PawsGo to Work-- Every Day Should be Take Your Dog to Work Day!

 

Tessie Goes to Work

I am lucky enough to work for an organization that allows dogs in the office. They encourage it, actually. As a newcomer to both the office and this doggy parenting stuff, I wouldn’t have even considered bringing Tessie to work. But by popular demand, I brought her with me about three weeks after she trotted into my life.

She did great at the office, but I did not. At this point, we were still getting to know each other and I was worried she was going to take off like she had from our house two weeks prior. To allay this fear, I hooked her leash under my desk leg, giving her plenty of room to move around my office cube.

As I typed away, I wasn’t aware she was silently chewing her leash, almost severing it completely. Obviously she didn’t love being tethered to my desk, and I was a nervous wreck letting her run loose in the office. The whole thing was too stressful, so I decided to hold off on Tessie’s work visits for a while.

Tessie on break

Fast forward to July. She’d been with us for five months and the hot summer weather forced my hand. But by now we had bonded, she hadn’t bolted, life was good. I was going to give the “bring your dog to work day” another go.

To my relief, it went great – for both of us. Tessie was excited, sniffed around a bit, but ultimately she settled nicely right next to me. Unless I had to get up to go to the printer, in which case she needed to escort me every single time. Coworkers oohed and ahhed over her, enjoying the new doggie in the office. This time around, I had faith the office door would stay closed, but also that Tessie wouldn’t take off if it didn’t.

Taking Tessie to the office has also allowed her to socialize with other dogs. Enjoying the company of fellow pups hasn’t been her strong suit, to say the least. We’ve been working on it, and meeting Ollie, my co-worker’s adorably fluffy Australian Shepherd-Bichon mix, proved she was making progress. Tessie was skeptical at first, as she is with most dogs, people and things, but she and Ollie co-existed nicely in the office, one would even call them friends. I was a proud momma.

Tessie and her work friend Ollie

 

This experience has me thinking about the concept of bringing a dog to work and why companies allow it. According to research by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, about 20 percent of all U.S. companies allow employees to bring their pets, mostly dogs, to the workplace. I was surprised this number is so high. I always felt pets were a distraction – an adorable one, of course – but one nonetheless. Weren’t we at work to do, well, work?

 Researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2012 found that employees who were around dogs in the workplace reported feeling less stressed than employees who have dogs but left them at home. The same study also found that pets triggered workplace interactions that would not normally take place. Tessie is proof – several of my coworkers who wouldn’t typically stop by my desk swing by to say hello to my pooch.



Bringing her to work, even if it is once or twice a week, has definitely brought me closer to my coworkers. I’d almost feel left out if I didn’t have her! Her sweet face brings smiles and melts away stress, if only for the moment. I didn’t know I would enjoy having her in the office so much, which could also be said for having her in my life.

 

 

Maria Poulos Pimentel is a New Jersey transplant now settled in New England.   Maria works in marketing and publicity by day and snuggles with her sweet collie/shepherd/husky Tessie by night. She was a reluctant dog owner at first, but she's quickly learning the ropes and discovering all the joys of doggie parenting. Maria will be sharing more of her adventures in dog love with PawsGo.

 Do your PawsGo to work with you?  Tell us your story!!

 

 

Virginia is for DOG Lovers

 
PawsGo to the Dog-Friendly Williamsburg Farmers' Market

One of the greatest things about having a dog is – they are always up for an adventure.  Whether you’re going on a hike or exploring an historic landmark, they are always game!

 

My sister and I recently joined her 14 year old Shiba Inu, Akira, for a morning adventure at the farmers' market in Williamsburg, Virginia. 

 

As we drove into Colonial Williamsburg, Akria knew something exciting was about to happen.  Tree lined roads gave way to a colonial thoroughfare – Duke of Gloucester Street, or DoG Street, as the locals call it.

The Williamsburg Farmers' Market is located on DoG Street in Merchants Square and is bustling on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

The market was opened in 2002 – 303 years after the City of Williamsburg was founded as the Capitol of the Virginia Colony (1699 if you don’t feel like doing the math).

 

 

In addition to lots of dogs –the market features locally grown and sourced items ranging from fruits and vegetables to seafood and of course dog treats! 

Live music and delicious baked goods make it a great place for a Saturday morning snack or breakfast.

Feel like hanging around for lunch?  Lining Merchants Square are plenty of dog-friendly shops and restaurants, including the DoG Street Pub, with its adjacent dog-friendly tasting room, that’s right, your dog can join you while you’re tasting locally crafted beer.

Merchants Square is surrounded by the sites of Colonial Williamsburg, which provides a beautiful and historic walk for you and your dog. 

