R.T.Weiler's Food & Spirits located in downtown St. Charles, Missouri is a restaurant you have to check out. The minute you walk into the place you are bombarded with amazing dog momentum's everywhere. One of the traditions is their regulars bring framed pictures of their dogs and the establishments hang them on the wall. There is every kind of dog imaginable hanging on their walls. It's just fun to go around checking out all the dog pictures. Some of the pictures are in memory of dog's that were amazing pets to their owners. You will have to find mine but it does kind of stand out as I'm such a handsome little guy.They have a fabulous happy hour from 4:00-6:00 p.m. where all their appetizers are half off and they have some terrific drink specials. On Wednesdays wine by the bottle is all half off. They have an extensive, fun menu that is very reasonable. The restaurant atmosphere is so laid back and relaxing. It is very homey and has such a friendly feeling to it. Some nights they have live music that is played at just the right noise level not to interrupt dinner conversation. They always seem to play amazing music. Prices are extremely reasonable and every time my family goes there the waitresses are SO FRIENDLY and provide excellent service. I can come anytime I want as they allow dogs on their patio dining.Everyone who works there always brags about their owners saying they are so easy and kind to work for. I haven't met them yet but I'm looking forward to it. Anybody who loves dogs is a friend of mine.There number is (636) 947-1593 and let them know HUDSON sent you....
need for dogs in overcrowded shelters to be flown to rescuers and animal shelters. He rescues dogs that are next in line to be killed and finds rescue groups to fly them to. The rescue groups then foster the dogs until they can find them permanent, loving homes. He has over 85 pilots who have signed on to help him. He has saved over 200 dogs to date by flying them to safety and eventually loving forever homes. There are way too many high kill shelters in the United States and way too many people who are dumping dogs off at them because they become inconvenient. I realize there are some situations that are beyond the owners control but the majority of the time that is not the case. Most people like my family weren't aware that manymany animal shelters have to euthanize 70% of the dogsthat come to their facility. These are loving, wonderful pets who often were purchased without any fault of their own by owners who gave them up. Maybe they didn't have time for them, get transferred with their job and can't move the animal with them, have a baby and no longer have time for the pet and don't have the time they thought they did to take care of a dog. Some of these dogs were purchased by college students who find out they can't handle the responsibility of raising a dog etc... So many reasons out of the control of the pet and they wind up at a shelter that isn't a no-kill one. This organization just helped out Knoxville-Williams Animal Center which receives around 17,000 animals a year and has to euthanize 70% of them. Xan Rawls is the operations director of Young-Williams Animal Center and is thrilled for every animal she can find a loving home for. She goes out of her way to work with Pilots N Paws. They simple struggle to find homes for all the animals they take in. Pilots N Paws has a web based message board about animals in need if you've got a minute to check them out. Won't you consider buying a dog from a shelter next time your adding a canine to your family??
So many of the humans over complicate life ending up depressed, taking pills daily to try to be happy and all kinds of silliness to try to find happiness or contentment. Don't they know that giving love unconditionally to the people in their lives is the true path to happiness. Us dogs have that figured out from day one of our lives. All we need is a family to love and we are thrilled to do anything to make them happy. There is no I in our family. It is such a simple thing to understand. Just being by their side is sheer joy to us dogs. All you need to do in life to be at peace with yourself is to give love and help others. If your ever feeling down and out of balance with your life try reaching out to another person or animal. It is amazing healing process when you devote all your energy to another human or animal. It is better to give than receive any day. Brooke put a new meaning to this one Christmas when "mom" told her that all she was doing is asking for things and the true meaning of Christmas was about giving. Brooke then informed the family then give to her.
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6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. 7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you. 8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak. 
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old. 10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so. ~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters. ~Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!
First of all you need to sit down with every member of your family and ask these questions of each other. Have everyone first write down their answers without anyone else seeing them and then discuss them as a group. Here are the five questions you need to answer before buying a dog in my opinion. 
