Sweet Boy Blue

Lovely Win found his forever home!

Which brings us to Blue, our beautiful new Sweet Boy!

Come say hi!

My new foster...

If you're wondering about the new Sweet Boy in my life, check out

http://winstonwantsahome.blogspot.com/

FINALLY! the Raffle Winners!

So sorry for the delay. We just kept getting donations and as all the money goes to help dogs and cats in need, how could we say no? At the end of the day, we raised more than $800!! How cool is that? As promised, non-HT/non-me affiliated folks picked the winning raffle numbers. Most wonderfully of all, Sweet Boy "Velvet Ears" Theo's new mom picked the grand prize number when Theo was picked up from my place to go to his Forever Home.

Yes, SBVET is now a citizen of Capitol Hill, DC. He took his new friend "Peeg," a pink squeaky toy he found on a walk and loves to bits, with him. When he left, I managed not to cry. A friend texted, 'Is Bella sad?' To which I replied, 'Yes, because he took Peeg!" :)

A huge thank you to all who donated, all who bought raffles and all who cheered on Sweet Boy as he went through the trials of medical testing and of living with me and Bella. :)

As the three (four, if you include Peeg) walked out my door, Theo's new dad assured me Theo would be well cared for. I replied, "I have no doubt." We love you Sweet Boy and wish you and your wonderful parents a great life. (And hope you'll keep Sweet Boy's many fans updated here on his blog!

All winners--please email me at writer_safier@yahoo.com to identify yourself so I can facilitate collection of your prize. We did not write names on raffle tickets, but if we don't hear from a winner, we can go back and look through emails and match numbers to buyers for those of you did it by email.

Drumroll please!

GRAND PRIZE: Two opening night tickets to the Washington Ballet's 2009-10 season performance of The Nutcracker.

Many, many thanks to Washington Ballet director Septime Webre for donating these. We are so appreciative.
WINNER: TICKET # 717068

REIKI! Certified Reiki Master and Teacher Amanda Johnston has kindly donated a Reiki session! ($75 value). For more on Reiki and Amanda, visit http://www.pathtoreiki.com/. This session will take place at Woodley Park Yoga, across the street from the Woodley Park-Zoo metro in Washington, DC.
WINNER: TICKET # 717082

YOGA! A pass for 5 Ashtanga yoga classes at the amazing Woodley Park Yoga (a $75 dollar value).

According to Ashtanga.com, Ashtanga yoga is a system of yoga transmitted to the modern world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. This method of yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures—a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.

The Jois family of Mysore, India, asked practitioner Faith Scimecca to open the Ashtanga branch in Washington DC and Faith is supporting HT with her wonderful donation.

WINNER: TICKET # 717034

SWIMMING! One hourTotal Immersion (TI) swim lesson ($80 value) by Holistic Aquatics, LLC founder and head coach Ed Redfern, Jr. Lesson will take place Vida Verizon Center. For more information about TI, visit http://www.holisticaquatics.com/.”
WINNER: TICKET # 717168

HOMEMADE CANDY! Almond bark (if I am getting this correct) from an amazing baker!
WINNER: TICKET # 717115

LIP BALM!! Natural lip balms, hand made in small batches, using completely natural and organic ingredients...because what goes ON your body gets INTO your body. http://www.madeyoulookcosmetics.com/
WINNER: TICKET # 717128

AUTOGRAPHED COOKBOOKS!
WINNER: TICKET # 717122

QUILTED PURSE AND CHILD'S NECKLACE!
WINNER: TICKET # 717065

HANDMADE NECKLACE!
WINNER: TICKET # 717060

HANDMADE EARRINGS!
WINNER: TICKET # 717047

a few more prizes--and the missing details of some listed here --will be online in this space by July 29. My apologies for the delay!

I cannot get the spacing to work tonight. Argh! It's 11 pm and I am just going to have to keep trying tomorrow. For now, just know that the winning ticket number is BELOW the prize description.

Sweet Boy's Wish Came True!

So sorry for the delay. We just kept getting donations and as all the money goes to help dogs and cats in need, how could we say no? At the end of the day, we raised more than $800!! How cool is that? Last night, as promised, non-HT/non-me affiliated folks picked the winning raffle numbers as a bunch of dogs and people sat around drinking white wine and enjoying chocolate.

Most wonderfully of all, Sweet Boy "Velvet Ears" Theo's new mom picked the grand prize number when Theo was picked up from my place to go to his Forever Home.

Yes, SBVET is now a citizen of Capitol Hill, DC. He took his new friend "Peeg," a pink squeaky toy pig he found on a walk and loves to bits, with him. When he left, I managed not to cry. A friend texted, 'Is Bella sad?' To which I replied, 'Yes, because he took Peeg!"

