Dogtoberfest 2009 & Running for the Rescue

On Saturday we went to the Golden Retriever Rescue's annual Dogtoberfest at Islander Park. Laverne & Shirley's foster mama at the rescue is also named Shirley, and she is an incredible woman and an immense advocate for animal rights. Luckily, she is also in charge of cool places in southern Cali, and one of those is Islander Park.

Dogtoberfest is a chance for all rescued Goldens and their humans to get together each year to party and play, and to fundraise for the rescue at the same time. I packed up my babies in the G-Mobile and we were off just the four of us. We had a BLAST!!!

This Sunday morning my sister and I are doing a 5K in the Long Beach Marathon to also raise money for the Rescue. Bethany is a fellow Golden adopter/rescuer/volunteer/fundraiser who is actually going to run the ENTIRE marathon (God bless her!) in honor of her Golden girl, Summer. I encourage you to check out Bethany's blog at http://teambethanyd.blogspot.com/ . It is inspirational.

I would also humbly ask that you check out the Rescue's website and offer a contribution if you are able. Their link is at the right or you can click here:
http://www.grcglarescue.org/

The work that the Rescue does on behalf of abused, neglected, homeless, and elderly Goldens is tremendous, but if it is not a charity you are interested in, then please go to www.runlongbeach.com where you can choose from a charity of your preference. I would encourage that you look into a cancer organization since this is Breast Cancer Awareness month and EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US will be touched by cancer during our lifetime.

Charity is not just money donations. Times are hard these days, and if a financial donation is not feasible now, then I would ask that you look into yourself and see what else you can do today to lift someone's soul, whether that someone is a human or canine or otherwise. Then ask how that can be paid forward. It is a phenomenal feeling. And I want all of my Blogistani to know it.

Now, time to share some pictures of my Golden babies and a few of their four-legged pals.

We start with my Shirley Bird, who has slowly become more and more comfortable in our home, and continues to improve in her fears and nightmares. She is no longer afraid that I'll hit her or spank her every time I raise my hand to stroke her soft head. When we first arrived at Dogtoberfest she kept trying to escape from the park's gate to get back to the safety of our car, but after a while she settled down, especially when the burgers and dogs hit the grill!

A volunteer put these lovely necklaces Laverne & Shirley, and if I do say so myself, they looked ADORABLE. Shirley Bug is cheesin' for Mama's camera-

Laverne & Shirley hangin' out at my feet, where just seconds after this picture I knocked over a bag of Cheetos and it rained processed cheese bits all over Laverne's head. At the end of this post you'll see a little video of them cleaning up after my Cheetos mess.
Here is foster mommy Shirley, whom Laverne & Shirley were ecstatic to see again. They remember all the hard work, love, and patience that Shirley invested in them. If they weren't causing chaos somewhere during Dogtoberfest, then they were "surely" following "Shirley" around. Here is Laverne lavishing in the affection.
Me & my kiddies. Up until now we've only had boy dogs, so I'd say "me and my boys"....but now I just say "my kiddies" or "my babies" instead. Milo's had the Asian eyes in full effect all day long.
My happy "Chunk" aka Lavernius aka Vernees. Shirley's nicknames are so much more demure and lady like, don't you think? Laverne gets the life of the party nicknames. She is so totally the social butterfly of my threesome.
Shirley Pie. Her big brown eyes just melt my insides.
Shirley Girlie and Asian Milo...it's like he knows the camera's about to go and that's his version of "cheeeeeese!"
Shirley Girlie with foster mama Shirley. The grill is just over to the right, so Shirley was helping Shirley stand guard for the yummy burgers.
Vernees, charming and flirtatious in full color.

The more weight that Battleship Lavernicus loses, the more her pretty face becomes more and more defined. She is just LOVE INSATIABLE.
Pretty baby o' mine.
Golden Girls.
Big Bro, the Milo D. Bear. Oh God, do I love this boy or what? Bless his sweet soul, he is just the mellowest, most sensitive being I know. As I type right now he is at my feet and I just kissed his head.

Milo getting a lay of the land. Right behind Milo to the right is Piper. She is currently being fostered by Shirley and her front right paw is healing from surgery. A very happy, energetic young Golden who would love to find her forever home. If you know anyone in the southern California area interested in a doggie, please direct them to the Rescue's website. There are so many perfect and precious furbabies waiting for a home to call their own. They don't ask for much, but give you everything in their hearts in return.
Goldens Gone Wild.

Speaking of foster mamas, here is Peggy, who rescued Milo from the pound in 2007. He remembered her and couldn't stop nuzzling and sniffing her. It made me choke up with tears. We then adopted him in August of 2007 along with my sweetface Achilles. If it weren't for Peggy's volunteer work at the Rescue, we would not have our Milo blessing our every day.
Shirley running amuck, finally relaxed enough to have some fun. Her prior life and home were beyond neglectful and I'm so glad she is able to enjoy life now.

Shirley & Shirley love! Awww!!! Laverney was too busy slurping up water. Shirley's own dogs are the yellow Labs.
Da Pool!!!!! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Milo and L & S grudgingly accepting some affection and petting from random volunteers. Tough jobs, but some dogs have to do it!
Golden getting fresh with the grill master, hoping to score a hot dog.
This is Teddi. She is Milo's foster mama's own dog. She's got the sugar face going.
Which one of these dogs doesn't belong? Hmmmmm.... nonetheless, she was a cutie pie!
Piper and Charles and Miles completely spent.
Speaking of tired pups, the ride home was QUIET. My babies were dog tired after 4 hours of Dogtoberfest, and they snoozed for the entire 90 minute drive home.
I took these pics by just holding my camera backwards. Didn't know what the pictures were going to look like until I got home. Not bad, huh?
My sleeping Bear. Even his sisters shuffling about in the car didn't wake him.

This picture made me want to just bite my Milo Bear. Seriously. Sometimes this crazy wave of love just washes over me and I want to snuggle and hug him to pieces. And bite. Just to see if he's as sweet as he looks.

Dogtoberfest video...

It rained Cheetos!!!

Wish me luck on the 5K on Sunday! I had originally planned to do the half, but with the trial and my long hours I didn't have a chance to train for it. My sis and I are aiming for one in February instead.

Be sure to check out Bethany's blog and the Rescue's website!