An Invitation to the Barry County Bark For Life Event

Barry County 

American Cancer Society

Volunteers 

along with 

Dog Walker Rescue

would like to invite your organization to the

Barry County Bark for Life Relay Event

Area volunteers for the American Cancer Society are teaming up with local canines and their owners and advocates for the

 Bark for Life Relay Event

 on Saturday, June 1, 2013 from 12:00-4:00 p.m. 

at the Barry County Expo Center in Hastings.

Bark for Life is a fundraising event that promotes dual causes - cancer awareness and the importance of canine companions in the lives of those who suffer from cancer. 

Why Bark for Life?

While participating in Bark for Life teams will be celebrating cancer survivorship and honor people who have lost their lives to cancer, as well as fundraising to support the American Cancer Society's mission of eliminating cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. 
Raising awareness and support for the adoption of homeless shelter/rescue animals, animal welfare and the importance of spaying/neutering pets will are also promotional goals of this event.  Supporting Canine Companions is very important to cancer survivors because these dogs offer their owners joy, security, love and compassion and no judgements for cancer survivors abilities or appearances. 
 Dogs truly are "man's best friend" by giving us unconditional love and support especially when we really need it!
Canine Companions come in all breeds, colors, shapes and sizes, not unlike their human partners.  These companions may be caregivers, guide dogs, service dogs, rescue dogs, therapy dogs, cancer survivor dogs, diagnostic dogs, and family pets, who along with their owners are joining the American Cancer Society as Bark for Life Relay Teams.   

Earl - currently available at the Barry County Animal Shelter
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/25030709

What happens at a Bark For Life event?

Families and their dogs come together with other dog owners and advocates and their companions for an afternoon to complete a one mile walk to honor the care giving qualities of their canine "Best Friends" and cancer survivors.  

                    Other Highlights of the Event will Include:  

*  Doggie Games   *  Vendor Booths 

* Area Rescues

 and Shelters

 with Adoptable Animals! <3

*  Informational Booths 

promoting animal care,

advocacy and spay/neuter

"Chewy" a Barry County Animal Shelter Alumni

 

Who Can Participate in a 
Bark for Life Event?

• The heart of the Bark For Life Relay is the relationship between survivors and their canine companions.  Every family, co-worker, friend, or community member who has been close to a cancer experience and has a dog in their life, is invited to support the American Cancer Society by registering and fundraising through the Bark For Life.  If you are the proud owner and/or advocate of a loving canine companion and would like to spend a fun day with your pet while supporting the fight against cancer please sign-up as a team today!  If you are advocating for animals through a rescue or shelter your organization can benefit from developing a partnership with American Cancer Society Volunteers in participating in  Bark for Life Relay Event.  This event does more than just fundraise for cancer research it also raises awareness of the importance of companion animals in our lives.  Your organization can benefit from the exposure you will receive by participating in this event.  We want to support your work and your efforts in advocating for the welfare of animals.  Please consider joining us on June 1st by registering your own relay team with your favorite Canine Companion and/or hosting a booth at the event to promote your organization.  

  

  Duke - currently available at the Barry County Animal Shelter

  http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/25830384

  
  
  To sign-up or for more information about

  Barry County Bark for Life 

  please contact:  

  Bonnie Meredith 

  at bonnie.meredith@gmail.com or 269-838-6762
  or Jodi Stiles

   at jodi_stiles37@yahoo.com or 269-317-8812
  You can also look for us on-line on Facebook:  

  Barry County Bark For Life 

  or at www.relayforlife.org/barkbarrycountymi.

Barry County Bark for Life

American Cancer Society Presents

Barry County Bark for Life Relay

Area volunteers for the American Cancer Society are teaming up with local canines and their owners for the Bark for Life Relay Event on Saturday, June 1, 2013 from 12:00-4:00 p.m. at the Barry County Expo Center in Hastings.

Bark for Life is a fundraising event that promotes dual causes - cancer awareness and the importance of canine companions in the lives of those who suffer from cancer. 

Why Bark for Life?

While participating in Bark for Life teams will be celebrating cancer survivorship and honor people who have lost their lives to cancer, as well as fundraising to support the American Cancer Society's mission of eliminating cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Raising awareness and support for the adoption of homeless shelter/rescue animals will also be promoted by this event.  Supporting Canine Companions is very important to cancer survivors because these dogs offer their owners joy, security, love and compassion and no judgements for cancer survivors abilities or appearances. 
 Dogs truly are "man's best friend" by giving us unconditional love and support especially when we really need it!
Canine Companions come in all breeds, colors, shapes and sizes, not unlike their human partners.  These companions may be caregivers, guide dogs, service dogs, rescue dogs, therapy dogs, cancer survivor dogs, diagnostic dogs, and family pets, who along with their owners are joining the American Cancer Society as Relay Teams.   

