the World in 30 Seconds). Ms. Goodall said:

“I learned everything I know about animals in general from the dog I had as a child. He taught me that animals have personalities and minds and feelings and what a true friend was. I never would have been able to go to Africa if Rusty hadn’t died, because I would never have been able to leave him.”

In this book you will  learn that JUST BY ADVOCATING ONE DOG who ends up being saved, that dog changes three things

YOU

the dog

the people who have him now

That dog could go on to become a service dog helping a handicapped person,  maybe he will become a search and rescue dog. The more dogs (and other animals we help save) the more a ripple effect is caused.

How to Change the World in 30 Seconds explains ALL of the useful resources that are at our fingertips each and every day that we can use to save animals! Just a few of the MANY resources cited in this valuable guide are:

Freekibble– a website that donates food to shelter animals just by answering a daily trivia question.

The Animal Rescue Site which offers a big purple button on their home page that says “Click here to give, it’s FREE!” and when you click on that button the site sponsors will donate food and care to animals living in shelters and sanctuaries.

Petfinder where 13,969 U.S. shelters and rescues list the animals they have available for adoption.

In this book you will learn about how you can help animals through using Twitter, Facebook, and a bevy of other resources. You will learn about various animal rescue groups, pet transport pages/sites, you will have enough resources at YOUR FINGERTIPS to help YOU  “volunteer’ FROM YOUR OWN HOME!

How to Change the World in 30 Seconds will also teach you how YOU can make a difference by heading out into the community and being one of millions of volunteers who champion various animal causes in a variety of ways.

Rescue Groups always need people to:

• answer phones
• collect donations
• place containers for pet food drives
• manning booths at adoption events
• creating signage
• showing animals at adoption events
• fostering animals
• donate newspapers, towels, food, medical supplies

the list goes on and on!

By reading How to Change the World in 30 Seconds you will learn that YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the life of an animal in ways that you never dreamed were possible!

To help YOU be a “Web Warrior” advocating for animals and to THANK YOU for purchasing this handy resource. Author C.A. Wulff is offering a 50% DISCOUNT if you use this code 66FZNQWX and order How To Change the World in 30 Seconds  by clicking right here

You can follow Wulff on the Internet at:

www.yelodoggie.com

Up on the Woof blog: thewoof.wordpress.com

Twitter: twitter.com/yelodoggie

Facebook: C.A. Wulff

 

THANK YOU C.A. WULFF for helping to be the voice of the animals, rescues and many  various organizations by writing this fabulous resource to help ALL OF US “Be The Change For Animals!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Book Review: Paw Prints in the Sand by Elizabeth Parker #BtC4A

Since I began my primary blog, (Cat Chat With Caren & Cody), it has been important to me to take part in Blog the Change For Animals, a well-known blogging event where bloggers blog about causes, people and events that  are  near and dear to our hearts in the world of animals.  Blog the Change For Animals  takes place annually, (January 15,  April 15,  July 15 and October 15).   Many of us blog about animal causes that are important to us all throughout the year, but  it is extra heart-warming to see so many come together for this most important event.

Click on the badge to visit Blog the Change for animals

I was given the opportunity of reviewing a marvelous book this past weekend, Paw Prints in the Sand by author Elizabeth Parker. This is not the first book that I have reviewed of Elizabeth’s, it is at least the third! Through the course of reading and reviewing Elizabeth’s books,  I not only became  a HUGE fan of her writing, but I have enormous respect and admiration  for her as a PERSON. Elizabeth has to be one of the kindest, most compassionate women that I have met on my blogging journey. ****More about that at the end of this blog post.

Why include Paw Prints in the Sand in the Blog the Change For Animals blogging event? While reading this book I saw that there was no way that I WOULDN’T include it.

Click on the photo to visit Elizabeth’s website and to purchase Paw Prints and other books by Elizabeth Parker

Paw Prints in the Sand tackles  important subjects such as;  the importance of spaying and neutering pets and adopting from a local shelter, as well as the horrors of irresponsible “backyard breeders” and the deplorable conditions that puppy mill pups are subjected to.