 

Want more information about Williamsburg, Virginia?  Go to  www.visitwilliamsburg.com
Where do your PawsGo?  Do you have a favorite place?  Share it with us!  Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or leave us a comment!  We'd love to hear from you!
 

A Husband and Wife Honor Their Beloved Dog by Saving Others

From No Place to Odie’s Place

On a sunny afternoon in early June, Kerrie and Brian Harrington are headed to court. Not for an offense, but to help unveil portraits of nine dogs they have helped save through their rescue, Odie’s Place. In addition to students’ artwork, Odie’s Place alumnae now adorn the halls of their local Probate and Family Court, a shining example of how two people really can make a difference.

 To say Kerrie and Brian are dedicated and passionate would be an understatement. The husband and wife team have made rescuing dogs their life’s work after losing their beloved dog, Otis, who they nicknamed Odie.

Odie, his humans have honored him by saving others

“We experienced so much love and fulfillment with Odie and of course all our furbabies, that we want any animal we come across to have a high quality of life and to enrich their human’s life as well,” said Kerrie. “When Brian and I had enough hands-on experience from a local shelter, we felt we were ready to do it our own way.”

Since its inception in 2014, the no-kill shelter has saved 60 dogs, finding forever homes for dogs who literally have no other place to go. Based in Southcoast, Massachusetts, the rescue has yet to secure a physical building, so they rely on a network of fosters until they find the right home – and they do find the right home. They have a sixth sense for finding a compatible match, zeroing in on personality and habits to assure the best fit for both owner and pup.

 One of the ways they reach potential adopters is through adorable, compelling and informative posts and videos on social media. They’ve drummed over 9,000 ‘likes’ on the rescue's Facebook page, a robust YouTube channel, even a presence on radio and local television. It’s also a great way for Odie’s Place to keep up with the dogs they’ve placed. “The most fulfilling thing is seeing an unwanted dog thriving in his or her forever home,” said Kerrie. “Seeing a dog who came to us matted, with tumors, never knowing love and being in their new home clean, fed, loved, spoiled makes us giddy! All the hard work from everyone –us, our veterinarians, fosters, adopters, volunteers, trainers, donors, supporters – has paid off.”

And it does take a village. One of the dogs currently available for adoption is Chloe, an 8-year-old Yorkie. She was rescued by Odie’s Place after beating cancer, but while waiting for her forever home, her foster mother discovered another tumor. 

Chole, who can resist that face?

“Chloe just underwent tumor removal surgery by our incredible veterinarian’s office and the biopsy result is clean,” said Brian. Now cancer free, Chloe is on the road to finding her forever home. “This is Chloe’s third chance at life!” said Brian. “We are looking forward to her getting adopted, spoiled and treated like a baby.”

Of course there are challenges, the most obvious being that it’s impossible to save every cat and dog. Lack of funding, physical location and fosters prevents them from saving more innocent lives. “The pit bull breeds have the highest kill rates in shelters, so naturally we would like to save more of them,” said Kerrie. Plus, some landlords and home insurances discriminate against certain breeds, like Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Akitas and Rottweilers, which prevent them from being placed in a loving home.

 She also points out the number-one mistake people make with their dogs is to give up on them. “We live in a society where disposing dogs is acceptable. When you combine knowledge, hope and love you can teach your dog what they are supposed to do.”

 “The most surprising thing to both Brian and me is the ignorance or lack of empathy of humans in regards to cats and dogs in facilities,” she said. “Thousands of cats and dogs are killed in our country everyday. Yet, there are people who still go to a breeder instead of adopting. When you adopt you are saving lives!”

 If you want to learn more about Odie’s Place, become a foster or donate to help with adoption costs and medical bills (like Chloe’s surgery), please visit www.odiesplace.org .

 

 

 

Maria Poulos Pimentel is a New Jersey transplant now settled in New England.   Maria works in marketing and publicity by day and snuggles with her sweet collie/shepherd/husky Tessie by night. She was a reluctant dog owner at first, but she's quickly learning the ropes and discovering all the joys of doggie parenting. Maria will be sharing more of her adventures in dog love with PawsGo.

 Tessie was adopted through Odie’s Place, a small privately run animal rescue program in Massachusetts.

Do you have a story about an individual or organization that's making a difference for animals?  Share it with PawsGo!  Leave us a comment!  We’ll follow up!

 

 

Expanding the Pack -- Adding a Puppy!

Finding Balance With a Puppy and an Older Dog

 At the beginning of the year, my husband and I decided it was time to expand our little pack and adopt a puppy.