Seriously, we are both sad--though so happy for T-Bone and Peeg.

As the three (four, if you include Peeg) headed out my door and into the night, Theo's new dad assured me Theo would be well cared for. I replied, "I have no doubt."

We love you Sweet Boy and wish you and your wonderful parents a great life. (And hope you'll keep Sweet Boy's many fans updated here on his blog!)

WINNING NUMBERS TO BE POSTED TOMORROW!! KEEP AN EYE OUT!!

A huge thank you to all who donated, all who bought raffles and all who cheered on Sweet Boy as he went through the trials of medical testing and of living with me and Bella. :)

And for those looking for a new adventure to follow...check out winstonwantsahome.blogspot.com. Bella and I have lucked into another fantastic foster!

Theo Goes To His New Home!

Our wonderful Theo was adopted yesterday and went to live with his new "mom" and "pop", Sarah and Chad. We are so happy for Theo!

Many thanks to Rachel and Bella who taught Theo about life in a home and helped Theo become the happy, outgoing and well mannered dog he is today. Many thanks for all of Theo's friends who generously contributed to help pay for his vet bills while he was with Rachel and Bella.

Theo is so fortunate to have been rescued from a shelter, found a great foster home with Rachel and Bella, had so many friends willing to make sure he got the medical care he needed and to have found such a great forever home where he will be loved and cared for forever! Of course, it doesn't hurt to be so unbelievably sweet and adorable. YAY THEO!

THEO RAFFLE!!

The time is drawing near...

The winners will be picked and announced in the coming week...

Watch this space for more news!!

In case you can't read the caption, it says: "The bidding will begin at eleven million dollars."

Raffle for Theo Still On but Not for Long

We are still selling raffle tickets - Grand prize is 2 opening night tickets to the Washington Ballet's Nutcracker Dec 10 at the Warner Theater in DC. Other items listed below. Tickets are $5 - buy one, buy 10!

Why is the ChipIn widget at $0? Thanks to your help, we have raised over $600 which covers the cost of Theo's cardiology vet appointment thru Firstgiving.com. You don't see these funds on the widget any more becuase we've changed from a Firstgiving widget to a ChipIn widget. Be the first to buy your raffle on our new widget! We know that Theo's raised over $600 but it that $0 is so depressing to see! A big wet dog kiss to all of you who have contributed already!

Now that Theo's vet bill is covered, Theo is helping other dogs:

Bryan - this sweet runt seemed to have trouble walking with very bowed back legs so he needed to see an ortopedist for an evaluation. Thankfully, no defects were found and now that he's in a new home, eating well and getting lots of exercise, he is thriving. See Brian in his new home: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrCTxSXJMbw
But Homeward Trails still has his vet bill to pay.

Elaine - this lovely dog has heartworm and we need funds to cover the cost of her heartworm treatment.

Besides the Washington Ballet tixs, here are the other great prizes you could win:

*Certified Reiki Master and Teacher Amanda Johnston has kindly donated a free Reiki session! ($75 value). For more on Reiki and Amanda, visit http://www.pathtoreiki.com/. This session can be arranged at the winner's and Amanda's convenience and will take place at Woodley Park Yoga, across the street from the Woodley Park-Zoo metro in Washington, DC.

*Homemade candy (from a super talented caterer friend)*A private yoga lesson (from an awesome teacher who loves Theo--she can't adopt him bse she already has two beautiful pups)

*A collection of cookbooks signed by the authors (from a woman who has never even met Sweet Boy Theo, but reads his blog and knows how great he is. And no, it's not my mom)

*Homemade lipbalms and fair-trade African soap (a very, very talented makeup artist friend)

*A pass for 5 free yoga classes at the amazing Woodley Park Yoga (a $75 dollar value)

*A cool quilted purse with a sweet butterfly necklace

Please remember to email Rachel writer_safier@yahoo.com or send her a comment here to let them know how many tickets you bought so they can give you the raffle tickets or email you the raffle ticket numbers.

Hurray for Kind Humans!

Hurray!

We've raised the $500 needed to pay for Theo's echocardiogram.

But please keep buying raffle tickets, dear FOT (Friends of You-Know-Who). Because these beautiful dogs need help too and all the money raised from this point on goes to make sure they can pay for it.


This is Bryan and if you don't think he's cute, there is really no hope for you.

Bryan has been to see the opthamologist (who found that his eyes are just a bit buggy--is there a cuter way to say that?--but they are fine) and an orthopedist (who says that he'll grow into those bowed legs) and vets don't actually charge less for good news than bad (though some very special vets do give a discount to rescue organizations and HT appreciates it!)

