A Place to Bark ... and Meow

At Heaven's Gate...

2008-09-04T13:58:00.002-04:00

"...whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.."
-Ephesians 6:8 KJV

There are people who leave their mark on this earth, even in their last moments...
Yesterday, I received a phone call from a woman, telling me that her mother had asked that donations be giving to our rescue in lieu of flowers. I was speechless..

Shirley Rogers was this woman.

A woman who I had never met, but somehow, heard about what we do here.

An animal loving person she did what she could for animals in need, according to her daughter.

The act of reaching out to a perfect stranger and doing something for the animals in need, putting aside the material items of this earth, is such a profound act that I felt the need to share this beautiful story..
At this moment I am sure she is standing in Heaven, surrounded by animals, basking in the beautiful light of God.

The picture above is one I took when I was in San Diego at the dog beach.

This would be my heaven, the water, sand between my toes and a dog by my side..

If you read this today, please say a prayer for Shirley & keep her in your thoughts..
I wish I would have had the chance to meet her, surely some day I will:)

ROGERS, Shirley Craig Age 67 of Nashville, died September 1, 2008. Preceded in death by mother, Doyne Speakman Boatman; brother, Bill Craig. Survived by daughter, Kelly (Johnny) Copeland; sons, Thomas E. (Becky L.) Rogers and Michael (Erika) Rogers; sisters, Carolyn Dunn and Linda (Roger) Simpkins; grandchildren, Brian, Chris and Kendra. A Celebration in her memory will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2008 from 3 - 5 p.m., at the family's residence, 4247 Horseshoe Bend Trail in Murfreesboro. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rescue Shelter "A Place To Bark", P.O. Box 649, Portland, TN 37148. BURNS-SHORT DIRECTORS, (615) 770-0023. www.burns-short.com

With each day..

2008-09-01T03:00:00.001-04:00

"The difficult we do immediately; the impossible takes just a little longer:
-Air Force Motto

With each day, I count my blessings..

My family, friends, animal lovers and the artist community that rallies around to help us with our mission. The recent events with Hurricane Gustav reminds us, not to take our daily lives for granted. Life can change in the blink of an eye.. It does every day. Lives saved, lives lost..

Take a moment today to give your loved ones and pets a BIG hug and revel in the moment!!!

Over the weekend I was called by our Sheriff's department calling to see if I had room to house animals. They were preparing ahead, just in case the storm displaced more people & animals than there were places that could house them. We have plenty of land and can surely help in situations like that. I'll need to buy more kenneling for emergency housing, just in case, for the future. I could not fathom what those poor people go thru, with the hurricanes.

The thought of leaving my beloved pets behind is not something I think I could do...

I have been preoccupied with many, many things these days..

Home, family, work, new additions & we've been at record numbers for several months now with the animals taken in.

The building is coming along slowly. Almost done!!! Septic is going in this week.

Then the painting begins.. We are using an epoxy paint for the floor, trying to figure out what color to use??? As an artist you would think this would be easy, but so many to choose from and trying to envision the final result isn't as easy as you would think. I want it to be perfect:)

I know most don't want to read my lengthy chatter, but want to see the fabulous fuzzies waiting for homes, so here you go!!!

This gorgeous girl is "Azure" she is a 4 month old female Lab/mix with striking blue eyes.

Super sweet, friendly, spunky and non stop loving energy!!!

She also has a sister who has one brown eye and one half of a blue eye. Her name is Asia.

"Clover" & "Lily" are siblings, surrendered to the pound due to their family losing their home.

Approximately 1-2 years of age. Female, Collie/mixes. SWEeeeT!!!

"Eli" is a male Shepherd/mix. Approximately 10 weeks old. He had to have 2 blood transfusions from his mother. We almost lost him... His blood loss was from a very severe infestation of hookworms and fleas. He is not out of the woods yet, but is still with us and doing better. We will know Thursday when his blood is tested to see where his levels are.

This picture perfect pup is "Lil Bit" Female, truly not sure what breed, her siblings look like terrier/mixes, but she is very, very small compared to them.

She is the runt of her litter and they came to me with a horrible infestation of lice, fleas & ticks.

Doing great now, she is little but has a HUGE personality!!!

For "Parker's" family..

He is doing great and having a good time playing with everyone!!!

"Parker" is a young, male Basset Hound. Loves to be with you, never leaves my side.

Good with other dogs, Loves food, obviously being a hound:)

I'll have a video of him on You Tube soon, playing with all the puppies...

Many dogs I take in, I place with rescues, if I feel they would not do well at the Humane Societies I work with. Not all dogs do well in a shelter situation and it's in the best interest of the dogs that they go to rescues who can work one on one with them and do private placements.