 Although we adopted our eldest dog, Juno, as an adult, we felt ready for the challenge of a puppy one more time. But we would still adopt rather than buy a specific breed. We were hoping to find another lab mix, though, so focused our attention with that criteria in mind.

 We watched the listings from our local ASPCA and then also contacted a few rescue organizations. As luck would have it, Black Dogs, Second Chance (BDSC)came back to us with a 4-month-old puppy who was rescued from the streets in southwestern Texas. BDSC felt that our house made for a good fit for the little guy, as he was displaying a little bit of apprehension toward young children which they felt might become an issue.

 Seemingly overnight, we were puppy parents. Our older dog, Juno, was not terribly amused, but she took the newcomer in stride. We named him Polonius, or Polo for short.

 Having both a puppy and an 11-year-old in the house at the same time proved challenging, primarily for the same issues that any new puppy parents face: crate training, redirecting the puppy’s chewing habits to appropriate toys (rather than furniture or us), and making sure the little guy is properly socialized. Of course, Polo wanted to play with Juno, but she has never been one to bounce around and play doggie games, so that left my husband and I to fill the gap. Juno was a little displeased to have her naps interrupted, but soon learned she could move away a little while we played with him so she could go back to her snooze. I can’t say that I didn’t shed tears during the whole process (they were), but after a little while, we found a good routine with both dogs.



Therapy Dog Juno!

 Once the puppy was trained, it was time to re-establish balance in our household. So, we pursued some additional training for the puppy, while our eldest returned to her Therapy Dog visits. I strongly believe the dogs need to have individual attention time from us to be happy and healthy, just as much as it’s important for them to socialize together with other dogs.

 Today, Polonius is not only a graduate of puppy kindergarten, but has gone on to a more advanced “boot camp” where he honed his skills (and added a very useful command called “Place”). He’s currently enrolled in an Advanced Obedience class that’s a precursor towards earning his Canine Good Citizen certificate. We also aspire to have him join an agility team to help him focus his tremendous energy for chasing balls. Of course, he adores his big sister, and can’t wait to see her after he goes to daycare or a class to tell her all about his day. He also still loves to sleep as close as possible to her.

 As for Juno, she’s continuing her Therapy Dog work, and, even though Polo misses her when we leave for a visit, he’s learning the importance of some “alone” time. Like Polo, she greets her little brother with “kisses” when she comes home from her volunteering, and doesn’t mind his snuggles any longer.

Pursuing a balanced pack is a challenge for any dog owner, but it is possible even when they are on different ends of the age spectrum.

Did you know that in shelters, black dogs are the last to be adopted and first to be euthanized?

Find out more at Black Dog, Second Chance Rescue -- http://www.blackdogsecondchance.org/


MJ Courchesne is a freelance publishing consultant, writer, and part-time personal trainer with a passion for gardening, walking, wine, and travel. She lives in a restored 1890s Victorian home situated in the heart of Buffalo, NY with her husband and lab mix, Juno and puppy Polo.. Her new blog can be found at http://nickelcityboomerang.blogspot.com/. 

 

Life is sweeter with a dog

Girl Meets Dog: How Sweet It Is

 

 

Life is sweeter with a dog. You probably already knew this, but I am only now seeing life with a doggie by my side.  

Two months ago my husband and I adopted a 3-year-old rescue from Thailand. He was insistent, I was hesitant. Thankfully we were matched with perfect pooch and none of my worries have come to pass. In fact, as you can imagine, Tessie is a total joy.

Having Tessie has introduced me to the friendly dog community I had never realized existed. We live by a great, large park, which Tessie and I walk every morning. We’ve met some lovely new people and pups, even though Tessie’s not too fond of other dogs at the moment. We’re working on it, but I feel the need to explain why Tessie is giving another dog the cold shoulder. Inevitably the conversation goes something like:

“I’m sorry, she’s scared of other dogs,” I say.

“Is she a puppy?” he or she asks.

“No, but she’s new to us.”

“Good for you!” or “All she needs is love!” or “Thank you for saving her!”

How’s that for starting the day off on the right foot?

At Tessie’s first grooming appointment, I was a mess. I arrived late, and I was surprisingly nervous. This groomer came highly recommended, but it was the first time I was leaving her with a stranger. In true dog community fashion, Merissa from Diamond in the Ruff (who recognized us from the park!) put me at ease. Back at home, I was struck by how quiet the house seemed to be without Tessie. She doesn’t make much noise, but I had the nagging sense of loneliness while I waited to pick her up. No tags chiming around her collar every time she lifts her head. No deep breathing while she naps in her bed. I was so eager to pick her up, I arrived before they called. She did great and smelled even better.