A dog needs to be treated kindly and not like a trophy that only gets taken off the shelf to entertain you.If you have to crate a dog 5 hours or more a day then maybe you shouldn't buy one. It's just my opinion and I'm Kind Of A Big Deal but who am I to tell you what us canines want. It is very important that you don't choose a dog just because it is cute or it is free or a great price. It is so important to find a dog that fits into your lifestyle and that you have the time for.We need your love and should not be brought into your home unless you have the time, money and energy for us. It's the simple things that make a difference with purchasing a dog for your family. If you love to jog and want your dog to jog with you then you need to find a dog who loves to run. Some breeds don't want to jog everyday with you although most of us LOVE to take a daily walk with our family. You don't want to select a dog who is hyper if you have a sedentary lifestyle and you don't want to 
play with a dog who is on the move constantly. If dog hair everywhere bugs you then you can find dogs who don't shed as much. In selecting a dog you will have to compromise before you buy one on some issues though I assure you.You can't have it all, that is why it is important to rate the reasons in order and determine what you want the most. You might have to say who cares about dog hair all over as this type of dog is perfect for our family. Even when you narrow down your search you will still have to realize it takes a tremendous amount of time and love to have a dog join your family. I suggest one family member takes a week off work minimum to be devoted to training the dog when you first bring it home. This will be worth its weight in gold in the long run. If you can wait to adopt a dog when the family can devote a large amount of energy to it this is even better. I will give you some great dog training tips coming up shortly.Remember the love we give you back is 10 folds if you open your heart and home to us. Honestly I don't know what my family did for entertainment before I came along. 
Talk to any dog owner and they will start bragging about their dog more than their children half the time. Remember never purchase a dog from a pet store as 98% of them are from puppy mills. Go to your local shelter or call a rescue group. A great paper to get free dog information and the names of tons of local rescue groups in St. Louis is called St. Louie Tails magazine or you can ask your vet. Please consider buying an older dog from a shelter as they can offer so much love and be so much cheaper in the long run for you. You don't have all the shots, neutering or spaying cost and vet visits that you do with a puppy. If your thinking about having a dog be a part of your family go to your local library and start researching dogs. 
A soldier who saved the life of a young puppy in Iraq and expected to bring him back home with her could not be allowed to take her dog when she comes home. Sgt. Gwen Beberg befriended puppy Ratchet while serving in Iraq, and sent regular dispatches to her home in Minneapolis charting the dog's process, with 100s of fans tuning in on Facebook to follow the pup's life. When the military started to burn a large trash pile they heard yelping coming from the pile. She was handed the dog out of the burning pile of trash in Iraq.But the U.S. military takes a strict line with soldiers befriending animals, and confiscated Ratchet as Sgt. Beberg prepared to fly home from Baghdad Airport at the weekend. The practice forces the military to be the bad guy. According to General Order 1A, a broad set of prohibitions for service members stationed under the Pentagon's Central Command, which includes the Middle East, service members are prohibited from "adopting as pets or mascots, caring for, or feeding any type of domestic or wild animal." The reasons range from obvious health concerns to the dangers of forming a bond with an undisciplined animal in a war zone to possible conflict with local residents.I'm sure their safety of their soldiers are important and the Army is concerned about diseases dogs could carry back with them but I hope they can work something out here. I can also understand how soldiers having dogs could compremise their positions and put other soldiers life at risk. A dog in the middle of a war zone is a cruel place for the animal to live at best. I can also see how this soldier feel in love with this dog and wants to bring her home. Now animal charity Operation Baghdad Pups, which has the motto 'No buddy gets left behind', is pleading with the U.S. Army to allow Ratchet to fly out of the country. Sgt. Beberg's mother Patricia said: 'This year has been extremely difficult on my daughter and her family. It has been a year of disappointments, loneliness, and fear because of all the sacrifices Gwen has done for her country. I don't know how my daughter will cope. Ratchet has been her lifeline.' Sgt. Beberg is also under military investigation for befriending the dog that saved her life. A close friend of Sgt Beberg said: 'It hasn't been easy for her - and the puppy she saved has been one of the few things that has kept her going. She's shared pictures of him as he grew from a frightened ball of fur to an adorable young dog. Gwen with 'lifeline' Ratchet in Iraq She's kept us up-to-date on his travel schedule, and badgered us into contributing money to bring him home. Soldiers can face immediate 
court-marshal for befriending animals.'It was so close... Ratchet was on his way to the airport.One soldier wrote to Baghdad Pups: 'I have sacrificed a lot to serve my country. All that I ask in return is to be allowed to bring home the incredible dog that wandered into my life here in Iraq and prevented me from becoming terribly callous towards life.' The charity Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International has joined Baghdad Pups in asking the U.S. Army to show clemency to Ratchet, and allow the dog to return to Gwen's parents in Minneapolis and friends of Gwen have launched a campaign to get American senators to intervene. Ratchet as a puppy: An international campaign has now been set up to save the Army's policy. This story has made headlines international and hasn't been resolved yet. If your curious google it on your internet for updated information on this story.I'm sure the Army and Gwen will work this out and Ratchet will find his way to the USA.
