Cute Dogs Barking: Jingle Bells, Rescues Rock! Please share!
Video: Cute Dogs Barking: Jingle Bells, Rescues Rock! Please share!
Rescues Rock! Adopt Don’t Shop and Let’s Stop Puppy Mills.
Happy Holidays and Thank You to all the adoptable rockin’ rescues and staff at the Toronto Humane Society (www.torontohumanesociety.com) & the cast of the Rescues Rock! Talent Hounds Campaign and upcoming TV Episode (the Pet Network 2014). This campaign aims to dispel the myth that Rescued Dogs have issues that can’t be solved with love and patience or are not trainable, and to promote adoption and responsible pet parenting in a fun way.
Rescues Rock! Adopt Don’t Shop.
The Singing Rescue Rock Stars are all adoptable dogs at the Toronto Humane Society. Consider taking one home or making a donation.
Our other Rockin’ stars are happily adopted from Boston Terrier Rescue Canada http://www.bostonterrierrescuecanada….
Boxer Rescue Ontario http://www.boxerrescueontario.com/
CCRT http://www.ccrt.net/index.php
Helping Homeless Pets
Tiny Paws Dog Rescue http://www.tpdr.ca/
Pugalug Pug Rescue http://www.pugalug.com/
http://www.frommyheartrescue.com
Fabulous photos by Colleen Yates and Aria Evans. Videographer James Yates. Editor Aria Evans THANK YOU!!!!!
Adopt a Pet This Christmas… Or Give Someone a New Forever Friend – WoC 2013
Should You Adopt a Second Dog?
Dogster: My husband and I frequently debate about whether to add another dog to our family. We adopted Sasha, our Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix, five years ago when she was three years old, and she’s brought so much joy into our lives. Wouldn’t two dogs be twice as fun? I think that dogs are pack animals and most would prefer to live with other dogs. My husband contends that Sasha would prefer to be an “only dog” and not have a canine sibling. I can’t tell if he really believes this or is projecting his anxieties about getting a second dog.
Is there room on the couch for another dog besides Sasha?
It doesn’t help that I volunteer for Copper’s Dream, a rescue organization that saves dogs from high-kill shelters in Central California and brings them to foster homes in the San Francisco Bay Area for adoption. I help post adoptable dogs on Craigslist, and at least once a week I fall in love with a dog’s smile or beautiful sad eyes. Like many of us dog lovers, I feel the urge to save them all.
I consulted with a couple of dog trainers to get professional opinions on this topic. It turns out that neither me nor my husband are correct (darn!). What it boils down to is whether the pet parents are prepared to take on the additional responsibility and how the introduction between the dogs is handled.
Gloria Post, a certified dog trainer with Hands On Dog Training, recommends that pet parents consider the following factors when weighing whether to add another dog to the family:
- Do you have the time to commit to another dog? For instance, time for walks and training?
- What type of temperament does your current dog have? What would be a good match for your dog? Does your dog like to run and play all day or is the dog contented to stretch out on the couch and relax?
- If you decide to get another dog who is the same age as your resident dog, you should consider that someday they will both be old at the same time. This might involve large medical expenses. Is that something that you’re willing to do? A three to five year age span seems to work best between dogs.
Post added that dogs of the opposite gender seem to be more compatible than same-gender dogs, and some rescue organizations or shelters may restrict adoptive parents to only adopt a dog of a different gender from their current dog. She says terriers are most prone to this sensitivity.
Once you’ve determined that you are indeed ready to adopt another dog, keep in mind the age, personality and gender of the dog that might be most compatible with your family when you conduct your search. When you find a dog that might be a match, set up a play date for the dogs. Marthina McClay, certified dog trainer with Dog Training for People, suggests you schedule one or two play dates and let your dog decide if he or she likes the other dog. “Go slow, don’t rush things,” she advises.
And don’t bring the new dog into the house (aka your dog’s territory) right away. Instead, have them meet on neutral territory and slowly check each other out. If things appear to be going well, then bring them to the front yard and later inside the house. This means that both dogs appear relaxed and neither dog is exhibiting rude behavior such as mounting the other dog. McClay advises keeping an eye on the dogs’ posture to see their level of acceptance with the new arrangement and that neither dog appears overly aroused, nervous, stiff or fearful. And above all, don’t lavish too more attention on the new dog, so that you’re resident dog doesn’t feel left out.
Read more on getting a new dog:
- How to Introduce Your New Dog to Your Resident Dog
- 5 Things to Consider Before Getting a Second Dog
- Will a Second Dog Cure My Pet’s Separation Anxiety?
