“The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog.” – M.K. Clinton
Happy Friday! Here's the scoop:
Feel Good Friday: One teen’s (absolutely adorable) solution for overcrowded shelters
Is your dog ready for winter?
Live vicariously through these four-legged adventurers
Feel Good Friday: Shelter dogs are looking chic thanks to this creative teen
Darius Brown, affectionately crowned “the 14-year-old with a heart of gold,” was 8 when his older sister taught him how to sew a bow tie.
At an early age, Darius was diagnosed with a speech, comprehension, and fine motor skills delay. Still, he was determined to master the art of sewing. He spent hours cutting out fabric and fine-tuning his skills until he was running the sewing machine by himself.
Following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, Darius decided to get creative with his craft. He began donating his bow ties to local shelters to help displaced dogs look dapper. The goal was to make pups more noticeable so they could find their forever homes faster. Darius focused on creating unique ties for older animals and pets with disabilities, since he knew they’re often the hardest to find homes for.
Since starting this passion project in 2017, Darius has sewn approximately 600 bow ties for rescue animals, donating to various shelters in the D.C. area and 8 other states so far. His goal is to donate bow ties to shelters in all 50 states. Learn more about this incredible teen’s venture and how you can donate here!
Image courtesy of @sirdariusbrown.
Do(g)-It-Yourself
Whether we’re ready or not, winter is coming. Even the most cold-loving canines need to take a few extra precautions before diving snout first into the snow piles. Follow these simple steps to prepare your dog for the colder months ahead:
Trim foot fuzz. Hair on the feet of long-haired dogs can form uncomfortable ice balls between pads and toes. Keep them well-trimmed, cutting the hair so that it’s even with the surface of the foot and minimizes snow collection.
Invest in a heated dog bed. Heated beds are a great option for chilly dogs and senior pups during the frigid winter months. They’re so cozy you might just want to curl up in it too! Look for one with an auto-shutoff feature for added peace of mind.
Protect your pup’s paws. Seek out pet-safe de-icers created with animals’ safety in mind. Alternatively, paw protection like booties or paw wax offer an added layer of defense against ice, salt, and snow. (Plus, is there anything funnier than dogs wearing booties for the first time?)
What we're digging
The only thing better than getting out and exploring the great outdoors is doing it with your best friend by your side.
Check out some of our favorite Adventure Dog accounts, featuring inspiring people and their pups who all share a similar thirst for adventure:
@colorado_canine - meet fearless Bella, Ruby, and their paw-rents Pat and Devin.
@laducb - rescue dogs Finn and Arlo explore the PNW with their owner, Bryce.
@thehikerpup - Border Collies, Emily and Nick, teach their puppy brother, Leo, how to become an adventurer
@ambpitch - Amber and her foster pups tackle incredible outdoor feats together
@sup_with_pup - Maria takes paddleboarding to a new level (by always bringing her three dogs along for the ride)
@henrythecoloradodog - features an inseparable duo who loves nothing more than taking on the great outdoors together
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