I took "Bella" up north to Pug Hugs Rescue in Wisconsin.

So if you are looking to adopt her, contact them. She is a GREAT dog!!

"Mona" & "Millie" were from a puppy mill.

Transferred to Illinois Cocker Rescue & Toy Breeds Rescue. VERY, VERY, sweet girls!!

Both were in poor shape, but under Aly's care they will be well and up for adoption soon:)

"Gomez" was placed with Tennessee Shar Pei Rescue. It will take several months before he is up for adoption. They have much work ahead getting him back to health, but he's worth it.

I do transfer many of my purebred dogs, so they can go to their specific breed rescues.

These rescues know their breed thru and thru. Educating and screening the potential adopter so that it is a win/win situation for the animal.
All the great people I know and am blessed to network with, I thank you and the animals thank you!!!

Will be working on the website, updates, announcements, super exciting announcement!!!

So I will be tormenting Claudine all day today:)

If you don't know, she graciously donates her time to creating and maintaining our website.

Cat post coming soon...

Have a Blessed Day all!!!!!

We're getting it done!!!

2008-08-24T23:50:00.001-04:00

"Victory is won not in miles, but in inches.

Win a little now, hold your ground, and later win a little more."

-Louis L'Amour

Whoo- HOO!!!! We have concrete, electric & the plumbing lines are in..

I cannot begin to tell you how crazy my week has been...
Family obligations, the shelter being built, call after call about dogs, took in puppy mill dogs, driving cats all over to get them adopted, vet visits, getting ready to transport on Tuesday to Chicago, and trying to catch up on all my paperwork.

It just never seems to end.... But life is like that sometimes, eh?!!

Makes you know you are alive in every way:)

Just a quick post to show you whats going on...

Concrete going in the building.

They did a wonderful job on the concrete, the ledge you see is so there is no back splash when we pressure wash the kennels. Can't believe how excited I was about the drains:)

Electrical lines being dug & put in.

So much happening, so much to tell, just not enough time to sit and post...

I am working on a bunch of posts and will have them go up automatically each week, so that I won't go so long without posting.

My sweet friends Brenda and Julia who have offered to help me out with things, to try to catch me up. LOVE my friends:)

I will have exciting news the end of September to share with you...

So stay tuned!!!

Also, a BIG, HUGE, THANKS to the folks at Stampington & Company.

I worked as an artist on call for them, for several years and took a break to build A Place To Bark. Sometime in the near future I hope to be doing articles and art for them again.

They created this beautiful ad for us and it could not have come at a better time.

We so need the exposure for our future growth. It is featured in all their publications this month. If you are not familiar with their magazines, please check them out HERE.

Art, photography, blogging, sewing, altered art, stamping, they have it all!!

I feel like I am forgetting something, but am starting to nod off..
Gotta get some sleep!!! Nitey Nite:)

And Here we have it.. Our new building!!

2008-08-18T13:23:00.003-04:00

"Very few burdens are heavy if everyone lifts"
-Sy Wise

I have to run out the door, to check on the builders, the store, animal control and the vet...

But I wanted to share a few of the pictures with you, because I know you are excited as we are!!!

This shelter is built on the love and kindness of our fellow artists and animal lovers.

Look what we have accomplished together!!!

I will post more later and edit this post, but just so excited I wanted to post a note to you all now!!!

New faces for U at the zoo:)

2008-08-12T01:30:00.002-04:00

"No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich."
-Louis Sabin

Have we got the cuties here!!! Ooooh, don't you just want to kiss all their faces:)

These are 3 of the 8 pups that are in the litter we picked up from the pound 2 weeks ago.

The day is done and they sure got alot finished. The skeleton of the building is up!!!

We should be able to pour the concrete by the weekend if all goes well:)

Lately my phone has been ringing off the hook, people calling me to take in dogs.

I have been getting anywhere from 2 to 20 calls daily:( Eeek!!

While I wish I could take them all, there is only so much I can do...

I have a 3 month waiting list for owners who want to surrender their dogs.

It really gets to me, but I can only do so much and we are busting at the seams trying to find space. Not to mention the money is getting really tight with gas prices, tons of vet bills and we have already taken in more animals than last year and the year is not over.

I try to stay as positive as I can, but every now and then some fear creeps in...

Enough babbling, let's focus on the good, the lives saved & beautiful faces featured below!!!

This is 'Aggie" she just finished her last heart worm treatment and will be ready for adoption in a few weeks.
She is incredibly sweet about 3 years old, great with other dogs, loves food of course and is just a wonderful companion.

