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Today, I would like to give the floor to my blogging buddy Chrissy at I Shoulda Been A Stripper, who is currently working on a project to put together a children’s book for a great cause, which I am honored to share.

Chrissy and I have been blogging with each other for over 4 years now, and I'm happy and proud to know her. She's faaaaabulous! Not only is she a talented writer, filled with hilarious wit, and loves black jelly beans as much as I do, but she’s also a very kind and compassionate gal.

Especially when it comes to dogs.

And specifically senior dogs.

Chrissy is a strong advocate for adopting elderly canines, and exemplifies that through the adoption of her own family.

Here...take a look, they're such ADORABLE seniors.


Maddie - my 11 year old sweetheart who ended up in a shelter after her owner died.


Millie - my 11 year old that I adopted after my mother died in 2011 because I needed another little old lady to take care of.


Sophie - my 8 year old scaredy cat who finds her voice when she's running free in the yard chasing squirrels.


I also have a 5 year old named Dino who came to me when his family was having another baby and couldn't keep him. He reminds the others that acting old is for sissies.

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And now, allow me to introduce Chrissy.

Welcome, girl!

Hi Everyone!

I want to thank Ron for giving me the opportunity to share my Kickstarter project with you. I'm a lifelong dog person and I've always adopted the cutest puppy from the shelter. I saw the older dogs in cages but I selfishly didn't want to deal with any of their potential health issues and I didn't want to risk the sadness that I would feel when they died.

That all changed 6 years ago when I adopted my first senior dog, Bernie the beagle, and I've been hooked on them ever since. I wrote this children's book to spread awareness about senior dog adoption. Seniors are the hardest dogs to place and I want to share the message about all the wonderful qualities that seniors bring so people will start to rethink their choice when they decided to adopt. My funding goal includes illustration, publishing and mailing costs. I want to donate the book to shelters and rescues to use in their outreach efforts and I will also be setting up a website and publishing on demand as future orders come in.

I would be forever grateful if you could help me spread the word about my Kickstarter project. My deadline is Thursday, October 3.

 Thank you for your consideration! The dogs thank you, too. AROOOOOOOO!!!

 Chrissy

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Please feel free to say Hi to Chrissy, because she will be responding to comments on this post.

And if you click on the doggie photo below, it will take you to Chrissy’s Kickstarter page, where you can watch a short video.


Have a beautiful weekend everyone!
X

Update: Hi everyone! Just wanted to let you know that as of today (Sept. 28th) Chrissy made the goal for her Kickstarter book project. Yaaaaaaaaay!!!! Thank you for your support! X

68 comments:

  1. I was not aware of senior dog issues. The photos are adorable. Thank you for sharing.

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  2. Hey, Ron and Chrissy! This so such a lovely post and such an important cause! It brings tears to my eyes when I think of the older dogs in my life.


    The senior dogs need love as much--or more--than the cute little puppies, but they're often overlooked.


    Thank you for bringing attention to this most important cause! Take care and have a great weekend!

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  3. Funnily enough we are currently caring for an eleven year old collie called Roo and she is wonderful company. Having lost our dog, Karla, a couple of years ago, it's good to have a canine companion around the house again.
    I will happily share such a good cause.

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  4. Chrissy, thank you for bringing this to our attention, and best of luck with your project! You know, as a fellow dog lover, I see how easy it is for puppies to be adopted. People tend to think of "babies" as being so cute, and they like the idea of something needing them, something that will stick around a long time.
    My own dog is 6, and I've seen the changes (having picked him up at 8 weeks of age). He sleeps more, of course, and has to watch his weight, but the "puppy" comes out when a squirrel enters his yard or it's time for a walk or to play ball!
    It's encouraging to hear that senior dogs can offer a valuable learning experience for their owners. We don't throw away people when they get old; why should we do that with dogs??

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  5. Chrissy this is an adorable and heartfelt project. I am a dog lover through and through and I love to see that even the senior dogs have found a place in your heart. I know when I have gone to rescues I have always been hesitant to care for a senior dog because I just dont have the money to pay for the bills and it breaks my heart. I always hope someone will come along and take that risk. I think this book might help people not unlike myself see the benefit in giving it a try. My pup Maxi thanks you for helping her pooch friends :)

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  6. Chrissy, your canine family is precious! Little Sophie is so sweet looking. I think it's wonderful that you're creating this project to bring more awareness and attention to senior dogs through a children's book. What a great idea!


    I adopted a dog several years ago (at 5 years old) because I actually wanted an older dog so that I didn't have to go through the puppy stage of training. I thought about potential health issues and not having much time with her, but I would rather have any time with her and risk the sadness of losing her earlier than I would had I adopted a puppy.


