Anyone with a heart would feel the need to help a dog in distress. When I see a dog struggling, I want to help, or at least try to help. It is an intuitive feeling I have. When my dog panted in the backseat of our car, I knew it was her way of managing her stress. She did not like being in the "flying bed" at all. Since I knew she could tolerate the pressure, I ensured she had the biggest payoff when we arrived at our destination. If we were going to the beach, we would stay and play for at least an hour or more. If she had to go for her vet check-up, we went for a long walk before we had to drive home. I empathized with her.

Whenever I am in the doggy loft at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, and I see a dog in distress, I want to help. Over the years volunteering there, I have learned that sometimes new dogs will take longer to relax in their new environment. Since these are all old dogs, I may meet a dog struggling with untreated dental pain. Sometimes a dog is simply missing their old familiar life and person. I can understand and empathize with those feelings myself.

Having an abundance of compassion for any animal in distress is a good thing. I wouldn't change that, and I am grateful that at Muttville, they offer ways to alleviate all of the dogs' stress.

Throughout September!! Pet Food Express is hosting its Virtual Pet Fair, California’s largest, pet adoption event and the pet industry’s first-ever virtual fair of its size with over 7,000 animals available for adoption!

Helen Woodward Animal Center is getting ready to celebrate the Center’s panel participation in Comic-Con International’s Comic-Con@Home with a full weekend of heroic adoptions and PAWmicon fun at the Center July 23 – 25!

Rancho Santa Fe, CA (July 6, 2021) – For the last eight years, Helen Woodward Animal Center orphan pets have celebrated the spectacular feats of superhero adopters by paying homage to Comic-Con International with a Pop Culture-themed Dog Cosplay event entitled PAWmicon. Now, for the first time ever, Comic-Con International is including the rescue facility in its virtual July programming with a Center-hosted panel entitled Animals in Graphic Novels and Games. The virtual panel discussion, set to premiere on July 25 at 11 a.m., features Chris Ryall and Keith Arem and is hosted by Robert Rice from Omniscape. To celebrate the premiere, Helen Woodward Animal Center is throwing a PAWmicon-themed Weekend including pop-culture-named orphan pets, giveaways, photo opportunities and the highly anticipated PAWSplay Costume Competition. 

Helen Woodward Animal Center initiated PAWmicon in 2012 based on an observed parallel between orphan pets and Comic-Con attendees. While comic book enthusiasts wait all year for Comic-Con International, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite action-adventure stars, orphan dogs and cats at Helen Woodward Animal Center will wait a lifetime to meet their superheroes – individuals with one sole mission…to rescue an orphan pet. Planned as a cute adoption gimmick, the promotion drew the attention of fans and animal-lovers across the city, eventually blossoming into an annual event that has grown in pup-ularity and gained global attention with each passing year.

2019’s event surpassed all expectations set in its new location at the Comic-Con Museum. Although still in prep for its official opening, the Comic-Con Museum hosted the event in collaboration with Helen Woodward Animal Center with hundreds of attendees and 100% of its proceeds going to the Center’s pets and programs.

In 2020, PAWmicon planning was well underway when the pandemic hit. Too beloved an event to cancel, the experience went on-line, in partnership with the Comic-Con Museum, featuring a virtual schedule of on-line family-friendly events including panel discussions and interviews; access to an on-line PAWmicon vendor village; on-line book readings for kids with Center critters; access to augmented and web virtual reality experiences; on-line trivia rounds; an on-line PAWSplay Photo Contest and more.

PAWmicon 2021

This year, Comic-Con International is staying COVID-safe, once again, delaying any on-site components until later in the year. However, a July, on-line virtual experience, entitled Comic-Con @ Home, will be available for fanatics of the annual festivities, including a line-up of discussion panels featuring celebrity guests. Helen Woodward Animal Center was delighted to be accepted into the line-up with a panel focused on Animals in Graphic Novels and Games which includes Chris Ryall, Partner of Syzygy Publishing and former President & Publisher/ Chief Creative Officer at IDW Publishing. Also featured is writer/director/producer Keith Arem, CEO and president of Los Angeles-based PCB Productions. The panel is a fascinating look at the unique and special qualities that animals bring to the world of superheroes. It premieres on Sunday, July 25 at 11 a.m.

