I would like to officially dub the Humane Society of Madison County the “Little Shelter That Could.” These folks are amazing. One thing that struck me immediately was that most of the dogs were trained by local prisoners by way of a program that allows prisoners to accept responsibility for shelter pets and give them obedience lessons right in the prison. These dogs were so well behaved, obedient and so full of personality.

We held our event next to the Pet People store where the employees were more then helpful – giving tips on potty training and introducing a new dog into the house, among other things. Ohio Sheltie Rescue joined us with some adorable little shelties (Shetland Sheepdog), one of which was riding on his mom’s shoulder all day. I also made sure to make a donation to get a cupcake each for Jen and me. Those cupcakes were delicious and all the proceeds go back to helping animals in need.

So many pets went home today, all walking away with their tails wagging and heads held high. Pet Parents also came by to have their pets microchipped, which is so important to your pet’s safety. Tonight we head out to Parma, Ohio for our last event with the Northeast Ohio SPCA. If you live in the area please join us for the celebration.

James and Jen

How’dee! Welcome to Nashville, Tennessee, the country music capital of the world. Our event takes place at the Metro Animal Care and Control shelter.

The parking lot was filled with neighborhood rescue groups, microchip clinics, fun activities, Cause for Paws yard sale, live entertainment with guest celebrities and family fun. Mother Nature, however, was not in a cooperative mood, as the weather changed and heavy rain and high winds forced us all to retreat into the shelter.

Music filled the hallways as the adoptions took center stage. One hundred and fourteen pets found their way into the hearts of the families that came out in spite of the inclement weather.

To say it’s a pleasure to work with our friends in Nashville would be an understatement. We are deeply moved and motivated by their dedication and hard work. Thank you!

Claire and Warren

What a welcome we received by the Indianapolis Animal Care and Control today in Indianapolis, Indiana. The weather was not on our side; however you wouldn’t know it by the high spirits all around. We held the event at the shelter itself, in a giant garage which had both sides open. Folks were coming by and getting something to eat from the refreshment table then walking over to watch the Country Blue Grass band play. Kids were dancing, parents were laughing and the dogs were wagging.

We had such a diverse group of rescue groups with us today, including Critters Chance who brought along a yellow-Naped Amazon parrot, a tortoise, a bunny and a guinea pig. Indiana Dog and Disc Club was there as well, wowing spectators with all their talented rescue dogs. Ferret Rescue joined us with some extremely friendly and adorable little ferrets. Maxwell, the shelters official mascot even made an appearance to “ruff-house” with some pooches.

From Pugs and Malteses to Wheaton terriers and Mutt-i-grees® – all were there looking for permanent loving homes and so many of them found their new families. Heading out to London, Ohio tonight for our event tomorrow just outside of Columbus with the Humane Society of Madison County. We are almost done with this tour and it feels like we just started. I just want to keep going. If you’re in the Madison area, please stop by and say, “Hi.”

James and Jen

Founded in 1784 and steeped in history, Clarksville began as a settlement along the banks of the Cumberland and Red Rivers by Revolutionary War hero John Montgomery.

This is where we are working with our host shelter Precious Friends. Our adoption event takes place at a PetSmart located near the shelter. With a warm sunny day, and an assortment of puppies and adult dogs to choose from, we were confident that a good day was to be had by all. The flow of potential adopters began upon our arrival and didn’t end until late afternoon.

One dog named Buster, a purebred Maltese, was not doing well being in his cage, but when he was allowed to walk around outside, his demeanor changed immediately. A military family from Fort Campbell fell in love with Buster at first sight. Buster had found his new family and new home. Yeah!

At day’s end, we were successful at getting homes for many of the puppies and dogs.

Ready…Set…Love!

Claire and Warren

The Iowa Humane Alliance is an organization that provides support for many eastern Iowa Humane Agencies dedicated to saving the lives of shelter pets. They orchestrated the gathering of over 15 rescue groups and advocacy agencies on this beautiful day in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I knew this would be a special event the second we rolled in and I saw all the tables lined up. This was the first time every rescue group in this area had the chance to meet up and network amongst each other, as well as spread the word about their organizations and find permanent loving homes for many animals.

Not only were there rescues and shelters in attendance but also a microchipping station where low-cost microchipping was performed for the pets of this town. So many pet parents came for microchips that they ran out of chips! The crowd was strong all day; it seemed the whole community came out to show their support. Many people were surprised to find out so many rescue groups were in the area and by the end of the day, more then 35 pets went to their new loving, permanent homes.

The day just seemed to fly by and before we knew it, it was time to close up and head out. We are driving to Indianapolis, Indiana to work with the Indianapolis Animal Care and Control. Hope to see you there.