This dog event rates in the top ten in St. Louis and a must event to attend. Take it from me you don't want to miss this one.This is the DOG EVENT you don't want to miss. Pets and their families are welcome to come from 11 am until 5 pm this Saturday and Sunday at 739 Weidman Road. This is located and sponsored by Country Acres Rescue which is located 1 mile north of Queeny Park in Manchester. They will have pet costume contest with prizes, face painters, clown, caricaturist, adoption booth, vendor booths, balloon art, wonderful carnival games, scarecrow corner and marshmallow roast. They will have live music by Tim Session and Emily and Ali from 1-3. They will be special guest appearances by Fred Bird and Star Wars Legions. Country Acres Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non profit, St. Louis based organization who's primary concern lies with the over population and unnecessary suffering of domestic animals in our community. They are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, socialization and placement of homeless, abandoned, and abused/neglected cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies. They are committed to promoting better care and understanding of animals through education with an emphasis on the importance of spaying and neutering. Country Acre Rescue does not euthanize, unless a serious medical behavioral problem exists. This is a fabulous rescue to support and a wonderful fun event for the entire family to attend. For more information call (636) 227-1919 or go to their website www.countryacresrescue.org
What an incredible fun day we had at the 18th Annual Canine Carnival at Tilles Park. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. then the carnival kicked off promptly at 10:00 with the coronation of the Carnival King and Queen and the games and activities began. Carol House Furniture Pooch parade started at 10:15 and was led by Jennifer Blome from KSDK. At 10:30 was APA Adoptable Dogs on stage but this was our first year there and we didn't 
arrive until about 10:30 so we missed these fabulous events. As a new comer we didn't see the main booth you were suppose to register at when you arrived until we were leaving. I think quite a few people got confused with this as numerous people were saying they didn't see it either until they were leaving. It was jammed pack by the time we arrived with every kind of friendly dog imaginable having a blast meeting other dogs and spending time with their families. We met so many different types of dogs and their owners. We checked out all the booths at first then made our way back to the games. They had tons of games for dogs we could play for a $1.00 a ticket that had to be bought at a booth. We played several games, meet a ton of other dogs ( this is Big Moe and me) and their 
owners and just had a blast mingling with everyone there. I even got to show off my Frisbee skills a little while we were there. They had contest throughout the day for Best trick, best kisser, best barker/singer and best costume by a dog. My suggestion is come early so you have an easier time parking. I have to admit it was fun walking with my owners all over first as we parked really far away. The games dogs could play were cheese ball toss, kitty couldn't come, the maze, hat trick, hide and find, beggin strip 
lucky puppy, spoonful of fun and T-bone steak wall were just some of my favorite ones. They also had people doing pet portraits, sketch artist who would sketch your dogs and a huge kids area of games and crafts. The Animal Protective Association of Missouri sponsored the event and is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to bringing people and pets together, advancing humane education and creating programs beneficial to the human/animal bond. I had an absolute blast and would highly recommend this event to other canines and their families.
