Dogs Teach Us So Much

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.

St. Louis Strays Need Help

CONTACT JEN pawsofhope@gmail.com IF YOU CAN HELP THESE DOGS AND JEN.
The SLU dogs
A couple of months ago - I noticed 3 dogs that crossed Lindell Ave between Grand and Compton. One of the dogs had looked like she was pregnant or just had puppies. Well - I searched and searched and did not see the dogs again until today. I was driving to go get Ollie from the vet, and these 3 dogs crossed way in front of me - once I saw them - I remembered exactly who they were and turned around to go see them. (they were now on the other side of the interstate on the medical school campus... they had to walk over the compton overpass to get there...) They're all 3 skinny - but surviving. I think they are all german shepherd mixes. Two of them are starting to get Mange. I couldn't tell on the third. They all appear to be friendly - I had a shop n save plastic bag with around 4 cups of dog food - I got out of the car around 50 feet from them - asked them if they were hungry and they all came eagerly towards me. I tore the bag open and poured it on the ground on the grass. The two that are getting mange ate right away and hungrily - the 3rd just sat close to me and watched them - maybe he knows not to eat until they're done? Not sure. Regardless - it broke my heart. I got back in the car and just left - I had to get Ollie and I didn't know what to do. I called my coworker - so she was going to go get more food and we were going to try them again next week if we can find them. I felt so bad - it's so cold out tonight - I am just glad they have each other. I'm hoping the food will give them enough warmth to make it through the night okay. I have no idea where they're staying or keeping warm - I'm sure huddled together though. They really look out for one another. I'm attaching pictures - my camera didn't do to good - but you can at least see generally what they look like. I emailed Stray Rescue on them earlier in the year during the summer- but never got a reply back. I don't know what to do... but I want to help them. I might try to go out tomorrow and see if I glance them again - and bring food - but it's a little iffy neighborhood as well. People are constantly robbed over there. then wouldn't you know it as I pulled away - in the field one block over was a rottweiller walking around with no owner... He did look in good shape though. Appeared healthy - I just couldn't do anything for any of them... I wanted to take them all with me, but where would I go with them?Jen-- Adopt a shelter pet and save a life!

Considering adopting an older pet???

What are you looking for???

Three fine dog groups are sponsoring Adopt-A-Senior Pet month. This joined group consist of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Franklin County Humane Society and PetFinders.com. During the entire month of November any animal who is older than 5 years can be adopted for eighty dollars. These adoptions include spaying or neutering, their heart worm testing, vaccinations, worming, microchip Id and a complimentary well-pet visit to the vet office. Shelter pets have an additional seven-day health guarantee. These dogs make incredible pets and for the most part are already housebroken and just waiting for a loving family.The Franklin County Humane Society is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. On weekends they are open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are located on 1222 West Main Street in Union. You can visit their website at www.franklincountyhumanesociety.org or you can call them at (636) 583-4300.

A Pet's Ten Commandment

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS........

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. 2. Give me time to understand what you want of me. 3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. 4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you. 5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. 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!

A Fabulous Fundraiser Event for Strays this Sunday

A DAY FOR STRAYS – RSVP BY NOV. 13
Help Save our Strays – Fundraising Event
Sponsored by ROAR – Resources for Organized Animal Rescues
http://www.roarstl.org/
Contact: Mary McKee – 314-853-4406

WHAT: Fundraising event for local animal rescue groups
WHEN: Sunday, November 16, 2008 – 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Dressel’s Pub, 419 N. Euclid, St. Louis, MO (upstairs party room)
COST: $25 per person
INFO: Buffet, cash bar, bluegrass by The Grits plus door prizes and raffle drawings.
Raffle tickets are $5 each and on sale at Mary’s Pet Grooming or at the event.
All proceeds will benefit animal rescue groups.

(ST. LOUIS): On Sunday, November 16, 2008, Dressel’s Pub will host the first fundraiser sponsored by ROAR: Resources for Organized Animal Rescues. ROAR is helping those who help our four-legged friends and the need has never been greater – abandoned pets are on the rise, shelters are overwhelmed, and donations are down. Animals are being destroyed.

ROAR’s Mission: To help the people who help the Furry Kids in St. Louis. We are the resources for the rescues. We will help to find people to foster, gift cards to purchase food and supplies, gently used and new pet beds, crates, bowls, toys, towels and blankets. Donations are welcomed. Cash contributions are welcome and checks are to be made payable to the animal rescue group of your choice for medical needs.

Proceeds will benefit four non-profits dedicated to animal rescue, protection, and placement:

American Eskimo Rescue of St. Louis http://www.eskierescuestl.org/
Companions Forever Rescue http://www.companionsforeverrescue.com/
Open Door Animal Sanctuary http://www.odas.org/
Stray Rescue of St. Louis http://www.strayrescue.org/

For more information or to purchase tickets call Mary at Mary’s Pet Grooming at 314-481-4466
(9 a.m. to 5 p.m.); 314-853-4406 (6 p.m. to 10 .m.) or visit http://www.roarstl.org/ – tickets will also be available for purchase at the door.

Event Sponsors:
Dressel’s
The Grits
Mary’s Pet Grooming
ROAR
Plus the businesses and pet-loving neighbors throughout the City of St. Louis.

Hudson's Favorite Dog Friendly Restaurants

This is my top pick of St. Louis Restaurants that allow dogs to eat with their families outside

1.) Atlas Restaurant 5513 Pershing Avenue 63112 Open: Tues-Sat from 5:30-10 p.m. Simple yet sophisticated fare at reasonable prices. They have wine by the glass or patrons are welcome to bring their favorite wine, subject to a corkage fee.

