Therapy Dogs at TLA!

NB: I apologize for the belated post! It’s crunch time at the end of the semester.

Last week at the Texas Library Association Conference, three lovely therapy dogs visited us and offered much-needed fluffy downtime. There were many discussions about how to create pet-friendly libraries and therapy dog programming for public, school, and academic libraries.

This handsome fella is Tango, an Australian Shepherd.
It’s belly time! Tango was also ticklish, making his back leg go.
These Border Collies, Riley and Maggie, were from Pet Partners.
They posed like this all by themselves!

Special thanks to Cynthia and Ramona for sharing their beautiful dogs with us at TLA!

Cute Schnauzer Alert

I thought I mentioned this handsome little fellow along with my Pet Pfest posts but it appears I did not! Therefore I had to remedy this posthaste. I met Myah and Michi during my usual evening volunteer shift at the Pflugerville Public Library. This happened to fall two hours after Pet Pfest ended.

Meeche is the only shoulder Schnauzer I’ve met. He was quite adamant about staying on his owner’s shoulder like this. Look at that adorable face!
Meeche was a wiggly, talkative ball of joy. I was so delighted to meet Myah and have the opportunity to love on her sweet pup.

Pet Pfest 2019 – Part 3

Guess what? There are MORE photos of all the festivities! I hope you enjoy them. Perhaps you’ll recognize a few familiar faces too!

It’s DinoDog!
I like this dog’s speckled paws.
Hi Lubo!
We usually have at least one rabbit at Pet Pfest. It is unfortunate that I did not have the opportunity to meet this cutie in person.
Did you notice that Holden has two different colored eyes?
Oh look, it’s belly time for Sydney!
I don’t think this happy-go-lucky smile ever left Sunshine’s face during the whole event.

Happy National Puppy Day

Happy happy National Puppy Day! Of course in my book, all dogs are puppies, regardless of age. As with any pet-centered holiday, take this as an excuse to celebrate your pet (safely!) and have fun!

This royal pupper needs a boop. I can tell.

Here are a few ways you can do this with your canine companion:

  1. ADOPT! You don’t necessarily have to adopt a puppy – they do require work, training, and socialization. It’s important to find the right home for the right pet.
  2. Volunteer at your local shelter. Exercise puppies, socialize them, and/or teach them basic obedience commands. Fostering is also a great way to volunteer and help a shelter animal.
  3. Training your puppy! Ensuring your dog can walk correctly on a leash so that you are walking your dog rather than the dog walking you is super important.
  4. Ensure that your puppy is well-socialized around other people and dogs and exposed to new experiences.
  5. Assist an elderly neighbor or friend by walking their pooch for them or helping them take their dog to the vet.
  6. Have a puppy party! Invite all your friends and their puppies.
A baby Shiba Inu!

Want more ideas? Check out these 50 ways to celebrate and National Puppy Day’s site or Facebook page.

A basket full of adorable!

All photos courtesy of Pexels

Pet Pfest 2019 – Part 1

The Pflugerville Public Library held its annual pet celebration – the Pet Pfest – this afternoon! Here was today’s schedule:

There was no way I could attend ALL the above activities and see all the animals, let alone pet them! Unfortunately, I did not see the Northwind Farm horses, though they do make semi-regular appearances at the library. I did, however, meet several lovely dogs and their people!

This is Sunshine! Her owner Elizabeth and I chatted for a bit. I thought Sunshine has a great smile and hoped to capture it in a photo!
This is Sydney, also owned by Elizabeth. She LOVED all the attention she received. When I first saw her, I could not resist saying “Oh my, she’s so fluffy!” (She really is.)
Although it’s hard to see in the photo, Lubo is wearing a harness. He is a police dog and part of the Pflugerville Police Department K9 Unit. Lubo responds to commands in Czech and loves holding onto his Kong toy.
This is Holden, a stately yet goofy Great Dane. He is a mobility service dog for his handler Rob, but today was his day off from work – and he was quite the attraction. Holden loves scritches behind the ears.
This is Jones. He is available for adoption from the Pflugerville Animal Shelter. He is a big, handsome boy with soft ears and he loves treats. Can you provide a good home for him?
This is Lulu. She is also available for adoption from the Pflugerville Animal Shelter. She wasn’t so interested in treats but she did like pets. Her bright orange vest says ADOPT ME. Can you really say no to that sweet face?

Chiquita and Chiya!

Last weekend Aaron and I visited my parents and I got my puppy fix satisfied in the form of Chiquita and Chiya. Being the lovey dog she is, Chiquita believes that no guest should sleep alone or wander the house unescorted.

I love it when she shows me her beautiful feathered ears.
“Excuse me, but do you have any food to share? No? How disappointing…”
Chiquita did this habit with her previous owner too and we’re not sure why. I think it’s cute.
It’s a hard life being a spoiled Fur Person.
Those ears! That face!
Here you can see Chiquita’s tail in action. I just called her a pretty girl and she was thrilled about it.

Meeting Lakota

Two weeks ago, I met my dear friend Evelyn’s foster dog, Lakota, during our monthly Game Night. (Sorry – I meant to get this post up earlier but grad school got in the way!) I don’t have a ton of experience with German Shepherds but I think that Lakota is a rather handsome fellow. From what Evelyn told me, he was found in a sad, emaciated state but had been quickly gaining weight in her care. He has also been neutered.

“Good evening! I’m Lakota. Will you please pet me?”

During the course of Game Night, Lakota showed everyone that he was an exceptionally GOOD DOG and very much people-focused. He knows how to “sit” on command and apparently “shake”!

Everyone commented on Lakota’s good manners. Even when there was a lot of food around, he didn’t bed or attempt to counter-surf. He was more interested in receiving pets.

He didn’t bark at all but it was obvious he was happiest sitting beside someone. (Whenever he did, he was quite the gentleman.) Throughout the evening I was rather distracted because I wanted to pet this handsome boy all the time, especially since he kept giving me big sad “PLEASE PET ME” eyes!

How can anyone resist those eyes and that sweet face?

Don’t worry – I petted him plenty, gave him chest and belly rubs (he appears to be a bit ticklish), and can confirm that he is indeed smoochable.

Here, Lakota gave my friend Tom a smooch. In general, Lakota is not an overly licky dog.
BOOP!

Lakota is available for adoption through Austin Pets Alive! You can find more information about him here.

Dogs and Space

Graphic from the Friends of the Pflugerville Animal Shelter

Socializing your dog is an imperative part of being a responsible pet owner. Other dogs may not appreciate an unknown dog running up to them and invading their space, and similarly, people may not not like a dog doing this, even if that dog does this out of overly friendly enthusiasm. Remember, some people are legitimately afraid of dogs because of negative experiences. Service dogs and their handlers need to focus on going about their business and not being distracted by an unpredictable dog.

Photo by Pexels

Be respectful of other people, their dogs, and the spaces of both.

Dog Spotlight: Sully

Former President George H.W. Bush passed away on November 30 at the age of 94. What you may not have known is that Mr. Bush had been matched with a service dog, Sully, earlier this year. One can only imagine what is going through Sully’s mind in this poignant photo:

Photo credit: America’s VetDogs/Facebook

Both Zoe the Seeing Eye Dog and The Washington Post have highlighted the importance of Sully’s service to former President Bush. By doing so, I hope this sheds light on the invaluable assistance that service dogs provide to their handlers and loved ones.