Adopt: Take a Chance and Learn to Dance

 

People often come to the shelter where I volunteer looking for a specific dog  - a dog like the one they grew up with, a dog exactly like their beloved companion that recently passed away.

Sometimes they make a connection with a dog, perhaps only eye contact through the kennel door, but the dog is not what they are looking for.  They leave the dog behind. Wrong color, wrong size, wrong age.

Stop it.  The dogs in shelter need homes, and you need a companion.  Take a chance.  If you lost a sweet and mellow Golden Retriever, try a little black Chihuahua or a scruffy mutt.  Now and then one of the small dogs will stand on its hind legs and do a little dance.  Either begging for food, or begging for attention, does it really matter?  Some of the overlooked shelter dogs can dance, and you can too.

Adopt a Shelter Dog.

And Dance.

Los Angeles Animal Services

Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control

Best in Show is a Shelter Dog

The Westminster Kennel Club recently held its annual dog show.  The televised event is re-running Ad nauseam on the cable networks.  This year's winner was a Pekingese - the proverbial "Best in Show."  Other field winners included a German Shepherd, Dachshund, Dalmatian, Irish Setter, Doberman, and Kerry Blue Terrier.  All of which came from breeders.  Most if not all of these dogs can readily be found in shelters and with rescue groups. 

To make matters worse, Westminster dropped Pedigree as a sponsor - apparently Westminster didn't want to remind viewers that dogs are being killed in shelters.  And Westminster was afraid the ads would depress their viewers, and they want their viewers to associate "happy thoughts" with their show.

Pedigree's heartfelt shelter dog commercials absolutely must run during Westminster. And Westminster and the AKC need to do more to curb the practices of abusive puppy mills and unscrupulous breeders.

Because it's the shelter dogs who truly deserve a blue ribbon.  And a home.

And that's Wednesday's Woof.

Outrage Continues as Brown Tries to Repeal Hayden Law



California's "progressive" Governor, Jerry Brown, continues to spark widespread outrage by seeking to repeal all provisions of the Hayden Law that the Commission on Mandates ruled to be “reimbursable state mandates.” The provisions subject to repeal will be:  

1. Providing care and maintenance during the increased holding period for impounded dogs and cats that are ultimately euthanized. The increased holding period shall be measured by calculating the difference between three days from the day of capture and four business days from the day after impoundment, as specified below in 3 (a) and 3 (b), or six business days from the day after impoundment (Food & Agr. Code, §§ 31108, 31752); 
2. Providing care and maintenance for four business days from the day after impoundment, as specified below in 3 (a) and 3 (b), or six business days from the day after impoundment, for impounded rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, pot-bellied pigs, birds, lizards, snakes, turtles, or tortoises legally allowed as personal property that are ultimately euthanized (Food & Agr. Code, § 31753);
3. For dogs, cats, and other specified animals held for four business days after the day of impoundment, either: (a) Making the animal available for owner redemption on one weekday evening until at least 7:00 p.m., or one weekend day; or (b) For those local agencies with fewer than three full-time employees or that are not open during all regular weekday business hours, establishing a procedure to enable owners to reclaim their animals by appointment at a mutually agreeable time when the agency would otherwise be closed (Food & Agr., Code §§ 31108, 31752, and 31753);
4. Verifying whether a cat is feral or tame by using a standardized protocol (Food & Agr. Code, § 31752.5);
5. Posting lost and found lists (Food & Agr. Code, § 32001);
6. Maintaining records on animals that are not medically treated by a veterinarian, but are either taken up, euthanized after the holding period, or impounded (Food & Agr. Code, § 32003); and
7. Providing "necessary and prompt veterinary care" for abandoned animals, other than injured cats and dogs given emergency treatment, that are ultimately euthanized (Civ.Code, §§ 1834 and 1846).

It is imperative that everyone contact Governor Jerry Brown.  Tell him in the strongest terms that you OPPOSE the repeal of any portion of the Hayden Law.  California's shelters already kill at an alarming rate.  The perception is that California public policy prefers adoption over killing (even though it is the public responsible in large part for the overcrowding in the shelters).