2.) Bar Italia 13 Maryland Plaza 63108 Open :Tues-Thur 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Fri/Sat/Sun 11 a.m.-11 p.m. You can not eat outside in their enclosed seating area but at any of the tables on the sidewalk with your well behaved dogs.

3.) Blueberry Hill 6504 Delmar Blvd. 63130 Open: 7 days a week from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. with a late night menu available after 9 p.m. This is a St. Louis landmark restaurant in the loop along the St. Louis Walk of Fame stars. The restaurant is filled with pop culture memorabilia and has a fun and enjoyable menu. Outside seating available for dogs and their families.

4.) Boathouse Restaurant in Forest Park 6101 Government Drive Open: everyday, all day Mon-Sat 11a.m.-3p.m.for lunch, Tues-Sun starting at 3p.m. Sun 10-3 brunch. This is Hudson's Top Pick not only for being the friendliest dog restaurant by even having dog biscuits available for us dogs as well as fought for St. Louis to be the first city in Missouri to allow dogs at the outside seating at restaurants. Amazing service, great menu and unbelievable beautiful setting right on the lagoon with paddle boats available to rent.

5.) Brandt's Restaurant 6525 Delmar 63130 Open: They have a fabulous breakfast buffet with a Bloody Mary bar on Sat. from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. and Sun. from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Another fabulous restaurant located in Delmar loop. It is an acclaimed global-fusion restaurant that has been around for 20 years.

6.) Coffee Cartel 2 Maryland Plaza 63108 Open: 24 hours 7 days a week This little gem has it all from coffee to ice cream and even breakfast food and sandwiches. It is a full service restaurant who loves to have dogs and their owners enjoy their outside dining. They have a water bowl by their hose outside for us dogs.

7.) Culpeppers 300 N. Euclid Avenue 63108 Open: 11 a.m.-midnight They are known for their amazing chicken wings, burgers and salads. Their menu offers just about anything your taste buds are craving. Dog bowls are a plenty at this restaurant and they need it as they are always busy.

8.) Cupcakery 28 South Maryland Plaza 63108 Open: 9:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. This is a most check out establishment. It has the best cupcakes in town as far as I'm concerned. They sell single serving desserts and drinks. Their cupcakes are so moist & rich but just as importantly reasonable at $3.02 with tax. Beats the heck out of their competitor's prices and twice as moist. They are so dog friendly you can even have them dine inside with you. Some dog groups have had their meetings there as well. All you dog lovers have to check out this place.

9.) Downtown Cantina and Brick Oven Cafe 901 Pine Street 63101 Open: Mon-Fri. 11-9 Sat 5-9 or later This menu is to die for with about anything you might be craving. They are just a few blocks from the convention center and the Edwards Jones Dome as well as Busch Stadium and Scott Trade Center. They have an extensive delicious menu. They are extremely dog friendly and love to cater to the 60 plus dogs that live in the two apartment complexes by them. The owner is super friendly and loves her Yappy Hour with the dogs around town and their owners.

10.) Drunken Fish 1 Maryland Plaza 63108 Open: Mon-Fri 11-2 and 5 starts dinner This is an award winning sushi & martini restaurant that has incredible Japanese cuisine. They have over 30 original drinks and the manager is so accommodating to their patrons. If its your first time there they even give you a complimentary drink and the manager introduces himself to your table.

11.) Graham's Grill and Bayou Bar 612 W. Woodbine Ave. 63122 Open: Mon-Thurs 11 a.m.-11p.m. Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight and Sun 11a.m.-9 p.m. This is the oldest beach bar and grill that specializes in Cajun, seafood and southern cuisine. The atmosphere is fabulous and the staff is very friendly.A large part of the outdoor seating is under palm trees. Quite a treat in so many ways.

12.) Kaldi's Coffeehouse 17211 Chesterfield Airport Road 63005 Open: Mon-Sat 6 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sun 7 a.m.-9 p.m. This is a wonderful place to bring your family that serves sandwiches, soups, salads and has a quiche and pizza of the day. An extensive bakery case also. They love dogs to bring their families over to enjoy outside dining.

13.) Luvy Duvy's Cafe 2321 Arsenal Open: Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

14.) Riddles Penultimate Cafe and Wine Bar 6307 Delmar Blvd. 63130 Open: Tues-Thurs 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Fri/Sat 5 p.m.-midnight and Sun 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Another most check out restaurant at The Loop. This is an independent owner-operated restaurant where excellent food is their foremost concern.

Central West End and The Loop are dog friendly in general and have a large variety of restaurants for dogs and their families to enjoy outside dining. Most of the restaurants have water bowls available for the dogs. Keep in mind that if your dog isn't well mannered or friendly around other dogs kindly do not bring them to dog friendly outside restaurants. Make sure your dog has taken care of his business before you bring him along.Another place that is a most go to is Tropical Moose Snow cone stand at the Kirkwood Farmers Market that offers a liver flavor snow cone for dogs for 50 cents that is beyond delicious. I would even rank it better than cat turds and you know how I feel about cat turds. The human flavors are amazing as well and they have a great area to eat at and other outside restaurants right in the market that are Divine. I also highly recommends Dairy Queen fast food restaurants as they give free cups of ice cream with a dog biscuit in it anytime I've gone with my parents through the drive up.Of course you have to tell them your dog is along. Also most of Quizno's will bring a table outside for you to have dinner with your dog at their places. I encourage you to name and rate (giving me descriptions) of any other restaurants in St. Louis that cater to dogs and their families in the comment section below this post. Let's pool our resources on this one. Here's to dining with your families around town.