Ho! Ho! Ho! Step right up and get your photos taken with Santa. Not just any Santa, but one of the most jolly and pet-friendly Santa’s ever. It’s this Saturday and Sunday and it’s all for charity. Here’s the details:

Saturday November 19, 2016: Salty’s Pet Supply, 4039 N Mississippi Ave #104, Port OR 97227. For just a $10 donation per pet you’ll receive a high-res digital copy of the image plus you’ll be entered into a grand prize raffle. But that’s not all. The first 50 people will also take home a goodie bag, compliments of Salty’s Pet Supply and Santa Claus. Photos will be taken from 11am to 2pm on November 19th, see the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/571026059747671/

Please join us this Thursday, November 17th, 2016, at the annual Paul Schatz Home Furnishings Holiday Soiree, a festive benefit for The Pongo Fund. The evening will be filled with sipping and snacking, festive fun and shopping too. There will be an array of local boutique artisans on hand, and all Paul Schatz accessories will be deeply discounted for this event.

The event is free to attend. And dogs are welcome too, so come one, come all, two, three and four legged alike 🙂

For nearly 100 years the Paul Schatz Family has been giving to our community in ways that most would not know. Because they do it quietly, respectfully; and always in a meaningful way. Best of all, they give to the animals too. And this year, The Pongo Fund is honored to be part of their kindness.

Seems weird to not have Scoobs here on his birthday. But I know he’s close. And even though we may be in slightly different places, we’ll still be sharing our traditional Veuve Clicquot tonight. And some good food too. Because Scooby loved his food! And that’s why it is fitting today, on Scooby’s 22nd birthday, that The Pongo Fund has placed an order for 50,000 pounds of pet food to restock our pet food bank and help carry us through the harsh winter months.

Because those are the same kind of winter months that Scooby spent living on the streets. But he made it. And that’s why we stock up extra heavy for winter, so we can help the tens of thousands of other Scooby’s too. And we invite you to join in on that truckload.

Since you follow The Pongo Fund, you know where Scooby is today. Because you’re one of us. And that’s why with complete certainty you know that he’s everywhere today. He’s right here next to me now, sleeping on his bed like he always does. And he’s right there next to you too, waiting for you to smoosh his perfectly smooshable face. Go ahead, smoosh.

I wish I could meet Scooby’s Mom and thank her for raising such a great son. Because she instilled in him such a powerful bounty of Kindness, Strength, Grace, Compassion and Love. And those qualities have guided him through a life that has not always been perfect. Yet despite it all he never complained.

We met on August 31, 2011, five years ago today. He’d been living on the streets, sleeping in doorways and searching gutters for his dinner. But everything changed the moment we met.

As I knelt down to greet him he crawled onto my lap. And then he stretched his perfect 52 pound Beagle-Basset body right up my chest to kiss my face. He moved a bit like a Slinky, just inching along until he was where he wanted to be. And then he didn’t move. He remained right there, tight against me until I lifted him into the back of my car and drove home. He fell asleep so fast.

What I didn’t know at the time was how badly he hurt. A painful ear infection so severe that both of his ears were swollen shut. A golf ball sized tumor on his paw that grated pavement with each step. A horrible spinal infection that made all movement agonizing for him. And if left untreated would have killed him. Yet somehow in that moment he hid the pain and found the strength to stretch himself far as he could just to give me kisses. Even though with everything he had hurting, he shouldn’t have been able to walk.

In terms of Scooby’s past, there were as many as nine people before me. Think about that. Nine different people made commitments to care for Scooby. But no one stuck with it. That means during his first 17 years he found out over and over again what it meant to be left behind. He was given to others casually, like an old coat or something. Like it was no big deal. What a mistake, because this guy is priceless!

He was traded. He was bartered. He was even dropped off at a convenience store once and just left there. And then the next person would keep him for a while until they would give him away too. But that will never happen again.

