I Support Pet Adoption

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Hallie, a Pitt Bull with a flair for fashion!




Hallie, the fashion hound!

Hallie is a beautiful 5 to 6 year old American Staffordshire Terrier. She is wonderful with people - even very small children. She is fairly good around dogs she knows but is not safe with cats or other small animals (prey drive!). Hallie has very low exercise requirements. She prefers to be a couch potato! Loves to go for walks (as long as they are not very long walks!) and loves to dress up.

Hallie needs a home. She is being fostered by an independent rescuer who has a full house. She sounds like a great dog that would make an easy transition! And how cute is she in her outfits! What a looker!!!

If you are interested in finding out more, contact Heather at holistictraining@yahoo.com

Thursday, May 27, 2010

I'm trying out Ping today, we'll see...

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

The Spudster! He was a hit at Best Friends, but still waiting...



Spud, A1101722, 3 yrs old

Spud is a total cutie pie and a big head! He's a Pit Bull Terrier/ Bull Terrier mix and he's full of fun. Spud likes to meet and play with other dogs. He loves people and he's just an all-around great dog. Due to his size and strength, he needs a good leader and would do best placed with older kids at least until he gets more training.

Spud had a great day at the recent Best Friends event and even with all the chaos around him, he was very happy and at ease. Yay Spud!


Spud has been evaluated as being a "highly adoptable dog" because he is very friendly and relatively easy to handle. This guy must be met to fully appreciate his adorable personality and big old head! He will make you laugh, that's a promise!

Monday, May 24, 2010

Rocky & Penelope, love these two!

Penelope, 6 years old, Hound/Pit mix
A1100265

This girl loves to play play play! You'd think she was a 2 year old rather than a 6 year old. She loves to hang out with a nice male dog who will bolster her confidence. Penelope is a very friendly girl, but a tad shy at times in new situations. Her confidence really increases when around other dogs. She would do best in a household with older kids and another dog to play with. She is super cute and looks like some kind of hound/Pit mix. Very pretty coloring. She's been at the shelter for a little too long now and for some reason no one has taken a fancy to her. You have to see her in action to appreciate how sweet and fun she is, but don't be deceived, she is quite strong!

Rocky, 2 years old, Bull Dog mix
A1103569

Rocky is a character, plain and simple. He looks very concerned in this photo, but normally he's just a silly little guy. He's kind of short and stubby while sporting this over-sized head! Really funny looking, but in that EXTREMELY cute way. Rocky's a real lover boy, he just adores people and will roll over for a belly rub. He's also very playful! He's just a bundle of laughs to be around. He's a great dog for someone who isn't looking for a high energy dog, he's happy to hang out after a lap around the yard. That's part of his charm! He has met other dogs his size and did well. Generally, I suggest a male dog be placed with a female. He can be a little dominant in certain situations but Rocky takes corrections really well. I think he'd be a fun dog for a family with older kids or just someone looking for a loving companion!

Friday, May 21, 2010

The Happy Ending Project: Roger!

Another in a series of stories written by volunteers about dogs they helped save. These stories illustrate the wonderful outcomes that are produced through our volunteers' commitment to saving these animals. I hope you will find them inspiring!


Roger's original sad intake photo above... The improved shelter photo below...

Roger, the Wonder Dog by Mirja Bishop

Roger's story is truly a miracle story. His story began long before November 2009 but that part of his life will never be known to us. On Nov. 17, 2009 the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter became the new home for this wonderful, happy, 8-year-old shepherd mix who was found as a stray.

Roger never let his circumstances get him down. He was described by the volunteers who got to know and love him as "happy, playful, gentle, and a winner." He walked well on leash, made good eye contact and was a fast learner. He was just a sweet and happy boy who loved to be around people. In the play yard he ran around with a look of sheer delight on his face. He loved life and he loved the people from the shelter who were his life.

However, the weeks and months passed by and still Roger waited for that forever home where he could love and be loved by a special person. Things did not go well for him. He was found to have an upper respiratory infection that put him into medical isolation for weeks until he was well again.

Then the more serious problem was discovered. Roger had an orthopedic problem that would require either amputation of one of his rear legs or at least palliative care including pain medication, water therapy etc. Yet, his leg problem did not seem to bother this amazing boy. He ran on four legs, and then he switched to three legs but ran with the same gusto.

To find a home for this eight-year-old dog had been difficult enough, but now with the newly diagnosed orthopedic problem it seemed like an impossible task. An application was submitted by the shelter staff to Best Friends and all fingers were crossed that he would find his forever home in Dog Town. Sadly he was not accepted.