• CALL Brown at (916) 445-2841 (9 am to 5 pm)
• FAX a letter of opposition (916) 558-3177
• EMAIL the governor's office at http://gov.ca.gov/m_contact.php (choose BUDGET as subject).
• POST to Governor Brown's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/jerrybrown
• TWEET to Governor Brown's Twitter page at @JerryBrownGov
• Sign this petition:  http://www.change.org/petitions/the-governor-of-ca-do-not-repeal-any-provisions-of-the-hayden-law

News Articles:

Sacramento Bee

News 10 Story

Winograd Article

Animal Law Coalition

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION AND CONTACT JERRY BROWN.  IF THE HAYDEN LAW IS REPEALED MANY SHELTER ANIMALS WILL DIE .



The Name Game

What's in a name?  You'd be surprised how much a name can affect the adoption prospects of a dog or cat.

Like most shelter volunteers I cringe when I see dogs or cats turned in with names like "Danger" or "Demon."  I recall one particularly unlucky animal that was dumped with the name "No Chance."  And needless to say, names such as those are, and should be, quickly changed.  If the animal is responsive to the name, a like-sounding name is chosen.

Much of the public already views shelter animals as damaged or not as good as a "bought" animal - even in the case of obvious purebreds.  Recently, the General Manager of LAAS commented that the handpicked shelter animals in the new West Los Angeles adoption center were "store quality."  Huh?

The Name Game applies to rescue animals as well.  Rescues often change the names of their rescues to make them more adoptable. 

But what it really comes down to is:  The only name that really matters is the name given to a companion animal by a loving and caring owner.  Hopefully, someday all shelter animals will have one.

And that's Wednesday's Woof. 

Pets as Gifts - Not Such a Gift for the Pet

A puppy under the Christmas Tree - is there anything cuter?  How about a poodle with pink bows for grandma?  While the intention may be good, truth be told the idea of giving pets as gifts is not a good one.

Many shelters now are offering ill-advised discount prices and stores that still sell animals (really?) are having "specials," so people who usually have better sense seem to think it's a good idea to give animals away as gifts.

The reality is that giving an animal as a gift is a terrible idea.  The return rate on gifted animals to shelters is very high, and worse yet is an unwanted animal destined to a life in a backyard with little or no attention, eventually cast aside along with other unwanted gifts - or left to suffer an even worse fate.

It is almost impossible to choose a pet for another person.  The "giftee" may not feel a connection with the chosen pet (or maybe the pet won't feel a connection with them).

Give a shelter gift certificate instead.  All shelters now offer them.  This way the giftee and the animal can feel the warmth and excitement of the choice.  They can start to form a real bond, not a bond forced upon them.  A bond that will last a lifetime.

And that's Wednesday's Woof.

http://www.laanimalservices.com/

http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/

A Bull Mastiff Goes From Bait Dog to Cuddle Buddy

"... from bait dog to cuddle buddy."  How could those words (Happy Tail:  A Bull Mastiff goes from bait dog to cuddle buddy) not grab the attention of a dog lover?  This is the story of Tank, a Bull Mastiff living a dreadful existence, a bait dog who was either "working" or chained up.  What does it tell you that the best thing that ever happened to Tank was that his owners moved away and left him?

When a local shelter took Tank in, he was 35-40-lbs. underweight.  And needless to say, the public isn't lining up to adopt beat-up Bull Mastiffs.  When Tank's time was up, he was rescued by Love Me, But Left Me Animal Rescue.  Karissa Christopher of Harrison, AR saw Tank's listing on Petfinder and immediately fell in love.

"Once home," Karissa says, "he was shy, but with time, he came around. We have had him for 10 months and he has gained 55 pounds (making his weight 155 lbs.). He loves to lie around the house, play tug of war, and swim. He is the ultimate survivor."

The shelters are full of "diamonds in the rough."  Don't pity the shelter dog.  Adopt him. 

"The Best Cuddle Buddy in the World"



Karissa's Own Words

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.

10 Reasons Senior Pets Rule

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.

10 Reasons Senior Pets Rule

A Little Love Goes a Long Way



Everybody was so needy last night, including me.  I just wanted to get everyone fed, walked, brushed, litter boxes cleaned, and then it would be my time.  Couch time.  Work was hard, traffic was worse, and I deserved some "me" time.

Jammies on, feet on the coffee table, check.  Channel surfing and vegging, here I come.  Not. 