Learn more about Bryan



This is Elaine the 50 lb lap dog and at a recent adoption event she climbed right into mine. Like my good friend Theo, Elaine is heartworm positive, and that treatment costs money.

Learn more about Elaine

Anthropomorphize Much?

I'm Theo and I've hacked Rachel's account to bring you this important message:

I LOVE YOU!

Thank you to everyone who donated, is about to donate, or will donate before the raffle drive is over and thank you to everyone for all your well wishes. They mean a lot. Along with the belly rubs and treats and coos, they add up to a pretty wonderful existence. Who knew life could be so good? Well, I did. But I'm a pretty big optimist.

Looks like we'll meet our goal (and goal rhymes with bowl and bowls hold kibble, so I know that goals are good), but I wanted to ask that you buy raffles even if you see that number go beyond $500. That's because Homeward Trails has lots of wonderful dogs and cats in need and 100 percent of your donations will go toward their care.

Please remember to email Rachel or Lois and let them know how many tickets you bought so they can give you the raffle tickets or email you the raffle ticket numbers. More prizes will be announced soon.

Thanks again, and many thanks to Rachel for the spell-checking. Now that I know how "kibble" is spelled, I plan to scribble the word all over her walls.

Even if you can't give, remember: I LOVE YOU!!

-Sweet Boy Theo

Theo Sees the Cardiologist (A Happy Story with No Moral Beyond This: Love Dogs and You Can't Go Wrong)

Theo the Wonderdog had a rainy-day outing to the cardiologist and the news is very good!

He's got a minor valvular leakage that may progress or may not. The cardiologist told him (and Lois) that "given the mildness of the lesion, I would not anticipate problems for years even if it does progress."

In other words: YAY THEO!

She did ask that he come back in 12-18 months for another echo (but might that just be because he's too cute to not want to see again?)

Oh, and if it does progress, he'd need heart meds.

But he's all great and once his heartworm meds have completed their work (mid-August) he can be just as active as any other dog. Though he'll probably still prefer cuddling to running around :).

Theo came back to Rachel and Bella's house, ate a big bowl of food and went for a nap. It's all good.

And the formerly skinny Sweet Boy (he was 26 pounds and his hip bones jutted like a supermodel's when we first met him) is now a bruiser at 31 lbs.

All together now: HURRAY THEO!

(Remember to buy a raffle! Thanks!)

How Do I Buy Raffles?

It's easy!

See the widget on the right?--The one that says "First Giving"--if you give your money through that and email Rachel your phone number at writer_safier@yahoo.com as soon as you do (because the widget gladly takes your money and records your name, but it doesn't record your email address or phone), I in turn will email you your raffle number/s. Feel free to cc Theo's rescue coordinator at Homeward Trails, Lois, at loislht@yahoo.com.

We have not yet picked the exact date for the drawing. It will be by the end of July, latest. Someone unaffiliated with the Sweet Boy or Homeward Trails will pick the numbers out of a hat (or other concave device) and the winners will be listed on this blog and contacted by email and phone (or one or the other if you specify).

Raffles are $5 each and all money raised goes to Homeward Trails Rescue. Any money raised in excess of the $500 needed for Sweet Boy's echocardiogram will go to help out other animals with their own medical needs.

Yes, it says "Donate," but you are buying a raffle ticket--or 10, depending on how much money you give. But if you don't email me or Lois, it's just a donation because we have no way of reaching back to you.

If you have further questions, email me or Lois.
Unless your name is Stacey, in which case you have reached your quota of questions ;).

THANK YOU!

Great News! Two new prizes!

The Washington Ballet has kindly donated a pair of tickets to opening night of the Nutcracker on December 10, 2009. Here's what the Washington Post has to say about this talented troupe's rendition of the classic:

The Nutcracker
Warner Theatre, Washington, DC
Holiday cheer and history intersect in the lush world of Septime Webre's The Nutcracker. Starring George Washington as the heroic Nutcracker and England's King George III as the villainous Rat King, this whimsical delight is quickly becoming one of Washington, DC's newest holiday traditions. Secure your seats now for a taste of this "bonbon of a 'Nutcracker,' a bite-size sweet!" (Washington Post)


Certified Reiki Master and Teacher Amanda Johnston has kindly donated a free Reiki session! ($75 value). For more on Reiki and Amanda, visit www.pathtoreiki.com. This session can be arranged at the winner's and Amanda's convenience and will take place at Woodley Park Yoga, across the street from the Woodley Park-Zoo metro in Washington, DC.

Buy a Raffle--Buy 6!