Because Scooby is part of my family now. Yours too. And I love him more than words can say.

That Scooby found the best in everything is what amazes me most. Because after everything he’s been through it would make sense for him to have given up. To never trust again. But he does.

And now, to help celebrate Scooby’s 22nd birthday today, a generous Pongo donor is matching all contributions and will keep matching them until September 15th. Every single dollar will be DOUBLED to help pay for the 50,000 pounds of dog and cat food that will be delivered in September. Now we raise the money to pay for it. And you can help.

If you would like help celebrate Scooby’s birthday with a donation to The Pongo Fund, please click here:https://www.thepongofund.org/contact/donation-page/ .

Donations can also be mailed to The Pongo Fund, PO Box 9000, Portland, OR 97207, or please give us a call if you’d like to donate by phone. Or just give us a call to let us hear your dog bark a little bit. We’d like that too. Phone is 503-939-7555.

There are a lot of other dogs and cats out there just like Scooby. And thankfully The Pongo Fund is here to help all of them.

And this is why we Scooby.

Happy Birthday, Scoobs. I love you 🙂

–Larry Chusid August 31, 2016

In Memory of 150 year-old Scooby Chusid:
August 31, 1994 – February 14, 2016
Always Loved, Always Remembered.

Sit. Stay. Eat. Live. thepongofund.org

(This beautiful Angel Scooby artwork is one of the deeply meaningful things sent to me after The Scoobs crossed the Rainbow Bridge on February 14, 2016. I cherish this artwork but have misplaced the name of the kind person who created it. I know you’re out there, will you please email me so I can thank you?)

His birthday is tomorrow. He’ll be 22. Million. Like the stars. No need to count. The years mean little for a Buddha like Scooby. He just is.

I wanted to write many things today. I tried, I really did. I sat down over and over but words would not come. I didn’t think I would cry but I did. To my tears, thank you for being here. You are my friends.

It may not make sense but it may or maybe a little of both. That’s ok. I miss him. I read through some of the things I’d written about him these past few years. I was sad to find I had forgotten so many. I was glad to remember.

The girl who proposed to him. When he saved the lives of a box of kittens. All of the homeless folks he befriended because he was one of them too. The day he met Dutch the truck driver’s dog and told him everything would be ok. The little tiny boy with no hair from his chemo who laughed so hard when Scooby licked his bald head. His Mom cried as she watched her son laugh because she worried he had forgotten how.

The woman in the park he ran to, she was crying from the hard hands of her boyfriend and Scooby rushed straight to her and sat down next to her on the lawn and let her cry into his velvet ears. How did he know? Of course he knew. He took the hurt from her, he absorbed it for her. She told him that.

And just last year The Mayoral Proclamation issued so the entire City of Portland could celebrate Scooby’s 21st Birthday.

Who knew it would be his last birthday on this earth, at least this time around? He did. Of course he did. But he never told me. It wouldn’t have mattered. That’s ok. Scooby knew what he was doing.

I write this now at 9:00pm on August 30th, 2016. These words move from my heart to my fingers to this keyboard fast as I can type. There will be no proofread. The sentence fragments run together and the words collide. I know that. But they do so with love, from my heart.

For each of these words are Scooby.

“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” – The Little Prince

Happy Birthday, Scoobs. I love you 🙂

–Larry Chusid August 30, 2016

Sit. Stay. Eat. Live. thepongofund.org

In Memory of 150 year-old Scooby Chusid:
August 31, 1994 – February 14, 2016
Always Loved, Always Remembered.

(Photo Credit Pauline Zonneveld Photography. Thank you Pauline.)

The photo hurts, I know it does; the story does not. A reminder of life and how it goes. The paperwork said euthanasia scheduled for Friday. One more animal at a shelter had run out of time. Sadly the older ones and the sickest ones are usually the first to go. And for this 17 year-old dog, alone in a shelter, that meant Friday.