These are her pups, Flo, Bro, Joe & Moe:)

"Oogie" is soooo cool!!! He is some type of Shar Pei mix. 12 weeks old he drools and snores:)

We received a donation of toys from our online artist Angels last week, that he is enjoying very much!! Thank YOU so much, they are having a great time with the stuff!!!!

'These five pups were under a dog bed at animal control, one was in the drain in the back of the kennels. Only about 4 weeks old, we have been treating them for Parvo.

They are doing well but aren't out of the woods yet.

This darling Pug is "Izzabella". She is a 2 year old female. She is on behavior modification medication for the short term. When she came to me, she was spinning uncontrollably and attacking her tail to the point that part of her tail is missing.

We are retraining her and she is responding well!!!

Last one for the nite..

This is "Daisy" a Shepherd mix. Meek and mild, co-dependent, will be your shadow and faithful friend. She is approximately 1-2 years of age. About 20 pounds underweight after nursing 9 puppies.

So many more here, just wanted to share their gorgeous faces with you...

Off to bed, today has been a good day:)

And so it begins...

2008-08-10T23:42:00.003-04:00

"Your work is to discover your work and then to give yourself to it with all your heart.."

-Buddha

We have broken ground and the building is going up as I type this!!!
I'm still pinching myself:)

This is just the beginning, but here is where it starts...
Seems like just yesterday, we moved to Tennessee and this winter it will be 3 years.

The building will be 30 x 60 with 4000 square feet of outdoor kenneling.
We will have a few acres fenced off with different yards for the dogs to run and play after their 3 week quarantine.

The shelter will be dedicated to the artists and animal lovers who have helped me create this program. The animals and I are grateful everyday..

I know I sound like a broken record, but I feel you cannot let people know enough how much they are appreciated:) And I do appreciate you..

From the bottom of my heart I THANK YOU for being a part of this journey with me!!!

Life has been extremely, insanely, busy lately, with family issues, caring for the little ones and getting my professional work done. So if you are waiting for an e-mail or box from me, the mail is packed waiting for me to drive it to town and I have the e-mail on my to do list..

Jeff is doing as well as can be expected and we are headed back to the doctors tomorrow.

The shelter being built has given him some new life, he is trying his hardest to stay on his feet.

Balance and walking is very difficult for him, but he has put so much work into the plans for this place it only seems right that he be right there, even if it means sitting in a chair, with a cold drink, while they are building.

This blog is usually where I write about art & the animals, but I am sure Jeff would be tickled if you left a comment for him. He has done so much for the little ones here, the scared and the unsocialized I find it only fitting to dedicate this post to him.

Artwork has started coming in from my friends to decorate the shelter, even though it will be months before we can hang it, I believe we will not only have a functional shelter, but a very colorful, vibrant and fun place for the animals.

Later this week, I will be writing to qualify us for many of the animal programs & grants available... Tons to do, so I better get to it!!!

Again, a million kisses and hugs from one very excited crazy dog lady:)

Much LOVE,

Bernie

Quick post..

2008-08-04T00:01:00.000-04:00

"Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream preceeds the goal."
-Pamela Vaull Starr

Just a quick post..

I'm still around, but at capacity for dogs. So not much time to post these days...

We also break ground on the shelter/building this week!!!

YEAH!!!:)

This note is to:

Kristina, the pups you found are doing great here are some pictures to show you they are doing well and are happy.

Kristina, found these 4 very large puppies where she lives and called me.

They were dumped and stray, covered in ticks and fleas.

She did a great job caring for them till I got back in town.

They appear to be Great Pyrenees mixes. Big Fuzzies!!

The one looks like a Pyrenees/Boxer or Shepherd mix.

All super sweet and at about 12-14 weeks are weighing about 40 pounds:)

There's a whole lot to love with these pups!!!

On another note, Jeff's health has been declining rapidly and he has been having stroke like symptoms this past week. Will know more tomorrow...

He has really had a very hard time of things with his health, so please keep him in your prayers.

Will post more tomorrow...

Kobie gets a new home..

2008-07-15T00:25:00.007-04:00

"Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
-Hebrews 11:1

On the go, from the road...

Claudine made this little graphic of me with the dogs:)

Don't you love wireless!!!
I started writing this post a few days ago, sitting outside with my friend Monica's house in Chicago.

I overnited there, on my way to Wisconsin to adopt "Kobie" to his new home. Actually, his new owner is a repeat adopter, they adopted "Harvey" from me last year. Amazing how time flies, it seems like just yesterday, that I took Kobie and Kya from the pound.
Having to carry Kobie out, because he was so weak & malnourished, he could barely stand. Now isn't he just the most stunning dog!!!

