Cartoon Canines....Do You Have One?

So you think your dog is pretty special? I sure think mine are....Think you dog is special enough to inspire a cartoon? I think I might have one. In fact, many times I have referred to my 11 year old yellow Lab as a "living cartoon".

Well, if you're looking for a little fame for your friend, then check out: http://drawthedog.com. This website is dedicated to making all the funny little crazy things your dog does into cartoons. Each day (except Sunday when he rests) Jim George draws a cartoon depicting a crazy dog story that an owner has sent him. Jim George is an ex-animator for Disney, so you know the cartoon of your dog will be top notch and expertly drawn.

And to make things better, October 9 will be the first week when all of Mr. George's cartoons will be dedicated to one breed. Can you guess the breed? Only our favorite....the Labrador. So get on over to Mr. George's website. Tell him a funny story about your bundle of Lab love, and share the canine cartoon character in your life with the world.....

Special HOTLR Delivery in Lampasas, Texas!!

HOTLR is pleased to announce the arrival of a special addition to its rescue family. Ms. Juno rescued just last week from Town Lake Animal Shelter gave birth last night to a litter of 11 little wiggly puppies.

Juno, a pretty yellow girl who is probably around 2 years old went into labor around 10pm last night. Her first baby was a pretty little girl just like her mamma. Then every 30 minutes or so, another beautiful baby was born.

We lost track of boys vs. girls, but we do know that there are 8 yellows, one chocolate, and 2 black babies. Of course, we cannot be sure who the father was, but we do know that the babies are at least 50% Lab. As of now, Juno, her babies, and Juno's foster mom (Margaret Huston, president of HOTLR) are all tired, but doing fine . Stay tuned to learn more about the babies and see them grow.

Keep up with their progress at our Facebook site http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/HOTLab.

Look Out Hollywood, Here Comes Asia!!

Now, we'll be the first to admit that we have lots of great dogs in the HOTLR program. In fact, we think all of them are pretty darn special. But now, we have a real star in the making. Check out Miss Asia with Ray Hebert, HOTLR's Fundraising Coordinator, on Good Day Austin's Pet of the Week segment.

http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/good_day/wildcard/091109_Pet_of_the_Week_Asia

Asia came to us from a shelter in Waco with a cancerous tumor on her side. But not to worry, Asia had the tumor removed with clean margins, and she is now cancer free. She is 100 percent healthy and waiting to be adopted. And Asia is no diva. The way she is on television is the way she is in real life, sweet, warm and full of affection. She will sit be your side forever soaking in love and attention. You can see how Joe Bickett, the host of Good Day Austin, falls instantly in love.

Just before going on Asia was dancing with two of the stars of the Musical Ballroom with a Twist. She met them in the Green room.

Now a piece of "behind the scenes" info. After the segment was completed, Mr. Bickett commented on how Asia was probably one of the most well-mannered pets they'd ever had on the show. He seemed pleasantly surprised.....we weren't. That's how wonderful ALL the dogs at HOTLR are.

Fill out an application today to adopt one of our great dogs. We are always looking for foster families and volunteers too - very rewarding ways to get some love and attention all for yourself!!! Check us out at our website: http://www.hotlabrescue.org/.

Party in the Park with Your Pooch - Saturday September 12

Looking for something fun to do this weekend??? How about a little outing with the dogs? Austin Pet Alliance is sponsoring Pets in the Park/Cirque du Pawrade 2009 at the Cedar Park Regional Medical Center campus (1401 Medical Parkway - just east of the 183A toll road and 1431) from 11am - 4pm on Saturday, September 12th. Of course, your canine friends are welcome and there will be lots of fun and activities including a costume contest, a pet parade, live demonstrations, food, and music. Five different circus rings will be set up for your entertainment including a Children's Ring with storytime and bow wow art projects, a Trainer's Ring, a Dog Olympics Ring, a Rescue and Adoption Ring, and a Dog Sport Demonstration Ring. What could be more fun on a Saturday afternoon? The weather may even cooperate as rumor has it a "cold" front is predicted for the weekend.

Make sure to look for the Heart of Texas Lab Rescue booth in the Adoption & Rescue Ring where we will have some of our Heart of Texas Labassadors, both former rescues. Toby is a sweet, handsome, yellow, counter surfing extraordinaire sure to give free tips on how to get an easy snack and Susie, always the charmer, is blessed with the best wiggle-butt this side of the Mississippi, but may be better known as the Queen of "Chillin' ".

Pedicures for your pups will be offered by veterinary technicians from Hiway 620 Animal Hospital for $10 donations. But the pampering won't be just for your canine friends. While your pet gets his pedi, take advantage of our chair massage therapists just waiting to offer you a bit of relaxation. There is truly something for everyone and every pet at this event. HOTLR hopes to see you there!! For more information, check out this link: http://austindogalliance.org/PawsInThePark09.htm

HOTLR's Maris Gets New Home & New Job

It is hard to describe the happiness the Heart of Texas Lab volunteers feel each time one of our rescues is placed in their new forever home. While sometimes foster parents have a hard time letting go of a lost soul they helped to heal, the joy on the faces of a rescue's new family the day they get their new dog helps erase the sense of loss.

Maris, a pretty eight year old yellow girl, recently scored big with a new family of 15, and the happiness on the faces of her forever family was priceless. Maris is the newest resident of The Summit at Lakeway's Clare Bridge wing. The Summit at Lakeway is a Brookdale senior assisted living facility and yes, that's right, Maris has a whole wing all to herself. Maris (whose new name is Clare) is the test pilot for a new program that places Labradors in assisted living facilities for senior citizens. Clare lives at the facility 24/7 in a special wing dedicated to residents with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The residents voted to make her a permanent resident agreeing that a yellow Labrador was the best color choice as she would be easier to see at night than a chocolate or black Lab.

Most of Clare's time will be spent working as social director of the Clare Bridge wing. Her job duties include socializing with all 15 residents and their human and animal guests, as well as making herself available for naps and overnights in the resident's rooms. She will also assist the nursing staff with visits to residents who may be under the weather and unable to attend the regular activities held daily throughout the wing. Clare is welcome in all areas of the wing including the residents' rooms, the den/library where seniors watch television or read, and participate in physical activites, as well as the courtyard outside. The only place that is considered off limits is the dining area where Clare may be tempted by too many good treats and soft hearts. Clare will also act as official mascot and resident monitor accompanying residents on trips outside of the facility.

Of course every hard-working employee deserves some time off and Clare will be treated no differently. Should Clare need a break in her duties, she has her own bed under a desk at the nurse's station where she has also stashed a couple of her favorite toys. She will also take occassional "weekend vacations" where she will overnight at the homes of the some of the facilities' employees. All in all, Clare is thrilled with her new home and her new occupation.

HOTLR would like to thank Paul Yanez, director of the Clare Bridge wing at the Summit at Lakeway and brainchild of this special program. We are hopeful that Clare's successful participation will open door's at other Brookdale assisted living facilities in the central Texas area and lead to more rescued Labradors joining these very special large families. To learn more about the Summit at Lakeway, please click here: http://www.brookdaleliving.com/the-summit-at-lakeway.aspx and to learn more about the Clare Bridge program, please click here: http://www.brookdaleliving.com/clare-bridge-alzheimers-dementia-care.aspx .