“For all the poop you’ve scooped; for all the treats you’ve given; for all the sleepless nights you’ve been crowded out of bed—we honor you!”

Today is the ever so special day created to celebrate your devotion to your fur kids. In its 3rd year, this national holiday was declared by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company. In honor of this day they have created free customizable e-cards. Have a look at the super cute options.

If you are looking for ways to recognize the day, you could take a look at this cool idea.  It’s a vow to take the best possible care of all of your pets.  In it you promise to take your pet’s health and well being as seriously as you do your own and in the process you can celebrate by making a donation to your favorite animal charity.

Should you be thinking of growing your pet family, I encourage you to consider adoption over breeders.  There are so many loving dogs, both purebred and mixed that need to find a forever home.  Please don’t support puppy mills! Visit our directory of Phoenix area  rescue groups to find the perfect pet for you. If you need a little help choosing the right breed of dog, you may want to pick up a copy of our Tails of Rescue book. It is a valuable breed reference guide that is packed full of great photos and inspiring stories.

Shelters and rescue groups don’t just have dogs and cats anymore, so check for small pets such as rats, birds, reptiles and even larger pets like horses. Your local animal control should be able to inform you of shelter pet types available in your area, including open hours and adoption fees etc.

Whatever you do today, take a moment to celebrate your choice as a pet parent. The choices you make every day for your pets are very important. They count on you in a million different ways and if they could talk, you know they would say “Thank YOU!” Today they will show you in their own way how much they appreciate you. Whether that be in a sloppy kiss or a nose nudge or a clean dinner bowl won’t matter. It’s the thought that counts!

~Laura

My name is Sookie and I am a female Boxer that is the foster care of the Almost Home Boxer Rescue.

I love so many things in life….wiggling like crazy, playing chase and doing boxer burns around the yard and playing with my squeaky plush toy! Man, I could play with my squeaky toy for hours!!!!

Most of all, I love cuddling and giving kisses! 

 Before I tell you more about what I love—a little about me—I was picked up by the Humane Society with a dislocated elbow. They called Almost Home Boxer Rescue and I was whisked away to the vet, where my arm was surgically fixed. I sported a fancy cast for a couple months, and when my cast came off, I had to go through rehab because I had this crazy limp. But I worked REALLY hard over the last few months, and now you can’t even tell I had surgery!  To keep my elbow super healthy, I need two 15 minute walks daily, and a little glucosamine with my meals.

 
Ok, so back to what I LOVE. I LOVE my crate! During the day when my foster mom is at work, she let’s me hang out in there all day. Sure, I could hang out in the house because I am housetrained, but why give up an awesome crate and a luxurious dog bed?
 
In my forever home, I would love to have a family that would give me all the hugs and kisses I could ever want. Ok… my foster mom says I should tell you that I do best following “Nothing in Life is Free” training. It makes me a very well-behaved pup—but if you let me sneak up on the bed and snuggle every once in a while I PROMISE I won’t tell! A handsome male dog to play with and a cat or two would be ok too.
 
Let all your friends and family know that I am ready for a forever home!!!!
 
PS…..I’m about 4YO

For more information on Sookie and many other dogs that are available for adoption through the Almost Home Boxer Rescue, please contact them directly:

Phone: 602-332-1626

Email: almosthomeaz@gmail.com

Web: www.almosthomeboxers.org

Photo editing by Laura Sand (my new, super awesome assistant!)