• Valentine's Day-What'sUP February 14 - 11:02 pm

Twenty two years ago when our family moved to Eagle River, one of the first things we did was to adopt a lovable little pup from the Copper Country Humane Society. "Casey" lived with us for almost 15 years before quietly passing the baton to her rowdy replacement "Buddy" - a happy dancing dog that the folks at CCHS had nursed to health after a serious round of Parvo virus. When Buddy checked out early at the age of six last year, we made the trek back to Nara Nature Park on the east end of Houghton. Regular customers by now, we browsed the new models and came home with a timid Newfie mix they called "Phil". But he stuck to Daddy like his own shadow... which his name quickly became. In today's picture Shadow models his red Valentine cap (which serves as his elf cap in that other Holiday).

What a wonderful job the tireless volunteers have done at Copper Country Humane Society, caring for lost and abandoned animals, and matching them with loving homes. In case you haven't heard, there is a competition for grant funding - now through April 18th - which depends on votes cast on the Internet. Consider joining the effort, and make it a regular habit to vote every day at The Animal Rescue Site. In the voting box put in the word "Copper Country" and select the state "MI" to search, then click on the CC Humane Society "Vote" button, and confirm your vote on the page that appears. For more information see the CCHS Website.

Happy Valentines Day! Have a good week :o)

Great shots - has Shadow learned to 'Happy Dance' yet?

Have been voting for CC - hope they win!

Uh-oh. Now I'm worried. I volunteer at the Humane Society of Huron Valley in Ann Arbor and have been voting for it since this contest started. CCHS was in seventh or eighth place then, but I noticed it started to creep up after the first mention of the contest here. Now you folks are in fourth place right behind my beloved HSHV. And after today it's gonna be even worse (or better, depending on your point of view). But the animals are the ones who win in any case, so keep casting your votes!

I commend you Charlie and Edie in your effort in adopting what make some of the finest companions, orphaned dogs! Our daughter rescued a male German Shorthaired Pointer. He stoled her heart when she saw him in his kennel at the shelter 45 lbs. under weight and wearing a face expressing, "what did I do wrong?" he's a real sweetheart! If anyone is seeking a loyal friend, please check out your local shelters first!

Thanks 4 sharing these doggy pics. I love dogs, especially Boxers (we have 1 named Dottie).

Lulu found us at a rescue shelter 3 years ago. We have in our hearts and memories Roxie, she has my best walking buddy, and a cookie monster. Lulu is learning to walk with me, it will take a while(to many squirrel's), but she is learning. She to is a cookie monster. You can find that special friend at the local shelters. But to everyone have a special St. Valentine's Day.

Here is a link to most of the shelters in the U.P. http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/community/content.aspx?id=53951
Please consider any one of them when getting your next pet.

OK, I voted for CCHS. I love my pets (2 dogs and 2 cats) so much. It breaks my heart to think that so many animals don't have a loving home. But Martha is right, whichever shelters win, the animals will benefit so it's all good.

Way to go Charlie!!!

And God Bless the Humane Society!

Ohhh- I love the photos today and the little stories about your four legged friends. Shadow looks like a sweetheart and deserves the hat!

I have two adopted dogs that both will be five this year. Rusty and Daisy are the best dogs I have ever had. Rusty is a 15lb terrier mix and Daisy is a bassethound that came down here from Newberry. She was skin and bones when I adopted her but now she needs to go on a diet. It breaks my heart of all the dogs/pets that need a home. I make sure my two gets lots of love and attention and they in return are wonderful companions.

My latest cat, Stinky (that was his name when I got him), is from the shelter and the other two, Kissa and Bagheera, were strays in my apartment complex. They are the most loving animals. I think they know, don't you? There are a lot more stray cats and dogs out there because of all the foreclosures. I don't know how someone can just leave their pets like that??? If I didn't live in an apartment, I know I'd have more. This saying pretty much sums it up: "Heaven: Where all the cats (or other critters) you have loved will be waiting for you at the gate."

Oh My God! Shadow is such a duplicate of our dear late "Looper" that passed on about 3 years ago---uncanny!--- it's the face expression! Labradorable!

It's heartbreaking to see domestic animals without a home. For Canadians who visit Pasty.com, here's a Boxer rescue sight in Ontario:
http://www.boxerrescueontario.com/

I am happily owned by a rescue!

I saw Shelby (named after a car I will never be able to afford) at the shelter going on 12 years now. She was just a pup back then and has now grown into a faithful, obedient companion. We've done obedience and agility and she absolutely loved it! She loves her daily walks and won't let me be until we get under way.

We also rescued Sam, a black lab/beagle mix back in 1987 and he lived to be 19 years old. He was a kind and gentle dog and he was very happy to go for a ride to the camp and just lay in the sunshine on the deck.

I have a hard time watching those commercials with Sarah McLachlan because I'd love to bring every one of those animals home with me.

I'm sure I'll be visiting CCHS for my next dog!

Charlie, your dogs - past and present, are just downright adorable! The look in Shadow's eyes looks like he just lives for love, as most dogs do. Great photos and story!

Here's a Flickr group featuring rescued Boxers:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/rescueboxers/