- A Guide to Puppy Socialization
- Socializing Older Dogs and Adult Dogs
JOMP: We have 4 furkids and due to business related moves, we have had to temporarily introduce a new dog into our pack twice now in two years and amazingly, even though ours are little hesitant to socialize because they have developed a bit of a pack mentality, they have adjusted both times without any problem…
National Puppy Day is Tomorrow (Saturday 03.23.13) #Adopt Just One More!!
Things You Should Know Before Bringing Home Puppy
by Colleen Paige – National Puppy Day Founder
National Puppy Day is a day to celebrate the magic and unconditional love that puppies bring to our lives. It’s also a day to help save orphaned puppies across the globe and educate the public about the horrors of puppy mills, as well as further the mission for a nation of puppy-free pet stores. While National Puppy Day supports responsible breeders, it does encourage prospective families to consider adoption as a first choice.
Choosing the Right Breed
When considering bringing a puppy into your home, make sure that you’ve researched the breed you’re adopting, taking into consideration their temperament, activity level, breed characteristics and other needs in relation to your home environment and family lifestyle. When adopting, make sure to ask if you can be alone in a more isolated area to interact with the puppy and observe his or her behavior. Also ask the shelter staff about the personality of the puppy you’re interested in, as they will have spent more time around the puppy to better gauge that.
Not Just a Dog
Never adopt a puppy as a gift for a child, as this turns the puppy into a novelty but rather explain to your children about the overpopulation of pets in shelters and let them know that the puppy is a new family member and needs to be treated with love, respect and patience, just like a new baby would need.
Child/Puppy Safety
If you have small children, really young, hyper puppies are not a good match because they can scratch and chew on sensitive fingers and hands. Never adopt a puppy that is less than at least 8-10 weeks old, preferably 12 weeks or older, as they have had more time to learn social cues from their littermates and mother, which helps a puppy behave better in the long term. Teach young children to never pull on a puppy’s ears or tail, as both are sensitive and could injure and scare the puppy, creating a bonding problem between child and puppy.
Finances
Keep in mind that your puppy won’t be a puppy forever. Visualize how much your puppy will grow and how much they’ll eat. Make sure you know ahead of time that you can afford to feed your puppy once full grown. Veterinary trips are always inevitable at some point and time, so keeping an emergency fund for your dog is a smart idea, so you don’t get caught with major vet bills you can’t afford to pay.
Grooming
If you have an aversion to pet hair floating around your home and brushing your puppy every day seems like an abominable task, you may want to consider adopting a breed that has little to no shedding.
Exercise
Puppies need exercise every day, preferably shorter walks more often, as young puppies tire easily, especially in heat. Make sure to read about the breed or breeds of a mixed breed puppy to better understand what your puppy needs in terms of physical activity.
Nutrition
Give your puppy a great start in life! Make sure you buy an all natural, preferably organic food that is void of corn, wheat, sugar, by products, chemicals and dyes.
Teething
When your puppy is teething, he will try to gnaw on anything he can find to relieve his discomfort. The best way to quell this is to take an old washcloth, cut it into strips and tie a few small knots it in it, sticking the strips in a Ziploc bag and putting in the freezer. Once frozen, hold a frozen strip and allow your puppy to chew on it, which will soothe and numb sensitive gums. Always hold it and never allow your puppy to chew on it unattended.
See more cute puppy photos like these and others at Just One More Pet: Why God Gave Us Puppies
Ooops… Are We In Trouble??? 
Adopt a Pet This Christmas… Or Give Someone a New Friend for Christmas (or Hanukah)!
By Marion Algier – Originally Posted on December 15, 2011 - Updated December 14, 2012 – Cross-Posted at AskMarion
The holidays are a popular time to get your children the pet they’ve always wanted. Who can resist an adorable puppy or kitten with a bow under the Christmas tree? If you are thinking about getting a pet this year, I encourage you to consider ‘adopting’ a pet for under the tree instead of buying one. There are a lot of benefits to adopting a pet over buying one from a pet store. For some of the reasons why, please see THIS ARTICLE. Truly, good pets can come from anywhere, but I also recommend not picking a pet that is coming from a non-reputable breeder or puppy mill. For more information about what puppy mills are, please check out THIS ARTICLE.
A great way to give a pet, especially to someone who does not live in your home, unless you know the person really well, is take the person you are getting the pet for to the shelter, rescue or store and let them chose the pet they want. Sometimes that is not possible… Sometimes if it is for your child your input is the final choice. Or sometimes you know grandma or grandpa would love a pet or needs one and taking them just won’t work out, so each situation is different. But if you can take them for a pre-visit or actually to pick one out is ideal. If not, choose a pet they would want, rather than one you want. And then adopt just one more for yourself, if you possibly can.
If you are a pet lover, please donate funds and supplies or volunteer your time to local rescues and shelters or consider fostering or taking a pet home for the holidays… and then helping find them a permanent forever home.
