Wordless Wednesday from H.O.P.E.

Just a few more images from the great weeked at H.O.P.E. Adopt-a-ton.  Don't forget to enter the contest to win some tasty home made treats for your special pooch. Details here.

Crossed Paws for H.O.P.E

On one hand, you might think that seeing that many animals looking  for their forever home might be depressing.  While it is sad that there are so many homeless animals and every animal there, I'm sure, had a story to tell, the feeling of the weekend was very upbeat and happy.  Maybe I'm just naive, but with so many people gathered in one place with a common goal of animal welfare, how can you go wrong?  I love that the event was done by H.O.P.E. because that is what these animals were full of. Hope.  And I had great hope for them as well.

Another of the extraordinary vendors present was Terri, the owner, baker and chief bottle washer of Crossed Paws Barkery.   Terri started making her own dog treats, because like so many of us pet owners she was concerned with all of the problems and issues that have arisen with treats lately.  She makes wholesome, yummy dog treats that are human quality and smell like heaven to both dogs and people. 

I smelled the Rescue Roll and wanted to pop it in my mouth right then and there.  It smelled like a parmasean breadstick to me.  What is great about the Rescue Roll is that a portion of the profits from that treat go back to Rescue.  Terri is not only a multiple adopter, but she is the mom of some handsome Pit Bull type dogs.  Jackpot!

I've met two of her four gorgeous boys and I can tell you, they are mah-velous!  It is difficult to tell by my stellar photographic skills, but the picture to the far right depicts how she came up with the name of her business.  On the night Dozer (on the right) came home he and his new brother Decker crossed paws.  Swoon. The menu that she offers is extensive and looks like things I give Ray, which is also high on the list.  I love that each of her dogs has a treat named after him as well as other treats like Bully Brownies and Pibble Twists.  A lady after my own heart.

As for how they taste?  I brought home a bag of Sweet Potato Crunchies and Ray literally ate them up.

I firmly believe that everyone should feed and treat with the highest quality available, shop locally if possible and support your local rescue.  That isn't too much to ask is it?  Good.  Well in an effort to do all of the above I have a fun contest for you! 

First, go to Crossed Paws Barkery facebook page and "Like" them, then click on the "about" tab and look through all of the delicious treats they have to offer.  Next, leave me a comment here with the name of the treat that most appeals to you.  (If you comment here "anonymously" make sure I have a way of getting ahold of you if you win.)  On Friday at 8:00 pm EST, I will collect all of the comments and use a random generator to pick the lucky person who will win the treat of their choice.  I will let Terri know who the winner is and she will send you your treats!  Win-win!



A Partial Recap

This past weekend was so amazing that we will not be able to recap everything in one single post but will be sharing throughout the week.  I just hope I can do justice to all of the amazing people I met. 
First and foremost, the Adopt-a-thon was a very well done event.  There were dozens of various rescues, vendors, food, games and face painting for the kids as well as low cost vaccinations for pets.  Lots of animals got some really good exposure and hopefully will be finding their forever homes. 

Twizzler the "chick magnet"

I really made an effort to step out of my comfort zone and as a result I met and had some great conversations with some amazing people as I was walking around with little miss Pookie. 

I came across this great booth at mushudesigns with animal shapes as well as some beautiful home decor decals. 

Since my photographic skills are so lacking, I cut off the name of the booth but snagged a card with the cutest pink paw print and found their etsy page.  (She was more than willing to hold Pookie while I snapped a pic.)

I also got an opportunity to chat with Krystal who is a "Facebook friend" that I finally got to meet in real life.  She owns Dog Psychology Training Center and has started a pack walk in our area.  Ray and I have been wanting to join, but since we live a little farther away and most walks were during the week, we haven't yet been able to participate.  Naturally I was over the moon when after I introduced myself, she knew I belonged with Ray-Ray. 

Obviously this isn't Krystal, but her hubby and beautiful baby girl.  (I have really bad timing behind the camera.)  The little Ray-Ray look alike was an adorable adoptable, whose name escapes me at the moment. We are really looking forward to some pack walking, though, and hope join some weekend before it gets too cold because I'm kind of a whiney baby when it comes to cold weather.

We also had the opportunity to greet current friends like Marjorie from My Best Friend, Ray's first teacher as well as the great folks from the green DogGoods.

Naturally, the main draw of the weekend was the animals and I got to transport some sweeties like these three amigos, the chihuahua puppies.

I also got to spend time with little LuLu and her sweet pink bow who is looking for her next forever home (again.)

As well as the crowd favorite, Scruffy.



Hopefully by the end of this week, each of the above listed babies will be in their forever homes.

H.O.P.E. -ful

This weekend is the huge adoption event at H.O.P.E. at which I will be volunteering.  Though I did not attend last year's event, I saw lots of pictures and have heard all year long what a tremendous event this will be.  Seeing the extensive list of rescues, shelters and vendors makes me really excited and so hopeful that a lot of our furry friends will find their forever homes and of course, I'm looking forward to spending some time with some special babies. 

At the top of my list is this sweet, gorgeous Elderbull, Brandi. How much do you just want to smoosh her face?  I just might need a spoon for all of that wonderful Elderbull goodness.

Also, I don't know if he will be at the event, but I have a massive crush on this fellow.  In fact, I have a blog post that I intended to submit as a guest post for another blog in honor of October Adopt a Shelter pet month, but I don't know if I can bear to part with it.  It will probably appear here next week.

I'm H.O.P.E.-ing to see you all there this weekend!