Brandy and Val

Here’s a recent story not to be missed from the NY TIMES Magazine.  It clearly reinforces the special relationship people have with their dogs, the importance and legitimacy of pet therapy, the “never give up theory” and  it  showcases the amazing goodness, perseverance and inspirational story  of Karen Shirk, the executive director of 4 Paws for Ability.  A role model we can all look up to.

Brandy and Val, two real rescue dogs who now star in their own children’s book series, were pet therapy dogs working with autistic children.  They have witnessed first-hand their ability to transform children with behavioral problems into calmer, happier, more social people!  To learn more about them, visit the Brandy and Val website

At Brandy and Val, LLC, we are always looking for organizations that do good deeds that benefit the lives of animals, especially those abandoned and abused.  I was watching Animal Planet’s Dogs 101 the other evening and learned about Pilots and Paws rescue services and thought I’d share/spread the word about them.  Essentially pilots and plane owners who wish to help rescues do so through the transporting of animals to new homes or shelters around the country.  The pilots volunteer their time and aircraft to make this possible and rescues can post their requests.  Pilots read the postings and, if they can accommodate, contact the rescue and make appropriate arrangements.

Read about the heartwarming story of Belle, an English Setter, to find out how these wonderful pilots make a difference to animals and families who are looking for that “perfect” canine addition to their home.

As for DOGS 101, I stumbled upon that show while channel surfing and enjoy it every time I stop to watch.  It’s a kind of video primer on all things dog and each week, a few breeds are looked at in depth, especially in terms of what kind of pets they would make.  The videos of the pups are adorable to watch and there’s always something interesting to learn.  Trainers, veterinarians and groomers are usually interviewed and at the end of each segment, a quick summary  of the pros/cons of the dog is posted.     For example, the Australian Dingo is a very controversial dog and doesn’t make a good pet.  Find out why! On the other hand, the Keeshond, a dog I didn’t even know,  makes a great pet, are good pet therapy dogs who even provided emotional support to the rescue workers in 9/11.    Definitely a show worth tuning into…..

Brandy and Val, LLC supports animal shelters throughout the country through the sales of their toys and books: BRANDY AND VAL: BRANDY AND VAL’S FAVORITE THINGS; BRANDY AND VAL’S SPECIAL STORY. Brandy and Val are two real dogs who went from being down on their luck to very fortunate pooches.  To learn more about them visit their website, Brandy and Val.

The 10th anniversary of 9/11/01 is upon us.  It is one of those days that no one will forget and everyone will remember where they were when they heard of the news that planes flew into New York City’s World Trade Center and the Pentagon was attacked.  The rescue effort was enormous, difficult, heartbreaking.   Both humans and canines worked tirelessly to help and search.  We remember the dogs here in this video I found that says it all:

We’d love to hear from you if you have a poignant story to share with us reflecting on the rescue efforts. At Brandy and Val, LLC, our mission is “to do good where good is needed.” It is through the sales of our books and toys that we work to improve the lives of pets and animal throughout the U.S. Through the end of September, Brandy and Val, LLC will donate all profits from the sales of mini-Brandy, mini-Val  and BRANDY AND VAL’S FAVORITE THINGS to the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation.

Please watch our most recent interview on last night’s 6pm NBC Chicago broadcast.  Sums up what we’re all about perfectly!

Brandy and Val, their story

We are so excited to have guest blogger, Jane Davis, share the story of her rescue dogs Hogan and Magic with us!  At Brandy and Val, our mission is “to do good where good is needed” and for months, we have been extolling the virtues of adopting abandoned/sheltered animals and the virtues of pet therapy.   Jane and Hogan make a special team…..

HOGAN & ME
by Jane Davis

As I was waiting for a ride from a friend down her “off the grid” road,  a flash of energy came bounding toward me. I knelt quickly on the ground  while a spotted white, brown and black dog leapt upon me. He was  emaciated, dirty and determined. I played with him for a few minutes until  suddenly he sat still, smashed his right paw on my left shoulder and  stared into my eyes, his icicle blue eyes piercing my soul.

“Ghost eyes,” I thought.

“You get it?!” he seemed to say. “You are mine. I am yours.”

As soon as I acknowledged, “Yes, I hear you,” he started jumping all  around.

But he would not get into my friend’s car. I communicated to him that  he had to come on his own. He refused, so I said goodbye.

Two miles later, glancing out the window, I saw him running alongside  the car, a slight grin parting his mouth. He jumped into the car.

But my landlord said, “No dogs.”

We moved.

Two months later the new landlord said, “Dog can’t stay.”

We moved twice more before we found our final home, where we have been  for the past three years.

For the first year, Hogan thought it was fun to play his favorite game  throughout the night: head butting. He would take a running leap onto the  bed and smash his forehead into mine. He remained unsocialized despite the  training he was receiving. Finally, a friend suggested that I spray him in  the face with water. Two sprays later, the head butting ceased. I worked  closely with him, attempting to train him while keeping his wild spirit  intact. We went to puppy training and the dog park. He became increasingly  accustomed to everything in his new life. (more…)

As we wrote about previously, Brandy and Val is supporting the animal relief effort in Haiti by donating $5 from every sale of our children’s books and toys now through the end of February.   Our donations will be made to Best Friends Haiti Animal Relief, a member of ARCH, the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti. ARCH is an international organization, created by the World Society for the Protection of Animals and the International Fund for Animal Welfare.  The American Veterinary Medical Association, AVMA,  has also joined forces with ARCH to help out.  See our blog post from January 20.

For continuing coverage and video, check out the ASPCA who is providing field reports along with the AVMA

AVMA video

Don’t think Haiti’s rebuilding much matters to the world or to the U.S.?  Think again!  Read insightful articles recently written for Newsweek by President Obama and Former President Bill Clinton.