Adopt (or rescue) just one more pet and you are not only saving a life but enhancing yours… or that of a friend, family member or just a lonely soul. Those of us who have pets know that loving an animal and having them love you awakens a part of your soul that changes your life forever!
With today’s economy, plus the return of pets to the shelter of people who think animals are toys, there are more pets who need homes than ever before, so please consider giving some of these pets a home for the holidays and forever.
Critter for Christmas Gift… Not Always the Best Idea… Unless It is Done the Right Way!
h/t to Cindy Wolff
If you are really thinking of surprising someone with an animal for Christmas, make sure it’s made of fake fur and stuffed. If you really want to get someone a pet for Christmas, give them a gift certificate or and IOU and then take them to find a pet, if they want one, of their choosing… or take them pre-shopping or along with you to pick one out.
Nothing says “I’m clueless” like giving an animal at Christmas to someone who was neither wanting nor expecting that gift.
After the oohing and ahhing at the precious animal, the reality of what you’ve done sets in.
You have just given someone a 10- to 15-year commitment (the oldest dog alive is 27) that can cost anywhere from a couple of hundred to thousands of dollars for care.
If you give a puppy, then you have further obligated them to be home every two or three hours to take the pup outside to use the bathroom.
They will spend the next year teaching their pup to be a good dog and not tear things up, don’t jump up, stop barking, house training and all the work that goes with helping the pet become a decent part of the family.
Cats are easier because you don’t have to go stand outside with them in 30-degree temperature on a freezing rainy day and beg them to use the bathroom.
But you are still obligating your beloved to the care of a pet. Also, why would you assume to know what personality of a pet suits what person? That’s a personal thing.
Pets are a very personal choice and the right fit is best for both the pet and their new parent. I’ve always adopted my pets based on their personality fit into my home. These are not plug-and-play toys. Some people prefer affectionate cats, while others don’t mind the aloof ones. Some like long-hair, some like short-hair.
Some people might actually feel like you’re given them a gift of obligation that never stops costing or needing, or insist you take it back.
So, if you want to adopt an animal for your family and you want your children to have a pet, that is one thing, but even then, you might consider buying a stuffed animal with a note attached that you will go as a family and adopt a pet after Christmas or even this spring.
Why spring?
People have more time off. They don’t mind being outside so much in the better weather. And your family can decide what pet fits.
Spend this time researching various breeds, figuring out which ones, like Dalmatians, are athletic and require a lot of exercise and attention and which ones, like Rottweilers, are couch potatoes.
You’ll learn that Jack Russell Terriers aren’t as sedate as the character Eddie on the television show “Frasier” and all puppies aren’t as bad as Marley.
But the biggest lesson you will learn is that pet ownership is not something you decide like choosing a lamp. It’s a long-term commitment of money, time and love. The reward is immeasurable, but it’s not usually something you decide for someone else. They often need to find it for themselves.
The good news is that there are so many places to adopt a pet these days! Fees vary and many are often waived this time of year. Below are just a fewrecources:
Petfinder and Adoptapet are two terrific resources to search all adoptables at local rescue groups – the cool part is that on Adoptapet you can save your search and plug in your email and they will email you when pets that match your search come up.
Adopt and Shop – An amazing new “pet store” with shelter animals in Lakewood. They get all pets from the SEEACA animal shelter in Downey. Here’s the best part: adoption counselors are available to help match you with the perfect pet for your family. Your new pet will come complete with leash/collar or food, litter etc. All vaccinated, microchipped and spayed or neutered and can go home that day! I am not sure about the prices so you will need to call them but will average around $100 compared to the thousands for a pet store puppy with no vaccines, microchip, supplies, counselors, after adoptions support and spay/neuter. Some pets available at Adopt and Shop:
- Petco and PetSmart will have adoptions at all of their stores this season.
- German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County
- FoundAnimals Whisker Wonderland — A Holiday Adopt-a-Thon all over Los Angeles
"A Canine Christmas Extravaganza Adoption Event"
Sunday, December 16th
Paws-Abilities Total Dog Center, Fife
Noon-3 pm
Increase the merry in your holidays by adopting your new best friend!
Ho ho ho! It’s time again for our extra large and extra jolly Adoption Event!
Come join us and find your own Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, or Vixen!
Fourteen rescue groups will be attending with their adoptable dogs and puppies in all shapes, sizes, breeds, and personalities. All dogs are spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccinations, temperament tested and looking to pledge their love! Trainers will be on site to help you select a dog that will be perfect for your family and lifestyle.
Adoption fees will range between $100-$350.
Come early and enjoy the food and crafts at the vendor booths that will be set up outside of Paws-Abilities Total Dog Center at 10 am. You will be able to buy all the supplies your new pooch will need to be set up in style!
