The Misadvertures of Millie - Rebecca Heishman

There are special goings-on in the Misty Neighborhood. A book born from sadness…the death of a joyful little corgi-mix named Misty, evolves into the decision, a few

days later, to adopt a breeder dog newly rescued from a puppy mill.  

 I knew from the moment I read, "Anyone who's ever been owned by a dog…" that The Misadventures of Millie, by Rebecca Heishman, was my kind of story.

Misadventures is the word, and Millie fits the bill. How could six and a half pounds of fur instigate such mayhem, frustration, consternation, and boundless love? Millie's initial dismay at being adopted by "Dis guy wif white hair and a lady wif a limp," turns into "Deez old people are pretty fun" in the story, Livin' Wiff Ode People.  

A poem (by Millie, of course), I Was Lost, details the horrendous life of a puppy mill dog and the unselfish rescue angels who work tirelessly to close down these despicable operations. Millie is one of the lucky few to escape. She knows it and

appreciates her new life.

Stories like, Pasghetti Night, and, best title ever, Before It Rotted, It Had Feathers, are delightfully told in Millie's own doggy diction with her mom and dad's voices thrown in for good measure. But, make no mistake, this is Millie's story and she wants everyone to know she's leader of the pack, even while letting Becky and William think they're in charge. (They really are, but don't let on to Millie)

After shredding sofa throw pillows, Becky declares Millie a canine sociopath, but

Millie comes right back with Sleepin' On Dad's Skinny Foot, a heart-rending account of real hardship trying to sleep in a metal cage with little water,  having her puppies snatched from her before they're weaned, and wondering when she'd get her next meal. Yeah, dad's skinny foot is paradise to Millie.

I must stop before I give away the whole book! If you're looking for an uplifting tale, The Misadventures of Millie will not disappoint, but just so you know, it's not just Millie's story. It's our story. Anyone one who has fostered, rescued, or adopted a pet will relate to this precocious little dog and her patient, loving mom and dad.

You might, however, want to keep your furry friend from getting wind of this book. Millie's Art of Begging highlights three cardinal rules: "Look pitiful, act pitiful, sound pitiful." You've been warned!

Disclaimer: My husband and I have adopted two rescue dogs, so I have a special place in my heart for pet adoptions and rescues.

Buy: The Misadventures of Millie by Rebecca Heishman, Illustrations by Caleb Irwin from Tate Publishing!

Visit Millie and her friends on Facebook!

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WOOF: October is Dog Adoption Month!

WOOF supports adoption of shelter dogs!

Reasons to Adopt a Dog: 

•  You WILL make a difference. If the problem of pets dying in shelters seems overwhelming, think about this: If just one in three people opted to adopt rather than buy a dog, no adoptable dogs would need to be euthanized for lack of a home.
• You'll save time and money. Sure, shelters and rescue groups charge adoption fees, but you can easily find a pet who has been vaccinated, spayed or neutered and, quite often, trained. If you were to pay for those services yourself, you'd spend much more.
• You will receive unconditional love. Ask anyone who's adopted: Rescued dogs just seem to know you saved them (especially older dogs), and they repay that act of kindness a thousandfold. How many times have we heard someone say their shelter pet in fact rescued them?
• You will not be supporting cruelty. Each dog adopted rather than purchased means less of a market for unhealthy, inbred puppies produced under cruel conditions in puppymill operations throughout the country.

American Humane Association and PetFinder are excellent places to start looking for that perfect addition to your family!

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WOOF: Furry Friends Friday - Will Love For Food

 I Rescued A Human Today 

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage.
I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today.

Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.

Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms.

I would promise to keep her safe.
I would promise to always be by her side.
I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

(Special thanks to WOOFer, Bubbles (Bev) for sharing)

For another Pawsitive story about dog rescues, read about Molly in WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty

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WOOF Furry Friends Friday: Who's Your Fur-Ever Friend?

For anyone who doesn't know the story of Cuddles, she was a sick pup with a life-threatening skin condition just a few months back.

Through many months of care and nurturing by 2 amazing families, she's a happy, healthy dachshund who's also made some good friends along the way.

Here she is "cuddling" with her brother, Diesel. (Cuddles is the one with the cool pink bandana)

Do you have a Fur-Ever Friend? Or a Fur-Less-Forever Friend (Huh??). Share with the WOOFers!

And, please, if you're thinking of getting a furry friend for your family - ADOPT!




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Furry Friends Friday - October is Adopt-A-Pet Month

So, what are you waiting for? With thousands of fabulous "friends" waiting, patiently in shelters all over the country, why not do yourself a favor and give a deserving dog or cat a "forever home."

A good place to start is the American Humane Association Adopt-A-Dog Month

From their website:

What Can an Adopted Dog Bring to Your Life?

There are as many responses to that question as there are dogs in this world! That’s why -- during American Humane Association’s Adopt-A-Dog Month celebration in October -- we’re encouraging people to adopt a shelter dog and experience the joy of finding their own answers.

Are you looking for:

•an exercise buddy?
•a best friend and confidant for your child?
•a dog you can train with to learn animal-assisted therapy?
•a partner in agility competitions?
•a constant companion for your favorite senior citizen?
•a fuzzy face to greet you after a hard day at work?
An adopted dog can be all these things -- and so much more!

Or, visit your local shelter!

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