It's a homegrown affair, this raffle for Sweet Boy. We've got these prizes--but even more, we've got the good feeling you'll get knowing you helped a very sweet dog (with very large ears) get the help he needs for his very loving heart.

*Homemade candy (from a super talented caterer friend)
*A private yoga lesson (from an awesome teacher who loves Theo--she can't adopt him bse she already has two beautiful pups)
*A collection of cookbooks signed by the authors (from a woman who has never even met Sweet Boy Theo, but reads his blog and knows how great he is. And no, it's not my mom)
*Homemade lipbalms and fair-trade African soap (a very, very talented makeup artist friend)
*A pass for 5 free yoga classes at the amazing Woodley Park Yoga (a $75 dollar value)
*A cool quilted purse with a sweet butterfly necklace

If I haven't represented your donation adequately, please email me your edits!

You can purchase raffles using the widget at right. Please also email me --the widget doesn't record your email address.

Tickets will be sold til the end of the month and the raffles will be picked out of a hat by someone unaffiliated with Theo or Homeward Trails.

Lois, am I leaving anything out?

HAVE A HEART FOR THEO!

Raffles are $5 apiece. Buy 'em through the widget over there on the right side of the page. When you buy them, please email me at writer_safier@yahoo.com to tell me you've done so; this way I'll have your email address (which the widget does not record) and I can email you back your raffle number/s.

More info on prizes is below. Full lineup of prizes to be posted here today!

Hurray Theo!

Always Ready for His Closeup

Theo Loves Children

Sammi loves Theo and it looks pretty mutual!

Not a lot of people made it to the latest adoption event, which was a real shame because the dogs were so wonderful! Elaine, Lilly, Pax... I could go on and on.

But four (4!!) FOT (Friends of Theo) --including the beautiful Sammi--made a point of stopping by. None of these fine folks can have a dog for various reasons, but they all follow the Sweet Boy on his blog and took time out of their beautiful Sunday to come cheer him on.

You'll love him too!

Also: This is the last week I'll be fishing for raffle prizes. I've got homemade candy, signed books, specially made makeup and handmade jewelry. Can you donate anything?

Next week I'll begin selling tickets!

Come Meet Theo On Sunday in DC

Theo will be at the Homeward Trails adoption event this Sunday, June 7 from 3:00-5:00 p.m.

The event will be at PetMAC DC (4220 Fessenden Street, NW, Washington, DC. For directions, please go to petmac.org

Open Your Heart to Theo!

I'm organizing a raffle drawing to raise money for the little guy's procedure. Any extra we take in will go to the coffers of Homeward Trails so they can keep doing the great work they do.

To make this a success, I need your help. Yes you! So far, friends have donated:

-Homemade candy (from a super talented caterer friend)
-A private yoga lesson (from an awesome teacher who loves Theo--she can't adopt him bse she already has two beautiful pups)
-A collection of cookbooks signed by the authors (from a woman who has never even met Sweet Boy Theo, but reads his blog and knows how great he is. And no, it's not my mom)
-Homemade lipbalms and fair-trade African soap (a makeup artist friend)

Can you donate something? We'll get to the purchase of raffles once we have a boatload of great prizes on hand. Please feel free to donate even if you live outside of the DC/MD/VA area (the makeup donater is in Toronto!)--and please buy a raffle or twenty even if you live far away.

Post here if you can help out--or know any businesses that can.

Please spread the word! Have a heart for Theo and all the wonderful rescues !!

(And yes--you are also welcome to donate using the widget on the right!---->)

Theo's Vet Visit

Theo went to the vet last week. Theo had gotten his heartworm treatment at the shelter by the vet there - a nice man in California of all places kindly paid for his treatment. We brought him to the vet in DC to make sure that what he was given was all he needed.

Yep, the vet said but when she listened to his heart, she heard a heart murmur. So she took an x-ray of Theo's heart. The x-ray indicated that his heart was enlarged. This is fairly common with dogs with heartworm and often after treatment, the heart returns to a normal size. But because of the degree of enlargement AND the murmur, the vet thought that Theo should see a cardiologist. Two recommended cardiologists were kind enough to answer our questions on the phone and both agreed that Theo should see a cardiologist soon to get examined and have a echo cardiogram. This will give us a better idea about what's going on with Theo's heart. We are hoping that the murmur and enlargement are from the heartworm and will be diminish after as the heartworms die. We'll know more soon.

This will be an expensive vet visit and so we are hoping to raise some funds and get some sponsors for Theo. If you can help, please let me know and/or donate on Homeward Trails website or Theo's FirstGiving link. Be sure to indicate that it is for Theo. THANK YOU!!!

Ready for His Close Up