lending a helping paw

hershel walker jr. jr.

its a rainy day here in northampton, ma...the tapping of rain on my windows, i'm cozied up in a blanket and my right hand man hershel walker jr. jr., my beloved cocker spaniel, is taking a nice nap at my feet. this little guy is my bud, my constant companion. he is sometimes...okay most of the time, the naughtiest thing to hit the streets, and can drive me crazy with the things he can get into, but I love him all the same. one undeniable fact is he loves his mom with the most unconditional love and it fills my heart with every grunt and ewok noise he makes with our daily rub session. this year we will be celebrating his 10th birthday, and i will have been lucky enough to have spent the last 5 with him. 5 years ago started searching for cocker spaniels, i made a decision to adopt rather than go directly to a breeder for a puppy. to say the least, it was one of the best decision i have made, and i really do not know what life would be like without this little guy.

october is national adopt-a-shelter-dog month, and the dapper dog spa is in full swing of its support. the dapper dog spa is fortunate enough to support the efforts made at the dakin animal shelter this year. let me encourage you to consider adoption for your local animal shelter or animal rescue group if you plan on expanding your pack in the future and dakin is a great place to start. whether you are looking for a specific breed or you want the heins 57 variety there is a rescue group that will help match you with a new member of the family. most rescue groups take the time to foster dogs to understand their personality and demeanor to place them in the right forever home. these private organizations selflessly take on the care for thousands of animals each year, and for that each volunteer i feel has earned their wings,

there are many hershys out there in the world who have been sent to rescues, dropped off at pounds, or abandoned and whose only hope is to be sent to privately run rescues to find homes. i have a huge spot in my heart for these rescue organizations and the unselfish work they put in day in and day out to give every pet a chance to find a forever home. most of the rescue groups run solely on donations, and adoption fees for the care and treatment of the animals they place. many of these animals need medical attention whose fees exceed that of adoption costs (heartworm treatments, spay and neuter, special surgeries and rehabilitation to name a few). even if you are not planning on expanding your pack in the near future, please consider donating to a local rescue organization. money is always welcome, but you can donate your time or supplies and i promise you will not be turned away.

check out the dakin animal shelter at and consider supporting them and their efforts.  every saturday dakin collect donations at the northampton and hadley wal-mart locations.

hugs and belly rubs,

teresa