    Thank you again for bring this to important message to us, Chrissy. And thank you, Ron, for allowing Chrissy to share it. Great post!


    Have a wonderful weekend!

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  7. Hi Chrissy! I cheer you for putting this project together because it's for a cause that needs some light shed upon it. Seniors. And not only dogs, but cats as well. It breaks my heat to see the seniors in shelters that are overlooked because most people want a puppy or a kitten.


    I agree with Debbie, we don't through away people when they get older, so why should we do that with dogs or cats?


    Thank you for sharing this, Chrissy. And Ron too.

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  8. Hi Matt!
    Yes, Debbie was spot on when she said that we don't throw away old people. I agree that older dogs AND cats should be considered. Ron will tell you that up until I stumbled upon my first cat, that I was pretty indifferent to them but now I see how loving and amazing cats can be, too.
    Thanks for your support, Matt!

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  9. Hi Denise,
    Thank you! I have about a MILLION more pictures of them if you're interested in seeing them. lol
    Good for your adopting a senior dog! And, yes, that's exactly why I knew I was past the puppy stage too. All night crying, chewed shoes...no thanks. And you're right, what your dog brings to you in a shortened time far outweighs that fact that you didn't have them as puppies.
    Thanks for your support, Denise! You have a great weekend, too!

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  10. Hi Shae,
    Maxi! What a cute name!
    You're right. I'm sure there are a lo of dog lovers like you that would take the step to adopt a senior dog, but yes, the expenses can be a challenge. Two of my seniors (Sophie and Millie) have no health issues but I adopted Bernie and Maddie knowing what I was getting into. Depending on the facility that you adopt from, you may not always have the advantage of knowing.
    Thanks for your kind words, Shae! Give Maxi a kiss for me!

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  11. Hi Debbie,
    First of all, LOVE your profile pic! My neighbor has a Sheltie and we hear Jo Jo coming when he's out for a walk. He's older and just barks randomly. Adorable!
    You are SO RIGHT when you say that we don't throw away people! Some people just don't get what a dog can bring to your life and honestly, I don't get those people!
    I'm hoping this message will change the mindset for the seniors.
    Thanks for "getting it" and your support, Debbie!

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  12. Hi Dale,
    I love collies! How awesome that you get to share your life with Roo. I'm sure she's a joy. So sorry to hear about Karla, but it's so true that having a canine companion around the house is great company.
    Thank you for your support, Dale!

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  13. Hi Rob!
    Aww...aren't seniors just the best? They're so loving and so grateful to be loved back. And yes, the are quite often overlooked which is what I'm hoping to change in small steps.
    Thank you for your support, Rob! Thanks, you have a great weekend, too! We're going to have good weather for dog walking!

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  14. Hi Bijoux!
    Yes! We shared the message with someone who otherwise didn't know about the problem. That's all I'm trying to do. :-)
    Thanks for your kind words and support, Bijoux!

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  15. Thanks so much for stopping by Bijoux!

    Have a super weekend, my friend!
    X

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  16. Hey there Rob!


    Much thanks for stopping by, buddy! Have a terrific weekend!


    X

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  17. Hiya Dale!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy and for your support! Have a grrrreat weekend!


    X

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  18. Helloooooo Debbie!


    Much thanks for stopping by, dear lady! Have a lovely weekend!

    X

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  19. Hey there Shae!


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, girl! Have a super-duper weekend!

    X

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  20. Hola Denise!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl! Have a wonderful weekend!
    X

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  21. Hey there Matt!


    Thanks a lot for stopping by today, buddy! Have a fantabulous weekend!


    X

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  22. This is a very worthy cause. We have a well known TV personality that heads up a TV programme, highlighting animals in London's largest shelter. It's a brilliant show, that has found homes for many, many dogs, often elderly and some even with physical disabilities.


    The more people highlight these causes, the better! Well done.

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  23. Chrissy what a wonderful project this is because it's for such a worthy and important cause!


    "Seniors are the hardest dogs to place and I want to share the message about all the wonderful qualities that seniors bring so people will start to rethink their choice when they decided to adopt."


    That is so awesome! And I love your idea about creating a children's book. I am a dog lover and know several other people who are as well, so I will pass this blog post on to them.


    Your dogs are so cute and I bet they love you!


    The best to you on this project Chrissy and thank you!


    Hi, Ron!

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  24. i'll be glad to help out, chrissy. i'm actually looking for a dog and i'm quite sure i want a puppy. i don't think i had anything from a puppy or kitten before and want to experience that and see them grow.

    kudos to you and for what you're doing. i love animals and have a soft spot for them in my heart. i was actually of thinking of visiting a shelter tomorrow to see if i could help out.

    thanks for what you do for animals.

