About: No Dog About It Blog
Welcome to No Dog About It Blog!
My name is Mel (Melissa) and I am a former pet sitter and dog walker from St Paul, Minnesota.
This blog was started as a way to share pet information with my clients, but over time it has become a venue in which to share my ponderings, thoughts, pet knowledge and experience on a wide variety of pet-related topics and issues. I invite you to share your own thoughts, comments, questions and experiences. I am always excited to learn from others, and I value the opinions of those who may have a different perspective.
A little more about me:
Before becoming a pet sitter, I was a volunteer at the Minnesota Valley Humane Society (MVHS) for 8 years as a dog walker and Star program trainer. In my time at MVHS, I fostered 4 dogs, failing with two – Daisy and Jasper (my dogs). I also have a cat, named Nick.
Daisy, my Labrador Retriever, was a former breeding dog in a puppy mill. I adopted her after fostering her for a short time through MVHS. She is an amazing dog who has overcome many obstacles, including fears of: people, strange noises, cars, new places, and new experiences. Everything I learned about rehabilitating a puppy mill dog I learned from her. You can read more about Daisy, and her search for her “Inner Lab” here.
Jasper, my Shetland Sheepdog, was purchased (along with his sister and a cat) from a pet store by a woman who wanted to rescue them from deplorable conditions. He had been in the pet store window for about 8 months, had fleas, was missing fur and was covered in feces when he was surrendered to MVHS. I fostered both he and his sister before she was adopted. Jasper ended up staying on with us and both Daisy and I are very happy about that! 
He and Daisy are the very best of friends.
Nick, has been with me for over 13 years. He was 6 when I adopted him. He was a surrender from a family who’s child developed severe allergies. He is a well-seasoned boy who manages to keep everyone in line despite any previous attempts to tell him he is not in charge.
I am a passionate advocate for shelter pets, pet adoption and stopping puppy mills. As a result, you will find that many of my posts reflect these topics. However, I also happen to love to laugh, so you will also find funny pet stories and videos posted on a frequent basis.
I also welcome pet products for review, since I am always looking for new products and information that I can share with my clients and my readers. You can send me an email at nodogaboutitblog@gmail.com
Again, welcome to No Dog About It Blog. I hope you will come back to share your thoughts, comments and experiences.
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I must commend you Mel, stepping away from the corporate world and setting out to do what you love is both brave and wise.
I wish you great success with your business and your writing.
Karen
Media Consultant
Best Bully Sticks
http://www.bestbullysticks.com
Thanks Karen! It wasn’t an easy decision, but I don’t regret it. I get to play with dogs and cats for a living. Really? What could be better!?!
I sent you an e-mail, but in case you didn’t see it. Yes! I would be happy to have a guest host blog from Adoptapet.com!
E-mail me at melspetpals@gmail.com
Thanks!
Very nice blog! I’ll be coming back to read
I’ve also changed the course of my business after the loss of a few of my pets. I used to specialize in homemade aromatherapy products (soaps, salts, etc.) but I soon realized that without my pups there, a big part of my routine was missing and almost closed up shop. But, instead of letting the grief consume me, I turned it around and made them an even bigger part of my business by changing my product line and creating a line of pet memorial candles and fragrance oils, which are appropriately called “Memoromas”. I’d love you to take a look at my site. My goal is to reach all pet owners who lose their beloved family members (pets) and help them hold on to their memories. Good luck with your blog! Will be back for sure!
I am so happy to have found this blog and the world of pet blogging in general. Perhaps my Welshie will want to read some of these posts with me!
I sure hope so Big City Baby Carrots! Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Mel. We are donating $1000 to pet related charities. If you or your readers have any suggestions for a good animal-friendly charity we would love to hear them.
http://www.discountpetmedication.net?mst=14
-Mike
Hi Mel,
I love your blog and I visit it frequently to enjoy the post and to leave comments. I have also incorporated your link within my DogProducts.org site as a valuable resource for my visitors. Would you be willing to return the favor by placing my link right here within your blogroll?
Thanks in advance,
Hanna
Hi, it has taken me time to find excellent dog bloggers, who both understand and speak up for animal welfare, pet rescue and pet adoption. So glad I found you on WordPress.
I really enjoy your dog blog, it is both informative and entertaining so I have nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award and the Genuine Blogger Award. Congratulations! You can read about it here: http://twoblackdoggies.wordpress.com/2012/04/06/two-black-dogs-be-thanking-you/
It is great to see more people rallying against puppy mills. It sounds like you have many enjoyable days ahead with your pups!