Doors for the Adoption Event will open at Noon.
And, guess who will be there to snuggle and take pictures with you and your new pooch–that’s right, SANTA!
Capture the memory of this holiday season and have a holiday photo taken with Santa and you and your furry best friend(s)!
Photos will be taken by PawPrints Pet Photography and they will make beautiful Christmas gifts!
10% of the proceeds from the purchased photos will be donated to Pawsitive Alliance!
Opt to Adopt and give the gift of a furever home to a loving dog for Christmas this year!
Shelter and Rescue Groups bringing their dogs:
- American Cocker Spaniel Rescue
- Barks R Us
- Collar of Hope
- Greyhound Pets of America, Greater Northwest
- Humane Society of Central Washington
- Left Behind K9
- Motley Zoo Animal Rescue
- NOAH
- Open Paws Resort
- Regional Animal Services of King County
- Res Q Angels
- Sunny Sky’s Animal Rescue
- Valhalla Canine Rescue
- Yakima Valley Pet Rescue
For more information, email Denise at info@pawsitivealliance.org or call us at 206-486-4PET!
Click here to download a flier and help us spread the word!Paws-Abilities Total Dog Center
7338 26th Street E
Building F
Fife, WA 98424
For more information and directions, visit the Paws-Abilities website.
Pawsitive Alliance’s mission is to end the killing of adoptable dogs and cats in Washington by increasing adoptions, supporting spay and neuter programs, and improving pet retention.
Video: A Dog Named Christmas DVD (Hallmark Hall of Fame)
Pets and Toxic Plants, including Poinsettias and Herbs We Cook With for the Holidays
If you know of any local pet adoption events going on, please let me know and I will add them on here!
Also, a great pet owner gift: StemPet and StemEquine – Stem Cell Enhancers for Pets
It’s really for the pet, but like kids, they’d rather have the toy… or both!
Related Fun Christmas Posts:
Training Your Dog to Decorate Your Tree
All I want for Christmas Is You~
Critter for Christmas Gift… Not Always Best Idea! – Unless you do it the right way.
‘Until One Has Loved an Animal, Part of Their Soul Remains Unawakened’ – Join the NO KILL MOVEMENT
Adopt a Pet This Christmas… Or Give Someone a New Friend for Christmas (or Hanukah)!
15 December 2011
The holidays are a popular time to get your children the pet they’ve always wanted. Who can resist a adorable puppy or kitten with a bow under the Christmas tree? If you are thinking about getting a pet this year, I encourage you to adopt a pet for under the tree instead of buying one. There are a lot of benefits of adopting a pet over buying one from a pet store. For some reasons why, please look at THIS ARTICLE. Pets can come from anywhere, but I also recommend not picking a pet that is coming from a non-reputable breeder or puppy mill. For more information about what puppy mills are, please check out THIS ARTICLE.
A great way to give a pet , unless you know the person really well, is take the person you are getting the pet for to the shelter, rescue or store and let them chose the pet they want. Sometimes that is not possible… Sometimes if it for your child your input is the final choice Or sometimes you know grandma or grandpa would love a pet or needs one and taking them just won’t work out, so each situation is different. But if you can take them for a pre-visit and to actually to the picking out it is ideal. If now choose a pet they would want, rather than one you want. And then adopt just one more for yourself, if you possibly can.
And if you are a pet lover, please donate funds and supplies or volunteer your time to local rescues and shelters or consider fostering or taking a pet home for the holidays… and then helping find them a permanent forever home.
Adopt (or rescue) just one more pet and you are not only saving a life but enhancing yours… or that of a friend, family member or just a lonely soul. Those of us who have pets know that loving an animal and having them love you awakens a part of your soul that changes your life forever!
With today’s economy and plus the return of pets to the shelter of people who think animals are toys there are more pets who need homes than ever before.
The good news is that there are so many places to adopt a pet these days! There are also many pets on Facebook and other websites where you can “shop” for the perfect pet for you and your family. And, there’s a ton of amazing resources such as local rescues and shelters, adoption events in the area, and stores that are adopting out rescued pets if people don’t want to go to the shelter.
One of these adoption events is happening this Saturday, December 17th at the OC Animal Care at 61 The City Dr. in Orange from 10am-2pm. This “Paliday Adoption Event” is sponsored by The Desperate Paws of Orange County Dog Club. You can get a $50 discount on all adoptions at this event! For more info visit their WEBSITE or call (714) 935-6848.
Other good resources for information about pet adoption:
- Best Friends Animal Society – Right now Best Friends is offering free air travel from the sanctuary to people who want to adopt their pets. They will be flown to your local airport by the 22nd plus all adoption fees are also waived if you want to adopt a “senior pet.” For more information about this program, go HERE.
