I just got back from Italy yesterday, and thought I would share what life is like for our furry friends there…

I would say that have it pretty darn good. 😉

We are on day 63 of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. According to MSNBC, the BP oil spill costs hit $2 billion, in which they have paid out $105 million in damages to those that have been affected by this disaster. 

The Gulf, home to thousands of species, marine life and sea plants, have taken a hard blow that, sadly,  may take years to recover.

BP’s inability to get things under control has become a frustrating situation to everyone. Many have taken matters into their own hands.

Here are some ways you can help:

1. You can donate money to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana  and help feed families affected by the spill.

2. With the National Wildlife Federation, you have a few options. Check out their website for further details.

• Volunteer
• Take Action
• Raise Awareness
• Help Wildlife in Your Own Backyard
• Share Photos From the Gulf

3. Report injured wildlife and oiled beaches:

• To report oiled wildlife, call 1-866-557-1401. Messages will be checked hourly.
• To report oiled shoreline, call 1-866-448-5816.
• To report spill-related damage, call 1-800-440-0858.
• To file a claim, call BP’s helpline at 1-800-440-0858.

4. Matter of Trust is accepting donations and looking for volunteers. They are also collecting hair, fur, fleece, feathers and nylon, as these items absorb oil.  

5. Both the National Audubon Society and Manomet are also accepting donations to aid and protect those birds that have already felt the effects of the spill.

I had a great time volunteering at the Seattle Pug Rescue‘s 15th Annual “Pug Gala” this past weekend! It was a beautiful day outside, and it seemed to be a very successful fundraiser to support the care of neglected, abused and unwanted pugs. Thank you Seattle Pug Rescue for doing an awesome job!!

I’m excited to be a contributing writer for Bellevue.com! Definitely take a look at my first article, “PAWS” and Be Seen. It covers Eastside pet-friendly hot-spots.

I have also added a link to my blog for Bellevue.com; easy access for those that would like to continue reading my articles.

Thanks!

~ Danielle

This may seem like an odd subject, but I think I have perfected the art of picking up poop. Here are my thoughts…

1. Make sure you have a bag with a very LARGE opening. I, personally, like to use pink bags, which make me feel a little more glamorous, and adds a little spice to the not-so-glamorous part of my job. Keep in mind, there’s all sorts of bags out there including, but not limited to; 100% Biodegradable, Flushable, Colorful and even Camo bags, for those doggy owners that would prefer to keep their present a little more hidden.

2. You also want to make sure, BEFORE leaving the house that there is no hole in the poop bag. Without being careful, this could potentially lead to a huge disaster. Those Safeway “re-usable” bags aren’t always the best route to take.

3. Lastly, you want to make sure the bag is sturdy… not one of those cheap plastic things that stores send you off with where your milk almost falls through and one of the handles break. No, this thing needs to be able to carry a little baby… safely! (Though I recommend not testing that.)

Moving along…

4. The first step you will take after your furry loved one has done its’ doody is to hold your breath. Do not squeeze your nose shut though as this may lead to passing out or embarrassment by the neighbors.

5. Secondly, you will need to make sure the leash is safely out of the poop grabbing range. This can be done one of two ways; 1. you can either step on the leash OR, 2. you can leave the leash in your non-preferred, poop grabbing hand or arm. Experiment a little… everyone is different.  

6. The next step I take you to is what I call the “grab n’ scoop.” Your hand needs to be directly in the center of your bag. If it’s on the side at all, you may just find yourself grabbing, well, something else. Make sure your hand is stretched out in the bag, as wide as it can go. This will lead to a much better “scoop.”

7. Last, but not least, while continuing to hold on to what you just picked up with your preferred hand, the other hand will close the bag, or “seal the deal.”

8. Now that you have nice, clean, sealed bag of poop, throw that sucker out! Though your bag may be a nice shade of Candy Apple Red, it’s just not worth hanging on to.

Viola! A much more pleasant and smooth walk for you, and your furry friend.

Thanks for reading my post and good luck in your journey’s pooper scoopers!

Hi folks,

Don’t forget to take a peak at my “Washington State Pet Events and Fundraisers” page. April and May are turning out to be two very busy months! This is exciting news for all of those abandoned, abused and neglected pets out there! The more we have going on to raise money and awareness, the better their lives will be.

If you’re interested in helping out at some of the events, please contact the organizations directly. The more volunteers they get, the better. Don’t be shy!

If you know of any events and fundraisers in the Seattle and surrounding areas, OR, you’re putting one on yourself, please be sure to post a comment and I’ll definitely add it to my list! 

Cheers!