adoptables

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Walking Wednesday

(Since I knew this wouldn’t be wordless.)

I thought I’d share with you a few pictures from my walks today and to let you know that Miss Delilah has left the building.  Good luck in your forever home, sweetie.

Since I didn’t have enough time to walk Banjo yesterday, he was my first date for today, though he nearly missed his chance again.  Banjo is 10 months old, while not too puppy-ish, he still gets wound up some.  He is kenneled with Max whom I haven’t really interacted with to date.  A secret, here, is that usually since I am walking dogs on my lunch break from work, I don’t often walk any dogs that are double kenneled.  I just think there is too much of a possibility for a wardrobe malfunction.  But today since I had mentally promised some time to Banjo, I entered the kennel he shares with Max…and was very impressed with Max.  While Banjo was running around with his leash and collar, Max cuddled right up against my legs and wagged his sweet little tail enough to make sure I’d be back to walk him too right after I brought the Banj-miester back. 

Outside, Banjo again delighted me with is great leash skills and his solid “sit.”  He was just such a pleasure to walk that I just don’t know if I can gush about him any more.  When we returned, Max was already out with another volunteer, so you know who I turned my attention to.

Not thrilled with the little picture taking box in my face, lady.

King does really, really well on the leash and takes correction easily with an “uh-uh” and a stop.  Now that he’s more settled in, he was much more interested in being treated, though was not at all interesed in learning “sit” for a treat.

Hey lady, you got any more of those nom noms in your pocket?

King is so sweet and thankful for the little treats I gave him but when I tried to lure him to a sit, he gave up pretty fast as if he didn’t really expect me to give them.  It was kind of sad and I’m a big push over so I just gave up the treats in exchange for a couple of hugs.

Both of these young gentlemen are still available to be your forever Valentine, just contact the ACSPCA for details.

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Everydog*

I’ve been volunteering with a local rescue for about a year now and have loved every minute of it.  In the past year, I’ve transported dogs, helped rescue dogs off of a chain, helped a dog give birth, adopted and said goodbye as some of my favorites have found their forever home.  I’ve gotten to know some dogs more than others and have cheered nearly every adoption and only shed a tear or two for a few who have especially touched me in some way.
 Still, there was something missing.  This rescue is foster based, and at this time that is the one thing I’m not able to do, so most of my interactions come from adoption events or transport services.  If I could bring my dog to work with me things might be different, because sometimes you just need to hug a dog or play with a kitty, so I began volunteering at our local SPCA.  I figured that they were located close enough to my office that I could spend a lunch hour or two each week relaxing in the company of a furry little friend under the guise of helping them while in all actuality, reaping the benefits that come with cuddling a pet.  Orientation was in two parts so after part one, I was able to ‘socialize with cats’ and I spent a good portion of a lunch hour on the floor of a kitty room getting and giving some soft purr-y love.
Part two allowed us to interact with the dogs and there was a special boy whom I met at both orientations and I was eager to go back and really interact with him on my first “dog day.”  Its funny how a dog (or any animal, really) can grab your heartstrings and how it varies from person to person as to who that special furry pal may be.  A fellow volunteer nudged me and pointed at a dog, “That’s my dog.  I’m going to adopt that one.” 
“Hmmm, cute dog, nothing special,” I thought.  He or she was the kind of dog I might not have given a second glance at if I weren’t here to generally socialize with the dogs.
In the kennel next to “her dog” was the special someone who had me at first glance.  Truth be told, “special boy” is not usually someone who would grab my attention… except he did.  He was just a medium sized dog, medium hair, medium build but with a deep chest and funny white paws that were too big for his body. (As a further testament to how perception skews what we actually see, he is listed as a large dog with long hair.) There was nothing exceptional… but his eyes.  Ah, those soulful cinnamon eyes peering at me over the chew toy he hopefully offered me, they had me at hello.
I was sure this guy received a lot of attention from volunteers and I just wanted to spend hours and days with him, so I made myself a deal:  I would spend some time with the least attended dog(s) and then reward myself by spending some time with this guy.  I upheld my end of the bargain and walked two dogs before turning my attention to him and though I enjoyed myself with all three, this guy was just special.     
I entered his kennel and was greeted not by jumps and frenzy but by a quiet, happy appreciation for my company.  I got him leashed up and he walked so well out to the play yard with the same toy in his mouth that I could just feel myself melting even more.  Unlike his kennel neighbors, he did not pull or strain, but walked with me to the play area and stood waiting for the next cue.  We checked out some of the toys, but he seemed content to sit near me and let me pet him and I was happy to oblige.  I found a spot on the ground and he climbed onto my lap where we snuggled for awhile and he let me hug him while a tear or two blazed a hot trail through my make-up.
He got up and sniffed around a bit, examining the toy offering in the yard while I dug in my bag for a tissue then turned those cinnamon eyes on me as if to ascertain that the tears were not the result of anything he might have done.  Once I had a slight grip on my sudden emotions, I returned to a spot on the ground near him and he rolled over for some belly rubs.  The ease and comfort of our time together once again choked me up and I feared that further interactions with him might turn me into a blubbering mess.  I’ve even engaged in an internal debate as to whether I should stay away until he is adopted and just try to network him from afar.  Could I stand to be away?  Could I stand not to come?  Could I carve out the time to come every day? Time was getting tight and I knew he was reluctant to return to the kennel, yet he did so with no trouble and accepted more hugs as I turned to leave. 
I don’t know why some dogs grab your heart so quickly while others don’t. I don’t know why I had to stop writing this so many times and why I finally finished it with that hot tightness in my throat and waves of tears welling in my eyes and an emotion-soaked tissue in my fist.  I’ve visited with this fellow several times since that first week.  I’m less emotional but no less happy to see him.  He is not my heart dog but I am in his corner rooting for him and hoping that his heart person finds him.  What I do know is that the love of your life may be waiting for you at your local shelter or at your local rescue.  I’m not going to post a heart-wrenching photo of a dog languishing in a kennel, or the sad eyes begging for a home.  I honestly believe that to guilt a person into adopting a dog (or cat) is a recipe for failure.  Adopt because you are looking to add to your family.  Adopt because a certain dog caught your eye.  Adopt because you want an older/younger dog. Just give them a chance.  Adopt.

