Animal Rescue Groups Great Options for Gifts and Recognition

Whether it be a holiday celebration that unites the entire planet, or one in which we celebrate an individual person gifts are something we think about year long. What's another option for giving when you've run out of ideas, or you just want to do something different? How about donating to a special non-profit group?

For my complimentary webinars I ask attendees if they want to give back in some way that a donation to one of the above charities,or one of their own choice, is always welcomed and appreciated. Similar to paying it forward.

Some of mine and Poncho's personal favorites for dogs and other non-human animals are:

1. The Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) This is Ventura's local non-profit dog rescue group.
2. Dog Adoption and Welfare Group (D.A.W.G.) A non-profit dog rescue in Santa Barbara (I see them at some of my running events - they have great teams!)
3. Best Friends Animal Society in Utah. What an awesome group!
4. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
5. The Humane of the United States

For human charities both my husband and I support the American Cancer Society. We both lost parents to cancer and like to support those who have supported us.

Thanks to all who spend the time thinking of others, and giving back in some way or another.

The 12th Annual Pooch Parade: Doggone Fun Outing This Sunday!

Summer is in full swing and what better way to get those tails waggin’ than enjoying a fun-filled day of activities and treats for the whole family to support a good cause and celebrate all things dog. This Sunday, July 19, the Ventura County non-profit group Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) is hosting the Annual Fundraising Dog Walk and Pet Expo at San Buenaventura State Beach Park  in beautiful Ventura, California.

We hope you will join us this weekend for some doggone fun – Poncho and I would love it if you’d stop by our Inquisitive Canine booth so we could personally thank you for letting us be a part of your lives. Plus it’s the paw-sitively perfect way to spend the day with your canine (and human) family and friends. 

This Sunday will be the BIG unveiling of my new PAWsitively rewarding dog training card game! It's called "Out of the Box Dog Training Game" and I have to admit, it is a fun way to train with your dog! 

This years theme is: “Wags For Wellness: Protect, Prevent, Provide” and I have to say, the C.A.R.L. group has stood by their word. For over 12 years the volunteer-run non-profit organization has placed over 3,000 abandoned, relinquished and homeless dogs in pre-screened loving and secure homes.

At this dog-friendly festival, you can dress your dog up (you know you want to!) and then enter him or her in one or more of the many contests and competitions! Don’t feel like being part of the show? Then you can sit back and watch others partake in the competitions or watch those participating in doggy demonstrations such as Agility and Flying Frisbees. 

After showing off your dog’s loose leash walking skills in the parade, be sure to reward him/her with a tour around the Pet Expo  You and your dog will have an array of pet-related exhibits and vendors to choose from, as well as the silent auction that will have many items to tempt you (which may not be such a bad thing since proceeds go to a good cause!).

Love dogs but don’t have one of your own right now? Thinking about adopting or fostering a dog? C.A.R.L., as well as other rescue groups, will be on hand to introduce you to shelter dogs looking for loving homes.

Event Details:

• Registration begins 8:30 - 10:00 AM
• Hours: 9:00 AM - 4 PM
• Warm-up stretch starts 9:30 AM
• 3-mile Walk begins at 10:00 AM!
• Cost: $40.00 to enter Parade, Walk, Contests, Competitions.
• FREE: to observe, walk around, visit vendors and shop, and have fun!

For additional information, please check the Canine Adoption and Rescue League Pooch Parade website!

For all of you dog lovers out there that aren’t in this area, this is the perfect time to check your own community for pet-related fundraising events. Maybe your own local shelter is having it’s own Pooch (or kitty) event where you can go with your own dog, adopt a new dog, or volunteer to help animals in need. 

We had such a great time last year, and are looking forward to enjoying ourselves again this year! 

Before You Adopt A Dog: Questions to ask yourself

I met with Sharon of the Canine Adoption and Rescue League (CARL) today. I wanted to discuss the possibility of offering a complementary talk for potential adopters, as well as those who have newly adopted a puppy or adult dog. Good news! She loved the idea! 

It's going to be a 75 minute talk over at the Adoption Center (behind the Ventura Pet Barn), held on the third Saturday of each month. I begin August 15th! I will be going over the ever important pre-adoptions questions surrounding the "Why?" and the post-adoption topics of "Yikes! Now what to I do?" 

These are a few of the topics I will be discussing, and inspiring people to ask themselves:

• Why do I want a dog?
• Is this the best time in my life to get a dog?
• Are there any foreseeable life-changing events that may occur?
• Can I afford to keep a dog, for it's lifetime?
• What type of dog do I want? 
• Am I more concerned with breed or temperament?

If you're considering adopting a dog, or know someone who is, you may want to come by on August 15th and check it out. Ask questions? Of if you've adopted a dog and need help with behavior issues, or maybe just want some general information about making life better with each other, please come by. This talk is free to the public, although donations to CARL are always welcome.