Still a bit shy, but getting better with each passing day.

The picture below was taken the day I rescued Kobie and Kya from the pound.

This is the Kobie today!!!

A big smile, for everyone who helps me save these guys:)

This was the last picture I took of Kya and her kids, before I took them to Anti Cruelty Society in Chicago.
I was fortunate enough to meet one of the families that adopted them, the day I was there.

I am now at "CHA", seeing all the new art & craft products in the industry, will be doing a book signing for F+W publications booth #1817 tomorrow from 10a.m. to 11 a.m. They will be giving away limited copies of my book.

It is always great to see all my friend in the art field, it just never ceases to amaze me how fast time flies... half the year is already gone.

Now, Finally!!! Thanks for being patient with me, the winners to my blog giveaways:

The 4 x 4 painted canvas goes to: Mary LaBontel

The 2 books go to: Funky Finds & Tara Ross Studio

The 3 collage packs go to: Harley Dee, Dejablu503 & Groovy Holly

Please send me your mailing information and I will send the items out next week when I get home..

I'm very lucky to have Jeff, Terry & my vet clinic taking care of all the critters while I am on the road... So Thank you guys!!!

Without Jeff & Terry at home, holding down the fort, I don't know what I would do.

Well, yes.. I do, I wouldn't be able to leave, to work:(

I tell them all the time, how much I appreciate it, but sometimes it is just nice to be appreciated in print:) So here you are!!!

Here is another fun pet link to My Friend's Pet Boutique blog.
Brook, is currently watching Freedom for me while I am at the show, she called to tell me that she got her a new dress.
A far cry from the puppy mill she was taken from, she is being spoiled & is playing with 2 English Bulldogs & 2 Boston Terriers.
I wanted to give you something to smile about so check out this funny youtube that was taken the weekend they were at a dog show: "Dogs playing on Brook's head in the Morning"

Since I have been gone my cell has been ringing non stop, with requests to take dogs and puppies..
So looks like I'll be busy when I get home. Eeeek!!

Till tomorrow, much love...

Heavy Post: Independence Day came early...

2008-07-12T15:02:00.011-04:00

"Hold Onto The Good"

- I Thessalonians 5:21

This post has been a very difficult one for me to write..

I have struggled for the past week, trying to find the right words.

My volunteer work with the H.S.U.S. puppy mill seizure here in Tennessee, has kept me very busy and has emotionally drained me, beyond words.
We took in 33 dogs from the seizure to be placed with "Anti Cruelty Society" in Chicago.

They spent a few days here with us, before they went.
Giving them time to get settled, groomed, thorough vet checks & health certificates, before their trip.

When I brought the dogs to Chicago, as I turned the corner and saw the "Anti Cruelty Society", I started to cry..

It was as if, every dog that I rescued, their memories came to revisit me at that moment.

I know what these dogs had to endure and that very soon, they would be in homes, real homes and not cages. So many of these dogs have spent years of their lives, in horrible conditions and now they would have a chance at a true life. I decided to stayed a few extra days in Chicago to recharge & unwind. Stopped at the shelter on Saturday to find people lined up all around the block to adopt these dogs for they had been on the news.

While I was extremely grateful so many people showed up, I also wished, at that very moment all humane societies & rescues had that type of turnout daily for the great shelter dogs, who wait patiently for a human of their own to love & care for them every day of their lives.

The shelter has screened and educated their adopters as to the special care and understanding these animal will need. If you ever consider adopting a puppy mill survivor this is what you will need to know.

These are the before and after pictures.

Amazing, aren't they?!!

The saying a picture says a thousand words can be see in their eyes.

These pictures were taken, when they took their first steps on ground.

Not cage wire, but grass.
Scared to death at first, after several hours, they realized they were safe & started to relax, play and smile.
These dogs lived in rabbit hutches, many, many, dogs in one hutch.
Click "here" to watch video footage of the rescue.

Their poor feet were so embedded with fecal matter even after multiple washings & soakings we could not get it off their pads.

I consider myself a strong person, but this experience was one that hit me terribly hard, brought me to my knees so to speak, my heart and soul will never be the same again..

Images forever burned into my memory.
I had been on one other puppy mill bust a few years ago, but this was the absolute worst.
Nothing can ever prepare you for the unspeakable things that people can do..
But until you see it with your very own eyes, it is that very moment, you will dedicate your lifetime to the cause.
While I know many of you have a hard time with these types of heavy posts, it is important to read, to help change the world so to speak. I always try to shield you by not showing the gore, for I know most of you have a very difficult time with these things, but you will know by just looking at the faces, they need us to help them.. So please take a moment for their sakes.