- Petfinder and Adoptapet are two terrific resources to search all adoptables at local rescue groups – the cool part is that on Adoptapet you can save your search and plug in your email and they will email you when pets that match your search come up
Adopt and Shop – An amazing new “pet store” with shelter animals in Lakewood. They get all pets from the SEEACA animal shelter in Downey. Here’s the best part: adoption counselors are available to help match you with the perfect pet for your family. Your new pet will come complete with leash/collar or food, litter etc. All vaccinated, microchipped and spayed or neutered and can go home that day! I am not sure about the prices so you will need to call them but will average around $100 compared to the thousands for a pet store puppy with no vaccines, microchip, supplies, counselors, after adoptions support and spay/neuter. Some pets available at Adopt and Shop:
- Petco — Petco will have adoptions at all of their stores this weekend. To find your local Petco, go HERE.
- FoundAnimals Whisker Wonderland — A Holiday Adopt-a-Thon all over Los Angeles
Here are some sample pets you can find at the Whisker Wonderland Events:
- Best Friends Animal Society Holiday Pop Up Adoption events in Los Angeles — More info HERE.
- German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County
- Cuddly Canines in La Habra – specializing in adopting out rescued moms and puppies from their local shelters
- Lovebugs Rescue – In Irvine
"A Canine Christmas Extravaganza Adoption Event"
Dawn Gerken, Seattle Pet Rescue Examiner
Are you thinking about adding a dog or puppy to your family? Do you want to learn how to be a better doggie parent? On Sunday, December 11th Pawsitive Alliance will be hosting two events to help you do just that!
From 9:30am to 11:00am there will be a pre-adoption event workshop hosted by Pawsitive Alliance, where there will be training with professional trainer Dana Babb. The event will take place at Paws-Abilities Total Dog Center, located at 7338 26th St E, Fife WA 98424. You can find directions at http://everydoghas.com/about/location.htm.
At this workshop you will learn options for acquiring and selecting the right dog for your family, as well as tips for successfully integrating the dog into your household. Workshop attendees earn early entry into the “A Canine Christmas Extravaganza!” adoption event taking place just after the workshop.
Space is limited, so please RSVP to Julie@pawsitivealliance.org or 206-465-4116. Cost is $20.00 per family (a $120 value!). You can also find out more information at http://www.pawsitivealliance.org.
Are you thinking about adding a dog or puppy to your family? Do you want to learn how to be a better doggie parent? On Sunday, December 11th Pawsitive Alliance will be hosting two events to help you do just that!
From 9:30am to 11:00am there will be a pre-adoption event workshop hosted by Pawsitive Alliance, where there will be training with professional trainer Dana Babb. The event will take place at Paws-Abilities Total Dog Center, located at 7338 26th St E, Fife WA 98424. You can find directions at http://everydoghas.com/about/location.htm.
At this workshop you will learn options for acquiring and selecting the right dog for your family, as well as tips for successfully integrating the dog into your household. Workshop attendees earn early entry into the “A Canine Christmas Extravaganza!” adoption event taking place just after the workshop.
Space is limited, so please RSVP to Julie@pawsitivealliance.org or 206-465-4116. Cost is $20.00 per family (a $120 value!). You can also find out more information at http://www.pawsitivealliance.org.
A Canine Christmas Extravaganza!
“Open your heart this holiday season to more love and tail wags by adopting a new best friend.”
As mentioned above, just after the workshop on Sunday December 11th, from noon to 3pm there will be a fantastic adoption event. This will also take place at the Paws-Abilities Total Dog Center.
This jolly adoption event will have many loving and adoptable dogs and puppies from 20 shelter and rescue groups from all around Washington. All animals are spayed or neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, and temperament tested. Experts will be on-hand to help you make a merry match. Adoption fees vary. Credit cards will be accepted at the facility; however, cash payments are always best.
You will want to arrive early, because starting at 9am pet supply vendors will be available for you to purchase everything your new best friend needs to settle happily and safely at home. Enjoy delicious food and beverages from the food vendors who will also be attending while you browse! Licensing agencies from all around Puget Sound will be on-site as well. Plus, each adopter goes home with a goodie bag filled with treats and coupons from great local sponsors!.
You can help these animals have a merrier holiday season by bringing a donation of dog or cat food, toys or treats to Paws-Abilities. All donations will be given to the shelters and rescues attending this event.
