Tuesday, November 29, 2011

BOXTER - Sweetheart Left at Shelter in a Box Sealed With Duct Tape

Boxster 1 yr long-legged sprite A1257631 South L.A.

OPEN SESAME  --  THIS SWEETHEART APPEARED, GIVING KISSES THE MOMENT HE WAS SET FREE  --  watch his video taken just after arrival  (his friend has been adopted)

http://youtu.be/aTnbth5pvvU

We were cautious as we peered into the sealed package, no bows or pretty wrapping paper added.  But, once we saw these cute little whiskers, we were convinced that Boxster (A1257631, a year old, 17 pounds) came to us, knowing that there was a better place than his previous residence.  This boy is nearly as fast as a Porsche and definitely as sleek and good-looking  --  probably some Italian greyhound in there somewhere.   His long, long legs, unusual snout and dark button eyes make him a stand-out in the kennels.  Boxster enjoys his kennel mates but really loves laps and cuddling.  He can be a barker on a leash but quickly responds to correction and is perfectly behaved in his kennel.  This boy is absolutely OUT OF TIME!!!!    Shelter life is for last year's models  --  Boxster's ready to celebrate 2012 in a new home.  You can meet him at the South L.A. shelter  3612  11th Ave.  L.A.  90018   (213) 485-0117  or  -0119.  And please let me know if you do adopt / rescue, as people always ask about the fate of the dogs that are networked.  Thanks so much, Andrea    ivegonetothedogs@gmail.com     (323) 363-4909


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Sneaky Squirrel and His Big Boy Pants, Pt. II


My little Sneaky Squirrel still cowers at the occasional unexpected loud noise or sudden movement.  He retains his blanket fort in a corner of the bathroom for those really dark times when he wants to disappear.

Yet Sneaky Squirrel made big progress last night.  Out for our evening stroll with Kumquat (who just trucks along, head a-bobbing), we passed by a rather large man we'd never seen before.  Normally, Squirrel would have been pulling hard on his leash to get as far away from this man as possible.  Yet when Kumquat ventured bravely toward the man for a pat on the head - who was right beside him but the formerly-terrified of everybody-and-everything Squirrel.  He walked right up to this big unknown man, glancing over at Kumquat often for reassurance, and parked himself at the man's giant foot. 

And the man, who obviously could read body language, knew that Sneaky Squirrel wasn't quite ready for a pat on the head, and so he stuck his hand out and let the little ones sniff him.  And sniff they did.  And then Sneaky Squirrel stood and looked up at the giant man with his big brown Chihuahua eyes as if to say – "Why, look at me, I've got my Big Boy Pants On."

Yes you do, Sneaky Squirrel, yes you do.


Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Don't Forget the Seniors


November is Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month.  There are many ways to help the seniors, and one way is to donate.  Don't have any money to donate?  Don't worry about it, there are many other ways to donate. 

Time is always valuable, you can donate your spare time to a rescue group or local animal shelter.  Seniors are often the loneliest of shelter pets, and they really need some hugs.

You can also donate your facebook page.  Find a senior that needs a home on petfinder or another rescue site, and post it on your facebook page.  Or Twitter a pet in need.  You never know when a miracle Happy Ending can happen.

Or best of all, take a senior into your home.  And that's Wednesday's Woof.



Monday, November 14, 2011

TOP TEN CAT MOVIES

A new Top Ten list is posted every Monday.If you have a suggestion for a Top Ten, send it to petpurri@gmail.com. If we use your suggestion we'll send you a prize!




1)    That Darn Cat! (1965)
2)    Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
3)    The Aristocats (1970)
4)    The Cat From Outer Space
(1978)
5)   
Rhubarb, 1951
6)    Bell Book and Candle 1958
7)    Garfield, The Movie (2004)
8)    The Adventures of Milo & Otis (1986)
9)    Oliver and Company (1988)
10)  Cats & Dogs (2001)
 

HONORABLE MENTIONS
Harry and Tonto (1974)
Cats Don’t Dance (1997)
Gay Purr-ee (1962)
The Cat in the Hat (2003)
Catwoman (2004)
 

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Tips for Taking Your Cat to the Vet


Chances are, you have had occasion to take your cat to the vet, and you have used a cat carrier. And chances are your cat absolutely hated the carrier – and fought as you put her in it. Scratch much? Many cats run for cover the minute the carrier appears …. it terrifies them.

But there are steps you can take to familiarize your cat with the carrier, and even get your cat to  (hopefully) like it a little bit.
Here are a few tips that might make trips to the vet a little less stressful:

1.     Start the carrier training process while your cat is still young.
2.     Keep the carrier out and open so your cat can see that the
        carrier is not scary.
3.     Make the carrier comfy and cozy. Make sure the carrier is the
        right size
4.     Occasionally feed your cat inside the carrier. See if your cat
        will go in voluntarily with a favorite delicious dish.
5.     Practice closing the carrier door and picking up the carrier
        with your cat inside. Practice going outside.
6.     Practice walking with the carrier with your cat inside. Go for
        short walks, and then you can go around the block.

And even if your cat never comes to love the carrier, your cat may come to realize that it's a safe place.   And hopefully, your cat will be less likely to stress out about trips to the vet. 



Monday, November 7, 2011

Top 10 Reasons Cats Don't Do Water

A new Top Ten list is posted every Monday.If you have a suggestion for a Top Ten, send it to petpurri@gmail.com. If we use your suggestion we'll send you a prize!

1)         They're cats, they don't "do" anything
2)         There's no way a cat is going to dog-paddle
3)         They know what they look like wet
4)         There are no cool dive & fetch contests for cats, so why
            bother
5)         They [usually] don't weigh enough for an effective cannonball
6)         Cats can't chase balls or sticks in the ocean – (they'd wash
            away)
7)         They think they should walk on water, not splash around in it
8)         The myth of the dreaded "cat fish" (would you swim if there
            was a "human fish"?
9)         Umm, things look 25% larger underwater, dogs swim – can
            you say “Jaws with fur”?
10)       Actually, they do, they just don't want you to know….

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Hero Dog Saves Owner, Loses Own Life


Duncan Dunn died a hero.  His dad, Scott Dunn, fell asleep on the couch Monday night.  Around 3:30 a.m., Duncan, a 4-year-old Boxer, awakened Scott.  "He was poking at me and barking," said Dunn. "Normally, that means he needs to go out, but when I woke up, I couldn't see because there was smoke."

Dunn quickly dressed and ran outside, grabbing Duncan by the collar as he headed for his truck.  It was only when he reached his truck that he realized  he held an empty collar - Duncan was not there. Firefighters later found Duncan curled up on Dunn's bed.

Scott Dunn's home was destroyed in the blaze. 

Firefighters helped Scott bury Duncan.  Several of them wept.




Why Not Adopt a Senior?


November is Adopt-A-Senior Month.  As a shelter volunteer it's easy to judge those who leave their senior pets at shelters, but the fact is there are too many seniors in the shelters that need homes, and they seldom get adopted. 

And that's a shame, because there is no feeling in the world better than saving a senior.  They bring a warmth into your home like nothing else, and they fill every nook and cranny with unconditional love. 

Maybe they are a little bit slower than they used to be, maybe they need help getting in and out of the car, or going up and down the stairs.  Maybe they need a special diet, or require medication or other special care.  But there is a glimmer in their eyes, an intelligence, an established personality, and a knowing look of appreciation that you just won't find anywhere else on the planet. 

No animals should be dumped in shelters, but especially not the seniors.  

There are seniors from 7 years to 17 and up in the shelters.  Adopt one.  You won't regret it. 

And that's Wednesday's Woof.