Author Archives: Janet Healey

Important Numbers For Every Pet Owner

Janet Healey janet@hoorayfortheunderdog.com

Here’s a list of important numbers and website links that I put together, with the help of some my favorite, animal savvy friends.

National Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435

In an emergency every second counts. The National Animal Poison Control Center is a 24-hour manned emergency hotline. This call could save the life of your pet. My dear friend, Beverly, a huge rescue advocate, who has fostered many dogs over the years, and has had several dogs herself, told me, “I’ve called the National Animal Poison Control Center on more than one occasion, and I’m glad I did. The information they provided me was definitely informative and made a real difference.”

Pet Travel Hotline (800) 545-8732

If you plan on traveling by plane with your pet, call to this number to ensure that you are well prepared. Run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, this hotline provides travel resources, licensed pet transporter contact information, and any rules and regulations you might need to know about.

ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline (877) 474-3310

This program was created to help pet owners who are dealing with the loss of a pet. You can also call them for assistance with the decision to euthanize and advice on how to help children or other family pets who are grieving the loss of their companion.

Your Veterinarian & Nearest Emergency Veterinarian Hospital

Two of the most important numbers in every pet owner’s contact list are that of your own veterinarian and nearest Emergency Veterinarian Hospital. If those numbers aren’t already in your phone, add them now. We have ours on Speed Dial.

Spay/Neuter Helpline (800) 248-7729

SPAY USA is a national referral service that helps connect pet parents with free or low cost spay and neuter services in their area. You can also visit their website: spayusa.org

Journaling 101

My goal is to write every day. I can’t say I have a perfect record, but the process has become so ingrained, that if I don’t put pen to paper, I really feel out of sorts.

A few years back, I read Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist’s Way, A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity and started a habit of what she calls “Morning Pages.” Her suggestion is to get up early each day and write three pages of longhand, stream-of-consciousness morning writing. To help you be a better artist, she asks that you use these pages to rest, to dream and to try.

I have to say, making a commitment to this habit has been nothing less than life changing for me. I sincerely believe all the research on journaling and have even experienced some of these incredible benefits:

  • Improves immune function. Expressive writing can strengthen your immunity and decrease your risk of illness. It’s even been reported to help wounds heal faster.
  • Reduces stress. Journaling can make it easier to unwind, and feel more optimistic.
  • Keeps memory sharp. It helps your brain function at its best, improves memory and comprehension.
  • Boosts mood. It gives you a greater sense of emotional well being and happiness.
  • Unlocks and engages right-brained thinking. This can bring better balance to your life, spark innovation and enhance problem solving.

You might want to give it a try. Just think about setting aside a time and place to start your journal. Give a voice to your dreams and aspirations and a safe space for all your hurts and disappointments. It’s very powerful.

Believe it or not, as a result of this daily habit, my husband and I started our whimsical stationery line, Hooray For The Underdog!, that celebrates and supports rescue animals.

How To Write A Great Thank You Note

We all want to be seen, heard, loved and respected. What better way to express that to someone you care about, than through a sincere thank you note. In a world filled with texts and emails, I just love getting something handwritten in the mail. And I believe, most of the people in my life feel the same way. I was asked, how I go about writing a thank you note. Here are a few thoughts.

Thank You Cards From Hooray For The Underdog!Picking The Perfect Card

First thing I think about is the person I’m writing to, and pick out a card based on what they like. For me, as co-creator of Hooray For The Underdog!, it usually involves whether they’re a cat or dog person. Do they like big or little dogs? Are they into bright colors? Or do they like black and white?

Once I’ve picked the card, I start with a short opening sentence, that says thank you, without actually using those words.

For instance:

  • I’m so grateful to you!
  • Nothing makes me happier than having lunch with you!
  • You are, by far, the best at choosing the perfect gift for me!

Then I add another sentence or two about the gift (or what they’ve done) and why I love it so much.

For example:

  • How did you know that I’m such a fan of Pink Peonies? I have loved them all my life.
  • The grilled cheese sandwiches at Toulouse are to die for!
  • I can’t think of anything that I like better than beautifully scented candles.

I usually close with another “Thank you.” and something that lets that person know how important they are to me.

Perhaps:

  • Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’re the best friend I could ever hope for!
  • You have such an exceptional gift for making me feel loved and special.

Notepad From Hooray For The Underdog!Don’t forget to review your spelling and grammar and be extra careful to spell his/her name correctly. I always write everything out on a scratch pad first. This may seem like it takes too much extra time, but it saves me from crossing stuff out on the actual card.

In the end, I concentrate on writing something sincere and straight from my heart. When it comes to thank you notes, honesty and a real effort to show your appreciation is all you really need.

SHOP THANK YOU CARDS

Underdog of the Week — Dexter

Dexter - Available at Operation Kindness

Meet Dexter

A little Maltese mix with a sweet, happy and gentle disposition, this handsome guy lost his home as a part of the West, Texas plant explosion. Dexter has a very manageable medical condition that requires daily medication. It costs about sixty cents a day.

Won’t you give Dexter a much needed chance? He is available for adoption through Operation Kindness.

Strut Your Mutt

TeamPhoto JoinOurTeam

Won’t you walk with us Saturday, April 27th. You and your pooch will have loads of fun while raising money for the SPCA of Texas. Just click on the photo and it will take you directly to our team page on the Strut Your Mutt website. If you want to ride with Janet Healey, please call me at 214-231-0991. We’ll be meeting at my studio around 7:30 am.

Dog Of The Week – Daphne

DaphneMeet Daphne!

Unfortunately, as happens occasionally, I was adopted and returned. Sometimes you just have to try on a few families before you find the right fit. My picture says it all…beautiful redhead with a happy-go-lucky personality who will do anything for a bully stick. Also, I’m quite social and OK with cats. Just no kids under 16. You’ll even find I bond very quickly to my human and love to lay my head on your lap while you watch TV.

Won’t you give a lovely Irish girl another much needed chance? Metroplex Mutts

Hooray For The Underdog!

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Thank you for supporting our efforts to champion Underdogs everywhere.

Joe and I began our love affair with Underdogs many years ago when we shot some black and white photographs of shelter dogs, hoping to raise money for animal welfare, and maybe even get the dogs adopted.

We wanted to do something to let the world know that these dogs were just as good, sometimes even better than their pick-of-the-litter counterparts. Our idea was to use our time and talent to illustrate their indomitable spirit – in spite of the fact that no one wanted them. From these humble beginnings, Hooray For The Underdog! was born.

We hope these images will inspire you as they have inspired us…that the stories of loss and recovery will move you…and that you may know the joy of sharing your life with an Underdog, too.