Every once in a while I get a phone call at the store asking if we sell pets, my answer is always a very emphatic, NO. We at Fetch a Bone believe that bringing a pet into your home should never be a purchase, you are adopting a family member. Pets are not possessions, they are a very rewarding companion and life long responsibility.

My family consists of myself, my husband George, our four dogs: LiLo, Skipper, Oreo and Phantom, our four cats: Bertuzzi, Oliver, Jack and Dizzy and three rabbits Luongo, Peppy, and Harriett. We live for our pets, if you hadn’t noticed.

Recently I’ve been in touch with Dogwood Sporting Dog Rescue, I feel a special connection with this rescue because I feel a connection to sporting and gun dogs. These dedicated volunteers run a small, shelter-free group that operates with very little money and man-power. They do this for the dogs, and that much is clear for all to see. Fetch a Bone works with rescues such as Dogwood in an effort to facilitate adoptions and bring families together.

Thousands of dogs are given up each month, some because the families didn’t realize that their dog was more work than they originally anticipated, and some because they are past that ‘pretty’ puppy phase. Others are abandoned, left to survive on their own after a life time of abuse and neglect. These are the animals that need our help the most.

Dogwood Sporting Dog Rescue is a breed specific rescue that focus on sporting and gun dogs. People looking to adopt from any of these phenomenal breeds should do research on their activity levels and nutritional needs, for you never know what might surprise you later on down the road.

What do I like about Dogwood Sporting Dog Rescue? All of the dogs are in the rescue are cared for in foster homes, the lack of a shelter environment helps to deal with some of the challenges of re-homing. Not only is there an application form that helps to match the right dog with the right family, but also asks what you know of the breed, and a condition of mandatory obedience training. Why would obedience training be so important? Not only does this help you to bond and get to know your new family member but it helps to overcome many of the initial challenges that result in early abandonment.

This rescue realizes that sporting and gun dogs require specific attention in this matter. This year all proceeds of our Grinch Photos went to supporting this great cause. Thank you to all who participated.