The paperwork also said severely worn and fractured teeth with pulp exposed, ears heavily infected, swollen and too painful to touch, a 6 cm ovoid purple mass, two large SQ masses on both the left and right abdomen, pain exhibited with extension of the hips, severe alopecia, thickened skin in many places from being chronically infected, severe dental tartar, gingivitis, allergies.

Other reports said bright pink skin, multiple warts over entire body, large SQ masses left chest, abdomen, paws, severely worn teeth, numerous hematomas, fleas, multiple and serious medical issues.

You get the idea. This dog was in rough shape. And that’s why the shelter felt euthanasia was the right thing. This dog was old. He hurt. He hurt a lot. He could not hear much because his ears were swollen shut. He could not eat much because his teeth and mouth hurt. But his spirit was strong. So, so strong!

The photo shows just one of the tumors on his paw. How in the world was he able to walk with that? How badly must it have hurt him? And that was only one of them.

Yet there he was battling through the pain to fight for another day. Because that’s all he had left.

But on Thursday his Friday changed. Because that dog was Scooby. It was five years ago and he was 17 years-old then. And instead of the Friday that was planned, we adopted each other on Thursday.

To all the rescuers and the saviors and the people that show up and stand up for the animals, thank you! You know how great this feels. Every day all of you do so much to help. You do it because you care.

And you know what a true honor it is to be the one that has the chance to make that difference. For me, on that day, I had the honor of saving Scooby.

At The Pongo Fund, we do it one at a time. And we do it with the hope and prayers that maybe someday we really will be able to save them all. Just like Scooby. Because the truth is, there’s a little Scooby in all of us.

This Wednesday August 31st Scooby will celebrate his 22nd birthday. Or 156 or 1000, depending on how you count. Because for a Buddha dog like Scooby, the actual age really has little resemblance compared to the years of his soul. The thing his, he just continues to Scooby. Here, there, everywhere.

And that’s why, even though he crossed the Rainbow Bridge a few months ago, he’s still here. With me. Right now. And that means he’s still here with you too. Because it’s true and I know it is. Having him close is such a gift. And when I hear the jingle-jangle-jingle of his collar, well, I really like that.

To celebrate, to remember, to help even more, in honor of Scooby’s Special Birthday on Wednesday, all donations to The Pongo Fund will be matched 100%. That also goes for all donations last week, this week and next week too, through September 15th.

Every one of them will be matched up to $22,000. And that money will be used to restock our pet food bank where the dog and cat food shelves have become almost bare and winter is coming. The economy may be improving, but for the tens of thousands that count on us, those statistics of betterment have not yet found them. And they still need our help, two and four-legged alike.

The Pongo Fund has provided more than nine million high-quality meals since we began little more than six years ago, helping keep more than 90,000 beloved family pets safe at home and out of the shelters. We’ve helped in more than 30 counties throughout Oregon and Washington, and more than 100 nationally. And along the way we’ve provided food, veterinary care, spay-neuter, education and more. But most of all, we’ve provided hope.

And every single one of those meals and every single one of those lives saved and every bit of that hope is because of you.

Maybe you’d like to be part of the work we do by joining Scooby’s 22 Club? Please click here now to pay by credit card or Paypal:https://www.thepongofund.org/contact/donation-page/. To send a check, please mail to The Pongo Fund, PO Box 9000, Portland OR, 97207.

But no matter what and if nothing else, please always send good wishes to all of the animals. Be there for them. Stand up for them. Be their voice. And please do everything you can so each and every one of them continue to be safe and happy and loved.

Being there for them. Caring about them. Saving them.

And this is why we Pongo.

Sit. Stay. Eat. Live. thepongofund.org

In Memory of 150 year-old Scooby Chusid:
August 31, 1994 – February 14, 2016
Always Loved, Always Remembered.
Sit. Stay. Eat. Live. thepongofund.org

Sunlight pierced the window, a brazen spider highlighted as he rappelled from the ceiling. He scurried under a small bookcase and fast as I could I was down on my knees, searching. Those of you who know me know that I relocate spiders back outside, happy and free. There was some back and forth but he’s safely outside now with the rest of his family.