This past weekend my husband and I went to a nature reserve to see the daffodils in bloom. Bringing Tessie turned a walk in the woods into an adventure, and we loved watching her explore a new place. Tessie sat alongside us as we basked in the peaceful daffodil garden, sipping our coffee. If there was a moment that made me feel like a true pet owner, this was it. We took a ton of photos to commemorate the trip, including a great family photo.

Tessie did a bit of exploring during Easter as well. She finally met my family, who all fell in love with her sweet face and disposition. She also met her fur family (three Chihuahuas!), which has helped with her aversion to other dogs. She did great around a full house of new people, including the kiddos. She’s a dream in the car, and slept through the two-hour ride.

The best part of having a dog – hands down – is coming home to that happy face and wagging tail. Tessie does this adorable thing where she nods her head and lets out a faint cry in excitement when we walk through the door. Pure joy. She spends the evenings by our side, curled up in her bed, or if we’re lucky, she joins us on the couch.

I can’t help but feel Tessie completes our family. I am blessed to have lots of love in my life, and I could have lived without Tessie, I guess. But life is just better now that she’s here. Sure, I’m never early to work anymore and I’m covered in dog hair. It’s just a small price to pay for all the sweetness I get from Tessie every day.
 

Freshly groomed Tessie

 Maria Poulos Pimentel is a New Jersey transplant now settled in New England.   Maria works in marketing and publicity by day and snuggles with her sweet collie/shepherd/husky Tessie by night. She was a reluctant dog owner at first, but she's quickly learning the ropes and discovering all the joys of doggie parenting. Maria will be sharing more of her adventures in dog love with PawsGo.

Tessie was adopted through Odie’s Place, a small privately run animal rescue program in Massachusetts.  Learn more about them here!   http://www.odiesplace.org/

 

 

An Experimental Lab Dog Becomes a Family's Lap Dog, With the Help of a Cat

Violet was afraid of people.

 

Frightened Violet on her freedom ride home

I first met Violet in the basement of an animal experimentation lab, where volunteers played with her and her fellow lab dogs a few times a day as an “enrichment” break from their cages.

 Violet didn’t know how to interact with humans or how to play. She just stared at us, with big, sad, hound dog eyes. I knew, looking in her eyes during that first meeting, that one day she would join our family.

 Like the rest of her lab mates, Violet was born and bred for animal experimentation. At taxpayer expense, she spent her early life as one of tens of thousands of puppies in government-funded experimentation labs across the country. The U.S. government spends more than $12 billion in taxpayer funding each year for experimentation on dogs, cats, and many other animals like Violet.

 Before I met Violet, I was already very aware of the real cost of the animal experimentation industry -- the cruelty, waste, fraud, and abuse. I am a co-founding Director of an innovative nonprofit advocacy group called White Coat Waste (whitecoatwaste.org) that is working to stop wasteful government spending that funds the majority of all animal experimentation.

 Violet was a forced participant in two different government-funded experiments, and when she completed the second experiment, my husband and I were allowed to adopt her and bring her home. Most hounds are not so lucky.

 We knew that after spending her life in a lab, Violet didn’t know how to be a dog. After all, she spent her entire life in cages.

 

 On Violet’s homecoming day, I lifted her from the back of our car and carried her over to the grass near our house. She had never played outside in grass or felt the breeze or the warmth of sunshine on her face. All of it terrified her. She didn’t know what to do.

 

 

 Violet huddled in her crate for hours once we brought her inside. I crawled in with her and held her, and I was soon joined by one of our cats, Bert, who sat next to Violet purring and kneading her blankets in order to help her calm down. Bert had the right idea: Violet needed love, patience, and time.

 Violet's transition from experiment to family pet hasn't been easy. Because her experimenters locked her in a cage for too long, she couldn't learn house training like a "normal dog." Now she needs to wear a diaper — just one instance of her post-lab trauma.

 It took her months to feel safe outside her crate or the larger playpen we set up for her. We would carry her into another room or upstairs, and she would run back down to her safe spaces. I spent half of each night for months sleeping with her on the floor of her playpen, my body wrapped around hers to help with her night terrors. Bert would often join us.

 We live in a four story townhouse, which posed difficulties for Violet getting around once she felt more secure in our home. Stairs were very tricky, but luckily Bert was able to help us. He would guide Violet up and down the stairs, meeping at her as if in encouragement.

 It took four months for Violet to feel comfortable outside her playpen and six months before she become less terrified of being outside. By month eight, Violet was sleeping in bed with me every night, learning how to play with toys, and making friends with strangers by covering them in kisses and begging for food.