To date, participating organizations bringing animals to this event include:
Barks R Us
Grant County Animal Outreach
Wenatchee Valley Humane Society
Regional Animal Services of King County
NOAH
Homeward Pet Adoption Center
A Paw Up Rescue
American Cocker Spaniel Rescue
Collar of Hope
Saving Paws of Washington
Up 2 U Dog Rescue
Kitsap Humane Society
Sunny Sky’s Rescue
Pasado’s Safe Haven
Wolf Pack Animal Rescue
Valhalla Canine Rescue
Greyhound Pets of America, Greater Northwest
Lady’s Hope Rescue
DRAW
Pawsitive Alliance’s mission is to end the killing of adoptable dogs and cats in Washington by increasing adoptions, supporting spay and neuter programs, and improving pet retention.
Video: A Dog Named Christmas DVD (Hallmark Hall of Fame)
Pets and Toxic Plants, including Poinsettias and Herbs We Cook With for the Holidays
If you know of any local pet adoption events going on, please let me know and I will add them on here!
Related Fun Christmas Posts:
Training Your Dog to Decorate Your Tree
All I want for Christmas Is You~
Critter for Christmas Gift… Not Always Best Idea! – Unless you do it the right way.
‘Until One Has Loved an Animal, Part of Their Soul Remains Unawakened’ – Join the NO KILL MOVEMENT
Homeless California Chihuahuas Being Flown Out of State
LOS ANGELES — Chihuahuas have been flying out of California since other states learned about the glut of little dogs in the Golden State.
A group of 25 dogs has already arrived at the Humane Society for Greater Nashua in New Hampshire, thanks to “Grey’s Anatomy” actress Katherine Heigl, Kinder4Rescue in Studio City and American Airlines.
A group of 43 will leave for New Hampshire on Monday or Tuesday, said Kathy Davis, interim general manager of Los Angeles Animal Services, who took part in a news conference Friday to announce Project Flying Chihuahua.
Heigl’s foundation has paid the discounted airfare for all 68 dogs so far, she added.
The Chihuahua crisis in California developed as the dogs were featured in movies such as “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” and “Legally Blonde.” Backyard breeders sprung up, but the recession has forced some dog owners to abandon pets.
California shelters soon found that 30 percent or more of their dogs were Chihuahuas. But the eastern U.S. had a shortage of small dogs.
Pack of homeless Chihuahuas flying to Colorado
Nearly three dozen Chihuahuas are being airlifted today from California to Broomfield in hopes of finding homes before the new year through the Dumb Friends League.
Chihuahuas have been flying out of California since other states learned about the glut of little dogs in the Golden State.
The Chihuahua crisis in California developed as the dogs were featured in movies such as “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” and “Legally Blonde.” Backyard breeders sprung up, but the recession has forced some dog owners to abandon pets.
California shelters soon found that 30 percent or more of their dogs were Chihuahuas. But the eastern U.S. had a shortage of small dogs.
A long-haired Chihuahua named Dr. Papidies was the inspiration for the Denver rescue effort. Dr. Leslie Capin, who entered her dog into a national “cutest dog” competition, donated half of the winnings to the Dumb Friends League. Then, after learning about the Chihuahua situation in California, Capin offered to cover the cost of transportation for some of them to Denver.
“Thanks to the generosity of Dr. Capin and Pet Airways, we are able to fly in 30 to 35 Chihuahuas and give them a second chance at happiness,” said Robert Rohde, President and CEO of the Dumb Friends League. “We will work with other animal shelters in California and coordinate additional flights to help more Chihuahuas that are in need of homes.”
Interested adopters and donors are encouraged to visit the Dumb Friends League Web site at ddfl.org, or call (303) 751-5772 for more information.
Leslie Capin of CARA Mia Medical day spa entered her chihuahua named Dr. Papidies into “cute dog contest” in Sept. and on Thanksgiving found out he had beaten out 50,000 pooches from across the U.S. after people voted online. She ended up winning a $ 1 million, but instead of keeping the cash Capin is donating half of it to the Max Fund, a non kill animal shelter and the other half to the Denver Dumb Friends League, a pet adoption agency. (Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post)
If you have room in your heart and in your home for just one more pet, consider adopting a Chihuahua or Chihuahua mix from a local shelter, especially if you live in California or the Phoenix area. And if Chihuahua’s are not your cup of tea, there are many other dogs and pets in general looking for good homes and loving parents.
Photos By: Marion Algier – The UCLA Shutterbug
Angelina above is a Chiweenie – a Chihuahua-Dachshund Mix
California Shelters Overflowing with Chihuahuas
Reuters/Landov
The young woman was very specific: She wanted a Chihuahua, “just like Tinkerbell,” the petite pet of Paris Hilton. She waited weeks, coming back often to look at the dogs in this Southern California animal shelter. So, when “Teensy” a 1-year-old Chihuahua was recently surrendered by her owners, she signed the adoption papers and popped the pooch straight into her purse.