But what really got me was what else I saw under that bookcase. Scooby was there. For those of you who have followed his story, you know that I did not vacuum for many weeks after he passed away. I knew that so much of him was still here and I was in no hurry to disturb his presence. So vacuuming was put on hold.

A look back. A few times a year we trek out to see a special group of homeless veterans. But calling them homeless is not the right word. They simply live outdoors. A lifestyle they have chosen. They could live in the city, in housing, but they don’t feel comfortable doing that. So they do it this way instead.

These are fiercely proud men. Yet they are friendly, kind and respectful. With faces that show lives well lived. Crooked smiles. Some missing teeth. And as one of them added, some really bad tattoos.

All of them kind of chuckle in unison at the memory of bad tattoos.

But their dogs show none of that wear and tear. Three pit bulls. Happy. Wiggly. Waggly. Totally blissful dogs. Each one spayed and neutered. And licensed.

These dogs adore their people. And vice versa.

On the hottest days they wear clean tshirts to protect from sunburn. On the coldest days they have warm coats. The dogs. Not the people.

Watching them says it all. While we talk, unused hands automatically reach down to scratch a dog’s head. Then the neck. Then the dog moves himself into a position so those hands now scratch his back. Then his side. Leaning in further with every scratch.

The whole time the man almost unknowingly bending further and further to pet his dog. And the dog loving it. We ask if he knows he’s petting his dog. He was startled by the question. He quickly looked down and saw the dog. He looked at him. The dog looked back. A frozen moment that had likely happened thousands of times before.

Then you look down and see the dog has quietly moved himself into a bit of a half-somersault. Just trying to make sure every bit of his happy body continues to get equal attention. Face down. Rump up.

And then, with an almost upside down mouth hanging open and tongue dangling sideways, it happens. The dog goes kathump. Now down on his side. Motionless. Then a quick roll to his back. Arms and legs up in the air. And there he waits. For the belly scratches that this man has given so many times before.

The man laughs. The dog smiles. Then the other men join in and give belly rubs to their dogs too. Perfect.

These were dogs that may not have had a chance without these men. And these were men that may not have had a chance without these dogs. In many ways, therapy for each other.

Yes. These men and dogs live outdoors. Some may call them homeless. But without question they still share a home filled with love. And isn’t that what it’s all about?

Three more Vietnam era veterans. Tired of life as it was so they have carved out the life they want. This life is not for everyone. But who are we to tell these men that their way is the wrong way? Because from what we’ve seen, they’re doing an awfully good job of doing it right.

This Memorial Day weekend gives us pause to once again thank our Veterans. This is not about war. This is about the job they did when they were told what to do. Even if it was a job they did not want to do. But they served. And we owe them our debt of gratitude for that.

Tragically there are countless Veterans, many right here in our own community, who still endure the toughest times. And The Pongo Fund does all we can to help them and their pets through our partnerships with the Department of Human Services, the Veterans Administration, Portland’s VA Community Resource and Referral Center and more.

It’s not a perfect solution. But these proud men and women don’t ask for perfect. That’s the point, they’re not asking for anything. Veterans are far too proud for that. But they were there for us so let us remember to be there for them. And at the very least, please let them know they are not forgotten.

Memorial Day is about more than just barbeques and beer. It’s about Respect and Remembering. About giving thanks to those who have given their all. Both two-legged and four.

The Pongo Fund helps Veterans near and far by helping their dogs and cats too.

We honor. We remember.

And this is why we Pongo.

Sit. Stay. Eat. Live. thepongofund.org

 

Virgil is a love warrior and sometimes he loves too hard. That’s why if you get too close to his Dad he’ll give you his danger face. Because nothing in the world is more important to him than his Dad.