To celebrate the release of this special virtual discussion panel, Helen Woodward Animal Center is dedicating the weekend of July 23 – July 25 to PAWmicon. Pop-culture-named orphan pets, Comic-themed giveaways and adorable photo backdrops for life-saving adopters will be available all weekend long.

On Saturday, July 24 at 9:30am, the fun really ramps up as the PAWSplay Costume Competition returns in-person, to the Center’s education pavilion. Those who wish to participate can sign up here: https://my.animalcenter.org/event/pawmicon-2021/e346864. The entry fee is $10 per pup and all proceeds support the pets and programs at Helen Woodward Animal Center. Cosplayers will serve as judges and be available for photo opportunities after the contest. A Comic-themed Kid’s Craft will be available for younger attendees and a Coffee Cart and Shaved Ice will also be on site for sweets and treats.

Limited-edition PAWmicon t-shirts will also be available online soon: https://www.bonfire.com/store/helen-woodward-animal-center/. Proceeds support Helen Woodward Animal Center pets and programs.

At its core, this unique event has one life-saving mission: To inspire individuals to perform a superhero action of their own and adopt an orphan pet. Upon adoption, these furry sidekicks will quickly reveal their own superhero abilities to save us right back.

For more information about PAWmicon, visit www.animalcenter.org or https://myz.animalcenter.org/event/pawmicon-2021/e346864.

For more information about the Comic-Con Museum, visit www.Comic-Con.org/Museum.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Helen Woodward Animal Center PR Director Jessica Gercke: [email protected], cell (619) 977-0999 Helen Woodward Animal Center Communications Manager Fernanda Lopez: [email protected], cell (925) 755-6369

***

About Helen Woodward Animal Center

Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 90,000 people and more than 10,000 animals annually through adoptions, educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the International Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive, the International Remember Me Thursday® campaign and The Business of Saving Lives Workshops, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world. For more information, go to: www.animalcenter.org.

Do you find yourself looking with envy at the people in your neighborhood playing with their dogs? Have you spent way too much time obsessing over dog accounts on Instagram and Twitter? Before you give in to the impulse to get a puppy, let's talk about why you might want to stop and reconsider.

Why do you want a dog?

Be honest. Look around your home, look at your daily schedule, and look at your finances. Do you have space for a dog? Do you have the time to give a dog? Are you able to provide them with the attention they need to be a happy and well-adjusted member of your family? Have you been to a pet store or looked online at the cost of food, toys, bedding, and all the basic stuff a dog needs? How about the cost of veterinary care? Are you prepared for regular check-ups as well as possible emergencies? Do you live in a place where the noise and activity of a dog will fit in, even welcomed?

It's essential to look around and ask yourself these questions before you bring a dog into your home and life. Being honest with yourself will save you both the heartache of unrealistic expectations. The potential stress, upset, and even trauma, of making this leap without being honest with yourself happens.

Don't feel bad if you realize it's not a good idea to have a dog.

Over the past few years, I have discovered is that it's not so bad enjoying the company of dogs that don't belong to me.

I love dogs very much and will always want to have them around, but I am realistic about the difference between enjoying them and being responsible for one. I started engaging more with the dogs I meet in my neighborhood. Now I am willing to wait longer before I adopt another dog. I feel good each time a dog shares some time and playfulness with me. I take home a little fluff, often some slobber, always a dose of oxytocin. How can I complain?

With the pandemic causing many people to get a dog, I have had more conversations with puppy parents. We can all use words of encouragement! Whenever possible, I offer support to both puppy and parent when we cross paths. They are always grateful, and I enjoy seeing their expressions of pride.

As we enter spring, enjoy the sun and outdoors. Wave to your neighbors and say hello to ALL the dogs! Remember that it is okay that you didn't adopt a dog. 