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  25. Hi LadyV!,
    I haven't experienced the puppy stage in such a long time. You're going to have so much fun with your new baby!
    Shelters are always looking for volunteers. Thank you for considering helping out and thank you for your support of my project!

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  26. Hi Robert!
    Thank you! I'm so glad that you like the idea. These seniors really need people in their court to get the word out.
    I'll let my little old ladies know that Robert said they were cute!
    Thanks so much for your support and for passing my project on, Robert!

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  27. Hi Babs!
    How awesome that there's a TV show highlighting shelter animals. And the fact that they are helping seniors and those with physical issues is even better. I love to hear that!
    Thank you for your support, Babs!

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  28. Hi Chrissie, greetings from the UK. Speaking as one dog lover to another, you're doing a grand job looking out for our senior canine friends. Yes, puppies are adorable, but then so are their elders. I loved mine to bits and miss them terribly. Unfortunately I couldn't play the video but I like the idea of your book. If I can help promote it, say on the blog, I will.



    Thanks also to Ron for helping to bring this to our attention. You're a real gem, my friend.

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  29. you're the best Chrissy
    seniors of all species need to be honored and cared for, not thrown aside
    I have adopted several older cats over the years. They are the sweetest creatures.

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  30. Okay....I am NOT a dog person. Seriously. And it was just last evening he-who-does-everything-at-the-moment asked "what if I decided I wanted a dog....." (Yes, it was after one of those sappy commercials on television that I sniffle over....) We did have a puppy (I call all dogs puppies), cutest little cocker spaniel, for 11 years (for the children dontchaknow). Sadly I had to put her to sleep when her health failed. One of THE toughest things I've ever had to do-- I haven't been able to reconcile myself to ever signing up to do that again.
    But I told he-who-asked if HE wants a puppy we'll have a puppy--but asked that we make it an older puppy cuz we're old farts. LOL
    Now, I suspect he was asking just to ask (he does that a lot......LOL...bit of an antagonizer sometimes....) but I meant it. Only, he'll have to do all the emotionally hard stuff. (yeah right....he's a bigger sap that I am, hands down!)


    Dunno how THAT saga will end. LOL But I can see need for educating and helping the older pups who find themselves homeless through no fault of their own.
    Good for you. Lots of people see things and think 'I oughta....' and don't manage to find the courage or support to actually do it.
    You're DOING it--and that's something I HUGELY respect.


    Good luck, ma'am.....and I'll look forward to my signed copy of the book no matter who does the illustrating. LOL
    (Personally, I thought ya done good--mine woulda looked more like a pig, I'm sure!) :-)

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  31. You might be interested in this article: http://bit.ly/15BeK8Y He created a lot of awareness for sheltered animals, often shedding a tear or two.

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  32. Good morning Babs!

    Just wanted to say thank you for stopping by and sharing your support with Chrissy!

    Have a great weekend!

    X to you and Mo!

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  33. Hey Ho Robert!


    Thanks so much for stopping by and lending your support to Chrissy!


    Have a super weekend, buddy!


    X

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  34. Hey V Girl!


    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your support to Chrissy!


    Have a MARVI weekend!


    X

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  35. Hi Valerie!
    Nice to meet another dog lover! If you're missing your dogs, that must mean that you should get some new ones. :-)
    Thanks for your support, Valerie!

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  36. Hi Dianne!
    Aw, thank you! I agree. They've earned it. Good for you adopting senior cats.
    Thanks for your support, Dianne!

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  37. Hi Mel,
    Yes, having to say goodbye to them is THE hardest thing you could ever do how wonderful that she had you at the end. That's a luxury a lot of these babies (I call all dogs babies) don't have.
    So if he-who-does-everything-at-the-moment does decide on a new puppy, good for you suggesting an older puppy!
    Ha ha! Ron thought I should illustrate it myself!
    Thanks for your kind words and support, Mel!

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  38. Chrissy, congratulations on making your Kickstarter goal, we're really looking forward to your book!

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  39. Awwww! WOW! Chrissy is friggen AWESOME!!!!

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  40. Hey there Valerie!


    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your support!


    Hope all is well with Joe!


    X

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  41. Hey there Lady Dianne!


    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your support!


    X to you and the gang!

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  42. Hiya Mel!


    Thanks oodles for stopping by and for your support!


    X

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  43. This is positively FABULOUS! Another blog friend of mine adopts senior goldens on her farm! It truly is a blessing for both of you! Great job!

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  44. Hi Jeanne!