Violet has been a member of our family for almost two years. She’s still growing and learning. She helped us adopt a new member to the family: a ten month-old kitten named Trucker Cat, who joined Bert and our other cats (Ernie and Jasmine) as Violet’s protectors and friends.

 Her story is one of love and trust: after everything she’s been through, Violet loves people and other animals with her entire heart. Despite the wounds of an early life spent in the lab, she has learned resilience, trust, and how to feel safe and protected.

 

 

Julie Germany is the COO of an advocacy organization.  She is the co-founder and serves on the board of White Coat Waste. She and her husband live in Alexandria, VA with Violet and their cats Jasmine, Bert, Ernie, and Trucker.

To learn more about White Coat Waste and how you can get involved (sign a petition, share info on social media or donate)  http://whitecoatwaste.org/

http://www.whitecoatwaste.com/take-action/

To adopt or support former lab dogs for adoption http://www.beaglefreedomproject.org/

To show your support, you can purchase one of these cool t-shirts, designed by PawsGo especially for Beagle Freedom and its fund raising event, Red White and Beagle.  Shirts are $20 each -- adult sizes.  50% ($10) from every shirt sold goes to support the Beagle Freedom Project through Red White and Beagle.  Go to www.pawsgo.com to order yours!

 

Girl Meets Dog: A Reluctant Love Story

 

The boxes weren’t even unpacked before it began: “When can we get a dog?”

This question wasn’t from a child unaware of the responsibilities and commitment a pet requires, but from my husband, who grew up with a pug and had been itching to have another pup in his life. Now with the purchase of our first home, complete with a fully fenced-in backyard and across the street from a large park, his time had come. Or so he thought.

The barking, the shedding, the walks in variable New England weather – I couldn’t imagine it. I grew up with a few birds, two hamsters and a hermit crab; apartment living in urban New Jersey didn’t lend itself to pets much larger. While my sister and parents have since each adopted a Chihuahua, I didn’t know – or care to see – the benefits of having your own dog. I saw dogs as I do children: cute and fun, but I’m happy to enjoy someone else’s. My new, clean house wasn’t missing anything. Or so I thought.

I was able to hold off until the following spring, until the Facebook page of a shelter (Odie’s Place Animal Rescue) featured a Yorkie in need of a home. If there was one breed of dog I could see in our house, she was it. My husband was thrilled I had taken an interest in getting a dog, and I think he was shocked I took the initiative to fill out the required questionnaire. Before I knew it, we had a home visit scheduled.

 

While Odie’s Place would be happy to place a dog with us, the Yorkie wasn’t the right fit. Plus, my husband had envisioned a larger dog to take on runs and hikes, and I could see he was growing hesitant of a tiny, potentially yappy breed. Not to worry, said Odie’s Place. A rescue from Thailand was “perfection” for us. Would we be interested in meeting a Border Collie/Shepherd/Husky mix? I wasn’t too keen on a long-haired, non-hypoallergenic dog, but the train had left the station. Yes, we’ll meet her and commit to a home trial.

Tessie enjoying her morning walk

 On March 5, 2016, my future love pranced into my living room. Her foster parents dropped her off, filling us in on her back story: around 3 years of age, she was on the streets of Thailand until she was hit by car in November 2015 when she was taken in by a local Thai shelter that provided rehab, including water therapy, until she was back up and running. The couple volunteered for Soi Dog, a not-for-profit that helps the homeless, neglected and abused dogs and cats of Thailand, and it also works to end the dog meat trade throughout the region. They each flew back to the U.S. with five dogs, with all 10 dogs already committed to a home. To our luck, the family who was interested in our future love fell through, so they reached out to Odie’s Place to help them find the right home for her.

 

Tables give dogs extra space in crowded Thai shelters,
which could explain Tessie's love of hopping up on our picnic table. 

 

 
She was sweet and mild-mannered from the very beginning. She seldom barks and barely sheds. She is the reason I wake up and finally take the daily morning walks I promised myself. We knew she was meant to be ours the same day she walked into our lives. We re-named her Tessie and haven’t looked back. She truly is perfection.

I shudder to think about how I almost let my fears and ill-conceived notions of dogs get in the way of having Tessie here with us. I know now why people love their dogs, talk to them and treat them as their baby – all things that used to make me roll my eyes. But now I’m one of them, one of you, I should say. Tessie has me wrapped around her paw, and I couldn’t be happier.

 Maria Poulos Pimentel is a New Jersey transplant now settled in New England.   Maria works in marketing and publicity by day and snuggles with her sweet collie/shepherd/husky Tessie by night. She was a reluctant dog owner at first, but she's quickly learning the ropes and discovering all the joys of doggie parenting. Maria will be sharing more of her adventures in dog love with PawsGo.