You don't want to miss the APA of Missouri's 18th Annual Canine Carnival at Tilles Park in Ladue. They have games for dogs, special dog contests, lots of children activites, pooch parade and so much more. It is from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and admission is free. This is the APA biggest fundraiser of the year. Pets will be available for adoption and you can visit plenty of vendors booths. Kids will enjoy their own carnival games, activities and crafts. It is located at TIlles Park which is on the corner of McKnight and Litzinger. If your coming from Hwy. 270 go east on Manchester to McKnight and go left and on the corner of LItzinger and McKnight you will see the park. If you want any further information or would like to volunteer that day call Stephanie at (314) 645-4610 at ext. 122. Hope to see you there. I'll bring my business cards for my blog as you know I'm kind of a big deal....Love ya, Hudson
Bet you didn't know St. Louis was the first Missouri city to let dogs in outdoor restaurants. On Friday, July 17, 2007 St. Louis became the first Missouri city that now allows a local option for dogs to go dining with their owners. Dogs found their advocate in Alderwomen Lyda Krewson, who pushed for a city ordinance that allows dogs to dine with their owners at outdoor restaurants. Lawmakers passed this provision which was part of the Senate Bill 22 and Governor Blunt signed it. The state law applies to dogs, cats and any other domestic animal that would not under normal circumstances need a cage. Obviously this would not include pet gerbils, hamsters, birds, fish or even turtles. This new ordinance allows any well behaved dog the opportunity to enjoy going to an outdoor restaurant with their families for dinner. Stay tuned because I will be blogging very shortly on my Favorite Top Ten Dog Friendly Restaurants in St. Louis. I already talked about The Boathouse in Forest Park which is exceptionally dog friendly. I highly recommend this restaurant as the food is fabulous, the view is spectacular and the staff is super friendly.
They have a big sign at the entrance saying dogs welcome and the minute you walk through a gate to their restaurant they have water bowls and a tin of dog treats on your left. How's that for service my brothers and sisters in the canine world. We sat outside overlooking a beautiful lagoon full of ducks and heron. We met a beautiful King Charles Cavalier Spaniel who was sitting to our right with her folks and a cute little yappy York terrier a table away. The fam gave me some delicious table scraps and raved about their food. They even had Fitz's root beer floats which I can only assume was outstanding by the way my fam devoured them. Anyone can rent paddle boats and paddle all over the lagoon which people did the entire time we ate. Lots of families even took their dogs on the boat with them. The prices were great and the service was fantastic so I highly recommend this place for canines and their families. We had fabulous weather and the trees around the lagoon were spectacular. One weeping willow tree to the far left is so calming. Then we took a walk around forest park. It is just stunning as always and this wasn't the first time in the park for me. I've been around the block a time or two. If anyone has any other suggestions on most go to dog friendly places let us know in the comment section here. I will feature shortly my favorite restaurants around St. Louis and places to go.
As if my family wasn't busy enough they decide to start fostering animals for the Pet Adoption Center on Mid Rivers Drive. Was I not entertainment enough for them. I'm just not getting it. Anyway what they do is help raise the animals until they are old enough to adopt them out to families.Some of these animals were found without their mothers etc... Some of the kittens didn't even have their eyes open yet and "Mom" had to wake up every three hours around the clock to feed the babies. 
The Pet Adoption Center has a wonderful program and program director "Katie" who helps you through everything. 
I have to admit I had a blast with each one of the animals we fostered.Our families goal was to make them the most lovable pets they could. They always brought them around lots of their friends and family and other animals. 
Every one of them would drive me insane wanting to play 24/7 and acting like I was their mother biting and sucking all over me. I put up with it and generously shared all my toys and bed with every single one of them. It was hard to let them go and we checked on them every other day until they were adopted out. 
"Mom" says our babies were the friendliest and going to make the best pets for their new families. We took pride in the fact that we never lost a baby we fostered and they were all adopted out of the Pet Adoption Center within a week of us returning them. It was a great way for our family to see what type of animals they loved. I highly encourage anyone to foster for their local animal shelter as it is so fun to do. IF you don't want a permanent pet it is a great way to enjoy an animal for a short time. It's a great way to also teach your children about compassion. Here's to volunteering and fostering at your local shelter. 
