Bark Radio

Okay, Bark Radio listeners, we do from time to time get ahead of ourselves with special events and interviews. That’s the case with this, Episode 16. This is where you will hear our first mention of Hudson, Murphy and Luke of 2Dogs2000miles.org – oops – after our interview with one of them and even after an update from puppy Mommy, Ginger. But that’s okay. If you haven’t listened to those interviews, do it now. They’re great! Also in this episode, learn about a new venue for Dee and her therapy dog, Murphy – the local domestic violence shelter. And do you know what a crisis therapy dog is? Listen and find out. This information-filled episode also includes one of Terry’s favorites, the Military Working Dogs Cooling Vest Project and, finally, a bit of diatribe about puppy mills. More on that subject in future episodes.

Terry learned that in California, when it’s budget cutting time, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger considers shortening wait periods for shelter dogs an easy way to save the state money. Learn why we’re so outraged, then write to the Terminator and let him know that an earlier death sentence (three days instead of six) for domestic animals is not okay. Next, join the discussion. How do we bring rescue groups together to more efficiently match dogs and people? And finally, don’t miss the interview with Ceasar’s momma Jamie Whitt. This is an incredible story of the rescue of one very sweet Pit Bull.

A Conversation with Tom McPhee
Many of us watched in horror – from a safe distance – the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Tom McPhee was there. He witnessed the tragedy that befell those who called the Gulf Coast home. Including the animals. Especially the dogs and cats who were suddenly not only homeless … but helpless. Filmmaker McPhee has created a powerful statement about that time – about the heroes and villains who were there and who walk among us. Join us in a conversation with Tom. And when An American Opera: The Greatest Pet Rescue Ever! comes to your city or town, see it. And remember … it could happen again.

Puppy up, Bark Radio listeners!

Luke is somewhere in Texas but WE got to talk to Hudson and Murphy’s Mommy, Ginger yesterday. The Boys are staying with her in Tennessee while they recuperate from a bit of surgery. Don’t know what the heck we’re talking about? Then listen to our May interview with Luke and visit www.2dog2000miles.org. And you absolutely have to follow The Boys on Twitter. You can follow Luke, too, but come on … The Boys (two very handsome Great Pyrenees) are tweeting with paws. Woofs and wags and paws way up for everyone involved with 2dogs2000miles!

Luke, Hudson, and Murphy - 2dogs2000miles.org

Dee and Terry discuss Hanover County’s Woof, Wag and Walk event, Rescue Remedy for dogs, Winston the Australian Terrier, Nutro dog food, and turkey jerky from China – the FDA investigation. Also mentioned in this espisode: Scruffy’s Spaw Picks and Frontline for less.

Dee and Terry discuss a cool website, theurbanmutt.tv and some terrific folks helping some great causes at imtiredonline.com. They also talk about K9 Grass and tick control. Think green. Think guinea hens.

Recorded live at Woofstock 2009 in Richmond VA.

What is Woofstock?

Woofstock is the Richmond Animal League’s fundraising festival to build awareness for the homeless pet population. Their mission of saving lives by providing hope, help, and homes for animals in need. RAL’s goal is to be the leader in providing homeless animals with temporary housing, medical treatment, sterilization, and quality care until they are adopted to permanent, loving homes. They are committed to the no-kill doctrine and promoted it through educational programs that teach the importance of spay/neuter, responsible pet ownership, and compassion for companion animals. Special thanks to everyone who took time to speak with us both on and off the air, including Dick Samuels, publisher of Family Dog Digest.

Bark Radio co-hosts Dee and Terry discuss Portuguese Water Dogs and specifically first dog, Bo. After a brief hello from Surrey the Cattle Dog, they discuss the Paws to Read therapy dog program. Next, the broadcast is interrupted when two mischievous Australian Cattle Dogs get into the ant poison.  Listen to the outcome, including a call to the ASPCA’s poison control center (888.426.4435). Put this toll-free phone number in all your phones’ NOW! It could save your animals’ lives.

ASPCA Poison Control Center

Dee and Terry talk about Jamie Whitt and Caesar the Pit Bull. Based on Caesar’s horrendous injuries, it is believed he was a bait dog in a dog fighting ring. Jamie rescued him and his new life, full of loving humans,  began. Life’s Journey Therapy Dog Team is for seasoned therapy dog teams and newbies alike. Peek into a world where the human/animal bond is the key to everything. Catch up with Winston the Australian Terrier, get a tea tree oil update, and what’s that about 2guineahens and 2dogs2000miles.org?

That’s Caesar above, with rescuer Jamie Whitt.
And here are the links to therapy dog registering organizations in the U.S.:
Therapy Dogs Inc. Therapy Dog International Delta Society

This episode was taped during a therapy dog visit to Covenant Woods, an elder-care facility and features an interview with Shannon Marling, Recreation Therapist and Manager of Recreation for H&W. Shannon is responsible for the animal therapy program at the facility.