From the moment I began reading Paw Prints my heart was pounding, my attention was riveted, I was on the edge of my seat.  I originally had planned on reading Paw Prints last Friday night, and my intention was to begin the book and finish it on Saturday. I finished Paw Prints in about three hours. I could NOT put it down.

The  imagery evoked is often unsettling , there were times that I cried, gasped and cringed,  the plot was so real to me that I had forgotten that this book is a work of  fiction. While the book is fictional, the conditions described in Paw Prints, sadly, are NOT. 

Note from the Author:

Although this book and the groups/organizations in this book are a work of fiction and a complete figment of my imagination, unfortunately puppy mills and backyard breeders are quite real. The fears and quirks I’ve described in this book are extremely common with rescue dogs.

The environment for puppy mill dogs is incomprehensible. Keep in mind that while not all, many puppy stores do get their puppies from puppy mills and it is a continuing practice here in the United States.

Paw Prints in the Sand isn’t just about puppy mills, it is “a moving love story of sorts that demonstrates the unbreakable bond and sustainable love between dogs and humans.”

Now available on Kindle! 

Also in paperback on Amazon

And Nook

Available in paperback on createspace.com

Use Coupon Code SG6M99JZ for $2.00 Off on createspace orders!

***Author Elizabeth Parker GIVES BACK

A portion of the proceeds from her books are donated to various animal rescue groups.

One of the first books of Elizabeth’s that I had the honor of reviewing was: Final Journey: Buddy’s Book a tribute to her beloved Golden Retriever “Buddy” who after the publication of Finally Home was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma.  Elizabeth decided she wanted to help other dogs with the same diagnosis, hence Buddy Bracelets was born

Click on the photo to see Elizabeth’s beautiful creations and to purchase.

40% of the sales of Buddy Bracelets will be donated to canine cancer foundations.

Now, as you can see, after reading about Paw Prints in the Sand and Elizabeth’s ongoing philanthropic efforts for rescue dogs, there was no way that I would ever think of NOT making her mission the topic of my Blog the  Change For Animals post.

Learn more about Author, Elizabeth Parker here

Today I have introduced an author to you who is actively helping to make a change to raise awareness about puppy mills, rescue dogs and dogs who have canine cancer. My question to YOU is: “What is your gift, and how will you use it to bring about positive change to your world?”

Blog The Change For Animals:“Celebrating Hero Dogs” Guest Blog by Heather Kalinowski from Trupanion Insurance

FROM DAKOTA’S DEN: I am  proud to be a supporter of  the efforts of www.BtC4animals.com where bloggers come together to help animals in need and/or to showcase causes, stories about animals that are close to our heart and about animals who  are making a difference.

I am a “dog hobbyist”, a “dog enthusiast”, as many of you are. I am not the end-all be-all authority on MANY issues and never pass myself off as being one.

When I want to feature animals, news or stories that I am not an expert in,  I  share blog posts with you by others who in many cases ARE authorities in specific areas that I am not,  or have first-hand knowledge of issues and stories that I may not have. Today, I am proud to present to you, one of these people! Today Heather Kalinowski will tell you about  the 2012 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards that were held in Beverly Hills and that she had the honor of attending!

 

Heather Kalinowski is a pet lover and new mom who spends her days helping other pet owners protect their pets with dog and cat insurance. Trupanion offers 90% coverage for diagnostic tests, surgeries, and medications if a pet becomes sick or injured.

 

On Saturday, October 6, Trupanion had the honor of attending the 2012 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards in Beverly Hills. This event was a tribute to the powerful relationship between dogs and people – one we all know extremely well, whether our dogs spends their days searching rubble for lost people or at our feet giving us comfort and companionship every day.

 

At this event, eight dogs were specifically honored as winners in specific categories. I am honored to introduce you to these eight amazing dogs, with just a snippet of their incredible stories.

