Super Murph

It's a bird...
no, that was just the wind.
It's a plane!
Nope, that was just a black plastic bag.  (Stupid litterers!)
But, wait!
What is that?!
Why...it's SUPER MURPH!

And his little best friend...

the adorable, perpetually happy, Miss IO.

 Every year we meet up at the Doggie Dash to benefit The Oregon Humane Society,
and have the best time.
When Murphy and IO are together,
nothing bad can happen to them or any one around them.
They fight crime...
ok...maybe not crime,
but they fight frowns with cuteness and big smiles.
And it is difficult to not smile on a day celebrating our furry best friends
as well as helping raise money for OHS.

We hadn't planned to participate in the Frisbee Contest,
but once Murphy saw the Frisbee,
he was ON!
And ready to FLY!!

Hehe...
We didn't win...
That wasn't the plan.
Our plan is ALWAYS to have fun, smile, and laugh.
We definitely did that,
and we beat our personal best record for our score!
Murphy had little turbo jets on his paws.
I know that I'm bias,
but man, I just love this goofy guy.
He is the best sidekick a girl could ask for in the world.

Come to think of it...

Maybe you should find your own sidekick,

and The Oregon Humane Society would be a perfect place to look.

With a best friend like Murphy or Miss IO,

you will always have a playmate, 

and it would be the BEST decision you will ever make.

That is a guarantee.

I know that to view this next video you'll need 

to either crank your head to the side or flip your screen,

but Murphy is such a speedy Frisbee catcher that I wanted to included it.

My dear mom, (Love you Mom) is working on her video skills. ;)

Dashing is Better With Friends

Murphy is a nervous dog.

I know he looks relaxed here, but that's not always the case.

He doesn't feel comfortable in new situations.

And since he is fear-aggressive,

this can be problematic.

Every year there is a fundraiser, The Doggie Dash, 

for one of my favorite local shelters,

The Oregon Humane Society.

I have gone for years and Murphy has joined me since his adoption...3 years now.
Each year has been a different experience.
Year one, he was nervous, but still just a young pup trying to figure out the world.
Year two...very nervous.  He was a teenager feeling his oats and unsure of all of these strange dogs.

And now, year three...still nervous, but there was a big difference.

His sweet friend, IO was there with him.

As soon as they saw each other, both of them knew it was going to be a fun morning.

In IO fashion, she danced around Murphy greeting him with exuberance. 

All wiggles, leaps, and jumps!

Murphy just soaks in all of the love with a HUGE smile on his doggy face.

She gives him confidence to face all of the strangers, human and canine.

You see, IO owes a lot to OHS.  She was a Second-Chance dog.

IO was at another shelter and wasn't being adopted, instead of putting her down,

The Oregon Humane Society took her in.

Man, are we thankful!

Not only did OHS give her a 2nd Chance,

but Kathy our neighbor adopted her so that Murphy could have a furry best friend.

How lucky is that?!

 

 

 

 

This was a beautiful morning.

Not just because Murphy was super happy and friendly with everyone,

but because all of the people who were there loving dogs and raising money.

Portland, Oregon is such a special place.

I'm so thankful to live somewhere that views animals as family members, not just pets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For one morning, we celebrated our love of animals and supporting local charities.

And together we dashed celebrating that The Oregon Humane Society saved IO's life.

All is well in the world...even just for a moment.

Let's all just bask in the love.

Happy Mother's Day to all...whether your "kids" have two or four legs!

Blooming Baking

The pollen is out in force.

In an effort to ignore the start of allergy season,

I'm baking up a Spring Time storm in my kitchen.

 

If you, like me are tortured by the beautiful blooms,
maybe you should do the same!

And in the process you can help local charities.

Here is my plan to entice and inspire.

 

 

I’m mixing up a variety of treats

for a Bake Sale on
May 7th- May 10th
There will be vegan options on Thursday!
Plus, there will be multiple ways to "pay."
 

Large Batch Items:
-Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
-German Chocolate Cake Cookies-Frosting Center (Regular or Vegan)
-Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies-Cheesecake Center
-Carrot Cake Cookies-Cream Cheese Frosting Center
-Snickerdoodles (Regular or Vegan)
-Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie (Regular or Vegan)

*** Full Orders will be $10.00, Half Orders $5.00***

Other treat options:

Sold in treat bags (Most =$1.00 each bag, Vegan=$1.50)

-Lemon Bars

-Sugar Cookies (Melt-in-your mouth!)

-Lemon Crinkle

-Caveman Cookies (Almond Butter Cookies)
                     Vegan and Gluten-Free

-Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies (Vegan)

-Blueberry Banana Bread

-Lemon Poppyseed Bread

-Caramel Pretzel Brownies

-Oreo Rice Krispie Treats

-Rice Krispie Sprinkle Treats

-Toffee Squares

The payment is a little different…you choose where you donate!