*Originally, the title of this post was that dog’s name.  There is no name and no picture because that is too limiting.  He or She is waiting for you and only you know the name.  Only you know what that dog looks like.

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Gummy Bear

There’s that moment when you see “it” is working.  “It” can be different for lots of people and of course for me, the “it” relates to Rescue.  I’m not really techno savvy.  I can hold my own for my age group and I have an adult daughter not too far removed from her teen years to help me as well but I’ve been using the same blog format for 8 years because I can’t figure anything else out.  So, I get by.  I know my way around the interwebs ok.

Last night I got some bios from Petfinder and updated Adopt-a-pet to match.  Upon finishing that, I found some pretty nifty gadgets that allowed me to Pin a profile and then Tweet it.  That is a sentence I never imagined would come out of my mouth (or fingers, if you will). 

And how well is networking working?  Today I got a message from a “Facebook friend” whom I’ve never met in person and they were looking for a dog to adopt! Score!

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Testing the Waters

I’m really excited about something and I hope it goes well. As you may know, I love volunteering with my local rescue, and my ultimate wish is to foster someday.  Until that time comes, I volunteer in any other way that I can whether that be through donations of time, transport, products for auctions, other goods or any financial support I can give.  Recently I have been given the opportunity to dig deep for some creativity and I hope it pans out.

I’ve been reading a lot about how in many cases, the sad histories are really good for fundraising, but not always so great for generating adoption interest. 

Lars

I am by no means an expert on this and have no links handy to back this data up, but would point you maybe to Animal Farm Foundation or a shelter in California who has some really awesome descriptions of their adoptables which really got me thinking.  Can  I lend a fresh take to some of these bios?  Surprisingly, it was much more difficult than I thought to stay away from the sadder side of the story and find some positives to focus on.  I hope to hone this craft as I get more practice at it, or it may turn out that my efforts will not be satisfactory.  Whatever the outcome, the bottom line is to get these babies home, so with that in mind, I have included a link to my new endeavors to the right and also at the bottom of the page. 

Lars

These may not stay up for too long, but I’m hoping they will at least generate some interest in the adoptable dogs.

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Full Circle

Dear Sparkles,
We met on December 1, 2011 when you were a cold, bony little gal scared and having babies in a bush for shelter.  My family warned me that trying to help a pit bull in labor might not turn out well for me.  You, however, were so soft and sweet.  You were worn out, tired and yet somehow seemed very grateful for the help.  You came into rescue that night and we promised you that you would never have another puppy after that night and it was true.  Your foster mama made sure that you’ll never be a mama again but that you’ll live out your life as someone’s baby girl. That night you weren’t “Sparkly” and we thought the name you brought with you might not fit, but as you healed and grew you became the Sparkly girl you were meant to be.

You needed a place to land to rest and recover and learn and dream of a life that you never dared expect but one that you always deserved.  You found your safe landing place with Smiling K9’s and your foster mama screened so many families before deciding on the one who would be your One. You gave me a beautiful little puppy who will grow to look just like you and already has so many of  your mannerisms. 