Tell me, have you had this conversation with yourself, or your family? How do you find ways to enjoy dogs?

One of the joys of living in San Francisco has been discovering Muttville Senior Dog Rescue and its many volunteers and staff members. They are not only dog lovers but all are deeply dedicated towards the wellbeing of older dogs. The moments I have witnessed in the doggy loft are inspiring, always heartwarming.

Recently I read about the successful fostering and adoption of a Muttville mutt, Quigley. The story shared by MW Moses is told below, in his own words. It’s a wonderful example of the Grouchy Puppy motto, Give Fearlessly * Influence Positively. I hope you enjoy it and share your takeaways, or your own experiences dog fostering in the comments below...

Pilots N Paws is a wonderful nonprofit. Their volunteer pilots and plane owners assist specific rescues and shelters, sometimes flying animals directly to adopters waiting to be united with their new pup. They take to the skies to give adorable adoptable dogs a second chance at a forever home.

"I may not be able to hear because I'm deaf - but I can sure see and it looks like only blues skies ahead for me in my new life." #weareflyingtails pic.twitter.com/6EPsgKRDqx

— Pilots N Paws (@PilotsNPaws) May 29, 2020

Giving a dog another chance at a happy life is one of the reasons I support Muttville Senior Dog Rescue and volunteer with them. I believe that dogs offer us humans another chance to show kindness, do good, be humane, and demonstrate the best of humankind towards animals. This is how both sides demonstrate the animal-human bond. Whenever I have offered the sweet older dogs compassion at Muttville, they have generously offered me affection and gratitude in return.

The world needs our positive influence, our empathy can heal. When we have a compassionate response to those in need, the world notices.

Learn more:

Pilots N Paws:

Pilots N Paws® is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our site is intended to be a meeting place for volunteers engaged in the valuable services of rescuing, sheltering and adopting animals, and volunteer pilots and plane owners willing to assist with animal transportation. The intent of Pilots N Paws is to provide an environment in which volunteers can come together and arrange or schedule rescue flights, overnight foster care or shelter, and all other related activities.

Through the Pilots N Paws discussion board, volunteers can exchange information regarding animal transports, coordinate and schedule transports, share rescue stories and recruit volunteers.

Read about more Muttville Senior Dog Rescue 

What happens if you think you’re ready to adopt a dog, and you do, but days later you return them to the rescue? How do you feel? How do you process what happened? How do you understand that you got through the entire adoption process only to give them back? And, you go through this upsetting and unfamiliar experience during a pandemic that requires social distancing, masks and sheltering at home. That’s an unique twist. This is what happened to me and my husband. 

We had the best dog in the world. We adopted her as adult from the SF SPCA and had the best adoption experience with them. Our new dog lived and flourished in our lives for nine years. She passed away five years ago. My husband was devoted to her and had no interest in getting another dog right away, if ever. After about a year passed, I was ready to be involved with dogs again, so I began volunteering at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. I had loved my time during Cleo’s older years and appreciated all that she had shown me that I wanted to spend time with older dogs more. It has been a great experience going to the doggy loft each week. I am reminded of why I look toward dogs for answers to life’s moments since I was a child. They have provided solace, protection and simply a great distraction in the moment.

My big old girl

It’s no surprise that over the years I bring home stories and photos of the dogs at the Muttville doggy loft to share with my husband. I love sharing their personalities and all that I learned that day about the life of a dog. The stinky kisses and cuddles they share with me are pretty great too. Thanks to Muttville, I have learned so much about what little dogs are about. I’m more aware of their needs, behaviors and fears. Our previous dog had been a large shepherd husky with very different needs, fears and behaviors, plus her enormous size made her a third roommate.

Being lost can be scary for people or pets! It doesn’t matter whether you live in a city or in a rural setting, getting separated from family suddenly is frightening for everyone involved. I still remember as a small child getting lost for a few minutes from my mom while grocery shopping. I can imagine the panic a dog can feel when they don’t know how to find their humans.

