Linda wrote, “I have over $6,000 in this little girl and she is worth every penny.  Why?  Because I love her.”

My heart caught in my throat when I read that.  I can see and understand why.  Harley is a cutie… and… she is a girl.  Her first name is Samantha, but Linda calls her Harley, which is her middle name, named after her husband’s motorcycle.

In November 2007 Harley went down, had back surgery, and recovered.  Sadly, she went down again in early April.  She once again had surgery.  As of today, she is beginning to put some weight on her legs and it is encouraging she may walk again. 

I am sharing her story because for one thing, Linda is an amazing doxie mom!!  She has LOTS of them and loves them all.  Also, I think this Walk About Harness is a great thing and I wanted to bring it to your attention.  They come in all sizes and are helpful for many reasons.  Dogs with back problems, arthritis, aging dogs, etc.  They are also easy on humans backs because of the adjustable strap.  If you have a doxie, you need a LONG strap.  If you have a German Shepherd, the strap does not need to be so long.  You get the picture. 

They also make the harness for front support too.  I think it is so awesome all the great products available to our pets these days to help them live a quality life.  Listed below are two links to the harness.  Linda was able to obtain hers from the vet when Harley first went down, so  that may be an option too.

Walk About Harness

Handicapped Pets

Thanks, Linda for sharing Harley’s harness photo with us.  Frankie and I are holding Harley close in our hearts as she continues her recovery process.  We hope Harley is zoom, zoom, zooming soon just like her dad’s big bike!

As part of my Blog Triage class our recent assignment was to re-evaluate the colors on our blogs.  I have to admit that had me feeling a bit apprehensive.  I am very attached to the colors lime green and periwinkle!  One of the instructors suggested that reading white lettering on a dark background can be difficult for many people.

I have to admit that I said, "Arrrggghhh!" under my breath when she suggested I just try working with different colors.  But then I said to myself, "Self, you paid for this class to have the best blog you can have, and you want to attract more people to your tribe via this blog which you love so much, so you best give it a try."

So for three hours yesterday afternoon I gave it my all.  I have to say, I am thrilled with the new color scheme.  I would not have believed it if I hadn't tried it!  I stuck with it even when I was becoming frustrated with some of the "techie" stuff, and am so glad I did.  I was even able to keep my all time favorite colors lime green and periwinkle!  As a side to the color periwinkle, I often tell my husband if I die before him to tell everyone to wear periwinkle to my funeral.  He calls me the Periwinkle Queen!  I wear the title proudly!

I hope too you will each enjoy the new colors.  I'd love to know what you think!  And it would help me to make sure I have my comments section set up correctly.  Been having some issues with that too.  So, my tribe, what do you think?  And if you are curious why I refer to you as "my tribe," check out my new bio on my About page.

To me, being kind to animals seems like the easiest thing in the world to do.  Sadly, many animals are abused, or mistreated.  It is something so beyond my comprehension, and I have no doubt, you my readers, feel the same way.  Since it is Be Kind to Animals Week May 3-9, it is always a good reminder of what we can do to spread the word.

The American Humane Society started Be Kind to Animals Week in 1915 to celebrate the special bond between animals and humans.  There are many special events held my shelters and rescue organizations promoting how vital a role animals play in our life.

I especially am passionate about animals with disabilities, and wish to point out that they too, give back in such beautiful ways. 

In honor of all animals Joyful Paws is highly encouraging you to love the animals in your life deeply, hug them often, and just appreciate every moment you have with them.  Live in the moment with them because they do it so eloquently.

From The American Humane Association I share a few suggestions they offer.  You can read more in depth about each item listed below from their website:

1.  SPEAK OUT FOR ANIMALS.  Get active in local animal welfare policies and legislation.

2.  REPORT ANIMAL ABUSE.  While acts of violence against animals are tragic in their own right, they are also a red flag for violent behavior, including domestic abuse and violent crime.  Call local authorities for any mistreatment you see.  Don't attempt to try and remove the animal yourself.

3.  APPRECIATE WILDLIFE.  Leave room in your yard for habitats.  Plant trees and shrubs to give birds a welcome place to hang out.

4.  SHARE KINDNESS.  Teach the people in your life, especially children about the importance of being kind to animals and responsibilities.

5.  MAKE A DONATION TO YOUR LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER.  There are so many ways you can do this.  Check it out.

6.  ADOPT A PET FROM A SHELTER OR BREED PLACEMENT GROUP.  There are so many animals needing a good home.