Interview with the 2011 Bark in the Park Spokesdog

Meet Carolina Girl, a.k.a. Girlie, an 8-year-old Yorkshire terrier who was recently named the 2011 Bark in the Park Spokesdog by the Chesapeake Humane Society (CHS). The title of the Spokesdog is given to the pet who, along with his/her human companion, had the highest amount of funds raised for the CHS Bark in the Park Dog Walk. All the funds raised benefit the homeless pets and the Chesapeake Humane Care Clinic which provides low cost spay and neuter.

I met Girlie and her wonderful human mom June during a photo shoot with them last week. And after the photo shoot, I also had the privilege of knowing Girlie some more through this brief interview:

How did you become the spokesdog for 2011 Bark in the Park?

My Mom and I collected $1,300 dollars for the Chesapeake Humane Society, and won 1^st place.

How does it feel being a spokesdog?

I am so excited! I get to meet new friends, walk in the Christmas parade, get my picture taken for a magazine, and hopefully help find new homes for my friends at CHS.

What’s your favorite food?

I like everything. My Dad is always giving me a taste of his food, and my Mom fusses at him.

What’s your favorite past time?

I love playing with my toys, riding in the car with my Dad , and meeting new friends.

Can you do any tricks?

I can sit, down, stay, and most fun is when I bow. People laugh. (See Girlie’s  photo on the right for a picture of her bowing.)

I understand that you’re also a therapy dog.  Could you explain what that means, and what you do as a therapy dog?  

When I was a little, I went to school with a lot of other dogs to learn how to sit, stay, and mind my Mom.  Then I had to take a test so I could visit people in hospitals to make them feel better, and go to the library and have kids read books to me (they always read the Big Red Dog). All I know is when the patients’ pet me, and I snuggle in their bed and give kisses, it makes my tail wiggle real fast.  That is so much fun!

Any advice to your fellow canines?  

Yes. Run and play with your toys, chew on your bone, enjoy every day, and at night snuggle in with your favorite friend.

See more photos of Girlie by visiting my photo blog Everywhere Photos.

Petsmart Adoption Event

My husband and I enjoy volunteering with the Chesapeake Humane Society in their monthly adoption events at Petsmart. We love seeing the dogs come to Petsmart with the hope that they might find their new forever home that day. Off-site adoption events like this are one of the best ways to increase the chances of finding homes for orphaned pets.

Two weeks ago, we had seven dogs and eight cats from the Chesapeake Animal Control for the Petsmart Adopt-a-thon. The day started out slow with people just petting the animals or only wishing they could bring them home. There were no "serious takers." Then slowly, one-by-one, the cats were getting adopted. And then the dogs, too! At the end of the day, five dogs and all eight cats found their furrever homes. What a joy! :)

The Chesapeake Humane Society van which carries the adoptable dogs and cats

A Spitz was one of the lucky dogs who found a new family at the adoption event 

Dog handler volunteers

A surprised kitty

For more behind-the-scenes photos of the November Petsmart adoption event, check out my Everywhere Photos blog.

Kitty Rides a Turtle Video

It used to be the "owl and the pussycat." Now, it's the "turtle and the pussycat!" I stumbled upon this funny video of a cute black kitten riding on the back of a turtle. For more than a minute, the turtle does not seem to mind the cute kitty who is riding on his back comfortably. Where they are going, I think only the kitty knows. But with this video, I can't help but think of them "sailing away for a year and a day to the land where the Bong-tree grows."

Enjoy the video!