What happens at a Bark For Life event?

Families and their dogs come together with other dog owners and their companions for an afternoon to complete a one mile walk to honor the care giving qualities of their canine "Best Friends" and cancer survivors.  

Other Highlights of the Event will Include:  

*  Doggie Games   *  Vendor Booths 

* Area Rescues

 and Shelters

 with Adoptable Animals! <3

*  Informational Booths 

promoting animal care,

advocacy and spay/neuter

 Who can participate in a Bark For Life event?

The heart of the Bark For Life Relay is the relationship between survivors and their canine companions.  Every family, co-worker, friend, or community member who has been close to a cancer experience and has a dog in their life, is invited to support the American Cancer Society by registering and fundraising through the Bark For Life. 

Human and Canine Bark Participants find:

• The opportunity to share heartwarming experiences 
• New support systems and Hope for cancer cures
• New care giving relationships
• The opportunity to become an advocate for a cancer free world by volunteering to grow the Bark For Life
• Bark sponsorships that involve new businesses and services that cater to dog and pet products.  Dog trainers, veterinarians, groomers, breeders, and dog rescue agencies are proud to support the ACS through support of the Bark For Life
• National pet food and supply chains are proud to donate and participate in the Bark For Life
  

  
  

  If You're a Dog Lover

   and You Haven't Already Signed-Up

   to Participate with Your Favorite Canine Companion - 

  Please Consider Signing-Up Today!

    We Need Teams

   So that We Can Help Fight Cancer

   and Support 

  Our Awesome Animal Companions!

  
  
  

  Please Look for 

  Barry County Bark for Life

   on facebook so 

  You Can Sign-Up Today!

  https://www.facebook.com/BarryCountyBarkForLife?fref=ts

Michele's Rescue at Pet Supplies "Plus"

Michele's Rescue with a
Little Help from Their Friends
from Dog Walker Rescue :)

at

3110 28th St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI
(Across from The Woodland Mall)

PSP Staff Member Holly with Moose

ADOPTED!  Moose with his proud new Owner!

Moose ready to go to his "Fur" Ever Home!

Max (PSP staff) with Maxx (dog)

Holly Loves Chip!

Kat Does Too!

So Does Shahla! (Dog Walker Rescue)

Chip - One Spoiled Pup!

PSP Customers Jill and daughter Alexa working their Magic on the Pups! :)

From Hyper Pup to Calm Boy - Way to Go Jill!

Chip Placed in the Zzzzone by Alexa!

Great "Mug" Shot Maxx!

Maxx - Chillin' with Sheen :)

<3 Chix and Pups! <3

Shahla Has a Chip on Her Shoulder and they Both Love It!

Tired Pup - Gave His All Greeting at PSP!

Michele's Rescue is at it again - 

They are at Pet Supplies "Plus" today!  

Go See Who Still Needs a "Fur" Ever Home!

On Most Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00-4:00 

You Can Find Michele's Rescue at Pet Supplies "Plus"

Please pay them a visit at PSP

and look for them  

 on-line to confirm dates and times!

http://www.michelesrescue.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Micheles-Rescue/199127395514

All About Earl

 All About Earl

      Earl arrived at the Barry County Animal Shelter just after New Year's. He was a nameless, neglected dog dumped in the drop-off intake pen during the weekend.  I was told that he was so filthy that shelter staff couldn't even tell what color he was let alone what breed he may be. When I was volunteering during that first week of January, I wouldn't have even known about Earl if I hadn't poked my head in the quarantine room.  I had just finished walking all of the dogs and had gone to the garage (where all of the overflow cats were housed) to spend some time with the cats.  I asked the staff who that dog was and why he was there. They told me that they thought that maybe he was sick or had worms.  I asked if that should prevent him from being handled and then got the go-ahead to walk him.  

     When I first approached his enclosure this sad, skinny, dirty dog looked up at me with hopeful eyes and a wagging tail.  I got inside the kennel and knelt down on one knee, talking softly to him and telling him that everything was going to be alright.  I extended my hand and he licked me and wagged his tail.  He let me know that he truly needed and wanted attention.  As we walked through the kennel to go outside, we passed a little Terrier mix puppy who's coloring reminded me of this poor dog. By the time we got out to the play yard I was in tears.  While this boy was doing his "business", I sat down in the corner of the yard and I cried.  To think that this emaciated, filthy, smelly dog had also once been a healthy, soft, sweet smelling puppy that someone had wanted as a pet!  I just can't wrap my head around how anyone can do this to an animal!  

Earl with his ribs and backbone visible -  obvious signs of neglect and malnourishment!

Other disturbing signs of neglect - missing hair and dry, scaly, scabby skin.
He also had sores on his haunches that offered proof that
he had most likely been tied-out and left to sit outside,
exposed to the elements, without proper or any shelter!