My darling little girl, your new family was so thrilled to come collect you.  They’ve been busy shopping and preparing for you.  Your new bed is waiting and your mama said that although there is a “no dog on the furniture” rule, she is sure your daddy will break it soon.  He will say that laying  on  his lap does not count as being on the funiture.  You are already loved and in no time at all will be firmly ensconced as daddy’s little girl.

I was there the night you came into rescue and I was honored to be there as you proudly left.  My life has changed since you touched it and I have my little living reminder of your sweetness and gentle soul.  Live well, little girl. 

Love,
Your “mama bear.”

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Daddy’s Boy

“Are you looking for something?”  I was on the phone with Kevin and all I could hear was a banging like drawers being opened, rummaged through and closed.
“No, Ray is playing with his shoulder bone, throwing it up in the air and chasing it,” he said.  “I brought my laptop down here to the kitchen so I could work while he plays.”
This, people, is a huge breakthrough.  Usually I hear about how much attention Ray demanded while Kevin couldn’t get his work done, but after the fab weekend we just had, I think Kevin and Ray have really bonded.  They spent Friday together and had some quality dad and lad playtime, spent some nice time together Saturday while I volunteered with SmilingK9’s at the Pet Expo and on Sunday we had a little family retail therapy trip.
The Pet Expo was wildly busy and SK9s had some monster traffic.  Our gal Sparkles had several suitors vying for her affections and I’m told we had five-count ‘em- five applications on her this weekend.  Let’s keep everything possible crossed that one of these applicants turns out to be her One.  The talented Laura also made tutus and donated profits to the rescue and they were such a hit the people were flocking to the booth not only to smooch pooches but to purchase these beauties.
Sparkles in her adopt me vest.

Tutus were a huge hit!
Sunday we had an Open House since we are still pretending that the house is for sale still hoping to move.  Asia went to the mall which left me, Kevin and Ray to make plans.  I don’t worry about the cats because they hide during the entire time and even though Ray is not a barker and is great in his crate, I don’t want him home when strangers are traipsing through.  When I suggested to Kevin that we take Ray to PetSmart, I knew he was reluctant in his agreement.  This trip was actually the first time Ray and Kevin have been in a vehicle together and I could tell that Kevin was pleasantly surprised at what a good rider Ray is and when we got to PetSmart we spent a little time in the grass for bodily functions before shopping, 
We had chosen a newer and smaller PetSmart to visit and were rewarded with a wonderfully positive trip.  I’ve written before about his mad social skills and also that he is maturing, and getting better at interactions, which helps tremendously.  The other thing that I sometimes find hard to see is the self confidence issue, or lack thereof. Because he is such a happy little boy at home, I sometimes lose sight of what some of his other behaviors signify.  He is a “greeting wizzer” sometimes and it is not uncommon for him to tinkle a little whenever meeting someone new or seeing someone he hasn’t seen recently, like a few days ago.  He also tends to roll over for belly rubs immediately which of course is adorable, but we are trying to get him to not be so immediately submissive and stand like a big boy for greetings.  
So Sunday at PetSmart, we didn’t actually encounter any pooches face to face, but he was met and greeted by and loved on by at least four employees who were able to pet him and come away with nothing more than a hearty tail wag!  At only one point did Ray try the old belly roll but before getting on the ground we reminded him to stand like a big boy and the employee helped keep him standing so we had some major success.   I know Kevin was not only surprised but pleased with the ease and fun of the trip because little Ray-Ray scored a big bag of toys from his daddy. 

We hope everyone had a super weekend as well.

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ChurpiChews

I have a reputation among our friends for liking “wierd beer,” meaning I like trying different ones, although I do have my favorites.  I’m adventurous and enjoy trying new things.  I also can rock a margarita like nobody’s business, though don’t tend to during colder months, but that might just be beside the point.

As far as trying different things are concerned, I also like to provide Ray with a variety in his life as well.  Since he isn’t a beer drinker, his variety comes from toys – mostly chew toys.  “Dogs like body parts,” said Heather, one of our pet-wellness Gurus.  So far, Ray has enjoyed antlers, bully sticks (cow and bison), hearts (pig, duck and sheep), hooves, tail, trachea, pig ears, tripe, and snout (moozles).  These all have various amounts of lastability and I am always looking for healthy safe chew toys to keep him occupied for certain lenghths of time.