James and Jen

We began our day meeting up with the North Little Rock Friends of Animals at the Lakewood Village shopping center. Working with old friends is always a pleasure, as this is our 8th year to be in North Little Rock.

Before we could get set up, there were people ready to adopt. North Little Rock Friends of Animals supports the belief that widespread sterilization is the only solution to pet overpopulation, so the first 50 people brining a sterilized animal were given a free microchip and rabies shot. In fact, all the animals adopted today were given a free microchip and a rabies shot.

We always appreciate the warm hospitality and enthusiasm of our friends in Arkansas, and we wish them continued success!

Claire and Warren

Good mornin’ y’all and welcome to Houston, Texas. Today we’re working with the Citizens for Animal Protection at their shelter, and our day began, once again, with dark skies and heavy rain, but by mid-morning, the sun came out and the skies cleared just in time for the numerous adoptions about to take place.

Fabulous felines, cuddly canines, foster home pets and a rabbit rescue group called “Bunny Buddies” were here for the big adoption event. A gigantic sidewalk sale, a bake sale with homemade goodies, free pet care, gift bags and bargains galore in the CAP thrift store were enjoyed by all. Low-cost microchipping services and giveaways for adopters and their pets were also available.

Fifty eight of our furry friends found their furrrrever homes. Wow – what a Day!

Claire and Warren

Arriving in St. Louis, Missouri, I was immediately struck by how big the Gateway Arch actually was. Did you know its taller then the Space Needle in Seattle? This structure towers over almost every other building in St. Louis. Just outside of the city proper is the APA (Animal Protective Services) of Missouri. This shelter does amazing things for this community, also with the help of Purina, whose headquarters are located in St. Louis as well.

We held the event in front of a grooming salon called Kennelwood. Kennelwood was offering free nail trimmings to the pets of everyone who came by. Through the course of the day, this shelter received many great donations and also much support from people in this community. A beautiful Boxer named Kayo found his loving permanent home, and by the end of the day, so did many other dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. It is so rewarding to see these animals that woke up in a cage this morning, get to walk home with their new permanent families.

We are heading out to Cedar Rapids, Iowa in the morning. If you live near Cedar Rapids, please come down and adopt your new companion animal. Hope to see you there.

James and Jen

Welcome to San Antonio, Texas. Let the party begin as Fiesta is in full swing. For 11 days, starting on April 15th, there will be dancing in the streets and on the river, along with royalty, parades and parties everywhere. Fiesta is a time to drink in the richness that this city has to offer.

Our morning was filled with dark skies and heavy rain, but our spirit and determination, was not to be undone. Working with the Animal Defense League, Homeward Bound Dog Rescue, the City of San Antonio Animal Care Services, San Antonio Great Dane Rescue and Diamond Dachshund Rescue of Texas, we were up and running under challenging conditions.

To our surprise, many people came out in spite of the harsh weather; but by late morning, the sun came out to play as the rain was washed away. Fiesta was in the air as numerous adoptions began to take place.

Life can sometimes be dogged for those of us who walk on two legs. But for our four-legged friends, life can be very hard when they are without homes or families. It’s even tougher for those who have been neglected, abused or abandoned.

Love is the answer…won’t you help? Love is spaying or neutering your pet, love is keeping a leash on your pet when he’s outside, love is keeping your cat indoors, love is keeping a license on your pet’s collar, love is providing food, fresh water and shelter for your pet. Love is having a pet.

Claire and Warren

I couldn’t believe it when we pulled into the Southwest Missouri Humane Society’s parking lot. I was here less then a year ago for the Route 66 Tour, but when we pulled up, the building that greeted us was 10 times bigger then the building that was there before. In the past year, they opened their brand new state-of-the-art shelter and it couldn’t be more impressive. With this bigger shelter in place, they have the capacity to help save the lives of many more animals.

The shelter had arranged to have low-cost microchipping available for this event, and many people showed up to have their animal companions chipped. The greatest story of the day had to be that of Buford, a 2-year-old Basset Hound Mutt-i-gree™. Normally the shelter closes at 5 pm; however they stayed open until 7 pm for this event, and at 6:45 pm, a mother and daughter walked in to get their Shih-Tzu and Cocker Spaniel (both rescued) microchipped. We told her that there was a Shih-Tzu for adoption who looked identical to hers, but she said if she was going to adopt another dog, her daughter wanted to bring home a Basset Hound. Well were they in luck, the second they saw Buford, I knew they would be taking him home. Everyone got along instantly. Buford was set to be neutered in the morning, so they would be taking him home afterwards.

We are off to St. Louis in the morning and I can’t wait. We are working with the APA of Missouri (Animal Protective Association). We hope to see you there.

James and Jen