On the same day that that his rejection was received, a visitor to the shelter put his hand into Roger's cage (no explanation was given) and Roger unknowingly nipped his finger. The visitor reported the event to the staff. Could anything else go wrong?? Roger was placed in quarantine for 10 days and now his future looked grim.

Finally, after all of the hardships that this dog had endured during his six months at the shelter, a miracle happened. On May 5, 2010, a day after he was released from quarantine, he was rescued by the Association To Save Abandoned Pets (ASAP). He is currently living with the founder of that organization and is doing well. One look at the following photograph tells the whole story. This was truly a miracle ending for Roger, a wonder dog who was loved by many.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Film "No Kill" is on tonight on KCET at 10pm: Watch!


http://www.kcet.org/shows/fine_cut/no-kill.html

Every year, five million dogs and cats are killed in animal shelters across the United States. Most were once someone's pet. NO KILL documents the unending tidal wave of abandoned pets in the city of Los Angeles and how animal services staff and volunteers deal with the constant threat of euthanasia. Witness an intimate portrait of the shelter environment through the eyes of four surrendered pets - Penny, Dotchie, Patience, and Rex - and what fate awaits them.

NO KILL also shows us there is a better way. The largest animal shelter in Reno, Nevada, has embraced the No Kill philosophy, a restructuring of how animal shelters are run in order to drastically increase lifesaving and eliminate unnecessary euthanasia. Capture a glimpse into how a No Kill shelter works through the eyes of a dog named Charlie, a surrendered Brussels Griffon.

NO KILL tells the heartbreaking but inspirational story that befalls so many animals every day.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Rae Hanna ID# A1087625 West LA Animal Shelter: In Trouble!!!

Rae Hanna is a 8 year old, spayed, American Staff. Rae Hanna knows how to sit, stay, come and is good on leash. She came to the shelter as a possible owner on January 22nd 2010. She was never claimed!

Dog of the WEEK!: Isabella ID# A1090024 at WLA NOW!

Featured a few weeks ago, I'm giving Isabella top billing again!
http://doggiematchmaker.blogspot.com/2010/04/dog-of-week-isabella-shes-learnin.html

Isabella is a super cute, young dog who now finds herself in trouble... through no fault of her own other than being fearful at the shelter.

A few weeks ago, she was my dog of the week because she has made such strides in the improvement of her behavior. Isabella was afraid during her early days at the shelter so it took her a little while to loosen up and trust her surrounding. Now, she is a very sweet kid who just needs a firm hand to help her be successful. She takes corrections very well and will respond appropriately.

Isabella is very responsive to people. She's a HIGH energy girl, but she also likes to cuddle. Actually, Isabella is pretty sensitive and gets scared sometimes. She will literally hide behind me for safety. She loves to play and get a good belly rub too! Something for everyone!

Moreover, Isabella really loves to play with other dogs. We've introduced her to males (Tiger & Donny) and females (Sadie) and she did fine. I was really impressed with how nicely she plays and how tireless she seems to be! :-)

This kid doesn't deserve to die young. She is totally adoptable and a very cool dog for the RIGHT person. Someone who understands dogs and who can work with her would be ideal. She would be easy to train and a lot of fun to have around as well.

Some cute video of Isabella...more to come I hope! Contact the WLA Shelter if you are interested!

Monday, May 17, 2010

5/20 at Joxter Daly's in Culver City: Fundraiser for Animal Rescues!

Hey, anybody who's anybody is going to this groovy event! Sound fun to me and supports two amazing rescue groups! In fact, 20% of the proceeds will go to Karma Rescue and Molly's Mutts & Meows... See you there!

The Big Best Friends Spring Adoption Event, Sunday, May 23

As always, this event is the mother of all adoption events. Pretty much all rescues and shelters throughout the city are represented as well as lots of cool vendors. It's a BIG day for the dogs so come out and meet them!


Check out Best Friends website for more info on the upcoming event: www.bestfriendsevents.net

Sunday, May 16, 2010

The Happy Ending Project: Jessie & Callie


Although this series focuses on West Los Angeles dogs, there are wonderful Happy Ending stories to be found all over. This is one of them.

Jessie and Callie: Everyday is a Holiday

By Marda Winnick

They were a family, you know, with the proverbial happy home in San Diego County. There were six of them—3 dogs and 3 cats—and their humans, who had them since they were young.