              

Our latest find is not acutally a body part-it’s a ChurpiChew which is made of Yak milk, salt and lime juice and is kind of a very hard cheese that softens as the dog chews it and supposedly lasts a long time.  One of our Puppy class teachers recommended it last night while I was stocking up on other treats.

I gave it to him this morning and it seemed to hold it’s shape for the hour our so he worked at it, so I’m eager to see how long this will actually hold up to Mr. Pit Bull Mouth.  See?  He is like Mama in liking a little salt, a little lime, only he prefers Yak milk to tequila. 

On an unrelated note, Dahey found his forever home yesterday!  This is a picture of the puppy fam from way back when.

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Sad Eyes

Sometimes, it gets to be too much a lot to deal with and most of what I deal with is self-inflicted.  I “like” a lot of animal welfare sites, rescue sites, dog blogs, and general pet awareness because I choose to “like” them.  The beauty of the internets is that I can read or not read as my time and preference allows and my reader feed lets me keep current with my favorite blogs.
If I choose to, I can comment by clicking into the site or just move on to the next and if I want to save it for later, that option is available as well.  There have been a few pages that I’ve “liked” and later found not so much to my liking and some that I rarely followed that have since become favorites.  Everyone and everything changes and evolves and I will admit that some of my opinions have changed and evolved based on what I am reading at the time.  There are some great viewpoints out there which are well written and based on the tone and tenor in which they are written, I have paid attention and in the process have learned a thing or two.
No sad pictures here, just a quick plug for Ray’s bro, Dahey.
I must admit though, I am more apt to skip over the URGENT TIME IS UP posts and I didn’t even realize it much until recently.  I might read the first couple of lines or glance at the picture but while I do what I can, I know I can’t save even a large handful of deserving animals.  I read that the sad stories are highly successful for fund raising, but happy stories and stories of overcoming adversity are more successful in affecting positive adoption rates.  People give money to help solve a problem but when adopting, they still want a companion rather than an “issue” or a sad story.
And a plug, for Mama, too.
I’m guilty of it myself.  Knowing I can’t do this or that, I pull out the checkbook and appease my conscience or in desperation try to appeal to the heartstrings.  I don’t really have a point to make with this post, I just saw yet another picture of yet another sad-eyed pooch and thought yet again, “am I doing enough?”  I don’t honestly know the answer to that question but maybe I’ll ponder it while losing myself in the chocolate gaze that I love so much…
Love bug
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Mega Match

What a great success this was.  Volunteering for such a fantastic event was incredibly fun and truly humbling  as well.  Friday night I could hardly sleep for the anticipation and all the excitement that had built up over the week hoping everyone possible (and Mama Sparkles in particular) would find their forever home.  We had a very big day planned.  Ray had his last puppy check up and shot on Saturday morning then Asia and I headed up to H.O.P.E. to help with the Mega Match.

I could hardly believe how busy we were.  Thankfully SmilingK9’s has an awesome group of volunteers (if I do say so myself) and things went so well.  I think we ended up adopting out twelve dogs on Saturday.  I know we even got approved adoptions on at least one dog that didn’t make the trip.  Score!

The one dark spot for me was that Miss Sparkles was over looked.  She was the last dog standing at the SmilingK9 booth and made the trip back to her foster home to wait for her forever person to find her.  Still, she never let this get her down.  Her happy little tail thumped away as people approached and it thumped as they passed.  Her hopeful face turned to the traffic and her spirit remained pure and sunny.  Some folks just can’t catch a break and Sparkles might be in that category.  Little gal lived on the end of a chain until she was rescued, went into heat recently and was spayed and on the morning of the adoption event developed a UTI.  Despite the soulful eyes and loving dispositon, repeated squatting did not make for the most desirable trait at the event. 

I actually had some errands to run in the middle of the day and made the remark to Asia that if Sparkles was gone when I get back I would probably cry and if she was still there, I would probably cry.  I did leave before the end of the event.  I couldn’t look at her sweet face that reminded me so much of her darling boy living at my house.  The rich chocolate eyes and her silent question: “Where are my people?  When are they coming?”
Pretty girl, your day will come.  Your family is out there looking for you and you are going to be so happy when they find you .  Until then you will be loved and well cared for.
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Feline Friday-Adoptable Chloe

Beautiful Chloe will be at the Mega Match-a-thon tomorrow.  If you are interested in adding this lovely lady to your home, we hope to see you there tomorrow.  You can read more about her here.

Along with Chloe, the following pooches will be in attendance: Rider, Mitzi, Lottie, BamBam, LuLu, Lola, Sparkles, Chewie, Keelin, Sausage, Addyson and Pursey.

Be sure to stop by and you may be going home with the greatest love of your life.