Oregon Humane Society

 

Fences for Fido

Dove Lewis Animal Hospital

1. Write checks to Fences for Fido (They are my heart.)
2. Sponsor me and Murphy in the OHS Doggie Dash online and I’ll make you an order of cookies, your choice. (Let me know what you want!)
    http://ohs.convio.net/site/TR/Events/TeamRaiser?px=1509632&pg=personal&fr_id=1130

3. Bring in used, but clean towels or blankets to donate to Dove Lewis Animal Hospital. Each towel or blanket equals a treat bag.
4. Bring in Beechnut Baby Food (stage 1 turkey, chicken or beef) to donate to Dove Lewis Animal Hospital. Each jar equals a treat bag.
                FYI-They use baby food for very ill pets.

Orders will be ready
before or on May 10th,
just in time for Mother’s Day.

Inspired yet?  Enticed at least?  Maybe a bit hungry? 

Good...that's the idea.

Love ya,

Lori :0)

Flower Cupcakes from-
yayponies.tumblr.com

Doggie Dash 2013

Doggie Dash 2013: Lori E Chambers - Doggie Dash 2013

Murphy and I are "dashing" again at the Doggie Dash for the Oregon Humane Society. We love this group for many reasons, but mostly because they saved his furry best friend, Miss IO from a sad end. Instead, she was brought to OHS through their Second Chance program and was adopted into OUR neighborhood! How lucky are we?! Very...very lucky. :)

I'm asking you to please make a donation to  help OHS find homes for 11,000 pets in need in 2013. OHS rescues, shelters and finds home for thousands of pets who have run out of chances elsewhere. Whatever you can give will help—it will go a long way toward the care and feeding of thousands of animals in need.

Please click the link above and you will go to my personal web page, where you can make your contribution online. Or we would love to see you there! Ok, I'll love it...Murphy will just want you to ignore him ;)

Thanks again for your support and helping dogs like Murphy and IO.

Hugs,

Lori and Murphy

Please Use Caution

It's official.
I'm worried.
Keep in mind that I've been worried for awhile.
My students would attest that I worry about poor behavior
or behavior that could escalate into something larger and much worse.

I worry that our society is always looking for the newer, better, and more convenient products.
The newest computer? Trade the old one in!
Launch of a new cellphone? BOOM... upgrade!
Not enough room in your house, car, yard?
Why you shouldn't a newer, better, faster, bigger, prettier....whatever.
Yeah. Please.
Yes...I have a big yard. Necessary for dog playtime.
Yes, I have an SUV. Totally needed to haul a muddy, wet dog around town.
And yes, I like pretty, sparkly things. Duh.
I love to sparkle.
I even like new things.
But I'm going to draw a big worried line in the societal sand here about this.

There is a business currently open called Hannah the Pet Society. They provide pets for people. Sounds great, right? Heck, you know I adore pets!   In fact, there are some positives in that Hannah the Pet Society allows people the opportunity to have a pet.  But most people who go through this organization don't actually own the pet.  They have a contract with Hannah the Pet Society which sounds nice...1) All veterinary care provided  2) Food and supplies delivered and 3) Training and On-going support.

So you might be wondering what the problem is with that.
Well, in my mind there's a big "Yield" sign flashing.

People can lease a pet. Yes, lease...like a car. But, this has more of a Rent-a-Center vibe to it, because if you're not happy or there's a flaw with your lease, you can return and exchange it.  Return...okay, I get that some matches might not work and yes, animals are expensive.  There are times that animals have larger issues then families are able to care for, and so it is much better to find them a new home.  Still, I worry that this kind of business model will promote temporary relationships. I know, I know.  Not all dogs are as smart as my Murphy.  Some are not analyzing every situation like he does, but I see how quickly pets "fall in love" with their families...so I worry.

We're talking here about living creatures, with real emotions and feelings, not a handbag or TV. It's a dog, cat, bird, rabbit. Animals make connections right away. Within seconds if seeing Murphy, he was my family. He trusted me and looked to me for safety and guidance. It's my job to care for him.  Of course, I think of my pets as family, so I prepare for it like I would with any family member.  No, I can't predict that something bad will happen that may cost me a lot of money in medical bills, but I know that it's my responsibility.  Pet ownership IS a responsibility and we should treat it as such.

In my mind, living things are not exchangeable. No dog, cat, bunny, horse, or pony replace those that I've lost. I would never attempt to replace Woody (8 years), Bun-Bun (10 years), Jinx (18 years), Babe (28 years), Spunky (28 years), Quincy (16 years), Sammy (18 years), or Roy (14 years). By adopting new pets, I just add to my list of animals that will changed and stretch my heart.

Also, I can't help but wonder...
What are we teaching these animals about the value of their life if we show them that they're exchangeable?

How can we teach our children to love and care, long-term,when we support business that treats animals like a product?

I certainly will not support it.

But more pressing on my mind in is...what will you do? Will you support actual humane societies that promote lifelong relationships or designer, convenience pet ownership?

Please educate others that pets are a lifelong commitment.

Remember...your actions demonstrate what you truly believe. Live a life that you can look back on and be proud that you made it a better place. We can all make a difference. No action is too small.

All my warmest hugs,
Lori and Murphy too!

On Hannah the Pet Society website,

they have a very large FAQ's section that address questions

that have been asked about their product.

After (or before) reading their FAQ's,
check out some of my favorite local humane societies! I have NO worries about these fabulous organizatons.

Oregon Humane Society

 

Family Dogs New Life Shelter

 

Cat Adoption Team


Humane Society for Southwest Washington