And then one day they no longer owned a house, courtesy of the recession. The home foreclosing, the family was forced to move out, leaving their pets behind in the now-abandoned dwelling. It’s not that they didn’t care, but they, like so many others, just couldn’t take their pets with them. They returned when they could to provide food and comfort. Grateful for that, 14-year-old Callie, 5-year-old Jessie, and their elderly brother waited in the lonely house, missing their humans, and although thoroughly housebroken, were forced to do their business inside their home.

The three cats were eventually turned into a local shelter. The three dogs waited patiently for their family. One day their brother was taken away and put down because the family couldn’t find a home for him. The family did not want to turn in the girls to a shelter because they knew that with Callie being fourteen, she would most likely suffer a similar fate, and Jessie would lose her best friend.

So then there were two in the silent, deserted home. Weeks went by and still they waited, but to no avail.

And then, as sometimes happens for a fortunate few animals, a chain of events is set in motion. One day an appraiser showed up to evaluate the home for the bank and discovered the dogs. He mentioned to his wife that they were there by themselves, the owners had moved out, and they needed a home. She contacted a dog lover friend, Escondido-based realtor Geri Bekmanis of Bekmanis & Associates who asked the appraiser to arrange a meeting with the owners at the home to take pictures, get their story, and network the two girls to find an immediate foster home.

When Geri showed up at the house a jarring sight greeted her: a kitchen strewn with paper and garbage and that reeked of pet waste. One dog was staring forlornly out the window. She knew time was critical to get the dogs out of there. She networked and within a few days had lined up a foster home. When she called the owner to arrange to pick up the dogs she learned that the county had just put an impound notice on their door because the dogs had been reported as appearing abandoned.

Geri got to the home quickly and left with the two dogs. They literally had nothing: no beds, no toys, an almost empty bag of food, old tattered collars, and only one leash. First stop was the vet, who pronounced them in surprisingly good health. In fact, Callie is a very spritely senior. Then to the pet store where she bought them new collars and leashes, had them bathed, and then took them to their waiting foster home. To ensure they got off to a good start, she also supplied the foster with a pet store gift card and some cash.

They were safe, but couldn’t remain in foster care indefinitely. And considering they been together all their lives, they really needed to find a home together. A task akin to finding hens’ teeth.

And so the search commenced to find them a home. Geri reports she sent over 1,000 e-mails and posted them on Craigslist, Petfinder, and myriads of rescue websites. One day Jessie and Callie were even featured on San Diego television. Nothing.

More than 100 miles away, long-time pet owner Paulette Cohn had recently lost her dog and was thinking it was about time to get another one. She had looked, but none had “spoken” to her. Actually, she was thinking about more than one so they could keep each other company during the day. “I wanted two dogs, dogs that were bonded, but that was hard to find.” She knew; she had looked.

Then one day she received an e-mail from a friend with the dogs’ photo and story. She immediately called Geri and told her that she just knew that these girls were hers. “They just spoke to me,” she recalls. Yes, hens’ teeth!

She completed the adoption paperwork; arrangements were made; and on May 2 Jessie and Callie no longer had that long, lonely wait for someone—anyone—to come. At last, they were home.

And gourmet cooking to boot. Paulette makes their food herself and is slowly transitioning them from store bought to her own mix, tailored to their dietary needs.

“They are adjusting really well, “she reports. Jessie, the shyer of the two, has really started to come around. They are playful and affectionate. In fact, she reports, “I wake up in the morning to kisses.”

She also reports a surprise this past Sunday: a Mother’s Day “card” from the girls. Maybe the perfect Mother’s Day gift for Paulette, but everyday is now a holiday for Callie and Jessie.

Adopt, Save a Life!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

More on Peanut, cute staffie mix at WLA!



Peanut played so nicely with my girl Sadie (also for adoption). He was very polite and patient with her as they played. Good job Peanut.

He's a big guy who is really playful and sweet. Gorgeous smile too! Now we know he's cool with other dogs, at least female dogs... He's very cool, don't let him run out of time....

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Baldwin Park doggie needs your loving! Spot is in TROUBLE! #4115983



This little girl's face really caught my eye... What a GORGEOUS dog! Can you believe that a dog this beautiful is now in harm's way?

Her name is Candy, but the shelter calls her Spot. She is a GREAT dog - good with kids, good with other dogs, housebroken, etc....she is not spayed, but she has folks to help with those costs if needed.

This girl has a real spark to her, a real connectivity to humans and being euthanized shouldn't be her fate, but unfortunately, she is up this Thursday.

Please consider her!




Please contact the Baldwin Park Shelter ASAP!

