match.dog 12. fun things to bark about

By Janice Kanteres – Hampton, NH

We have had dogs most of our married life, from Siberian Huskies while living in Massachusetts to Shih Tzus in St. Louis. We both considered eventually bringing another one into our lives after moving back to New Hampshire three years ago. Should we get one now or wait until retirement? My husband has yet to retire, so like many others in COVID hibernation, we began open discussions once again. Though Greg was quite reluctant to entertain the idea, in early Spring 2020 I began my own silent search.

Realizing that having the commitmentof a puppymight change our travels and lifestyle a bit, my yearning for dog companionship took over, and he finally gave in! Our sweet boy arrived in late April at 13-weeks-old… into an empty Bradley International Airport in Connecticut from a breeder in Florida. Initially, the transition from warm Florida temps to a cold New England spring was rough for our little guy, but he was a trooper. He quickly decided that he absolutely loved playing in the snow! We had tossed names around, but when Greg blurted out "Sherlock" (for his favorite detective), it seemed to fit hisinquisitive nature; and my husband was immediately more in love than ever. He had his own special little Sherlock!

All our dogs were puppies, so we knew what to expect in the days ahead; but we were unprepared for the sleepless months to follow! Let's just say, Sherlock was not an easy pup to train. Sleepless nights, constant barking due to separation anxiety, messes in the pen and numerous nightly potty-training trips outside in the cold reminded us of our days with infants. I often thought, “What have I gotten us into!" Sherlock was not a fan of being enclosed in a crated environment. We shared "night duty" sleeping in separate bedrooms with his pen by our side for at least two months. With advice and training classes from My Dog’s Mind, our consistency paid off and sleep was finally a welcome relief.

Sherlock is such an energetic Shih Tzu (unlike our others); walking or hiking with endless zeal. He bringssmiles and makes many friends along the way with his happy trot on our long daily walks! He loves children, gives kisseson demand, brings us many laughs and really keeps us on our toes with the boundless energy of a 1 ½-year-old. Sherlock is a very verbal dog, with various barks for different needs. Surprisingly, we have readily included him into our daily lifestyle; much more than we ever did with our other dogs. He is a great car traveler, adjusts well with others and loves to go shopping! He takes after his mom!And he was our biggest gift during a challenging year…thank you so much Sherlock!

Aloha…For Dog-Loving Dudes

Dover Dog Howloween Event

Adopt Scout!

Calling all dogs to help raise money for Pope Memorial Humane Society. Join Sit.Stay.Smile. Pet Photography and the NH Dog Walking Club for the 3rd annual Dover Dog Howloween Event on Saturday, October 9th from 11:00 to 4:00. Their first costume parade and contest in 2019 raised over $1,900.00. Despite COVID and moving the event online, over $3,000.00 was raised last year. “This year we’re excited to have the event in person again and raise even more money,” said Greg West, photographer and co-owner at Sit.Stay.Smile. “Since we had such great attendance in 2019, we’re moving it to Henry Law Park this year.” Costume categories include Scariest, Funniest, Dog + Owner Team Costume and Best in Show. The event will also include raffles, dog demonstrations, an array of vendors as well as a food truck and beer garden. So don’t wait…register soon! (www.DoverDogHowloween.com) Aloha… For Dog-Loving Dudes Do you know a guy who happens to love the beach? Likes the Hawaiian look? And…loves dogs? If so, we’ve found the perfect look with these dog-themed beach shorts! They are offered in almost every breed imaginable on Handfloor.com. This site also has breed specific Hawaiian shirts and beach towels. We think these are a fun end-of-summer find for beach loving dog dudes! (HandFloor.com)

Wine for Wags Dog-friendly Zorvino Vineyards in Sandown is hosting a Wines for Wags event on Saturday, August 28th to raise funds for Live Free Animal Rescue. It’s an easy drive to this beautiful vineyard and certainly worth the trip on this special day. You may reserve a PAWtio table for $1 per person, which will be donated to Live Free. Or purchase their special label wines, Bottles for a PAWZ, featuring vineyard dogs (Vinny and Brewer); and 25% of the proceeds will be donated. There will also be raffles and various animal-related vendors. Perhaps the best part…meet some adoptable dogs that are ready for a loving home! You may apply online in advance on the Live Free Animal Rescue’s website, and pre-approved applicants will be able to bring home their new best friend right from the event. Leashed dogs are welcome. (Zorvino.com) (LiveFreeRescue.org) Sip & Shop for Pups Thanks to realtors Anne & Chris Nettleton of Coldwell Banker in Portsmouth (a.k.a. The House Finch Team) for alerting us to this fundraising event for Lucky Pup Rescue. On Friday and Saturday, August 27th & 28th, J. McLaughlin, a classic clothing store in Wells, will be hosting a Sip & Shop event to benefit pups in need. 15% of all sales on these days will be donated to Lucky Pups…a foster-

Mandy & Mylo

Christmas Count Down

Photo by @pupsonpar

based rescue that believes all dogs deserve a safe and happy forever-home…and an organization that Anne & Chris proudly support. J. McLaughlin is located at 2178 Post Road. This could be a fun day trip…shop for timeless women & men’s clothing, sip a bit and lend support for local rescue pups. (jmclaughlin.com) (LuckyPupRescueMaine.com) (HouseFinchTeam.com)

Sweet Paws Rescue will be holding their 2021 Barktoberfest on Saturday, October 16th from 11:30 to 4:00 at the Spencer-Pierce-Little Farm in Newbury, MA. This is their largest annual fundraising event and a fun festival for all ages. There will be music, food and a lot of happy dogs. This is a great way to meet the Sweet Paws team and their Southern rescue paw-tners from Mississippi and Alabama, the women who’ve literally rescued thousands of dogs on death’s door from the side of the road. Sweet Paws Rescue has saved over 5,000 dogs since 2011. We love their tagline…Saving People One Dog at a Time! How true. Please visit their website for details. (SweetPawsRescue.org)

Not only does M&M Island Cruises offer a top-notch cruise on gorgeous Lake Winnipesaukee, they also are raising funds to provide diabetic service dogs to children in need. This luxury cruise service was launched by Kevin Grier whose daughter, Mandy Grier, passed away at the age of 42 from complications of Type 1 diabetes. She was diagnosed with this disease as a child, and her loyal medical alert dog, Mylo, truly transformed her life. The typical cost for a diabetic alert dog ranges from $15,000 to $30,000. Kevin came up with this idea to honor is daughter and raise funds to train more service dogs. Through donations from the cruises and a GoFundMe page set up by Mandy’s sister, they’ve already raised over $20,000 which covered the training of their first dog. Kevin’s goal is to provide for the training of at least one medical alert dog per year. Why not head over to the Lakes Region and enjoy gorgeous views aboard a fully equipped 18-seat double-decker pontoon boat…a great day getaway! (mandmislandcruisesnh.com) (www.gofundme.com/f/mm-angel-service-dogs)

We’re highlighting these fun advent calendars early, as they sold out quickly last year! Count down the 25 days till Christmas with daily wholesome treats for your pup. Order soon for an end-of-November delivery. This tasty calendar is sure to get tails wagging. (MeatloafsDogTreats.com)