Eugene
http://www.DogCatSupply.com
Thanks for stopping by Eugene. Yes. As the owner of 3 former mill dogs, I have a special reason to educate people on puppy mill dogs and advocate for changes in state and federal laws. I have a great day with my pups most days.
I am starting out as a dog walker/pet sitter and look forward to learning a lot from you blog. Thanks for all you do!
Good luck Natasha! It’s hard work sometimes, but so much fun and so worth it. I hope you have a great time!
lovely blog!! just found it and added it to me list of daily reads!
Thanks for following Catherine! I wish you much luck on moving to Lewis. How exciting and scary all at the same time!
Mel, I’m sure that others have come before me, but I so appreciate your blog and your mission to educate that I included No Dog About It on my list of nominees for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. http://gardensforgoldens.wordpress.com/2012/08/15/very-inspired-inspiring/
Thanks for all of the good work you do! – Ogee (now revealed as Audrey)
Wow! THanks Audrey! How kind of you! So nice to know your real name.
Wow! Thanks Audrey! I need to get over to your blog. I am so crunched for time during the week that I usually have to wait until the weekends. Thank you!
Hi Mel…;-)
I hope you fared well from Hurricane Sandy!!
We had no power for 10 days, trees, poles and electric lines down everywhere!
Everyone is safe, including Penny…:-).
What was hard for her was she could not understand why we were not turning on the lights and why our home was so cold…:-(
Its been very rough 10 days!!
I will be posting photos for yoiu to see on our blog and facebook page over the next couple of days.
PS.
After Hurricane Sandy, which was hard enough.
last night we were hit with a snow storm which gave us 5 inches of WET snow and more problems.
WE still have power, but who knows….
I will keep you informed…:-)
Alex and Penny
I was wondering where you were!!! I had no idea it hit you so hard! Welcome back Alex and Penny!
My friend Kim is still without power – she’s long the Jersey shore. They are supposed to get it back today. I sure hope so. 10 days is a long time, but so is 12.
Penny must have been SO confused! And now, she must be cold! If it makes you feel any better, the warm weather that Hurricane Sandy gave us is now coming your way. I hope it melts all the snow. You guys all need a break.
I look forward to seeing your pictures. How does it feel to be reconnected again?
Hi Mel,
Electric is SOOOO Wonderful!!!!
Thinking about it, our ancestors crossed this wonderful country of ours with No power, no water and hardly any food. I do not how they survived. The hardships they encountered.
Just trying to make as meal took a long time. Showering and washing up, what an ordeal. It really makes one appreciate what a great country this is and how Mother Nature can humble the strongest person.
Your friend in Jersey I’m sure is having a very rough time and can use our support. Alot of people still do not have power including my father who is in Long Beach, right ON the Beach.
His home was under 6 feet of water. the whole downstairs was ruined.
When I getr a chance either tonight or this weekend, I will post the photos.
By the way, the sun is out and it is 48 degrees and will be going up to 55…..YEAH.
Penny is MUCH Happier Now…:-)
Alex and Penny
Hello again Mel…:-)
As promised, here is the link to the photos I Posted on our blog.
http://to-shea.blogspot.com/2012/11/hurricane-sandys-damage-to-our-area.html
i also posted them on facebook too, my personal account (Alexander Brenner) I have alot more contact under my personal name…LOL.
The photos are pretty drastic, dont worry, we are all safe!
Alex, Penny and Trish (my wife) You would probably like her too…:-)
I’m President of Long Island Shetland Sheepdog Rescue, Inc. I was wondering if I could have your permission to post your article on “Why your lost dog won’t run back to you”? Thank you
Barbara
Barbara-absolutely you can repost. I hope it helps someone else.
I have nominated you for a Beautiful Blogger Award because your blog always makes me smile – especially the Friday videos! (We have a lab as well – a 13 year old named Rosie who is still up for short hikes!)
If you wish to accept, please visit my blog for further details http://compostingwords.net/2013/01/12/beautiful-blogger-award-thanks-to-these-bloggers-for-adding-beauty-to-the-world/
Thank you!!!! I am so sorry I am so behind. I had the flu this week. I’m making a note to myself now so I remember to stop by and pick it up. Give Ms. Rosie a kiss for me. I love Labs, especially older ones. They are some of the sweetest dogs around. Thank you again!
Love your blog Mel! Getting a rescue dog motivated me to start my website to raise funds for rescue dogs. I’ve also met so many friends through agility training with my dog. It’s amazing the positive effect rescuing a dog can have on your life if you let it. Wishing you loads of success with your endeavours!