Reflection

 

I can’t believe this year is almost over.  It seems like just yesterday it was summer.  Where did the year go?

I wanted to share some highlights of 2011 with you.

I posted about a new Indiana license plate to help with SNSI’s Spay-Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP).  SNAP subsidizes spay/neuter surgeries for low-income Indiana residents.  In addition, proceeds are being used to pay for spay/neuter surgeries for other animal welfare organizations in Indiana.

 

My favorite Pomeranian, Margot, found a home this year.  She was the little angel I held in my lap for the 6-hr ride home when we were returning from our rescue mission in Mexico, MO.  While I will never forget the mission, or any of the dogs, Margot will always hold a special place in my heart.  I know she is spoiled rotten as her new forever family adores her to pieces.

 

Kiko finally made it on LOL Dogs with this hilarious captioned photo.

 

Kiko and I were on live TV not once, but twice this year.  Our local Indy Style program invited us on to talk about green pet products in preparation for Earth Day.  We had a blast.

 

After 2 days of searching, I finally found the little 7 lb. dog I almost hit on a major road on my way back from taking Kiko to a vet appointment.  I named her Zoe and she now has a home with my friend Diane.

 

Moses came unexpectedly into my life.  By the end of the year he had found a forever home and is now living in Alaska, where he is enjoying a nice big yard.  I’m staying in touch with his dad to see how he is doing and will continue to update you here.

I partnered with my friend Carrie over at All Things Dog Blog for Fido’s Freebie Friday.  Every Friday we link all of our giveaways up, invite other bloggers to link up and give our readers one place to look for all kinds of great pet product giveaways.

Once again I was invited to attend BlogPaws, this time driving with my new friend, and fellow blogger, Jess at Indy Dog Blog.  It was a long 10 hour drive for us both ways but well worth it.  I attended great sessions, made new friends, got to see some old friends and took with me more tools and contacts to continue to help grow Doggies and Stuff.

We learned that Tony the Tiger, a tiger on display at a Louisiana truck stop will go free – at last.  The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit to get Tony Freed and a judge ruled in their favor.  However, an appeal has been made and last I heard Tony is still waiting to be freed.  I hope we see the day that he is finally able to go to a sanctuary in 2012 and I will keep you posted here.

Petland in Canada will stop selling puppies.  This is a huge step forward in helping to eliminate puppy mills.  Will the US follow?  It doesn’t look good but we will continue to educate people on pet shop puppies and hope that we can put an end to pet stores selling puppies and instead turn to working with rescues and shelters.

I had an opportunity to interview the Queen Latifah as part of a campaign for Zyrtec’s Parks Unleashed game.

In addition to the stories above, I’ve read a lot of great blogs this year and wanted to share some of them with you, in case you might be interested in checking them out.  These are in no particular order.

Doggie Stylish Blog.  There are lots of great DIY projects and make sure you check out the store while you are there.

All Things Dog Blog. Carrie has loads of great advice, ask a vet segments, problem solving and more.

Indy Dog Blog.  Jess has great information for all things dog in the Indianapolis, Indiana area.

Cindy Lu’s Muse. Kim is just a delight and I love reading her blog.  This blog is fun and informational.

Life With Dogs.  This is your place to go for all newsworthy items in regards to dogs.

Go Pet Friendly. Need help finding pet-friendly places while traveling?

No Dog About It: Mel, much like myself, is truly a lover of rescue work and putting an end to puppy mills.

This One Wild Life.  Kim also does reviews and she also has a little store though Zazzle.  She is huge on animal rescue.

Dog Tipper. Lots of great information to find here. Reviews, Tips, Recipes and more.

Oh My Dog blog. Maggie writes about all things dog.

Daley’s Dog Years. Tips, Tales and tools for Senior Dogs.

Hound Girl: Kari and her adorable dogs talk life with dogs and Crohn’s Disease. Kari loves taking pictures and I never get tired of looking at them. A fun blog, indeed.

I Still Want More Puppies. This is a fun blog that talks about anything dog-related.

Scratchings and Sniffings. All things pet can be found here.

Dakota’s Den.  Feel good blog.

Kol’s Notes. Great recipes and fun stuff!

I’m sure I missed a few, so I apologize that I didn’t list everyone.

Happy New Year!