4275 N. Elton
Baldwin Park, CA 91706
(626) 962-3577

Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed Holidays

Directions:
Exit 605 Freeway at Ramona.
Shelter is located off of Ramona, between
Maine and Puente Ave.



Sunday, May 9, 2010

Dog of the Week! Pauly, surely! plus a few others...

Pauly - A1100154

First off, we have Pauly. This little dude has been at the shelter since March which is pretty long for someone of this small stature and cuteness. I don't get it! He's really a good kid, once you get to know him. He's only about 3 years old or so. He has very striking features like his funny turned out feet (a la Dachshund) and amazing mask like markings. I really like him, he has spunk!

I guess one of the issues that Pauly has struggled with is his jealousy of other dogs when he's around people. He gets along with other dogs, don't get me wrong. He just tends to be a little protective about his personal interests when on the lap of a loved one. It doesn't take much to become a loved one of Pauly, he really likes people!

He's a great dog and very manageable. I think he might do better with someone who has some experience since he can be a tad bossy!


I hate when I have a bunch of dogs to post who have been at the shelter for MONTHS! Okay, at least they are still alive and we've been able to work with them a lot. Some of them have blossomed and have become shelter "favorites." Others, well, not so much... Mainly because they are so stressed out that they are not really thriving in this very stressful environment. Not every dog can handle that.

Tiger - A1079663

There are several exceptional Pit Bulls who have managed to not find homes yet. I've posted Tiger several times now and he's been on FB and on YouTube. He's a wonderful dog, very chill. He is a Shar Pei Pit mix. Tiger is one of the dogs who has really blossomed over the months thanks to his teacher, Deb Fan. He shows very well so we don't really know what's keeping someone from adopting him. I could be that he's so, well, polite.

For some reason most people seem to be turned off by dog's with understated behavior. I suppose that they don't feel that there is an instant connection. Personally, I like the quiet dogs that express their love more subtly. Anyway, Tiger is still at the shelter and he's been there is December! I guess it's lucky for him that he keeps a low profile.

Peanut - A1088572

Then we have a very sweet boy, Peanut, who has been at the shelter since January. What a great smile! He's kind of over living in such a small space when he so needs to get his ya-yas out... He is only a kid, just over a year old. However, he's big and strong and needs a leader who can show him the ropes. He's a very nice dog and he enjoys being with people. His champion, Deb Vigna, really likes him because he's a love bug! So, someone who would enjoy a big burly guy who wants to play and be a lover boy, would totally enjoy Peanut. He still needs some training so that would need to be a priority!!

Unfortunately for Peanut, his time is running out quickly and he may be transferred away from our shelter which might NOT be a good thing! Let's find him a home now...


Reggie - A1104261

This poor guy has been at the shelter about a month. He's listed as 13 years old, which I find hard to believe, but he is a senior. Despite this bad picture taken mid-bark, this guy is actually a real sweetheart. He's big and loud when he's in his kennel but when you take him out he softens right up and just becomes a big lug. He's very friendly and super sweet. I was pleasantly surprised at how cool he was when I met him face to face.

Reggie is very stressed out about his predicament and is trying to get your attention! He's not giving up either!! He's a vocal dog who is just expressing his unhappiness about being at the shelter when he's really just wanting to lie in the sun on a soft bed to relax. If you love shepherds, take a moment and meet Reggie. He really is a good guy!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

SENIOR Daisy needs help, please read her story...

THIS IS DAISY. SHE IS 14-YEARS OLD AND HAS BEEN NEGLECTED FOR A VERY LONG TIME LIVING WITH HER ALCOHOLIC GUARDIAN. WHEN SHE PASSED AWAY, DAISY WAS LEFT ALONE WITH NO ONE TO CARE FOR HER...except some amazing folks who took her under their wing...
Daisy was filthy, flea-infested, her rear end was stained from sitting in her own pee. She has weak back legs and had a cough.
Daisy's nails were so long, she couldn't put her paws flat to the ground: very painful for a senior dog like Daisy with arthritis.

THIS IS DAISY NOW!
It took a long time to groom Daisy but she was as good as gold on the table, in the tub and with the hairdryer.
The cleaned-up Daisy seems like a new dog. Freed from all that dirt and matted hair, she walked around,albeit slowly, sniffed, and was curious about everything.

DAISY ISN'T OUT OF THE WOODS YET! HER PLIGHT HAS TOUCHED A LOT OF PEOPLE. BUT SO FAR, SHE HASN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIND A HOME.