He hungrily ate every treat that I had in my pouch.  

     When we walked back inside to his kennel I just wanted to keep walking out the door and take him home to care for him.  It was hard to leave him as he barked, cried, and whimpered, trying to call me back as I left.  Shelter staff named this dog Earl which is fitting with his sweet personality and calm temperament. Since January he has gained weight and filled-out, but still needs care for his skin condition.  It has also been discovered that he is heart worm positive.  Earl will need treatment for these conditions but with time, care, and love he will recover.  

     In February and March Earl was a "greeter" at two Pet Supplies "Plus" adoption events in Grand Rapids.  He was very popular with PSP staff and customers.

Earl's first Meet and Greet at Pet Supplies "Plus"

Earl Looks Great in Green!

Also in March Earl and Jack, his fellow shelter buddy, had a spa week at the Green Street Veterinarian Clinic. During their stay Dr. Robinson and her staff bathed and groomed them, worked on training, and played with them.  Both dogs got so used to all the TLC that it was so hard to take them back to the shelter!  

Earl and buddy Jack Loving Life at Green Street!

Earl with Green Street vet tech Rachel - looks like the TLC goes both ways! :)

Earl - Too Big to be a Lap Dog?  We Think Not!

Just last week Jack was taken in by a foster family from

 Michele's Rescue and has since been adopted! 

Now it's Earl's turn! 

Can You Be that Special Someone 

to offer a Forever Loving Home

 and Care for this Special Dog?  

Please come to the 

Barry County Animal Shelter 

to find out 

All About Earl 

for Yourself!

**********URGENT!!!!! THIS DOG NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!!!**********

URGENT!!!! THIS DOG

NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!!!

"It would be difficult to design a more frustrating environment for a dog than a kennel. In most kennels, dogs are kept alone in extremely barren environments virtually around the clock, with some tantalizing visual access to the outside world. This low-stimulation situation is then punctuated by people and other dogs going by - they're always visible but they can't be investigated. The dog's urge to meet and investigate is repeatedly frustrated. With repetition, the sight of dogs and/or people becomes associated, through classical conditioning, to the feelings of frustration and agitation."

http://www.maddiesfund.org/Maddies_Institute/Articles/Behavior_Problems_and_Long_Term_Housing.html

Layla

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/25242975

This sweet, pretty Terrier Mix girl 

is becoming

desperate

 in her wait 

at the 

Barry County Animal Shelter!  

She is a very loving girl who needs to be adopted a.s.a.p. 

to someone who will be ready

 to work with her and who has no other dogs!  

When she first came to the shelter in January she was in heat and pretty much left in a run away from other dogs and people.  At first she was signaling to passers by with inviting behaviors like standing near the entrance of her run with tail wags, and her mouth open, tongue out, happy.  After a few weeks she would just sit calmly waiting to see if passers by were going to approach her, and then, days later, she would merely lift her head from her cot when someone passed by, as if she was waiting for a signal that anyone may have noticed her.  This, it seems, was the beginning of her exhibiting depressed and anxious behaviors.  Gradually, after she had been there for weeks, volunteers finally started to work with her - talking to her, petting her, and then taking her out!  At first she, full of pent-up energy, was difficult to leash, and didn't know how to behave on the leash with all of her jumping up and pulling.  After more opportunities to get out, run, jump, play, she began to enjoy calmer walks and some lap time and TLC from volunteers.  After finally receiving what attention volunteers were able to offer (when volunteers were available) she started exhibiting some more desperate behaviors.  She'd began lunging at the gate of her run, barking,  jumping, begging to be taken out, and after an energetic break outside, she had been resisting being put back in her run.  Just recently, she has shown far more concerning behavior in which she is actually biting the chain-link wire of her enclosure!  These are all exhibitions of suffering from separation anxiety and barrier related behavior disorders.  It is so tragic to see this deterioration in the behavior of an otherwise healthy dog. She is exhibiting the psychological effects of being caged for so long!  

With appropriate handling, Layla is very trainable and a good listener.  Layla has proven to be very good with all people, seeking to get and give affection.  

Please Help Layla 

Get the Chance that She Deserves

 for a Forever Home

 with a 

Family that She Can Love!

Please, please be her voice and spread the word so that she can be rescued!

Thank You!

<3 CANINE PERSONALS <3
BPPF (brown, pretty, Pitty Terrier, female) seeks forever family who loves to go for walks, play, get and give hugs, and wants me to be their "one and only" girl. Prefer home without other dogs.
See my profile at: http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/25242975

<3 CANINE PERSONALS <3
BNM (brown, neutered, male) American Staffordshire Bull Terrier seeking forever family who likes to take long, leisurely walks, needs a good listener, gives hugs and treats, and most importantly wants me to be their "one and only".  Prefers home without dogs or cats.  See my profile at:  http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/24635844