Puppy mills are a greed based industry, preying on animal loving people.

The animals live a lifetime of misery, procreating for profit.

Unsuspecting people just looking to buy a pure bred puppy, buy pups from pet stores not realizing that they are helping an unspeakable industry continue on..

If you must buy a purebred dog, please research and find a reputable breeder.

I highly recommend rescues and shelters. There is a purebred rescue for every breed, so please adopt when you can!!!

I am asking you, if you love animals and want to Help Stop Puppy mills, join H.S.U.S. in their campaign to end this horrible industry. I have seen first hand what people who are dedicated to the cause can do. Whether you are there physically working or just being in support of stopping inhumane treatment of animals, we all can play a part in seeing an end to puppy mills.
Please post a banner to your website or blog, buy a t-shirt, join Facebook and commit to the cause. I know I have readers from all over the world, it costs nothing to put a banner up, to help raise awareness, so please if you believe in the ethical treatment of animals post the banner. Together, we can make a difference for the animals!!!

All the links are hooked up to the words, let me know if you have posted a banner, bought a t-shirt or joined FaceBook. I would love to know:)

Also, if you want another blog to add to your blog rolls, check out Wayne's Blog.

I LOVE you guys and am thankful everyday you are with me & read this blog.

I promise to post the way over due winners for my giveaways tomorrow!!!

Today.. Day 3

2008-06-27T06:52:00.000-04:00

Can't post very much, I am running out the door.

I have been onsite volunteering at the"puppymill seizure" here in Tennessee.

700 animals rescued, it is the largest bust in the history of the state.

If you have never seen "Humane Society of the United States" in action, the term blood, sweat and tears is the best way I can describe the people and dedication to the cause.

I have seen first hand where the donation dollars are spent and am in awe of the total operation to save and someday abolish all puppymills.

You can follow the rescue "here"..

Help spread awareness about puppymills and help join "HSUS"in their crusade, that no dog be left behind!!

Give Away Gifts... Thank you for reading!!!

2008-06-18T19:56:00.001-04:00

"Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by doubling our joy and dividing our grief."

-Joseph Addison

As I am getting ready to leave for my trip to New Jersey, I couldn't help but do this post..

It has been on my mind for sometime, to do some art give aways.

My appreciation for all the wonderful support, both financially and emotionally over these past years has left me feeling very grateful everyday.

I feel very blessed, to be able to keep continuing to rescue animals and I could not do it without you. I wish I could know each and every one of you, that visits this blog and according to my statcounter, there are ALOT of you!!!

So please take a moment to post a comment, it can be as simple as I am a lurker, I love my dog, cat or just a simple hello.. No need to get real lengthy if you don't want to:)

Just know your comments left mean so much to me..

I know it sounds sappy, but I mean this from the bottom of my heart!!!

You have no idea of what the day to day happenings here are, as far as the hundreds of e-mails daily, from lists all over about dogs being put to sleep, rescuers franic to save animals in kill shelters, the daily phone calls everyday, from people having to surrender their dogs due to foreclosures, changes of circumstances or people finding strays that they have no place to go with them, other than the pound and that is almost always sure death.

My voicemail is usually full by noon..

I wish I could take them all in, but I can't and it is such a hopeless feeling, I hope you never have to experience. It is a constant roller coaster of emotions so to speak.

We are at a time, that the economy is so bad that rescues & charities everywhere are cutting back, shutting down and even worse, I have been getting e-mails that some rescues will have to euthanize their own dogs, because they cannot care for them any longer.

I just reached out to one of these rescues, offering food and whatever else I could help with.

The animals have no choice, but to depend on and look to us for help to hear stories like that just destroys me...

Enough sad talk..

I appreciate you and want you to know it!! What I am giving away isn't fancy, just a little token.

Sooooo, just comment and make sure to leave your email or blog URL so I can contact you if you win! I'll draw two winners on Thursday July 27th.

The contest will end midnight July 26th. Winners will be posted on the 27th.

I will use a random number generator to pull the winners for these art related things.

I know it's not much, but I really wanted to do a little something to show my appreciation.
So this is what I am giving away!!!

1 whimsical doggie 4 x 4 painting done by me. Yes, silly, but fun!!!

2 Artist Trading Card books, signed by the author (me).

3 individual collage sheet packs, each containing themed: 1 cat collage sheet and 2 dog collage sheets.
Perfect for Artist Trading cards or for creating small or mini collages!!

Again "Thanks A Million" for being my friend and friends to the animals!!!

Blessings & Light to you all...

Updates on Chase and where I am off to next..