Making sure your dog has an ID tag with current, readable, contact information is the first step to reuniting them with you if you ever get separated. The next step that is quite common now, especially for all adopted dogs and cats, is having your pet microchipped. Most states require dogs to be spayed and have a microchip before they can be adopted. However the next most important step you can take is registering your dog’s microchip and making sure all your pertinent contact information along with your veterinarian’s is included in your profile. A clear photo of your dog and any behavior detail is key to the profile too in case they ever go missing.

No one expects their dog to runaway but accidents happen, and every loving pet guardian wants to be prepared. This week is National Pet ID Week and the first thing I’ve already done is register the microchip on our new furry family member. We welcomed Ruby home from Muttville Senior Dog Rescue this week. As we settle in and get to know each other, part of the next stage is getting her a health check up, check her chip location, and making sure her new home and routine is fit for a senior chihuahua girl. Imagine my surprise that it would take many years and a pandemic for us to be ready to open our home again, to a dog who may be a quarter the size of Cleo but with an equal amount of heart and attitude.

For more information:

about Michelson Found Animals

Click here for HELP if you’ve lost your pet

Plan ahead to protect your furry loved ones

Pet Theft Awareness

What’s it like being an old dog? Ask your grandpa, or ask me! Something that may surprise people is how perfectly wonderful life can be when you consider aging alongside a dog. With a senior dog by your side, the possibility of learning all sorts of valuable life lessons opens up. I have also met lots of older people who appreciate having an senior dog to go through the day with. Not only did I have incredible teachable moments with my own dog as she aged, it was these experiences that motivated me to volunteer with Muttville Senior Dog Rescue after she passed away.

April 30th is Adopt a Shelter Pet Day

You have probably seen at least one evening news story, or read one of several stories about animal shelters becoming empty for the first time because of the pandemic. Folks and families have stepped up to become foster homes for dogs and cats. Others who were thinking about adopting in the future decided to open their heart up now to a furry one. I hope all who have are feeling their world change for the better right now.

I hope each new match made during this time turns into a series of deep memories and life affirming moments. Years ago a Grouchy Puppy reader wrote in with this thought about their life with their two senior dogs:

"Both old, beat up, and very slow. We were made for each other. We are specifically tuned in to each other as we go through the process of getting old. We both hurt, we both have "bad days" and we both spend a lot of time at the doctor's office. He and I have a very sedate lifestyle together. As a family, my wife and I read a lot about canine nutrition, exercise, and health. We are able to provide a fine environment for the four of us that is as healthy as possible, stress free, and safe. Senior people and senior dogs going through the education of life and old age together and helping each other "Get through" it."

These five universal truths about older dogs or senior people ring true:

Whether you’re getting older and you want a companion who’s your (slower) speed or you just want to experience the joys and wisdom an older dog has to offer, I encourage you to adopt, foster or volunteer at your local animal shelter, humane society or animal rescue.

In the dog world, we humans are often the beneficiaries of a dog’s pure love and undiluted support in all that we do. A wagging tail is one of the nicest compliments! Experiencing how the human dog bond is demonstrated is extraordinary, it can feel like a cosmic boost.

What is also incredible to witness is the pure love, support and affection between dogs. Meet Star and her brother Denver, an adorable pair showing us what it means to be a personal cheerleader for your puppy sibling.

Adorable Bonded Puppy Siblings Star and Denver

Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.  (Feb. 24, 2020) – It has often been said that “love is blind” but at Helen Woodward Animal Center two pups are displaying that colloquialism in its truest form.  In fact, the two 3-month old terrier-blends who arrived at the Center only two weeks ago have demonstrated a bond unlike any seen at the Center before.  The female pup named Star is deaf and nearly blind, and her brother Denver has taken on the loving role of being her guide.

