Hard workers who are committed to helping our county’s shelter animals come in all shapes and sizes. The Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary (D.A.W.G.S.) in the Texas panhandle is proof positive of that! This very special animal rescue group is run almost entirely by children. One historic spring in 2003, school teacher Dianne Trull was talking to her students about pet over-population and one child earnestly inquired, “Why do the dogs have to die?” Luckily, Diane was able to grasp the power in that moment. Unwilling to tell her students that they were powerless to help these homeless animals, she instead took it upon herself to empower these young leaders. As Diane puts it, together, her students, her family and she set out to “change how the world works.”
And change the world they have indeed! Both for themselves and for the more than 5,000 dogs and cats they have so far placed in loving homes. And they have done all of this in spite of tremendous obstacles.
Diane’s commitment, and that of her students, was tested early on when the community forced them out of their existing shelter and had them move over 500 animals during a blizzard to another nearby location. Regardless of season, the weather in Dalhart continues to pose some of the most greatest challenges; wind speeds up to 70 mph and temperatures that can range from 70 degrees one day to below zero the next. That’s not to mention the tornadoes and hurricanes that frequent the area.
However, Diane is reluctant… finish the post by clicking here. 
Pia blogs often at The Daily Wag on MarthaStewart.com, the home of episodes from Francesca and Sharkey – Martha Stewart’s two dogs. Dr. Pia Salk is a psychologist, animal welfare advocate, and expert on the human-animal bond. Pia frequently highlights the important role that animals play in our lives and how our societal treatment of animals conveys important messages to our youth.
As a psychologist — one deeply aware of the powerful connection between humans and animals — I wanted to share some little-known information about another “believer,” who provided therapy from a small Vienna office at the turn of the previous century. You may know him best as the father of psychoanalysis: a cigar smoking Austrian by the name of Sigmund Freud. But what you may not know about this mental health pioneer is that he employed not only a couch as a therapeutic tool, but he also typically had one of his dogs present during client sessions. While Freud’s own affinity for dogs was perhaps the initial reason for having them present as he worked, he soon witnessed the therapeutic benefit they bestowed upon clients.
Adopt-a-Pet.com’s partnership 
Adopt-a-Pet.com, in partnership with Sparebytes, is proud to present the newly updated Pet Playpen iPhone game. Pet Playpen is an innovative virtual pet application that allows you to play, feed, groom and interact with several different pets including cats and dogs.
If you are thinking of adding a pet to your family, getting your children involved with the daily responsibility of caring for your new family member is an excellent way to 
This post comes from Twinkie Tiny Dog, a blog about a Teacup Yorkie in L.A. Twinkie had some good tips for senior pet owners or to be senior pet owners after meeting up with dog trainer Cyndy Wood. Cyndy has a huge 14 year old dalmatian who is in pretty good health. Some of her tips included looking for the proper food, how to help prevent arthritis, or reduce the side effects of arthritis. Probably one of the best tips was to have your senior pet’s blood tested, and give them wellness exams. Cyndy also includes some information about proper exercise and how to deal with the cold. 
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