Virgil and his Dad both suffered some pretty tough times. Things still aren’t good but at least they have a roof over their heads and a bed to sleep in. It’s not pretty but it’s something. And it’s like a resort hotel compared to what they had.

Another reminder about being thankful. This dynamic duo doesn’t have much but in their hearts they have it all. And for that they are grateful. And that’s why Virgil protects his Dad so fiercely.

My name is Larry Chusid and today is my birthday. And my birthday gift to me is taking this moment to say thank you to you. To each and every one of you. Thank you for caring about the animals. Thank you for loving the animals. Thank you for being the voice for the animals. For they too deserve to be heard.

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
~ Anatole France.

My birthday wish is to see the end of animal abuse. End it forever. Finished. Kaput. Done. To stop any and all animal suffering. To end the agony that these majestic friends far too frequently feel when people choose to do bad things.

May we someday find a way to educate those who bring harm so they can learn what they have done is wrong. So that someday, they too can celebrate and enjoy the unconditional love of an animal friend.

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” ~ Mohandas Gandhi

For my birthday this is my wish. Because the animals deserve that wish. For each and every one of them. Whatever they are. Wherever they are. For they deserve better.

Especially for those already gone at the hands of abuse. That have suffered. That have known pain. May they rest in peace.

Running on rainbows. Sleeping in clouds. May they know the smiles they brought. May they know they were loved. May they know. May they know. May they know.

“Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.”~ Mother Teresa

Every wish that I wish for the animals I wish the same wish for the people as well. Adults and kids alike. Because we share this fine earth together. Even for those that bring harm and may not seemingly deserve that wish, I still wish it. Because that wish brings hope.

“There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something tomorrow.” ~ Orison Swett Marden

And with that wish I wish that today will bring a better day for all. For all animals. For all creatures. For all people. For all beings. For all living things great and small. That is my birthday wish.

“You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.” ~ Mohandas Gandhi

On my birthday I thank every single person that makes Team Pongo purr. Getting up and showing up time and time and time again to make a difference for those less fortunate. There are far too many names to mention here, but please know that you are important and appreciated and loved.

You give with heart and you give with joy and you are the core group of dedicated souls that have defied the odds and proven that impossible is possible.

And I thank you.

“Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” ~ Muhammad Ali

On my birthday I thank Pongo for being who he was. The grand spirit of life who knew it was all about love, kindness and joy. And great food.

He lived large and he lived long and against impossible odds he thrived. Outliving his years many times over. Always with zest and gusto and love. He blessed my life for many years.

But the 19 years we had together were still not enough. And I miss him.

And I thank Scooby, my 21 ½ year-old beagle-basset buddy, for the love and friendship he brought me that went beyond anything I could have ever dreamed. The love and friendship that he still brings today. Because he’s here. No longer here. But he is.

I know you understand.

He is my compass. My guide. No matter where he sleeps at night he still is all that he was and will continue to be. My Dalai Lama. My Gandhi. My Buddha. He has lived long enough to know what’s important and what’s not.

He is an inspiration. His soul is pure. His heart is full. And I am lucky to have him as a mentor.

“Never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well being of a person or an animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

This message is far longer than I had hoped. Yet it does not even begin to come close to conveying the sincere gratitude that I have for each and every one of you. You are held dearly.

Because we are all in this together.

“Ring the bells that still can ring, Forget your perfect offering, There is a crack in everything, That’s how the light gets in.” ~ Leonard Cohen

For my next year and each one of the many thereafter my wish for myself is that I will ring more bells.

That I will be more understanding. More compassionate. More patient. More forgiving.

And that I will always err on the side of kindness.

If nothing else I hope that I will bring the same kind of love and kindness that our animal friends bring. Because if I can do that, I will have done well.

“I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, I can do or any kindness that I can show… let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.” ~ Stephen Grillet

~ Larry Chusid, The Pongo Fund, March 20, 2016.