On February 11^th, Star and Denver arrived at Helen Woodward Animal Center via transport from a new rescue partner – Heart of Louisiana. The pups were part of a litter of 8 whose mother had been dumped in a rural location.  A couple who found the mother kept her with her babies and, once weaned, asked the southern rescue facility to help find good homes for her pups.  The litter, along with 31 other rescue puppies, traveled 1,900 miles to reach sunny San Diego and nearly all of the transfers were ready for adoption in little more than a week. 

However, Helen Woodward Animal Center staffers soon realized that Star had special needs.  Deaf and nearly completely blind, Star was learning how to make her way in the world by use of her other senses.  While the rest of her littermates frolicked without her, her brother Denver kept a protective eye on her.  Choosing Star as his main playmate, the two were rarely apart and when separated, Denver would come running back to love on Star and let her know he was there.

“It’s really extraordinary,” stated Helen Woodward Adoption Services Manager Dora Dahlke.  “We never stop learning from animals.  These two really can teach us all a thing or two about sibling love and how much we can achieve with the love of a good friend.”

Star and Denver will be adopted out as a bonded pair.  They will be available for adoption on Wednesday, February 26. As a part of their adoption, San Diego Pet Training’s Rob Kuty will be on hand to provide the new family with techniques on how to raise a special needs puppy.  One thing is certain, Denver will be right there to help show his new family how wonderful his sister really is.

Interested in Adoptions at Helen Woodward Animal Center?

To adopt Star and Denver or for more information on Helen Woodward Animal Center, please go to www.animalcenter.org, call 858-756-4117 or stop by at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe.

****

About Helen Woodward Animal Center

Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 90,000 people and more than 10,000 animals annually through adoptions, educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the International Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive, the International Remember Me Thursday® campaign and The Business of Saving Lives Workshops, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world.  For more information, go to:  www.animalcenter.org.

Grouchy Puppy is all about celebrating how the power of the human dog bond is demonstrated by dogs and those who love them. This demonstration is unique and special to each of us which is why it’s our passion to shine a light on it whenever we can. How do you celebrate this incredible bond? 

If you are the O’Donnell family, and you are forever grateful for the timeless experiences you had with your dog, Eli the most cherished Yorkie, then you decide to sponsor the senior dog adoption fees for February (Valentines ❤️ month) at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in honor of her.

This couldn’t be a more perfect example of how people might show the positive influence dogs have on us, or how we too can give fearlessly like they do. With older dogs, imagine being the one who gets to write the last chapter of their life!

All of February, qualified adopters will have their adoption fees waived at Muttville, to celebrate Eli’s Month of LOVE ❤️ 

See the available dogs at Muttville 🐶 https://muttville.org/available_mutts 

Maybe you’ll find the missing piece to your family puzzle, maybe your first heart dog, or maybe just the one true friend you need right now.

There is something extra about a dog you just meet, who looks you in the eye, and immediately sees you’re on their side. With my morning volunteer shifts at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, I love discovering an old dog who sees me and softens, and if I am lucky (it is early!) gets up and comes over to say good morning. Meet one of those dogs. This sweet man will see you in all your love and meet you half way.

Is the sky falling?? No, it’s you, fallin’ for Chicken Little!!

This handsome speckled chihuahua has flown the coop to become your new best friend!

Fall for Chicken Little!

With a happy smile and wide eyes, Chicken Little is ready to take on the world with you! Perfect for taking on walks, playing in the grass, and cuddling up with after a long day, this curious and energetic guy will make your heart take wing!

Chicken Little may be small but he will make a BIG impression on you!

Fly on over to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco and meet Chicken Little!!

Learn more: https://muttville.org/mutt/chicken-little-6811

STAFF PICK

If you want a pup who loves to snuggle as much as he likes to play or go on a good walk, Chicken Little is your guy. Chicken Little is such a special dog who just wants to be squeezed and loved on by his person. All it takes is one look into those big, bright eyes and you’re in love. You’d barely know he was a senior, he’s got such great energy and a wonderful capacity to love. Chicken Little and I have had such a great time hanging out together in my office, it’s going to be hard to let him go.

Wags,

Danielle

Chicken Little is estimated to be 11 years young and weighs 12 lbs.