Unfortunately, she was back three weeks later. The dog had pooped in her bag, run into traffic and barked a lot. “Like so many people who got these little dogs because celebrities have them, she wasn’t prepared for the reality of taking care of her,” the shelter’s director tells PEOPLEPets.com.
California is in the midst of a Chihuahua explosion with animal shelters and rescue operations jammed with tiny little dogs like Teensy. In L.A. the situation was so dire, that Katherine Heigl helped get 25 of the pocket-sized pups airlifted to New Hampshire, where they were adopted immediately. A third of the canines in the San Francisco city shelters are Chihuahuas and in Oakland the population has reached a whopping 50 percent. Experts say those numbers are unprecedented.
The Chihuahua glut started about three years ago, according to Nancy Goodwin, director of the City of Laguna Beach Animal Shelter. “Breeds get popular and then when times get tough, we’ll see an influx of them given up. Years ago it was German shepherds,” she says. “Now it’s the little dogs.”
In the last few years a lot of younger people are coming into the shelters looking for the tiny pups. “They tell us they want to carry the dogs in their purses just like the celebrities,” says Goodwin. “And sometimes that’s not as much fun as it looks. They are a responsibility.”
Blame it on Paris. Blame it on Taco Bell. But the combination of movies (2001’s Legally Blonde, 2008’s Beverly Hills Chihuahua) and tabloid photos of celebrities toting their pint-size pets in huge purses has resulted in overpopulation, according to Steve Kragenbrink, of the Woods Humane Society in San Luis Obispo.
“Some of this is accidental breeding,” says Kragenbrink. “Some of it is people trying to make money by breeding, which makes for too many of one kind of animal.” The solution is to spay and neuter pets. “There’s no reason for a dog not to be fixed,” says Kragenbrink, who’s taken Chihuahuas from L.A. shelters to his location for adoption. “The alternative to spaying and neutering is euthanasia. That’s a cruel and unnecessary solution to overpopulation.”
If you’re interested in adding a pet to your family, consider adopting or fostering a Chihuahua. For more information click here.
Related: Shelters Full of Chihuahuas
Posted: Just One More Pet
Foreclosure Crisis Leads to More Homeless Pets to the Rescue!
Foreclosure Crisis Leads to More Homeless Pets
The Foundation and Your Generosity Make a Difference!
| Even though the ongoing housing crisis shows small signs of recovery, another crisis is growing to epidemic proportions. Countless dogs and cats have been, and are continuing to be abandoned by families driven out of their homes due to foreclosures. These devastating situations result in dire circumstances for pets, who are either left trapped inside a foreclosed home with little or no food and no one to provide medical attention, or are turned out onto the streets to fend for themselves. | ||||
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| Fortunately, when a group of real estate professionals in Scotsdale, Arizona, were faced with these heartbreaking situations, time-after time, they decided to do something about it. Together, they formed their own rescue group, aptly named Lost Our Home Pet Foundation. And, thanks to their continuing efforts, many companion animals abandoned in Scotsdale and the Phoenix metropolitan area now have a new lease on life.
The LOHPF’s stated mission is to rescue, foster, heal, adopt-out and advocate on behalf of dogs or cats, who are the victims of foreclosures or evictions. This organization has developed four distinct ways to help pet parents in need. – The Furry Friends Food Bank assists families struggling to afford the basic necessities to care for their pets. They provide food, litter and other more costly items required to help maintain their pets’ health. By providing this assistance early on, pet parents are less likely to abandon their pets. – The Furry Friends Foster Program provides temporary homes for pets until their pet parents can locate a long-term residence. – They operate an adoption program, placing abandoned pets in loving, forever homes. – And, finally, their Pet Rescue Assistance program is truly remarkable. They have established a telephone line and email address, where people can contact them if they know of a pet in immediate danger. It brings me abundant happiness to announce that the Dr. Jane’s HealthyPetNet Foundation has granted this worthy non-profit organization a financial award. The funds will help them to continue their much-needed work alleviating the suffering of Arizona’s abandoned pets. The Lost Our Home Pet Foundation is a shining example of what pet people can do to address the needs of our companion animals in desperate need. We applaud their valiant work and we wish them continued success in their efforts to help people and their pets. The Dr. Jane’s HealthyPetNet Foundation provides funding to deserving independent rescues that help alleviate the suffering of abandoned and abused companion animals. In 2009, we awarded financial aid to 13 different rescues. All of the selected organizations are superb examples of rescue groups, providing loving support to the wounded souls who have endured the unfortunate hardships of neglect and abuse. We’re absolutely committed to giving much needed help to these small rescues, as they achieve so much with so few resources. Lastly, I’d like to personally thank you for your support of our foundation. Thanks to your continued patronage (a percentage of every Trilogy/HealthyPetNet sale goes to fund our work) and your donations, The Dr. Jane’s HealthyPetNet Foundation is becoming a true force for good, by aiding small rescues across America. Best wishes for lovely holiday season, Dr. Jane Bicks |
Source: Monday, 14 December 2009 20:48 by Dr. Jane – The Dr Jane’s HealthyPetNet Foundation
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Movie inspires Petfinder’s Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays Program
Hallmark’s CBS special, A Dog Named Christmas DVD (Hallmark Hall of Fame) inspires holiday pet fostering
‘Tis the season … of Christmas re-runs. But there’s a new movie I bet will be on your seasonal favorite list from now on — and a brand new Petfinder program to go with it.
