Win a $10,000 donation and help keep a shelter's doors open!

Bo here with an exciting opportunity to earn some serious karma points by helping those who cannot speak for themselves. Everyone who enters this giveaway walks away a winner!

With an unemployment rate hovering at 9.1% and 1 out of 6 Americans living below the poverty level, those who still have money are understandably holding on to it. The ripple effects of less spending are felt not only by the retailers, the heroes who care for our homeless pets are also feeling the sting. These folks depend on our donations to keep their doors open. 

How much does it cost to run a shelter? Of course the cost varies depending on the size of the shelter and the number of residents they care for but I can tell you some of the things they have to pay for:

• Food
• Vet bills
• Rent
• Insurance
• Medication
• Heat
• Electricity
• Phone
• Website
• Advertising
• Staff

Want to give them a helping hand? Now's your chance! On November 1st, one lucky pet lover will win $10,000 to donate to their favorite rescue shelter! No joke!

To be entered in the November 1st drawing, all you need do is "pay it forward" by playing a part in helping the thousands of homeless pets in the U.S. find loving homes. It's absolutely free!

Here's how:

• A website or blog is necessary (Don't have a blog? Now's a great time to start!)
• Between now and October 31, 2011, install DogTime's adoptable iframe on your website or blog
• Email chelsey@dogtimemedia.com to obtain the easy installation instructions (you'll simply cut and paste 4 lines of code)

Not familiar with the iframe? This is DogTime’s national data feed of adoptable dogs and cats — the only list developed for and used by the ASPCA. It's completely free and super easy to install — requires a mere four lines of code. (We can walk you through the simple process, if needed.) Best of all, it does not drive traffic away from your site. It simply allows your readers, if they like, to browse adoptable dogs and/or cats.

You could be the reason some lucky pup or kitty trades in the confines of a cage for a life filled with love, attention, treats and a cozy, warm lap to curl up in. And the gratification you'll get from helping these innocent, voiceless souls is immeasurable.

I say go for it! I look forward to the day we no longer see those rescue commericals on TV, you know, the ones that show sad, lonely, homeless pets in cages. Man, those spots tear my heart out and bring tears to my eyes every time.

^{Bo Obama's Dog Blog sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, NYDailyNews.com}

Bo remembers the hero dogs of 9/11

 
2753 lives lost. I've watched many of the television specials showing the events of September 11, 2001 as they unfolded. I cannot fathom what it was like for those people working in the Twin Towers and the Pentagon that day or those innocents trapped on the hijacked planes.

I salute those men, women and canines who lept into action trying to free anyone trapped in the rubble and then searching for remains that could be tested for DNA and bring some much needed closure to the victim's families.

Many of my cousins assisted in the search, rescue and recovery efforts, able to manuever in, around and under the rubble where no human could go.

Watch this wonderful video tribute to the canine heros of 9/11 produced by DogFiles

 

My kin, along with their human co-workers, did their very best in the aftermath of the devastating tragedy and in the midst of so much sorrow, brought what comfort they could to their human counterparts. 

We are called "man's best friend" for a reason. We truly care about you and will continue to do all that we can and all that you ask of us in return for your love and loving care.

Bo tunes in to the 2011 Petties Pet Blog Awards!

 
Glamour, intrigue and popcorn - all the makings of a great White House party. Last week my buddies and I put on our best duds, kicked-back with our Bowser Beers, some turkey jerky, puppy popcorn and tuned in for the Petties extravaganza hosted by a most fetching dame by the name of Leslie Smith. Mmm, mmm...I bet she gives some sweet treats to the dogs in her life. Ruff, ruff!

Don't tell the folks, but we maximized our Petties party fun quotient by downing shots of organic chicken broth every time Leslie said the word "cat." What a hoot! Sampson was blitzed after the first 5 minutes!

So many talented bloggers were nominated but in the end the public's voice was heard and winners in 8 categories were announced:

 
The winner in each category walked away with a coveted Petties statuette and $1,000 donated to the non-profit animal shelter or rescue of their choice. Now that's my kind of prize!

Missed the Petties Award Ceremony broadcast last week? Never fear, you can still catch the scintillating spectacle here.

You could win $10,000 for your favorite shelter!

To be eligible, simply install DogTime's adoptable iframe between August 26th and October 31st on your website or blog. Visit DogTime's Petties page for more details.