Chicken Little’s foster has to say:

Chicken Little is the sweetest little pooch! He will follow you around, especially in the kitchen, and will follow your lead at home, on whether it’s time to play or relax and chill out. He gets very excited for his walks and will take off running, stopping to sniff all of the interesting plants along the way or roll around in the grass. When home and relaxing, he’s happy cuddled up next to you. He’s good with a routine, and sleeps well through the night. He enjoys peace and quiet; it can take him a minute to warm up to other people and animals.

There is something extra special about min pins! These dogs pack full size love, silliness, snuggles, fierce protection and the sweetest sleepy faces in the tiniest body. Meet the perfect wee man to give your life sparkle and fizz, with a dash of romance...Soda Pop!

If you enjoy the finer things in life, have we got a dog for you! Soda Pop is a wonderful Miniature Pinscher with beautiful black and brown fur and the cutest little jumpy-wiggle when he’s happy.

Add fizz to your life with Soda Pop!

What more could anyone look for in a best friend? Soda Pop is refreshing all the time, night and day. And these are the days, my friend, because this little furry friend has long legs for days … without the calories!

Who cares if that glass is half-filled or half empty? We only care that it’s Soda Pop! Isn’t it time to get your doggy fill? Fill ‘em up!

Come by Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco and meet Soda Pop today!

Learn more: https://muttville.org/mutt/soda-pop-7620

Here’s what this guys foster has to say about him:

Soda Pop is affectionate & calm. He has low to moderate energy & enjoys walks. Soda Pop is great with dogs large & small however, he chases & barks at cats/chickens. He is potty trained & does not go in the house. He will walk over by the door when he wants to go out. Soda Pop loves chicken & meal times! He also likes to sleep on the couch or a dog bed & will curl up on your lap if you let him.

Soda Pop is estimated to be 8 years young and 11 pounds

Make it your new year resolution to discover the many joys dogs bring to your life. We all face stress from our daily lives, scary headlines, and even just the winter blues. How do we handle it and not get overwhelmed?

From my decades of experience, I often feel better about something, or feel closer to a calm outlook, thanks to a dog. It’s like their secret super power is having the answers to life, but they can only communicate it when we stop and give them a belly rub, or take them for a quiet walk. We have to slow down and listen to them and their special canine communication.

Whether you adopt a dog, or volunteer, their positive influence will be felt. 

If you are wondering what the possible positive impact a dog might have on your life, here are just a few ways (okay, 25 ways and counting!) dogs add color, purpose and dimension to our life:

1. They think you’re the best cook
2. They don’t care about your weight
3. Feeling a dog lean against you in complete trust makes you feel like you can conquer anything
4. Five minutes or fifty, they miss you
5. They forgive quickly and completely
6. You will learn to nap again and feel good about it
7. They don’t care if you exercise only that you play with them
8. When you adopt a dog you get to remind them that they are loved
9. A dog choking is the best alarm clock
10. They make you feel like you won the lottery
11. They keep your secrets
12. They lower your blood pressure
13. You exercise more without realizing it
14. You meet your neighbors
15. They are good at answering the door for you
16. They don’t care about your bad breath
17. Regular walks with your dog burns calories
18. When you adopt a dog you get to make their final chapter the best
19. A dog can save you money on therapists by focusing you on what’s important
20. They know the secret to living in the moment and will teach you
21. Spending quiet time with a dog can heal your heart
22. Adopting an older dog can teach you patience and show you how to age gracefully
23. Dogs don’t judge you
24. They don’t mind if you use them as a reason to say no to an invitation
25. You get to know and feel pure love, without reservation.

These are some of the reasons why I believe the human animal bond, and dog human bond, is real, and it’s spectacular!

It’s a new year and a natural time to take stock of your life. If you love dogs, be assured having one increases the quality of your life exponentially.

Consider adopting from your local shelter, or volunteering with your closest animal rescue. If you can’t volunteer, find a cuddle club! It’s about having dogs in your life and letting them work their magic!