2008-06-18T09:03:00.008-04:00

"Although the world is full of suffering, it's also full of the overcoming of it."

-Helen Keller

"Maija", you wanted an update on Chase, so here it is...
I am pleased to tell you "Chase", a.k.a. Drippy, no longer bites, is walking and gives lots of tail wags and kisses:)
He had me very worried, as well as the staff at my vets office, for he did bite on several occasions.
There is nothing more heartbreaking than an unsocialized animal who is terrified by everything. Did you know that fear is the very root of an aggressive dog.

It is true, a dog who is not confident will bite out of fear. But with time and training, these issues can be overcome in most cases.
Chase's name was originally Drippy. The vet techs at my vet's office named him, after he came in. He was soaking wet and drippy, when he was brought in, after a car had hit him.

His name was changed for fear people would be reluctant to adopt him because they might think he had a drippy condition, for example having a potty issue. But after much thought, he will regain his Drippy name, just because he truly responds to it more, than Chase.

Our little guy is doing fantastic!!! A picture tells a thousand words and you can see from the pictures below, his progression has been miraculous:)

Tomorrow I am headed out to Ranger U, in New Jersey for product usage certification.
Really excited, for I will get to see & learn about all the wonderful new art products they have.

I personally use Ranger products, as a staple in my artistic endeavors, and now I will be a certified instructor as well!!!
Not only do I not have to teach, I will get to be a student for a change and will learn, what is new and exciting in the industry.

The instructors teaching are also friends of mine, so that makes it just that much more fun!!!

"Tim Holtz", "Suze Weinberg" and my dear friend "Claudine Hellmuth".

Claudine and I will get to spend some girl time together, brainstorm about A Place To Bark's future events, like the art auction slotted for November, the Cafe Press store and other things to benefit the animals and keep us running. I'm sure we'll be headed out for some Thai & Japanese food too:)

On the horizon, I have also been asked to teach at these upcoming events later this year & next year. This is my version of cutting back my schedule:)

"CHA Chicago", will be book signing and demoing for my publisher "F+W Publications",

"ZNE ConvenZioNE" in California,

"Raevns Nest Art Retreat" in Wisconsin, "Expo Art" in California,
& I have been asked to teach at the "Creative Soul Retreat" in Melbourne, Australia next year!!!

Yes, I have busy schedule and a medical condition that has been tiring me out a bit more than usual, but have to earn a living just like everyone else and doggies to feed:)
If you wonder who cares for them while I am gone, we will soon have a page up on the website that introduces you, to those who help me care for the animals.

I have Terry here full time and Chris helps when he can & several fabulous fosters who will be featured, so you can get to know them too:)

Gotta run, but not until I introduce you to our newest shy girl...

Her name is "Skittles" and she is soooo shy.

Sweet as can be, but truly scared to death of anything that is new or moves quickly.

Once she warms up she doesn't leave your side.

About 1 to 2 years of age she would be a wonderful companion for anyone who is looking for a co-dependent small dog.

That's it for now, will post more next week...

P.S. Just to let you know, we have already rescued just a little over 300 animals this year so far!!!

How BIG is your heart???

2008-06-16T01:11:00.003-04:00

"What the Lion is to the Cat, the Mastiff is to the Dog.
The noblest of the family, he stands alone and all others sink before him.
His courage does not exceed, his temper and generosity,
In attachment he equals the kindest of his race."
Cynographia Britannica - 1800

This post is about a week old, but if you know me I am always trying to catch up on my life:)

So much to say, but posting takes time as most of you know that keep blogs and websites.

Do you have room in your heart and home for some BIG girls?

These sweet darlings are looking for homes.

I have been in contact with "Friends of Rescued Mastiff"
and hopefully together we can find forever homes, for these girls.

These Mastiffs are, roughly between the ages of 2-4 and 110-166 pounds.

That's a whole lot of dog!!!

They are wonderful, but be ready to pick up large piles and keep a towel around for lots of drooley kisses. Not to mention, to please really think long term on, is this breed right for me.
The Sumner County Sheriff’s detectives seized 44 dogs, during visits to several dog breeding operations in Sumner County, following complaints received concerning the treatment of animals.

That is where these girls came from.

I took these pictures early last week, but couldn't bring them here right away since I was getting everyone ready for transport & would be on the road gone.

The sheriff's department & "The Hairy Moose" had been housing all the seized dogs for several weeks. These were the last 4 that weren't adopted out.

I have two of the four here now and they are sooooo sweet.

I won't kid you, they will need homes that will understand the breed and the circumstances they came from. The two girls I have here are kept separate, but love, love, love, people.