SHE HAS BEEN MOVING AROUND FROM PLACE TO PLACE, WHICH IS VERY DISTRESSING FOR A VERY SENIOR DOG USED TO BEING WITH ONE PERSON, HOWEVER NEGLECTFUL THAT PERSON MAY HAVE BEEN.

DAISY IS AN OLD GAL AND HAS MULTIPLE MEDICAL NEEDS. SHE IS BEING TREATED BY A VET BUT THEY DEMANDED FULL PAYMENT OF HER $2,500 BILL IN ORDER TO RELEASE HER.

Kathy Parsons of Southland Sheltie Rescue stepped up and fronted the money or Daisy would have been stuck at the vet's office, which would have increased the bill. However, Kathy's generous action pushed her group into debt.

WE ARE RAISING FUNDS TO HELP COVER DAISY'S ONGOING MEDICAL NEEDS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION, YOU CAN DO SO THROUGH SOUTHLAND SHELTIE RESCUE'S WEBSITE

or send a check, made payable to Southland Sheltie Rescue, to
261 North Marion Street
La Habra, CA 90631.

Please note on the check that the donation is for Daisy.

IF YOU CAN HELP US FIND DAISY A FOSTER OR FOREVER HOME SO DAISY ENJOY THE REST OF HER DAYS IN COMFORT, SURROUNDED BY LOVE, PLEASE EMAIL JOANNA AT joanna9@sbcglobal.net
CC:
Jane Garcia at critters911@gmail.com



Sunday, May 2, 2010

The Happy Ending Project, better late than never!

Another in a series of stories written by volunteers about dogs they helped save. These stories illustrate the wonderful outcomes that are produced through our volunteers' commitment to saving these animals. I hope you will find them inspiring!


Keeping Hope alive: A boy and his dog

by Marda Winnick

Sometimes, the most heartwarming stories are not about socializing or rehabilitating a dog to make it more adoptable. Sometimes, they are more about the families who adopt them. (Because this family did not wish to be identified, all names and other identifying information have been changed, and unfortunately, there will be no photos.)

The volunteer spotted “Hope” immediately, a big furry ball of gentleness and dignity, a new dog that had just arrived at the shelter and was being walked in the yard.

But, she was 8-years old. It’s not that older dogs don’t ever get adopted, but it can be a long wait. Sweet and well mannered though she seemed to be, this could be a challenge.

Soon thereafter the volunteer stopped to help a mother and her son, who were looking for their first dog. Sensing some uncertainty on the mother's part, the volunteer discovered that the parents, born abroad, had never been around dogs as pets before. The mother was nervous, but determined that their son should have a pet. The son really wanted a dog, but confided he was concerned about his mother's fears, which caused him some hesitation. It was clear how much they loved and were concerned about each other.

It was sort of like a canine “Gift of the Magi,” O. Henry's classic short story about giving and receiving.

This would take a special match, and the volunteer immediately thought of the dog she had just met. At eight, Hope was mature and obviously had come from a loving home. The introduction was made, and as they say, it was love at first sight for young “Trevor”.

Throughout the adoption process both mother and son separately expressed their concerns to the volunteer. Hearing all this, Volunteer Coordinator/ACT Charla Fales whispered to the volunteer, “I’ll bet she is returned.” And she, concerned Charla might be right, was determined to make sure this adoption stuck.

Since they were first-time dog owners, she volunteered to help them with Hope’s training. What she knew was that Hope didn’t need any training; indeed, Hope was one of the most balanced dogs she had come across. Rather, it was the family who needed some help.

She called the next day to make an appointment to visit, and was crushed when Trevor said they had decided to return Hope. His mother thought she was too big and that a puppy would be a better match. Reading between the lines, the volunteer knew that if a calm, well-behaved dog like Hope made Nadia nervous, a puppy would be far worse, and gently conveyed her thoughts.

Twenty minutes later, Trevor called back and said they had decided to keep Hope. Wasting no time, the volunteer set a time to meet with them.

Trevor had a wonderful instinct with Hope and learned quickly about leadership and how to handle her. And it was clear the bond that had immediately developed between them.

So now, attention turned to the parents. “David” seemed okay, so Nadia was the focus. The volunteer patiently addressed her questions and concerns over the course of several visits and phone calls and gradually saw a change in her. Flash forward: Trevor reports that his mother now loves Hope.

Norman Rockwell could have had Trevor and Hope in mind when he created his famous “A Boy and His Dog” portrait. Only in this version you’d have to add David and Nadia.

Go visit your local shelter!

Adopt, don't shop!