    Yes, isn't it faaaaaaaaabulous? Chrissy made her GOAL!

    Yahooooooooooooooo!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Hope your weekend was awesome!

    X to you and the girlz!

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  45. Hey there Meleah!


    I know, isn't it friggen AWESOME! Chrissy made her GOAL!


    *doing the happy dance*


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, girl!


    X

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  46. Thank you for stopping by and sharing in Chrissy's congratulations! Yup...she made her Kickstarted goal!


    Woot! Woot! Woot!


    Looking forward to her book as well!

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  47. This is an awesome project, and I hope that Chrissy comes up with the funds! Senior animals are the best. Being a cat person, the wife and I have a 14-year-old cat that loves to snuggle with us on the couch and makes sure that we go to bed on time. When the time comes for Nemesis to leave us, we're planning on adopting an older cat. Senior animals deserve a second chance, if you ask me.

    Oh, and I'm digging Sophie's "come hither" stare! :-)

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  48. Hey there Herman!

    Yup...Chrissy DID make her project goal as of yesterday, so now she can created the book. Yipppppppppeeeee!

    "Senior animals deserve a second chance, if you ask me."

    I so agree with you! The first cat I ever adopted was and older cat, but she lived until she was 19 years old. And within those 19 years, she had a litter of kittens, which I kept one and he lived until he was 19 years old as well.

    "Oh, and I'm digging Sophie's "come hither" stare! :-)"

    HA! Isn't she a CUTIE????

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, buddy. Hope you had a super weekend!

    X to you, Karin, and Mr. Tyler!

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  49. Ron, I am so happy to read your update that Chrissy made her project goal. That's GREAT!

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  50. Hey Robert, YES...Chrissy made her goal on Saturday!!!! Isn't that AWESOME!!!!

    *happy dance*

    She is so happy because now she can create that book!

    Thanks for stopping back, buddy!

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  51. OMGoodness!!!!! YEAHHHHH!!!!!!!!


    I'm so happy for her. And so glad you posted this, sir!!
    Totally awesome!


    Congratulations Chrissy!!!

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  52. Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!!

    :)
    X

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  53. Hi Mel!!!!


    Isn't that faaaaaaaaabulous? Chrissy made her GOAL!!!!


    *doing the happy dance*


    Ya know, I had a feeling she would :)


    X

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  54. I actually had to skim this because when it comes to dogs I can't read sad things! This is a positive wonderful post but my heart was in my throat reading it. I love you so much for this post... And for getting the word out.... I love my rescued puppies!

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  55. Helloooooooo Katherine!

    Yes, this was more of an uplifting post about adopting senior dogs, than something sad.

    And the best part is that Chrissy DID reach her project goal, so now she can create the book and donate the money to shelters and rescues.

    *doing the happy dance*

    Thanks much for stopping by, girl. Have a lovely week!

    X

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  56. Oh my! What adorable puppers! Puppyhood is wonderful, but having a more mature dog that will just be content being by your side is such a comfort. Tanner is 6 this year and, while he still has some puppy left in him, he's a lot more calm that a few years ago.


    Congrats to Chrissy! What a fantastic goal and cause.

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  57. Hi Lisa!


    Aren't her doggies PRECIOUS!


    And yes....Chrissy made her project goal.


    Yaaaaaahoooooooooo!!!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a super week!

    X

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  58. Thank you!! I couldn't have done it without supporters like you helping me spread the word!

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  59. Hi Meleah!
    Thank you! I've never been called friggen awesome before! ;-)

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  60. Hi Jeanne!
    Thank you! And thank your friend for adopting those senior babies!

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  61. Hi Herman!
    Good for you thinking about adopting a senior cat. Let's hope Nemesis (great name!) has many lives left before that happens.
    Ha ha! "come hither". I love it!
    Thanks for your support, Herman!

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  62. Hi Katherine,
    I know what you mean. When I finished the video, I sent it to a friend and she told me she thought it was too sad. I wasn't try to make anyone feel bad. I just want people to realize the urgency of getting these babies into new homes for a second change.
    Give your pups a big hug!
    Thanks for the support, Katherine!

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  63. Hi Lisa!
    Thank you! I about a bazillion pics of my babies. You're right. Who doesn't love a cute little puppy but I love not having my expensive shoes eaten, too! lol
    Thanks for the kind words, Lisa!

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  64. What a wonderful project. I'm glad Chrissy reached her goal!

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  65. Yahooooooo! I know, isn't it AWESOME that she reached her goal???? Now she can create the book and donate the proceeds to her cause.

    *doing the happy dance*

    Thanks for stopping by, Mary!

    X

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