Kumquat was the first.  He somehow wriggled his little funny head beneath my idle hand and basically forced my hand to pet him.  Sneaky Squirrel climbed into my lap and rearranged himself every two minutes because he can never get quite comfortable enough.

And then Barney the fat little senior stood at my feet and barked.  He can't jump up on the couch but it wouldn't matter if he could.  He hates sitting on the couch.  He stands at the foot of the couch and barks until I am sitting with him on the floor.  Hardwood floor.

And now here come the cats.  But why wouldn't they, after all they spend most of the day alone while I'm at work.  The whole crew was relelentless, they would not be denied.  Everyone got their pets and their ear scratches and their belly rubs.  Except me.

Which brings to mind the millions of animals languishing alone in shelters.  If you have even an hour a week to volunteer, or just occasional time to go in and say hello and give them a pet, please do so.  It makes a world of difference to them, and a little bit of socialization makes them that much more adoptable.

And remember, October is Adopt-A-Dog Month.

And that's Wednesday's Woof!

Kandu Can Do - Can You?

Ever feel down and depressed, and like there is nothing you can do?  I know I feel that way, with the economy spiraling out of control, the wars raging on, our shelters overflowing, etc.

Yet one look at the video of the little two-legged Jack Russell Terrier named Kandu and instantly my outlook changes.  This video is not new, but it is certainly inspirational and timeless.

Kandu was dumped in a shelter to be euthanized, yet today he is part of the Healing Friends program, regularly visiting hospitals, uplifting spirits and showing everyone what can be if you hold on to hope.

Video of Kandu

Adopt-A-Dog Month

October is Adopt a Dog Month.   Each October, the American Humane Association, Petfinder, The Animal Rescue Site and many many rescue groups increase efforts to place homeless animals who are still in search of a permanent home through the national initiative Adopt-a-Dog Month.

Adopting a dog will not only save the life of a shelter dog, but will improve your life as well.

Are you looking for:

• an exercise buddy?
• a best friend and confidant for your child?
• a dog you can train with to learn animal-assisted therapy?
• a partner in agility competitions?
• a constant companion for your favorite senior citizen?
• a fuzzy face to greet you after a hard day at work?

An adopted dog can be all these things -- and so much more!

Wednesday's Woof

Recently a beautiful, sweet female Siberian Husky was adopted from a local shelter, then returned to the shelter only days later.  Why?  Because, the adopters said, she was "too vocal."  Huh?

Anyone who knows anything about Huskies knows they are vocal, they like to "talk."  It's just something they do.

Which brings me to a subject which is so very important to anyone thinking of adopting an animal - do your research.  Find out everything you can about the breed(s) you are interested in.  Do not adopt a dog or cat based on its looks.  Huskies, especially, fall victim to the uninformed adopter perhaps more than most.  People love the Husky look, not realizing that Huskies are working dogs, social dogs, vocal dogs. 

Huskies make fabulous, wonderful family members, but should not be left alone in the backyard for long periods of time.  Some dogs don't mind that at all and will do just fine.

If you are thinking of adopting, please be sure to do some research first.  And then adopt! And that is Wednesday's Woof.

When people harken back to the "olden days" as they often do in times of stress, they sometimes think of favorite things from their past.  Favorites toys, favorites clothing, favorites books.  Favorites pets.

Pets were different then.  A dog was a dog.  Do you remember seeing dog dresses and sweaters, and bedazzled collars?  I don't.

We had the best dog ever.  His name was Sam, and he was a black Lab.  Sam was our "Old Yeller."  I don't remember him doing anything wrong, ever.  He watched the kids, he watched the yard. 

Sam never wore clothes, never had a cute matching collar and leash set, never went to doggie yoga.  He ate his meals on the back porch.  Sam ate table scraps, chased squirrels and followed us around.  Once my dad gave Sam a treat in the house.  Sam sat statue-like with a big lump in his cheek for the longest time - he didn't want to eat in the house because he knew he was supposed to eat on the back porch.

No one ever came into our yard who wasn't supposed to.

He was the best dog we ever had.  And when he passed of old age, there was another black lab named Sam.  Kind of like the sequel to Old Yeller.

Back when dogs were dogs.