 

Law Enforcement/Arson Dog: Jynx was the canine partner of Deputy Sheriff Kyle Pagerly. During an attempt to execute a warrant, Jynx alerted Deputy Pagerly and his team to the suspect who was in hiding, running ahead of the team and flushing the suspect into view. The suspect fired and killed Deputy Pagerly and wounded others. If it had not been for Jynx, many others would have lost their lives that day. Jynx is now the adopted family pet of Deputy Pagerly’s wife and daughter.

 

TruTeamHolly! She is a SHELTIE like ME!!!!

Service Dog: Holly, a Seizure Alert dog, alerts her owner Shanna Wilkinson when Shanna is about to suffer an epileptic episode. This allows Shanna to be able to live life to its fullest without fear and together the twosome has traveled the world. Trupanion is the proud 2012 Hero Dog Awards sponsor of this category.

 

Therapy Dog: Stella, a Standard Poodle, was certified by Therapy Dogs International in July 2011. Stella began volunteering soon after at a residence that houses 76 people who have significant intellectual, medical, and physical disabilities. Stella brings smiles and stimulation not otherwise available to these individuals, making their lives better and giving them hope.

 

Darryl_HeroDogGabe

Military Dog: Gabe – a big, handsome, Yellow Lab – served in the military with his handler, Sgt. Charles Shuck, from 2006 until 2009. In that time, he completed over 210 combat missions with 26 finds of explosives and weapons. Now retired, Gabe continues to visit schools and inspire children with compassion and respect and the importance of staying in school.

 

Guide Dog: When Anne Drake lost her sight, she became depressed and lonely. Then Tabitha came along. With Tabitha’s help, Anne was able to start living a full life again, overcoming her fear of “the dark” and trusting herself, and others, again. Tabitha is now retired but will always be Anne’s Hero Dog.

 

Search and Rescue Dog: After Soot, a Black Lab, was adopted, his new guardian realized Soot was a dog that needed a job. Soot became a certified Search and Rescue Dog and immediately helped find and save a 78-year-old diabetic man who was lost in the woods after a hunting expedition.

 

Hearing Dog: Tatianna II is not just a hearing dog, although she does provide that amazing service to her guardian, Cristina Saint-Blancard. She is truly a lifesaving dog. Diagnosed with Meniere’s disease, Cristina often got ear infections, one of which led to an asthma attack that left her struggling for breath one night. Tatianna woke up and alerted her family to the crisis – Cristina was able to get the care she needed because of her dog.

 

Emerging Hero Dog: Daniel is the definition of a survivor. After being part of a group of 18 dogs in an Alabama shelter who was sent to be euthanized via a gas chamber, Daniel was still standing, and wagging his tail, when the gas chamber doors were opened. He was put up for adoption and now tours the country with his new forever family, fighting against the use of gas chambers for euthanasia.

 

These eight dogs are absolutely inspiring. It’s amazing and honestly, about time, that we had the opportunity to truly recognize and celebrate the hero dogs in all our lives. Dogs are amazing creatures who offer us complete devotion, constant companionship, utmost trust, and never-ending loyalty and love. I’d love to hear about the hero dog in your life. What makes them a hero to you?

 

(The two-hour program will be broadcast nationwide by Hallmark Channel on November 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. Mark your calendars and watch along! Trust me, it’s an event not to be missed!)

Bloggers Unite For Dog Rescue: Pilots N Paws

Hi everyone!

It’s Dakota!

Today I am honored to be participating in:

which is a special, online global event created by Be The Change For Animals in their hope to stress the importance of dog rescue.

From Be The Change For Animals:

“Millions of dogs are euthanized each year because not enough people are adopting dogs through local rescue groups and shelters.  Instead, many people purchase from pet stores not knowing that most come from puppy mills – read more at: http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/puppy-mills/puppy-scams-cons.aspx:  Additionally, many people underestimate the time and dedication it takes to become a responsible pet owner, and surrender their dogs, or worse.”

HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

• Adopting a companion: http://theshelterpetproject.org/
• Donating to a local dog rescue organization
• Fostering a dog
• Volunteering at a local shelter or rescue organization
• Sharing this post across all forms of social media and encourage others to paticipate!

As I mentioned in my blog post on July 15th, when my Mom and Dad began their search for a Sheltie to live with them, they chose to purchase me through a RESPONSIBLE BREEDER,  because they could not find a Sheltie Rescue near their home. At that time they did not know about the amazing organization called:

Had she and Dad known about them, I might not have ever come to live with my Mom and Dad! At that time obviously it wasn’t meant for them to know about Pilots N Paws but Mom was in complete awe when she met a gentleman named Darren a few months ago at a special ” Pet Connect” meeting that was held by Michigan Humane.

Darren had shown a video and had told everyone in attendance about Pilots N Paws.

Mom was completely in awe of the fabulous work that they do!

Here is some info about them:

“Pilots N Paws is a 501c3 charitable organization of general aviation pilots working together with rescue volunteers and shelters. Together they save the lives of innocent animals by moving them from overcrowded areas, escaping euthanasia, to areas where adoptive homes can be found.”

We don’t have the original video that Darren shared with us (because Mom forgot about  having to help me with  this blog post today, and didn’t have time to contact him! BOL!!) but we found one on YouTube that we wanted to share with you:

Guess what? If you are a pilot, they need you!

Find out how you can help

www.pilotsnpaws.org 

You may also “like” them on Facebook

We thank Pilots N Paws for the amazing work that they do, and we raise our paws to them!!!

We also  raise our paws in THANKS to  Be The Change For Animals,  for their commitment  and their passion in helping to bring awareness to the public of the often dire circumstances that exist in the lives of many animals and their dedication to “Making a difference” and “Being the Change for Animals.”

Barks and licks and love, Dakota

Bloggers Unite For Dog Rescue!! Promote Dog Adoption On July 23!

Hi everyone! It’s Dakota, and this is my first time participating in Blog the Change for animals. Normally, my brother Cody from Cat Chat participates, but this time he passed it on to me. Why? Because I am here to tell you about a special event coming up on July 23rd.

Many of you are probably shaking your head wondering why a pure breed dog would be promoting Dog Rescue.  I’ll tell you why. If my parents had a Sheltie rescue near their home, that is where they would have gotten me. Not that they regret having me, NEVER! It’s just that when they wanted to get a Sheltie, my Mom wasn’t blogging, she didn’t know that there are pet transport services such as Pilots N Paws that could have flown a Sheltie to HER!!

All my parents knew then, was that the Sheltie rescues that they searched online for were much too far for them to visit. They do not regret purchasing me from a RESPONSIBLE breeder at all. Mom and Dad love the breeder where I came from and still keep in touch with her. It is just their first choice would have been to help a dog in need.

Why?

One important reason is from http://btc4animals.com

“Millions of dogs are euthanized each year because not enough people are adopting dogs through local rescue groups and shelters.  Instead, many people purchase from pet stores not knowing that most come from puppy mills – read more at: http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/puppy-mills/puppy-scams-cons.aspx:  Additionally, many people underestimate the time and dedication it takes to become a responsible pet owner, and surrender their dogs, or worse.”

So, on July 23rd we are going to be joining other dog bloggers in helping to spread the word about Dog Rescue. 

How can YOU help?

• You can blog  about a Dog Rescue related topic on July 23rd, 2012
• Adopting a companion: http://theshelterpetproject.org/
• Donating to a local dog rescue organization
• Fostering a dog
• Volunteering at a local shelter or rescue organization
• Sharing this post across all forms of social media and encourage others to participate!

Be sure to join us and all of our dog blogging buddies on July 23rd and help us to spread the word about the importance of

DOG RESCUE!!

Barks and licks and love, Dakota

Blog The Change For Animals, Not Just Dogs, There Are OTHER Animals Too!