Do you take the time to write down what you are grateful for on a regular basis? I’ve been doing it for years, and I can attest that it’s one of the most constructive things I’ve ever done. Far beyond a superficial exercise, it can help to repair a broken psyche, or, in some cases, a broken heart.
One of the many things I’m grateful for is the ability to give back, and one of my favorite ways to do that is to help shelters and rescue groups find forever homes for homeless companion animals. That’s why I was so grateful when we got a call from Kristi Jackson of the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League in Florida. She made a large order for the booklet Way to Go!, because they found that after receiving the booklet fewer adopters called their hotline about behavior problems, and fewer people returned dogs. It made my day.
We all know that behavior problems are a significant reason that people surrender dogs to shelters. Even problems that might seem minor to some of us can be frustrating and disruptive to the lives of people who love dogs and cats, but feel helpless when things aren’t going smoothly. The three booklets below were all written as much to prevent behavior problems as to solve them, and it is gratifying beyond measure to know that they can have that affect.
If I was queen I’d just give them all away for free to shelters and rescue groups, and pay for all the production costs out of my own pocket. I regret that my pockets are not that deep, but here’s another thing I’m grateful for: After talking it over with staff and our partners at Dogwise, we have been able to offer the booklets at little more than cost for quite a while now. But to get even more booklets into the hands of adopters, we are having a super sale, starting today. From Friday the 19th, through Monday May 22nd, we are offering five free booklets for every 25 purchased of each of the booklets below. Buy 100 Love Has No Age Limit for example, and get 20 extra to go home with twenty more dogs to their new families. Order 50 of The Fastidious Feline, donate them to your shelter, and know that an extra 10 homes will have a better chance of making a forever home for their new kitty.
Here’s a little bit more about each booklet, in case you aren’t familiar with them:
Way to Go! enables adopters and new dog owners to:
> Recognize when a dog needs to eliminate.
> Have a dog who goes potty when and where asked.
> Clean up accidents to prevent them in the future.
The Fastidious Feline helps litter train cats of any age. Short and to the point, this booklet helps cat lovers:
> Teach kittens to love using their litter box.
> Retrain older cats to use the box instead of the carpet.
> Know how to clean up “accidents” to prevent new ones.
> Decide on the right type of box for your cat.
Love Has No Age Limit was voted the “Best Soft-Cover Guide of 2011” by the Dog Writer’s Association of America. It tells dog lovers everything they need to know about welcoming an adolescent or adult dog into your family. Inside you’ll find:
> What to expect at 3 days, 3 weeks and 3 months
> How to avoid overwhelming a new dog.
> Using positive reinforcement and patience to establish a new relationship.
> Recognize and treat behavioral problems before they become serious.
I know this isn’t a usual topic for the blog, but I feel so lucky to be in a position to support the amazing work of shelters and rescues around the country. Join me, if you can, in helping them out. I’ll be ever so grateful.
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: I’m still glorying in Maggie’s freedom and ability to play again after three months of restrictions. I thought Willie was the happiest dog I’d ever seen while playing, but Maggie is coming in a close second.
This is actually one of my favorite photos. I love the swirl of colors and the motion of her fur. It seems to be flowing all by itself.
Robin V says
Your love of dogs shows itself again and again. You are an incredible woman. Your generosity is endless and inspiring.
Lenke Elferink says
Hi there. I am a rescue shelter manager in Hermanus, South Africa and I would love to be able to utilize these awesome booklets
How would I go about contacting your publishers etc to see how I can get some for my shelter?
Kind regards
Lenke Elferink
Olivia says
What an pawsome opportunity!
3 bum swings! 3 more!
Nose nudges,
CEO Olivia