The show is Hallmark Hall of Fame’s presentation of A Dog Named Christmas DVD (Hallmark Hall of Fame).
Based on a great little book by author and Petfinder blogger, Greg Kincaid, the story follows a developmentally challenged young man who fosters a dog from his local shelter during the holidays and he gets the whole community involved. It’s a feel-good story with a great message.
The idea inspired Petfinder to start the Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays program, and we hope you will invite a shelter pet into your home for this special time of year.
By contacting a participating Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays shelter or rescue, you’ll be helping a shelter during a season when it’s short-staffed or when the pet’s regular foster “mom” or “dad” needs some respite time. Plus, you’ll be making a difference in some little (or big) critter’s life. You can hardly top that for imbuing yourself with Christmas spirit!
Fostering doesn’t have to be a long-term commitment — just a few days or a week. And if you’re thinking of adopting, this will be a great way to see how adoption might work out.
If you missed the movie on Sunday, November 29, on CBS, go to Hallmark.com and then find a participating shelter in your area and give them a call.
See if you can help. It will be a case of life mimicking art where everyone has a very happy holiday season.
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Posted: Just One More Pet
SEASON’S GREETINGS
Did you see “A Dog Named Christmas” on TV? We have our own share of pets named Christmas. Like the TV dog, they all need forever homes. How about yours?
 CHRISTMAS CA |
 CHRISTMAS CO |
 CHRISTMAS TX |
 CHRISTMAS VA |
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Save a Life…Adopt Just One More…Pet!
Everyday we read or hear another story about pets and other animals being abandoned in record numbers while at the same time we regularly hear about crazy new rules and laws being passed limiting the amount of pets that people may have, even down to one or two… or worse yet, none.
Nobody is promoting hoarding pets or animals, but at a time when there are more pets and animals of all types being abandoned or being taken to shelters already bursting at the seams, there is nothing crazier than legislating away the ability of willing adoptive families to take in just one more pet!!
Our goal is to raise awareness and help find homes for all pets and animals that need one by helping to match them with loving families and positive situations. Our goal is also to help fight the trend of unfavorable legislation and rules in an attempt to stop unnecessary Euthenization!!
“All over the world, major universities are researching the therapeutic value of pets in our society and the number of hospitals, nursing homes, prisons and mental institutions which are employing full-time pet therapists and animals is increasing daily.” ~ Betty White, American Actress, Animal Activist, and Author of Pet Love
‘Until One Has Loved an Animal, Part of Their Soul Remains Unawakened’
So if you have the room in your home and the love in your heart… Adopt Just One More Pet or consider becoming a Foster parent for pets… Also check out: Little Critter: Just One More Pet
Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know(Kindle)
Photos By: Marion Algier – The UCLA Shutterbug
There is always room for Just One More Pet. So if you have room in your home and room in your heart… Adopt Just One More! If you live in an area that promotes unreasonable limitations on pets… fight the good fight and help change the rules and legislation…
Save the Life of Just One More…Animal!
Recent and Seasonal Shots
As I have been fighting Cancer… A battle I am gratefully winning, my furkids have not left my side. They have been a large part of my recovery!! Ask Marion
Photos by the UCLA Shutterbug are protected by copyright, Please email at JustOneMorePet@gmail.com or find us on twitter @JustOneMorePet for permission to duplicate for commerical purposes or to purchase photos.
See Creative Pet Halloween Costumes
If you can adopt or foster just one more pet, you could be saving a life, while adding joy to your own! Our shelters are over-flowing… Please join the fight to make them all ‘NO-Kill’ facilities.
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Great Book for Children and Pet Lovers… And a Perfect Holiday Gift
One More PetEmily loves animals so much that she can’t resist bringing them home. When a local farmer feels under the weather, she is only too eager to “feed the lambs, milk the cows and brush the rams.” The farmer is so grateful for Emily’s help that he gives her a giant egg... Can you guess what happens after that? The rhythmic verse begs to be read aloud, and the lively pictures will delight children as they watch Emily’s collection of pets get bigger and bigger.
Buy Now: A Must Have For Every Pet Owner
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