Loud noises scare them, but I believe we can build their confidence and eventually socialize them to each other. It takes time and work, but nothing is impossible, with love, understanding and the proper training.

Please do your research and be completely honest with your self about your true expectations and time constraints when adopting a dog.
If you have any questions or would like to more about the breed, this Mastiff rescue website has a fantastic F.A.Q. page.

Or this website which talks about the good, the bad & concerns you may have about the breed.

Alive and running..

2008-06-10T17:54:00.001-04:00

"Dear God, May the stars which fill the sky, fill me."
-Marianne Williamson

Yes, I am alive:)

Thanks so much for all the e-mail inquiries!!!

Crazy busy these past few weeks, with caring for the animals, transporting, then to Wisconsin for the Bead & Button Show, then home and again on the road to Chicago transporting again yesterday.
Tonite I am overnighting in a hotel in Indiana due to weather and accidents.

In the past 6 weeks I have brought 98 dogs & puppies up north along with 7 cats & kittens.
In addition to caring for everyone and getting all ready, to go forth on their journeys to new homes, we have been planning and getting ready to build our new shelter.

It has been a learning experience and the cost of building is much more than we had anticipated, but the physical building will go up this summer and we will have to add thing on as we go.
But you have to start somewhere!!!! So we are:)

A cat house will also be built this summer, more to come on that...

Here are some pics I would like to share with you, of some of the pups, that were on this last transport and are at the humane society up for adoption this week.

This group was very hard for me to say goodbye to and I am sure you can see why:)

These guys were just full of personality!!!

I will try to post a bit more this week, have so much to tell and lots of fun stuff to share.

But for right now I'm pretty tired and ready to take a hot shower and just try to relax a bit, before I hit the road early tomorrow morning.

This little girl "Gophie" loves "Pokey".

He will miss her.. But there will always be more little ones for him to care for and be a guardian to.

New Look, Cats, kittens & Casting Call

2008-05-20T10:21:00.006-04:00

"There is a destiny that makes us brothers; None goes this way alone.."
"All that we send into the lives of others; Comes back into our own."
-Edwin Markham

We've got a new look here at "A Place To Bark"!!!

I'm really soooo excited and cannot express my gratitude enough to Claudine's husband Paul.

Paul did a fabulous job designing & beautifying this website.

I know it was a ton of work & we appreciate all the heart and art put into it!!!

I am sure you can spot a bit of Claudine's influence with the color scheme or is it Stan's:)

I couldn't ask for better friends, so Thank You both a million times over!!!

The website isn't complete, we still have to tweek a few things, add some pages and need to redo & update quite a bit of the old text. We all just couldn't wait to get it up & see it live.

So just know it is a work in progress.

Something super fun!!

Claudine's mom gave me this lead and the producer asked me to post a casting call since we have so many animal lovers here:)

Casting call for new Animal series with a major cable network.
Is your life literally going to the dogs...and cats...and bunnies...and lizards?

Do you have ducks in the bathtub and spiders in the chandelier?

Do you mix up your kid's names with your pets? Are your kids actually goats?

A major cable network is developing a new series about families where the pets outnumber the humans, where the daily business of raising a family includes dealing with the whole animal kingdom.

If your house is one where any species would feel at home, we'd like to know more.

Please send a short introductory email about your family to MyHouseIsaZoo.too@gmail.com.

Include a link to your website if you can.

Emails with attachments cannot be opened.

Tell them that you saw it here at "A Place To Bark".

Back to the happenings here at our Zoo:)

As always we are busy here.. Lots of little ones. Tis the spring season:(
I arrived home from transporting last Sunday, but it always takes me about a week to recover and get caught up, before I post.

This week we took in some beautiful cats, below are the before and afters.

I so wish I could post every animal that comes thru, but time just isn't on my side when it comes to doing computer work. So just know there are many more here, if you are ever looking to adopt, just drop me an e-mail and I can send you pics of those here waiting for someone to adopt them.

Below is "Jubilee" the orange momma kitty.

She is such a love!! Approximately 2 years old and sweet, sweet, sweet!!

These pics were taken the day I took them from animal control.

The energy whenever I take the photos there is always so dark.

As they say a picture says a thousand words and these before and afters surely do..
"Izzy" a buff colored male, was not feeling so good, but is doing great now!!

Here are "Jubilee" and her kittens. We have a fenced in homemade cage so that we can take them outdoors to get some air and sunshine, without the worry of them running off.

Why is it that cats don't smile as much as dogs?

Or is it they laugh at us when we aren't looking:)

I just took this picture with my macro setting..

I love this kitten, his name is "Guido" purrs the moment you look at him or hold him.

Hate the wrinkly lines in my hand.. boy do I need a manicure:)

More kittens and many cats here looking for homes... Will post more pics soon.

Please remember we all can save lives. Holding life in the palm of our hands so to speak...

Each one of us spreading the word of rescue, donating time and talents to your local humane societies and getting your animals fixed saves many, many lives.

They depend on us.. Let's not let them down, to be put down...

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!! A bit belated:)

2008-05-12T00:52:00.002-04:00

For a mother is the only person on earth
Who can divide her love among ten children
And each child still have all her love.
-Author Unknown

As you all know I have time issues, and today is no different.

If it matters, I started yesterday, but fell asleep with my laptop in bed with me:)

Mother's Day is a day of appreciation.

For many a day of reflection for the mothers who may no longer be with us or we can't be with them today.

I'm not with my mom today, but she has been on my mind all day.

With age I have learned that even though at times we did not see eye to eye, more times than not:)

Little did I know she was teaching me many things then that have made me the person I am today. My strengths and dedication to family are because of her.

She is the strongest person I have ever known and yes, I get my stubbornness from her too:) Never asking for anything, working harder than any person I have ever known and never taking no for an answer, she raised six of us kids by herself and taught us that we are in control of our life and it is what we make it.

To love deeply, to forgive often & keep God close to our hearts..

Mom even though I can't be with you today, I love you always!!!

As always we talk dog around here, so here we go!!!

Kya's babies are growing up so quickly...

Seems like just yesterday we pulled her from the pound and because she was so starved I didn't even know she was pregnant. Lucky for these two, we did!!!

They are alive, very healthy, will be weaned very soon and then on to families they can call their own.

Soooo cute don't you just want to give them kissey, kisses all over their little faces!!

Mwuah!!! They have the best puppy breath:)

People always ask me how I get such nice pictures of the dogs. I take alot of pictures!!!

Yes, I act and talk silly to them, so what you see is, probably them laughing at me:) But truly, this place and property to me is magical. It is a place of peace and miracles. I live at the top of a foot hill overlooking a beautiful creek and pond.

The animals are happy here, it is just an in between place they can call home for the moment,

to heal and learn, until they go on to their forever homes.

I'm tired most days, but it is all worth it. The pictures are proof of this..

Life can be beautiful if just given the chance and all these beautiful creatures deserve a chance. With love all things are possible... I believe this with all my heart!!!

I hope all you moms reading know how special and important you are!!

You are the creators of life, the ones who will teach our youth of tomorrow and make them the people they will become. Cherish your moments with your little ones..

I am cherishing my mommy moments right now:)

Much love to you all!!!

Blessings and light...

"Motherhood: All love begins and ends there."
-Robert Browning

Very FUN Auction for "A Place To Bark"

2008-05-10T04:44:00.002-04:00

"How beautiful the day, when a kindness touches it"
-George Elliston

Wooo- Wooo!!! Tell all your friends "says Gusov".

I am floored...WOW!!! "A Place To Bark" has been blessed with an amazing gift that is up for auction by the film maker on E-bay right now!!!
"CLICK HERE" to view it.

If you love funny movies, would like to have a collectors piece to show off and in turn help the animals here, now is your chance!!!
There is a new moving coming out "Boys of Summerville" from independent film maker,

"Lycan Entertainment".
This is rare chance to own one of the props from this movie signed by the cast.
The auction is for an original movie prop that was used movie, which was filmed entirely in east Tennessee.
The sign was used during the opening credit, when the main character drives into town, for the first time in many, many years (as seen in picture).

The prop is a sign that says "Summerville Welcomes You" and is signed by most of the cast and crew (as seen in picture) including, the writer and director during the premiere at the "Regal Entertainment Downtown West Theater" in Knoxville, TN!
The sign is in excellent condition and will be shipped and packed very carefully to keep it safe and sound on its way to you.

This sign was the original sign that was used in the movie.
It measures approximately 25" by 39" and is made out of high quality corrugated glossy plastic.
After the auction has ended and item is received, "Lycan Entertainment", LLC agrees to, unless buyer wishes to remain anonymous, post the winner's picture and profile on the official "Boys of Summerville" website!
Too cool!!!!

Check out theWEBSITE and TRAILER, it looks like a fun filled movie!!!
We as artist are always in search of networking and supporting like minds and hearts and I highly recommend that we pay forward the kindnesses that they have bestowed upon us.

Even the smallest of ways count, like having a day of fun, going to the movies and remembering that this company, took the time to care and help a small rescue called "A Place To Bark":)
You rock Brooks Benjamin, cast and crew!!!!